tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28673937136992365332024-03-18T10:03:49.598-04:00Pastor Chris' BlogWhere I share my thoughts, sermons, articles, and such.Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.comBlogger553125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-7165279398122271612024-03-18T10:02:00.005-04:002024-03-18T10:02:53.945-04:00Building on Rock vs. Building a Life That Lasts | Matthew 7:24-29<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b></b></span></p><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSrmZDXcSAcomEE_ZnPmW9ql1R8a1IA5i2dCt5Tw244aspDfJOrRW9rAguEyD1N-Lr1Zc_jXEOZhWqmwKJ3XnxrDjcDrqn-kI7nGTy_bfr8pCfcCwcPbyhuNq43tzo6W9mCOvvAXDHNCT45kXq2SdS6r3BT8jgISVcjADviDvbHf0LbuvPd7Dc5CH3kA/s1280/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSrmZDXcSAcomEE_ZnPmW9ql1R8a1IA5i2dCt5Tw244aspDfJOrRW9rAguEyD1N-Lr1Zc_jXEOZhWqmwKJ3XnxrDjcDrqn-kI7nGTy_bfr8pCfcCwcPbyhuNq43tzo6W9mCOvvAXDHNCT45kXq2SdS6r3BT8jgISVcjADviDvbHf0LbuvPd7Dc5CH3kA/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Introduction<br /></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I have
now preached twenty-three sermons from Jesus Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters
5, 6, and 7.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leave it to a Methodist
preacher to take </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">one</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> of Jesus’ sermons and turn it into 23 sermons.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">But Christ’s teachings are so important it
was worth soaking in each one.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Let's list Jesus' lessons from the Sermon on the Mount:</b><br /></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">He
said you are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.</span></li><li>And Jesus said He didn’t come to abolish the Old Testament Laws but to fulfill
them. So therefore, we should live righteously—just as He lives righteously.</li><li>We shouldn’t murder, but we shouldn’t even be angry or curse at people.</li><li>Not only should we avoid adultery, we shouldn’t even lust in our hearts.</li><li>We should be faithful to our spouse, not take revenge, and go so far as to love
our enemies.</li><li>We must be generous and help the needy, not in order to impress people with wealth and generosity,
but do it privately so no one even knows we are giving.</li><li>With that same attitude, we should pray and fast privately, so no one even knows we’re
doing it.</li><li>Store up treasures in heaven where they won’t be corrupted or stolen.</li><li>And don’t worry about anything, but trust God to take of you.</li><li>You shouldn’t be judgmental, thinking your are better than anyone else.</li><li>But don’t throw your pearls to pigs.</li><li>Treat others as you would like them to treat you.</li><li>Because the gate to heaven is narrow and the path to life is difficult and few
ever find it.</li><li>And we have to be careful of false prophets, because many will sneak up like wolves
dressed in sheep’s clothing saying things people like to hear.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>But we can tell who is a true prophet by the
fruit they produce—because bad trees can’t produce good fruit.</li><li>And we should produce good fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Because these are the fruits of a true disciple.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Not everyone who cries out “Lord! Lord!”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>Only those who did the will of God the Father.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">These
are the foundational teachings of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we say we are Christians, these are the core teachings we follow. And here’s how Jesus finished his sermon—Matthew 7:24-27.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-0rE5Sq34ssZiuSQaoukkKNtM79CgIHAr7iPyer_5xisMl5epFwRWZQOTYkBKDJahu3t8eiq_lmFPVQjwjmBvRH3V-sxFrDY3Ex3f_49alREXkkN6NN2CZrDULDxyLM0S5mvtOoRKQrlgDAQ3jc61Kfw6DTCZ9ogm2y2yiC1Kf_gfOX9amAl3lCyeoI/s1280/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-0rE5Sq34ssZiuSQaoukkKNtM79CgIHAr7iPyer_5xisMl5epFwRWZQOTYkBKDJahu3t8eiq_lmFPVQjwjmBvRH3V-sxFrDY3Ex3f_49alREXkkN6NN2CZrDULDxyLM0S5mvtOoRKQrlgDAQ3jc61Kfw6DTCZ9ogm2y2yiC1Kf_gfOX9amAl3lCyeoI/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 7:24-27</b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="background: white;">24 </span></sup></span></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise,
like a person who builds a house on solid rock.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23318" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">25 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">Though the rain
comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that
house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.</span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23319" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">26 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">But anyone who
hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a
house on sand.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23320" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">27 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">When
the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will
collapse with a mighty crash.”</span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPJrlfb7hp-P9jwqArRdmm_IHy7HlhuO0oOlRyJZpYKRtlOMB7eN1NdobdYiqZUx-J7V4DK6VtcfmFbzxviw7icvDt6OebupvwruTyKjEDLAD_2A8G2mtjNqk7cU6gdlmOHnYltjqnuLJpJiGsfpfWhvKEu1DcovEs3SbNDhROLnSdH-9Prt60QtGFX8/s1280/Solid%20Foundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPJrlfb7hp-P9jwqArRdmm_IHy7HlhuO0oOlRyJZpYKRtlOMB7eN1NdobdYiqZUx-J7V4DK6VtcfmFbzxviw7icvDt6OebupvwruTyKjEDLAD_2A8G2mtjNqk7cU6gdlmOHnYltjqnuLJpJiGsfpfWhvKEu1DcovEs3SbNDhROLnSdH-9Prt60QtGFX8/s320/Solid%20Foundation.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>The
Solid Foundation</b><span class="woj"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Jesus says, “Any who listens to my teachings and
follows is wise, like a person who builds a house on a solid rock.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, we’ve just finished 23 sermons based on
Jesus’ core teachings in the Sermon on the Mount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are challenging, but not difficult to
understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you build your life upon
these teachings, your life will stand against anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">We will all face many trials and tribulations in
this life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if your life is built upon
the solid rock of Christ, you will not fall even when rains and floods and wind
beat against you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, you know we’re
not talking about rain and floods and wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re talking anything that life can throw at you:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>grief, divorce, depression, unemployment,
alcoholism…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can think of hundreds of
trials and tribulations you might face in your life—whether they come in your
own life or in the lives of people you love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But when these trials come against you, you will not fall <i>if</i> your
life is firmly build upon the solid rock of Christ’s teaching.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Even when cold, dark death comes to visit you (as
it comes for ever person), you will not fall <i>if</i> your life is built
firmly upon the rock of Christ’s teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For everyone “…who believes in Jesus will not perish, but have eternal
life.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">But I must also point out that Jesus says, “Any
who listens to my teachings <i>and follows</i> is wise, like a person who
builds a house on a solid rock.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll
notice he says, listens <i>and follows</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">There are many people who come to church every
time the door is open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love the experience of being at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They love the music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love
the people. They may even love to <i>hear</i> the words of Jesus preached and read from the
Bible. But you can’t build a solid foundation on <i>hearing</i> alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also have to <i>follow.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">James 1:22 says, “</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">But
don’t just </span><i>listen</i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> to God’s word. You must <i>do</i> what it
says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.</span>” <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Many people listen to the Word of God week after week, but
never </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">do</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> the Word of God. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">They are only fooling themselves.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">It is
critical we listen </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">and <b>follow</b></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Jesus’ teaching.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">It is the only way our lives will be able to remain standing when the troubles
of life assail us and when death finally comes to visit and we must face Jesus
on our last day.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAK9juKxg8oS8MG22rbTEb1drGy_6TrWjvmViIiQpUDsLtzEdGq68dxD-Ui9oh0n3SeMf4mt_r-tK53m_qjEi2U6zpiR6arbb8FAfAob5g2_UadcFx35O7-ymcOBSyRE6TubCSq0xSUwQoyBA6m0o81LRyy7PNK1vC4MKmVBlPNMNW8Ns1tgYUBhNexM/s1280/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAK9juKxg8oS8MG22rbTEb1drGy_6TrWjvmViIiQpUDsLtzEdGq68dxD-Ui9oh0n3SeMf4mt_r-tK53m_qjEi2U6zpiR6arbb8FAfAob5g2_UadcFx35O7-ymcOBSyRE6TubCSq0xSUwQoyBA6m0o81LRyy7PNK1vC4MKmVBlPNMNW8Ns1tgYUBhNexM/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Sinking
Sand</b><span class="woj"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Jesus teaching is a solid foundation that can
support your life and even lead you into eternal life in Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything else is sinking
sand. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">There are a lot of people who build their life on
things beside Jesus teaching.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">But it’s not a solid foundation.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">It cannot
stand.</span><br /><br />You cannot build your life on a foundation of feelings, but so many try. They base everything on how they feel. Some even choose to follow Christ because of an emotional religious experience. Maybe they went to a revival and heard the Word of God or some great spiritual music and it moved them and made them <i>feel</i> something wonderful and the experience led them to follow Christ. But that cannot be the foundation--because the feelings change and sometimes fade. We have highs and we have lows. Feelings are good and can be (should be) part of our walk with Jesus, but they cannot be the foundation.<br /><br />Some will say they found their faith on traditions instead. They say traditions last generation after generation and are more permanent that feelings and emotional experiences. Traditions can be a helpful part of our walk with Christ, but they cannot be the foundation. Traditions change and sometimes they are wrong. Sometimes we find our traditions are contrary to Scripture and must be discarded. Other times our traditions lose their value when they now longer serve to connect us to Christ and the mission of His Church. So tradition cannot be our foundation.<br /><br />Others will say the build their life on ideas, reason and philosophy. They want to use their intellect to build a reasonable foundation that doesn't rely on tradition or religion or superstition. Some may even subscribe to the best ideas and knowledge of the modern era. But these also are an inadequate foundation. For we soon find we were wrong. And the morals and values and philosophies of today are soon found by another generation to be out dated and rejected. These too are sinking sand.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">What about family? Surely family is a sure foundation upon which we can build. Well, family is very important. Maybe it should be the walls or the roof or the carpet of our life, but it cannot be the foundation. For our family is only human. They cannot fill the void in our life that only God can fill. And family members will disappoint, reject, or die (for they are only mortal). Family cannot be a truly solid foundation.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Nor can the pursuit of pleasures, our careers, wealth, status, popularity, or anything else other than Jesus' teachings be the sure foundation we need to stand against the storms of life. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Everything else is sinking sand.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">If you try to build your life and your faith upon them, they will fail and you will
fall.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5q0eMIKCTxzVs9jWErsNDoofvYnzCSMpW7DFijm96xBqNC7RAc2pWFBUECwV_xVPx45t1IsoTCPOKBxppHJwHyi0SWBQ12blU6t15_62LNXj0OGZpvljTbS755ysjT6IjmiEtHjfXBI-V_yQ4lrkaLPjxCPab4jNqUZUZjz69pACq57sG0OdtnrV3O0/s1280/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5q0eMIKCTxzVs9jWErsNDoofvYnzCSMpW7DFijm96xBqNC7RAc2pWFBUECwV_xVPx45t1IsoTCPOKBxppHJwHyi0SWBQ12blU6t15_62LNXj0OGZpvljTbS755ysjT6IjmiEtHjfXBI-V_yQ4lrkaLPjxCPab4jNqUZUZjz69pACq57sG0OdtnrV3O0/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Believe
in Jesus</b><span class="woj"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">We are told often in Church (and in the Bible), “Believe
in Jesus and you will be saved.” This is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can quote many
Scriptures that say this and I preach it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what does it mean to believe?<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">To believe Jesus means to trust Him enough to leave
behind your life of sin and follow His way of living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ way of living is spelled out in the
Sermon on the Mount (as well as the Gospels and the teachings of His people in the Bible).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">James 2:14 puts it this way: “What good is it, dear brothers and
sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that
kind of faith save anyone?” </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">You see, saving faith is listening to Jesus’ teachings
and following them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">We all fall short, but God is gracious and
forgiving. In 1 John 1:8-9, it says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we claim
we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if we confess our sins to him, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">So, as we end the message today—as we end this
series of messages on Jesus Sermon on the Mount—I invite you to join me in a
confession of our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words to this confession are taken the new Methodist hymnal "Our Great Redeemers Praise" on pages 738-739. This is part of the Wesley Covenant Service.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTSB_46WbhGmk8CRsE78oIx3DrSVaqYvY85M379ROLO47GY4cM2N_1uuBiFb09g7ZrMdkVa-2ScN4W1g1AUv_bjqHpbhGjIKaMoWK7y-yIZ5tp2UMRL7ax_uWCW2YRvKY9weGOVsjHvuKTETSn9dJJhUUWwl2E8Gkgk1Wr6xv6D60I3r_z9eJEvuaaN4/s1280/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTSB_46WbhGmk8CRsE78oIx3DrSVaqYvY85M379ROLO47GY4cM2N_1uuBiFb09g7ZrMdkVa-2ScN4W1g1AUv_bjqHpbhGjIKaMoWK7y-yIZ5tp2UMRL7ax_uWCW2YRvKY9weGOVsjHvuKTETSn9dJJhUUWwl2E8Gkgk1Wr6xv6D60I3r_z9eJEvuaaN4/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>The Confession<br /></b><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leader: </b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">We are those who seek to live as true disciples of Jesus Christ, but sometimes we fall short. Let us now examine ourselves before God, humbly confessing our sins and submitting our hearts so that we do not deceive ourselves and cut ourselves away from God. Let us pray:</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">People: Father God, You have set forth the way of life through Your Son Jesus Christ, whom You love dearly. We shamefully confess that we have been slow to learn of Him and have been reluctant to follow Him. You have spoken and called to us but we have not listened. You have revealed Your beauty to us, but we have been blind. You have stretched out Your hands to us through our friends, but we have passed by them. We have accepted Your gifts and offered little thanks. We are unworthy of Your unchanging love.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leader: </b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">We now confess to you our sins.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Please forgive us for the poverty of our worship…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">for the selfishness of our prayers…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">for our inconsistency and unbelief…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">for the ways we neglect fellowship and Your grace…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">for our hesitation to tell others about Christ….</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">for the ways we deceive others…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">People: Forgive us for when we waste time and when we misuse the gifts you have given us. Forgive us for when we have made excuses for the wrong things we have done and when we have purposefully avoided responsibility.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leader: </b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Forgive us that we have been unwilling to overcome evil with good and that we have not been ready to carry our cross. Forgive us that we have not allowed Your love to work through us to help others and that we have not made their suffering our own. Forgive us for those times when instead of working for unity we made it hard for others to live with us because of our lack of forgiveness, inconsiderate judgment, and quick criticism.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">People: Forgive us for when we have not tried to reconcile with others and when we have been slow to seek redemption.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leader: </b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Forgive us also for these sins that we silently confess to you now.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leader: </b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">God, the Father of all mercies, is faithful to cleanse us from our sins and restore us to Christ’s image. Praise and glory be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.</span></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-48028662963858490832024-03-11T10:50:00.000-04:002024-03-11T10:50:37.768-04:00A True Disciple<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9NbYZPPU1d8n_SYsYiL6tM8mFC4qxWyXWGGZnhnOg0l1SMjmNKjCCkWJEvX_90fxyhF2mXDK99Y7ZmKlycxbDd4pkXk5zeyFOKxvWkJb6ZGGEBmnzf29qMgOHPCE7uCSAtm8311XN52Vsxaz_5wrYVVdCgwE0M37d4qsjAonzSsnxoAJ_q9_14Qz2qw/s1280/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9NbYZPPU1d8n_SYsYiL6tM8mFC4qxWyXWGGZnhnOg0l1SMjmNKjCCkWJEvX_90fxyhF2mXDK99Y7ZmKlycxbDd4pkXk5zeyFOKxvWkJb6ZGGEBmnzf29qMgOHPCE7uCSAtm8311XN52Vsxaz_5wrYVVdCgwE0M37d4qsjAonzSsnxoAJ_q9_14Qz2qw/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Introduction<br /></b><span style="background-color: white;">I’ve been
preaching through Jesus Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">These are the key precepts of Jesus’ message, revealing His core values
for</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">His followers</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">My sermons for the last
three weeks have been quite challenging.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">I assure you, I would rather preach cheerful sermons.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">But the texts from Jesus Sermon on the Mount have required I speak some harsh
truths.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Matthew 7:13-14 revealed the highway to hell is broad because many people follow it, but the pathway to life is very narrow and only a few ever find it. </li><li>Last week I preached about telling true prophets from false prophets based on their fruit. We are called to bear love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.</li><li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">My message today is just as
challenging (maybe even disturbing). </span>It comes from Matthew 7:21-23.</li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GVaaLazt0glFwGwKtvnrqwDNBcQ6p326az2eh47xOU6kPL18ENVeJzyh-ZwH5I_20PM0aXUrq1V2Rgj46ti8rmGOmgN-U511lTDFU9p0xToD9Eq2mIn2m0W_C-Yboh44jOKbausp3lTr76avQzAUFVzT8lziX07TQHeOcM1KMfmIkbGaRFv3Sbzmd50/s1280/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GVaaLazt0glFwGwKtvnrqwDNBcQ6p326az2eh47xOU6kPL18ENVeJzyh-ZwH5I_20PM0aXUrq1V2Rgj46ti8rmGOmgN-U511lTDFU9p0xToD9Eq2mIn2m0W_C-Yboh44jOKbausp3lTr76avQzAUFVzT8lziX07TQHeOcM1KMfmIkbGaRFv3Sbzmd50/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 7:21-23<span style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></span></b><b style="background-color: white;"><span class="text"><sup><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">21 </span></sup></span></b><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">“Not everyone who calls
out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who
actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.</span></span><span style="background: white;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>22 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in
your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your
name.’</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>23 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break
God’s laws.’</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lDZWwhpEc5E5oBTCl9H0KIz7PnaHyi-Q2-YrSIoTQ_X85h9iZM4zKO-3w6_TxQ6nlR9bHKYmyrX_oTamItEmIC_ZufAevaIQIJxMoiBPriQbGcIQnFywctko54Lgl1c7fYze0A8HqJ4TzPt_YvUslq8MJgHeRA5ouHtJAflQcEFUaqMKcJ62WMUptAo/s1280/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lDZWwhpEc5E5oBTCl9H0KIz7PnaHyi-Q2-YrSIoTQ_X85h9iZM4zKO-3w6_TxQ6nlR9bHKYmyrX_oTamItEmIC_ZufAevaIQIJxMoiBPriQbGcIQnFywctko54Lgl1c7fYze0A8HqJ4TzPt_YvUslq8MJgHeRA5ouHtJAflQcEFUaqMKcJ62WMUptAo/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>A True Disciple<br /></b><span style="background-color: white;">In these 3 verses, Jesus warns about a terrible reality many people
will face on judgment day.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">He says many people who </span><i style="background-color: white;">thought</i><span style="background-color: white;"> they were following Jesus and going to
Heaven will be shocked to find out Jesus never knew them, and they are turned
away from Heaven.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And that’s disturbing, because it makes you question: “Am I one of
those who will be horrified to find out Jesus never knew me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will I be one of the unfortunate souls turned
away when Jesus says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get away from me,
you who break God’s laws.”</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">This brings us back again to the concerns raised in Matthew
7:13-14. “The gateway to life is very
narrow and the road is difficult, and only a <i>few</i> ever find it.” </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friends, the Message of Christ is very serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we need to take it seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many dabble in religion as if it was an after thought of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They go to church whenever we feel like it. If they pray, it is only when they are desperate and need something. God is only an after thought if He is a thought at all. Everyone has more important things to chase after than God. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friends, our relationship with God is the <i>most </i>important thing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It will literally determine where you spend eternity--whether you will spend it in heaven with God or in Hell eternally separated from God.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXCfv2L6MtEXlukYfmtbIpA3rmVaZaHNKlZRTQy-I6PuoY8XnPbuCi36WdxjHOWOpwaCOIIn6jrH_1xFXwxM_elphuc9tVDPEhAaSW7uibEl7e6JMSnF3fxoEbAu1Q0u01qSLwfUj7_CRTvYpfj2qTkw2TVLloo313azk6ix4gx4maw7tAay1mX1oPQY/s1280/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXCfv2L6MtEXlukYfmtbIpA3rmVaZaHNKlZRTQy-I6PuoY8XnPbuCi36WdxjHOWOpwaCOIIn6jrH_1xFXwxM_elphuc9tVDPEhAaSW7uibEl7e6JMSnF3fxoEbAu1Q0u01qSLwfUj7_CRTvYpfj2qTkw2TVLloo313azk6ix4gx4maw7tAay1mX1oPQY/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>“I never knew you…”</b><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Jesus warns one of the claims the damned will say on
judgment day is, “We prophesied in your name…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In other words, they said all the right things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe they even spoke on behalf of Lord
Jesus—sharing His Word with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Others who are damned will claim, “We cast out demons in your name and
did miracles in your name…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These too
will be cast into hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?</span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus gives the answer in simple terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I never knew you.” </span>Entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven starts with a real
relationship—a relationship with Jesus. It’s not about <i>what</i> you
know. It’s <i>Who</i> you know. Jesus left the glory of Heaven to
come to our broken world to be <i>with</i> us. That’s the definition of
one of His names we often sing about at Christmas is Emanuel; it means "God with us." </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Jesus did
ministry <i>with</i> 12 Disciples. He could have done it alone. He
didn’t need help. But Jesus chose to work with 12 people to have relationships with them.
Furthermore, Jesus ate with sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors, and other
notorious sinners. Jesus interacted with people. He got to know
people and built relationships. Relationship is the most
important thing to Jesus. That’s how He knows people and saves people and heals people.</p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">And that’s
what Jesus wants with you—a relationship, to know you. It’s what God has always wanted from the very beginning when He created us—a
relationship. </span>But, because
of sin, we turn away from God. We chase after our own selfish ambitions instead of a relationship with God.</p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">
<br /><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_IL3Uv3yMpdmkc0gPfAhqLuY5pZiY0-2myYJ2cjni1K3OGeV8RnZnAJi_C1iYM3ZHIGr30r0Mj8j4tBcqGrrfQZUG6GW2WLStk1ZkqT6BJM0jlDKr-UxxcmHnFtDJPbVU7DlcCTB2xLP1tJRujGlr0aOhktM0DNm8yrBuJKyT_hyphenhyphenbbcEn-BXjBnM-WQ/s1280/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_IL3Uv3yMpdmkc0gPfAhqLuY5pZiY0-2myYJ2cjni1K3OGeV8RnZnAJi_C1iYM3ZHIGr30r0Mj8j4tBcqGrrfQZUG6GW2WLStk1ZkqT6BJM0jlDKr-UxxcmHnFtDJPbVU7DlcCTB2xLP1tJRujGlr0aOhktM0DNm8yrBuJKyT_hyphenhyphenbbcEn-BXjBnM-WQ/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 11:28<br />
</b><span style="background-color: white;">Jesus came to invite us back. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> He
said: </span><span style="background-color: white;">“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you
rest.” (Mt 11:28)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus wants a
real relationship with you—one where you talk every day and walk together, eat together, live together, serve together laugh and cry together. Part of that relationship may include prophesying in His name and casting out
demons and doing miracles in His name. But it’s the relationship that’s
really important.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">It starts with
a choice. Jesus wants a relationship with everyone. Some may think Jesus
wouldn't want a relationship with you. Maybe you feel like you're not good
enough or you've done something terrible and Jesus wouldn't want to be around
you. But Jesus showed He loved everyone. He never shied away from anyone, no
matter how bad they sinned. Rich, poor, sinners, saints--Jesus loved them
all and He still does today. There's nothing you have done or could ever do
that would keep Jesus from wanting a personal relationship with you.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">He stands at
the door of your heart knocking. But you have to open the door and let Him in. </span>And once Jesus
comes onto your heart, you've got to walk with Him every day. Are you
spending time with Jesus every day in a real, personal relationship? Some ways you can do that are through:</p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: black;">
Prayer and </span>Bible study, which are the heart of a relationship with Jesus. Through prayer and Bible study we talk to Jesus and hear from Jesus. We learn who He is and how He wants us to live.</li><li><span style="color: black;">Worship and Fellowship with Other Christians. Just like Jesus called 12 Disciples to follow Him as a group, Jesus calls us to follow Him in a group with other believers. We fellowship and and worship as a Church (which is a community of faith). We have a relationship with each other adn with Jesus, together.</span></li><li><span style="color: black;">Serving. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. His followers serve alongside Jesus--giving ourselves to make more Disciples who also have a relationship with Jesus. Jesus doesn't <i>need</i> our help, but graciously invites us to work alongside Him. Serving together is part of how we relate with Jesus and each other. </span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02kvy6_7c-liz2rHDkVyey1gwUYS6Sh8AU6axslqbkOxpTj0HkV10qgQQDj3mskeA9i2I5-1ur54cc-mzlQ2hvKDq37zcq0iqiOTmWL5rOeOb9zFO69K5yITspqceapGk29uX2x4fB_XAOikj7YZ6j91PoEzo30IhXK9tHEpn0tD7ZdVE3ArHcz_gQvM/s1280/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02kvy6_7c-liz2rHDkVyey1gwUYS6Sh8AU6axslqbkOxpTj0HkV10qgQQDj3mskeA9i2I5-1ur54cc-mzlQ2hvKDq37zcq0iqiOTmWL5rOeOb9zFO69K5yITspqceapGk29uX2x4fB_XAOikj7YZ6j91PoEzo30IhXK9tHEpn0tD7ZdVE3ArHcz_gQvM/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b>Matthew 7:21<br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white;">The other key part of Jesus warning is in
His statement in verse 21, which says, </span><span style="background-color: white;">“Only those
who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” </span><span style="background-color: white;">This statement
connects to all the lessons we’ve studied from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount</span><p></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">
(as well as everything Jesus taught in the Gospels and through His servants in
the Bible). </span>Jesus tells us
in the Bible how we are to live. These are His teachings. The Bible is
the will of His Father in Heaven. Are we living it?</p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">God is
gracious. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He understands we often misunderstand.
We may read one thing in the Bible and totally misunderstand what Jesus wants
us to do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may do the wrong thing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But most people aren't even reading it to try
and figure it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people aren't
even trying. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think willfully ignoring Jesus’ teachings in the Bible is “doing the
will of God?” </span>Of course
not. It’s no wonder there will be so
many people on Judgment Day crying, “Lord! Lord!” and Jesus will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b style="background-color: white;"></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktXKuexivU1ltBH9Bf980TIxXk9iji1RjEttnvPmiZ1fJVdgwlWrTRw6Qx2lp8vZXVB8Un-wxSQ8iE9ct3_IV6Gx7AdbnL5r0hukxzP5rKDdBWoC8MTsPXRzltgwC-z0CB9WHbaZNa7Utbls1Uip-oLHoNRig5hD_Q56ZOIMs-2ipMABqIe8eN8U11Co/s1280/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktXKuexivU1ltBH9Bf980TIxXk9iji1RjEttnvPmiZ1fJVdgwlWrTRw6Qx2lp8vZXVB8Un-wxSQ8iE9ct3_IV6Gx7AdbnL5r0hukxzP5rKDdBWoC8MTsPXRzltgwC-z0CB9WHbaZNa7Utbls1Uip-oLHoNRig5hD_Q56ZOIMs-2ipMABqIe8eN8U11Co/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="background-color: white;">Walking with Jesus
and Doing God’s Will Go Together</b><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white;">Something else important needs to be said. It’s this: </span><span style="background-color: white;">Walking with Jesus and doing God’s will go together.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">You really can’t separate them. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white;">Y</span><span style="background-color: white;">ou would think prophesying, casting out demons, and doing miracles </span><i style="background-color: white;">in Jesus
name</i><span style="background-color: white;"> must be “doing God’s will.”</span><span style="background-color: white;">
</span><span style="background-color: white;">Right? </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Yet Jesus said many will tell Him they did all these very things in
His name and Jesus will reply:</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">“I never
knew you.”</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Why is that?</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Maybe b</span><span style="background-color: white;">ecause Jesus didn’t tell them to do those
things.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Walking with Jesus means staying in tune with His daily
instructions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If He didn’t tell you to prophesy, don’t do it. </span>If He didn’t tell you to cast out a demon, don’t do it. If He didn’t tell you to do a miracle, don’t do it. Just because something sounds holy and impressive, doesn't mean Jesus told you to do it. But do whatever He tells you to do--even if it's simple and unimpressive.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And if you truly have an intimate relationship with Jesus, the Holy
Spirit will lead you to do everything Jesus wants you to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A true relationship with Jesus leads you to
live for Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As you walk with Jesus, you become more accustomed to hearing His voice through the Holy Spirit. </span>And the Holy Spirit directs us exactly how to obey Jesus if we are
listening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you listening?</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7SV5ByoY_1FH7M4QHb75P2zfyjPsD4iOL_K-2DuUy13jevVKGojMdpSegS7ceU0G-WGZXFXZiP0YsMEAXosiEa1iA7f483GSG5wOPtxmY2GVLAcRyCtbr7zgXBynz3ehT2YOgqoX4hSDWbjWPVeqsJiq0r9Zany3B6G-lL9EwuUBfsEOSjsRnxkwjVw/s1280/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7SV5ByoY_1FH7M4QHb75P2zfyjPsD4iOL_K-2DuUy13jevVKGojMdpSegS7ceU0G-WGZXFXZiP0YsMEAXosiEa1iA7f483GSG5wOPtxmY2GVLAcRyCtbr7zgXBynz3ehT2YOgqoX4hSDWbjWPVeqsJiq0r9Zany3B6G-lL9EwuUBfsEOSjsRnxkwjVw/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Conclusion<br /></b>Jesus words are unsettling today in His Sermon on the Mount. “Not everyone
who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">It’s troubling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s unsettling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Because maybe it will motivate us to take our relationship with Jesus
seriously.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let me conclude with a
summary of some practical things you can do to ensure you’re traveling on the
pathway to eternal life and not blindly following the highway to hell. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ask Jesus to save you – decide to follow Him as Lord and start walking with Him. This is the very first step. If you haven't already done so, please do this right now.</li><li>Pray and read your Bible – these are the heart of our relationship with Jesus. They are how we talk to and hear God.</li><li>Immerse yourself in Christian fellowship and worship. If we are truly following Jesus, our most important social group will be other followers of Jesus. We need each other. </li><li>Listen to how the Holy Spirit is leading you to live and do it. Practice following the Spirit's guidance every day as He:</li><ul><li>leads your to forgive people who wrong you, just as Jesus forgave you,</li><li>teaches you to be kind and compassionate</li><li>enables you to be honest and ethical</li><li>prompts you to be a witness who share how Jesus is changing your life</li><li>calls you to serve. God gives each one of us special gift so we can build up His church. Use them for the glory of God.</li></ul></ul><div><b>Prayer</b></div><div>"Lord Jesus, forgive us for the ways we have pushed You aside in favor of other things. Thank You for inviting us to have a relationship with You so that we can know You and be known by You. Help us to walk with You each day as we pray and study Your Word. Surround us with Your people, so our fellowship and worship will honor You and build up our faith. Lea us to know and obey God's law and live for You every day. We ask these things in Your most holy name. Amen."</div> <p></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-15328098317470196612024-03-04T10:21:00.001-05:002024-03-04T10:21:33.338-05:00Discerning Truth: Living the Fruits of the Spirit<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMAI9G-BvhgTD0wZZc-SP5Yt10VsRq1s8JohYp5ZvZMBB4-RgGnAwRAPvpBTTzY8zoa-pIQR_2TYCcTZ3etxDOUrtB3SxoRkbDJ7q3-Ophl9fijlzriQzgz3W0i4OcfiYlXFhYWrbAgydBbwu3FhpGnv-HvT1RKP889VpPCL4hCuM1heUn9PRd-Crtog/s1280/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMAI9G-BvhgTD0wZZc-SP5Yt10VsRq1s8JohYp5ZvZMBB4-RgGnAwRAPvpBTTzY8zoa-pIQR_2TYCcTZ3etxDOUrtB3SxoRkbDJ7q3-Ophl9fijlzriQzgz3W0i4OcfiYlXFhYWrbAgydBbwu3FhpGnv-HvT1RKP889VpPCL4hCuM1heUn9PRd-Crtog/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b><span style="background-color: white;">We are
nearing the end of our series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount—just a few more
weeks to go.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount
our Lord’s foundational teaching in the New Testament.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">It outlines the ethics of the Kingdom of Heaven. If you want to be a Christian, you should understand these principles in Jesus' sermon.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I challenge you to go back
over Jesus’ sermon, found in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. You can find the sermons I’ve
preached on it here on this blog over the last 21 or so weeks.
These could be a resource for you as you
study Jesus’ core teachings. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Today's focus is Matthew
7:15-20, discerning what’s true from false in our spiritual journey.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur12ln6LSszuxb8-fiA8F4aCjhnJ7oQ7swNkSBTlGp2MsgX5dY7zpsH-hEhU75uuLpqc7tR19dvAEaehlAYli2-Eb_5kqeACarEhuaWh96ycMba4rA8i_3IohjUCbdOQynj-4OCYYHnwlJr3bzHHQHdCcH-rCLymMtNTNIHrBlM6bkMllxo8U59plU88/s1280/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur12ln6LSszuxb8-fiA8F4aCjhnJ7oQ7swNkSBTlGp2MsgX5dY7zpsH-hEhU75uuLpqc7tR19dvAEaehlAYli2-Eb_5kqeACarEhuaWh96ycMba4rA8i_3IohjUCbdOQynj-4OCYYHnwlJr3bzHHQHdCcH-rCLymMtNTNIHrBlM6bkMllxo8U59plU88/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 7:15</b><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <br />
</span></b><sup style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15 </span></sup><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">“Beware of false
prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. </span><b style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Warning Against False
Prophets<br />
</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Jesus warned
his people to watch out for false prophets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Jesus' followers </span>were poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
oppressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They were hungry. </span>They were desperate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They needed a savior. </span>This made them especially vulnerable to false prophets who would lie and tell
people what they wanted to hear in order to use them for their own selfish
gain. Some real life examples we know of false prophets are:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In 4 BC, Simon of Persia proclaimed
himself as Messiah during the time of Herod's death, leading a rebellion
against Roman rule; he was killed by Roman forces, and his movement was
crushed.</li><li>In 6 AD, Judas of Galilee led a violent resistance against the Roman census
taxation, claiming to be the messiah who would deliver the Israel,
ultimately leading his followers to a failed revolt and increased Roman
repression.</li><li>A false prophet
mentioned in the Bible (in Acts 8) was Simon the Magician. He used magic tricks to convince Samaritans
he was full of God’s power for his own personal gain. Simon’s influence was finally destroyed when the Apostle’s Peter and John
brought the true power of God to Samaria and exposed Simon’s magic tricks as
false.</li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">One may ask why people
would follow a false prophet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When people feel desperate, they often will cling to <i>anything</i> or <i>anyone</i>
who seems to offer hope. But that’s when you need to be especially careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must understand how vulnerable you are. And Jesus gives some practical advise about how to discern if someone is a
false prophet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZX-uO8sKYBbumLxiam1vzx_MI-J93rJJllSOD0DhtowXii661hVaA00FoEkkKH3SBQZEpJ8KjFocgvrC8LiIj6q5uYUhtZS5KLusXOzm5_kALTb7QwNW6AOHF25ojKaZe4eKOxJUkRn2WSetWzmHpxtNCgQjS8Msmy0fsd3kAFn5WIokw5DOdQVf-p94/s1280/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZX-uO8sKYBbumLxiam1vzx_MI-J93rJJllSOD0DhtowXii661hVaA00FoEkkKH3SBQZEpJ8KjFocgvrC8LiIj6q5uYUhtZS5KLusXOzm5_kALTb7QwNW6AOHF25ojKaZe4eKOxJUkRn2WSetWzmHpxtNCgQjS8Msmy0fsd3kAFn5WIokw5DOdQVf-p94/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Slides – Matthew 7:16-20<span style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></span></b><b><span class="text"><sup><span style="background: white;">16 </span></sup></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;">You can identify them by
their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from
thornbushes, or figs from thistles?</span></span><span style="background: white;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>17 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>18 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">A good tree can’t
produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>19 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">So every tree that
does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>20 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">Yes, just as you
can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Understanding "By
Their Fruits" <br />
</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Jesus says
you can tell a tree (or a prophet) by their fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s great advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means look at the visible results of a person’s ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even here we have to be careful. False prophets also often produce “signs” that may seem look like good fruit. A magician can do tricks that seem like impossible miracles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Charismatic leaders can often speak and act in ways that accomplish things that seem to be good. </span>You may think magic tricks are real or the accomplishment of a charismatic personality are show they are from God. But that is not necessarily true. You have to look closely at what kind of fruit they really produce. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Hitler came to power in Germany during a time when people were desperate for hope. Germans were in a state of deep economic despair, national humiliation, and the
devastating effects of the Great Depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hitler was a charismatic leader who could stir national pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was going to make Germany great
again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And initially, Hitler had success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through hate, bigotry, and racism, Hitler rallied Germans to revitalize their
country. But they did so by evil means and, in the process, they committed the most terrible atrocities the world has
ever seen. Approximately 6 million Jews died because of the Holocaust. Is that good fruit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s rotten, poisonous fruit.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I want to warn you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you look to the leaders you admire—whether
they be political or buisiness or spiritual leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Consider the fruit they produce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is it good fruit or bad fruit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And be careful becuase some will say the ends justify the means. They may argue, "Yeah I wish they didn't do or say those bad things, but look at what they accomplish." In other words, the good they accomplish is justified by the bad things the do to accomplish them. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Jesus is clear about who to tell a false prophet that is a wolf in sheep's clothing who will tear you apart. You have to look at their fruit. And the fruit is not the results of their work but the fruits of the Spirit.</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK-d3-3KtWUCJu5TFZtO6yyJy447Lua0TXvBWG1IPJEwfNjZu-5HEHJ2w2rPqTrx9E-X9U1iK_9pSOR-U8Q8Llq-1vaccWG-DjkzAxeOcdUUKRI9m-SA3qFigoQK45yVT7_v5vpWSHiaLnPjUbs82PpwDBhebr0vjNMYaZQrH_4PPIGpwoW2TNcbADP0/s1280/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK-d3-3KtWUCJu5TFZtO6yyJy447Lua0TXvBWG1IPJEwfNjZu-5HEHJ2w2rPqTrx9E-X9U1iK_9pSOR-U8Q8Llq-1vaccWG-DjkzAxeOcdUUKRI9m-SA3qFigoQK45yVT7_v5vpWSHiaLnPjUbs82PpwDBhebr0vjNMYaZQrH_4PPIGpwoW2TNcbADP0/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Galatians 5:22-23<br /></b><span style="background-color: white;">Galatians 5:22-23 names the good spiritual fruit a true prophet </span><span style="background-color: white;">(and an authentic Christian) </span><span style="background-color: white;">produces:</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Just as we’ve seen bad
false prophets (like Hitler, Jim Jones, and David Koresh), we have also seen true
prophets lead movements to produce great fruit of the spirit (as defined by
Galatians).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The early Methodists, guided
by John Wesley's teachings, demonstrated the fruits of the Spirit in various
impactful ways that reflected their deep commitment to living out their faith
in practical acts of love and service. Their work led to:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSWVTHpoJ5favzMnHuWdCKueQlCtD9qQLEr96KEvda7uzF1F29pcRqLtDm8Po2ww8RYhzs9sJtbojUoEgPPcSvKO0ucM-jtEcf-f3cq_ANhgHAuqnvDNnQjGz0pKex6mWbiqbhKTkWvXNs0L346kFdBnK7B2RIFIu4ESh1hNsIysyzDqC0zv-28DlQRc/s1280/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSWVTHpoJ5favzMnHuWdCKueQlCtD9qQLEr96KEvda7uzF1F29pcRqLtDm8Po2ww8RYhzs9sJtbojUoEgPPcSvKO0ucM-jtEcf-f3cq_ANhgHAuqnvDNnQjGz0pKex6mWbiqbhKTkWvXNs0L346kFdBnK7B2RIFIu4ESh1hNsIysyzDqC0zv-28DlQRc/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Evangelism:</span></b> </span><span style="background-color: white;">passionately
preaching the gospel in open fields, towns, and cities, reaching out to the
marginalized and working-class people, leading to widespread spiritual revivals
and the rapid growth of the Methodist movement.</span></li><li><b>Social Reforms</b>: Embodying the fruits of
love, kindness, and goodness, they took strong stands against the societal ills
of their time, including the abolition of slavery, prison reform, and the
promotion of education for the poor.</li><li><b>Visiting the Sick and
Prisoners</b>:
Demonstrating compassion and faithfulness, early Methodists took seriously the
call to visit the sick and those in prison to offer comfort, healing, and
encouragement to those in need.</li><li><b>Small Group Meetings</b>: The early Methodist
movement was marked by its innovative structure of small group meetings that
met regularly for prayer, study, and mutual accountability. These meetings were
essential for spiritual growth and community, fostering the fruits of peace,
patience, gentleness, and self-control.</li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Christians can’t just
believe in Jesus as an intellectual thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>True Christians must live out an inward holiness that transforms our
thoughts, words, and actions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not
about moral superiority, but about being filled with the love of God and
neighbor, a love that manifests in every aspect of your life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian holiness is not static but dynamic
and constantly growing and bearing fruit like a living tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s characterized by continuous
self-examination, prayer, and participation in the means of grace, such as Holy
Communion, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_2hnvLYKxSmDnNT3NN8FEX9rRSlSZga_x5Hd5fGJPxRY49J8OOkz3W4gAZH0TDqND_KVg9IutmF8M7NbC18GxWMaiEPGBMzC_md6304QNj14uGZm9SD9jqt1GHZ9UG0DuuHuZic_KLKt1ZOADSF7FaAY0miDYgy-lCcI-UaUZ1gMTKFJNVczzl8tcUY/s1280/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_2hnvLYKxSmDnNT3NN8FEX9rRSlSZga_x5Hd5fGJPxRY49J8OOkz3W4gAZH0TDqND_KVg9IutmF8M7NbC18GxWMaiEPGBMzC_md6304QNj14uGZm9SD9jqt1GHZ9UG0DuuHuZic_KLKt1ZOADSF7FaAY0miDYgy-lCcI-UaUZ1gMTKFJNVczzl8tcUY/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Do you bear good fruit?</b><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">If a fruit inspector examined your life today, what would
he find?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would he find love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Now, we understand the life of a Christian is
a journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fruitfulness is not something
that happens over night (just like a fruit tree does not bear fruit
overnight).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But your life should definitely
be heading in the right direction—toward fruitfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is the one who makes us grow and bear
fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what are you doing to tend the garden in your heart that nurtures
fruitfulness? There are several things you can do to nurture the development of spiritual fruit God wants to grow in your life.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">There is <i style="font-weight: bold;">worship</i> where you gather with other Christian believers and honor God. Do you regularly in worship God with other Christians?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">There is <i style="font-weight: bold;">fellowship</i>. We may have many different groups we socialize with on a weekly basis at school and work. But if you are a Christian whose heart's truest desire is to bear fruit for the Kingdom, other </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Christian friends should be your main social group. Are you deeply involved with Christian fellowship?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Prayer</i> is the heart of the Christian faith. Are you investing deeply in regular prayer throughout your day?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i>Bible Study </i></b>is essential. How else are you going to know how we are supposed to think and live unless we study God's Word--His official method for speaking to His people?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Are you in a <i style="font-weight: bold;">small group</i> w</span>here you
talk about your prayer life and what you’ve read in your Bible and where people intentional hold you accountable and offer encouragement to live more fully for Jesus?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;">Are you practicing the means of grace Jesus specifically commanded His followers in practice in the Bible--<b><i>Baptism </i></b>and <b><i>Holy Communion</i></b>?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><i>Baptism </i></b>is the initiation ceremony for Christians in the New Covenant that replaced the circumcision ceremony of the Old Covenant. Baptism is a means for God to pour out His grace upon those being baptized and those who stand with them to help everyone know and walk with Jesus. It is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.</li><li><b><i>Holy Communion </i></b>is as a means to receive God’s grace where we have our eyes opened as we experience the presence of Christ and receive spiritual nourishment for our faith journey. Communion is a
sacramental act of thanksgiving and remembrance, commemorating the Last Supper
of Jesus with his disciples, where bread and wine symbolize the body and blood
of Christ. This sacred practice fosters a deeper communion with Christ and with
one another, strengthening our bonds with the church and empowering us to live
out our Christian discipleship in the world.</li></ul><div><b>Conclusion</b></div><div>As we reflect on Jesus' warning against false prophets and the importance of discerning true from false in our spiritual journeys, let us be vigilant gardeners of our souls. May we not only seek to identify the fruits in others but also nurture the growth of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control within ourselves. Through worship, fellowship, prayer, Bible study, and participation in the means of grace like Baptism and Holy Communion, let us cultivate a life that bears good fruit, reflecting the light of Christ in a world often shadowed by deception. Live out the Kingdom ethics Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount, growing closer to Him and each other as we journey together in faith.</div><p></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-88538484497795857782024-02-26T11:19:00.003-05:002024-02-26T11:19:39.921-05:00The Choice: Narrow vs. Wide Gates<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRuGAU0vDGP6SIqodQY8FPC4krtt_ne5aee7U6wKyDeE-Xh0TEgCYfwy2siwnFIed8XKr_brE3qAHewLKbS-XgEnV1URsl1-L7uzrmBdRCIC-aNdgXoJHfYEtGv8Pfs5omlk-t3rRZj1UNoxNr9DS2_U9iXjTOKwW9ekpExJnB1wPKxUbRkVr320KEBQ/s1280/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRuGAU0vDGP6SIqodQY8FPC4krtt_ne5aee7U6wKyDeE-Xh0TEgCYfwy2siwnFIed8XKr_brE3qAHewLKbS-XgEnV1URsl1-L7uzrmBdRCIC-aNdgXoJHfYEtGv8Pfs5omlk-t3rRZj1UNoxNr9DS2_U9iXjTOKwW9ekpExJnB1wPKxUbRkVr320KEBQ/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>I couldn’t sleep last night. I
was very tired. I worked outside in my garden all day Saturday and I was
physically tired. I went to bed early. I fell asleep fast.
But I woke up just a couple hours later with this sermon and <i>you</i> on my
mind. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus said we all have a choice to make.
Listen to what He said. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Matthew 7:13-14</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">13 </span></sup><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow
gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who
choose that way. </span><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">14 </span></sup><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is
difficult, and only a few ever find it.”</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b style="background-color: white;"></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHZOxAW5A6m9D4jxF5vKHqUIdTbjM1Rzx9fTXiCSz47ki43kCD66-tO8buZ7n9CWCZmqU2gzC4Bl_pQwdfqamS-qCybpJZLBgR6OC1WPgDNCiZi9MkZ8f4ChB5BMOKAGidAk9svIXhHZI1dTNIGhy5LecXplmvO9adbQUi1pnbGKzehfaOQWaEkRz2gU/s1280/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHZOxAW5A6m9D4jxF5vKHqUIdTbjM1Rzx9fTXiCSz47ki43kCD66-tO8buZ7n9CWCZmqU2gzC4Bl_pQwdfqamS-qCybpJZLBgR6OC1WPgDNCiZi9MkZ8f4ChB5BMOKAGidAk9svIXhHZI1dTNIGhy5LecXplmvO9adbQUi1pnbGKzehfaOQWaEkRz2gU/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="background-color: white;">The Way of Eternal Life</b><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span>Jesus used gates and roads as a metaphor for eternal
life and eternal damnation. The narrow gate and difficult road represents the way
of life that leads to eternal life in heaven. The narrowness of the gate represents the exclusive
nature of the path to eternal life. Jesus is the only way to eternal life. Jesus explicitly said so in John
14:6 - “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through me.”<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">
So, some will not go to heaven because they either reject Christ or never deliberately choose Him. </span>Jesus said the gateway to life is very narrow and the
road is difficult. Living a life that adheres to Jesus' teachings
requires self-discipline, sacrifice, and a willingness to go against the
prevailing norms and values of society. This path is not the easiest, but it is
the one that leads to true life.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Jesus wants everyone to have eternal life in the
Kingdom of Heaven. (I want that for you too!) But the reality is: the gate is narrow and the road is difficult and few
people ever find it.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHGH6r5I2MQ9jGReEknZMm7fG33CwxbqUMWiu5y3Jtc1onJ5zwhlelLcBN78E2poOpx3jZfALi2Xb691dhKeKhNb0SHgOr79XhkSlIcu4VcZFKeuDwEs-Pl13qWX3dBVVhKwz3q8pim6032suiZESRjj8sOKHwIqMtHU5B50T1jIJIV_5X02ovjYmyyg/s1280/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHGH6r5I2MQ9jGReEknZMm7fG33CwxbqUMWiu5y3Jtc1onJ5zwhlelLcBN78E2poOpx3jZfALi2Xb691dhKeKhNb0SHgOr79XhkSlIcu4VcZFKeuDwEs-Pl13qWX3dBVVhKwz3q8pim6032suiZESRjj8sOKHwIqMtHU5B50T1jIJIV_5X02ovjYmyyg/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>The Highway to Hell<br /></b>Most people choose the wide gate and take the highway
to hell. It's the route that seems easiest and most convenient, requiring little to no
sacrifice or change. It aligns with our natural desires and the immediate gratification of our wants
without considering the long-term consequences. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And besides, it’s the
road most people choose. You don’t even have to think about it. You just go along with the
crowd. It requires no discipline, no self-examination, no repentance or
transformation. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">
Yeah, it’s easy; it’s convenient; and it offers the false promise of
freedom. But it’s a lie! </span>While the gate is wide and the path is easy, it leads
to spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal punishment in Hell. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">And I woke up last night full of sorrow and concern for the
multitudes of people traveling on the <br />
highway to hell and for the very few who choose the narrow, difficult road to
heaven. </span>I lay in my bed thinking about how I may have failed to
do my part to encourage others to choose the right path–the one that leads to Heaven. I lay there thinking about everyone who would be
sitting in my congregation or watching online the next morning to hear this sermon, as well as everyone who might read it on my blog. And I thought about how so many think you are walking on a path that leads to eternal life in heaven when you are not. Maybe you think you're going to heaven because:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">You were baptized as a baby, (or as an adult), or<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">You go to church, or<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Your parents or grandparents were great Christians, or<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">You believe God exists, or<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Because you’re a good person, or<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Because you just believe everyone goes to heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Listen to me. No. Don’t listen to me;
listen to <b>Jesus</b>. Jesus says it right here in our Scripture. “You can enter God’s Kingdom <i>only </i>through the
narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many
who choose that way. <b>But the gateway to life is very <i>narrow </i>and the
road is <i>difficult</i>, and only a <i><u>few</u> ever find it</i>.”</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwbmApBfiBA_j5gHNA297JTHQlxT6BXIoUDkgzBbp6jbY8YHy900iKL6-kF_e4srkW43_D1OXBNl7zg6ZTvREmFzHb_xIu2S6uxNrwLH9c6T8vrLEJG1JILDFtmUOFnyVraQM0lJOimPI10I9_Cy6wFHhaMkOqQ7ezM_5EKxI8MS-LRs2nNX77483je0/s1280/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwbmApBfiBA_j5gHNA297JTHQlxT6BXIoUDkgzBbp6jbY8YHy900iKL6-kF_e4srkW43_D1OXBNl7zg6ZTvREmFzHb_xIu2S6uxNrwLH9c6T8vrLEJG1JILDFtmUOFnyVraQM0lJOimPI10I9_Cy6wFHhaMkOqQ7ezM_5EKxI8MS-LRs2nNX77483je0/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Few Ever Find It<br /></b>Most people think it’s so easy. They say: Just be a good person. Go to church if you want to. Be nice.
You’ll go to heaven. But Jesus says: “The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few
ever find it.”<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">You see, the idea here is, you can have good
intentions and still miss the gate to life. You can’t just casually walk through life assuming you’ll stumble through the
right gate. No sir. You might still miss it. You may think you went through the right gate but realize too late you chose
the wrong one. If you want to be one of the <i>few</i> people who find the gateway to eternal
life, you better get serious about it. You better study it so you'll recognize the right gate and the right path when you see it. you better choose wisely.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">People get serious about all kinds of things in this
life. They’ll work hard to achieve goals like:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Athletic achievements</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Educational Achievements<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Finding a mate to spend their life with <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Building a successful career,</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Home ownership<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Health and wellness<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Travel and adventure<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Perhaps you can think how you have strived for some of
these in your own life.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">People plan and save and study and invest themselves in
all kinds of things–some things that are good and important. But the <i>most
</i>important thing, the thing that will literally last for all eternity, so
many people approach carelessly, as if this most important thing just happens
automatically. Few things worth having just happen automatically. You have to be
committed and strive for it.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKzh4zImXNLy5eoLEG_TgSWih9fNrS7H_UsJPTDrgD3kVmH6A_fDTWYr4A7Ak2fx9YruYUMKZliwV6U36oy_6U34_j-FGNB-fIM89dVASHelyi9M7uIynqC1Wx8gSr53rX5JxWainOaDvC6qFJh2eTmYdXUiPmcpaWrqWstPiawz0-QGtPyTQSX8HD9g/s1280/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKzh4zImXNLy5eoLEG_TgSWih9fNrS7H_UsJPTDrgD3kVmH6A_fDTWYr4A7Ak2fx9YruYUMKZliwV6U36oy_6U34_j-FGNB-fIM89dVASHelyi9M7uIynqC1Wx8gSr53rX5JxWainOaDvC6qFJh2eTmYdXUiPmcpaWrqWstPiawz0-QGtPyTQSX8HD9g/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>How to Find the Narrow Gate<br /></b>If you really wanted to be a winning athlete, you would
intentionally train to succeed. You might practice daily to get good,
maybe workout to grow stronger; you might even change the way you eat to become
healthier and fuel your body. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">There are things you can do to help you be one of the
few who finds the narrow gate Jesus says leads to eternal life. And I
suggest everyone be dedicated to spiritual training.<br /><br /></span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Repent and seek forgiveness - </span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Acknowledge your sins and mistakes, repent, and seek
God's forgiveness. This process of turning away from sin is crucial in
finding the narrow gate. You will never find the gate until you
decide to start looking. And repentance is the the first step.<br /><br /><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Commit to Live for Jesus - </span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Jesus chose you. But you have to choose
Jesus. You have to consciously decide to be His disciple–to apply
Jesus' teachings in your daily life, including loving your neighbor,
forgiving others, practicing humility, and serving those in need.<br /><br /><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Join a faith community - </span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Being part of a church or a spiritual community
provides support, accountability, and encouragement as you strive to live
a life that reflects Jesus' teachings. Worship together. Study
together in a small group. Serve together. Jesus and the original Twelve Disciples worked together as a group. If Jesus and the Twelve needed to be in a group, what makes you think you can do it alone?<br /><br /></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Read the Bible - </span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Regularly
reading and studying the Bible helps you understand God's principles and
Jesus' teachings. This knowledge is foundational to discerning the narrow
path. It’s the only way you are going to know which gate to go
through and which path to follow in life.<br /><br /><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Pray -</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Prayer is a
powerful way to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and express your
desire to follow Him. It aligns your heart with God's will. Prayer
is the heart of walking on the right path with Jesus.</span> </li></ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWWSCZ3RyoQZkxhMUnCSk36ge6CeehtOtanG6T_8tkUnpYXV-WrLxeUBfl6ipnzkrJJVcJQ973Ngcwdj2_VC3KrZ-Hwdg40UG1srrPE0zBhNa-9Trk-C_bsfO-TZ0EVNaB5sZq6QEE1Dor-zwEoiIZJKGilCLCCkSfnkq21_ldaTyA1jB8oW1mGmiqXI/s1280/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWWSCZ3RyoQZkxhMUnCSk36ge6CeehtOtanG6T_8tkUnpYXV-WrLxeUBfl6ipnzkrJJVcJQ973Ngcwdj2_VC3KrZ-Hwdg40UG1srrPE0zBhNa-9Trk-C_bsfO-TZ0EVNaB5sZq6QEE1Dor-zwEoiIZJKGilCLCCkSfnkq21_ldaTyA1jB8oW1mGmiqXI/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Closing<br /></b>Some of you are already doing these things. <br />Some of you need to do better.<br /><span style="text-indent: 48px;">Some of you need to take a good hard look at your life and recognize, you’re just blindly walking
through life along with everyone else, and you don’t even </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">realize
you are traveling on the highway to hell.<br /></span><span style="text-indent: 48px;">You better wake up now, before it’s too late and you
find yourself suffering for all eternity!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-76932925998047708182024-02-19T09:35:00.001-05:002024-02-19T09:35:41.197-05:00Living the Golden Rule: A Deep Dive into Matthew 7:12<p><b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCWLNnHBOacj7HqIUi-_u3yE0WBl0rooTt5B5p_qbNd1ww6ZIiGbv2MFH0rEcXTkUYVhsdUA91jW8WbAV9WvImtW-j9fmr99Zzhl9Bl4lN9QgHtOunPHlpCnRamo_v3CKEC5ZITdXSpxEcncF9A_beAMS4tueh2_UnlG7wtJvLtkE0CtmFWYxNwetLZg/s1280/Slide1.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCWLNnHBOacj7HqIUi-_u3yE0WBl0rooTt5B5p_qbNd1ww6ZIiGbv2MFH0rEcXTkUYVhsdUA91jW8WbAV9WvImtW-j9fmr99Zzhl9Bl4lN9QgHtOunPHlpCnRamo_v3CKEC5ZITdXSpxEcncF9A_beAMS4tueh2_UnlG7wtJvLtkE0CtmFWYxNwetLZg/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>This is the 19<sup>th</sup> sermon I have preached from Jesus’ famous
Sermon on the Mount. Leave it to a preacher to turn Jesus' one sermon over 19 sermons! Actually, this is not unlike what the Twelve Disciples would have done. Jesus preached this Sermon on the Mount as an overview of His core teachings. Then, the Twelve would have gone town to town to share His lessons, explandning upon them much ass I have in this series.
<p class="MsoNormal">The sermon today is based on just one verse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I bet it is one most of you have
memorized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you guess it?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; mso-highlight: yellow;">Matthew 7:12</span><br />
<sup><span style="background: white; color: black;">12 </span></sup></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“Do to others whatever you
would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the
law and the prophets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: black; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: black; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LZkwP0ul-TUwstzLTtEXschm5L6RlPhuKUkTJV9TM9Oy0SMeBk1q96-wMdBdumdevf-TG_S6T4TT5edfihqiOH1uxgvwOmn6AIraP7oxiW7GS-t0lCgIfy1ZOxWRxYDeA9wekKKMAuzbEWlNWZZX-vRRjkRPjBgVCeym2CO2nyMssA-Vyw9sx3lIJig/s1280/Slide3.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LZkwP0ul-TUwstzLTtEXschm5L6RlPhuKUkTJV9TM9Oy0SMeBk1q96-wMdBdumdevf-TG_S6T4TT5edfihqiOH1uxgvwOmn6AIraP7oxiW7GS-t0lCgIfy1ZOxWRxYDeA9wekKKMAuzbEWlNWZZX-vRRjkRPjBgVCeym2CO2nyMssA-Vyw9sx3lIJig/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;">It’s So Simple</span><span style="background: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b></span><span style="background: white; color: black;">Can you think of a
time when someone treated you kindly and it left a lasting impression upon
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember many. One time when I was about 12 years old, my karate instructor started coming to pick me up for classes a few times each week. My mom was a single mom with 4 kids and couldn't always get me to class. So Jeff Carmichael picked me up every week. I felt bad because I knew it was extra time and gas for him to come get me. I offered to pay for his gas and Jeff said, "No. Don't pay me. One day you will have a chance to help someone else. Whenever you do, you'll be paying me back." I've always remembered that and tried to live it out.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Do unto others as
you would have them do unto you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so
simple, many are taught the golden rule in Kindergarten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so simple, almost every world religion
teaches some form of “The Golden Rule”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
</span><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Judaism 16<sup>th</sup>
century BC:</span></strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> “What
is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow-man. This is the entire Law, all
the rest is commentary.” (Talmud, Shabbat 3id)<br />
<strong>Hinduism 15<sup>th</sup> century BC:</strong> “This is the sum of
duty. Do not unto others that which would cause you pain if done to you.” (Mahabharata 5, 1517)<br />
<strong>Buddhism 6<sup>th</sup> century BC:</strong> “Whatever is
disagreeable to yourself, do not do unto others.” (The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18)<br />
<strong>Islam 7<sup>th</sup> Century AD:</strong> “None of you will
believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.” (Hadith 13, The Forty Hadith of Imam Nawawi)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">It would seem
the concept of treating other people with the respect, dignity, and kindness
you would want for yourself is a universal law for all humans everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if that’s true, it raises some questions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W_DrnKv9H5qwnvglN7gPhbv0yf5OckeZGMIy-cskCJ6VFrssLOk-II3aplk57rl_9N9DgMmHFkAWmUpxO1QbtuK6W8OGTLF0hZN5z1leUOIxLa_he9dsJFiFU2s7p1OlOupEfIXbkpHSS7xulT7PsAdj7VzMc1uk6gU4fWFKCebHvLAssFnaH2eQUxo/s1280/Slide4.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W_DrnKv9H5qwnvglN7gPhbv0yf5OckeZGMIy-cskCJ6VFrssLOk-II3aplk57rl_9N9DgMmHFkAWmUpxO1QbtuK6W8OGTLF0hZN5z1leUOIxLa_he9dsJFiFU2s7p1OlOupEfIXbkpHSS7xulT7PsAdj7VzMc1uk6gU4fWFKCebHvLAssFnaH2eQUxo/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;">But Why?</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">First of all:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why should we treat people the way we want to
be treated? For what reason? There have been many people throughout history who have rejected the Golden
Rule in favor of something we could call <i>The Law of the Jungle </i>where only the strong survive and
the weak are culled from the heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
should we value and treat weak, less talented, less beautiful, less intelligent
people with the same dignity and respect we want?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what about people who act like
animals and do despicable things?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why shouldn’t we treat them
like animals since they act like animals?<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">There may be
some self-serving reasons to treat others well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It could earn you a better reputation or open opportunities or encourage
others to treat you well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> If you scratch someone else's back they may scratch yours. </span>So, it might
benefit you to do good unto others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
only problem with these motivations is sometimes it will not benefit you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What then?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Does that give you an excuse to break the Golden Rule? Not according to Jesus and the Holy Scripture.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6vHDCdtne0_MH5f8Oya4b_5YyJFerW6BDl_tUIjwTZ7tn75HsBUfdGLcEY9vr22lOX6U291EjE_Y8hoG_jHSwnMRWUiI_7aauHOVTk3i3j7L-7T7hHTdMcYfgefFvmqVew9DZ2PG96yBMaVY_Z_IHVpFcvx_xDbWRImgIfl3NNauGf1oPBdDgJeiPf8/s1280/Slide5.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6vHDCdtne0_MH5f8Oya4b_5YyJFerW6BDl_tUIjwTZ7tn75HsBUfdGLcEY9vr22lOX6U291EjE_Y8hoG_jHSwnMRWUiI_7aauHOVTk3i3j7L-7T7hHTdMcYfgefFvmqVew9DZ2PG96yBMaVY_Z_IHVpFcvx_xDbWRImgIfl3NNauGf1oPBdDgJeiPf8/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;">All Humans are Sacred Works of Art</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">The Bible gives a
reason to follow the Golden Rule that’s outside humanity all together and
firmly grounded in the divine nature of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Genesis 1:27 says “So God created human beings in his own image. In the
image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are created in God’s image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every human being is a sacred, image of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And therefore, every person should
be treated with dignity and respect—the way you would treat a priceless work of
art.</span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;">Suppose several priceless works of art like Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh or the Mona Lisa or the Last Supper by Leonardo de Vinci were were inside a burning building. Wouldn't you want people to do everything they could to rescue the masterpieces from being destroyed? And it wouldn't matter if the building that housed them were a beautiful museum or a shack in a swamp. The value of the art inside the building is not diminished by the type of building they're in. We would want to save them either way. The same is true of every human being. Each one has sacred worth because they bear the priceless image of God--a divine image that should be treated with dignity and honor regardless of the shell that holds it.<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">When we treat
people poorly, it's a denial of the divine image within them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This kind of behavior doesn't just harm the
person on the receiving end; it also impacts our relationship with God. It's a
form of disrespect to what God has created and valued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reduces our interactions to something less
than human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>We</i> become less than
human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we treat others like
animals, we become animals ourselves. When we treat any part of creation without respect for the Creator who made it, we degrade ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Jesus said, “</span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Do to others whatever you
would like them to do to you.” They bear the sacred image of God just like you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loves people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if we love God, we should
love what He loves. We can’t see God, but we can see people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How can we say we love God (when we can’t even see Him) if we don’t love
the people God made (that we can clearly see)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the ways we express our love to God is by loving the people He
made in His image. (And also by take good care of all His creation.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">That’s not just
something Jesus said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s something
Jesus did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He treated everyone with
dignity.<br />
He valued and included children in his ministry—welcoming them in his presence
when adults tried to push them away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
spent time talking with the Samaritan woman at the well and revealed his true
identity as the Messiah to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
even kind to the thief on the cross who was dying in agony next to him at the
crucifixion—welcoming him into Paradise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeMUh0iksf9x-Nvk6omxCl39NBhVBCY8iT3FdzB7ku6Jle6c0rnpol9qxqsGPoPB3dTYoOxFrx9sRKlqzcimWk3NrUBCIYOhNQ4mqqwbIWrldyjOl5GH8fb2tlD4BOQzAHGcTRd-y9hpg_us1iGWIZVgFp71XwD2z3HwP6OG7FfroVhav4BKRxbQBEso/s1280/Slide6.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeMUh0iksf9x-Nvk6omxCl39NBhVBCY8iT3FdzB7ku6Jle6c0rnpol9qxqsGPoPB3dTYoOxFrx9sRKlqzcimWk3NrUBCIYOhNQ4mqqwbIWrldyjOl5GH8fb2tlD4BOQzAHGcTRd-y9hpg_us1iGWIZVgFp71XwD2z3HwP6OG7FfroVhav4BKRxbQBEso/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;">Why Doesn’t Everyone Follow the Golden Rule?</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">The Golden Rule is so
simple and universal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been known by
cultures all over the world for over 3000 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if people would just follow this simple
rule, the world would be a much better place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So why doesn’t everyone just do it?<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">The answer is
summed up in one simple, 3 letter word: SIN.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6cqo-4oL2N_niRY8QnTTvfDV0zXKNo0PWqZaNolZrJI-Gb9Z3-Cn6TmqIRbIONKMsT55tL7V67QA5qS28DNjFx0VKtM9EZn-sBQGaGJ18wb9BRxttFgyTj3hZEsMJMyvO5JudgN5Ng-oQ1IOk6ipqmAnPQkAClgMHYER8H8LFW8QmUva_LwF-nKfw0c/s1280/Slide7.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6cqo-4oL2N_niRY8QnTTvfDV0zXKNo0PWqZaNolZrJI-Gb9Z3-Cn6TmqIRbIONKMsT55tL7V67QA5qS28DNjFx0VKtM9EZn-sBQGaGJ18wb9BRxttFgyTj3hZEsMJMyvO5JudgN5Ng-oQ1IOk6ipqmAnPQkAClgMHYER8H8LFW8QmUva_LwF-nKfw0c/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"><b style="background-color: white;">SIN</b><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">God created us to love
Him and to love each other.</span><span style="color: #333333; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">But our SIN
is we love ourselves more.</span><span style="color: #333333; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">We are selfish.</span><span style="color: #333333; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">We want to be in control
and do things our way. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">And when we want something, we are willing to go against God's laws and moral
principles and His purposes in order to get what we want.</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">
This SIN is captured in the creation story in Genesis when the Serpent tempted
Eve to breaks God’s command and eat the forbidden fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Serpent promised the fruit would make Eve
like God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s often still the
temptation--that if we bend God's rules a little, we will receive some benefit, some reward, that is better than
what what we have when we obey God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> God's way is always the best way, but we think we can do better by cheating the system.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsveYaabgTtroFBo7bUgn0yYUF21HaiKRv4Yk3mGIab2NJFJ_5Q6ooQ9g5vTdmkR1Wk-JfxOifwvRzHVRzLJjRJ0sXmVPvQ-aQv5C9gApJhUb3589SXUsscB3irba_F_VKtZImYjY8skJkFCSErqRb8Dp_BFFLoedEoZRz3-LOd1XiDEduFWN024XYzO4/s1280/Slide8.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsveYaabgTtroFBo7bUgn0yYUF21HaiKRv4Yk3mGIab2NJFJ_5Q6ooQ9g5vTdmkR1Wk-JfxOifwvRzHVRzLJjRJ0sXmVPvQ-aQv5C9gApJhUb3589SXUsscB3irba_F_VKtZImYjY8skJkFCSErqRb8Dp_BFFLoedEoZRz3-LOd1XiDEduFWN024XYzO4/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-shading: white;">Lenten Challenge</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Today is the first
Sunday in Lent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lent is a season of 40
days leading up to Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a time
when Christians refocus their spiritual lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some may give up something as a form of self-denial to draw them closer
to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others commit to do something
positive to live out their faith more authentically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Perhaps, for
Lent this year, you could simply make an intentional effort to follow Jesus’
Golden Rule to treat others the way you would like them to treat you (in every
circumstance).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I challenge you to do it
as a spiritual practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you could
even keep a journal every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Prayerfully keep track of the different interactions you had and how you
did or didn’t follow the Golden Rule in different situations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Closing
Invitation<br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">In closing, I must say
you will always struggle with the Golden Rule until you surrender completely to
God and become a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will
always be a reason to bend or break it until you finally surrender control of
your life to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surrender and let Him be your Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you would like to do that right now.</span></p></div>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-20738888345911671842024-02-05T11:13:00.000-05:002024-02-05T11:13:09.995-05:00Ask, Seek, Knock<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxqCXmJgfXCUTltdoNUBs-Lmk7t9XbyaXeWi7i2LHNUPLlCfhFr4gZV2Vid_VRL1uYG5qw43WsDhjqW0yPddmWiLzJOVjHGdFiGCe03dvzpnciYlr15IbptzWYFkyNm_ecmaZAOr-3ohaaX7N5Ap0gg9JonObsIT_B-5Yz7yAvPuZkJoPpTjkwPGkfdI/s1280/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxqCXmJgfXCUTltdoNUBs-Lmk7t9XbyaXeWi7i2LHNUPLlCfhFr4gZV2Vid_VRL1uYG5qw43WsDhjqW0yPddmWiLzJOVjHGdFiGCe03dvzpnciYlr15IbptzWYFkyNm_ecmaZAOr-3ohaaX7N5Ap0gg9JonObsIT_B-5Yz7yAvPuZkJoPpTjkwPGkfdI/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>As we transition from the sacrament of infant
baptism, a symbol of new beginnings and divine promise, we're reminded of our
own spiritual journey. Baptism invites us into a life of asking, seeking, and
knocking, a theme we'll explore further in today's sermon. Open your hearts to the transformative power
of faith as we remember the teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount and
consider how they speak to us at every stage of our spiritual journey.<p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><b><span style="background: yellow;">Slides –
Matthew 7:7-11</span><br />
<span class="text"><sup>7 </sup></span></b><span class="woj">“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.
Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be
opened to you.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>8 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to
everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span class="text"><b><sup>9 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">“You parents—if your children ask for a
loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>10 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>11 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">So if you sinful
people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your
heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfGIgxgVST0myqo9smnBpvwpVLp3Oje3c4nqbLjoFpQQGWvY3HITeqhlYLGZdBTF_HgyOQY9tTKRmdQyYkAHC5OcTYNjrWAXZflzEBRp7Ay6FwOU61WiYVX1fQMohW_nM8JlsirWyKKUrB5pTH1OB6eKBcFzQAP58DqDVcvHndHeQBiSh0mK5L-EbaX4/s1280/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfGIgxgVST0myqo9smnBpvwpVLp3Oje3c4nqbLjoFpQQGWvY3HITeqhlYLGZdBTF_HgyOQY9tTKRmdQyYkAHC5OcTYNjrWAXZflzEBRp7Ay6FwOU61WiYVX1fQMohW_nM8JlsirWyKKUrB5pTH1OB6eKBcFzQAP58DqDVcvHndHeQBiSh0mK5L-EbaX4/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Ask, Seek, Knock</b><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
Jesus says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask, Seek, Knock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes to the most important things in
life—like your goals, your dreams, your family, your physical and spiritual
well-being—you have to have humility, commitment, and persistence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God requires it for the deepest blessings of
His Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not because God is
stingy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants to reward you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But your cannot handle the deepest blessings of
God’s Kingdom” until you are ready for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Asking, seeking, knocking prepares you to receive what God wants to give
you.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span class="woj">Wise
parents do the same thing with their kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They don’t just give whatever their kids ask for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because your 7-year-old son wants to
drive a car, you don’t let them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
might set them in your lap and let them drive around an empty parking lot for fun, but a 7-year-old is not ready to drive on their
own yet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span class="woj">Good
parents encourage their kids to persist and develop and prove they are
responsible before they give them something for which they aren't ready.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZI939mLW19necNH46xE05UvzcVNopAHZr4bSaAUdcDS39i2W4GOgWZul1neuKl4ghW-ZuHgr1oS1Q2hbAGnITV_2OY9dOUyzXTEYzBmb-gP53HTi2Rtd7HFBFTcz3r8PO6Hkl74Rw1p7tawEfk15nlkUp8OgOqNV3A7oPHsDTCNoi1-Ozx_O1Kd6sPA/s1280/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZI939mLW19necNH46xE05UvzcVNopAHZr4bSaAUdcDS39i2W4GOgWZul1neuKl4ghW-ZuHgr1oS1Q2hbAGnITV_2OY9dOUyzXTEYzBmb-gP53HTi2Rtd7HFBFTcz3r8PO6Hkl74Rw1p7tawEfk15nlkUp8OgOqNV3A7oPHsDTCNoi1-Ozx_O1Kd6sPA/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Fred Stokes<span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background-color: white;">I’m pumped about our guest speaker for
Super Bowl Sunday next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fred
Stokes, is a former defensive end who played for the Washington Redskins (now
known as the Washington Commanders).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
life exemplifies Jesus lesson about asking, seeking, and knocking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fred grew up in poverty in rural Georgia and faced
numerous challenges early in life. This fueled his desire to <b>ask</b> God for
a better life and success.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;">Stokes went to college at Georgia Southern
University. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not a highly touted
prospect for the NFL, but he <b>sought</b> to improve, to make his mark, and to
achieve his dream, despite the odds being against him.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;">Stokes was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in
the twelfth round of the 1987 NFL Draft. However, his early years in the NFL
were marked by injuries and limited playing time. But He didn’t give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He persistently “<b>knocked</b>” at the door
success despite the setbacks.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;">Stokes' perseverance paid off when he joined
the Washington Redskins. He became an integral part of the team's defense and
played a key role in their 1992 Super Bowl victory. The door of success finally
opened for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stokes' journey from a
challenging childhood to a Super Bowl champion is a testament to determination,
hard work, and faith. It illustrates how asking for a better life, seeking it
through relentless effort, and knocking on the doors of opportunity, despite
obstacles, can lead to success and fulfillment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><b><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAf8g_1YleN41oyTMtaYOnWdcFz76G8hwLL-4m0e9jqs249Fuu3_xB5w34WYqAN5h2zpsW7Hei8mZHXk4gPj8my5MLErB4kTulPPuYaQm4Y2RyHG30xIFPW4TJgZx98NwKaTusS5LVcjqNcQaRSeFG5d_IBRHJn11UbZe97mzVsnGJLih9Uv-M9YynwsY/s1280/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAf8g_1YleN41oyTMtaYOnWdcFz76G8hwLL-4m0e9jqs249Fuu3_xB5w34WYqAN5h2zpsW7Hei8mZHXk4gPj8my5MLErB4kTulPPuYaQm4Y2RyHG30xIFPW4TJgZx98NwKaTusS5LVcjqNcQaRSeFG5d_IBRHJn11UbZe97mzVsnGJLih9Uv-M9YynwsY/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Ask <br />
</b>Jesus said “Keep on asking…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Asking emphasizes
humility. We ask for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
recognition that we need something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
don’t know how to do something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
lost and need directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re not
strong enough. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re worried and need
peace and comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so we have to ask
for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate to ask for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always been very independent and I just
want to be able to do it myself—and I can do most things myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus has taught me over the years to get
over it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to ask for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a sense of humor too, because He made
me a pastor and it’s my job to ask people for help…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants to give you deeper blessings than
you can even imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, keep on
asking.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaICpQsZ3sO2aMGcV_R_qNWcLeKB7-Rr1HDcY351oBw1xgP6GQ_Hxsn3g6gFTfG3QAToa4c4ormtm91vuUDTnZRkSJX8n0I5ar5FUHu9XTXfZpPSP_wQTLmR998ATTsGtFNcWYq0QniMdIwBurkslUboQW3mSfqvhkMGulR60maYsi9_8RklodBlILaxQ/s1280/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaICpQsZ3sO2aMGcV_R_qNWcLeKB7-Rr1HDcY351oBw1xgP6GQ_Hxsn3g6gFTfG3QAToa4c4ormtm91vuUDTnZRkSJX8n0I5ar5FUHu9XTXfZpPSP_wQTLmR998ATTsGtFNcWYq0QniMdIwBurkslUboQW3mSfqvhkMGulR60maYsi9_8RklodBlILaxQ/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Seek<br />
</b>Jesus said, “Keep on seeking.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve got to get out there and do your part
to actively pursue God’s will and wisdom. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's not just about finding answers but about
growing closer to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is often as we
seek and pursue God that we build the spiritual muscles we need to hold the
blessing God intends to give us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;"><b><span style="background: yellow;"><br /></span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /><b style="background-color: white;"></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZVS0EPjx8KBMo8WDoYy7xsvPYNOCY-1ObdgrBAsB3UXOwvKOeATIPZCld5woYUBN3_BpcbhT5rhcndiwyubeaunBGRqVE6HYOLjBpDHHFlkE99PL7-4kGmYgqv7h5Jil8I03xsRh9rpJVcoC9-c2g1N2cPnkQdk2XML0f5nbjyiVAdlEo2oHV0uDduk/s1280/Slide11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZVS0EPjx8KBMo8WDoYy7xsvPYNOCY-1ObdgrBAsB3UXOwvKOeATIPZCld5woYUBN3_BpcbhT5rhcndiwyubeaunBGRqVE6HYOLjBpDHHFlkE99PL7-4kGmYgqv7h5Jil8I03xsRh9rpJVcoC9-c2g1N2cPnkQdk2XML0f5nbjyiVAdlEo2oHV0uDduk/s320/Slide11.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="background-color: white;">Knock</b><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span>Jesus said, “Keep on knocking.” Knocking represents persistence in our
spiritual pursuit. Don’t give up if the
door doesn’t open right away. Keep on
knocking.<p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt;">
Have you ever had that awkward moment when you go to someone’s house and knock
on the door and they don’t answer right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I used to deliver pizzas back before everyone had GPS. You would get the address, look on a map, and then go out to find the house and deliver the pizza. Sometimes the address wasn't clearly marked on a house. You might be 95% sure it was the right house, but you would knock on the door and not know until someone answered the door. Sometimes you had to knock two or three times before the came to the door. It was awkward, but you couldn't just leave. Your job was to keep knocking until your delivered the pizza to the right person. When it comes to the blessings of God's Kingdom, you have to keep on knocking with that same persistent determination. It is good to know that Jesus is knocking on your door too. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears me and opens the door, I will come in and we will share a meal together."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKViEJ4tnQU14O2ZHaVIGFHC-egT4xfv6Fm7T4QNnPetKx6T2uJSoKpTxqjfkn5N18x99oN4Zo6MKqkjDhpfQFGKPCuGD4Nqo8jpDlguZDTCURRYwUJcLvOdSPaztnQ2ooOm-ut_Vp2wsUZTsRXpPn3pLuWh0NMIykqdPU-Pi_SH7N_CRph5MW9WzQi5E/s1280/Slide12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKViEJ4tnQU14O2ZHaVIGFHC-egT4xfv6Fm7T4QNnPetKx6T2uJSoKpTxqjfkn5N18x99oN4Zo6MKqkjDhpfQFGKPCuGD4Nqo8jpDlguZDTCURRYwUJcLvOdSPaztnQ2ooOm-ut_Vp2wsUZTsRXpPn3pLuWh0NMIykqdPU-Pi_SH7N_CRph5MW9WzQi5E/s320/Slide12.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>God is a Good, Good Father<br />
</b>Jesus calls God our Heavenly Father, and compares Him to our earthly
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most earthly parents—even the
poorest examples—know how to give good gifts to their kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They feed them, shelter them, clothe
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although people are flawed and
sinful, our heavenly Father is perfect love and full of wisdom and power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows what we need before we even ask and
has all the power of the universe at His disposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will bless you, but you must get ready first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So keep on asking, seeking, knocking so you
will be ready.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Slide
– Holy Communion</span> with Guided Meditation<br />
</b>We had the privilege of sharing the sacrament of Holy Communion at my church Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Here is a meditation I guided them through. Perhaps this will be useful for your too.</span><br />
Relax with your eyes open and contemplate the sacrament of
Holy Communion.<br />
Breathe deeply as we rest in God’s grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Inhale peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exhale any
distractions.<br />
Reflect on the grace of Jesus' invitation to us, an invitation to ask, to seek, to knock.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On the night Christ gave Himself up for us, <br />
He shared His last meal with the Disciples before the crucifixion.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The Bread:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>He
took the bread, broke it, and asked the Lord to bless it.<br />
Then He gave it to His Disciples and said, “Take and eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my body given for you.”<br />
In the quiet of this sacred time, present your requests to God. <br />
Ask Him for what you need. <br />
Let the bread of Holy Communion remind you of God's readiness to provide everything you need.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The Cup:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>After
the meal, Jesus took the cup, raised it to heaven, and asked the Lord to bless
it.<br />
He gave it to His disciples and said, <br />
“This is my blood, which confirms the New Covenant between God and His
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
It is poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins."<br />
Take a moment to meditate on what it means to seek God. <br />
Imagine yourself drawing closer to the heart of Jesus, <br />
seeking His wisdom and presence in every aspect of your life.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Receiving: </b>Envision yourself knocking on the door of God’s kingdom. <br />
Feel the door of God’s blessings opening
to you, inviting you into a deeper communion with Christ.</p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-13307567457825193302024-02-03T09:17:00.002-05:002024-02-03T09:22:47.096-05:005 Decades of Faith - A week of reflections as I turn 50<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h0Osj086T3f4OzN0S7YPOZP16T9aKoplTT1-HW_IbZnyAOG9AG1tqelGkXxZEpX-wM1GqluF39vrP9bWaIScodD1JGF9Rx3L8nLZlzGBMdaNionVzVh37e-Rd_oseuWBlfCHpPVzascESdMEz6a2gnoJA-i_efBMM5rmUxNBwuvQCLoLqHOE_P8cfD8/s1394/1970s%20late.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1394" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h0Osj086T3f4OzN0S7YPOZP16T9aKoplTT1-HW_IbZnyAOG9AG1tqelGkXxZEpX-wM1GqluF39vrP9bWaIScodD1JGF9Rx3L8nLZlzGBMdaNionVzVh37e-Rd_oseuWBlfCHpPVzascESdMEz6a2gnoJA-i_efBMM5rmUxNBwuvQCLoLqHOE_P8cfD8/s320/1970s%20late.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing my Grandma's organ in Ohio, late 70s</td></tr></tbody></table>This week I turned 50. So for the whole week, I intentionally reflected on the lessons I've learned along the way while contemplating some of my favorite music from each decade. I originally posted these on social media over the course of 5 days. I've compiled those posts here on my blog so I can keep them and to share with anyone who is interested.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tMQVdoIxSB8759B1aQyQQiaQRpjaTIxJhj7zlQ9phOc1swXmvXsbAyWu-bZG6A-s53d1DKtujZm68vAEQmgI_pV-Y1KH0Vy7ppaC88qWM2ehZ3uTglSKrKuyjwpLEjquN1NKH5tsiJGNSnae2GbW6sNdp-ZIfGdpKISbNeejTVMWAbgjwNDAvOIaS04/s1367/1977-78..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1367" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tMQVdoIxSB8759B1aQyQQiaQRpjaTIxJhj7zlQ9phOc1swXmvXsbAyWu-bZG6A-s53d1DKtujZm68vAEQmgI_pV-Y1KH0Vy7ppaC88qWM2ehZ3uTglSKrKuyjwpLEjquN1NKH5tsiJGNSnae2GbW6sNdp-ZIfGdpKISbNeejTVMWAbgjwNDAvOIaS04/s320/1977-78..JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late 70s, playing a toy guitar I got for Christmas</td></tr></tbody></table>The 1970s - </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95g2Fi1aJDs" target="_blank">"Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce</a>. Jim died Sept 20, 1973--just 5 months before I was born when he was only 30. As I turn 50, I think of the many who died too young. I am thankful for every year I've had. It's been a great life so far and I want to make the most of all the time God gives me. <br />Following his tragic death in a plane crash, Jim's song surged and became one of the top tunes of 1974. It ranked ahead of other memorable songs like "The Joker" by Steve Miller Band, "Rikki Don't Lose that Number" by Steely Dan, "Radar Love" by Golden Earing, and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by Elton John. What's one of your favorite songs from the 1970s?<br /></span><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOuK0_S__vNjKx0-T6W0w62xf09EBdyey9CYv9fBdjGn4ZuJ1cimk-Fa7jRDlV58m4QtXNvpkUagTS-s8jfkxxqKutLvY7xWmx7-Zv2J8BhVolFEyRBx_GymlG_C-llzgv4uHNRa5VIkj3_NHGiascEJgnl8w9ySgB9VW3vV-l-HjBk-BJBWWqMoc088/s2766/1979.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2766" data-original-width="2178" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOuK0_S__vNjKx0-T6W0w62xf09EBdyey9CYv9fBdjGn4ZuJ1cimk-Fa7jRDlV58m4QtXNvpkUagTS-s8jfkxxqKutLvY7xWmx7-Zv2J8BhVolFEyRBx_GymlG_C-llzgv4uHNRa5VIkj3_NHGiascEJgnl8w9ySgB9VW3vV-l-HjBk-BJBWWqMoc088/s320/1979.jpg" width="252" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">5ish years old</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here's another of my favorites from the 70s - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqdCZ0yHNa4" target="_blank">"All Right Now" by Free.</a> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One of the songs that helped kickoff the Jesus Music revolution that would eventually become to contemporary Christian music we have today. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bAlE3Y2MAk" target="_blank">"Little Country Church" by Love Song</a> was released in 1972, but I had never heard it until 2023. I have thoroughly enjoyed rediscover some of the older CCM from the 70s.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNddtz_tMYiDr_M8LjfLlFENCg4KqlID1LjP4X7lZ965nFZnxPHjFtf1KKEFIWOXGNul5lCKk3nm_2N2pgLbdST-lcvg-y7q_MGvEoxLuWghdhy8PDBYVcj0I3gNCzafZPh6OJJss7snog9t9SrjlHllgo2l7bia2iYuQj_2KQC8Oac2fCRgQiz4Kixhs/s1370/1986.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="984" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNddtz_tMYiDr_M8LjfLlFENCg4KqlID1LjP4X7lZ965nFZnxPHjFtf1KKEFIWOXGNul5lCKk3nm_2N2pgLbdST-lcvg-y7q_MGvEoxLuWghdhy8PDBYVcj0I3gNCzafZPh6OJJss7snog9t9SrjlHllgo2l7bia2iYuQj_2KQC8Oac2fCRgQiz4Kixhs/s320/1986.jpg" width="230" /></a></span></b></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The 1980s -</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="I turn 50 this week. So I'm posting 5 songs from the 5 decades of my life over 5 days. Day 2 - the 80s: "The Boys of Summer" by Don Henley. This song, released in 1984, stands out from my preadolescent years when I spent a lot of time at Lake Tobesofkee where my parents sold concessions to crowds of tanning teenagers packing the beaches. The song felt nostalgic--even before I understood nostalgia. I sensed life passing by too fast. Today quickly becomes a memory we will cherish or regret. Whenever I hear "The Boys of Summer", I remember listening to the radio in Mom's car driving to the Lake in the mid-80s. Other notable songs that almost made the cut were "Africa" by Toto and "The Living Years" by Mike and the Mechanics. What were some of your favorite songs from the 80s?" target="_blank">"The Boys of Summer" by Don Henley</a>. This song, released in 1984, stands out from my preadolescent years when I spent a lot of time at Lake Tobesofkee where my parents sold concessions to crowds of tanning teenagers packing the beaches. The song felt nostalgic--even before I understood nostalgia. I sensed life passing by too fast. Today quickly becomes a memory we will cherish or regret. Whenever I hear "The Boys of Summer", I remember listening to the radio in Mom's car driving to the Lake in the mid-80s. Other notable songs that almost made the cut were "Africa" by Toto and "The Living Years" by Mike and the Mechanics. What were some of your favorite songs from the 80s?</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ro6OaY6xH13oVuZQVqavSr5dByESRuvmMnCkpOi5bsVqYJ_XcwMuvFDXHC7q2JMueuvyRp60684KHwBYdJbr46pdCiqbn31tpJEW9iN5_z8rhMgMcY1rJ6zu1syU1nEKSAMWNBxTMSs-DDfnALIfD1zy7iPA6dEFBJwi0JUTWmXnizOftlGpWDPhyL8/s1004/1989.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="886" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ro6OaY6xH13oVuZQVqavSr5dByESRuvmMnCkpOi5bsVqYJ_XcwMuvFDXHC7q2JMueuvyRp60684KHwBYdJbr46pdCiqbn31tpJEW9iN5_z8rhMgMcY1rJ6zu1syU1nEKSAMWNBxTMSs-DDfnALIfD1zy7iPA6dEFBJwi0JUTWmXnizOftlGpWDPhyL8/w176-h200/1989.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1989 - HS Freshman</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here's one I almost chose - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTQbiNvZqaY" target="_blank">"Africa" by Toto</a>. It charted as the number 3 song of the 80s. I never even really knew what the song was about, just always liked it. I read this week the song was written by a man who had never been to Africa but was impressed by a romanticized view of it from a TV documentary and tried to write a song about it. It almost didn't make it onto the album.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw39itOXg6v9aGJXFydl79OXK20jcITMGSD9h6aFplmz-la3LNGQVXQr1lBraj8V0TKmT3HzHYDnlLGJyP-nzPFyKR7ObBwJ-SKHO7vaA3dIUvf0H9BfqLVXJdcq8YFTSocaoRto38RuqAqnnQ9Zol5084N_cC_stEPfSqiUnyWJJFWJKksTkVZbg-YMk/s800/Excort.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw39itOXg6v9aGJXFydl79OXK20jcITMGSD9h6aFplmz-la3LNGQVXQr1lBraj8V0TKmT3HzHYDnlLGJyP-nzPFyKR7ObBwJ-SKHO7vaA3dIUvf0H9BfqLVXJdcq8YFTSocaoRto38RuqAqnnQ9Zol5084N_cC_stEPfSqiUnyWJJFWJKksTkVZbg-YMk/s320/Excort.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1985 Ford Escort</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We rolled around in a Renault Alliance. Don't let the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ3RjWBB2zs&t=30s" target="_blank">commercial fool you</a>. It wasn't a great car. But my dad did deliver new papers in it, until he smashed it into a bull who escaped a pasture and wandered across the road in the dark of night. The tip of one horn came right through the windshield and almost impaled him. Mom drove an old Chrysler, then a Ford station wagon, until she got a Ford Escorts. It eventually got smashed at the end of the decade. During a terrible downpour, my mom pulled off to the side of I-475 in Macon, GA to wait it out because we could hardly see. Another car hydroplaned off the road and hit us from behind.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCVVbhRS8S3XfOqHtBSSTI7XbqUV8-gXHOlcSB8dO-zw4GAQEupEJXcCEfiSxZEaQMnA8YN_lAR7bQBMH0bJVq1hxFh2sWgru3bm4pljtnPBUR9fOPJLZgPK6E_A4RvE4NVLK38FoiPd2Ab8dmfwpewPAxHV3nOCtBcbu9LXbAnTqH9xoIA_WZt7k8U8/s2679/1989-90.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1793" data-original-width="2679" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCVVbhRS8S3XfOqHtBSSTI7XbqUV8-gXHOlcSB8dO-zw4GAQEupEJXcCEfiSxZEaQMnA8YN_lAR7bQBMH0bJVq1hxFh2sWgru3bm4pljtnPBUR9fOPJLZgPK6E_A4RvE4NVLK38FoiPd2Ab8dmfwpewPAxHV3nOCtBcbu9LXbAnTqH9xoIA_WZt7k8U8/s320/1989-90.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly in the late 80s or early 90s with <br />a member of her favorite boy band.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My future wife's taste in music in the late 80s and early 90s was a bit different from mine. She'll have to tell you their name. I cannot bring myself to utter it.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Another one of my favorites from the 1980s was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3Pr1_v7hsw" target="_blank">"I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner</a>. As an immature boy not paying close attention, I interpreted the song as a romantic love song. But listen closely and you will see the Love the song writer describes is deeper than just romance. He wants to know what real love is--something spiritual. Mick Jones even talked about that when he said the lyrics came to him at 3 in the morning from what he described as a "higher power".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Sk3NmJRDRzsqD0tJulge2n0v4q4XJNoep9dxwEjFhcu3Q84njf6Gyx0pDq0PgLUfrGg5fh9VMNwW0b42IVT6x-jDzxmmwx_Hp-mvqBufYCB5yrDshWa9K2MD2D78QDkLofzZnd-UTqeZYuB9WcrcA8VDARLGx98meC21s1YzxZwWgwmfQrQXUDKp-s4/s8144/1990SSSS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="8144" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Sk3NmJRDRzsqD0tJulge2n0v4q4XJNoep9dxwEjFhcu3Q84njf6Gyx0pDq0PgLUfrGg5fh9VMNwW0b42IVT6x-jDzxmmwx_Hp-mvqBufYCB5yrDshWa9K2MD2D78QDkLofzZnd-UTqeZYuB9WcrcA8VDARLGx98meC21s1YzxZwWgwmfQrQXUDKp-s4/w640-h314/1990SSSS.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGNh1CbMrZUO79boLkrBuf94uW38jyT5_sXMAVLhyrjk7ea5VLqLVUTA3v6QmAI8fbypJ6AJoPwBNUSVoaJpxzyOk9hf2PM17NLqQLI82FhvayLJ_HIm-Ij_gHAmp7I3D-VCYNiaYZOi6wdnGGAyVAO4SxeY4rZ9_mdpYkK-oBYziz0iSat7bRC6jcHk/s1269/1990.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1074" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGNh1CbMrZUO79boLkrBuf94uW38jyT5_sXMAVLhyrjk7ea5VLqLVUTA3v6QmAI8fbypJ6AJoPwBNUSVoaJpxzyOk9hf2PM17NLqQLI82FhvayLJ_HIm-Ij_gHAmp7I3D-VCYNiaYZOi6wdnGGAyVAO4SxeY4rZ9_mdpYkK-oBYziz0iSat7bRC6jcHk/s320/1990.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>The 1990s - </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQBIS2zWEz8" target="_blank">"Jesus Freak" by DC Talk</a>. The 90s were a decade of tremendous growth and change in my life. In 1990, I was I was a self-absorbed and rebellious 10th grader learning to drive who hardly even believed in God. By 1999, I was married, graduated from college, working 40 hours-a-week as an engineer, and accepting the call to full-time ministry as a Methodist minister. There are so many songs that flood my memory from the 90s. Pop was in full swing. Mariah Carey began her meteoric rise to fame. Rap and hip hop became mainstream, with almost every artist including a line or two of rap in their songs. Meanwhile the grungy sounds of alternative rock from hits like "Smells Like Teen Spirit", "Loser", and "Black Hole Sun" were all over the airwaves. In the middle of the decade, contemporary Christian music experienced a revolution as DC talk released their album "Jesus Freak" that took Christian culture by storm. The title song even found it's way onto mainstream radio and MTV. "Jesus Freak" was an anthem for many young Christians like me who wanted to break away from what we perceived as the stale, "churchy" faith of our parents' generation and engage the world in a more radical and relevant way. Christian music changed in 1995 and got much better (IMHO). My faith also changed radically throughout the 90s. In 1991, I started reading the Bible every day. In 1992, I started attending church every Sunday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MfHh936DJrkQE0UN_cPuU8NZx00-Dej_GejRv6RKkOx2Bc49fI6E7ipQrMoF0ViRSyf5Tk3k128CFFDG-4iuBO2ecIm748t4TBsQWzgk64NLRbKXeaS6iZCdGmHEGC6br6xlrpAMM5UOIDBEKrh4Fvmrjp6WntCudWN2m5W0-BR5fhArL-hRqfiKpeg/s960/1994.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="656" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MfHh936DJrkQE0UN_cPuU8NZx00-Dej_GejRv6RKkOx2Bc49fI6E7ipQrMoF0ViRSyf5Tk3k128CFFDG-4iuBO2ecIm748t4TBsQWzgk64NLRbKXeaS6iZCdGmHEGC6br6xlrpAMM5UOIDBEKrh4Fvmrjp6WntCudWN2m5W0-BR5fhArL-hRqfiKpeg/s320/1994.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>with my future wife. In 1994, a crisis of faith greatly deepened my belief in God. In 1995, I joined a young adult Sunday school class. In 1996, I attended the Walk to Emmaus, which made my relationship with Christ more vividly personal. I found I was proud to bear the label "Jesus Freak", a derisive term from the 60s and 70s used to disparage people intensely devoted to Jesus (remember the line from Elton John's song "Tiny Dancer" - "Jesus freaks, out in the streets, handing tickets out for God...") Scoff at me if you want. I proudly accept the title Jesus Freak. Jesus gave His life for me. He has changed my life forever for the better. I will gladly be called names and suffer for the mission He gave all His followers to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." The culture of the 90s was often about living an alternative lifestyle. EVERYONE was doing it. LOL. Think about that.... In the midst of it, "Jesus Freak" screamed in grungy, rappy, hardcore lyrics that ironically mimicked the "alternative" style of the non-sensical anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and said quite sensibly: Christianity is the original and only authentic alternative to the world. I wanted to be part of that. I am part of that. Don't let the polite smile and clergy collar fool you. I'm a hardcore freak. Come join me.</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqs9QJD7Ecc_Jdxpv0lE-OumfholdoDnHk5CKWpwhaNdZay2VVb9RLZ0S2WRr758qNnxjMHIi51otwfs79MHEwmOjLuzo-BgPoBW48-1cdXNxO4IpKJjX7SkjomWOu04luRFZPLBQ68VZ1Yd-boUA8J2eK-bskTyDZxF-F9oJSvIEyfjNfiOuIOwWDoQ/s1167/Lacey%2090s.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="1112" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqs9QJD7Ecc_Jdxpv0lE-OumfholdoDnHk5CKWpwhaNdZay2VVb9RLZ0S2WRr758qNnxjMHIi51otwfs79MHEwmOjLuzo-BgPoBW48-1cdXNxO4IpKJjX7SkjomWOu04luRFZPLBQ68VZ1Yd-boUA8J2eK-bskTyDZxF-F9oJSvIEyfjNfiOuIOwWDoQ/s320/Lacey%2090s.png" width="305" /></a></div>Lacey was our first pet. She showed up on Kelly's door step in 1992. The owner saw Kelly holding her a few weeks later in the yard and asked for the cat back. Kelly was heart broken. She went to the owner's house and offered to buy Lacy. When she arrived, the owner had Lacey locked in a bathroom and said she didn't even want the cat. Lacey went back home with Kelly that day. She was there when Kelly and I married. She moved in with us in our first apartment in Marietta. She helped us study through college and seminary. She was there for the birth of all three of our children. She was the sweetest, most trusting cat. She lived a long happy life. We will always remember her.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmFKZzWG9yatjq4p5Ae86N9OMjxd5xNIB1nTgInmcVA0F0wU_WHFPJWvC7md5CXDUCu3HiJwI2E2mT2s1BqXtHi8fJVZef4Jd3BheuQRdxj0Sn57yK4Md8CQEs3hqKba_tHtxz-Wh_wjoWEh63gf0CG1YCT4s0vUbIcWPq-3yNeCkZ1XSBjL04JqioTQ/s604/1998b.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="604" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmFKZzWG9yatjq4p5Ae86N9OMjxd5xNIB1nTgInmcVA0F0wU_WHFPJWvC7md5CXDUCu3HiJwI2E2mT2s1BqXtHi8fJVZef4Jd3BheuQRdxj0Sn57yK4Md8CQEs3hqKba_tHtxz-Wh_wjoWEh63gf0CG1YCT4s0vUbIcWPq-3yNeCkZ1XSBjL04JqioTQ/s320/1998b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Alanis Morissette was an iconic sound of the mid-90s (who BTW turns 50 in June) with songs like </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jne9t8sHpUc" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">"Ironic".</a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrK-IxLv-LU" target="_blank">"You Were Meant for Me"</a> was released by Jewell in 1996. Jewel turns 50 in May this year. The Dave Matthews band pumped awesome songs like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNgJBIx-hK8" target="_blank">"Ants Marching"</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRXqrboJjh44aS9bvi3PkATDEWPtVMLSmLpBANpmjr1pERSzy-iCtITiEs8hLfjb8HSb0Uz3fwqLAaGCZ9kW-e4CeFqPaRmZjsA9UGR4yaL53myNLYfvaYNwR0i7T5SUf53YV9f9bA7K-uaOB0CDKxj7azcLIzP9SyPqt3b3HXBXD0TFP0gniXCYhW3o/s604/2000.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="604" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRXqrboJjh44aS9bvi3PkATDEWPtVMLSmLpBANpmjr1pERSzy-iCtITiEs8hLfjb8HSb0Uz3fwqLAaGCZ9kW-e4CeFqPaRmZjsA9UGR4yaL53myNLYfvaYNwR0i7T5SUf53YV9f9bA7K-uaOB0CDKxj7azcLIzP9SyPqt3b3HXBXD0TFP0gniXCYhW3o/s320/2000.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">Dec 18, 2000. Kelly's college graduation. <br />I was so proud of her. She finished nursing school <br />while also raising Gavin. I don't know why <br />I was staring so awkwardly. Probably just a bad photo. <br />Then again, I was only 26, was the father <br />of a 2-year-old, and had just accepted <br />the job as interim youth director at our church. <br />I was feeling a little overwhelmed. I was in <br />charge of 6 volunteers and 30+ youth. I <br />had to plan a ski trip for everyone in 1 month. <br />The first meeting I had with my six volunteer youth <br />counselors who were nearly twice my age immediately <br />devolved into a shouting match between <br />two factions vying for control of the group. <br />One of the counselors (unbeknownst to me at the time) <br />had wanted the job the church gave me. <br />Oh, and I was still working full-time <br />as the director of quality assurance in a textile mill <br />and had two more months to go on that job. <br />So, on second thought, maybe I was <br />just as zonked as I look in this photo. <br />LOL. 2000-2005 was crazy, but <br />God brought us through it.</span></td></tr></tbody></table>The 2000s - </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oofSnsGkops" target="_blank">"You're Beautiful" by James Blunt</a> (who turns 50 this month). Released in 2004, it topped charts in 11 different countries and hit #1 on Billboard on March 11th of 2006. It was also used frequently at weddings, which may be why it sticks out to me (I mostly listened to contemporary Christian music during the 2000s). I attended or officiated several weddings featuring the song. A passive listen leads people to choose it for nuptials because of the smooth vocals and sentimental sounding lyrics. Ironically, Blunts says the song is about a time he caught a glimpse of his ex-girlfriend on a subway platform in London, her arm around another man he didn't know existed. He said, "‘You’re <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9TrTfRPkxLS81RfQYAis1bTE5ao6MFdIucETeBSoGFndgw6wnYNjYSyPpJF9GXRqUssHhzlZ8IaRsFoldmjpn9HICM9me6s39MxTiB1z0GD7vn8CMCrABy1yTRoGE8hoG3y7F_vg9RIYi6_1mcttgvwBvli2xvxfBzGhwPnD4-b5tYRz5Bvew2FM4Vw/s1782/Beautiful%20lyrics.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1782" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9TrTfRPkxLS81RfQYAis1bTE5ao6MFdIucETeBSoGFndgw6wnYNjYSyPpJF9GXRqUssHhzlZ8IaRsFoldmjpn9HICM9me6s39MxTiB1z0GD7vn8CMCrABy1yTRoGE8hoG3y7F_vg9RIYi6_1mcttgvwBvli2xvxfBzGhwPnD4-b5tYRz5Bvew2FM4Vw/w387-h640/Beautiful%20lyrics.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>Beautiful’ is not this soft romantic f***ing song. It’s about a guy who’s high as a f***ing kite on drugs in the subway, stalking someone else’s girlfriend when that guy is there in front of him, and he should be locked up or put in prison for being some kind of perv.” Life can be like that if you don't pay attention. So many casually pass the years without reflecting on what it's all about. They naively misinterpret the deeper meaning based on shallow surface currents that drag them along with everyone else. Part of my purpose is to wake people up. What do the lyrics of your life song sing? What's it all about? And what are some of your favorite songs from the first decade of the new millennium?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIxnMOzvW4eO3ofUNiU_Firmp2xW6B0JWAY3wC1xkajjLJdAlnyNbvmck0Dg8EYB4sJC1EggLW1AuA5Eu8i9t7XSLOEb6GBmIPfEex5QBgmHWu2AiHqJdNGXUlDy2eJuSwVGTjDg-heGwvBUGDM2xsZowcfa1EtbFniwNakBvTotb1PLVkoe4MND-Byg/s368/2001.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="368" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIxnMOzvW4eO3ofUNiU_Firmp2xW6B0JWAY3wC1xkajjLJdAlnyNbvmck0Dg8EYB4sJC1EggLW1AuA5Eu8i9t7XSLOEb6GBmIPfEex5QBgmHWu2AiHqJdNGXUlDy2eJuSwVGTjDg-heGwvBUGDM2xsZowcfa1EtbFniwNakBvTotb1PLVkoe4MND-Byg/s320/2001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2001 Youth Summer Beach Trip</td></tr></tbody></table>2000-2005 were a whirlwind. I accepted the position of interim Youth Director of Lithia Springs UMC in December of 2000. By June 2001, it became permanent and I was also appointed Associate Pastor. I was in charge of 30+ youth plus volunteers. It's not that I didn't have any experience. I had 4 years of <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMJtsnLIOQHcdas05XcHBmKiJAjyKKttW6KSWw39wWqoeQ4KAiTDxM5gCCTwDB-Ogq06JMqwdQZGele866pDkxLES1KtComPbOv0lOrSmvNolzDzw4RVVBTSpGUft3SinGmqHuiVf8RDGCnGkoTKqa07squ0LHdeUGel6zgXY8KG2TtUiB6DdqWhYHnw/s604/2002.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMJtsnLIOQHcdas05XcHBmKiJAjyKKttW6KSWw39wWqoeQ4KAiTDxM5gCCTwDB-Ogq06JMqwdQZGele866pDkxLES1KtComPbOv0lOrSmvNolzDzw4RVVBTSpGUft3SinGmqHuiVf8RDGCnGkoTKqa07squ0LHdeUGel6zgXY8KG2TtUiB6DdqWhYHnw/s320/2002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the 300+ youth working at River of Life</td></tr></tbody></table>experience with youth groups as a volunteer in 2 different churches. I had served under two different and very capable youth directors. But I was only 26 and had a young child at home, and was attending seminary. Our church hosted 300+ people every summer for River of Life, a community out reach project with 10+ youth groups from around <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcPS07UZUrqIRCXNii8E4ePzFLoVIAjkH-LXNPJ1qvNcmO6w-X3HDMVgA5kNGyx2_xvAZnVFr1X4gxL7V0FgikESXwEh9mlqztbWMcJjVpMl7qTijiI4f_ZceprsxCOAsiobNFwETPMm3M_Z92ysC3NQnA0Bi4MF0tIi8WzLz926K5rfWZf-oqYB90WM/s604/2003aa.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcPS07UZUrqIRCXNii8E4ePzFLoVIAjkH-LXNPJ1qvNcmO6w-X3HDMVgA5kNGyx2_xvAZnVFr1X4gxL7V0FgikESXwEh9mlqztbWMcJjVpMl7qTijiI4f_ZceprsxCOAsiobNFwETPMm3M_Z92ysC3NQnA0Bi4MF0tIi8WzLz926K5rfWZf-oqYB90WM/s320/2003aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">Leading my last youth summer camp at LSUMC</span></td></tr></tbody></table>the state who came to do home repairs. And I was in charge of coordinating it all. I had lots of help (thank God), but I was the coordinator who had o make sure everything came together. It was a blast and a blessing to our community and everyone involved and I learned so much from the experience.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ABobZdDyVf2f_tY36AU0c6Af-_AwTRT3gpZJljO6xEcEPi04KhzZGpDn62GXvwTTsZjTOfdnU2KFDvr6mbBs_DW88H9LYSbCSVuilxwLY_NNZLbYjTP7r2dUZv3Ke_e96p4rGroBEOp9Ypk0LrQxNDEOtK_FH07UcYioK5DNRBbwIO38crv2N_foJo8/s604/2003b.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ABobZdDyVf2f_tY36AU0c6Af-_AwTRT3gpZJljO6xEcEPi04KhzZGpDn62GXvwTTsZjTOfdnU2KFDvr6mbBs_DW88H9LYSbCSVuilxwLY_NNZLbYjTP7r2dUZv3Ke_e96p4rGroBEOp9Ypk0LrQxNDEOtK_FH07UcYioK5DNRBbwIO38crv2N_foJo8/s320/2003b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In 2002, our second child was born--a daughter, Grace. In 2003, I was appointed as a student pastor of a small church in Griffin, GA - Highland UMC. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXcrEVFZOXs" target="_blank">"Meant to Live"</a> was released by Switchfoot in 2003. But it didn't hit my radar until the last half of the decade. I loved Switchfoot's grungy, crossover songs, reminiscent of DC Talk from the mid-90s.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In 2004, I earned my black belt in Tang Soo Do, and began teaching a Christian Martial Arts program called "The Method".</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH7oyhej3g9-Jaw6CHNAA8x4L_jGVWh8VXt5OzeBIIq1ycxtR3xJtjDLJK7X9NKQh8VttNFC1sWwWahaE5KHgS5qe-Cs86LH7GX9KTl_7Xc30BqFNxYCOmNFQZ44ePO1JtcmxkMYJZ8tXMRo1Tg1pPRKWF02F0o0efg5X8QQNlRKEFERRpantBV4HmTk/s600/2005b.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH7oyhej3g9-Jaw6CHNAA8x4L_jGVWh8VXt5OzeBIIq1ycxtR3xJtjDLJK7X9NKQh8VttNFC1sWwWahaE5KHgS5qe-Cs86LH7GX9KTl_7Xc30BqFNxYCOmNFQZ44ePO1JtcmxkMYJZ8tXMRo1Tg1pPRKWF02F0o0efg5X8QQNlRKEFERRpantBV4HmTk/s320/2005b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In 2005, I graduated seminary and was commissioned as a a probationary Elder in the United Methodist Church. I was appointed as the full-time pastor of Mt. Zion UMC in Smarr, GA. They welcomed me with a "pig pickin'" my first Sunday. It was delicious!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMO8p2t132t9qZV5YRLX4VRIgmJFRNjfdzv-JF0WiW8GD-hacVaY2Cnow4IrET7M-WgitolZ8KSUq3GimSD5FT47xysqoz_yBXzdxqTAJjr3_flstBuUq4gr1_PnkIElnA2toskSvX-ZGMlBjTrxcpS9IKPpH3kInNnu1tZj9y_a7vDjyqtHmu0sdvYP0/s604/2009.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMO8p2t132t9qZV5YRLX4VRIgmJFRNjfdzv-JF0WiW8GD-hacVaY2Cnow4IrET7M-WgitolZ8KSUq3GimSD5FT47xysqoz_yBXzdxqTAJjr3_flstBuUq4gr1_PnkIElnA2toskSvX-ZGMlBjTrxcpS9IKPpH3kInNnu1tZj9y_a7vDjyqtHmu0sdvYP0/s320/2009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We had our third child, Abigail, in 2007. In 2008, I finally completed all the steps to be ordained as and elder in full connection in the UMC. In 2009, I had the privilege of traveling to Israel to see the Holy Land where so much of the Bible takes place. Here's a Picture of me standing on the steps on the Temple Mount in front of the Dome of the Rock. Inside the Dome (which non-Muslims have not been able to enter for the past few years) most people believe is the spot where the Jewish holy of holies from the Jewish Temple of Jesus' day was located.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYd9EvMPrkPLGr5jBACeXXv45zjd9sEUD_iOXOYn1kroOxgIDhn_gPwlfvEEf0gfrEeVoiAMLFRHlArk4nTYXqoC36WT2jl1UxfcxpHmY6jxPA3e2Aeo4UHHs5xAPTaJqGe4xY8aDmf3rHRL0ZcGRSz2HBTaxSxpBPkWSo93YjK7RIrMDVgVWRRSfXg4/s367/2010a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="367" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYd9EvMPrkPLGr5jBACeXXv45zjd9sEUD_iOXOYn1kroOxgIDhn_gPwlfvEEf0gfrEeVoiAMLFRHlArk4nTYXqoC36WT2jl1UxfcxpHmY6jxPA3e2Aeo4UHHs5xAPTaJqGe4xY8aDmf3rHRL0ZcGRSz2HBTaxSxpBPkWSo93YjK7RIrMDVgVWRRSfXg4/s320/2010a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 Mullis Family Vacation</td></tr></tbody></table>The 2010s -</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-PigeOesvo" target="_blank">"Time"</a> released by Jessica Campbell Waterman in 2013. I was appointed senior pastor of Pleasant Grove UMC in Dalton, GA in 2010. The decade saw the infusion of social media, smart phones, and digital music. Streaming music gradually replaced radio airplay as a significant factor in music success in the 2010s. In addition, I now often preferred to listen audio books and podcasts. Furthermore, I've been blessed to meet and interact with a number of incredible artists and song writers. Jessica performed at my church numerous times in the middle of the last decade. She was a delightful person and extremely talented musician. She often brought other great artists like Carolina Story and Hannah Miller with her. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMjS-3RwMXOD__aKeO5EUxjJeDfcyXPortRhbMVqtRzQuOmSqXRlHZOphLu21BI357mlOJ03Eol8VQXECCijekihnvPGyC5Q1StQ6i_XBMeVfy7C7im-KaLmd1o1v3mfcHutc5Rr6V861v8XwKgDd_8AzXWU8lWG63JVwbV6LtGt7bbbTYTO5NuSVtsQ/s769/2011.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMjS-3RwMXOD__aKeO5EUxjJeDfcyXPortRhbMVqtRzQuOmSqXRlHZOphLu21BI357mlOJ03Eol8VQXECCijekihnvPGyC5Q1StQ6i_XBMeVfy7C7im-KaLmd1o1v3mfcHutc5Rr6V861v8XwKgDd_8AzXWU8lWG63JVwbV6LtGt7bbbTYTO5NuSVtsQ/w188-h200/2011.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leading worship at <br />a church campout 2011</td></tr></tbody></table>Sharing about her song "Time", Jessica said: “I believe that working through the tough and interesting dynamics of relationships can actually be the thing that bonds two people together. As we go through life, we are forced to go through ups and downs and time allows us to grow more wisdom as we try to make the most of out of life and the relationships we are in, whether that be family, work, or a spouse.”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCzT_3FXb17EK_vuRfqydGGdtGYb-_f_RZHnIeiNwCxSc9DygexOvo-BFQK7-Fwgiv6-ckfT2G9dCIlSZVDtLxncSmJuZ6SV6v0_MmLfJRNP3gONl7xJjjSHUtn11RS_ZCbL0dBFuf7mpAqzbAMXof9OvXwpL7_fdZJlGIJUEkPTt8CZCC5P6f6Dnp4U/s960/2019%20HP.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCzT_3FXb17EK_vuRfqydGGdtGYb-_f_RZHnIeiNwCxSc9DygexOvo-BFQK7-Fwgiv6-ckfT2G9dCIlSZVDtLxncSmJuZ6SV6v0_MmLfJRNP3gONl7xJjjSHUtn11RS_ZCbL0dBFuf7mpAqzbAMXof9OvXwpL7_fdZJlGIJUEkPTt8CZCC5P6f6Dnp4U/s320/2019%20HP.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2019 with Heather Petero & friends</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Others talented local artists such as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqO9u6mxaKM" target="_blank">Earl Bracken</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/woodsongsdaltonconcerts" target="_blank">Tom Brown</a>, and <a href="https://youtu.be/eQt3PYoI_iA?si=T2wAkYVrwK5eKpuk" target="_blank">Heather Petero</a>, Artist and Instruction also frequented our church. Our own music minister, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xHIO_LHdh4" target="_blank">David Crawford</a>, is a wonderful musician and songwriter. Changes in the music industry has diversified tastes. With so much variety, it feels there are actually less options that everyone will recognize as an anthem for a decade. I could've chosen familiar songs from Adelle, Ed Sheren, or Taylor Swift or any number of other popular artists. And though I'm familiar and even like many of the popular songs released by celebrity artists in the 2010s, I hardly listen to pop stations anymore. When I choose to listen to music, I <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhVn6221M0788I2ElW6fqBsY2dM18mXx9APFYpyMPuBsuCoJafLf5_AKM15HVbEW-tq5_a0MW0FmoNZ73Dc6HMCM34Cc0q6RK7_J9KPbR-gk1OK-FzUDOp3Pixx6r5fjt8tVNIpJbMPsF-MuKiy4HV0A-NMggbJFLfNx31xqo_cIkcK-Tc5narXp-dbA/s756/2016.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="755" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhVn6221M0788I2ElW6fqBsY2dM18mXx9APFYpyMPuBsuCoJafLf5_AKM15HVbEW-tq5_a0MW0FmoNZ73Dc6HMCM34Cc0q6RK7_J9KPbR-gk1OK-FzUDOp3Pixx6r5fjt8tVNIpJbMPsF-MuKiy4HV0A-NMggbJFLfNx31xqo_cIkcK-Tc5narXp-dbA/s320/2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin's high school graduation 2016</td></tr></tbody></table><br />choose my favorites from the past or musicians I know or independent artists I've discovered through the internet and streaming media (like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AmandaCookBand" target="_blank">Amanda Cook</a>). What are some of your favorites from the 2010s?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In the 2010s, we also saw our kids growing up and becoming adults. Gavin Graduated high school in 2016 and college in 2020. Grace graduated high school in 2020. We now only have Abigail left at home.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rr7nL6C5y0BTgx1iH9C5S1d3MTyz9RGNTMVYgEimlv5a8ZsJFmDrxkGDBbNYGQ2NKSYGcwD8vZXMTzBc-7O1bpS3pOADUCkE6DU-Lxnpq0LhJAUQTNiULdjT0dvdGLeA02yjWzUogj8qCq5WiyogKRpl2eJJWrTf_lYfFIxHHtPSirw9oB5HyCSbQNs/s640/2024b.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rr7nL6C5y0BTgx1iH9C5S1d3MTyz9RGNTMVYgEimlv5a8ZsJFmDrxkGDBbNYGQ2NKSYGcwD8vZXMTzBc-7O1bpS3pOADUCkE6DU-Lxnpq0LhJAUQTNiULdjT0dvdGLeA02yjWzUogj8qCq5WiyogKRpl2eJJWrTf_lYfFIxHHtPSirw9oB5HyCSbQNs/s320/2024b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2024 My 50th birthday party at the bowling alley</td></tr></tbody></table>The 2020s - </b>If you made it this far, thank you for reading all the way through my 50th birthday reflections. We now come to the contemporary, post-pandemic era 2020-2024. My selection today is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7iyDxrLAlQ" target="_blank">"Firm Foundation" by Cody Carnes</a>, released in 2022. This song captures so much of my sentiment for the past 4 years. It's an anthem of faith and reassurance. Amidst the uncertainties of the past four years for our world and for me personally, the lyrics guide me to reflect what Christ brought me through for five decades; how He helped me overcome tremendous obstacles with supernatural power; how He blessed me richly with great friends, a wonderful wife, and an amazing family. Christ has been my firm foundation and He's never failed me yet and He won't fail me now or in the decades to come. So I will continue to honor and glorify Him, assured I am a precious child of God. With gratitude, I will invite others to be part of His family all the ways I can. Thank you again for you friendship and well wishes this week. You are each special to me in your own unique way. What are some of your favorite songs of the 2020s? A couple more great songs from this decade I've enjoyed (and sung with our church praise band) are <a href="https://youtu.be/7KLQ2AXQmtA?si=9PJPAI5wmxIo_IEg" target="_blank">"Holy Water"</a> by We the Kingdom (2020) <a href="https://youtu.be/ryD3D9X2myk?si=44Z4z4K7XHi8tNmM" target="_blank">"</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ryD3D9X2myk?si=44Z4z4K7XHi8tNmM" target="_blank">God is in this Story"</a> by Katy Nichole (2023).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh, and I started a YouTube ministry in 2021 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@pastorchrismullis" target="_blank">Grow and Be Fruitful with Pastor Chris</a>. Check it out!</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittpPXYuQNFBKoIL22v8VwWpkznB0HWavSpZgUfd9XbCPMz8oqVpGOQbRETUeTV6_5xBx2FsFlnyoPyunXCBIG5d7Faf_8X1a50VcYlURR8MLMG55iB5hPxRDhgKkVsqxnr_mqfG18NqSISHndbm810pdSHUR6Tq0JXjIt0rsuRuXEhXiSq02mNx1gD0g/s1475/2021%20YT.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1475" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittpPXYuQNFBKoIL22v8VwWpkznB0HWavSpZgUfd9XbCPMz8oqVpGOQbRETUeTV6_5xBx2FsFlnyoPyunXCBIG5d7Faf_8X1a50VcYlURR8MLMG55iB5hPxRDhgKkVsqxnr_mqfG18NqSISHndbm810pdSHUR6Tq0JXjIt0rsuRuXEhXiSq02mNx1gD0g/w640-h240/2021%20YT.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-48517442004244332822024-01-22T10:38:00.002-05:002024-01-22T10:38:23.120-05:00Pigs and Pearls - Jesus' Colorful Warning<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaV5YpLLqoeASVBU6VZLUK8wrvYqMuiPjHPL0alF_eTFyij3I-skFsy74524x-I0bba9pPCO2PMV1crpa43NtyWzt7o3n1_MCVrOgoDr8H_obdJ1wCXZ0yk46BC8RgqTL5TM6Y6Wu7Qmb4srzubTi13V1j-jfq7RFob5H6eglT6119KA1rtR5Uc5Y8Bg/s1280/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaV5YpLLqoeASVBU6VZLUK8wrvYqMuiPjHPL0alF_eTFyij3I-skFsy74524x-I0bba9pPCO2PMV1crpa43NtyWzt7o3n1_MCVrOgoDr8H_obdJ1wCXZ0yk46BC8RgqTL5TM6Y6Wu7Qmb4srzubTi13V1j-jfq7RFob5H6eglT6119KA1rtR5Uc5Y8Bg/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>We’ve been working our way through Jesus
Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7. His sermon is a precious treasure filled with wisdom and truth. So far, we’ve covered 16 topics. Each one is like a precious pearl in a
beautiful necklace. I encourage you to go back and study them. Treasure these teachings for their priceless wisdom. Incorporate them into your heart and live their principles in everything you
do.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Today, we will look at one single
verse; three short sentences from Matthew 7:6.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Matthew 7:6</span><span style="color: black;"><br />
<sup><span style="background: white;">6 </span></sup></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“Don’t waste what is holy
on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will
trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.</span><b><sup><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></sup></b></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sl-CreGP-c5xvoJKGnV0ilk8MQjE_hUb44xd_72eM_dzO6rYshE_dWMoG7sWg9aujDW5KXhnAFvW-tPMhOWf5Vq0UhBA-MIayy6_Xcy-vKocxnFSmhDQUixVmdgUDk2fPgGpVnn1v4HmTQVFH3zz55vupY9MnZj4aFZVc3E72mlXcWtmoBaU8Zz1bmg/s1280/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sl-CreGP-c5xvoJKGnV0ilk8MQjE_hUb44xd_72eM_dzO6rYshE_dWMoG7sWg9aujDW5KXhnAFvW-tPMhOWf5Vq0UhBA-MIayy6_Xcy-vKocxnFSmhDQUixVmdgUDk2fPgGpVnn1v4HmTQVFH3zz55vupY9MnZj4aFZVc3E72mlXcWtmoBaU8Zz1bmg/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Pigs are Unclean<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Jesus says not to throw your pearls to
pigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Jews in the 1<sup>st</sup>
century, pigs represented ungodliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
idea was rooted in thousands of years of religious and cultural practices
outlined in the Hebrew Bible. Leviticus forbids Jews from eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pigs were a symbol of impurity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love bacon, ham, and pork chops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for the Jews in Jesus’ day, the thought
of eating these was as revolting as eating a dog or a horse might be for us
today.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">In
167 BC, the King of Syria captured Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And as a way to assault Jewish culture, they desecrated the Temple by
sacrificing a pig to Zeus on the sacred altar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was a sacrilege that horrified Jews and was remembered right down
to the time of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was still at
the forefront of everyone’s mind when Jesus said, “Don’t throw your pearls to
pigs!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Pigs
represent those who may disrespect, reject, or abuse sacred truths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the pearls in Jesus’ metaphor represent
the sacred truths of God’s Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzfBN3WN79K77qsD9IH6H9Hmnokcn6Niihm0udMt21m0LqCzCGNeG79_CDhTM1AEixL0utszurP9grCq5XIExjtvqe5xm3gsxJKT3AmX2TCMwWkYwcnMziCOmoJAmvi4uKYdXWczxxDyjB8IO_POXUdhXzChOpT-0IsK6ijfNiqMJG6t3-_1bRbiTrNE/s1280/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzfBN3WN79K77qsD9IH6H9Hmnokcn6Niihm0udMt21m0LqCzCGNeG79_CDhTM1AEixL0utszurP9grCq5XIExjtvqe5xm3gsxJKT3AmX2TCMwWkYwcnMziCOmoJAmvi4uKYdXWczxxDyjB8IO_POXUdhXzChOpT-0IsK6ijfNiqMJG6t3-_1bRbiTrNE/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Pearls are Precious<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Pearls were highly valued treasures in
ancient times, just as today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
rare, naturally formed jewels were traded all around the ancient world and symbolize
purity, beauty, and wealth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether or
not you love bacon, it’s easy to understand the literal meaning of Jesus’
warning: “Don’t to throw your pearls to pigs!”<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">But
what are the pearls in your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
are those things that are precious and sacred to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that you want to be protected,
preserved, handled with great care, and honored? The first thing that comes to my mind is my wife and children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are precious to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want any harm to come to them—especially from callous, careless
behavior or people who would disrespect or reject them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you feel the same way about people you
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wouldn’t want anyone to mistreat them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">But
Jesus has some specific things in mind when He says, “Don’t throw your pearls
to pigs!” He’s talking about His teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
are the most precious pearls of all. These pearls are priceless because they have the ability to transform your
whole life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only can they transform your life, but they have the potential to transform
your family too. They can set you free from sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can
fill you with joy and an abundant life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can help you live in harmony with God and people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They offer you eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are absolutely precious and sacred! And Jesus says, “Don’t throw your pearls to pigs!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8jYb2YRnXuzLftvZ7UkawynTO2nm1KcuuqWWaD5R_WnM2yQGjD9J8MrtCs3oyJCupAJKTUHrCU80ICEYgEH6WFDLhZLPhnYTzrNCUGqOhFi-1e70amkk0fDvCK5T-LH7SBVQX6mDcDLVXphH7cbl7kQPIDK2xGvAylMtmbjkZNvlh0ihyphenhyphenwEpa2qx4cs/s1280/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8jYb2YRnXuzLftvZ7UkawynTO2nm1KcuuqWWaD5R_WnM2yQGjD9J8MrtCs3oyJCupAJKTUHrCU80ICEYgEH6WFDLhZLPhnYTzrNCUGqOhFi-1e70amkk0fDvCK5T-LH7SBVQX6mDcDLVXphH7cbl7kQPIDK2xGvAylMtmbjkZNvlh0ihyphenhyphenwEpa2qx4cs/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Who (or What) are the Pigs?<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Well then, we need to know who the pigs
are.<br />
Pigs represent those who may disrespect, reject, or abuse our sacred
truths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But who are they?<br />
This is something that takes wisdom and discernment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span><p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">As
I’ve prayed about it this week, I’ve been hearing this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the pigs are not people. The Jews of Jesus’ day believed the pigs were the Gentiles—people who weren’t
Jews, who weren’t circumcised, who didn’t follow the Laws of the Hebrew
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Romans were pigs! But that’s not what Jesus believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
believed God loved all people—both Jews & Gentiles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">On
the other hand, the Romans thought the Jews were pigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were weak, untrustworthy, backwards,
uneducated, uncivilized, and ungrateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Romans saw the Jews as a people who would not get with the program
and come into the modern, global order the Romans were trying to establish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the Romans, the Jews were pigs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s not what Jesus believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus believed God loved all people—both Jews
& Gentiles. And all people bear God’s image—an image that is a pearl in an of itself. People are not the pigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are
precious.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;">You may know some people who seem more like pigs than people to you. Maybe they look different and act different. Maybe you don't understand the things they do. Maybe their attitudes or behavior it makes you really angry. Maybe they even seem more like animals or even monsters. Surely they are pigs, right? People are not pigs. People are precious.</p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">But
sometime people are overcome with evil, selfish desires that push us down into
the mud. The real pig is the Sin that makes people reject God and seek their own sinful,
selfish ambitions. All people bear the image of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
people are of sacred worth. But not all people are ready to receive the precious pearls of Christ’s Truth because the “pigs” of evil are still running rampant in their hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">This
is a hard Truth for us to accept because we want to stand in judgement of some
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to say, “There are just some people who are pigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are irredeemably bad.” But then we remember Jesus words just one verse before in Matthew 7:5 that
says, “Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see
well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">It
is not for us to judge whether a person is good or bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only God can judge. Yet, we do need to be careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t
want to throw our pearls to pigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's not about labeling people but discerning attitudes and receptivity to
spiritual teachings.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgm-_IVysEXHa6zMibbCgM0Mwdz8C99HduHR1prYYZtQeHgvFtn-SdTcit36D9LQ-j7LTWjwz9rofOhJy_uYk4f0_wAo19PlTWgfbskcihdl5zKu0nQAGr2-5hYHE0norwgLNYAyvxQ4r-oiC32Wui7AlyAsNi27VX9YfOZesQg6NBaOv7dk-zaAWuMU/s1280/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgm-_IVysEXHa6zMibbCgM0Mwdz8C99HduHR1prYYZtQeHgvFtn-SdTcit36D9LQ-j7LTWjwz9rofOhJy_uYk4f0_wAo19PlTWgfbskcihdl5zKu0nQAGr2-5hYHE0norwgLNYAyvxQ4r-oiC32Wui7AlyAsNi27VX9YfOZesQg6NBaOv7dk-zaAWuMU/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Prudence and Patience<br /></b><span style="background-color: white;">Be prudent and patient.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">You wouldn’t let a dog wear your great
grandmother’s pearl necklace (or a 2-year-old for that matter).</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">They couldn’t appreciate the preciousness of
those pearls and they wouldn’t respect and care for them properly.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">It’s not that your dog (or your child) is bad; they’re just not capable or ready for the responsibility.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">It wouldn’t be appropriate at this time.</span><p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">The
same may be true when it comes to the precious pearls of Jesus’ truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone may not be ready for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can’t just go throwing your pearls at them willy-nilly. The pigs may trample them in the mud and even turn to attack you!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Remember,
Jesus’ first step was to call people to repentance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Repent for the Kingdom of God is near!”<br />
Until people repent and turn to Jesus, they’re not be ready for the precious
pearls He offers. Jesus offers forgiveness to everyone, but first they must repent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Pray
for the Holy Spirit’s guidance when discerning interactions with others. Ask for wisdom and insight to understand their spiritual needs and the readiness
of individuals. God will show you if and when it is time to share your pearls with
someone. Until then, be patient and be careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">While
you wait, you can lead by example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You must! </span>Demonstrate
Christ’s teachings through your actions. Let your life be a testimony to the
transformative power of the gospel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes,
actions speak louder than words and can influence others positively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And pray for people the whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that God will prepare them to be ready
when the time is right. Pray that you will be ready to speak when the time is right.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Don’t
be discouraged if someone doesn’t respond right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep praying! Some may initially appear unreceptive or even reject Christ outright, but this could
change over time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, Jesus is the
one who changes people’s heart—not you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His ministry was marked by patience and persistent love for all people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus calls us to be patient and
persistent too as we seek to make disciples who follow Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SrSgOyMOfRReasjpZSYuzv5yjCcXQLtqkqWG3c9wX4pzrbN4bWvmhHW1AddiX3vL5xS6ejhpzN0HOthLL2arfIDbIn3WJwvZ6H9xdDjRjgtw_3Z9ScMqEqoS_W5rTVf83HmoezccIR3Q4ffjWC_YP0pYoxZbAKoa5EtggvOVxJEoLCwi4psQVBx99DA/s1280/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SrSgOyMOfRReasjpZSYuzv5yjCcXQLtqkqWG3c9wX4pzrbN4bWvmhHW1AddiX3vL5xS6ejhpzN0HOthLL2arfIDbIn3WJwvZ6H9xdDjRjgtw_3Z9ScMqEqoS_W5rTVf83HmoezccIR3Q4ffjWC_YP0pYoxZbAKoa5EtggvOVxJEoLCwi4psQVBx99DA/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Conclusion<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Following Jesus means treasuring His
teachings—really knowing what He wants of us and cooperating with the Holy
Spirit to live it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These Sacred
Truths are precious, and we should treat them with honor and respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus calls us to share His love and truth
with all people, because God loves everyone and He made everyone in His
image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we need His wisdom about how and when to show our pearls to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t just cast our pearls all around carelessly. We must be patient and pray for God’s guidance to know when and how to share
the sacred Truth of the Gospel with people.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">So
I challenge you to evaluate how you are taking care of your precious
pearls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you honoring the sacred and avoid the mud of worldly sin? Are you walking closely with the Lord, so you will know how to share His Gospel
with people? Repent of your sin and live for Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /><b>Closing Prayer<br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Lord,
grant us wisdom and discernment, and a deeper understanding of Jesus'
teachings.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Guide us in living out these
precious principles so our actions reflect the transformative power of the
Gospel. Amen.</span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-4565452020348590192024-01-15T09:05:00.001-05:002024-01-15T09:12:37.051-05:002024 State of the Communion Address<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooAP5t60bouNAdX_YpIodds7S5TDWGJxZ6-WWsfb7kT1SaC4fcOyjgxMs9wxnkTnZa2NF1qqwlVk_xj5_trZTmIWGpQk9V2t41Fv5KPALLAmEmXcuwRbGwgGFU8bo5W4D0HfmtZJ0TznGaObKitClyM3eQERhoqdkvqrH20Ufvb9PSSWN5jE4l0MEmo0/s1280/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooAP5t60bouNAdX_YpIodds7S5TDWGJxZ6-WWsfb7kT1SaC4fcOyjgxMs9wxnkTnZa2NF1qqwlVk_xj5_trZTmIWGpQk9V2t41Fv5KPALLAmEmXcuwRbGwgGFU8bo5W4D0HfmtZJ0TznGaObKitClyM3eQERhoqdkvqrH20Ufvb9PSSWN5jE4l0MEmo0/s1280/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooAP5t60bouNAdX_YpIodds7S5TDWGJxZ6-WWsfb7kT1SaC4fcOyjgxMs9wxnkTnZa2NF1qqwlVk_xj5_trZTmIWGpQk9V2t41Fv5KPALLAmEmXcuwRbGwgGFU8bo5W4D0HfmtZJ0TznGaObKitClyM3eQERhoqdkvqrH20Ufvb9PSSWN5jE4l0MEmo0/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>As is our tradition each year at this time of the year, I want to review highlights
and achievements of our church over the past year and also look forward to what
I think should be our priorities for the coming year. But, this is also a sermon. It is a chance for me to share the Word of
God in Holy Scripture and encourage you in your personal faith. So I want to begin with the Scripture God
placed on my heart today, something I believe should always guide Christians, and
something I believe we should pay particular attention to this 2,024<sup>th</sup>
year of our Lord.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">John 1:1-5</span><br />
<span class="woj"><sup><span style="background: white; color: black;">1 </span></sup></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“I tell you the truth,
anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the
gate, must surely be a thief and a robber!</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-26449" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">But
the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.</span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup style="font-size: 1.2rem;"><span id="en-NLT-26450" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">3 </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">The gatekeeper
opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He
calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-26451" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">After he has
gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because
they know his voice.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-26452" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">5 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">They
won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his
voice.”</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLL2A_DI2Gl_P78BZcRqN3Qyx8DFJVdjif3SBZYgrFHsdw5pUcK6hUhgc9URo5jlhg5v7X388bYDjBr44Jsvn_9fAjSi16vfxRCpMcj8Kfg9y1vztgysxI9zDrg9cCkpq6duz1P9PkouvJrBc_-jo3CqxTSUSEx5X2FcoT9amIPEPD3B-eNtdI1pPHTQ0/s1280/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLL2A_DI2Gl_P78BZcRqN3Qyx8DFJVdjif3SBZYgrFHsdw5pUcK6hUhgc9URo5jlhg5v7X388bYDjBr44Jsvn_9fAjSi16vfxRCpMcj8Kfg9y1vztgysxI9zDrg9cCkpq6duz1P9PkouvJrBc_-jo3CqxTSUSEx5X2FcoT9amIPEPD3B-eNtdI1pPHTQ0/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Listening to God’s Voice<br />
</b>I have been listening to God’s voice extra careful over the last
month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always do this time of year as
I consider what God want me to do and what God wants our church to do in the
coming year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And especially, since we
have just completely the hard work to disaffiliate from the UMC and begin a new
chapter in our the life of our church, I have been especially attentive to God’s
voice asking: “Lord, what do you want for Your church at Pleasant Grove this
year?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have taken time to be alone,
to be quiet, and to pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have been listening for God’s voice to answer and lead us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
But how do I know if the voice that answers is God’s?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can any of us know?<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus uses an illustration to remind people how to listen to
God’s voice and ignore all the others.<br />
The people who lived in Jesus’ day had one of the same problems we have today:
there were so many voices claiming to speak for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Zealot religious
radicals, the hippy Essenes who wanted to abandon society all together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there were the politicians, the Greek philosophers,
and the Romans occupiers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone had
an opinion to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all these voices
swirling around were so confusing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
you ever feel like that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you ever
wonder how you can really know what God wants you to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you cut through all the clutter to get
to the Truth?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus says, “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them
out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they
follow him because they <i>know his voice.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This should be our main priority this year:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to know and listen to our Shephard’s voice.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And I want to suggest some ways you can tune in to hear God’s
voice among all the distractions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Prayer</span><br />
</b>You have to get near God to hear God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And prayer is one of the chief ways you know you spend time with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer is talking to God—and you don’t have
to be all fancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, prayer isn’t saying anything at
all, but maybe just intentionally sitting quietly with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer is essential for Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is our simplest way to connect with God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m going down today after church to visit my Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to call my mom every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By talking to her regularly, I stay in touch and
know what’s going on with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, my mom
lives with my sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s there with
her every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Katie <i>knows</i> what’s
really going on with Mom way better than I do, because I only talk to her once
a week.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you want to know God voice, you’ve got to spend time with
Him in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> If you only pray when you have a problem, you will not be very accustomed to God's presence. But if you talked to Him all the time in prayer, you will be much more in tune with His voice. You will know all about what He is up to and will more easily be able to tune in to His guidance.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Scripture</span><br />
</b>Scripture is another way we get near God to hear God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture is the primary way God speaks to
His people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whereas prayer can often
feel fuzzy and intangible, Scripture is solid and unchangeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture is the foundation of all true Christian
belied and practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible tells you
who God is and what He expects from you—how you are live and what you are to
do.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Scripture and prayer go together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We speak to God through prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God speaks to us through the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more you read Scripture, the easier it is
to know the difference between random thoughts and insights and the true voice
of God trying to lead you.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw17ZatUMAKMfom_ftaeOcG0AThQRQ_J5kuJ0bJJeAHIjjcUZeW2cAlrDxAquKeGIq83iSBJGry5u6y2Ex3f3N9LiS3MhBXUxIBxg1RUGRnna2ToezQc0EGmktolqOn4I4B4Ph8d-L9lbN7OhtZ3I60LJe-wKqaKUUJ9mgZdlm8nT5KN4dcYMXaDzKA6g/s1280/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw17ZatUMAKMfom_ftaeOcG0AThQRQ_J5kuJ0bJJeAHIjjcUZeW2cAlrDxAquKeGIq83iSBJGry5u6y2Ex3f3N9LiS3MhBXUxIBxg1RUGRnna2ToezQc0EGmktolqOn4I4B4Ph8d-L9lbN7OhtZ3I60LJe-wKqaKUUJ9mgZdlm8nT5KN4dcYMXaDzKA6g/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Plug in with God’s People<br />
</b>Another essential way we get near God to hear God is by plugging in with
God’s people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a Christian who
follows Jesus is never something we do all by ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus called 12 disciples to follow Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did it in a group setting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s how we follow Jesus too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying to follow Jesus all by yourself without
a being part of a church community can be downright dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when we plug in with God’s people, God
speaks to us and leads us.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hear at Pleasant Grove, there are a number of ways to plug
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is public worship. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you must go deeper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to be part of a small group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We offer ways to get plugged in:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wednesday night dinner, Thursday morning bible
study, Sunday school, youth, children, Elizabeth Circle, sack lunch…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I want to implore you to get accustomed to hearing God’s
voice this year through Prayer, Scripture, and by plugging in with God’s people
at church.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNfgtR3MWjdBkrd4I2QfpMr-TrQe_a2MIRuhU9VJl3W0LdRLY71XsyUwDgo0CMfR81Nd_97i2z7QRzi8xQsT0S0HO5IQcuN8BrjspsnpMlBDGJpgwGd_bDA4lvc6ILruSBhsjH2XqcV2_wiHxtIlxmX99T6Bu4rioils2V7NUXTelD5MxBTOMyGRDP7c/s1280/Slide12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNfgtR3MWjdBkrd4I2QfpMr-TrQe_a2MIRuhU9VJl3W0LdRLY71XsyUwDgo0CMfR81Nd_97i2z7QRzi8xQsT0S0HO5IQcuN8BrjspsnpMlBDGJpgwGd_bDA4lvc6ILruSBhsjH2XqcV2_wiHxtIlxmX99T6Bu4rioils2V7NUXTelD5MxBTOMyGRDP7c/s320/Slide12.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Review of 2023<br /></b>2023 was a hard year, but God was good. The whole year, it felt to me like we were
the Israelites trying to escape from slavery Egypt. The United Methodist denominational
leadership didn’t want to let us go, even though we heard God’s voice clearly telling
us it was time to leave that denomination.
And when the Bishop “paused” disaffiliation. It seemed it would be impossible
to get out of Egypt. But God was our
deliverer. He “parted the Red Sea” so we
could leave. And God was with us as we “walked
through the wilderness” of raising money to pay the disaffiliation fees and doing
all the legal work required to change. In
may ways it was weary and tiresome work—but all done with great hopes for a new
Promised future.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aNkZSMjLFnIFglkfEkmZHn08D6eXDcpaQbnJUJswBWgFSfjayAkvh-U-VsKWYOqdS0sa4HtjC1SvvrDEq4vcBaM2X_stu4scIIOvF0g_vKbA1miVZBnFHthzrXUmJnmWSTdUiHK0ByUrM168uxy8JnwcUGEY_09eIe3-zdk9BfeXPd1R3AT8_zXANKs/s1280/Slide12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aNkZSMjLFnIFglkfEkmZHn08D6eXDcpaQbnJUJswBWgFSfjayAkvh-U-VsKWYOqdS0sa4HtjC1SvvrDEq4vcBaM2X_stu4scIIOvF0g_vKbA1miVZBnFHthzrXUmJnmWSTdUiHK0ByUrM168uxy8JnwcUGEY_09eIe3-zdk9BfeXPd1R3AT8_zXANKs/s320/Slide12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We also saw the Hand of God moving in many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in the desert, I saw water flowing and flowers
blooming.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<br />We started out the year with a positive--with the infant baptism of Robin Starling. It was a sign of things to come. Through the year we had seven people publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. And we added ten new people to our membership rolls--the largest increase since 2019 (pre-COVID).<br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCVISqCcronxOiJ0akuZ-KcyFLtOiGnP0wA9y0OJjYnUcqSl_wdx99iytlESQLLzsQwiY74bHRi5T5Z0POw7edFRhpVgKrcCA_-9gbfI32gZwLWYEEd-3AuyK0N_cUx7A8bMrUonujDY3rPUqZ43-vfLTw3EcDzZiwBWGrFLeUeXI-pN52dZ9Of2KOrM/s1280/Slide13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCVISqCcronxOiJ0akuZ-KcyFLtOiGnP0wA9y0OJjYnUcqSl_wdx99iytlESQLLzsQwiY74bHRi5T5Z0POw7edFRhpVgKrcCA_-9gbfI32gZwLWYEEd-3AuyK0N_cUx7A8bMrUonujDY3rPUqZ43-vfLTw3EcDzZiwBWGrFLeUeXI-pN52dZ9Of2KOrM/s320/Slide13.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Outreach
to Kids<br /></b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Our sack lunch program continued
to flourish—sharing blessings with the children of our community through PGE
and White’s Pediatrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also helped
with other needs like school supplies and improvements to the playground at
PGE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also packed over 100 boxes for Operation
Christmas Child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to Susan
Cooksey, Tom and Sherry, And Becky Haley, and all our faithful, dedicated volunteers!
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(We could use a few more!)<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_CaW0ZwhA7uUrKUWfEuqEuEGesqAMpKVj5aD3oCdAHpcucJnM7ORIa2wDucmgcHQT65jNJFkGbaLFQ26unW1ik_8iuq5mid_66bnSWOywuvBxllaae4qAByVsGu3wzgxe0MfQbiRfNqnA13q2xQsCpJa-AiNixE51RjdD1nVKrgSHt_7S3UrDo0HK7E/s1280/Slide14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_CaW0ZwhA7uUrKUWfEuqEuEGesqAMpKVj5aD3oCdAHpcucJnM7ORIa2wDucmgcHQT65jNJFkGbaLFQ26unW1ik_8iuq5mid_66bnSWOywuvBxllaae4qAByVsGu3wzgxe0MfQbiRfNqnA13q2xQsCpJa-AiNixE51RjdD1nVKrgSHt_7S3UrDo0HK7E/s320/Slide14.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Children’s
Ministry<br /></b>Our children’s ministry has flourished under the capable leadership of Melissa
Starling. One year ago, before Melissa
took over leadership of the program, our children's ministry was floundering. We needed volunteers. We needed new leadership. We needed excitement. Melissa has helped bring all of that since
she started at the end of January last year.
Last Sunday we had 9 children at the altar for the children’s
moment. And the kids have been active and
growing all year long. Consistent <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZE8QwRgbwu3b-FpppP8Z7b-EPHH5OJhc9Plrqo2jSCnrXb9ZMggZP4MAGyiJt0WasYWf2X9mkh8Xbypa8sT6R1UznyVEKsu2HirDIZSm3NMmrtjYo6_xe4Q5Yscfl-tYti3J572tzFAxoeN2KsuZjKSfVYXnTz1kjjPJXtYVLsORJSog_v1tlDihfI/s1280/Slide15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xZE8QwRgbwu3b-FpppP8Z7b-EPHH5OJhc9Plrqo2jSCnrXb9ZMggZP4MAGyiJt0WasYWf2X9mkh8Xbypa8sT6R1UznyVEKsu2HirDIZSm3NMmrtjYo6_xe4Q5Yscfl-tYti3J572tzFAxoeN2KsuZjKSfVYXnTz1kjjPJXtYVLsORJSog_v1tlDihfI/s320/Slide15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />weekly
classes, Sunday school, children’s church, nursery, Easter Egg hunt, VBS, Trunk
or Treat. And they even did a Christmas
program and went Christmas caroling to shit-ins in December. And I don’t want to pass up the opportunity
to thank Melissa, and also Sydney Harris who we hired to teach kids on Wednesday nights. This frees up Melissa to focus on teaching on Sunday mornings and to coordinating all the children's activities. And the kids love Sydney on Wednesday night. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEXXC1PPMkx6WUP-5zmpgPcWuF0spZFZvCV0PHRGkuHDYnbbEb_mFK7rMXve7-BTIzfCq-RKeoF_vDKuqwdNc0ReaUNF-JMzBYKEYeqFaP7fisk68NzTo3FHwthhmdASFcnLdR-rvQ68bScFQZtPTeOh5Y8tzD8I3BbJ7bgsG4fmQKEQ2wMNbpxC04cM/s1280/Slide16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEXXC1PPMkx6WUP-5zmpgPcWuF0spZFZvCV0PHRGkuHDYnbbEb_mFK7rMXve7-BTIzfCq-RKeoF_vDKuqwdNc0ReaUNF-JMzBYKEYeqFaP7fisk68NzTo3FHwthhmdASFcnLdR-rvQ68bScFQZtPTeOh5Y8tzD8I3BbJ7bgsG4fmQKEQ2wMNbpxC04cM/s320/Slide16.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Youth
Ministry<br /></b>We are blessed to have Amy Harris leading our youth ministry. We are all blessed to hear her brief, inspirational messages “to the youth” each Sunday morning, but she loves, leads, and inspires the youth each week on Wednesday nights and also helps teach youth Sunday school classes with Debra Sloan, and McKenzie Marlow. <br /><br />Some of the special events Amy coordinaed for out youth were volunteering with special needs kids at the Miracle League, handing out free hot chocolate at the Dalton Christmas parade, and taking our youth to Fields of Faith. She took the youth on a beach trip this summer, coordinated 2 yard sales, one of which was use to fund a o Christmas outreach t help families in need. What were you doing Christmas Eve and Christmas day? Amy was delivering assistance to families on both days. And Amy is always the biggest helper with anything that needs to be done--even with things not associated with the youth. And I would also be remiss if I didn't talk about some people who have been volunteering on Wednesday nights to help shepherd the youth as Amy teaches--Ricky Stack, Mike Wilson, Scott Denson, and DJ Seifert<p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vg_N_SqQkZzaXSqhacEgVByXzqDLwDazskYQR-mP-gHdZzx5rUVUSXym0TBuHu_JYFxMzFhkjMQGLRieO3XaUiY81Pa7TsVcNpevTZ34beuXDHHyMahoIua-ncnB0pavDHZxVbHxbklw5noH4TrwJ4IA8mQQAabcLxxX9x2ClTta2ttQI_FNDIRv_5s/s1280/Slide17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vg_N_SqQkZzaXSqhacEgVByXzqDLwDazskYQR-mP-gHdZzx5rUVUSXym0TBuHu_JYFxMzFhkjMQGLRieO3XaUiY81Pa7TsVcNpevTZ34beuXDHHyMahoIua-ncnB0pavDHZxVbHxbklw5noH4TrwJ4IA8mQQAabcLxxX9x2ClTta2ttQI_FNDIRv_5s/s320/Slide17.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Music Ministry<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></b>Another thing that I am particularly proud of is our music program at Pleasant Grove. David is humble and he doesn’t like to be pointed out, but I would be remiss if I didn’t share what a great job David does to help us have a great music program. He makes sure we have great music throughout the year – including original music, horn and instruments, solos, and special guests musicians. <p></p><p style="margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">And one thing David really focused on in 2024 was getting people involved, even people who don't sing. David found was to include non-musicians in our Easter and Christmas cantatas. Plus, we had a Contemporary Christmas Program, choir music at the Christmas Eve service, and contemporary music from the praise band throughout the year. David has helped Pleasant Grove do something that many churches in our area are moving away from--having a great choir and choral music. So many people stereotypically say, "The younger generation only wants contemporary music." But that's not true. If you ask many in the younger generations (like my own daughter), they will tell you they prefer hymns and choral music in worship. So, David has helped us have both great contemporary music and great choral music and hymns.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCq4R7964On-uY8gYMxKFCXuSvPXbjhXCi4Eg2SFevZOjOP7vrl6zsctxZ6hYOwcdIrbwuz7qg_7t63GXusraiy9WY65zCnDk1zyCcktcmDccHQGmRj1cw4Kujzx4O-vWVzrkTuoUkJa3852OzTrfUf63MR8-_KoLO1ewaGz3l-DlIncW7dV9fhBTox0/s1280/Slide18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCq4R7964On-uY8gYMxKFCXuSvPXbjhXCi4Eg2SFevZOjOP7vrl6zsctxZ6hYOwcdIrbwuz7qg_7t63GXusraiy9WY65zCnDk1zyCcktcmDccHQGmRj1cw4Kujzx4O-vWVzrkTuoUkJa3852OzTrfUf63MR8-_KoLO1ewaGz3l-DlIncW7dV9fhBTox0/s320/Slide18.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Operation Mercy
Drops</b><p></p>Our innovative outreach program, Operation Mercy Drops, was a blessing to our community, helping so many. We gave away 12 grants to people our church members sponsored in 2023. These helped with a variety of needs like hardships--helping families with medical emergencies our when a house burned as will as honoring people who are doing great work in the community or helping charitable organizations continue to do good work to help people. The funding for OMD was originally intended to last for 12 months. However, generous donations extended the program out for three years. Unfortunately, funding for OMD is now depleted (unless you decide you want to continue to program with your new funding).<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99DlIrUZ086sVpmpTbTSLO3aNB5KHRm437YYwfa2aorPmhViFLOdFtSsxQdp-_Uy6u7DpSo0wubF4H4SjweGtXIZNjSveEKhgnteHizIBTwYkEEOw7Bn6h72aUGjk4SjnNMHc7GTzYpzGH3WxYQlIqI1Ap0KmC7TnNnUm-1cb1F4O4saURbsdZ4cDJ7g/s1280/Slide19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99DlIrUZ086sVpmpTbTSLO3aNB5KHRm437YYwfa2aorPmhViFLOdFtSsxQdp-_Uy6u7DpSo0wubF4H4SjweGtXIZNjSveEKhgnteHizIBTwYkEEOw7Bn6h72aUGjk4SjnNMHc7GTzYpzGH3WxYQlIqI1Ap0KmC7TnNnUm-1cb1F4O4saURbsdZ4cDJ7g/s320/Slide19.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Look Forward to 2024</b><b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">As I said in the beginning, we need to
focus on following God’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we
will know God’s voice </span>through prayer, Scripture, and by plugging in with
God’s people at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I’ve heard God’s
voice, He’s shared that we can be excited about what’s coming this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hard work of the past year is paying off
and we will see more blessings in 2024.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I also want to share some specific things we are working on or
that I want to see this year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: bold;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu_ImEeOTE8Nay6LNHi39kcwaucA-7aJxn8HigIH4sPPAO6-6sTEuo2iTRGTACKybFDVvz4uUw9nXe-kWN4rex6EuiPXjWn7K_2VPKyl1emP5qBPqPOjOD19rxvWgio2OmIPU_u4MGAdpYbRLQkLcZH_yNzu8mPGFXTp4NMV9lcxj1PhTahsjvVZdm70/s1280/Slide20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu_ImEeOTE8Nay6LNHi39kcwaucA-7aJxn8HigIH4sPPAO6-6sTEuo2iTRGTACKybFDVvz4uUw9nXe-kWN4rex6EuiPXjWn7K_2VPKyl1emP5qBPqPOjOD19rxvWgio2OmIPU_u4MGAdpYbRLQkLcZH_yNzu8mPGFXTp4NMV9lcxj1PhTahsjvVZdm70/s320/Slide20.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>New Hymn<br />The old United Methodist Hymnals were given back to the UMC as part of our disaffilation agreement. However, that hymnal was over 40 years old and out of date. We are getting a new hymnal in 2024. We've already ordered 20 for the choir, and we will give our members a chance to order one in memory or in honor of someone soon. Our sanctuary will be filled with hymnals. And the one we've chosen, "Our Great Redeemers Praise", is a great hymnal. It may be one of the most comprehensive hymnals published in decades and it will be an upgrade from the hymnal we were using before. While many churches are moving away from hymnals, Pleasant Grove is going to upgrade and show our commitment to this ancient but still greatly relevant form of worship. How exciting!<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b style="background-color: white;"></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtS-00KOITah5b4DZjtG6hrGdkY-rHio32EOiN9Utzl8wonW52kLRP45LWA5joYCMXHgAeFz4TcZcwYHqrmouFJMa7ErXInD2U0axObQoSrOAjiwgPPDMLQzb-KsbOw76VvKqEVjQ_fZnHbVLjPFM4mnvPivFzTHvIAjbpWG1nrfoXES4F45-2Qwqkho/s1280/Slide21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtS-00KOITah5b4DZjtG6hrGdkY-rHio32EOiN9Utzl8wonW52kLRP45LWA5joYCMXHgAeFz4TcZcwYHqrmouFJMa7ErXInD2U0axObQoSrOAjiwgPPDMLQzb-KsbOw76VvKqEVjQ_fZnHbVLjPFM4mnvPivFzTHvIAjbpWG1nrfoXES4F45-2Qwqkho/s320/Slide21.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="background-color: white;">New Church Directory</b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">We will publish a new church pictorial directory in 2024. Our current directory is way out of date. In fact, we were preparing to update the directory in 2020 when the pandemic hit. This year, we are committed to finally publishing and new one so all the members of our church are properly listed so we can keep in touch and know all our church family.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5az4oL3N2lzYWnp6U5PC4Z2cl9Tr8yF929v9y7abOC0giDu5x389QfMEZEJDfxtV2y03lAulaPPxcyFYJOKUYtI6fokJctigab6UQKhtdiI6yGP5AoaEH6px5U7TEfwVPh5cEkadZwDLNNQerQJLZpM3CVkhrMAU76M4HoJEIhSGyu_BAYSLDcDY4s4U/s1280/Slide22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5az4oL3N2lzYWnp6U5PC4Z2cl9Tr8yF929v9y7abOC0giDu5x389QfMEZEJDfxtV2y03lAulaPPxcyFYJOKUYtI6fokJctigab6UQKhtdiI6yGP5AoaEH6px5U7TEfwVPh5cEkadZwDLNNQerQJLZpM3CVkhrMAU76M4HoJEIhSGyu_BAYSLDcDY4s4U/s320/Slide22.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Clean Up Membership Roll<br />We are going to clean up our church membership roll in 2024. We have already done a great amount of work to convert our old handwritten membership books into an electronic database This was invaluable as we went through the disaffiliation process with the UMC. Volunteers were essential in this work. Walker England and Matthew Head helped enter some of the names. But the chief worker in this process was Donna Phillips, who entered 95% of the names. Thank you Donna Phillips! <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Now that the membership roll is in electronic format, it will be much easier to audit the rolls and remove persons who have moved away, joined other churches, or who have passed away and are no longer living members of congregation. We will do this work in 2024. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0aO2i9oBZLcCYzfOhBzuF9ifucmXA-W3bSAnteyq9SRahR5JMImHxXngepc3CF3gqFhQM9SimGqquQFDdaoAEi0BSvnm-29jv_sqsMOrSL-VzxYvv9jm3xJwEtaeM8-_S8UgVvTHfx_KWPI3lAt4avzFie6fQX1-p0HgV2zCg8crKt77t-SwYlt9Oc0/s1280/Slide23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0aO2i9oBZLcCYzfOhBzuF9ifucmXA-W3bSAnteyq9SRahR5JMImHxXngepc3CF3gqFhQM9SimGqquQFDdaoAEi0BSvnm-29jv_sqsMOrSL-VzxYvv9jm3xJwEtaeM8-_S8UgVvTHfx_KWPI3lAt4avzFie6fQX1-p0HgV2zCg8crKt77t-SwYlt9Oc0/s320/Slide23.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Get Excited for 2024!<br />
</b>I want to encourage you to b<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">e excited about what’s happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are part of a new Global Methodism
Movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is moving in Methodism—not
just in our church, but all around the world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s exciting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get to be
part of something great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s get
motivated!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s get involved and be
part of what God is doing!<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Get excited about our
church! Invite people to come and be part of the great things we are doing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Get excited about our music!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(We do praise
music <i>and</i> choir <i>and</i> we’re getting a new hymnal!) <br />Get excited about our children’s ministry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our youth ministry!<br />
Get excited about our ministry with adults!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our fellowship!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Get Our incredible outreach to help our community! (And even the world –
Pakistan!)<br />
Get excited about how we stand upon the Truth of God’s Word <br />
<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>and yet also</b></i><b> love
and accept everyone!<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In 2024, we are following the voice of the Great Shepherd
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>and we can be a place for
others to follow Him too.</b></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p></div>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-19980487116738143462024-01-08T10:30:00.001-05:002024-01-08T10:30:11.369-05:00Did Jesus Really Mean We Can't Judge People At All?<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEadg_2xLwtRbFkus5oQMng8TNv2c73Lw5A8VFzANRBQWFvJbMYSWCsmOGcPF-t5wz91L5IfcNpDFO8cYy1y3PzYRnQ06I4zux-GIzz4T44nZd98gs4oOyC2abLl6eRsQ-PI01x1AC-WH7MQEfn3KngGpUZAzfVHcBDUP84rPQMmXIP0HLxN8-eFFrcc/s1280/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEadg_2xLwtRbFkus5oQMng8TNv2c73Lw5A8VFzANRBQWFvJbMYSWCsmOGcPF-t5wz91L5IfcNpDFO8cYy1y3PzYRnQ06I4zux-GIzz4T44nZd98gs4oOyC2abLl6eRsQ-PI01x1AC-WH7MQEfn3KngGpUZAzfVHcBDUP84rPQMmXIP0HLxN8-eFFrcc/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>When I arrived at church early Sunday morning, I was surprised to find a pickup truck parked crooked across the space where I normally park. I thought it was sort of odd because no one is usually at church that early and people don't normally park in that spot. Furthermore, the truck was taking up 2 spaces. As I wondered what was going on and also noticed the lights inside the church were not on yet, our sound technician came walking out toward me and said, "Hey Chris. I got here early to turn on the organ for Sarah (his wife). It acts funny if it doesn't have a couple hours to warm up. I wasn't sleeping well and decided to come on down and turn it on."<p></p><p><br />I'm gad I didn't judge Bobby for parking so badly this morning before I found out the whole story. He wasn't worried about parking properly. No one else was going to be at church and he would only be there a couple minutes. So he just pulled in real quickly. He's such a good husband to help out his wife like that--and to help out the church so we have a good sounding organ in worship.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX9nGzdcwlDuxweoIO73vzcxhFXWQdw1L61WUfmE4kjqtjFUWzAifiQM6-IFNmm8DFh6Ln9lomHMAeZtMiX5JDjc030yxSI8o7cqKHSj0L4-1IqRLwtfI42qtOGiinkXWW_ZOx3TB3OznEItqAR2sz61z4wF8AQBnNeNoQwBARM-UJGl1W450SBRU2fs/s1280/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX9nGzdcwlDuxweoIO73vzcxhFXWQdw1L61WUfmE4kjqtjFUWzAifiQM6-IFNmm8DFh6Ln9lomHMAeZtMiX5JDjc030yxSI8o7cqKHSj0L4-1IqRLwtfI42qtOGiinkXWW_ZOx3TB3OznEItqAR2sz61z4wF8AQBnNeNoQwBARM-UJGl1W450SBRU2fs/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Meanwhile, I go on in to my office and realize, I've had a small piece of toilet paper stuck to my chin the whole time I was talking to Bobby. I nicked my chin shaving that morning and used the toilet paper to stem the blood. I didn't expect to see anyone at church so early and didn't think about the toilet paper stuck to my chin as I was talking to Bobby. Bobby never said anything about it. I'm glad he didn't judge me either!<p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Matthew 7:1-5</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
<span class="woj"><sup>1 </sup></span></span></b><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>2 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you
use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black;">3 </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">“And why worry about a speck in your
friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?</span></span><span style="color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>4 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get
rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own
eye?</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>5 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will
see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyVWL4OuBAcENsccesiHHy4TYdNxy9NVkOnMlgK7u5m5I0X3bhRe12RWWrNHUUfEtuc7T8VQ1A3uy61NpxR6V5de4gx4BXk1-55v2ix908imR9iqJeurqMwx4OY3dGFqiBJhnA42kCxrWpM4CXYn-AqpFD79CzuyXmBvXFEeqRYJbAuEG9FIjLm9buOI/s1280/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyVWL4OuBAcENsccesiHHy4TYdNxy9NVkOnMlgK7u5m5I0X3bhRe12RWWrNHUUfEtuc7T8VQ1A3uy61NpxR6V5de4gx4BXk1-55v2ix908imR9iqJeurqMwx4OY3dGFqiBJhnA42kCxrWpM4CXYn-AqpFD79CzuyXmBvXFEeqRYJbAuEG9FIjLm9buOI/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Judging vs. Being Judgmental<br />
</b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Jesus words here are often misused and
misunderstood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saying defensively, “Judge
not lest ye be judged!” has become a common comeback when people get challenged
on their bad behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did Jesus really
mean we can’t call people out on their bad behavior or even make judgments of
any kind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Absolutely
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, if you skip down just a
few more verses in this same chapter, Jesus teaches people how to judge if
someone is a false prophet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says you
judge them by their actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a
difference between judgement and being judgmental.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;">Good
judgment is a virtue the Bible applauds, and it is a valuable asset in
life.<span style="color: black;"> </span>We need to use good judgment.<span style="color: black;"> </span>When a boy wants to date your daughter, you definitely need good judgment. If the boy shows up acting high and wearing a t-shirt with a pot leaf on the front, good judgment says, "This boy is not taking my daughter out on a date!" You have to have wisdom in like, which include using good judgment about people and situations. Good judgment is based on facts about people’s behavior.<span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;">Being judgmental is rushing to judge someone negatively based on limited
information. If you notice someone has parked their truck crooked. Well,
that’s a fact. You can see the fact and know it. But you need more
information to make a good judgment about why the truck is parked crooked. But
the judgmental person won’t wait for more information. They rush to judgment. They
might say: “The person who parked that crooked is a bad driver or is inconsiderate or must
be drunk.” And when we are judgmental, there’s often a feeling of superiority attached
to it. We might say, “I would never park like that. I'm not <i>that kind of person.</i>”</p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiz9Au9KzYRN1AClE5Rz1e1GNPVza9GZIX7z93269nlITonZgnwjtWNREl7auFC5E7m0ra9L88p8kYJbh__vtSa1gumgeRxAWPEUI728mwLdBmVqP8V-byvLyfQdQhTInLZJgJDfiSQu0Db5xvmFXR56BZIUWdU3Ppci2x5iwSQzwwX_-uUy2tR3ScDZU/s1280/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiz9Au9KzYRN1AClE5Rz1e1GNPVza9GZIX7z93269nlITonZgnwjtWNREl7auFC5E7m0ra9L88p8kYJbh__vtSa1gumgeRxAWPEUI728mwLdBmVqP8V-byvLyfQdQhTInLZJgJDfiSQu0Db5xvmFXR56BZIUWdU3Ppci2x5iwSQzwwX_-uUy2tR3ScDZU/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;">The meaning of Jesus teaching in Matthew
7:1-5 should be clear. Don’t be
judgmental. He even uses a funny illustration to drive home the point. “Why worry about the speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own
eye?”</p><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">We
all have issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are gracious with ourselves when it comes to our own faults, but we might not extend the same grace to
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My problems aren’t that bad
because… I have a reason for this bad behavior. If people understood, they would excuse me. But my neighbor’s behavior is
truly annoying, disappointing, or appalling…”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus
points out vividly that <i>our</i> sins are no small thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did He describe them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said they are like a “log in your eye”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you saw someone with a log in their eye, you would immediately call 911 and rush them to the hospital. And that's the way Jesus described our spiritual condition!</span></p><p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;">Our sin is so rancorous it required Jesus to die for us on the cross.<span style="color: black;"> </span>That’s serious.<span style="color: black;"> </span>But often, we would rather worry about everyone else’s sin than come to terms
with our own. It’s more comfortable to focus on everyone else’s sin than deal with our own. But Jesus reminds us, we have a serious problem. We need to be taken to a spiritual emergency room, not be worrying about the specks in our neighbor's eye.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in;"><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdtp7UQ1CmXw-fJxBzNvxExAwfpDRWEqWeZ7SPSgaIgngItmdRoeZOtRJAkWp5XcElG-_qrPJ0IF8YTsZ8qj8BfM8RL4h0hVLAAbcl3yZoDWTxJirWDalrJHxE372MtVsZKN5ePBC1iWDyBm31gDgvGLakThVXeCDoTs03pTn29lQxcPw_xDi7H90_TM/s1280/Slide11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdtp7UQ1CmXw-fJxBzNvxExAwfpDRWEqWeZ7SPSgaIgngItmdRoeZOtRJAkWp5XcElG-_qrPJ0IF8YTsZ8qj8BfM8RL4h0hVLAAbcl3yZoDWTxJirWDalrJHxE372MtVsZKN5ePBC1iWDyBm31gDgvGLakThVXeCDoTs03pTn29lQxcPw_xDi7H90_TM/s320/Slide11.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="background-color: white;">Warning<br /></b>Jesus gives a stern warning. He said, “The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” This has at least 2 ramifications for your life. One for now. One for later. If you are gracious, think the best of people, and give them the benefit of the doubt, people tend to be gracious with you too. But if you are overly critical of others, you may be over-critical of you. So there is an immediate benefit if you have a generous spirit with others. <br /><br /><p></p><p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in;"> But there may be consequences for being judgmental later too. We will all stand before Jesus one day. As the Apostles' Creed says, "We believe Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead..." Now that’s a sobering thought. Especially when you consider Jesus words: “The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” How do you think Jesus will take it if you have been judgmental all your life with other people? Why should he be gracious about your faults if you have refused to be gracious with others?</p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgf-5nghVh2FLqv-r-EGigx6pyyexHZyf-Hctesz9TCcc8Uiquf200i7I5wYCm5jeBftkHEREvQcEKXiO1FRF3Nuo-g2UAqPKjacvjVZbNU-NkJYUpbnsOEy2hnY0eEb37PrAUqTeyp6M5uLVpxlGCafVEbXssF-CW6wYgKN95urAEfJ1trbNTl5b6HI/s1280/Slide12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgf-5nghVh2FLqv-r-EGigx6pyyexHZyf-Hctesz9TCcc8Uiquf200i7I5wYCm5jeBftkHEREvQcEKXiO1FRF3Nuo-g2UAqPKjacvjVZbNU-NkJYUpbnsOEy2hnY0eEb37PrAUqTeyp6M5uLVpxlGCafVEbXssF-CW6wYgKN95urAEfJ1trbNTl5b6HI/s320/Slide12.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Conclusion<br />
</b><span style="color: black;">Now back to the log in your eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can you do about that? That’s why Jesus came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, you’ve
got a log in your eye! I’m not judging you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got one in my
eye too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are <i>we</i> gonna do about these logs sticking in our eyes! That’s why Jesus came.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Here's
the biggest log – Sin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sins. Sins are the bad things we do. But <i>the </i>SIN is rejection of God. It is the attitude from which all the other bad behaviors flow. We have turned away from God. We don't not want Him to be in charge of our lives. We want to live however we want to live. We put ourselves above God. That is the Sin that leads to all the other sins. And Paul tells us in the letter to the Romans: <br />All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard. <br />
And the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through
Christ our Lord.<br />
So call upon Jesus and be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe Him in your heart and confess He is Lord with your words.<br />
Take up your cross and each day and follow Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus can remove the log from your eye (and from your neighbor's) if we will let Him. But we have to repent, turn away from our sin, and let Him heal us. Won't you do that today?</span></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-38303889035889166552024-01-01T09:24:00.001-05:002024-01-01T09:24:15.513-05:00Don't Worry. Seek the Kingdom.<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wRCVLA4tW7dYJ6KiIRRQGG1cq2_W0zXpdfiMTAx17Fac9tnUMCYrciKgitkd3_6v3cEg8bUD-elKSbhx4C9cerwLVtxXWjq6IOO6CmttDeQOsmLemPJiH2gbVoNXyQh4Z3pXjxoQIM_pywdACjTskD022shc-oqXZAl7Ysj74ofT2phqM24_pvAsfNk/s1280/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wRCVLA4tW7dYJ6KiIRRQGG1cq2_W0zXpdfiMTAx17Fac9tnUMCYrciKgitkd3_6v3cEg8bUD-elKSbhx4C9cerwLVtxXWjq6IOO6CmttDeQOsmLemPJiH2gbVoNXyQh4Z3pXjxoQIM_pywdACjTskD022shc-oqXZAl7Ysj74ofT2phqM24_pvAsfNk/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction</b><br />On the last day of 2023, it's a good idea to reflect on where we've been and consider where we are going. What a crazy year it’s been! Do you remember what you were doing this time last year? I do. I was still in shock from a terrible and unfair decision by the North Georgia UMC bishop's decision to cancel the disaffiliations of nearly 200 churches in our conference. We didn't know what to do or if their was anything we could do. But here we are one year later and God is good. He has opened doors we thought couldn't be opened. And December 31st, 2023 is the last day my church and I belong to the UMC. On January 1st, we will be free and will be Global Methodist! Praise be to God! <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rwDMPyIzeaagYw7h4p8osUS5hwA8XC42klZfZl6UWfFx-QEjAelMnilfzuCwTAOkj1sUeDFZw1DfHi-GXWTRiAy1V-kFGAsLVuZDJ0rIOjA77b0Zb3rdzrjKso6UNEyVzdeu1a6MGlm50bMvW7Vhps3nhvY6Ocjx7yWtELG5NRTkXwOTGV_hYQUF-3Q/s1280/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rwDMPyIzeaagYw7h4p8osUS5hwA8XC42klZfZl6UWfFx-QEjAelMnilfzuCwTAOkj1sUeDFZw1DfHi-GXWTRiAy1V-kFGAsLVuZDJ0rIOjA77b0Zb3rdzrjKso6UNEyVzdeu1a6MGlm50bMvW7Vhps3nhvY6Ocjx7yWtELG5NRTkXwOTGV_hYQUF-3Q/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Can I just be honest with you for a minute? I
need to confess something this morning. You see, I thought I had really done something 23 years
ago when I answered the call to ministry.
I thought I was really trusting God with BIG faith. I walked away
from a promising career as an engineer to follow Jesus. I graduated from
college when I was 23. I started a career as a textile engineer.
But then God called me to be a preacher. And so after only 3 years into
my career, I stepped out in faith and became a United Methodist minister.
I thought my wife might leave me, because me going into the ministry had never been part of our plans. She chose to marry a straight-laced, dependable man with great career prospects. Leaving all that took a lot of faith for me and Kelly. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But as scary as it was, there’s acyually a lot of
security for ministers in the United Methodist Church. We had health
insurance, a pension, a decent salary, and a <i>guaranteed appointment. </i>Yes,
we had to go wherever they sent us and they moved us away from family and
friends frequently. But we also had job security. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Now, I never took anything for granted. <b>Ephesians
6:</b>7 says, “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord
rather than for people.” So, I’ve always tried to do my best, because I
realized I didn't really work for the United Methodist Church. I work for
the Lord. The UMC was an ally, <i>for a time</i>, that helped me fulfill <i>my</i>
calling to help people grow closer to Jesus. But I’ve always said if the
UMC ever departed from traditional Scriptural Christianity, I would depart from
the UMC. And that time has come.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">And so, I’m walking away from a second career. As
of <i>January 1st, 2024</i>, I will no longer be a United Methodist minister. I
will be a Global Methodist minister. And I’ve had to trust the Lord in
this. Because I am walking away from something I’ve known very well for
the past 2 decades into an unknown future and an unproven denomination with
less job security than the UMC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But I know this is where God is leading me. And I
trust Him! He has never failed me yet. He won’t fail me now. I
am His servant. It is a privilege to serve Him and god wherever He leads! </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I want to read to you one of my favorite passages from
God’s Holy Word–something that has encouraged me my whole life as a Disciple of
Jesus Christ. It’s right in the middle of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Matthew 6:25-33<br /></b></span></span>25 “That is why I tell you not to
worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough
clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for
your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than
they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the
lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,
29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30
And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown
into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so
little faith?</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What
will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate
the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your
needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he
will give you everything you need.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx96JF3Vq76utOux__0vdxGqVUsl-jf7psJZHsv1fvZjmz1LEEzzWr-3m3yxhXF0Pp0S-pCelmtYgf3zgVoJmMb398xGXpTPRpURiWFA9qeNbgmUlPkY2jT18ucH89fkjUrZPTeygkvrnBIRNI9y6RTPtdYl_U-H1AdRcUAXusJK_EomDL_xfnZSBac9s/s1280/Slide11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx96JF3Vq76utOux__0vdxGqVUsl-jf7psJZHsv1fvZjmz1LEEzzWr-3m3yxhXF0Pp0S-pCelmtYgf3zgVoJmMb398xGXpTPRpURiWFA9qeNbgmUlPkY2jT18ucH89fkjUrZPTeygkvrnBIRNI9y6RTPtdYl_U-H1AdRcUAXusJK_EomDL_xfnZSBac9s/s320/Slide11.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Seek Ye First the Kingdom of
God…<br /></b>I’ve tried to make that verse 33 the
theme of my whole life and ministry. In the old King James Version it
goes, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you.”<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">If you think about it, that’s the whole theme of the
Bible. Isn’t it? Go all the way back to the Garden of Eden in Genesis. What do you find? There’s Adam and Eve living in paradise. God has given them everything
they need. They have food. They have peace. They have
protection. They’re naked and don’t even care. They aren’t ashamed. They don’t feel vulnerable and exposed. (Now you think about that.
They are wild animals roaming all around–lions, tigers, and bears–and Adam and
Eve are totally naked. No knife. No bear spray. No gun. No weapons. Not even a
scrap of clothing. But they weren’t “naked and afraid”. Why? Because God provided everything they needed.) </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">That is the way we were all meant to live. It’s a
life where God provides everything we need–just like He cares for the birds of the sky and the flowers of the field. Oh that we could go back to that Garden in Eden and live without a care in the
world. Where we can walk in harmony with each other and with God!</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZ0evA8zmqIIDoI5jhQojcH3UiwzR1NWbDkMM5CR9oELxt9-65TP_5y7b8FxqT6IpLihKjbXxJDpeDpvNOnWTNAhQWTwhRT_qLyqrf6kV1LO9dwl8VaESBoMEI2aWPIwp5Pii8hz0Nc1LpHgRIMnn1sDnXu0UyAgR3HjuvPuhcMCsWVxu3lmy_AmaHr8/s1280/Slide12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZ0evA8zmqIIDoI5jhQojcH3UiwzR1NWbDkMM5CR9oELxt9-65TP_5y7b8FxqT6IpLihKjbXxJDpeDpvNOnWTNAhQWTwhRT_qLyqrf6kV1LO9dwl8VaESBoMEI2aWPIwp5Pii8hz0Nc1LpHgRIMnn1sDnXu0UyAgR3HjuvPuhcMCsWVxu3lmy_AmaHr8/s320/Slide12.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Sin Wrecked It All!<br /></b>Ah but sin! Sin came in and wrecked it all!
It wrecked you! It wrecked me! And the curse of sin is that we must scrape a living from the dust of the
ground. And try as we might, it’s constantly producing thorns and thistles! Do you have any thorns and thistles in your life–in
your family, in your work?<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">And so the curse of sin has always meant, “By the sweat
of your brow will you have food to eat.” I always thought that sweat meant the sweat that comes from the hard work of
farming. But it’s not. There’s nothing wrong with working hard and sweating.
That’s a good thing. A cleansing thing. SOme people (like me) actually enjoy doing hard work with there hands.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">No, “sweat of your brow” means the sweat that comes
from the deep, overwhelming anxiety we have when we think, “Oh no! It’s all up
to me! The fate of my family and the people I love rest on <i>my
shoulders</i>. Whether I live or die will be a result of my own
hands.” Have you ever been so stressed out and worried drops of sweat
literally broke out on your forehead? THAT is the sweaty, anxious curse
God proclaimed in Genesis 3:19, “By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the
ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust
you will return.”</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b style="background-color: white;"></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TScaaQgkFbSf8iEZ-fiCE81rZBjh8GLjQwDZf0WKT_DMwDz4nRr-AYcCuuI0zkTNEUk5xf2sBMfnhReTDDJqqHfNpPlvHrbBLfTmHPjvbiFIWps0T5Qoz_UhndBIjIHjMUfl2uH3JJv-BQoS021hCUyfDZw87PAJa9tnqBgVFq0WVvN20_grSeM-o1c/s1280/Slide13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TScaaQgkFbSf8iEZ-fiCE81rZBjh8GLjQwDZf0WKT_DMwDz4nRr-AYcCuuI0zkTNEUk5xf2sBMfnhReTDDJqqHfNpPlvHrbBLfTmHPjvbiFIWps0T5Qoz_UhndBIjIHjMUfl2uH3JJv-BQoS021hCUyfDZw87PAJa9tnqBgVFq0WVvN20_grSeM-o1c/s320/Slide13.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="background-color: white;">Jesus Breaks the Curse!</b><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span>But praise God! Hallelujah! Jesus came to break the curse! That’s
what it’s all about! Jesus is our redeemer! He redeems us from our sin. He heals our
whole lives. His life, death, and resurrection mean we know longer have
to drown in the anxious sweaty drops of worrying whether we will have food to
eat and clothes to wear. In the words of one of my favorite Christmas
songs: “No more let sins and sorrows
grow! Nor thorns infest the ground! He comes to make His blessings
flow, far as the curse is found! Far as the curse is found!” We
don’t have to feel ashamed and naked because of our sin. We don’t have to
fear death, because Jesus gives us new life–new life now and for all
eternity! <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And so Jesus invites us all in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come
to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle
at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I
give you is light.” Jesus is leading us back to Eden–back to life in
Paradise where we don’t have to worry where our next meal will come from or if
we will have a job in the morning or if our church property will get seized by
a corrupt denomination. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">
It is Eternal Life, and it starts the moment we put all our faith in Jesus and
follow Him.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsC6ot3X7Mz_p4E-2gP3Yo33Eidb_WhXZC2-ORFgZ3-edAJwtS8298xXJx1_pEBQ0J-MqeOT4S4yt-J1WSUfVdio9CDxZk63hKf_PF7Jk3rcgWErSCeHpUy8mGjUvIoJS1TZm4W3WGbSMOVbs_oJitWXbiO2BmynRe-z3GhI8IzEXY87HA-gvRbXo5UeM/s1280/Slide14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsC6ot3X7Mz_p4E-2gP3Yo33Eidb_WhXZC2-ORFgZ3-edAJwtS8298xXJx1_pEBQ0J-MqeOT4S4yt-J1WSUfVdio9CDxZk63hKf_PF7Jk3rcgWErSCeHpUy8mGjUvIoJS1TZm4W3WGbSMOVbs_oJitWXbiO2BmynRe-z3GhI8IzEXY87HA-gvRbXo5UeM/s320/Slide14.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Walking Through the
Wilderness<br /></b>We still have some wilderness to walk through. We’re not in the Paradise Garden yet. But we <i>will</i> get there. In the meantime, God leads us like He led the Israelites through the wilderness
on the way to the Promised Land. And He will provide manna from heaven to
feed us and water from a rock to quench our thirst. You don’t have to
understand it all; but you must have faith. You must trust Jesus when He
says, “Don’t worry about all these things. You’re Heavenly Father already
knows all your needs and He will take care of you.”<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And so we come to my favorite verse–the theme verse of
my ministry–that tells us the secret of living as Christians who follow
Christ. Matthew 6:33 – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live
righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH10VemMEapNRxBPruDx9pz3a6OrA6VG3ybEebf2BjnvSn-pSsOtDjj6PtnFtrmAVIb-IyCA6QP9lQSj2VOc7gCbArCPXwWL_vOao7H9s5RqRTqM9gZZvl6H74gYDWFS_z9N95kZ_Z_euACw80BCM9SEuk13IF5evOpFJ0a6o4DcN6Eg98z1NExtClOM/s1280/Slide15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH10VemMEapNRxBPruDx9pz3a6OrA6VG3ybEebf2BjnvSn-pSsOtDjj6PtnFtrmAVIb-IyCA6QP9lQSj2VOc7gCbArCPXwWL_vOao7H9s5RqRTqM9gZZvl6H74gYDWFS_z9N95kZ_Z_euACw80BCM9SEuk13IF5evOpFJ0a6o4DcN6Eg98z1NExtClOM/s320/Slide15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">Seek the Kingdom of God above all else.</span><b> <br /></b>When my middle child was still a toddler, we were shopping in JC Penny. In a moment of lapsed attention, she wandered away from me and my wife. We dropped everything and frantically searched for her. It only took a few minutes to find her hiding behind some clothes hanging on a rack, but the anxiety of those moments were palpable. (Talk about the sweat of anxiety breaking out on your brow!) <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">That story about searching for a lost child is a great illustration of seeking the Kingdom of God. That’s how we should <i>seek</i> the Kingdom of God <i>above
all else</i>. We drop every thing else and make the Kingdom our number one priority. And that’s what I want to do with my life. And that’s what I want to challenge our church to do in 2024. And that’s what I want to challenge you to do with your family and with your
own life.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6sqd0_0fPuqK16FUuW142gO96kloADdeH6qx8DwMYyqAIrF8wYPwSDDWoyvhCzC2qFhjm4M5AhMciBzTCKXmFvZYyKv5QaUOSggpqIPXi1U6ds_bHM2Dx1WqWHPyGIgW2YJQU95yWFtN7gq7yT9ZE-Wj0AAwkmFlBxFAlW3YIPGPx8Glg7F6tFL1WD4/s1280/Slide16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6sqd0_0fPuqK16FUuW142gO96kloADdeH6qx8DwMYyqAIrF8wYPwSDDWoyvhCzC2qFhjm4M5AhMciBzTCKXmFvZYyKv5QaUOSggpqIPXi1U6ds_bHM2Dx1WqWHPyGIgW2YJQU95yWFtN7gq7yT9ZE-Wj0AAwkmFlBxFAlW3YIPGPx8Glg7F6tFL1WD4/s320/Slide16.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Closing<br /></b>I want you reflect for just
a minute. I want you to think about the one thing in your life that’s really important to
you right now. (I’m not talking about Jesus, OK. Everyone knows in church the answer’s
supposed to be Jesus. But let’s be real right now, OK?) What’s
something that’s really important thing to you? <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">
Think about it. If <i>this person or thing </i>(whatever it is) is so
important if it we lost, you’d drop everything to go look for it. <b>What
would that thing be for you? </b>Maybe it’s your kids. Maybe it’s your spouse or your mom or
dad. Maybe it’s your phone; let’s be real. If you went on a trip and left your
phone at home, how many of us wouldn’t turn the car around and back track an hour to go get
our phone?</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Now, I want you to make a mental image of whatever
you're thinking of right now. </span>And I want you to think about how you’d feel if this
thing was lost. Think about the lengths you would go to find it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">From now on, every time you see that thing or even
think of it, here’s what I want you to do: I want it to remind you that Jesus told you to “Seek the Kingdom of God above
all else, and live righteously, and all these other things will be added to you as well.</p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-85469679475472596332024-01-01T09:00:00.002-05:002024-01-01T09:00:34.548-05:00Money and Possessions<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0TQls4d7jvhGskAbIsu8_aRoauosqHOA6i9U2DjxXqxEyiF4dxIhuvBvZBBIKQs5GNyjeSAA1SaJ9_KnW_LnrL2X8w-JovFkjto8eYabMoGA7JR9x7p9NSxr2-eV33MkPFrwHFq3FVh2kY8qVLh1RUqeBja3344T-befwc1jPzkcLDK6RahrHv9wg8Q/s960/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0TQls4d7jvhGskAbIsu8_aRoauosqHOA6i9U2DjxXqxEyiF4dxIhuvBvZBBIKQs5GNyjeSAA1SaJ9_KnW_LnrL2X8w-JovFkjto8eYabMoGA7JR9x7p9NSxr2-eV33MkPFrwHFq3FVh2kY8qVLh1RUqeBja3344T-befwc1jPzkcLDK6RahrHv9wg8Q/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br />
</b><span style="color: black;">2,000 years ago in a small village called
Bethlehem, a baby was born to two poor parents, Mary and Joseph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was born right as Joseph arrived in
Bethlehem to pay taxes to the Roman Empire who was occupying Israel, forcing
them to pay tribute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Jesus we
celebrate at Christmas, who was born King of the Jews and later revealed to be
Lord of all, was born into poverty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
lived among oppressed people who got by on very little.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMfdZ_2YRgOtFEZH5UsxLbUgxmHX5bdlO1f2nxmh21CBccX1vIaT3Vv1XwKOPudBMm9Rza3A2ssIYveumZkz0_mFwoTbnHTUsDJRujgUWcoKMcC3wPIcOcf5JyM-s_EsnwP5GVVvMxxVZ_ZHsv3kqOYTVi4pOxgjcC-xqlU5QqZWeoaBm-t0_KU2ZuUQ/s960/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMfdZ_2YRgOtFEZH5UsxLbUgxmHX5bdlO1f2nxmh21CBccX1vIaT3Vv1XwKOPudBMm9Rza3A2ssIYveumZkz0_mFwoTbnHTUsDJRujgUWcoKMcC3wPIcOcf5JyM-s_EsnwP5GVVvMxxVZ_ZHsv3kqOYTVi4pOxgjcC-xqlU5QqZWeoaBm-t0_KU2ZuUQ/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jesus understood the value of money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also knew firsthand the struggle of going
without.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p>Jesus’ father was a carpenter—a
blue collar worker who probably lived paycheck to paycheck. We also know, According to Mark 6:3, that
Jesus had four younger brothers and two younger sisters. That’s a lot of mouths to feed for a man who
makes his living by manual labor. At
some point after Jesus turned 12, Joseph died—leaving Mary and Jesus (who was
now the “man” of the house) responsible for taking care of everyone. You can imagine that money was always
tight. Jesus understood the real value
of money and how it could affect people.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><br />Perhaps that is why when Jesus started His public ministry at the age of 30 (Luke
3:23), money and possessions were one of His most frequent sermon topics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see one of His lessons in the Sermon on
the Mount in Matthew 6:19-24.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Matthew 6:19-24</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup>19 </sup></span></span></b><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat
them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>20 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy,
and thieves do not break in and steal.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>21 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also
be.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black;">22 </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">“Your eye is like a lamp that provides
light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with
light.</span></span><span style="color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>23 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with
darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep
that darkness is!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black;">24 </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">“No one can serve two masters. For you will
hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”</span></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OOsG61g4gfSHkojAW1XGheDrnmGGls_l3tp0Dj8I0BGU8L9VjFxU83FFSmQFu9reaWas6ATvz-G5Q3WznbcqRnkoMnbjb7IUnV2NVHK6yw7Rpimzq7c1eM97by10GvMk2-nPvZiNAhFPu-ZobjJ7ePCKuovYxnnaPNrokCV5Ry4975um1P-oiU7KJ3Q/s960/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OOsG61g4gfSHkojAW1XGheDrnmGGls_l3tp0Dj8I0BGU8L9VjFxU83FFSmQFu9reaWas6ATvz-G5Q3WznbcqRnkoMnbjb7IUnV2NVHK6yw7Rpimzq7c1eM97by10GvMk2-nPvZiNAhFPu-ZobjJ7ePCKuovYxnnaPNrokCV5Ry4975um1P-oiU7KJ3Q/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>An Outline for Matthew 16:19-24<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: black;">We can break Jesus’ teaching into 3 main
precepts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Verses 19-21 are pretty
straight forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus says to
concentrate on heavenly treasure instead of earthly treasures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, remember this was coming from a man who
grew up in poverty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poverty can have a
very real effect on people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Jesus reminds us:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you can’t take anything with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were born into this world naked and you
aren’t gonna have anything with you when you leave it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, you can send some things ahead of
you so they’ll be waiting in heaven when you arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t use UPS to send money and
possessions to heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you can
invest in the Kingdom of Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By investing in people here
on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many people are going to
be in heaven because of the way you lived on earth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how is this world right here and now
better because of the way you serve Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You see the things you do and the difference you make in this life are
investments in the eternal Kingdom of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are the treasure you store up in Heaven—<span class="woj">where moths
and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Well, that’s not too hard to
understand, is it?<span class="woj"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilG7L8YBHPplwP2eo7LXjz5QOmh7glYSc414b14s3eVHyUlbX5xGRH2uN55-tuuK0tc2MxsMFpj3aI8ODpyZDtKupzxFF-mO2tNXJNxOm5mIuAScj-gWgBFlffpgAUKzAc6hgJErQ0Lk6_XbcORSOJTF-m5zNkK8kNCvkvOQU2ABJrwzuegVFkKExLqRQ/s960/Slide11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilG7L8YBHPplwP2eo7LXjz5QOmh7glYSc414b14s3eVHyUlbX5xGRH2uN55-tuuK0tc2MxsMFpj3aI8ODpyZDtKupzxFF-mO2tNXJNxOm5mIuAScj-gWgBFlffpgAUKzAc6hgJErQ0Lk6_XbcORSOJTF-m5zNkK8kNCvkvOQU2ABJrwzuegVFkKExLqRQ/s320/Slide11.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Good and Bad Eyes<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: black;">But what about this weird part where Jesus
starts talking about eyes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s that
all about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says in verse 22-23, “<span class="woj">Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your
eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light.</span> <span class="woj">But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with
darkness.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">People back then
believed eyes were windows that let goodness and light into the body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not actually pretty true if you think about
it (but maybe not in the same way the ancients thought about it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We now know that the eyes do indeed let light
into the body so we can see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And seeing
is a good thing—usually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this is
really what Jesus is saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be careful
how you look at the world and see things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9gD6VGn5M0CrGtoKtYnZ8XMSxVKEzelaINiCulik44g8Elpo_zLlB5lQ4d2AET86oF-9q1PI33bFMjoxax6yIvp1A8GaUCTazwWuNWlqZUU12RfP-cjSsPdbv8PdC0Tu5yVivN4zfjRCYif64itQpg4Jj23TFwPg-z72ZohV1s2PtXCIlb-Yhm5hobc/s960/Slide12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9gD6VGn5M0CrGtoKtYnZ8XMSxVKEzelaINiCulik44g8Elpo_zLlB5lQ4d2AET86oF-9q1PI33bFMjoxax6yIvp1A8GaUCTazwWuNWlqZUU12RfP-cjSsPdbv8PdC0Tu5yVivN4zfjRCYif64itQpg4Jj23TFwPg-z72ZohV1s2PtXCIlb-Yhm5hobc/s320/Slide12.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Have You Got Double Vision?</b><span style="color: black;"><br />
Jesus is talking about keeping your eyes focused on the right things (or the
right One), rather than letting them wander all over the place coveting material
possessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Greek word English
Bible’s translate as “healthy” or “good” eye actually means “single”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know when you have bad eyesight, things
get fuzzy and unfocused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may even
have double vision—where you see 2 images.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus is using a play on words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s saying if you’re trying to focus on God <i>and </i>on material
possessions, you’ve got double vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re
not going to be able to see either one clearly.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">A healthy view of
material things will result in a healthy spiritual life; but an unhealthy view—where
you’re coveting money and possession--means your eyes are letting darkness and
not light into your soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this is
something you struggle with, you better pray to God for help and you better
listen Him when He tells you how to treat the sickness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">The fact is, we
all struggle with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Materialism isn’t
something most people are immune from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s something most people struggle with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it seems like the more affluent we are,
the more we struggle with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do you
think Jesus said in Matthew 19:24, “It is easier for a camel to go through the
eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD9W_X9zSuaa0SQetksNO1dJVkVehpKD3Cr_qjk38M6MCvA6ejZRoE08uUzLz-SdeO_DpUbuUsheOtf4zizk95EIRwN7cautvdQdxNMRcVmFd1foNv6JXKX-kZksdrppxqUP9kJCTq-6_OQ5_Yh040qYYf2NJRriNRngcEJ6WX30YC5syoAWy9Gw8tck/s960/Slide13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD9W_X9zSuaa0SQetksNO1dJVkVehpKD3Cr_qjk38M6MCvA6ejZRoE08uUzLz-SdeO_DpUbuUsheOtf4zizk95EIRwN7cautvdQdxNMRcVmFd1foNv6JXKX-kZksdrppxqUP9kJCTq-6_OQ5_Yh040qYYf2NJRriNRngcEJ6WX30YC5syoAWy9Gw8tck/s320/Slide13.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Two Masters<br /></b>And then we come to the final precept in
Jesus teaching about money and possessions—verse 24. “No one can serve two masters. For you will
hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">What more do I need to say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is pretty clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
You cannot serve two masters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You cannot
serve both God and money.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">I like the way the NLT puts Jesus’
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You cannot <i>serve</i> God and
be <i>enslaved</i> to money. Most of us don’t think about being <i>enslaved</i> to money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Probably most of us think it would be great to have a little <i>more</i>
money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would solve a lot of our problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Right? Well… Not according to Jesus. You need to be careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Money will make
you it’s slave—<i>especially</i> if you’re thinking money is what is going to fix things in
your life, make you happier, fill some void in your life, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Money can’t do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is the Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s the one who
does the saving. Jesus is Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s the one we
absolutely must put first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because you
can’t serve 2 masters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IulLLP8ESKfYysdH3cay__xKeE3oITCQk3gNkt37t7P-yCGdn7gtXpD6_ISr51vxZPFOToBgu_CcaJdT9H-fjTO7wa3twzL_Qv_JxFob_74_8BD9WjCOUsDLkASa8uluFN7nejEkoEv5UH2aJiTLBDKpJRKhZGZxroGwgyQdC_Cx-6uO2Q8CpxbpIA0/s960/Slide14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IulLLP8ESKfYysdH3cay__xKeE3oITCQk3gNkt37t7P-yCGdn7gtXpD6_ISr51vxZPFOToBgu_CcaJdT9H-fjTO7wa3twzL_Qv_JxFob_74_8BD9WjCOUsDLkASa8uluFN7nejEkoEv5UH2aJiTLBDKpJRKhZGZxroGwgyQdC_Cx-6uO2Q8CpxbpIA0/s320/Slide14.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Conclusion<br />
</b><span style="color: black;">This Christmas Eve, as we prepare to
celebrate the birth of Christ—the Lord and Savior of the world—spend some time praying and meditating on your
attitudes about money and possessions. Are you storing up treasures on earth or in Heaven? Do you good eyes that focus on Christ or double vision because you covet? Have you been trying to serve two master?</span><p></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-87118007301903011242023-12-11T11:32:00.001-05:002023-12-11T11:32:46.198-05:00Jesus Instructions for Fasting <p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0m-Mt_zBOVZ_mVuBePZhu_J-PEbHos5ocTngtVQwMN7fa_2BvjMR2V7-RPae0lNZ7gxZW96LHMeN6tGPLo1bubheAy4Y-AaQ7ceRgsceO91adIPDVQFCZnIh0lbMO_gmoHG_rwIolPYwRXDabZ7uIobo7nPRsmqcKZUdhpK-vVxowwkIIjFB4TZuUok/s960/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0m-Mt_zBOVZ_mVuBePZhu_J-PEbHos5ocTngtVQwMN7fa_2BvjMR2V7-RPae0lNZ7gxZW96LHMeN6tGPLo1bubheAy4Y-AaQ7ceRgsceO91adIPDVQFCZnIh0lbMO_gmoHG_rwIolPYwRXDabZ7uIobo7nPRsmqcKZUdhpK-vVxowwkIIjFB4TZuUok/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>We’ve been studying Jesus’ famous Sermon
on the Mount for the last 12 weeks or so. It’s called the Sermon on the <i>Mount</i> because Jesus went up on top of a mount
to teach these lessons. Notice in the
picture here: The water is the
Sea of Galilee. The church on top of the “Mount” may be the place Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus lays out His vision for God’s people—who they are and how
they live. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlNW3dDYrFXfLF8M9sL7pIWHv0KfqhpfxceJWbN1A2ZwKfk_oR4cXoUgl-d3xVaurtMYg3U3dmNT8VdNIOTi5C4GCUdyOVAgVj-yVwG1su24yuFhP3Bo6l9TNpWpZ0FjeJYKyyJJuJCXyJjyu0omS3amaSLhoUvyPhjrtjp2pbIzuKQzjo9flL46ve38/s960/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlNW3dDYrFXfLF8M9sL7pIWHv0KfqhpfxceJWbN1A2ZwKfk_oR4cXoUgl-d3xVaurtMYg3U3dmNT8VdNIOTi5C4GCUdyOVAgVj-yVwG1su24yuFhP3Bo6l9TNpWpZ0FjeJYKyyJJuJCXyJjyu0omS3amaSLhoUvyPhjrtjp2pbIzuKQzjo9flL46ve38/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There were 3 common practices for Jews of Jesus day. They gave, they prayed,
& they fasted. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus addressed each one. He assumed His followers would give, pray, and fast. Each time in His sermon, He said, “<i>When</i> you give… <i>When</i> you pray…<i> When</i> you fast…” It was not “<i>If</i> you give… pray… fast…” It was <i>when</i> not <i>if</i>. So if
we follow Jesus, we should also practice these 3 pillars of faith.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"></span></p>However, Jesus was clear that when
His followers give, pray, and fast, they shouldn’t be like hypocrites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hypocrite is an actor who puts on a show
for people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus says, “Don’t be like that. Because if you practice your religion to
impress people, that’s the only reward you will ever get.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, Jesus said to give, pray, and fast privately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way only God will know what you’re doing
and He will reward you.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Today, I want to read Matthew
6:16-18. Jesus said:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Matthew 6:16-18</span><span style="color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="background: white;">16 </span></sup></span></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“And when you fast, don’t
make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and
disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth,
that is the only reward they will ever get.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>17 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>18 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">Then no one will
notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in
private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3Gzp5l_zq2tpvk2MWzbcxtQCb0NBLedovpGfkixj3WdodZoOk2P5-GKrVppqpyWY4n5IGqB8q-CzRO4-1Iv8N1UOBxH_Kf5vI9e3hftKVji8BggylKnFemtZzje5gUNd-bTUUp0oJ7pL8EddD9YW89oHBCJCfPWrNrTO0ruhlWZEEaxBU3sLkE-hUxQ/s960/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3Gzp5l_zq2tpvk2MWzbcxtQCb0NBLedovpGfkixj3WdodZoOk2P5-GKrVppqpyWY4n5IGqB8q-CzRO4-1Iv8N1UOBxH_Kf5vI9e3hftKVji8BggylKnFemtZzje5gUNd-bTUUp0oJ7pL8EddD9YW89oHBCJCfPWrNrTO0ruhlWZEEaxBU3sLkE-hUxQ/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>So, What is Fasting?<span style="background: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">Fasting is going without
food for a set period of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
people fast if they have a medical procedure—like a colonoscopy or an annual
checkup where they do blood work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
the kind of fast Jesus is talking about is a religious fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a fast done out of devotion to God.<br />
And I need to be clear, a religious fast is not a way to lose weight or et
ready for the doctor…<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">We know Jesus fasted for at least
two reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all, Jesus was an
obedient Jew who followed the Jewish Law prescribed in the Old Testament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Law commands all Jews to fast at
least once a year for the religious holiday Yom Kippor—the Day of
Atonement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
So we know Jesus would have observed this annual fast for the Day of Atonement.<br />
But the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all tell how Jesus—at the very
beginning of His ministry—went into the wilderness and fasted for 40 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>40 days is an extreme fast that Jesus was
able to complete as a miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not
something that we should attempt to duplicate.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 7.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ3fx5aTknoPXOHXm9CWjgOW_wQ_fsRrFngS6toCr4geajWOwGwz0AePqvEWklQmHpv-FeOHOs-D99NNnE5fs3VNTBneblNUY6wOuQPG84668rX4Nz7DAFyUMFjroxA9qU_kdUqjoUcNV_bk0uoPB63E22ZXWwcDNOI1YyFw2_0_T-_v0i20ET8orBGk/s960/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ3fx5aTknoPXOHXm9CWjgOW_wQ_fsRrFngS6toCr4geajWOwGwz0AePqvEWklQmHpv-FeOHOs-D99NNnE5fs3VNTBneblNUY6wOuQPG84668rX4Nz7DAFyUMFjroxA9qU_kdUqjoUcNV_bk0uoPB63E22ZXWwcDNOI1YyFw2_0_T-_v0i20ET8orBGk/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>During the fast, Jesus was tempted by the Devil to turn rocks into bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ reply reveals one of the reasons Christians fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus told the Devil in Matthew 4:4, “<span class="woj"><span style="background: white;">People do not live by bread alone, but
by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">If
done with the right attitude, fasting can remind us of our utter dependence on
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need God even more than we need food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You may think, <br />
“I already know that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need to go
without food to realize it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That may be
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it is one thing to know something in your head intellectually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is another thing to know it in reality—to have your stomach grumbling and
every physical fiber of your hungry body screaming: “Give me food to eat!” and
to remain spiritually disciplined to say, “No. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not eating today because I need God more
than I need food.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we fast, it can change the spiritual chemistry of our physical body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s something that goes deeper than your
conscious thought—something that reaches down into your unconsciousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you fast, your hunger becomes a form of
continuous prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every groan of your stomach is a cry to God for spiritual sustenance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Although typically, fasting means
going without food, there are other ways to fast as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can give up something else besides food that is very important to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such as: going without coffee, not watching TV, abstaining from social media, not
listening to music, or spending time alone without any social interaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point is to give up something that is as
important to you as food (and that could be different for each different people
depending on your personality).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG28IMGHYGNoohB-VxULUvOKbm1n-RE8Hd1O_v_Jga_QgXsHSaMCbAATvVIzIHY5o7it60A4ynPcRDSCKrJyUSPdCFjZmuzgUHa_LBUG9QReYz1h2N_wNTptugTI4jfIMok58ht5-zTAbinGFHgLcKTwXuLXRdnXvtXhum_l7kxLhUHWOM-MsLz0l7-uc/s960/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG28IMGHYGNoohB-VxULUvOKbm1n-RE8Hd1O_v_Jga_QgXsHSaMCbAATvVIzIHY5o7it60A4ynPcRDSCKrJyUSPdCFjZmuzgUHa_LBUG9QReYz1h2N_wNTptugTI4jfIMok58ht5-zTAbinGFHgLcKTwXuLXRdnXvtXhum_l7kxLhUHWOM-MsLz0l7-uc/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>When should you fast?</b><span style="color: black;"><br />
Jesus said, “When you fast…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when
should you fast?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Or when could you
fast?) First of all, I should say Christians have freedom. We are not slaves to laws and rules and traditions. God grants us grace. So if and when we fast, it is for our benefit and not to fulfill some obligation. But fasting can be a great spiritual benefit. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">You can fast
anytime. There is no hard and fast rules about it. I have found that consistency is better than extremity. What I mean is it is better to fast a little bit regularly and consistently than it is to do one big, long extreme fast. It's kind of like physical exercise. It is better to exercise 30 minutes a day, every day for a year than it is to exercise for 12 hours only once a month. Consistency is the key to exercise and fasting.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOSWjU4rOMagax_p8dQxojI1Joua4ejGCA-X_XiwQryt1MFDDOhKMHMzzwktkmlt43-xemdFk43Hx8-PxGO_ZdqXLMYoHeaeatQCN1WPrHNs7E5uloyBR6Jor0ad99zafVOKizTA9G1vRz3pFoUO56iX0XtB4pSK_zMJTxVSW_Umz064DDUMvwzDiLIY/s960/List.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOSWjU4rOMagax_p8dQxojI1Joua4ejGCA-X_XiwQryt1MFDDOhKMHMzzwktkmlt43-xemdFk43Hx8-PxGO_ZdqXLMYoHeaeatQCN1WPrHNs7E5uloyBR6Jor0ad99zafVOKizTA9G1vRz3pFoUO56iX0XtB4pSK_zMJTxVSW_Umz064DDUMvwzDiLIY/s320/List.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>But if you are looking for some ideas about when you can fast, I will share a few. Jews to<span style="background-color: white;">day <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-indent: -0.25in;">fasted once a year on the Day of Atonement, </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">the holiday they call Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is celebrated in September or October and it would be a great time for you to fast as you meditate on God's forgiveness and the atonement that comes through Christ.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Christians have two seasons when fasting is very appropriate. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The season of Lent (the 40 days prior to Easter) is an excellent time for a fast as we prepare to celebrate the ressurection of Christ. Another season when fasting is very appropriate is </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">the season of Advent, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas and prepare for the Second coming of Christ.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Fasting can be very helpful before you make a big decision</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background-color: white;"> or start something new.</span> Jesus fasted before He started
His public ministry. If it was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for you. Fasting can help clear your mind, align you with the Holy Spirit, and give you clarity as your start a new job, move to a new home, or make a big life decision. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">You can also fast on behalf of others.</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>People have become
accustomed to saying and hearing, “I’ll pray for you.” What if you said
instead in some very important situations, “I’ll be fasting for you while I’m
praying.” Now that tells someone, you are really committed to seeking divine help for them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: black; font-weight: bold;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ_3evx1EunLLMjGK_VcTOatDjb5EaLWGO9Z7tZqiDzXJXBk9ymjgTakF9xoL24jv67x-WApNqfvAsWxLJIYYLWCh7PfIDTZMJnDdlpofYLIxWd1KuG-7xR3gFus3JTSN5dNMQAGHw2p9Tvgv1eSnOhack_k37J62vXd5Yg5Xe6kDHnRRVjF-rMbwQog/s960/Slide14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ_3evx1EunLLMjGK_VcTOatDjb5EaLWGO9Z7tZqiDzXJXBk9ymjgTakF9xoL24jv67x-WApNqfvAsWxLJIYYLWCh7PfIDTZMJnDdlpofYLIxWd1KuG-7xR3gFus3JTSN5dNMQAGHw2p9Tvgv1eSnOhack_k37J62vXd5Yg5Xe6kDHnRRVjF-rMbwQog/s320/Slide14.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Warnings<br /><span style="color: black;">In closing, I want to remind you of the warnings Jesus gave about fasting. He said in </span><span style="color: black;">Matthew 6:16 , <span style="background: white;">“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for
they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their
fasting.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: black;">So Jesus gave at least 3 warnings. Don’t try to impress people. If you do, that's the only benefit your fast will bring (and what a cheap reward that is). Second, don’t look miserable as you fast. That's just a way to get sympathy from people or try to impress them. So, don't do that. Do your fast in private. Don't even let others know you're doing it. That way, God in heaven (who see what you do in secret) will reward you.</span></p></div>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-51410842294702229252023-11-20T09:43:00.001-05:002023-11-20T09:43:05.246-05:00What's the Lord's Prayer?<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuN1VqFhwOHjBFmjHmxtMis_rqeZ61yA9THBA05qVdkXZTG9RSKi591nDkXStK20tFIdpbytlW41JiGGaWxGTKzQpyerZ02DCrNlmFnUaM6RJt7O2xK5OHcycjvii891NlCUgjQDLR26IZ08wuyKJatKieZkxRr7Fjx5lwi-zzG8juVIvZtXJ0VMFM4Gg/s960/12%20The%20Lord's%20Prayer%20-%20THUMB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuN1VqFhwOHjBFmjHmxtMis_rqeZ61yA9THBA05qVdkXZTG9RSKi591nDkXStK20tFIdpbytlW41JiGGaWxGTKzQpyerZ02DCrNlmFnUaM6RJt7O2xK5OHcycjvii891NlCUgjQDLR26IZ08wuyKJatKieZkxRr7Fjx5lwi-zzG8juVIvZtXJ0VMFM4Gg/s320/12%20The%20Lord's%20Prayer%20-%20THUMB.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction <br />
</b><span style="color: black;">Last week, we studied Jesus simple
instructions on how to pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said don’t
try to put a show to impress others when you pray and don’t babble on and on
over and over again like heathens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead,
he said, “go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your
Father in private.” (Matthew 6:6)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">In today’s message, we’re going to study
the example Jesus gave of an appropriate prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The example Jesus gave is what we call “The Lord’s Prayer.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We say this prayer together in worship almost
every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, Jesus wasn’t saying
this is the only prayer you can pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, Jesus gave us this prayer as an example of both the attitude and tone we
should have when we pray, as well as being an example of some of the things we
should pray about.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Let’s first look at the traditional prayer my congregation says each week in worship during the Pastoral Prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">The Tradition Words of The Lord’s Prayer</span><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: black;">Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be
Thy Name.<br />
Thy Kingdom come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thy will be done, on
earth as it is in heaven.<br />
Give us this day our daily bread.<br />
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.<br />
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.<br />
For Thine in the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Now let’s go through the prayer
line by line from Jesus’ sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:9-15. You’ll notice the words of Scripture are different from what you’re used
to. That’s because I’m reading from the New
Living Translation, which puts the Scripture in modern, easier to understand language.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nkkUE7qlJZvD8lR7p_ZtSkcRVmzi87a_HfQqni2ek7nifm7OBooa8VXUi3JmrZwExKvRQo32sPWQl7L3i1yxonh5MW2PlhBOmyIU-ilmUPYXH6Sx2pDbX42jpDtojKQHMyhEmzqNSiNqXBor68rQ7jQAZmY9CaxCz5Bp5NSroHqviMPTgyjHFCKMgPk/s960/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nkkUE7qlJZvD8lR7p_ZtSkcRVmzi87a_HfQqni2ek7nifm7OBooa8VXUi3JmrZwExKvRQo32sPWQl7L3i1yxonh5MW2PlhBOmyIU-ilmUPYXH6Sx2pDbX42jpDtojKQHMyhEmzqNSiNqXBor68rQ7jQAZmY9CaxCz5Bp5NSroHqviMPTgyjHFCKMgPk/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 6:9<span style="color: black;"><br />
<sup>9 </sup></span></b><span style="color: black;">Pray like this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Father in heaven, may your name be
kept holy.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Remember, people who follow Christ
Jesus are praying to <i>our</i> Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is Jesus’ Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
He is your Father too (if you follow Christ).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A good father cares about his kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He loves them unconditionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
sacrifices for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He provides for
them and gives them what they need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes a good father withholds things from His children—not because
He’s mean or doesn’t care, but precisely because He does care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows what His children really need and
also when what they want won’t be good for them<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when we pray, we simply talk to God like He
is our Father, because He is.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">But God is not just any father,
God is our <i>Heavenly</i> Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
means God is better than our biological father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God doesn’t have the character flaws and limitations of you dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you had a issues with your dad, you can be
thankful God is the Father you always wish you had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even if your earthly father was
wonderful, you can marvel in the knowledge God is infinitely better than your
earthly father when he was at his very best.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">When we recite the traditional prayer,
we say “Hallowed be Thy Name”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hallowed is a fancy old word we don’t use any more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The closest we come is Halloween--which means All Hollows Eve. Hallowed is the old English word for holy and sacred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we even take the words holy and sacred for
granted in modern times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We use them in church, but w</span>hat do they
really mean? To be holy and sacred is to be different and special—set apart from all the
other common things. God is not like all the other common things around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is special and unique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s different.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">And it’s
not just God’s name that is different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we say, “Your name is Holy” or “Hallowed be Thy Name”, were talking about God’s
reputation. That’s what a name is—it’s verbal reputation of who you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you tell someone you go to Pleasant Grove
Methodist Church, it says something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have a reputation people know us by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What do they know about us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
our reputation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’m out in the
community and people find out I pastor Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, they might say things like:<br /></span></p><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">"Oh! That’s the church
that does trunk or treat every year! My kids love that! We can really tell y'all are full of love."</span></li><li style="text-indent: 0px;"><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">"Oh! That’s the church
that gave my friend $1,000 to help put a roof on her house!"</span></div></li><li style="text-indent: 0px;"><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">"Oh!</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">That’s the church where my friend started
going and it turned his life around!"</span></div></li><li style="text-indent: 0px;"><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">"</span>Oh! That’s the church where I take all my Operation
Christmas Child shoeboxes!"</span></div></li></ul></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;">You see,
we have a reputation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People know our
church by our name and what we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when we pray to God our Father, we know Him by what He has done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you pray, think of all God has done that is recorded in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember all God has done for your friends and family or for you personally: how He has c</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">ared for you and put people
in your life to love you, how He has f</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">orgiven your sins and
saved you. Think of all the ways God has </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">been
there for you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">One year ago, my church was following
the North Georgia Annual Conference of the UMC's rules for disaffiliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
December 28<sup>th</sup> (while everyone was on vacation and 2 days before Bishop
Sue Haupert-Johnson was scheduled to leave our conference to be reappointed to
Virginia), the bishop “paused” our disaffiliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her “pause” was effectively an edict denying
over 186 churches their legitimate right to withdraw from the UMC because of the deadlines involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were at a loss as to what to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thousands of United Methodists across out conference were at
a loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It caught us all off guard and there
seemed to be nothing we could do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">People from my church kept asking, "What can we do?" I didn't know the answer, but I said, let's pray and be patient and wait on the Lord's direction. So we prayed. We prayed to <i>our Father, </i>who is in <i>Heaven </i>and has the power to do anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
against all odds, God made a way. I won't list out all the details and steps that took us from despair in January to victory in November. However, on November 18th, 2023, our church was granted disaffiliation along with
261 other church. God used all the extra time to increase the number of churches
committed to following His Word.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">There were 4 churches who didn’t
make it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were not approved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Was that because they didn't pray hard enough? No. T</span>hey are still not defeated. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either God had
other plans for them or God will take their defeat and turn it into a
victory!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> That is the mysterious way God works sometimes. SOmetimes He doesn't answer our prayers the way we want, but we have faith He always answers our prayers in the right way. We will just have to trust God and wait and see what He does.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">If you ever depsair because God doesn't answer your prayers the way you want, think of Jesus. Jesus did not want to die on the cross. What did He pray? He prayed, "Lord, if there's any way it's possible, let this cup of suffering pass from me." You see, Jesus didn't want to endure the agony and shame of dying on the cross. He prayed for the cup to pass from Him. But He also prayed, "But not my will, but Yours be done." And Jesus died on the cross. But God also took Jesus death and turned it into the greatest victory that's ever been one. Jesus died on the cross but rose on the third day. And through His ressurection, the whole world can be saved! So if you ever despair because God doesn't answer your prayers, you are in good company--the company of God's own Son. And God will turn your unanswered prayer into a victory. Have faith!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DA_IVK7K9KFT9WW6hKrkbDrQtiCRNmupOrtR_C2FHNwVDY15lz25VE8Y3Qddq2-yJNbaE17X1N8ihtD00KgyE13Lmv28kemio7-U1ziLMu5XaUCYz0jo7pS6HixPFPOFouTbkHPOI4Hcu27jAfS7hjsMWuLYaPx9koIRSWHJu5wka7u53vkucTmjPkU/s960/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DA_IVK7K9KFT9WW6hKrkbDrQtiCRNmupOrtR_C2FHNwVDY15lz25VE8Y3Qddq2-yJNbaE17X1N8ihtD00KgyE13Lmv28kemio7-U1ziLMu5XaUCYz0jo7pS6HixPFPOFouTbkHPOI4Hcu27jAfS7hjsMWuLYaPx9koIRSWHJu5wka7u53vkucTmjPkU/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 6:10<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">May your
Kingdom come soon.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May your will
be done on earth,</span> as it is in heaven.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">This should be a Christians number
one hope and number one prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not
about us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately, we want God’s to come
and His will to be done because our faith says that’s what we really need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we have our own hopes and dreams about
how we want our lives to turn out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
our faith tells us loud and clear, God’s plans are always better than our hopes
and dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, we must be like the
heroes of faith in the Bible who were always willing to turn their backs on
everything they’d ever known and to go where God led them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Are you ready and willing to
surrender your hopes and dreams and truly ask God our Father, “May <i>Your</i>
will (not mine) be done on earth, as it is in heaven”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you are ready to surrender completely to the will of God, then you are ready to pray about your basic needs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFWoUwHmztw315MTSmdsV17hXVp5_cNQeQpWixYriVlaCy0hk8X-a8qQMqKZFmmNJ2FOsbYWfBvdSLHYow0F-vdhwYfMdVSbHt1gT3AwePWdsXJSsdDxYqKrdqBVaApL5xPNCks6tC-JIBW6vjoH-EO-QBxSSnT0mNnwLg21BOg-uQ-zTropnTNsDA_I/s960/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFWoUwHmztw315MTSmdsV17hXVp5_cNQeQpWixYriVlaCy0hk8X-a8qQMqKZFmmNJ2FOsbYWfBvdSLHYow0F-vdhwYfMdVSbHt1gT3AwePWdsXJSsdDxYqKrdqBVaApL5xPNCks6tC-JIBW6vjoH-EO-QBxSSnT0mNnwLg21BOg-uQ-zTropnTNsDA_I/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 6:11<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">“Give us today the food
we need,”<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">We have basic
needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ask God to take care of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The struggles of daily life and prayer are opportunities
to practice trusting God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sinful humans
are incredibly prone to think we can take care of ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we really need God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh sure, we realize we need God at certain moments
in our lives—like when we get diagnosed with cancer, or when the church we’ve
grown up in and love is in jeopardy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are scared or at our wits end, we go
to God and beg for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s
fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God hears us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is far better for our spiritual health
if we recognize every day, every moment we desperately need God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot do life on our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We cannot even tie our shoelaces whithout God's help! </span>We need God even for something as basic as food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we ask, “Give us this day our daily bread.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Just like the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness, who God gave manna
from heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God gave them enough for <i>one day</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said, “Don’t collect more than one day’s supply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i>Trust me</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll give you
more tomorrow.” So we ask God to give us the food and basic needs we need today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we trust Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will take care of us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Matthew 6:12</span><span style="background: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">...and forgive us our sins, as
we have forgiven those who sin against us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Isn’t it
interesting that right next to Jesus instruction to pray for daily bread is His
instruction about praying for forgiveness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t miss this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgiveness is
as important to your health and wellbeing as is the basic necessity of food. Let me say that again: <o:p></o:p></span><b>Forgiveness is as important to your health and wellbeing as is the basic necessity of food</b><span style="background-color: white;">.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">This is something
our church needs to remember <i>and practice</i> very intentionally during this
season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been in a hard and
bitter fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord has brought us
through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have won the right to disaffiliate
from the UMC and pursue the future we believe God wants our church to work for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we also still feel the pain and anxiety
from the long fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may even be hard
feelings between some in our community—Dalton/Whitfield County—or even in our
own church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we need to forgive one
another so we can move on and heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we
need to pray, “Father, forgive <i>us</i> our trespasses, <i>as we forgive</i> those
who have trespassed against us.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Matthew 6:13</span><span style="background: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">And don’t
let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Here is the
reminder of who the enemy really is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who
is the enemy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the evil one, the Devil. The enemy is not the Bishop or conference leaders who tried to sidetrack our
church. The enemy is not that person at work who told lies about you and hurt your
reputation. You see, you real enemy is not the people or things of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are engaged in a spiritual battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians
6:12 says, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but
against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers
in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">So don’t give
into the temptation to blame your problems on God, thinking He doesn’t
care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And don’t give into the temptation to blame people on earth who oppress you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the Evil One and the forces of darkness
in an unseen world who are twisting things up against you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, turn away from temptation and not
feed the Devil’s influence in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turn to God in prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Matthew 6:14-15<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span class="text"><sup>14 </sup></span></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“If you forgive those who sin against you,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23274" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">15 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">But
if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">I
don’t know how Jesus can make it any more plain than this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must forgive or we cannot be forgiven. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Forgiveness
is hard.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">It’s not some glib thing.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">But it is essential.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">We must forgive. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Forgiveness is what God has done for us.</span>
<span style="background-color: white;">And it cost Jesus His life.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">Jesus died cruelly on the cross so we can be forgiven and so we can forgive others. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">
We all need forgiveness and God is gracious to forgive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we in turn must forgive others. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">So
when you pray, pray like this.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be
Thy Name.<br />
Thy Kingdom come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thy will be done, on
earth as it is in heaven.<br />
Give us this day our daily bread.<br />
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.<br />
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.<br />
For Thine in the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p><p></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-69708524880881250702023-11-13T10:23:00.001-05:002023-11-16T07:38:26.570-05:00How Did Jesus Teach People to Pray?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_MXs66XXwwN6pnWtDXNc2lMETii-oIFNr7e4L8DUWy-4wGiqt5DMvEa4UWZnzVpKIPUcmfBIF9tDPB6Fbj3ksmP32ZABIZDAc1Mf1_kUAmXrsDnleP9-IZJ8jT64CeEDVkfOkU6Hnm8Y9P_PC9VAs6Grk0urlEt7mjw_fU5rN7E6xXw98gBLqbQpzBI/s960/Slide2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_MXs66XXwwN6pnWtDXNc2lMETii-oIFNr7e4L8DUWy-4wGiqt5DMvEa4UWZnzVpKIPUcmfBIF9tDPB6Fbj3ksmP32ZABIZDAc1Mf1_kUAmXrsDnleP9-IZJ8jT64CeEDVkfOkU6Hnm8Y9P_PC9VAs6Grk0urlEt7mjw_fU5rN7E6xXw98gBLqbQpzBI/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>I have odd question to ask. It is an especially odd way to start a sermon
on what Jesus said about how to pray.
Here’s the question: Is there
anyone here an expert on Dolly Parton?<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">I am not an expert on Kenny Rogers nor
have I ever met him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never even
been to a Rogers concert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only know 2
or 3 songs Kenny Rogers sang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I did
dress up like Kenny Rogers once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But do
you think that qualifies me as a Dolly Parton “expert”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely not!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Well, what does this have to do
with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><br />
I’m glad you asked!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of the fun of
Halloween is being able to dress up like a character and pretend to be
something or someone you’re not. The reason I mention this is pretending to be something you are not is also the definition of a hypocrite.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJVk-XjtUirBVrZ_5lpmbZQiTa0F4yOOkz-XMmocdKMgjTOvl0hUOGy7cDhyetfT4n1DGZpctkijQxu2_I7McRdRCFEin2mU2epCq3BggS9hXkfI0VTkNJ5UPCIx0fbi2o5Q6Aih81-x8YEFE6prQZ1e58MfYityk0F13FdxBKdbGm_OItMplbZFDIUY/s960/Slide3.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJVk-XjtUirBVrZ_5lpmbZQiTa0F4yOOkz-XMmocdKMgjTOvl0hUOGy7cDhyetfT4n1DGZpctkijQxu2_I7McRdRCFEin2mU2epCq3BggS9hXkfI0VTkNJ5UPCIx0fbi2o5Q6Aih81-x8YEFE6prQZ1e58MfYityk0F13FdxBKdbGm_OItMplbZFDIUY/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 6:5<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup>5 </sup></span></span></b><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to
pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see
them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Actors and actresses portray characters—sometimes so believable it’s amazing! But just because an actor plays a doctor on TV, that doesn’t mean you should
take his medical advice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An actor takes
the stage to play a role to entertain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their reward is the crowd’s applause.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_wsasaRpX7nViOrGEfI4cm8YlzP0ayPYUn5a03F0tIYzxWSFub1T8N2jg_ttDg6WDxC9zXBi5xNBZL_B5jM3uiLnJJSa2U1LHNb4bdnolfK_lmrUIDo7Nhr6VtMTDBGLOm9dTHp5cYxHCEO3rn-3vcg16V7137Q-Ze7sU8fT7Ptqd_5A9IllDhoVnhs/s960/Slide4.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_wsasaRpX7nViOrGEfI4cm8YlzP0ayPYUn5a03F0tIYzxWSFub1T8N2jg_ttDg6WDxC9zXBi5xNBZL_B5jM3uiLnJJSa2U1LHNb4bdnolfK_lmrUIDo7Nhr6VtMTDBGLOm9dTHp5cYxHCEO3rn-3vcg16V7137Q-Ze7sU8fT7Ptqd_5A9IllDhoVnhs/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In Jesus day, the religious
leaders liked to put on a show by praying out loud in public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great honor to be asked to pray in
meetings at the synagogues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone
would see you and know you were a respected member of society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you didn’t have to wait until the Sabbath
to be show off your amazing prayer skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jews in the New Testament prayed three times a day—in the morning, the
afternoon, and the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
religious leaders would show up to public places and pray out loud so everyone
could see just how spiritual they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">However, Jesus warned us not to put
on a show when it comes to our relationship with God and prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “Don’t be like the hypocrites…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In ancient Greece, hypocrite was the word for
an actor who performed in a theater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus said our relationship with God is to be real, not pretend and
certainly not an act we put own to convince others we’re something we are
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your goal is to impress others
or earn their admiration when you pray, then that is the only reward you will
get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the praise and admiration of
people is cheap and fleeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask a real
actor or actress and they will tell you—one day you’re a star and the next day
you are forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23L5PahL4Uo0LRwqmqueylxOc86WYP0RdJWu4JdSw7GQu4DqhI0avi8qeVOF5JYQ8xNtGN2R1VnCDTcAgaxELqGi4eHRyyamA34VbALE-VPkaG7szmXSxZjZXSkRxXc2bxVW5uzoJ8C6UTkjVISv0siPYaZtRDt4bif7rTUGJTAbswwmJ0fpgEHl1BKc/s960/Slide5.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23L5PahL4Uo0LRwqmqueylxOc86WYP0RdJWu4JdSw7GQu4DqhI0avi8qeVOF5JYQ8xNtGN2R1VnCDTcAgaxELqGi4eHRyyamA34VbALE-VPkaG7szmXSxZjZXSkRxXc2bxVW5uzoJ8C6UTkjVISv0siPYaZtRDt4bif7rTUGJTAbswwmJ0fpgEHl1BKc/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 6:6<span style="color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup>6 </sup></span></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door
behind you, and pray to your Father in private. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then your Father, who sees everything, will
reward you.<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;">When You Pray…</span></b><span style="color: black;"><br />
Jesus’ instructions for prayer are very simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Go away by yourself, shut the door, and pray to you Father in private.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice that Jesus said, “When you pray…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means Jesus expected His followers to
pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not <i>if</i> you pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s <i>when </i></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnttD92OYKI2Az-h7m11NuO6TEbg6cZwtR6oEOsm1dSL4qq-KZiWVm3EOgH_GMYo5xTKT9RAZau0NxewxfZ4ppPOPHI9qGSWstwRoe9vPIxPFSl1BfwkVSHFX25lRt0EnNU308JU_LCPPJWd-o3nY2e_NwJ8-ZtiOxEsSQN5PiqKurwUuD3o7P5ubpTE/s960/Slide6.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnttD92OYKI2Az-h7m11NuO6TEbg6cZwtR6oEOsm1dSL4qq-KZiWVm3EOgH_GMYo5xTKT9RAZau0NxewxfZ4ppPOPHI9qGSWstwRoe9vPIxPFSl1BfwkVSHFX25lRt0EnNU308JU_LCPPJWd-o3nY2e_NwJ8-ZtiOxEsSQN5PiqKurwUuD3o7P5ubpTE/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></div>you pray.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Prayer is
essential in a relationship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is how we connect with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer keeps
us focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer takes our attention
off ourselves and our problems and plugs us into the divine source of all
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj">I saw a video recently that is a wonderful illustration of prayer. Some construction workers using a corded circular saw
to cut some boards on a worksite. Unfortunately, the word was not long enough to reach from outlet over to the saw horses where they were cutting the lumber (and they didn't have an extension cord). They thought they were geniuses because they figure out a solution. They would plug the saw into the outlet and rev the saw up to full speed. Then they would unplug it and run across the room and let the residual spinning of the blade cut a little bit on the saw. So little by little, they could cut through the board. But when I saw it, I thought, "why not just move the saw horses closer to the outlet so you can keep the saw plug into the power source?"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj">That is how prayer is for so many us. We do not have the power within us to be all we need to. God is our source of life and prayer </span>keeps us
plugged into The Source of True Life. Unfortunately, we often are like those construction workers. We plug into God through prayer and get revved up, but then we unplug and run away to live life. We run down so fast. So we run back to our source of power to rev up again and unplug to go live life. Why don't we just move closer to God through prayer and stay plugged in? That is what prayer is supposed to be.</p><p class="MsoNormal">And Jesus assumed His followers would pray. So he said, when you pray, do it privately.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBjmL9zTcxx6efebx7gW0ikaX57zI59OjAbADiDjiYLLbbG72SU5NB-QcpnEZbQ634FuKjWnkU6BXMeSgiGeiJR4CvMRJd-xP-O02li8BJT0O0a0HHp0A78cIp4telEKe9Km4-2vFFX2sCEeJlDM83GHqOfi27stmgtdpC9C3bYPO3SWIfh44UnL4KsM/s960/Slide7.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBjmL9zTcxx6efebx7gW0ikaX57zI59OjAbADiDjiYLLbbG72SU5NB-QcpnEZbQ634FuKjWnkU6BXMeSgiGeiJR4CvMRJd-xP-O02li8BJT0O0a0HHp0A78cIp4telEKe9Km4-2vFFX2sCEeJlDM83GHqOfi27stmgtdpC9C3bYPO3SWIfh44UnL4KsM/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Do It Privately…<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: black;">Jesus is very clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t use prayer as a means to impress others
or win honor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do, that’s all the
reward you will ever get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some,
looking good to others may seem pretty valuable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that what you want? If it is, then go ahead and pretend. But the applause of people is a very cheap and short-sighted reward. We are meant for so much more.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Now, does that
mean we shouldn’t pray in public at all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If that’s the case, I’m in big trouble because as a pastor, I prayed in public
quite frequently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A public prayer like a pastor prays at the beginning of a worship service is a different kind
of prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pastor is praying on behalf of the whole
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The pastor is </span>trying to put <i>the whole congregations' </i>hopes and concerns <o:p></o:p></span></span>into words and speak to God. That is something appropriate to do in a worship service or other public gatherings. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Our public prayers are part of a communal experience we share once a week in communal worship or at other public gatherings that
celebrate what should be happening privately in each of our lives every day. But if we aren’t praying privately
on a day to day basis when no one can see, then our public prayers become hypocritical acts performed only for show that have no real substance. Jesus said, don't be like that. he said, when you pray, do it privately, to your Father...</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcceoibk1NziiRINXDi7FPg0zZ1QUMKy5prJb5KYoRZbOHWnu9OLqkhwTq5GxigbgqkvwMg1N51SZOBtwXKyYv0RZo2o3IafADqAWqb8AhD-ZkAKpR2wkq2IsEqHUXnILB4nl9wSqUCEYYb_dibB7oroqBrp_1nq4TDQB3iqWUTF6pacpzK9-QtF9IuU/s960/Slide8.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcceoibk1NziiRINXDi7FPg0zZ1QUMKy5prJb5KYoRZbOHWnu9OLqkhwTq5GxigbgqkvwMg1N51SZOBtwXKyYv0RZo2o3IafADqAWqb8AhD-ZkAKpR2wkq2IsEqHUXnILB4nl9wSqUCEYYb_dibB7oroqBrp_1nq4TDQB3iqWUTF6pacpzK9-QtF9IuU/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>To Your Father…<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: black;">Jesus gives a very powerful clue to reveal the most important element of authentic Christian prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “When you pray, go away
by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your <i>Father</i>."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no magic formula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just talk to God the way you would talk to
your Father.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">How would you talk
to your earthly father? Many are blessed to have great fathers that are easy to talk to. Some of you love to talk with your father. Others had a great father, but he has passed away and you miss the meaningful conversations you had with him. You understand how wonderful it can be to talk to a loving father. That is how you talk to God.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Not all fathers are easy to talk
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I understand. </span>Mine wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span>But that’s because earthly fathers are
imperfect humans and sometimes selfish or broken. Some people struggle with the image of God as a Father because they never had a
good father. I didn’t have a good father, but it never kept me from relating to God as a
Father, because I simply know that God is the perfect Father. So I imagine what it would be like to talk to
my Dad if all his shortcomings and failings were taken away and he was made
perfect in every way. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">
So when you pray, imagine the ideal father, the perfect father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would be easy to talk to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would always be kind and patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
would be slow to get angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would
always have time for you and always want to talk with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wouldn’t be self-absorbed and always
wanting to talk about Himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead,
He would be keenly interested in you always wanting what’s best for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would love you unconditionally and help
you in everyway He could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wouldn’t
try to bribe you by giving you everything you ask for, but instead would give
you the things you really need and guide you to grow as an individual to reach
your full potential. That is what God is like. He's the perfect Father.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj">And how would you
talk to this perfect Father?<span style="color: black;"> </span>There’s no magic
formula.<span style="color: black;"> </span>You just talk.<span style="color: black;"> </span>And sometimes you would have a long conversation about something really deep. Other times you might make a joke about some silly thing you did that day or some irony you encountered. Sometimes you might just send him a text message on his cellphone to
check in or to pass along a bit of information or to ask a quick question. Sometimes you may call in desperation and say, "Help! I'm out of gas!" or "I've got a flat tire! What do I do?" Sometimes you might just call and say, "I love you, Dad."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Prayer isn’t
hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you talk you can pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we communicate all day long in many ways
to many people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do the same thing
with prayer—only you are doing it with God, who is your Father.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBepC3wFbMByjozOu-cxBUVlE6iVOls_yLJHPbF62KIAHZcVj6Ak5HqMZaWIufWyKRCiGXmHOkhA5PUYLoaJp3idlEZD0A6i6cskkcCJviW6m4Y1-UTT_TeUzvk9Pbg9D0pVhY3H-WrBd2WD9Q3RkcXLOEtCF6B_CDitTvVxw6eVbcCTDRrONtEivK2E/s960/Slide9.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBepC3wFbMByjozOu-cxBUVlE6iVOls_yLJHPbF62KIAHZcVj6Ak5HqMZaWIufWyKRCiGXmHOkhA5PUYLoaJp3idlEZD0A6i6cskkcCJviW6m4Y1-UTT_TeUzvk9Pbg9D0pVhY3H-WrBd2WD9Q3RkcXLOEtCF6B_CDitTvVxw6eVbcCTDRrONtEivK2E/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 6:7-8<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black;">7 </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as
the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating
their words again and again.</span></span><span style="color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>8 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">Don’t be like them,
for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!</span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">As far as I know,
all religions include some form of prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And there are often elaborate formulas for how to pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many religions have prayers that are chanted
over and over again--the idea being the gods will eventually be worn down
by the incessant prayers of the supplicants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s sort of like the 4-year-old child who bombards his mom with the endless
request:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can I have a cookie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I have a cookie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I have a cookie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I have a cookie?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Jesus says, don’t
be like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God cannot be worn down
by our incessant chanting, but He does care
about you and wants to help you with what you really need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
knows what you need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
Jesus says, your Father already knows what you need even before you ask!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Some people ask,
“Well if God already knows what I need, why do I have to pray.” Well, for one thing, because we need to talk to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s the source of Life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer is how we plug in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Another reason is
prayer changes <i>us</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we
start out praying for one thing, but through the process of praying we realize
we’re asking for the wrong thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we
grow through prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">I can think of
another reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The spiritual forces of
darkness cannot stand to hear our prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You cannot see, it, but Scripture says we are engaged in a spiritual
battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Demons are all around wanting to
trip us up and lead us astray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
prayers to God are a loud shrill that pierces their ears and drives them insane until they flee away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pray, pray, pray!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t have
to be some fancy prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just have
to talk to your Heavenly Father and the Enemy flees away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">We will talk more
about prayer next week when we consider Jesus’ instruction about the Lord’s
prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I challenge you to focus on
prayer this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Establish a specific
time each day when you will spend time in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And then also pray short prayers throughout your day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">You can study all kinds of materials and formulas about how to pray, but the best way to learn is simply to pray. So, get out there this week and practice! Just pray!</span></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-8996550798729174992023-10-30T12:15:00.003-04:002023-10-30T12:15:28.250-04:00Are You Acting Like a Hypocrite?<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_q9z9Ah1ZgKduJZG7gjmsHhCs7w_aHwp_FQ88jDmC4DRmgezCU0w9TQpYZtXhB7d8Y9Lafmot-Pv2sK7dZ9FjYXHWHm-n1neonDE1JC23ZyPhO6Metyi8ssAziaPyEG6bwejK7L9soIU6MJPYBWYGR4019CqdY3kiZxd8Vpgtn5AEYfsJxqfyfESYbk/s960/10%20Giving%20to%20the%20Needy%20-%20THUMB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_q9z9Ah1ZgKduJZG7gjmsHhCs7w_aHwp_FQ88jDmC4DRmgezCU0w9TQpYZtXhB7d8Y9Lafmot-Pv2sK7dZ9FjYXHWHm-n1neonDE1JC23ZyPhO6Metyi8ssAziaPyEG6bwejK7L9soIU6MJPYBWYGR4019CqdY3kiZxd8Vpgtn5AEYfsJxqfyfESYbk/s320/10%20Giving%20to%20the%20Needy%20-%20THUMB.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>I think it’s obvious to everyone who knows us, that my
family loves dressing up for Halloween. Although, if I’m being totally transparent, after so many years of doing it—and
with the expectation every year that we must have a great costume because
it’s expected—the pressure of having a great costume is a bit
stressful every year. And with 2 kids
now grown and out of the house, and Abigail being a full-fledged
teenager who may or may not want to be part of the family tradition, some of
the joy we had in the past has gone out of <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpR0fshWPDWAxHPXhSCH0vc7Jb3POQf71NkatkTsUWb0qRW4lbZtjq3ydAduUC9uXQufXtoa_rb9v0KXSba0PbauDZTkeK02dFnp2D9kFh9gmZF8KoMKIF9FUKjeYHkhtTaf5aLwQwaoxpNL3xXDjcEmgRFkCu5fDO0AevLOdYxhEp-yzM4eoGq23XMg/s960/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpR0fshWPDWAxHPXhSCH0vc7Jb3POQf71NkatkTsUWb0qRW4lbZtjq3ydAduUC9uXQufXtoa_rb9v0KXSba0PbauDZTkeK02dFnp2D9kFh9gmZF8KoMKIF9FUKjeYHkhtTaf5aLwQwaoxpNL3xXDjcEmgRFkCu5fDO0AevLOdYxhEp-yzM4eoGq23XMg/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />it.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Still, we do love to dress up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hardest part is coming up with an
idea—something that’s new and different, that we haven’t seen overdone, but
also something people will recognize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And something that’s doable (because we like to make our own costumes as
much as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgXiKolCoAFPU5AcLRd8DcIxskoRiBSXWpdeNWyIInOrlviF2rFLnzkSHFdVmRi61ECqJB9iCRLJgOb1aVQ4sWG1Lskr2BkVThky5YJTZyJf7ctX1rlPYvKXRtylVhw9q3dVVRSC_tyiw33Bm13WwUr6ChNTWC0HQVUTw1o4fzak4iwNFU4Aq2OqD5H4/s960/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgXiKolCoAFPU5AcLRd8DcIxskoRiBSXWpdeNWyIInOrlviF2rFLnzkSHFdVmRi61ECqJB9iCRLJgOb1aVQ4sWG1Lskr2BkVThky5YJTZyJf7ctX1rlPYvKXRtylVhw9q3dVVRSC_tyiw33Bm13WwUr6ChNTWC0HQVUTw1o4fzak4iwNFU4Aq2OqD5H4/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Once we find the right idea, we may even research the
characters a little bit to understand them.<br />
A few years ago when we dressed up as Popeye and Olive Oil, we spent several
evenings together watching old cartoons of Popeye. And I got curious:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>why did Popeye love spinach so much? I found
out the original cartoon’s creator wanted to encourage kids to eat healthier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he made spinach the miraculous source of
Popeye's super-stregnth. It worked. Some data shows kids consumption of spinach
increased by as ⅓ at the cartoon’s most popular period.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNSepkJi4BCPOsWo6SUc5PFRxysykUQI6loWjmy_iLeApRZ2SVKEpx7TvksDTPTs6CePdkmOlVrpJY7gwl252_RqE7nULMk35D-zCs0MSKK5AJdxiNsR4GI8MBi_RVsbi4YC5eLyyTqu2QL3OF-jZexq4tTjFombu-HwBmJ818XvFtlHDAlXwmvfwDLo/s960/Commercials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNSepkJi4BCPOsWo6SUc5PFRxysykUQI6loWjmy_iLeApRZ2SVKEpx7TvksDTPTs6CePdkmOlVrpJY7gwl252_RqE7nULMk35D-zCs0MSKK5AJdxiNsR4GI8MBi_RVsbi4YC5eLyyTqu2QL3OF-jZexq4tTjFombu-HwBmJ818XvFtlHDAlXwmvfwDLo/s320/Commercials.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Of course, we all know the characters we dress up as
during Halloween are just make-believe. No matter how much we delve into it,
when we take off the masks we become ourselves again.<br />
Halloween is just pretend.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But what we do during Halloween—pretending to be
someone else for the night—is a great example of a mystery of human behavior Jesus
warned about often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus warned His
followers not to be like the hypocrites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmHaUx0EJQi0v-TZ0Vv6r6kUFYdBoPGhuvciNoj4_KeqL8qaWnIcrJPlSI_KsRYLQ-BdYvKN68jRbMhUcUEokKBYgmztpXnxGfkcqqdw0rS9fC19dFENCwVgGrErtHxzFseoWnXkNBT5yIVUxYYyTpXpadoEjSOvHKTZQnH_1BW8UIA0jZnIJbpvB7xU/s960/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmHaUx0EJQi0v-TZ0Vv6r6kUFYdBoPGhuvciNoj4_KeqL8qaWnIcrJPlSI_KsRYLQ-BdYvKN68jRbMhUcUEokKBYgmztpXnxGfkcqqdw0rS9fC19dFENCwVgGrErtHxzFseoWnXkNBT5yIVUxYYyTpXpadoEjSOvHKTZQnH_1BW8UIA0jZnIJbpvB7xU/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>You know what a hypocrite is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s become a churchy word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we use it in the church and
sometimes people outside the church like to call people who go to church
hypocrites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus day, hypocrite was
a Greek word that came from the Greek culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Greece, people loved to watch plays in the theater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the actors in the play were known as
hypocrites.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs529_CscY5tIUKo3oOdN_elo2pYzxhaxSDrD54UpmlB-6ymi3dZACxu5MgXIEOmVlPlsecFYFGtvC1E1__XJYxc_SB3PuM1R2NrfaJyVLh6b2hV8T9Hbf4QsPRxHj_Hm3XJgnsZm1PK17RJCzC6PVCTMOJpz-wonG4PVqJvGPZ6CUcFp885QmUq9IWS8/s960/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs529_CscY5tIUKo3oOdN_elo2pYzxhaxSDrD54UpmlB-6ymi3dZACxu5MgXIEOmVlPlsecFYFGtvC1E1__XJYxc_SB3PuM1R2NrfaJyVLh6b2hV8T9Hbf4QsPRxHj_Hm3XJgnsZm1PK17RJCzC6PVCTMOJpz-wonG4PVqJvGPZ6CUcFp885QmUq9IWS8/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The actors in the plays would put on costumes or masks
and pretend to be character from Greek mythology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then the actors would act out the great
mythological stories of Greece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hypocrites pretended to be other people in order to tell the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s fine if you are an actor in a play (or
if you’re dressing up for Halloween), but we shouldn’t be like hypocrites in
real life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">This is a theme Jesus touches on again and again throughout the 6<sup>th</sup> chapter
of Matthew in His Sermon on the Mount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today, we read Matthew 6:1-4.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d7oouhREA7EWN50QOfE0oDrQ2Qd3snbxCL0AWLfGtZQkCmIzmIQn__mD-_IWzXO8YGOz1gyaQD7U388Gl4fOKxufgR8B4jOE5jYT8D89BS3nKzJE49kNwtWruLnJMNXguMbyxJ7Yh-fXr0AKRuJYGhA7pl4uMIxvgYJdQoWv4mbytmCkzYtPqFQkTSo/s960/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d7oouhREA7EWN50QOfE0oDrQ2Qd3snbxCL0AWLfGtZQkCmIzmIQn__mD-_IWzXO8YGOz1gyaQD7U388Gl4fOKxufgR8B4jOE5jYT8D89BS3nKzJE49kNwtWruLnJMNXguMbyxJ7Yh-fXr0AKRuJYGhA7pl4uMIxvgYJdQoWv4mbytmCkzYtPqFQkTSo/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 6:1-4</b><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span><span class="text"><sup><span style="background: white; color: black;">1 </span></sup></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“Watch out! Don’t do your
good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from
your Father in heaven.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>2 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">When you give to
someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues
and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth,
they have received all the reward they will ever get.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>3 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">But when you give to
someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>4 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">Give your gifts in
private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><i></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyjyXEl1Jt-Ge3XWY3WzqaRFd9N4ZDzYgESz8LAcZQ7Y46KGior1nGDzPPKFCl7JlbyFPQCHwOAs8D-czsE01f__lisqlNll3voy-xEyDG_sOTT2qLmwhKtxng90ztdaN4ild18i4CwtSmxS9NfrTDpXkwIK3a1TQ-ePZwWvRWhFLIi6CgBNVmz-ukh8/s960/Slide11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyjyXEl1Jt-Ge3XWY3WzqaRFd9N4ZDzYgESz8LAcZQ7Y46KGior1nGDzPPKFCl7JlbyFPQCHwOAs8D-czsE01f__lisqlNll3voy-xEyDG_sOTT2qLmwhKtxng90ztdaN4ild18i4CwtSmxS9NfrTDpXkwIK3a1TQ-ePZwWvRWhFLIi6CgBNVmz-ukh8/s320/Slide11.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><b><i>When </i>You Give...<span style="background: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">The people of Jesus’ day,
as do Christians today, inherently knew that righteous people do good
deeds—including giving charity to people in need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the Old Testament, God instructed
people to give to help people in need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">And
it’s important to point out, Jesus assumed His followers <i>would</i> give to
the needy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus didn’t say, “<i>If</i>
you give to the needy…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “<i>When</i>
you give to the needy…”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-1lEIYl41lrInU4WHqV66pzmciySK4UnbAeGNcDPz7MMnRPU5PWpuXZQN1sbO4KnEXq4vxRtemcEsKX2dnyFY3olLfpIVpjzlWXFcEGhWlshuJL5TFcA2A2sIHFXNpukaX6mrDbVttTRbNafJyQgv28xsSumIcqBYZ1MppsLL1TGzOP4y0EBie7-0Ew/s960/Slide12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-1lEIYl41lrInU4WHqV66pzmciySK4UnbAeGNcDPz7MMnRPU5PWpuXZQN1sbO4KnEXq4vxRtemcEsKX2dnyFY3olLfpIVpjzlWXFcEGhWlshuJL5TFcA2A2sIHFXNpukaX6mrDbVttTRbNafJyQgv28xsSumIcqBYZ1MppsLL1TGzOP4y0EBie7-0Ew/s320/Slide12.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Tooting Your Own Horn<br /></b>Important and wealthy
people of Jesus day—both Romans and Jews in Israel—made big displays of when
they gave money to the poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roman
officials would often erect monuments to commemorate their giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One Roman official I learned about recently
had a record of all the money he had given and all good deeds he had done
carved onto a wall in the city where he governed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The record of his “righteousness” is still
preserved in ancient ruins to this day.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Sometimes,
wealthy religious leaders in Israel would stand on a street corner and have
trumpets blown to get everyone’s attention while they handed our charity to the
poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone in the neighborhood would
hear the trumpets and know that person was a righteous and generous person.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">But
Jesus said, “Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for
you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels good to be admired by others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a fact of life in our modern world
is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes you do have to toot your
own horn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In order to succeed as a business or and individual, you have to "market" yourself.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">If
you’ve ever made a resume in order to get a job, if you’ve ever gone to a job
interview, you know you have to show your potential employer that you are
worthy of the position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may be
competing against other candidates and you have to show your next boss that
you’re the best choice for the job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So you sort of have to "toot your own horn" in some sense in some situations. There's nothing wrong with that. And Jesus also said, "Let your good deeds shine forth before people so they will glorify your Father in Heaven." (See Matthew 5:16). </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">What Jesus is saying in Matthew chapter 6 is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>don’t pretend
you’re someone you’re not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t pretend
to be righteous and holy like the religious leaders on the street corners
blowing horns so every one will look at them and think, “Now there is a truly
godly, righteous person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know God
them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look how good they are!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">You
see the Pharisee and Sadducees, the religious leaders in Israel where Jesus
lived, were hypocrites.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">They pretended
to be righteous.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">They did such a good
job of acting, they fooled everyone.</span>
<span style="background-color: white;">People believed they were truly holy and righteous.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">They looked good on the outside, but they
were rotten and evil on the inside.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">They
cared more about what people thought of them than what God thought.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">Their charitable giving was done to win people’s
favor.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">This helped them stay in power
and protected their positions of authority and their income.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">In
fact, when the Son of God, Jesus, came to the religious leaders of Israel, they
rejected Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t care about
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t care about the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only cared about themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">What
was worse, not only did they lie to the people and make them believe they were
holy, they also lied to themselves and believed their own lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They believed they were holy and God must love them more than anyone else. They were so blind the didn't recognize when </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">the</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Son of God Himself came to them. They crucified Jesus.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPPWQ05uPTDYBtAbYxbMhPNlglVcq98nkq4wvadHc7a3noxQK-szDXJPpWn1LjOi6zoAvxyLCOmFZOXP_RShWRLVRrK9VjV0gqJoeh2mtz-_X9ZeKe-i6TW7h7FgOHzVT9Z8V8M2U9giQNYMSmPnbXYTgAfeAIp82jIuEYN1uztRvl4YwQciECxrxW-0/s960/Slide13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPPWQ05uPTDYBtAbYxbMhPNlglVcq98nkq4wvadHc7a3noxQK-szDXJPpWn1LjOi6zoAvxyLCOmFZOXP_RShWRLVRrK9VjV0gqJoeh2mtz-_X9ZeKe-i6TW7h7FgOHzVT9Z8V8M2U9giQNYMSmPnbXYTgAfeAIp82jIuEYN1uztRvl4YwQciECxrxW-0/s320/Slide13.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Don’t Lie to Yourself<span style="background: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">We have to be very
careful, because we want to believe we are good people who are holy. We want to believe we deserve God’s blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We should know better, because if we look inside our hearts, we can easily see we are often selfish
and petty and sinful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even so, we want to believe we deserve some kind of divine reward because we’re
so good. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">When
we believe our own lies, when we believe we are good, we are blinded to our desperate need of God’s salvation and merciful grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Jesus
wants us to do good and give to the needy to glorify God, but Jesus doesn’t want these habits
to be a way we lie to ourselves and others.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Be
very careful, because when you make a big show of doing good or giving to the
needy, you could become like an actor (a hypocrite) who is putting on a show,
pretending to be good. Impurity in your heart can sneak in and poison you’re motives to where you
don’t even care about the person you’re helping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re just show off for others to
see—wearing a mask, pretending to be someone you’re not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8qVkWF8cvvMcjZGiS7m8TkwPxfV91XAl9DhdwVdT6LzWbXUF3INnZW3VQAlYZC9lZIwP5U7r8Ykr1utevwPaQh_QJAxpdamVb9l1Sb_MvDfbt3GJjUuXk0AKPBjp1SdkY5XdgrBgC1Nqi8EKff5Y5uptKLRgX15acVcIOG7iAEd2_mp0Wm9P9MPnr7w/s960/Slide14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8qVkWF8cvvMcjZGiS7m8TkwPxfV91XAl9DhdwVdT6LzWbXUF3INnZW3VQAlYZC9lZIwP5U7r8Ykr1utevwPaQh_QJAxpdamVb9l1Sb_MvDfbt3GJjUuXk0AKPBjp1SdkY5XdgrBgC1Nqi8EKff5Y5uptKLRgX15acVcIOG7iAEd2_mp0Wm9P9MPnr7w/s320/Slide14.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Protecting Yourself From Yourself<span style="background: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">Since we are prone to
believe our own lies that we are good and deserve God’s favor and people should look up to us, we need a way to
protect ourselves from ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First
of all, realize you are not good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Realize
you are sinner who desperately needs God’s grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t deserve anything from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every good blessing you have received is a
gift given by God <i>in</i> <i>spite </i>of your<i> </i>sin.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Second,
give anonymously <i>sometimes</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now,
I’m not saying you always have to give anonymously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s ok to get a receipt of your charitable
giving. It's even ok to get take credit for which you're eligible. But don’t make a habit of making
a big show of your giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure
your giving for the right reasons—to help the needy, to show compassion, and to glorify God, not in
order to show how awesome <i>you </i>are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do it for the glory of God and to help people in need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I challenge you to at least <i>sometimes </i>(maybe
even often) to give absolutely anonymously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As Jesus said, “</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;">don’t
let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-71256825239770288552023-10-23T09:14:00.002-04:002023-10-24T11:18:38.319-04:00Love Your Enemies<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kUMcYsoZ19XYNkiHV4aoalSuTtl_iYlnrSF4BcEC9mpY81yLrm9R-dhgaM4QTv2ggca77b3tTi58rnKQbw4NvwWH2GH3EUwxD8_cVOyKrNVqFwy-1lWCFoOip-i4ZQZ_ZnOeIET1mKaPEm-3M9v91mkTlT_r7j6NMgIRJbOq-gzI4kH2-kW2vpvn42A/s960/Slide2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kUMcYsoZ19XYNkiHV4aoalSuTtl_iYlnrSF4BcEC9mpY81yLrm9R-dhgaM4QTv2ggca77b3tTi58rnKQbw4NvwWH2GH3EUwxD8_cVOyKrNVqFwy-1lWCFoOip-i4ZQZ_ZnOeIET1mKaPEm-3M9v91mkTlT_r7j6NMgIRJbOq-gzI4kH2-kW2vpvn42A/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>We are working our way through Jesus’ famous Sermon on the
Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7. His
words have been challenging. Today, we
will find they are even more challenging. Today, Jesus commands His flowers, “Love your enemies.”<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white;">Matthew 5:43-4</span></b><b>4<br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="background: white;">43 </span></sup></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;">“You have heard the law
that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.</span></span><span style="background: white;"> <span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23255"><span style="font-size: x-small;">44</span><span style="font-size: 1.2rem;"> </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">But
I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!</span></span> <o:p></o:p></p>
<span id="en-NLT-23256">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU8CT9rpBZrJsV6GH7DIFinXjeap1MQ7ASM3oVqHGI0vlSNNEx-6-iC1A34OAZM__5wr2yAfEVQ857LnMZtAu78q3jmhcn-8kYNloU1yCLA6YBBqo1hAALMH3VFcHvbUD9AD_JjReV4YxBaig_PIDH8cVUCMQHUy9L1ALqd9LTAV_Btyo40v6w1PCMs0/s960/Slide3.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU8CT9rpBZrJsV6GH7DIFinXjeap1MQ7ASM3oVqHGI0vlSNNEx-6-iC1A34OAZM__5wr2yAfEVQ857LnMZtAu78q3jmhcn-8kYNloU1yCLA6YBBqo1hAALMH3VFcHvbUD9AD_JjReV4YxBaig_PIDH8cVUCMQHUy9L1ALqd9LTAV_Btyo40v6w1PCMs0/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Throughout His Sermon
on the Mount, Jesus shows He is the fulfilment of the Law. In fact, He specifically said in Matthew 5:17, “I did not come to abolish the
law… No, I came to accomplish their
purpose.</span>”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">The Old Testament Law is quite clear that we are to love our neighbors. Leviticus 19:18 says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But nowhere
in the Old Testament does it say to: “Hate your enemy.” However, the Jews of Jesus day lived under tha hostile occupation of the Roman empire. They had many enemies and they resented and resisted their Roman oppressors. Many Jewish leaders therefore misinterpreted the Scriptures to say: “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">It’s human nature
to love people who are good to you and hate your enemies, but God’s Holy Law in the Old Testament holds human nature in check. We find several places where the Old Testament teaches people to do good to their enemies. Such as <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfKr3SI1VsBfXWN14uHG0cQiQNF4GeFeVJF3Lo7S7y4F-OZOIeSxGM3JqFnAoDqmGuIzQmrQVs8QR-_nWjNJJZH2OUb2MAxdDSmHdc7STELTWwjLuNeTLIMaPiMPcRPHaUsypSGfrKDUO4O8VgN26gjO3YdsBgoj56qvlJlNgC0mu7vEIhIBptRhy9aY/s960/Slide4.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfKr3SI1VsBfXWN14uHG0cQiQNF4GeFeVJF3Lo7S7y4F-OZOIeSxGM3JqFnAoDqmGuIzQmrQVs8QR-_nWjNJJZH2OUb2MAxdDSmHdc7STELTWwjLuNeTLIMaPiMPcRPHaUsypSGfrKDUO4O8VgN26gjO3YdsBgoj56qvlJlNgC0mu7vEIhIBptRhy9aY/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Exodus 23:4-5</b> – <span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white;">4 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">“If you come upon your enemy’s ox or
donkey that has strayed away, take it back to its owner.</span></span><span style="background: white;"> <span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-2150"><span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span><span style="font-size: 1.2rem;"> </span></span></sup></b>If you see that the donkey of
someone who hates you has collapsed under its load, do not walk by. Instead,
stop and help.</span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nPXmMiye7Ugdx207R412RcrGo0aLYHt7S9vbn7JttpLBldkXf8PfPjW1IqglSo8n00Uqk7cIdQ-p8xtzjcWkYfIbALhzUDqsTt0Vm7XuZITIbCPeWdz7q45R_XvR9VqQYY3fbef1wqCg8dSw477PpU-VuigMtZGo8rsXTN0jaaeh7FfsnWMFXQOux9k/s960/Slide5.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nPXmMiye7Ugdx207R412RcrGo0aLYHt7S9vbn7JttpLBldkXf8PfPjW1IqglSo8n00Uqk7cIdQ-p8xtzjcWkYfIbALhzUDqsTt0Vm7XuZITIbCPeWdz7q45R_XvR9VqQYY3fbef1wqCg8dSw477PpU-VuigMtZGo8rsXTN0jaaeh7FfsnWMFXQOux9k/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Proverbs 25:21</b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span><span style="background: white;">– If your enemies are hungry, give them
food to eat. </span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">If they are thirsty, give them water to
drink.</span></span></span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">So we see, Jesus upholds
the spirit of God’s Law in the Old Testament while challenging the Jewish
religious leaders misinterpretation of it.
Notice how the Old Testament teaches to do good to your enemies (and the emphasis
is on <i>doing</i> good rather than on a loving <i>feeling)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgsUx3rMTuesjuF8LyRQj-ngBsKYxJUKHF8uKn9EuULyr_om6z9Mg0TuJVB7IG8-FePhSQBzx2-FWfrE9RlEL4EU8bZ5ERf0_8Fcv_SCiVm8g8HvpTQ_6SqV5Wx2-k28SkoTT-v_MieG-tqCVFGkT_FOOfm0uRYP6-clYR4gXGBWZKec7eBadeJLwOL0/s960/Slide6.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgsUx3rMTuesjuF8LyRQj-ngBsKYxJUKHF8uKn9EuULyr_om6z9Mg0TuJVB7IG8-FePhSQBzx2-FWfrE9RlEL4EU8bZ5ERf0_8Fcv_SCiVm8g8HvpTQ_6SqV5Wx2-k28SkoTT-v_MieG-tqCVFGkT_FOOfm0uRYP6-clYR4gXGBWZKec7eBadeJLwOL0/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:44-45</b><b><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="background: white;">44 </span></sup></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;">But I say, love your
enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!</span></span><span style="background: white;"> <span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23256"><span style="font-size: x-small;">45</span><span style="font-size: 1.2rem;"> </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">In
that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he
gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just
and the unjust alike.</span></span> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<span id="en-NLT-23257">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">It’s troubling to
think God gives sunlight and rain to both the evil and the good. In other words, God gives the same good
things to evil people that He gives to good people. Why, if God were fair, wouldn’t He reserve
good things for good people and give wicked people only the evil they deserve?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">Perhaps that’s
the kind of world you long for—a world where evil people are punished and good people get rewards. Is that what you want?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">I can understand
that. However, the problem is we would
all be punished and none of us would get a reward because none of us is
good. We have all acted like enemies of
God. Listen to what Romans 3:10-12 says: “No
one is righteous—not even one. No one is
truly wise; no one is seeking God. All
have turned away; all have become useless.
No one does good, not a single one.”
And Romans 3:23 sums it up: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short
of God’s glorious standard.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">What that means is
every one of us is evil. We have all been
enemies of God who “actively opposed or were hostile to God.” Rather than obeying God, we chased our own
selfish ambitions. Rather than surrender
to God’s will, we wanted to do things our way. In sinful pride, we boasted “God is on our side.” But in fact, we were trying to use God’s for our own selfish purposes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">If God truly
punished His enemies and only gave good to those who deserved it, everyone one of us would be living in Hell and there would be no one left for
God to reward—no one except Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;">But as it is, God
has given “<span class="woj">his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.</span></span>” I am thankful. Aren’t you?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirYBQobLOUAHXPUVI5NnG_eIB4E4-BewGOcPF_-0aAjdWokKpgFzXO1VlCxDspUJiB1IGsbLuzVq41Ws3rU9t8cVzG9TrpJO5Gaw9XYxQ91qqj-BBXdY6-zeIPuCd_NzzmEX_tzadt0sqmFqHA6sg4BnBgZCV4W4nXcU84ErY_KBT9cRjQ-ZB1IGWvQY/s960/Slide10.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirYBQobLOUAHXPUVI5NnG_eIB4E4-BewGOcPF_-0aAjdWokKpgFzXO1VlCxDspUJiB1IGsbLuzVq41Ws3rU9t8cVzG9TrpJO5Gaw9XYxQ91qqj-BBXdY6-zeIPuCd_NzzmEX_tzadt0sqmFqHA6sg4BnBgZCV4W4nXcU84ErY_KBT9cRjQ-ZB1IGWvQY/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:46-47</b></span><b><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="background: white;">46 </span></sup></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;">If you love only those who
love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.</span> </span><span style="background: white;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23258"><span style="font-size: x-small;">47 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">If
you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?
Even pagans do that.</span> <b><o:p></o:p></b><p></p>
<span id="en-NLT-23259">
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus calls His disciples to be
different than worldly people. If you only ever love people who love you and are good to you, then you are no better than a worldly
pagan. A pagan—in biblical terms—is a heathen, an ungodly person, anyone who doesn’t
worship the one true and living God of the Bible. If you only love people who love you and are
good to you, then you are no different than the ungodly, immoral, corrupt enemies
of God all over this world.<br />
Jesus wants us to be <i>different</i>.
Jesus wants us to be like Him. Jesus wants us to <b>love</b> our enemies.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03AqiUnDVD2jEJH-PojrcyvXmVewMSIrF4Fk5zQ2XTrt1ihbJZnxhAnvr29P_6sthgCRT2e23EITaESXZQFpMMGAVHs3gsfCV5euEJFUip7H-USaAeXgoR6jBGzne-lRyZQP5IGo3I4Xq-AAPiEpgnCDpfMGzaYPvmG6L4PHRWecgvQ1xG4x4uVZlz_k/s960/Slide11.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03AqiUnDVD2jEJH-PojrcyvXmVewMSIrF4Fk5zQ2XTrt1ihbJZnxhAnvr29P_6sthgCRT2e23EITaESXZQFpMMGAVHs3gsfCV5euEJFUip7H-USaAeXgoR6jBGzne-lRyZQP5IGo3I4Xq-AAPiEpgnCDpfMGzaYPvmG6L4PHRWecgvQ1xG4x4uVZlz_k/s320/Slide11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white;">A·ga·pe</span></b><br />
Now, it’s important to clear up what it means to love—according to Jesus. We often have immature notions about love. Biblical love is not a warm, fuzzy feeling of affection. Jesus isn’t telling us to find pleasure in our enemies or their bad behavior. The love Jesus commands us to give is a specific kind of love. The Greek word Jesus uses is Agape, which is
the “sacrificial love of God”. Agape is not
a feeling; it is a <i>verb</i>. In other words, it’s a love you give.
Agape is to love someone sacrificially, expecting nothing in return. It's the way God loved us when He sent His
one and only Son to die for us on the cross—not because we deserved it, but
because God loves us sacrificially.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Agape love is what Jesus did when He
allowed His hands and feet to be nailed to the cross, because Jesus knew His
death would make our salvation possible. So, when Jesus says, “Love your enemies…”
He isn’t telling us to have warm fuzzy feelings. Jesus wants His followers to love their enemies sacrificially,
expecting nothing in return.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s nearly impossible to live like this. But Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of God’s
law. Jesus loved perfectly. He even loved His
enemies—even when they:<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Twisted God’s words for their own evil schemes,<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Told lies about Jesus and His Disciples,<br /></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">When they spat curses at Him and beat Him and mocked Him,<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">And even when they cruelly drove nails through His hands
and feet and displayed Him on a cross to die while all His enemies watched and gloated.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Rather than cursing them or getting revenge,
Jesus prayed and said: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus’ prayer wasn’t just for those standing
at the foot of the cross. He was also praying for you and me. Remember, in one way or another, we have all been enemies of God. Every time we were dishonest, or were angry, or lusted in our heart, or were
unfaithful, or sinned in any way, we were responsible for driving the nails through Jesus’ hands
and feet. It was our sin that put Christ on the cross.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But rather than seeking revenge or punishment,
Jesus loved His enemies—us. He perfectly represented the will of His Father in heaven. And Jesus challenges us to do the same.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmAgW398BH-a6tg8iNSFgwpyc7kkiI8BSRZGRogthEF8Ni2GkwizV0__FrEQRUqJQEDPxY30K0MDBT36tCVs_TNLG1Y5rZdxXiP-_sOQDPqEonUot27uDjTxXzaYF4oqa03TJ9DgW5kky96N7ZItO3ckFNMExUxdpDK5XlB7kPxx5yQ4SzetLCI64kxs/s960/Slide12.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmAgW398BH-a6tg8iNSFgwpyc7kkiI8BSRZGRogthEF8Ni2GkwizV0__FrEQRUqJQEDPxY30K0MDBT36tCVs_TNLG1Y5rZdxXiP-_sOQDPqEonUot27uDjTxXzaYF4oqa03TJ9DgW5kky96N7ZItO3ckFNMExUxdpDK5XlB7kPxx5yQ4SzetLCI64kxs/s320/Slide12.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:48</b></span><b><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="background: white;">48 </span></sup></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white;">But you are to be perfect,
even as your Father in heaven is perfect.</span></span><b><o:p></o:p></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We were created in the image of
God. We are to follow in the footsteps
of Christ—to represent God, just as Jesus represented Him to us. Just as Christ loved us, we are to love everyone else—even our enemies. We are to be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But how can we possibly be
perfect? No one is perfect. That is true. Humanly speaking, it si impossible, but with God all things are possible.</p><p class="MsoNormal">One of the distinctive teachings of Methodism is the belief in Christian
perfection. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, taught Christians should
strive to be <b>perfect in love</b>. And
Wesley taught that Christians—with the help of the Holy Spirit—can grow, over the course of a lifetime, to become perfect in love.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Methodists believe Christians cannot
make the excuse, “Oh, we’re only human. We’re not
perfect.” It is true, that we will make many mistakes—even after we decide to follow
Jesus—because indeed, “We are only human.” However, there is one way we can be perfect (with the help of God’s Holy Spirit). The Holy Spirit can help us grow to a place where everything we do is motivated
by love. And so, with God’s help, if we cooperate, we can be perfect in love—even as our Father in heaven is perfect.
But we cannot do this on our own.
We need God’s help.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Conclusion</b><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white;">God will help you if we seek Him with all your heart. </span>You must first surrender to God through Jesus Christ. You must r<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">ecognize you are helpless to save yourself. Nor can you stop sinning simply by shear willpower. You need God to save you. So you must re</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">pent and beg God for mercy. Jesus will save you , but you must t</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">rust Jesus to save you. And you must stop trying to do things your own way and l</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">et Jesus be Lord.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-indent: -24px;">Then, you must follow Christ as a
Disciple. Jesus said if anyone wants to be His disciple, he must deny himself and t</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">ake up his cross daily. A cross is a symbol of suffering and self-denial. Furthermore, you must c</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">ooperate with the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit of God who created the universe comes to live inside you when you become a Christian. That Holy Spirit can enable you to do anything the Spirit wants you to do, but you have to go along with the Spirit and do what He says. And then, the Holy Spirit of God will enable you to truly lo</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">ve God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and to lo</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">ve your
neighbor as yourself.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> And the same Spirit will also enable you to </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">love your enemies.</span></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-21835268875194525162023-10-16T09:25:00.002-04:002023-10-16T09:25:35.524-04:00Jesus' Challenging Teaching About Vengeance<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaI3Duobl_VKxJ06p_-mIGDQrcDdFdeW8o0rOmCcEKOOENfQriT1cHopVLwh4KnnabI8cn_KJZfVQESPnsT2KGBtWR5U9fcLSIhQxp_jOXJJCIFIGK08Pl5xmeS2O1VEBUO6HrdnWYTKX8nS5Wh4dyHAwWDmYELzghTWFBGKWUPhqWe4X82UuMnbscso/s960/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaI3Duobl_VKxJ06p_-mIGDQrcDdFdeW8o0rOmCcEKOOENfQriT1cHopVLwh4KnnabI8cn_KJZfVQESPnsT2KGBtWR5U9fcLSIhQxp_jOXJJCIFIGK08Pl5xmeS2O1VEBUO6HrdnWYTKX8nS5Wh4dyHAwWDmYELzghTWFBGKWUPhqWe4X82UuMnbscso/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>I have a difficult and challenging words to share from Jesus today. We’ve been working our way through Jesus’ famous Sermon on
the Mount. Jesus preached how He came to
completely fulfill God’s perfect Law.
Then Jesus used specific examples from the Old Testament Law to show how
perfect God’s standards are and how completely unable we are to fulfill God’s
Law as sinful human beings. When we are
proud because we have never murdered, Jesus said if you’ve ever been angry or
insulted someone, you’ve broken God’s Law by murdering in your heart. If we’re proud because we’ve never committed
adultery, Jesus says you’ve committed adultery in your heart and broken God’s
Law if you’ve even lusted after someone.
And Jesus points out that if you’ve ever lied, stretched the truth, or
misled someone in even the slightest way, you’ve broken God’s Law. That’s why Jesus came—to fulfill the Law when
we could not. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Jesus gave up His divine rights as
God, came down to earth and humbled Himself as if He were a slave, was
completely obedient to God, and died <i>for us</i> on a cross as if He were a
criminal even though He was completely innocent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, Jesus paid our penalty, making it
possible for us to be reconciled to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(See Philippians 2:1-11)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It’s important to keep all this
context in mind (as well as the historical situation of the Jews when Jesus
preached) as we listen to Jesus preach in this next section from His Sermon on
the Mount in Matthew 5:38-42.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVOBia-yyOOulWsOAKq77YkyKcGlYxSvT5QkiQSlLXzK0lEvQKZltR2AbxnlDA6jEyT2sN1BZAX6Ts0l-fLb692RQ0LhW8xJCRYJyHXLiLByW82ErhEdZoJ7Md1HV_UTQIQgPiTtQwaFZkbtvPPeW3oHBeZDJlCHVbAL-UiNFzdWMCnvqABvi-lcAJL0/s960/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVOBia-yyOOulWsOAKq77YkyKcGlYxSvT5QkiQSlLXzK0lEvQKZltR2AbxnlDA6jEyT2sN1BZAX6Ts0l-fLb692RQ0LhW8xJCRYJyHXLiLByW82ErhEdZoJ7Md1HV_UTQIQgPiTtQwaFZkbtvPPeW3oHBeZDJlCHVbAL-UiNFzdWMCnvqABvi-lcAJL0/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:38</b><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span><sup><span style="background: white; color: black;">38 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">“You have heard the law that says the
punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Here, Jesus reminds
His listeners of the Old Testament Law that is spelled out in Exodus 21:24, Leviticus
24:20, Deuteronomy 19:21.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The laws says,
“The punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a
tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a
wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today, many think this is an argument for harsher penalties for
criminals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the original intent was
to restrain people from overzealous vengeance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">In the brutal
tribal ways of the ancient world, if you gouged out a person’s eye, they very
likely would respond by gathering up a war party and murdering you and your
whole family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unrestrained human vengeance
can be a terrible and ugly thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
someone hurts and insults us, we don’t just want the wrong to be made right; we
want to make the offender pay!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">So God gave the ancient
Israelites a Law to restrain their vengeance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said, the punishment must match the crime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they gouge out your eye, you can only
gouge out there’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they take a life,
you can take their life (but not their whole family’s).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">But there’s
another principle at work in the Old Testament Law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An individual can’t be a vigilante.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can’t exact retribution on their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They must take the offender to the
authorities and prove their case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
the officials will judge if the offender is guilty and make a judgment about
the appropriate punishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
always important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need a judge, who
is unbiased, to hear the case and determine a punishment that matches the
crime.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">The problem for
the Jews living in Jesus’ day was they were living under the occupation of the
Romans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Romans were quite often
guilty of abusing and committing atrocities against the Jews in Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many in Israel felt they were justified to
murder Romans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“After all,” their thinking
went, “these Romans are nothing more than human animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we should treat them as animals.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Many </span>Israelites thought they could feel justified murdering Romans
in cold blood, because their religious law said, “An eye for an eye, a tooth
for a tooth, a life for a life…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> However, this was a corruption of the spirit of God's Law. </span>Where does it all end?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Human vengeance
only begets more vengeance and never leads to peace or justice or reconciliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Jesus speaks Truth:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dJL149NddsTlbG54W_sOgOHrKil8wm1p4Akpc2A9LVyLlZmHggpNWGARO8mYB3QYI35lxTZBGmIuUTn3PIGEFHGmfkrXqYpzYsPM1PEfbTxea-HatIRWWUPx1Az6NqP2BWo_ocf3L0Ep2dAw9d6UGz9eUKLGN9uHG5Y5nWbdZommBkRGGMPGyJmUy0Q/s960/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dJL149NddsTlbG54W_sOgOHrKil8wm1p4Akpc2A9LVyLlZmHggpNWGARO8mYB3QYI35lxTZBGmIuUTn3PIGEFHGmfkrXqYpzYsPM1PEfbTxea-HatIRWWUPx1Az6NqP2BWo_ocf3L0Ep2dAw9d6UGz9eUKLGN9uHG5Y5nWbdZommBkRGGMPGyJmUy0Q/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:39-42</b><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span><sup><span style="background: white; color: black;">39 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">But I say, do not resist an evil person!
If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. <b><sup>40 </sup></b>If
you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. <b><sup>41 </sup></b>If
a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. <b><sup>42 </sup></b>Give
to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.</span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Jesus names 3 offences: a slap on the
cheek, losing your shirt in court, and carrying a soldier’s gear for a
mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should also notice that every
one of these is something personal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What follows is about our own
personal rights and selfish pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
not about laws or policies for the government or society as a whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is about personal behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So often we point religion at others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus points it toward our personal
attitudes and behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s look at
each one of the situations Jesus mentions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsDKhK0LkvCO2F5IdVzwr6BYtDRyAy7KlYEHvK-ZR7MrCnO0ecZ8dfvCPRD5cNHrGHM_v__jNNR0E5lkATf0FtuiaD9pP1kLANg1510iVvgSKcH3yAddIlarmjgWw_ERO1JYY6TV52h0p9tNlwTt8wGO0GWmTBYHiz7H07aIESc2Q28wvfGQcrDE2qP0/s960/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsDKhK0LkvCO2F5IdVzwr6BYtDRyAy7KlYEHvK-ZR7MrCnO0ecZ8dfvCPRD5cNHrGHM_v__jNNR0E5lkATf0FtuiaD9pP1kLANg1510iVvgSKcH3yAddIlarmjgWw_ERO1JYY6TV52h0p9tNlwTt8wGO0GWmTBYHiz7H07aIESc2Q28wvfGQcrDE2qP0/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Turn the Other Cheek</b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
The first is Jesus’ famous teaching to “turn the other cheek,” which has raised
a lot of eyebrows over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some even
misunderstand and think Jesus rejects fighting back for any reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s not what Jesus said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all, Jesus’ original listeners knew turning
the other cheek was about trading insults, not self-defense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the worst insults a Jew could give in
the 1<sup>st</sup> century was a backhanded slap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice, Jesus said, “If someone slaps you on
the right cheek.” In order for a right handed person to slap someone on the right cheek (and 90% of the population is right handed), you would have to give a backhanded slap.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A back handed slap was very insulting to 1st century Jews (it still is throughout the Middle East today). A Jew in the 1st century could sue someone for slapping them. The suit wasn't about the violence, but the insult (similar to a libel case today where one person sues another for defamation of character). The financial penalty for a backhanded slap was twice as expensive for a regular slap.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">So with this in mind, realize Jesus is talking about a threat to a person's life or limb here. Jesus is addressing insults. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">What do you do when insulted?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it may depend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You may react differently if you are insulted by an immature kid or by an adult colleague. </span>If you have a big ego and the insult hurts your
pride, you may feel like you need to defend yourself or take the other person
down a notch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re insecure, you
may feel the need to fight back; I mean you’re already feeling inadequate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t just stand by and let someone take you
down even further.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But what if you have no ego?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if you really don’t care what people say
about you, because you don’t care about their lies?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if you already know God loves you and you
are secure in yourself and you only care about what God thinks, not what people
think?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Jesus, the Son of God, had way more
reason than anyone to have a big ego and demand people respect Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, He is literally God’s gift to the
world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Jesus left the glory of Heaven and His divine privileges, and humbled
Himself to come down to our broken world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He bore physical and verbal abuse, knowing these did not change who He really
was. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned the other cheek and bore people’s
insults and He calls His followers to take up their cross and follow His example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEC9BwAVmTIK1hlQVObbOm6_8WhuZc1PZQKyY9oX-t6xNaKhIbuwbnixRcFQizF5NJLzGTNntTN4REKenofyoCFVvHzM5Tb4RV-6pcR26PRT8MONmxvuvfMlftxyoHRAxGtCtaRvsuWQHXudvsGaWf1fWX_RU1OdXrVZUVbS9oYkkHG3XNcJzZXhds-v8/s960/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEC9BwAVmTIK1hlQVObbOm6_8WhuZc1PZQKyY9oX-t6xNaKhIbuwbnixRcFQizF5NJLzGTNntTN4REKenofyoCFVvHzM5Tb4RV-6pcR26PRT8MONmxvuvfMlftxyoHRAxGtCtaRvsuWQHXudvsGaWf1fWX_RU1OdXrVZUVbS9oYkkHG3XNcJzZXhds-v8/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>The Shirt Off My Back</b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
The second offence Jesus mentions is losing your shirt in court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are so poor all you have for someone to take from you in court is the
shirt off your back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the person suing is so mean they would even take your clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus says, “Give it to them and give
them your coat too!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever felt
like even the government, the legal system, and courts are so corrupt and they are
abusing you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Jews in Jesus day certainly
did. The Roman occupiers were corrupt and their own government leaders and
court system were corrupt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus says, “That’s
still not an excuse to take matters into your own hands and seek personal
vengeance.”<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt63Q7DLZ3jsvF2I96LWSVFAVF5oYDhs2EMpXvGOxG9jCp4VFFdSjsTnDH0aS5FG0ANFcyYkH_F1mymTDO8jx9F9TZ5NL7HZ5P0vRwlMBJewttCy_y9yuZU4JKKUEkLey790rQulh20q0MW95QJPSbXdcrtC7V8N0Ni5X-bp_ufgH6KLU0KoTWK8-FPwU/s960/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt63Q7DLZ3jsvF2I96LWSVFAVF5oYDhs2EMpXvGOxG9jCp4VFFdSjsTnDH0aS5FG0ANFcyYkH_F1mymTDO8jx9F9TZ5NL7HZ5P0vRwlMBJewttCy_y9yuZU4JKKUEkLey790rQulh20q0MW95QJPSbXdcrtC7V8N0Ni5X-bp_ufgH6KLU0KoTWK8-FPwU/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Go the Extra Mile</b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
Lastly, Jesus points out a real-life situation Jews faced regularly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a law in Jesus’ day that required
any Jew over the age of 12 to carry a Roman soldier’s gear for up to a mile if
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is obviously pointing to
this despised Roman law with His statement in verse 41, “</span><span style="background: white; color: black;">If a soldier demands that you carry his
gear for a mile, carry it two miles.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here is where we get the common modern encouragement to “go the extra
mile” meaning go above and beyond what’s required of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But would you really be excited about going
above and beyond in fulfilling a mean-spirited law made to benefit your enemy while shaming you?<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Jesus’ way of
living is radical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells His
followers not to seek vengeance and even to set aside their personal rights for
the sake of God’s Kingdom, trusting God to be the judge and take care of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus goes even further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus doesn’t want His followers to resent these
sacrifices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, Jesus wants His people
to go above and beyond in their willingness to set aside their ego and pride
and their personal rights. Put it all in God's hands as the ultimate judge. Vengeance is the Lords, not yours.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvM8Tp1zOUPBIANIJEb9rIcPbhizwNkRxwN9kmXMmIrhBwfI3f7loC0CDv0AFprPE0MKlsNVzgbzrTISbJJYmM3cWs34uZBDtjf8-9E2Azy0OxqJuWzCDsZ938LVyBccuw2dDf24ZbFAyq703P4glea3i8uFJbSeImnanaiE7N8DoF3XT1ibWIsEplEs/s960/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvM8Tp1zOUPBIANIJEb9rIcPbhizwNkRxwN9kmXMmIrhBwfI3f7loC0CDv0AFprPE0MKlsNVzgbzrTISbJJYmM3cWs34uZBDtjf8-9E2Azy0OxqJuWzCDsZ938LVyBccuw2dDf24ZbFAyq703P4glea3i8uFJbSeImnanaiE7N8DoF3XT1ibWIsEplEs/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Conclusion<br />
</b><span style="background: white; color: black;">If you feel overwhelmed or
like this way of living is impossible, you’re not wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s part of the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with His previous arguments, Jesus is
showing that we really aren’t capable of living up to God’s glorious standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we think we are good enough, the Law
shows we all fall short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need a Savior—not
only to save us from our sin, but also to enable us to live the way Jesus
challenges us to live.</span><b><o:p> </o:p></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It
is a difficult path to follow, but the Lord gives His Disciples the Holy Spirit to
help us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> L</span>et us obey Christ and seek to go
the extra mile in this endeavor.</span></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-72286640092615397592023-10-09T07:59:00.001-04:002023-10-09T07:59:55.786-04:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm1YY1zTot_tN51DSKqKmfx2aLM09CQ8W3hRiaeUVUvMYyNmUlYbuLs1QSOBYpkD3tdwU_DspQ8oid8gMtRWCF__WkBD2_7zCRA6J_saqqQHdFUtBy9so6lcyNQ8qipQ6IUcaK4Unr3Nc-meNU3jGwpqrJ8nMgZnNAP3TerYhmaSCLaTB2Y51zj90B9Y/s960/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm1YY1zTot_tN51DSKqKmfx2aLM09CQ8W3hRiaeUVUvMYyNmUlYbuLs1QSOBYpkD3tdwU_DspQ8oid8gMtRWCF__WkBD2_7zCRA6J_saqqQHdFUtBy9so6lcyNQ8qipQ6IUcaK4Unr3Nc-meNU3jGwpqrJ8nMgZnNAP3TerYhmaSCLaTB2Y51zj90B9Y/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>The Jewish people of the New Testament were commanded by
God to be honest. The 9<sup>th</sup> of
the 10 commandments says, “Do not false witness against your neighbor.” (Exodus
20:16) And throughout the Scriptures, God instructs people to be honest. Just as God does not lie, we should not
lie. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">And yet, how could Jews live under the
oppression of the all Romans, and not lie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suppose you were
in their shoes and some Romans soldiers came to arrest and execute your
brother, who was hiding in your basement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And they demanded, “Where is your brother?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you say, “I don’t know!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He isn’t here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your lie may save his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, in lying, you broke God’s command not
to lie.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Romans weren’t stupid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They knew the Jews would lie for each other; who wouldn't in that situation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they also knew the Jews were religious and
they feared God who told them not to lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So they might make the Jews swear a vow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Swear to God you don’t know where your brother is?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">An oath or vow like this was a very serious
business to ancient people—especially the Jews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jews believed more than any other people that God was real and all
powerful and all knowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lying to God
was a serious offense and He would punish you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Jews believed that wholeheartedly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Now that’s a problem if you live in
occupied territory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were the Jews
supposed to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, Jewish religious
leaders came up with some work arounds so Jews could lie to the Romans and not
offend God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can deduce some of these
from Matthew 23:16-22.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could make a
vow “by God’s Temple” as long as they didn’t make the vow on the “gold of the
Temple”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or they could make a vow “by
heaven” as long as it was not “by God in heaven”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So these were ways Jews could use a vow to <i>sound
</i>honest but actually lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">That’s convenient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we found ourselves in their shoes, we
could probably all appreciate the practicality of being able to lie to the enemy like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids who live in abusive
households often learn to lie for very similar reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to avoid abuse and unfair
punishment, they learn really quick it’s easier to lie and cover up than to be
beaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a coping mechanism and it often works.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The problem for many kids who learned to
lie because they're abused is they grow into adults who are
habitual liars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though they are no longer
in an abusive situation, they are still in the habit of lying because it’s more
convenient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it’s just easier
to lie than explain the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The unfortunate Jews who lived under Roman
occupation learned to be good liars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They even learned to feel good about lying by using vows to cover it up with
religious language. But what was to stop them from using religious language to now lying to each other?
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">And into this world of lies and
deception, Jesus speaks the Truth in His Sermon on the Mount.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxQkSzDNdEVEFw9sXcGLjCwiTHeIVFcxMUok0ihx6-qN1mbiF7cDYwe5nm5-CjSnjcyXBtyOu3H3iZQ-48IHClxp-b7mCe4B2Vc8tTyFy1z8Vx9_eEaNfQ2ZM9jev3T48BR5u1mZOBPgfrIcsg1VEX9TmdaSLslxlntHJOlh341NUudzAGq5N_ZsCY9g/s960/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxQkSzDNdEVEFw9sXcGLjCwiTHeIVFcxMUok0ihx6-qN1mbiF7cDYwe5nm5-CjSnjcyXBtyOu3H3iZQ-48IHClxp-b7mCe4B2Vc8tTyFy1z8Vx9_eEaNfQ2ZM9jev3T48BR5u1mZOBPgfrIcsg1VEX9TmdaSLslxlntHJOlh341NUudzAGq5N_ZsCY9g/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:33-37</b><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span><span class="text"><sup><span style="background: white; color: black;">33 </span></sup></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“You have also heard that
our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the
vows you make to the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">.’</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23245" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">34 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">But
I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s
throne.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23246" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">35 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">And
do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say,
‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23247" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">36 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">Do not even say,
‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23248" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">37 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">Just say a
simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil
one.</span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fAiOg_Xvd8cr1iwy8oSW0KAJ5I9wItMcaOwF-On5hjG54bCfxMtDZ2NqiLTSjJpY5gz0QwRJE7tz4rSuTFVZ9qEte_KQD63Ljv7i5eXJdw8ipanVfNEjMLJ_XxY3l31XFUITkMYbLHizRjgpEuTPxEsDGhyphenhyphenCcWB4uy0IvIBdYUp6zopQs3YH8ob-x5M/s960/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fAiOg_Xvd8cr1iwy8oSW0KAJ5I9wItMcaOwF-On5hjG54bCfxMtDZ2NqiLTSjJpY5gz0QwRJE7tz4rSuTFVZ9qEte_KQD63Ljv7i5eXJdw8ipanVfNEjMLJ_XxY3l31XFUITkMYbLHizRjgpEuTPxEsDGhyphenhyphenCcWB4uy0IvIBdYUp6zopQs3YH8ob-x5M/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>On Earth as it is in Heaven<span style="background: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">Jesus came to bring the
Kingdom of Heaven to earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
preaching often started with words like Matthew 3:2, “Repent of your sins and
turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the people to who He preached (just like
us) lived in the real world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The real
world is a place where people lie and cheat and steal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The real world is a place where we must look
at all the bad options available and pick the least evil one. Right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know what I mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in the real world, not some fantasy.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">It’s
ironic that we call the broken world we live in “The Real World”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s real to us, because it’s all we’ve ever known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus came to show us this isn’t the way the world is supposes to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He met our broken world head on and challenged all its broken people and broken
systems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus refused to bow down to the way things work in our broken world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be one of the main things that annoyed the religious and political leaders
most about Jesus—that He refused to get with the program about the way things
work in the “real world”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so, when
Jesus refused to cave in and play along by the rules of the “real world”, they arrested and executed Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
said, see, this is what happens to people who don’t play by our rules, you die
in shame and agony on a cross.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">But
then an amazing thing happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus rose from the dead on the third day because He is Lord! You see, in the “real world” honesty and integrity may get you rejected and killed. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, those who follow Jesus rise to new life—eternal life. And we all have to decide which is really the “real world”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it this broken world of lies or is it the Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus preached?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Jesus
challenged all His followers, “Pray like this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our Father in Heaven…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thy Kingdom come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thy will be done, on
earth as it is in Heaven…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Matthew
6:8-10) Jesus came to overthrow our broken world and He calls all His believers to have
faith to live as though His Kingdom is the true reality and this so called “real
world” which we believe is reality is really a corruption and a lie that is
passing away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s Kingdom is coming, and we are called to live by the Kingdom’s principles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">And in God’s Kingdom, there’s no
reason to lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> There is no sin or abuse. There is no Enemy. </span></span>We are called to live with honesty and integrity. We’ve got to let go of our habits of
lying. We should be such honest people we no longer need vows to prove we’re telling
the truth. So the person who says, “Yes” is just as believable to as the person who says, “I
swear to God, yes!” In fact, the person
who says yes may be <i>more</i> believable than the person who makes a vow. Because why would you even need to say, “I
swear to God…”? If you have to swear to prove
you’re telling the truth then it almost implies the possibility that you may
have lied at other times when you didn’t swear to God. In the Kingdom of Heaven, where Jesus is
King, people are always honest. Yes means
yes and no means no.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk-Ve2Qg19J8iGIqY_Pm8gIOl8pqjSeDUusi7b5sfiaXymRVqgguemEkF4oBzb8jePi3LmQR9K6GjqHuvNrJZAAbA0rDF0orT4wHZEaHHBoVL65Ao2vZlg902_3xpb1cW8XB0oZ2HldFsW7P2HftxhyphenhyphenMSUwR4VHgJ1fXWvlarDp4q_7VM4J5Jbz2Qzf4/s960/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk-Ve2Qg19J8iGIqY_Pm8gIOl8pqjSeDUusi7b5sfiaXymRVqgguemEkF4oBzb8jePi3LmQR9K6GjqHuvNrJZAAbA0rDF0orT4wHZEaHHBoVL65Ao2vZlg902_3xpb1cW8XB0oZ2HldFsW7P2HftxhyphenhyphenMSUwR4VHgJ1fXWvlarDp4q_7VM4J5Jbz2Qzf4/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Can Christians Make Vows or Swear Oaths?</b><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Some Christian denominations interpret Jesus words
about vows to mean Christians should not make vows or take oaths of any
kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, Quakers, Mennonites,
and the Amish interpret Jesus’ words in Scripture to mean they should not make
vows or swear oaths of any kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement (officially called the Religious
Society of Friends), was put in prison because he refused to swear on the Bible to tell the truth. Ironically, Fox was a deeply religious man
and argued the very Bible he was being compelled to swear upon required him not
to swear an oath. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Was George Fox right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does the Bible forbid Christians from making
vows or swearing oaths?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe it does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s not the point of what Jesus is saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, Jesus was involved in a trial where an oath were used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Jesus was on trial
before the Jerusalem High Council (Matthew 26:63-64), the high priest said, “I
demand <i>in the name of the living God</i>—tell us if you are the Messiah, the
Son of God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus replied, “You have
said it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s not much different than
when the judge asks you in court, “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole
truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?” and you respond “I do.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Other Christian denomination may see it
differently, but Methodists (and the vast majority of Christian denominations throughout
history) have allowed and even encouraged Christians to make vows in certain
situations—like when you get married and say, “I do” or when you become a Christian
and join a church and are asked, “Do you confess Jesus Christ as Savior, put
their whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as their Lord?” and
you respond, “I do.” So the point is not to prohibit vows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
point is to uphold the high value of honesty and integrity in God’s people in
the Kingdom of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRse35YadayRUDz_fNwrMESQWFM5SHxoZ-Cgx_p2VcGnJOTqzc9BfG7uKGepMWj7EDUKhUuEjFeiiIA4aCMYRgrDGr8apLbMr2IuN5C8yjpVSeewYChhlOdcGIjzmBeiBb4JgjcKDPmS56LAAQQ1SrozPSkDGc4ar7Y-Jj6hjIyr7qylpqigRomlKV8Bg/s960/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRse35YadayRUDz_fNwrMESQWFM5SHxoZ-Cgx_p2VcGnJOTqzc9BfG7uKGepMWj7EDUKhUuEjFeiiIA4aCMYRgrDGr8apLbMr2IuN5C8yjpVSeewYChhlOdcGIjzmBeiBb4JgjcKDPmS56LAAQQ1SrozPSkDGc4ar7Y-Jj6hjIyr7qylpqigRomlKV8Bg/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Conclusion<br />
</b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Jesus reveals once again that the demands of holiness
in the Kingdom of Heaven are beyond the reach of our sinful hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We fall so far short of God’s glorious standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re so accustomed to living in a broken and sinful world, we don’t even realize how
much we sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus points out our sin—not
to shame us, but—to wake us up to our desperate need of salvation.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Do you struggle with honesty?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you a liar?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> B</span>efore you deny it, reflect honestly and deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of you learned to lie when you were in an abusive situation—maybe an abusive relationship or marriage, maybe even as a child who could not be honest with your parents and still survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now you are free of that abuse, but you still cling to your habit of
lying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Maybe it</span>’s just easier to lie than tell the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t it time to ask God to heal you so you can start to value honesty as Jesus
does?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Some of you think you are honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may even be proud of how honest you are. But think about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Did you ever laugh at someone’s joke when everyone else laughed even though it
wasn’t funny?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was dishonest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did you lie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were you trying not to look foolish?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re you just being polite?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Have you every smiled and pretended understand
someone when you couldn’t really hear or understand them? Have you ever covered up your physical flaws to make yourself look better than
you really do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe put on a little makeup
or dye in your hair or wore clothing that covered up your flaws. Isn’t that in some sense dishonest?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Friends, we’ve all lied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we’re honest about it, we can all see it
and admit it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be a small thing to us, but we’re talking about the absolutely perfect and holy standards of God. You see?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t fulfill it. And when we’re proud of our honesty, we can see even our pride is misplaced and
sinful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve nothing to be proud of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even our so-called
righteousness is but filthy rags.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But with Jesus there is mercy and grace
and forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Jesus, there is
salvation. We must lay down our false righteousness and throw ourselves upon the mercy
of Christ. Repent and turn to Him today and seek to live by the principles of His Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">For we all must decided what is <b><i>real</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this world we see around us, with all its corrupt rules and customs, the “real
world”? Or is the <b>real world</b> the Kingdom of Heaven Jesus taught about and showed
us with His life? You must decide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make your choice today,
right now, this very moment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-5840268256224924862023-10-02T10:53:00.002-04:002023-10-02T10:53:23.296-04:00What Jesus Really Said About Divorce<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dxOdWg6pomayt-0yLY8pw06BTAUeMAMqmsjQSC5mRwWRAFjIhVxPfMxBh4el6Ds_oIHPsmFDaziwxQJZMg3KGWaVz4xPngH-eLQuQ6gHhFNMiCaX5qIWpL0mFiPW_5A0RrJBX0qO9FWxFG4eddF1Qr2cE3qpJMc9zDhocbxj9FFidAkmo7kOm9qAWPw/s960/6%20Divorce%20-%20THUMB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dxOdWg6pomayt-0yLY8pw06BTAUeMAMqmsjQSC5mRwWRAFjIhVxPfMxBh4el6Ds_oIHPsmFDaziwxQJZMg3KGWaVz4xPngH-eLQuQ6gHhFNMiCaX5qIWpL0mFiPW_5A0RrJBX0qO9FWxFG4eddF1Qr2cE3qpJMc9zDhocbxj9FFidAkmo7kOm9qAWPw/s320/6%20Divorce%20-%20THUMB2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>We are working our way through Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount found in
Matthew chapters 5-7. Today our subject
is a sensitive one: divorce. The experience of divorce is described by
many as one of the most painful experiences of life. It is something that affects not only the
divorced couple, but also their children, families, and friends. And just based on statistics, it’s likely half of the people reading this have been through a divorce or will sometime
in their lifetime.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus had some important things to say about marriage and divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spoke the Truth with genuine love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please know upfront that is my intention too—to
speak the truth in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not here to
judge anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think if we really understanding
of what Jesus said about divorce and how it should be interpreted in our world
today, we will find an incredible amount of God’s grace and love as well as
Truth that can change our lives forever for the better.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So what did Jesus say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is found in Matthew 5:31-32.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CmUmg3roBegmOLDb7b3OnSXY6C04LTLawAntJY5S85yBvkU16gB8OgXrV75VOvE89a7X0u36Wsn1fPoP2uLetFH5Cu8HbwjnSrbAh3Zk-c2X2UU2tiC_vzrcHGYpkySsRdrjgMZW_0FIumb9Ug8YcN7JIrYN-Tn3incRN9fyEQfdJlT8VWfxrW5ouAQ/s960/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CmUmg3roBegmOLDb7b3OnSXY6C04LTLawAntJY5S85yBvkU16gB8OgXrV75VOvE89a7X0u36Wsn1fPoP2uLetFH5Cu8HbwjnSrbAh3Zk-c2X2UU2tiC_vzrcHGYpkySsRdrjgMZW_0FIumb9Ug8YcN7JIrYN-Tn3incRN9fyEQfdJlT8VWfxrW5ouAQ/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:31<br />
<sup><span style="background: white; color: black;">31 </span></sup></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his
wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Jesus
is talking about an Old Testament law in Deuteronomy 24 that says, “If a man marries a woman who becomes
displeasing to him <i>because he finds something <b>indecent</b></i> <i>about
her</i>…” he can give her a written certificate of divorce and send her
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">The
Jewish religious leaders of Jesus day debated a specific clause in that statement quite a bit: “if he
finds something <b>indecent</b> about her.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What does it mean to be indecent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were two popular interpretations in Jesus’ day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A famous rabbi named <b>Shammai</b> said the
only <i>indecency</i> that could lead to divorce was a serious
transgression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> For example </span>if a woman was stealing
her husband’s money or flirting with her neighbors or walking around exposing
herself in public, this was serious indecent behavior that were grounds for divorce. Another famous rabbi, rabbi <b>Hillel </b>said a man could divorce his wife
simply because she burned his toast!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">So
the religious Jews of Jesus day generally grouped themselves into one or the
other school of thought about divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
said you can divorce your wife for almost any reason at all and a stricter belief
that it had to be a serious offence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should point out here that it would not be necessary to divorce your wife if
she cheated on you, because the Old Testament penalty for adultery was
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if your wife cheated and was
put to death, no divorce is necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">But
Jesus, who is God, says:<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-zz34ANoVAyekbUJJ0uCwWlGhNAs8C8zvcfNxRxRpbQejIhhDwnKPFq1vKJVMiUhu-LiHP0eDetCP-xaZJm81dCQrbsoakb2OiSFTgEAhwbek7mmPEfoZFd7PIKeOhREqgJecYtJWKdi5ixwoVc8-OJgA0uwG1B84njk5FgZeIkWqL02OU17w9Z5le0/s960/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-zz34ANoVAyekbUJJ0uCwWlGhNAs8C8zvcfNxRxRpbQejIhhDwnKPFq1vKJVMiUhu-LiHP0eDetCP-xaZJm81dCQrbsoakb2OiSFTgEAhwbek7mmPEfoZFd7PIKeOhREqgJecYtJWKdi5ixwoVc8-OJgA0uwG1B84njk5FgZeIkWqL02OU17w9Z5le0/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:32<br />
<sup><span style="background: white; color: black;">32 </span></sup></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has
been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a
divorced woman also commits adultery.</span></span></span><b><o:p></o:p></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">People has often used this passage to prove Jesus forbids
Christians to divorce or to remarry after a divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the surface, that’s what it seems like
Jesus is saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you only read
the passage this way, you are misunderstanding the point Jesus makes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout this chapter, Jesus uses real-life examples to show people are utterly helpless to fulfill God’s perfect and holy Law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember what Jesus said in
the passage last week about lust and adultery?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you even look at someone else and lust in your heart you’ve already
committed adultery in your heart and broken God’s law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And since hardly anyone can honestly say they
haven’t ever lusted, we are guilty.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Jewish religious leaders knew how hard it was for people
to stay married to the same person their whole life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they were always looking for exceptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One group said “if she burns your toast, you
can divorce her.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another group said, “No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has something serious.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said, it was never God’s intention that
anyone get divorced, and if you do you are breaking God’s law (see Matthew 19).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point is, once again, Jesus is saying we
are unable to fulfill God's Law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
why Jesus came to fulfill the Law for us, to die on the cross to pay our penalty,
and offer us God’s grace and mercy to restore our broken relationship with Him. This passage is not directly about divorce. It's about how Jesus came to save us from out sin. He's using a practical example from life to show how helpless we are.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkHezWsdweID6fimdZu0p37g3hRzlbKD_Rifzdj43_ir0P3sRdHInHLu8vq5Liu0P7oDQ-utU5hnye7hDuczOmqQu4t90kkpOllB2TUBJrsR4vV97zD1D44HTu8kqL1Vc_-VaeNBuuQcZZ7FMsMniaRtl4ej6M1RhejFgO5601BKz-FORwfFangaHFes/s960/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkHezWsdweID6fimdZu0p37g3hRzlbKD_Rifzdj43_ir0P3sRdHInHLu8vq5Liu0P7oDQ-utU5hnye7hDuczOmqQu4t90kkpOllB2TUBJrsR4vV97zD1D44HTu8kqL1Vc_-VaeNBuuQcZZ7FMsMniaRtl4ej6M1RhejFgO5601BKz-FORwfFangaHFes/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>But What About Divorce?<br />
</b>Well, that’s a fine biblical theology lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> However, w</span>hat we all still want to know:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it OK for Christians to divorce and
remarry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Divorce is heart wrenching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And genuine Christians who want to be
faithful really struggle when it comes to divorce.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Methodists accept that divorce is sometimes necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is true of the two largest Methodist
denominations—United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as far as I know, divorce is allowed by all the other major Methodist traditions of which I'm aware.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I want to state clearly that we believe this not <i>in spite of
what Jesus and the Bible says</i> but <u>because</u> of what Jesus and the Bible says.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can that be when Jesus clearly seems to prohibit divorce?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Bible’s laws about divorce, laws that Jesus confirmed,
were specifically designed to protect women in the ancient world against abandonment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since most women in Jesus’ day could not work
to provide a living for themselves (unless they turned to prostitution), God
did not want women to be abandoned. So,
God gave strict laws to forbid divorce so women could not be cast out and left destitute.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In a perfect world the way God intended it to be, divorce
would not be necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A man and woman would be faithful and loving to each other their whole lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we all know we don’t live in a perfect world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes divorce is necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, in our modern world, divorce <i>is the way</i> to protect women (and
also men).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Look at an example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What if a man is abusing his wife?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is no way in the world Jesus would tell that woman she must stay
with her abusive husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’
teaching about divorce was there to <i>protect</i> women, not hurt them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this goes for mental, emotional, and spiritual
abuse as well as physical abuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus wants
more than anything to protect the vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And it also goes both ways—for both men and women—because Jesus
wants to protect men too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our modern world
where women <i>can</i> leave their husband and make it on their own, men need protection
from abusive relationships too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
divorce is the only way out of a abusive marriage <i>for a husband</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if Jesus was here today speaking to you,
He would say the same thing. So don’t let anyone twist what Jesus said to protect women 2,000 year ago to
hurt women (or men) today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s Law and
Jesus’ teaching is meant to protect the vulnerable from abuse.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now, that is not to say Christians should take marriage
lightly or use divorce as a excuse not to work through tough marital issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marriage takes a lot of work and faithful
spouses should be committed to do everything possible to stay together if they
can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is, divorce is so
difficult and expensive and painful, I don’t think too many people out there take
it lightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Our goal should be to marry for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I think two faithful people who are truly committed to each other
and to Jesus can find a way to be together for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it takes both the husband and the wife to
make that happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if it can’t happen
and staying married is more harmful than good, then divorce is permissible—maybe
even advisable.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In first Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul also taught about divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said if your spouse is determined to
leave, you should let them go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You aren’t
bound to try and force them to stay.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is much more that could be said on the subject of
marriage and divorce than we can address in a general message like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marriage and divorce are complex and every case is unique. If you are struggling in your marriage or contemplating divorce, come talk with
me (or find a good pastor or marriage counselor to talk to.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many times marriage problems that seem too big to be worked out can be overcome
with a little help from a counselor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if your problems are truly cause for separation or divorce, a wise counselor can help you determine
that too and you will have the peace of mind knowing you did everything you
could to save your marriage.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV6yShVDyiCl-PEosxJw6y3jfV8M7Oz9zzzrYWmnMb3BAjuiDB1huR0LbmnbzuIVql1LIWB5BzJ1QJXQzvJvteNS8IswUKwl6_7bmhNFT6USY3thPXZJzdedPTm5xGnDuJRqsV_GB5L4LFxwaUZ8Q58B90EvBcOn2JR2bs4dNuPlAbwArI4F7ONo4nWI/s960/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV6yShVDyiCl-PEosxJw6y3jfV8M7Oz9zzzrYWmnMb3BAjuiDB1huR0LbmnbzuIVql1LIWB5BzJ1QJXQzvJvteNS8IswUKwl6_7bmhNFT6USY3thPXZJzdedPTm5xGnDuJRqsV_GB5L4LFxwaUZ8Q58B90EvBcOn2JR2bs4dNuPlAbwArI4F7ONo4nWI/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>We Live In A Broken World<br /></b>We live in a broken world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible
tells us our spiritual ancestors, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God and brought sin into the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of creation has suffers the consequences. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard.” We see the results all around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is sickness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is famine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even our marriages fail because the world is not the way God intended it or
wants it to be. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">That’s why Jesus came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to
fulfill the requirements of the Law when we couldn’t. Jesus gave His life on the cross to atone for our sins. Jesus rose from the grave to prove God’s promise of reconciliation and eternal
life for all who repent and call on the name of Jesus to be saved. So remember what Jesus did for us
and follow Him as Lord and He will strengthen you to live for Him until we realize the healing and
restoration of the coming Kingdom of Heaven.</p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-22441926384011976822023-09-25T10:39:00.003-04:002023-09-25T10:39:33.748-04:00Did Jesus Really Mean We Should Pluck Out Our Eyes?<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtaCtAPfwI__rlNqWesZZwdY18L4UKkm0rEYerdWH8OvpJwndpvtWWCAp28miNMAB03lyZf55SgrBNNBwmVJa4ufISxAf0NtSgmShjAxj0iGeLoEjhzSAM0UwiJlK7gnay_GtgeecpbCHKoqZAuc34SGIaWITq8ELQL2yBMJcqlsmICrqe8762GNxYYY/s960/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtaCtAPfwI__rlNqWesZZwdY18L4UKkm0rEYerdWH8OvpJwndpvtWWCAp28miNMAB03lyZf55SgrBNNBwmVJa4ufISxAf0NtSgmShjAxj0iGeLoEjhzSAM0UwiJlK7gnay_GtgeecpbCHKoqZAuc34SGIaWITq8ELQL2yBMJcqlsmICrqe8762GNxYYY/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>In the 10 commandments, God said, “Do not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14). Adultery is a serious crime against God and humanity. It wrecks marriages, tears apart families, and fills people with hurt, anger,
and resentment. Adultery is a sin of betrayal that destroys the peace and harmony of communities. It compromises our integrity, corrupts our character, and mars the sacred image
of God within us.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That is why God takes adultery seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the civil law for Israel in the Old
Testament, the punishment for adultery was death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deuteronomy 22:22 – “If a man is discovered committing adultery, both he and
the woman must die. In this way, you will purge Israel of such evil.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That may seem to be too harsh of a penalty to us who live in
the modern era. But if you’ve ever been betrayed by an adulterous spouse, you may wish the OT penalty was still in effect. Adultery is evil and destructive, not just to the spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It harms families and society.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While infidelity may have become more common in civilian
life, the military continues to enforce strict prohibitions against adultery. It is still illegal for married military personnel to engage in adultery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a military crime that can be prosecuted, because the military understands
adultery is a distraction that leads to the loss of trust and morale, and a decline
in fighting efficiency. If convicted of adultery, a soldier can face up to a year of jailtime, dishonorable
discharge, and forfeiture of all pay and allowances.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hopefully, you have never cheated on your spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, statistics indicate that there are some here who probably have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve read research that says anywhere from 10-20% of married couples cheat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that’s true, there’s probably several people reading this today who have cheated on their
spouse. But for those of who haven’t, we need not be too proud of ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus has a few words to say about adultery in the sermon on the mount. His words challenge all of us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Matthew 5:27-30</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="background: white;">27 </span></sup></span></span></b><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“You have heard the
commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span><span class="text" style="background-color: white;"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23239" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">28 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;">But
I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed
adultery with her in his heart.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text" style="background-color: white;"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23240" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">29 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;">So
if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it
away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole
body to be thrown into hell.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text" style="background-color: white;"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23241" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">30 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;">And
if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it
away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole
body to be thrown into hell.</span><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJbxpdwOgGNg8upxr5suYVmm2dOnoVWdKWi7FRTIVo4KIZiGsZzqcw-7mowxTA8mIUErMoHsjQ3ohipJAKxJZwJRLU4Z2SLKqpzhFTffwATo0YgyU1dsC_eBG-cxhykHR78CmkLrPlCiDSDXRcbKbCe1p8-yH-TTUjeCfJX6i7LRgnRHkZqM31akxgug/s960/Slide8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJbxpdwOgGNg8upxr5suYVmm2dOnoVWdKWi7FRTIVo4KIZiGsZzqcw-7mowxTA8mIUErMoHsjQ3ohipJAKxJZwJRLU4Z2SLKqpzhFTffwATo0YgyU1dsC_eBG-cxhykHR78CmkLrPlCiDSDXRcbKbCe1p8-yH-TTUjeCfJX6i7LRgnRHkZqM31akxgug/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Heart Lust<br />
</b>The holiness God demands of His people is <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">tremendous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those tremendous demands are spelled out in
the Old Testament Law by the extreme penalties for adultery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who committed adultery were to be put
to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus points out that the
demands of God’s Holy Law go even deeper than what happens outwardly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus says it goes all the way down into a
person’s heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, if you even desire sensual
intimacy with someone other than your spouse, you have committed adultery in
your heart.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A study of the University of California<a href="file:///C:/Old%20PGUMC%20Office%20Hard%20Drive%20-%207-17-19/Documents/Sermons/The%20Sermon%20on%20the%20Mount%20Series/5%20Adultery%20and%20Lust%20-%20Matthew%205;27-30.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> interviewed
676 men and women, whose average age was 25, on the intensity and frequency
with which they experienced sexual desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Almost all those interviewed—97.3%—reported having experienced lustful
feelings, with men only slightly more likely to feel sexual desire (98.8%) than
women (95.9%).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">These statistics may or may not be
representative of the wider population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I know we live in an over-sexualized society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People today in Dalton, GA are certainly more
infatuated with sex than the socially conservative people to whom Jesus
preached the Sermon on the Mount 2,000 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
culture required modest clothing whereas our culture prefers to accentuate and advertise the desirability
of a human body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The conversations of 1<sup>st</sup>
century Jews carefully avoided sexually provocative language while in our time
we crave sexually explicit lyrics in songs and readily portray nudity and
sensuality on TV while exploiting sexuality to sell products in commercials.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">There is no doubt we are more obsessed
with sex than the people who first heard Jesus words: “</span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">anyone who
even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his
heart.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
point:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all guilty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WLKM-ir3z8T0cGPDe6tmjzBorZ4SOJTGYdmgKl23ZZqHYXF8vvqo_eH_pNoMfGAsJ1LnyPV6iYQe0Ts3zx16dZvJTiTOZUDfGQ5Pk1nX5K4k0A12_ugArjYyADWXYtHEuAGEpHMnkSSw4BL40241nzi26VlvLMwOAop5D_EEOLO-eZ1634PvSVq8gZM/s960/Slide9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WLKM-ir3z8T0cGPDe6tmjzBorZ4SOJTGYdmgKl23ZZqHYXF8vvqo_eH_pNoMfGAsJ1LnyPV6iYQe0Ts3zx16dZvJTiTOZUDfGQ5Pk1nX5K4k0A12_ugArjYyADWXYtHEuAGEpHMnkSSw4BL40241nzi26VlvLMwOAop5D_EEOLO-eZ1634PvSVq8gZM/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jesus said, “<span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">So, if your eye—even your good eye—causes
you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One might wonder why we aren’t all walking around like pirates with an
eye patch.<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">It’s
important here to point out Jesus was using hyperbole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a fancy word:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hyperbole.<br />
Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. We might say, “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse!” even thought we really wouldn't ea a horse. And we may say, “My
feet are killing me!” even though our feet aren't literally killing us; they just hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">So,
Jesus wasn’t actually instructing His followers to pluck out their eyes to keep
from lusting. Blind men lust too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor did Jesus want His
disciples to actually cut off their hands to keep them from stealing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were exaggerations Jesus used to make some
serious points.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><i><span style="background: white; color: black;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQioCKJIRADWAUSNgnjeZ9c-HZ1BO-sYOMJHQHk3hSloVs5T8UIUAN8avjTONNRq2CejtglDOZeyybEGCTx4al5MxL-1UP-NMKB1Oi922eEKSNHbe0U18MSHgSCgl8IoMk11uzMbG3g96cMD9H4GyowtPnrDwa17S9vJq8ZpF5_cv-zaFV8n68fHTjNw/s960/Slide15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQioCKJIRADWAUSNgnjeZ9c-HZ1BO-sYOMJHQHk3hSloVs5T8UIUAN8avjTONNRq2CejtglDOZeyybEGCTx4al5MxL-1UP-NMKB1Oi922eEKSNHbe0U18MSHgSCgl8IoMk11uzMbG3g96cMD9H4GyowtPnrDwa17S9vJq8ZpF5_cv-zaFV8n68fHTjNw/s320/Slide15.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></div><i>First of all</i><span style="background: white; color: black;">, don’t be self-righteous just because you
never cheated on your spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans
3:23 spells it out clearly, “For all have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious
standard.” Don’t judge someone else because they sin differently than you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James 2:10 tells us, “For the person who
keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of
God’s laws.” That puts us all on equal footing, at least in terms of God's </span><span style="background-color: white;">perfect</span><span style="background-color: white;"> and </span><span style="background-color: white;">righteous judgment.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white;">Second</span></i><span style="background: white;">,<i> </i>Jesus points out God’s incredible
standard of holiness. It goes way beyond
just our physical actions. God even cares
about the motives of our hearts. And
since our hearts are corrupt, we have a serious problem. We need a new heart. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><i><span style="background: white; color: black;">Third</span></i><span style="background: white; color: black;">, Jesus shows our utter helplessness in
regard to sin and holiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans 6:23
puts it this way, “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So the consequences of our sin is death—not just our sinful actions, but
even the inner motives of our sinful heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So we are all guilty and deserving of death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why Jesus came; to free us from the
curse of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paid the penalty for
our sin and He also offers us a remedy for our sinful hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Through Jesus, we can have a new and perfect heart--one the Holy Spirit can shape and form to be godly, Christ centered, and full of love.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMlRi9Y9YH1qCnn8xvycrmVxlRSrIacr7nkrrHAM1fKOwqnhD3d8CZkhnVYqaIXr-P2CxWFOnMPmkY_4bZZBLRLYxA66ogtcmfY0BQ-LoTay-Vh0aACL6K7Z9WCE1-G2kxWAWACgx72o6Mz4vg6iJgn1b9dUk-byRhaPI50SyZLat3e2sWBBHLc4rhNA/s960/Slide14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMlRi9Y9YH1qCnn8xvycrmVxlRSrIacr7nkrrHAM1fKOwqnhD3d8CZkhnVYqaIXr-P2CxWFOnMPmkY_4bZZBLRLYxA66ogtcmfY0BQ-LoTay-Vh0aACL6K7Z9WCE1-G2kxWAWACgx72o6Mz4vg6iJgn1b9dUk-byRhaPI50SyZLat3e2sWBBHLc4rhNA/s320/Slide14.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jesus
satisfied the demands of the Law.<span style="background-color: white;"> He paid
the penalty for our sins.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> And Jesus fulfills
the Old Testament prophecies about God’s New Covenant with His people, such as </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Ezekiel 36:26, which says<b>, </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I
will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive
heart.” And </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Hebrews 10:16</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"> says, "</span><span style="background-color: white;">This is the new covenant I will make
with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">So
now, we can make a fresh start with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we repent of our sins, Jesus begins to change our hearts so that we
actually want to live the way God wants us to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just because we are following the rules,
but because we love God and we love our neighbor and want to do the right thing
for the right reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><i><span style="background: white; color: black;">Fourth</span></i><span style="background: white; color: black;">, Jesus calls His followers to live holy
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus exaggerated statements about
plucking out eyes and cutting off hands—though symbolic—also have
practical meanings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your eye causes
you to sin, then don’t look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Act as
though you had plucked out your eyes and were blind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I mean is, be extremely careful what you
look at. Guard your eyes so they don't lead your into temptation that causes you to sin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">And
when Jesus says, “Cut off your hand”, take his advice and don’t put your
hands near things that cause you to sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With a little thoughtful prayer, we can recognize the kinds of things
that tempt us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> W</span>e can learn ways to
steer clear of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The practical ways this plays out </span>may be
different for different people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
are an alcoholic, don’t hang out at a bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, you would do well to avoid being around alcohol altogether.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That doesn’t mean alcohol is bad for <i>all </i>people
(even Jesus drank wine with His disciples).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But use some common sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Avoid being
around those things that lead you into temptation and cause you to sin.</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Conclusion<br />
</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which of these 4 points hits you right where you are?<br />
Maybe today, you need to repent of your sin, turn to Jesus to save you, and
start living the holy life He calls and enables His followers to live. Maybe today, you need to consider practical ways you can avoid looking at or handling things that lead you to sin. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you?</span></p>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;"><!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Old%20PGUMC%20Office%20Hard%20Drive%20-%207-17-19/Documents/Sermons/The%20Sermon%20on%20the%20Mount%20Series/5%20Adultery%20and%20Lust%20-%20Matthew%205;27-30.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
https://www.forbes.com/2005/06/02/cx_0602health.html?sh=23141d7a2cc6<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-29546646251948524712023-09-18T09:50:00.001-04:002023-09-18T09:50:21.652-04:00Did Jesus Forbid Lawsuits?<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh_yFoL-790W6MZB0cAUdJcKluAbBbiG4Lh1MidRUof-t_bn5PFwDHY7CfMYdtLiHC5xjuFWnjo-eBEkCiIrzJg4GcaBQzQYdXG_wJ3fpP4gtJJ1SEMMthUgZhronPcaBQOVRp2g0gdas2yPP5zOGppnnpDFBMyiNj5qXWtEn-xQcszUDX-7_--4Rfdo/s960/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh_yFoL-790W6MZB0cAUdJcKluAbBbiG4Lh1MidRUof-t_bn5PFwDHY7CfMYdtLiHC5xjuFWnjo-eBEkCiIrzJg4GcaBQzQYdXG_wJ3fpP4gtJJ1SEMMthUgZhronPcaBQOVRp2g0gdas2yPP5zOGppnnpDFBMyiNj5qXWtEn-xQcszUDX-7_--4Rfdo/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Introduction and Review<br /></b>Last Sunday, we learned that Jesus didn’t come to do away with the Old
Testament Law, but to fulfill it. He
said that unless you follow the Law more perfectly than the Pharisees, you can
never enter into the Kingdom of God. (If
you missed that message, it will be helpful for you to go back and read to
it - <a href="https://www.pastorchrismullis.com/2023/09/why-do-christians-follow-some-old.html" target="_blank">"Why Christians Follow Some Old Testament Laws But not Others"</a>)<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus said, unless you follow the Law better than the
Pharisees, you can never enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:20).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the Pharisees were the holiest people in
Jesus’ day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone looked up to them
and respected them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus’ followers
would have thought it quite impossible to be more righteous than the
Pharisees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that was the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was saying, “You can’t do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pharisees can’t earn their way into
Heaven and neither can you!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That’s why Jesus came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since <i>we</i> can’t fulfill the requirements of the law, Jesus came to
fulfill it for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the penalty of
sin is death (and we’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious
standard), Jesus came and paid the penalty of our sin by dying on the cross for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His death atones for our sin and
makes us right with God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But to prove His point that <i>we</i> cannot follow the law
perfectly (and so we desperately need Jesus’ help), Jesus give some real life
examples to point out some of the ways we fall short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first example is about anger ad comes in
Matthew 5:21-26. (We'll see some more examples in future blogs.)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_zFLspOhUL8qp7kP5cQaBl8dwxJoZjCsqY55QrNnokQFa17rJvNjujly8FzFPkxZS71Ddts3ZfYmvIBo-Ijs44eaH2njXEx5bQfiVBqFGxgErfDBFD_qRETf3LJatkw223dCsB9jJFlkibRuld8Je0d7VTGXlFEqRdtwbr3xYN3qR2EZSHi0mxbobV0/s960/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_zFLspOhUL8qp7kP5cQaBl8dwxJoZjCsqY55QrNnokQFa17rJvNjujly8FzFPkxZS71Ddts3ZfYmvIBo-Ijs44eaH2njXEx5bQfiVBqFGxgErfDBFD_qRETf3LJatkw223dCsB9jJFlkibRuld8Je0d7VTGXlFEqRdtwbr3xYN3qR2EZSHi0mxbobV0/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:21-22<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup>21 </sup></span></span></b><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not
murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>22 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject
to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being
brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of
the fires of hell.<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Jesus shows how incredible demanding is God’s perfect
Law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we can understand that
we should not murder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But lest we boast
that we have never murdered, Jesus points out that the spirit of the Law
requires more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are angry at
someone, you’ve broken the Law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
are driving down Cleveland Hwy and someone cuts in front of you and almost
causes a wreck and you say, “You idiot!”, you will face judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you curse at someone, you are dangling
precariously over the fires of hell and it’s only a matter of time before you
fall into it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The perfect Law of God is
that demanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus goes on.</span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></sup></b></span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9lHUlAxso1N_rbo5PkQ9eiZwlPyP0G2kPbCAsG-Vzrkn_AbifCpF3xBFYoHuih9KhJqeV-7TN78gsv4mHAH6zjMNnK5IzmrszIYcYIKaUvJzNlMONYzedb5zLmEOHeRl0ci5qvuk94ALIAT1WBKjPoWDgKUwRqj5-BYg_RPRecN8jP-PKttEM5Ki_ng/s960/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9lHUlAxso1N_rbo5PkQ9eiZwlPyP0G2kPbCAsG-Vzrkn_AbifCpF3xBFYoHuih9KhJqeV-7TN78gsv4mHAH6zjMNnK5IzmrszIYcYIKaUvJzNlMONYzedb5zLmEOHeRl0ci5qvuk94ALIAT1WBKjPoWDgKUwRqj5-BYg_RPRecN8jP-PKttEM5Ki_ng/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:23-24<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup>23 </sup></span></span></b><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in
the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>24 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that
person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Here,
Jesus is showing forgiveness and reconciliation is the most important act for
God’s people. In the Jewish religion of Jesus’ day, sacrifice in the Temple was very
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People would travel for
hundreds of miles (on foot) to visit the Temple to make a religious sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a high and holy event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus says there’s something even more
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though your sacrifice
was very expensive and you traveled many miles to offer it as the Temple that
is held up as the most important place on earth, forgiveness and reconciliation
is more important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so important,
in fact, that Jesus left the glory of Heaven to come down to our broken world,
and to die on a cross for our sins so we can be reconciled to God and each
other.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzBclSSjLYQ43-dvXUygUUNWmEjiYWT3Xv0CmS8XftM7zfZgnEOGR0YKz0yOVFlXduqwVnKw9a7e6RaQWFWMHUQ0Mp4oqT_LEV2lcaPjLynASyJSxiGCeWJEUrH9HHYVBvYVEpDXCr_1SPHh0z5mah2a7-IlNBqneTt1VEySn-q_IS1hnQdBivLBSIRU/s960/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzBclSSjLYQ43-dvXUygUUNWmEjiYWT3Xv0CmS8XftM7zfZgnEOGR0YKz0yOVFlXduqwVnKw9a7e6RaQWFWMHUQ0Mp4oqT_LEV2lcaPjLynASyJSxiGCeWJEUrH9HHYVBvYVEpDXCr_1SPHh0z5mah2a7-IlNBqneTt1VEySn-q_IS1hnQdBivLBSIRU/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:25-26<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup>25 </sup></span></span></b><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">“When you are on the way to court with your adversary,
settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to
the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into
prison.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>26 </sup></b></span><span class="woj">And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have
paid the last penny.</span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This last part is often seen as Jesus’ practical advice for
people in a lawsuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes
sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone has a suit against you
(and you are in the wrong, or maybe even just partly in the wrong), settle it
out of court if you can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never know
how it’s going to go in court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus,
honest people ought to be able to work out a fair agreement among themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Sadly, that’s not always the case since we
are too broken by sin.)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But the Lord revealed something to me as I prepared for this
message (and I checked it out and found there is another way of understanding
this passage that gets at what Jesus is really saying).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is more than just practical advice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is using a metaphor about eternal
judgement.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aYfohkRxzL8MTwIPPnKhkXv0LgNmal6zLuFimoKKeP1ph_y3j-gFDg5Dpx-7VrH8Tb3MeJ_AzrHdmwEr_srG4J9mH95fD5ipo4FY5FeQhnQ0O8sQz6QALvVTnEWCw_P1mE02I1f1n6Tf3Ooesa9R-ZUO5Urd47Nk9TmWUlFdG-hak3HSX4npgvpCIkU/s960/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aYfohkRxzL8MTwIPPnKhkXv0LgNmal6zLuFimoKKeP1ph_y3j-gFDg5Dpx-7VrH8Tb3MeJ_AzrHdmwEr_srG4J9mH95fD5ipo4FY5FeQhnQ0O8sQz6QALvVTnEWCw_P1mE02I1f1n6Tf3Ooesa9R-ZUO5Urd47Nk9TmWUlFdG-hak3HSX4npgvpCIkU/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:25a<br />
</b>“When you are on the way to court with your adversary…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all involved in a divine “lawsuit”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, God’s Law is perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we have all broken it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Bible often says the Devil is our
accuser and adversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan is the
prosecuting attorney who brings the case against sinful people to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our great enemy, the Devil, shows all the
evidence of our sinfulness to the Heavenly Court and points His accusing finger
at our face, “He is guilty!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is
guilty!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the penalty is death and
eternal damnation!”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And what will you say when you find yourself on the judgment
seat in the court of Heaven?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have no defense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are indeed
guilty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Jesus shows, we are guilty
even if we’ve only ever been angry or called someone an idiot.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And so Jesus says, “Don’t wait until the Day of
Judgment!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it will be too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Settle this matter now, while you’re still on
the way to that Heavenly Court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s
your chance.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here’s your chance, people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus is here now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to
offer grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to offer
reconciliation with God and your fellow man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s more important than worship or sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s THE most important thing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKt55foRZJf8FN18Xu340JLEGEsasbtnHQTg2GilyEqO25Sczm7ImJmnhkYsqHusRd689UJalwMR9GFJztHUCtJ_U9fi0N2IdKAbutIcFNt6U0xtf38CF2xwyCvv--xf1_AmXFkkqOqLBZYypJrUPYojhEo9U6tAkqxymgVbGdskxGhZEzkGjNOItv9Y/s960/Slide11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKt55foRZJf8FN18Xu340JLEGEsasbtnHQTg2GilyEqO25Sczm7ImJmnhkYsqHusRd689UJalwMR9GFJztHUCtJ_U9fi0N2IdKAbutIcFNt6U0xtf38CF2xwyCvv--xf1_AmXFkkqOqLBZYypJrUPYojhEo9U6tAkqxymgVbGdskxGhZEzkGjNOItv9Y/s320/Slide11.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Reconcile with God through Jesus<br /></b>So first off, we need to get our hearts right with God. That starts when we turn to Jesus and repent
of our sin. We say, “Jesus, I will
follow You as the Lord of my life. I am
no longer in charge. You are. I will follow You. Please, forgive me for my sins and save me.”<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When we do this, Jesus’ death on the cross washes away all
our sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the Devil tries to accuse
you before God, there will be nothing left to find you guilty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your sins are gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are innocent and holy before God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But there’s more.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now, we are called to live like Jesus in this broken
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are ambassadors of peace and reconciliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus forgives our trespasses and so we forgive those who have trespassed against
us. And we are healed and there is healing in our world and the Kingdom of Heaven
comes on earth.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not easy to
forgive people who hurt us. It was not east for Jesus to die on the cross, but He did it. And Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23, “If any of you wants
to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and
follow me.” And so just as Jesus forgave us, we must forgive others. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Closing<br /></b>As we close, I want to first invite you to be reconciled to God. Turn away from your sin and turn to Jesus. Believe in Him and trust Him and follow Him as Lord and receive the grace and mercy and forgiveness He freely gives. He will wash you clean of your sin so you are holy before God. The Devil will have nothing of which to accuse you. You will be innocent.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Second, I invite you to do the hard work of forgiving
others. Just as Christ forgave you, freely forgive those who have wronged you. Do not be angry, for anger leads to wrath. Instead, leave the judgment to God, for He is the only one qualified to judge. As for you, be an ambassador of peace and reconciliations as is fitting for those who follow the Lord Jesu Christ.</p><p class="MsoNormal">For a incredible testimony of God's power and forgiveness that transforms lives, watch this <a href="https://youtu.be/ZDwOHrih5FU?si=X3r81izJVvqrJCmE" target="_blank">video from Samaritans Purse </a>about an orphan from Rwanda who gave his life to Christ and then forgave the people who murdered his family in the Rwandan genocide of the 1990s.</p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-41352975879940977232023-09-11T10:43:00.007-04:002023-09-18T09:29:02.565-04:00Why Christians Follow Some Old Testament Laws But Not Others<p><b style="background-color: white;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxUimjg6gyozltii62MdCDdE3Cqjr9-e6r8M-ga7Oes_wZbAW4kF-2KHcVs2atvWdMInY7iTh8KhtnT6ahSW-drBo-Q9lFEKKAutL4a44fx_3schbuK2Nnnup7YynSUxwwcuxMK4CBixoqSuzY2eKvKL5AUvamQ6aD0OS7LqzVLmx5u3Ln5PFIcfZCb0/s960/Slide9.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxUimjg6gyozltii62MdCDdE3Cqjr9-e6r8M-ga7Oes_wZbAW4kF-2KHcVs2atvWdMInY7iTh8KhtnT6ahSW-drBo-Q9lFEKKAutL4a44fx_3schbuK2Nnnup7YynSUxwwcuxMK4CBixoqSuzY2eKvKL5AUvamQ6aD0OS7LqzVLmx5u3Ln5PFIcfZCb0/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="background-color: white;">Introduction</b><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><br /></b></span>Jesus is the most amazing person who ever lived. His teachings are revered by people all over
the world—even by those of other, non-Christian, world religions. We find His core teachings in chapters 5-7 of
Matthew, what is called the Sermon on the Mount. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In this message series, we are working our way through Jesus’
Sermon on the Mount, lesson by lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today, we come to Matthew 5:17-20 where Jesus explains His relationship
with the Old Testament.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsD56R_xFY81mfZpFx4-AcF2CCA7yrWJ2DtHfWrOuUgStU4QzCRJAGktHBraIU4BqaqlDeL212KrYTKRK1KXyg5D9282Nii2pIVSn-oAaGYGUZLT-Rsa_eKFdu_XjOQLJzz06e5B9-4JatBH5gkybnBcFhnvXRT9zMwkJ1hgdgOwlm_TCAoJC3bv5vlo/s960/Slide3.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsD56R_xFY81mfZpFx4-AcF2CCA7yrWJ2DtHfWrOuUgStU4QzCRJAGktHBraIU4BqaqlDeL212KrYTKRK1KXyg5D9282Nii2pIVSn-oAaGYGUZLT-Rsa_eKFdu_XjOQLJzz06e5B9-4JatBH5gkybnBcFhnvXRT9zMwkJ1hgdgOwlm_TCAoJC3bv5vlo/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:17<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup>17 </sup></span></span></b><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to
abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to
accomplish their purpose.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span><span id="en-NLT-23229" style="background-color: white;"></span><p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">What
is Jesus talking about here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the
Law of Moses and the prophets? The “Law of Moses” is the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers, Deuteronomy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “prophets” (sometimes
called “the writings”) were all the other sacred Scriptures—which included historical,
liturgical, and prophetic writings urging the people of Israel to be faithful
to God by obeying the Law of Moses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together
the Law of Moses and the prophets make up the collection of books Christians
call the “Old Testament”.</span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Some
people in Jesus day (as well as some people today) believed Jesus was so
radically different that He would throw out the Old Testament all together and
make something completely new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus
definitively clears up that misconception right here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
came to accomplish their purpose.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus
did not abolish or throw out the requirements of the Old Testament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He accomplish them. Now, if that’s true, the question people today always ask is, “Then why don’t we still follow all those crazy rules in the Old Testament law? Why do Christians eat pork and shellfish?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why don’t
Christians still stone people to death for certain crimes as the Old Testament Law commands?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqySevwP9PZoF1FaUtqmyG2bTM4CxVBYy9nd1UstBiUeZjawKZfaSjXNrltHDmedsh3tkzXn5jlIzAvPR_3EbGTTTnlY_Xuz6pVA8T21DgRGX5pruXRNdZxotukFUb-snbO4dpMlXa6myuv8ytdGlVkX86Hv3UX-CkLqim4ZM0pLVbQm2MD3MatDiL7k/s960/Slide4.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqySevwP9PZoF1FaUtqmyG2bTM4CxVBYy9nd1UstBiUeZjawKZfaSjXNrltHDmedsh3tkzXn5jlIzAvPR_3EbGTTTnlY_Xuz6pVA8T21DgRGX5pruXRNdZxotukFUb-snbO4dpMlXa6myuv8ytdGlVkX86Hv3UX-CkLqim4ZM0pLVbQm2MD3MatDiL7k/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Types of Old Testament Law<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Part of the reason people misunderstand is
they don’t understand the Old Testament Law. We can put Old Testament law into three broad categories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now these are modern ways of categorizing;
the lines were more blurry for the ancients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I believe these categories can be useful to help <i>us</i> consider
the ancient Law and how it applies to Christians today.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;"><b>First of all there were civil laws. </b>T</span><span style="color: black;">hese are laws to help maintain
order in civil society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have civil
laws today. We have traffic laws like the speed limit that help keep us safe on the roads. We have property laws about trespassing. We have laws about contracts that help protect us in our business dealings. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">And
we also have some laws that have become irrelevant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> On the books today in Georgia, there is still a law that says, you can't </span>keep a donkey in a bath tub. Now I don't know why in the world we need a law that says that. I don't know anyone today who is keeping a donkey in a bathtub. But apparently, at one point in our history, that was a problem so they made a law about it. </span></p><p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Residents in Acworth, Georgia are legally required to own a rake. I suppose at some point in history, maybe there was a problem with people having untidy lawns in Acworth in the fall. So they made a law that if you were going to move to Acworth, you have to own a rake.</span></p><p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">In Gainesville, Georgia, the made a law that you must eat fried chicken with your hands. Don't be all fancy trying to eat your fried chicken with fork and knife. Just pick that greasy goodness up with your hands! Now, there's a reason for that law. Gainesville has a big chicken industry and they wanted to pull a publicity stunt (I guess to promote the down homeliness of eating fried chicken) and so they made a law that says you have to eat your fried chicken in Gainesville with your hands.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Israel
was a civil society that needed rules to live together in an orderly, peaceful
manner. Plus, they had a purpose. Israel was supposed to represent God to the whole world. They were to be a royal and holy priesthood set apart as different from all the other nations around them. So Israel had rules about even minor details of civil life which included:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how to dress, what to eat, how to punish
criminals, and even how to treat strangers, foreigners, orphans, and widows.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">So
why don’t most Christians feel obligated to abstain from eating pork and dress like ancient Israelites? </span><span style="color: black;">Because we don’t live in the ancient kingdom of Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That kingdom no longer exists. Some might say, “Well, Israel still exists.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, but even that modern country <i>is not</i> the ancient kingdom of Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> That do not have the same purpose and mandate from God.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Then there are ceremonial laws. </b>T</span><span style="color: black;">hese were laws about religious
rites and festivals for ancient Israel. How and when to sacrifice a goat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How to
ordain a priest. How to heal a leper. And there's also </span>a reason Christians aren’t obligated to follow the ceremonial laws of the Old
Testament. We believe Jesus fulfilled everything
that those laws required. In simple terms,
those laws no longer apply because Jesus achieved everything those laws
foreshadowed. For instance, we don't have to sacrifice a lamb to celebrate Passover because Jesus is THE Passover Lamb and His blood shed on the cross covers our sin once and for all.</p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black;">Finally, there are moral laws.</span></b> These are laws about right and
wrong, good and bad behavior. In this category we could put the laws found in The 10 Commandments--do not murder, do not steal, do not worship idols. We could also include rules about sexual immorality and prohibitions against the exploitation of widows and orphans.</p><p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;">Now
these moral laws are universal. They apply
equally for all humanity regardless of where you live and when you live. It doesn’t matter if you live in America,
Africa, Iran, Russia, or China, it’s still wrong to murder (and everyone knows
it). It doesn’t matter if you’re living
in the 1<sup>st</sup> century with Jesus, the 18<sup>th</sup> century with John
Wesley, or the 21<sup>st</sup> century in Whitfield County, it’s always wrong
to steal, to bear false witness, or to commit adultery (at least according to
God’s way of living spelled out in the Bible). </p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">So
these morals laws we find in the Old Testament, that Jesus lived by and taugt his Disciples to follow, still apply
to us today. That is why we believe there’s nothing wrong with eat pork, but we still
believe sexual perversion is an abomination to God and harmful to human society and degrades human beings who were made in the sacred image of God.</span><b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xoI5qM2dhYqJL4JALfi58E0PUEzFUjqe0kMU1MkClG1ReB0KlaA25iJdyVXF7NnJSJRBYRWKtUc4z7vaBCyJO-1MxuiZiH3BIAbHUICzzwN06q_MdR8XMjGKXizmBc4Tu_LFUUOiEMdnmk9G6SoUw4OaOAR126NZ5FbjVi_QlKW2k0yHlv_DqKbIC64/s960/Slide5.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xoI5qM2dhYqJL4JALfi58E0PUEzFUjqe0kMU1MkClG1ReB0KlaA25iJdyVXF7NnJSJRBYRWKtUc4z7vaBCyJO-1MxuiZiH3BIAbHUICzzwN06q_MdR8XMjGKXizmBc4Tu_LFUUOiEMdnmk9G6SoUw4OaOAR126NZ5FbjVi_QlKW2k0yHlv_DqKbIC64/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:18-19<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup>18 </sup></span></span></b><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not
even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is
achieved.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23230"><span style="font-size: x-small;">19 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the
same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who
obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: black;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ--mSzAM0cI8JvVdvvNold-OCTztAmyjIU53-wWkBb1BQH7TkQm-Ud6T8wcJjUAmU2FMy_CIR4a3UZOftay_roqvwZaaSG6qmKPeyaSINAo-TSMyBeI9pOxMrJnoFO-gZHbeIqajWgCZrqRTKz9LXnFeVcygk5OtvwbRjF6vrceNvhX7dmoqUDvptEoU/s960/Slide8.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ--mSzAM0cI8JvVdvvNold-OCTztAmyjIU53-wWkBb1BQH7TkQm-Ud6T8wcJjUAmU2FMy_CIR4a3UZOftay_roqvwZaaSG6qmKPeyaSINAo-TSMyBeI9pOxMrJnoFO-gZHbeIqajWgCZrqRTKz9LXnFeVcygk5OtvwbRjF6vrceNvhX7dmoqUDvptEoU/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Jesus Fulfills
the Law<br /></b>Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets. He came to satisfy the demands of the Old testament and he fulfills everything it
pointed to.<p></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">The
purpose of the ancient kingdom of Israel was to be a royal priesthood to bring all
nations back to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was their real
purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not making that up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s spelled out throughout the Old Testament—time
and time again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have time to spell
out all the Scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me just share
a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isaiah 49:6 spells out God’s
hope that it won’t just be the people of Israel who are reconciled to God, but
Israel will be a “light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the
ends of the earth.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another example is the Book of Jonah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
sent Jonah to preach to the Ninevites—an evil and violent people—to call them
to repent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, God wanted everyone—not
just the Israelites—to be <i>His people.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Israel
was supposed to be a holy nation set apart to represent God to the whole world
and to invite everyone everywhere to turn away from sin and let God be Lord of
their life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet Israel was self-absorbed
and full of sinful pride—thinking God loved <i>them</i> more than everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All they wanted to do was enjoy their status
as <i>the chosen people</i> without ever obeying the Law to actually <i>live</i>
as a people chosen by God to reconcile the world to God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="first-line-none" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Although
Israel failed in that mission because they constantly turned away from God and
broke God’s Law, Jesus fulfilled everything the Law said, including the purpose
the Law was given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is the only
person who ever lived who never sinned, never broke a single commandment, never
violated the spiritual purpose of the Law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus life, death, ressurection, and ascension is the fulfillment of even
the smallest details of God’s Law. Everything the Law pointed to, Jesus accomplished.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9BnXlib1AL8gZJq69j5_8fYi4ycv6PC-prD_stWZpYvqunvpDi0GlH3XBnNrvfYMGByOHYjSYz288oE2-57cnfhEK_I1A33QTATVY5zrgfAhZ1kx4lHV6htVJCXx4Vp_k1WNQ0DXbR1TxTHwxq5ukIz7MCY73YpLX_vgPdRCbsYYj5Of1lKBuzxI8cs/s960/Slide10.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9BnXlib1AL8gZJq69j5_8fYi4ycv6PC-prD_stWZpYvqunvpDi0GlH3XBnNrvfYMGByOHYjSYz288oE2-57cnfhEK_I1A33QTATVY5zrgfAhZ1kx4lHV6htVJCXx4Vp_k1WNQ0DXbR1TxTHwxq5ukIz7MCY73YpLX_vgPdRCbsYYj5Of1lKBuzxI8cs/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:20<br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="color: black;">20 </span></sup></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">“But I warn you—unless your righteousness
is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the
Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!</span></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Jesus ends with a stern warning that’s meant to make us realize how
desperately we need Him to save us.
Think about it. Unless <i>you</i>
are more righteous than the Pharisees in the Bible, you can never enter the Kingdom
of Heaven. The Pharisees strived to be
absolutely obedient to every single letter of the Law. When the Law says, “Don’t work on the Sabbath
Day,” they wanted to know exactly what that meant. So they determined you could walk no further
than ¾ of a mile on the Sabbath. And they had rules
like this for all 613 of the laws in the Old Testament. And they had them all memorized
to help them obey all the laws completely. They were considered the holiest, most perfect people in Israel.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">And Jesus says, unless you are <i>better </i>than them, you
will never enter to Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What!?!? </span>Here’s the point: Jesus is pointing out it’s impossible.
You can’t do it. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="background-color: white;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK2aTiOG4DwlXUijVsaf-4gBph0RKmr9ZhulupZari8V35SRjeKZgmrXDmpHIk6VjFqiR6L-RrOa0GU5GAxsGYgsZn9DddfaOokuOkDj-ZfbSMC4ONBEg3Ooe4vouT-Lz6TmXIaQKgvH46r55bR7s3R_fwHEydlkRxD37UUsK3NK40AeQJrcn4lSx1vU/s960/Slide11.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK2aTiOG4DwlXUijVsaf-4gBph0RKmr9ZhulupZari8V35SRjeKZgmrXDmpHIk6VjFqiR6L-RrOa0GU5GAxsGYgsZn9DddfaOokuOkDj-ZfbSMC4ONBEg3Ooe4vouT-Lz6TmXIaQKgvH46r55bR7s3R_fwHEydlkRxD37UUsK3NK40AeQJrcn4lSx1vU/s320/Slide11.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b style="background-color: white;">Conclusion</b><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span>You can’t do it. But
Jesus can. And Jesus did. Jesus fulfills the Law. And Jesus paid the penalty for your failure to keep the law. Jesus offers you grace and mercy. All He asks is that you repent of your sin and believe in Him. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">To repent means to turn away from your sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means to turn away from your rejection of
God.<br />
It means to stop living however <i>you</i> want to live and start living the
way God wants you to live.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Believing Jesus means trusting Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not just believing it with your head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means trust Jesus following Him—living the way He teaches you to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b>So I plead with you, repent of your sin and believe in Jesus today. </b></span></span></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-13342528600547800652023-08-28T10:09:00.002-04:002023-08-28T10:09:41.817-04:00What Did Jesus Mean: You are the Salt of the Earth?<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X4LMoFu6feMzdLQRSRbHnPcIzizz2fFL3OJjrBoN6eHYcmXoHe9ldpuO80c3vsFjpks5hCjuKNmhcFPXdwFxWQ6SsXrflq9xbmIg2ApNsdGyD8LUeOrEKCw-AhcLB_DuPgbczv-E9WOXtMXrII2V-kDkifhkxZILsgrv0n-6LDgocsppiZ2UtKRe6kA/s960/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X4LMoFu6feMzdLQRSRbHnPcIzizz2fFL3OJjrBoN6eHYcmXoHe9ldpuO80c3vsFjpks5hCjuKNmhcFPXdwFxWQ6SsXrflq9xbmIg2ApNsdGyD8LUeOrEKCw-AhcLB_DuPgbczv-E9WOXtMXrII2V-kDkifhkxZILsgrv0n-6LDgocsppiZ2UtKRe6kA/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Introduction<br /></b>Have you ever heard the expression: “That guy ain’t worth his salt!” What does that mean? It means they aren’t worth their pay. There’s
a reason someone is or isn’t worth his salt. In the ancient world, salt was sometimes used as currency—the Greeks, Romans,
and Spanish Moors all used salt for money in certain situations. In fact, our modern word “salary” comes from
the ancient Roman word <i>salarium</i>, which was the salt sometimes paid to solders
(instead of Roman coins). Salt in the
ancient world was rare and as valuable as money. That brings us to today’s lesson from Jesus’
famous Sermon on the Mount.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Matthew 5:13</span><br />
<sup><span style="background: white; color: black;">13 </span></sup></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it
has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and
trampled underfoot as worthless.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">You are the salt of the earth</span><br />
</b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">If you are
Christian, a follower of Jesus, you are the salt of the earth. Christians provide something essential this world needs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">We’re
a bit spoiled in our modern world and we take salt for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually, we consume too much salt, but a certain amount of salt is essential in
your diet. If you don’t have enough, it can lead to muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and
dizziness. Eventually, lack of salt can lead to shock, coma and death.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Have you ever noticed the slightly salty flavor to Gatorade or Powerade sports
drinks? That’s because they put sodium in the drinks (one of the minerals found in salt).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intense sweating during strenuous exercise can flush sodium out of your body—leaving you lethargic, even when you drink enough water. The sodium in Gatorade
puts it back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">In
biblical times, salt was expensive and hard to come by, but salt was also essential. In addition to being required in a person’s diet, salt was essential for preserving meat before refrigeration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In case you didn’t know, modern refrigerators didn’t become common until the
1930s (less than 100 years ago). Before that, one of the most common and reliable ways to preserve meat was with
salt. If you pack enough salt around a big hunk of pork, you get a perfectly
preserved and delicious ham—something that can be slaughtered in November and
enjoyed for Easter dinner 4-5 months later.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Not
only does salt preserve meat and provide and essential minerals in your diet, salt also brings out the flavor of our food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you imagine how bland your food would be without any added salt? Can you imagine how a potato chip would be without any salt?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">So
when Jesus says His followers are “the salt of the earth”, He is making a bold
statement. Christians are incredibly valuable and essential—like the right amount of salt in your diet, without it
you cannot live. And Christians are a preservative in this decaying world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without our preserving influence, evil would completely take over and consume this world—causing it to rot and completely
spoil.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">And
when Christians faithfully follow Christ, we bring out the flavor of life. True Christians are not boring—as the world often claims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are full of life and joy and love. Jesus and His New Testament followers were never accused of living dull lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the opposite. Their detractors accused them of spending too much time feasting and drinking with
sinners and having a good time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgPYq2_tFylMaT470v2d6LHSZ-5A-ixRo3oRI1atfRqTr3boVgU1QYESI2bvnDGsJiQBmkqzZKdnpqXSpOhFoKcg-QdVrf2bQTw42RQcaey5QRGAlElFqrUURHDMIyrRxmKeIMIw00Tn7-Sn8oBBaeK99UTMMtCcTa7jQ-rc9v7PszDsW2avGvMzn28s/s960/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgPYq2_tFylMaT470v2d6LHSZ-5A-ixRo3oRI1atfRqTr3boVgU1QYESI2bvnDGsJiQBmkqzZKdnpqXSpOhFoKcg-QdVrf2bQTw42RQcaey5QRGAlElFqrUURHDMIyrRxmKeIMIw00Tn7-Sn8oBBaeK99UTMMtCcTa7jQ-rc9v7PszDsW2avGvMzn28s/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Losing Our Saltiness<span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><br />
</span></span></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">Now, this second
part of verse 13 confuses people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
can salt lose its flavor? The salt in your salt shaker doesn't really have an expiration date. It doesn't lose it's saltiness. However, i</span><span style="background-color: white;">n Jesus’ day in Israel, they mined salt from the Dead Sea.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">The concentration of salt in the dead sea is
about 33%--10 times as salty as the ocean.</span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Salt water can be collected into shallow pools until the sun evaporates
the water leaving behind the salt.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">Then,
the salt was stored in a cave or barn—usually right on the ground.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">Over time, the salt on the bottom of the pile
would leach into the dirt on the ground and some of the dirt would get in the
salt too.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">This “bottom salt” was too
dirty and nasty to eat.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">And the dirt was
too salty to use in a garden—the high salt content would kill the plants.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">So this salt that had lost its flavor was only
good for one thing—to be thrown on the walkways where it would kill weeds and anything
else growing and people could walk on and a barren path where nothing would
grow.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Now what does
that have to do with you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you follow Jesus,
you are the salt of the earth—adding flavor and essential things to this world,
preserving a broken world from spiritual decay. But being <i>salty</i> for Jesus inevitably means being <i>different</i> from
the world. Most people don’t want to be different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s something in our DNA that we want to fit in. We don’t want to feel like outsiders or outcasts who are different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to be part of the group.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Well, God
designed us to be social creatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to fit in. That’s just part of being human. Unfortunately, sin takes that natural desire inside us and twists it all out of wack until we are willing to do anything just to fit in with the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may even adopt attitudes and behaviors God says are sinful because society
says it’s fine. At the same time, we may turn our backs on holy living because the worldly people all around us live unholy lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">What good, though,
is salt that has lost its saltiness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What good is a Christian who lives an unholy life?<br />
Not only have you lost your flavor and preserving power, somehow your unholiness now poisons the world like salty dirt thrown into a
garden. There’s nothing more bitter in this world than Christians who know they’re supposed to live for Jesus, but who are still caught up trying to live
for the world. They can’t be happy living for Jesus because they still want to sin, but they can’t be happy sinning because they feel guilty for not being faithful to Jesus. So, they live divided lives, pulled completely in two by these competed
convictions. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">It’s OK To be salty, to shine bright, to stand out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be afraid to be different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the definition of Holy—when you’re set
apart from everything else by God as different.<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOGIax7No0kal6I_PHezeFTRGQYAOrPF309EjTDUK_mVTpzarMkNnqnVaw_z-azqHukmJkJ5ekJnXrnUBrQqCrmXyJ4FcsSHr04V_LPTgFyoADGdycvErlOGcomUR3mbW70mVWQCp33wF4JwsrMc53k5Y__mFgdbtpA4beMXgUj0OKzFJd2VxR1Pcntc/s960/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOGIax7No0kal6I_PHezeFTRGQYAOrPF309EjTDUK_mVTpzarMkNnqnVaw_z-azqHukmJkJ5ekJnXrnUBrQqCrmXyJ4FcsSHr04V_LPTgFyoADGdycvErlOGcomUR3mbW70mVWQCp33wF4JwsrMc53k5Y__mFgdbtpA4beMXgUj0OKzFJd2VxR1Pcntc/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We take salt for
granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also take light for granted
in our modern world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we have just as much sunlight today as people in ancient times. What’s different now is what happens when the sun goes down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can just turn on a light today but in Bible times, you had to burn up expensive oil in a lamp or wax candles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the amount of light these gave was roughly 100 times less than an electric light
we use today.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">That’s why looking up at
the trillions of stars in the night sky in ancient times was so dazzling.<br />
King David said in Psalm 8:3-4, “When I look at the night sky and see the work
of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals
that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLcDHLiqDdJEqfI7xmaC1cZMgPcYqo7DSyAYtlz2JdSer0NG4sEoQNEBODB_OWG1ODCcybLtPPWgBW-uZsX3YNCQLzjnA8T1QbMJOOpGXm3e-afXVL3cbnFm32425zmLvl5soD3jtmjAqsSTR_XrbyX5JZ5YEb7KoPAewzHUa1FXvOu0j4jEXQc1I5IQ/s960/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLcDHLiqDdJEqfI7xmaC1cZMgPcYqo7DSyAYtlz2JdSer0NG4sEoQNEBODB_OWG1ODCcybLtPPWgBW-uZsX3YNCQLzjnA8T1QbMJOOpGXm3e-afXVL3cbnFm32425zmLvl5soD3jtmjAqsSTR_XrbyX5JZ5YEb7KoPAewzHUa1FXvOu0j4jEXQc1I5IQ/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And when Jesus and his
disciple were camping on the outskirts of Jerusalem, they would look across the
valley and see the shining city on Mount Zion, shining like twinkling jewel—with
thousands of oil lamps flickering from afar, contrasted against the utter
darkness of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with the glow
a campfire shining on their faces, Jesus could say something like:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Matthew 5:14-16</span><span style="background: white; color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><sup>14 </sup></span></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“You are the light of the world—like a
city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23226" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">15 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">No
one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it
gives light to everyone in the house.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23227" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">16 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">In
the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone
will praise your heavenly Father.</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: black;">We are called
to be different—</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">to be
salty, to shine brightly. When Christians truly live the way Jesus calls us to live—when we love others the way He loves us—it shines out for all to see. You don’t even necessarily have to say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes your actions speak volumes. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;">On the other hand, when Jesus is Your Lord, you can’t help but say His name and
talk about how He’s saved you and changed you and how He’s filling your life
with His light and love. People will see His light in you and you need to be ready to explain it when
they ask: “Why are you so different?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is this
light that shines inside you?” Be ready to tell them “so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” </span><span style="background-color: white;">Don’t hide your
lamp under a basket.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">Place it up high on a stand, where it gives light for everyone to see. </span><span style="background-color: white;">And like a moth is drawn to a light, people will be drawn to the Lord.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;"><b>Closing<br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white;">Some of you may say, “My
life’s so messed up. There’s no light there to see.”</span> <span style="background-color: white;">I get it.</span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Sometimes we go through dark trials and it can feel like there’s nothing
good there to talk about. </span><span style="background-color: white;">But what you don’t realize is everyone’s going through something.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">It’s not about having a perfect, bright and sunny life all the time.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">It’s about seeing a perfect God pulling you up out of your brokenness and
filling you with His wonderful light.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">You
don’t have to lie and tell everyone your life’s perfect.</span> Tell the truth. Share your struggles. But also have faith to see how Jesus is there with you in the midst of your darkness. He hasn't left you. He is there. <span style="background-color: white;">You just have to recognize Jesus is there and share how you’re trusting Him to save
you. </span><span style="background-color: white;">God is the light in your story.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">So don’t
you hide it under a basket.</span> <span style="background-color: white;">Let your light shine and be salty!</span></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867393713699236533.post-15727712430699126332023-08-21T10:49:00.002-04:002023-10-23T07:59:45.425-04:00Explain the Beatitudes<p><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakCO4KDslN6_1btIUyS4yHgiYekDZxgOr8o0Qpc5rwXXx1oid8nXOZDphHrJ5lEE2_8XHOsF_nihE7xCJ7rUxixcdIHxdsDj_F8fwBuMvFVqHqE3CbV_Cv3t8UQoU8vNfowM8E_sl7vTR4XBYYYJhF-6oE7SkjXfeugX8Bp9nFpHIDKW4BMd5X8ETAGc/s960/1%20The%20Beatitudes%20-%20THUMB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakCO4KDslN6_1btIUyS4yHgiYekDZxgOr8o0Qpc5rwXXx1oid8nXOZDphHrJ5lEE2_8XHOsF_nihE7xCJ7rUxixcdIHxdsDj_F8fwBuMvFVqHqE3CbV_Cv3t8UQoU8vNfowM8E_sl7vTR4XBYYYJhF-6oE7SkjXfeugX8Bp9nFpHIDKW4BMd5X8ETAGc/s320/1%20The%20Beatitudes%20-%20THUMB.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:1-2<span style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></span></b><b><span class="chapternum"><sup><span style="background: white;">1 </span></sup></span></b><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">One day as he saw the
crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples
gathered around him,</span></span><span style="background: white;"> </span><b><span class="chapternum"><sup><span style="background: white;">2<span style="font-size: 19.2px;"> </span></span></sup></span></b><span style="background-color: white;">and he began to teach them.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><b><span style="background: white; color: black;">Introduction<br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black;">Today, we begin a study
of Matthew chapters 5-7, what are known as Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Mount .”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sermon gets its name from the big hill (or
mount) where Jesus shared these teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many consider these to be Jesus’ central teachings about how to live as
His disciple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Sermon is only three chapters long, but it is packed full of wisdom that challenges us to be a
better follower of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we will
take it slowly, lesson by lesson, until we work all the way through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJITwpPPKQi7wUb6LrFxRV0b9AEu6dsA8iqb4m_7Yue9zqkxSptFEV15QE47Ee6fokIn399OvtEZJnSz2_KE28bqGkQ8OeqJqrBmEno_AZcWwYNKciU--wK61WU2SIqENdLZ998Xdh3ElotYzDaXoCOIJh85p_glqz6oCTN4x0Y-CY5USiMHdhN4E5SBI/s960/Slide2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJITwpPPKQi7wUb6LrFxRV0b9AEu6dsA8iqb4m_7Yue9zqkxSptFEV15QE47Ee6fokIn399OvtEZJnSz2_KE28bqGkQ8OeqJqrBmEno_AZcWwYNKciU--wK61WU2SIqENdLZ998Xdh3ElotYzDaXoCOIJh85p_glqz6oCTN4x0Y-CY5USiMHdhN4E5SBI/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We start with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 5:3-12, what is
commonly called The Beatitudes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beatitude
is a fancy word that means “A state of supreme happiness and blessing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People will often say, “I am blessed!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you ask how they are doing, they might
respond, “I am blessed!”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">What
do you think of when you think of being blessed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Does it mean life is good, all is well, you're happy and content? </span>Well, Jesus’ definition of Beatitude—supremely
blessed—may surprise you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s take a
look at what He says about being truly blessed. Let's go through the blessings one by one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;">Matthew 5:3</span><span style="background: white; color: black;"><br />
</span><sup><span style="color: black;">3 </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">“God blesses those who are poor and realize
their need for him,</span></span><span style="color: black;"> <br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="woj">for
the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Right off the bat,
we get a clue Jesus is going to turn our ideas of blessings upside down. Do you
honestly think you are blessed when you are poor? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does anyone actually go around saying (without
sarcasm): "Yep, I'm so broke I can't afford to put gas in my car. My rent
is passed due, and I have no money to buy food. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm truly blessed!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Most of those
folks Jesus ministered to <i>were</i> that kind of poor. But Jesus said they
were blessed, because He knew it gave them an advantage over rich people
because they knew they must depend on God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we have money, it's easy to forget how
much we need God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do you need God? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can take care of yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or at least we think we can take care of
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a false sense of security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me remind you:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your money cannot save you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">But most Bible
translations render this verse to say, “Blessed are the poor <i>in spirit</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is important, because Jesus isn’t
just talking about your finances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
people—in Jesus day and in our own—who feel as though they are spiritually safe
and secure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They say to themselves: “I’m
a good person. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I treat people fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I live the right way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, God will be good to me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the basic philosophy of the
Pharisees in Jesus time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s the
way many people think today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, God doesn’t
owe you anything. Our so-called righteous deeds are but filthy rags in the
sight of a pure, perfect, and holy God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And so Jesus says, “You are truly blessed if you really know you are <i>poor
in spirit</i> and realize you desperately need God to save you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It isn't those who think they are good; it is those who know they are not good and rely completely on the mercy of God that He</span> welcomes into His
Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus goes on, smashing our
preconceived notions of what it is to be truly blessed:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfNmN0oU-7vvWE0IWwStTLxgc7EEZ3-k-Lfm-wYpq56lG9Vzt_yTr8xT6gSunRYJGGS36FOGifDmQ9BcJhvrM_5MNBfoCcbtHDptb-Mw3ZwbAF1i4QymeYXotVgYEyGd6rInMy78s4a-tCdu1Rf2fO8rq4ZfSAzuxfRY41UqOzkgOPf1KzmqWZMCUrpA/s960/Slide4.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfNmN0oU-7vvWE0IWwStTLxgc7EEZ3-k-Lfm-wYpq56lG9Vzt_yTr8xT6gSunRYJGGS36FOGifDmQ9BcJhvrM_5MNBfoCcbtHDptb-Mw3ZwbAF1i4QymeYXotVgYEyGd6rInMy78s4a-tCdu1Rf2fO8rq4ZfSAzuxfRY41UqOzkgOPf1KzmqWZMCUrpA/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:4</b><span style="color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23215"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">God blesses those who mourn,</span> for they will be comforted.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">We’ve had a lot of
deaths in our community lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems
like the last few months have been particularly hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our bereavement committee has been working
overtime to provide meals for the families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>According to Jesus, that means we are truly blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it feel like it? Do you feel blessed when someone you love dies?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Jesus is pulling
from Old Testament Scripture in Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 where it says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Better to spend your time at funerals than
at parties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, everyone dies—so
the living should take this to heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3
Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 A wise person thinks a lot about death, while
a fool thinks only about having a good time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">We live in a
culture where we want to avoid pain at all cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet the cliché really is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No gain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in a broken
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things are not as they are supposed
to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not as we’re supposed to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we never realize this (and <i>feel</i>
this), we are missing out on something really important.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFXkCh4xj29MBFL59U3oJ_0DfVveRnTpBW44REDp_0QvbSEq0kyg7Eqzc0Om74lnuN8f8JgryTZb9fGmv5b0H3iUSuVxIDFhjzvYn1QHYn2pxIB2edAbEucDy0SsDM5L27cAwKLgBRGh3Sjdr8h2QSuOhuB1Ra6Jp3UB9pazfeN9bsBj-pOXTQ0kDH0s/s960/Slide5.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFXkCh4xj29MBFL59U3oJ_0DfVveRnTpBW44REDp_0QvbSEq0kyg7Eqzc0Om74lnuN8f8JgryTZb9fGmv5b0H3iUSuVxIDFhjzvYn1QHYn2pxIB2edAbEucDy0SsDM5L27cAwKLgBRGh3Sjdr8h2QSuOhuB1Ra6Jp3UB9pazfeN9bsBj-pOXTQ0kDH0s/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:5</b><span style="color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23215"><span style="font-size: x-small;">5 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">God blesses those who are humble,</span> for they will inherit the
whole earth.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">This beatitude is
a difficult one to translate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The NIV
says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessed are the meek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The NASB says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessed are the gently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The NLT uses the word humble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Greek word is <i>praus</i>, which means mild
of disposition, gentle of spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">In Jesus day, the
Romans were the one’s who possessed the Holy Land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were the powerful and proud ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They used violence to subdue the Jews and
anyone who resisted them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some in Israel
wanted to use violence to rise up and overthrow the Romans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus says, no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not the violent or proud or powerful
who will possess the land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the
humble, the gently, the meek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are
the kind of people who will possess the Holy Land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, they will possess the whole earth when God's Kingdom comes on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you are blessed if you are humble, gentle,
and meek.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Psalm 37:7-9 – “Be still in the
presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or
fret about their wicked schemes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop
being angry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn from your rage!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not lose your temper—it only leads to
harm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the wicked will be destroyed, but
those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4BF9tg3EabbN8DrevBp9fajRzBzsISdDtqhng_b_8R3Uhk75fwOL2N-_uPyd8BdttokT-GrF3PL9UeWVJOMvvhh9iBYBH4zWraWEKgvblpUvgC3czkIphxX5jwDm1u2EbALkMenA_xBT2RzUdmPb2eZLy82XkBEF-HF-VAdI9Ebvh_r6f3Xr6gfIWFk/s960/Slide6.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4BF9tg3EabbN8DrevBp9fajRzBzsISdDtqhng_b_8R3Uhk75fwOL2N-_uPyd8BdttokT-GrF3PL9UeWVJOMvvhh9iBYBH4zWraWEKgvblpUvgC3czkIphxX5jwDm1u2EbALkMenA_xBT2RzUdmPb2eZLy82XkBEF-HF-VAdI9Ebvh_r6f3Xr6gfIWFk/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:6</b><span style="color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23215"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,</span> <span class="woj">for they will be satisfied.<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Most people know what it’s like to
be really hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you remember the
last time you were famished?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
what about a time you were truly parched? <br />
<br />One day, some are going to be truly satisfied—like a starving man who
finally gets food; like someone dying of thirst who finally gets cool,
refreshing water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who hunger and thirst for justice—for all that is wrong in the world to
be made right—will finally be full and satisfied because God will make it all right.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXpzQzvzWVaKs0Dh0UNsRD6U9ud1ecW9GXPqj1Y7FnIQSD91ssoXKX7UDkTPlHBQFEpl2swosaiRYd3TNu4dlDjnd5R-eARyN9jhZnElUKbTrpqprAKf4I2v_0fKE2pkbsHT0kxBEHB37Rby7LpzBqTgCqKTi618kx_Hz9K40M0C-S-WNf1b8yqnryWw/s960/Slide7.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXpzQzvzWVaKs0Dh0UNsRD6U9ud1ecW9GXPqj1Y7FnIQSD91ssoXKX7UDkTPlHBQFEpl2swosaiRYd3TNu4dlDjnd5R-eARyN9jhZnElUKbTrpqprAKf4I2v_0fKE2pkbsHT0kxBEHB37Rby7LpzBqTgCqKTi618kx_Hz9K40M0C-S-WNf1b8yqnryWw/s320/Slide7.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:7</b><span style="color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23215"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">God blesses those who are merciful,</span> for they will be shown
mercy.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">This one goes
right down into the core of Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We say it every time we pray the Lord’s prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Forgive us our trespasses, <i>as we</i>
forgive those who trespass against us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">There are so many offences in this life that just cannot be repaid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If we demand every wrong done is repaid in full, it will make
our life (and everyone else’s) a living hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And at the end of it all, we will not be satisfied, because some debts cannot
be repaid; they can only be forgiven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you are blessed when you show mercy,
because you will receive mercy too. Do you want to be angry and full of pain and resentment all your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or do you want to be at peace with God and yourself and the world around you? You don't forgive for the sake of the one who wronged you; you forgive for the sake of your own peace of mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5CAuItrSf5zyyoXvBE3Zos1ogTp6CQGo8ud7-vRVDQzm9ZrvE8bSBcQiO5e0StYpVwXoM4IDWyD7Jkm2KxIgwQ8Fw38m5frdWvMOtLxwpsubnhhzyxM2ALkhnOYk-iYMasmtybHsb4c6lTVKFFUmYhJIPNA4fakXttw29w3U3w47c2CZJvi1Sx6FA1U/s960/Slide8.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5CAuItrSf5zyyoXvBE3Zos1ogTp6CQGo8ud7-vRVDQzm9ZrvE8bSBcQiO5e0StYpVwXoM4IDWyD7Jkm2KxIgwQ8Fw38m5frdWvMOtLxwpsubnhhzyxM2ALkhnOYk-iYMasmtybHsb4c6lTVKFFUmYhJIPNA4fakXttw29w3U3w47c2CZJvi1Sx6FA1U/s320/Slide8.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:8</b><span style="color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23215"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">God blesses those whose hearts are pure,</span> for they will see
God.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">If I were to put
this in my own words, I would say it this way:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“</span></span><span style="color: black;">You’re blessed if you’re
totally sincere, because you will actually see God.</span>”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">When you’re your thoughts are pure,
when you’re motives are pure, when you are totally sincere, <br />
then you will see God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us have a
long way to go on this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, we don’t
even know the impurities that lie within us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We need God’s help to root them out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Christian journey is walking alongside Christ every day, allowing
Him to reveal the impurities within us until we are totally sincere and blessed
to actually see God, face to face.<span class="woj"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifr36oKSoujV07cjItOhet6MukONGgr88pJB5D2douotsRD7vD5GZ1Tq7tpWBaGUpJzFrNWJGFer9s2Fel_IJc9agnu3lKOG6j6KL8vv-oO-IRZoHmpvSodiPBafkOQBXGAZN4oWknEtKm_SDIdcqKYzNXBzdgjwe_6K0nY9KDVxhEHQF2A5zLQy7rmc/s960/Slide9.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifr36oKSoujV07cjItOhet6MukONGgr88pJB5D2douotsRD7vD5GZ1Tq7tpWBaGUpJzFrNWJGFer9s2Fel_IJc9agnu3lKOG6j6KL8vv-oO-IRZoHmpvSodiPBafkOQBXGAZN4oWknEtKm_SDIdcqKYzNXBzdgjwe_6K0nY9KDVxhEHQF2A5zLQy7rmc/s320/Slide9.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:9</b><span style="color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23215"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">God blesses those who work for peace,</span></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="woj">for they will be called the
children of God.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Most people agree a
little more peace in the world would be nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we wouldn’t have wars and fighting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you want things your way
and I want things mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this country wants this and that country wants that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it seems like the only way to settle it is to fight and see who
comes out on top. Of course, the one that comes out on top can’t stay on top forever.<br />
The biggest, baddest bully grows old and weak and someone takes their place. Even the strongest empires rise and eventually fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It <i>always</i> happens--always has, always will.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Jesus came to end
all that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to bring true
peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not a peace where the weakest people must submit to the strongest rulers. It’s a peace where we all finally live in a right relationship with our loving Creator God—as we were originally intended to live.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">God's true children spend
their lives working to bring this kind of peace on earth, more and more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHu-NcfcbmWmVWHVmn-KfRjjvHaiVeE5Uv_8mAigrQFfylRp1tUUpvRcz-yvyZFpq22OV128vHouPKmwVV3HU2cNCKwjRMdzNTS0JdZcEmQaAloIjJUYxpgKIq44GgRd13Ekx02rd-5dVIEFCK_Hf5te-XE4R9VdibI-9D8U752wAx3iBXblRMnr4T17w/s960/Slide10.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHu-NcfcbmWmVWHVmn-KfRjjvHaiVeE5Uv_8mAigrQFfylRp1tUUpvRcz-yvyZFpq22OV128vHouPKmwVV3HU2cNCKwjRMdzNTS0JdZcEmQaAloIjJUYxpgKIq44GgRd13Ekx02rd-5dVIEFCK_Hf5te-XE4R9VdibI-9D8U752wAx3iBXblRMnr4T17w/s320/Slide10.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Matthew 5:10</b><span style="color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23215"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,</span> for the
Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">Living for God and
doing the right thing may make you blessed in God’s Heavenly Kingdom, but it
may not feel much like it in this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, it may make you a lot of enemies in this world. Those who want to remain in darkness will fight to keep your light from exposing
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Even if you aren't overtly calling them out on their wrong behavior, your righteous life exposes their unrighteousness. </span>So, if you are truly living for Jesus, people who aren’t will mock you, persecute
you, lie about you, and say all sorts of evil things because you follow
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don’t worry about it, because
you are blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> T</span>he Kingdom of Heaven
is yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus said in Matthew
5:11-12:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white; color: black;">Matthew 5:11-12</span></b><span style="color: black;"><br />
<span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23215"><span style="font-size: x-small;">11 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about
you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.</span></span> <span class="text"><b><sup><span id="en-NLT-23223"><span style="font-size: x-small;">12 </span></span></sup></b></span><span class="woj">Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in
heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: white;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzRs9-QTFsGkiMbuMAJnmVThvCva_4zI7BnqAbNr80I0zbjFmMNuCLG3OLONN5r8bQhgeoauX_y0ssrzi6GSiJQIJdZ_CmdJAxCdwbmWJPBndI9xCuUI73byv3SHRjNmLzmEfPlLLuaRsnTZrFdZxJJC60qu3i4zpUWZsH5spIcWt3a1eYmEdtuvHj0c/s960/Slide13.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzRs9-QTFsGkiMbuMAJnmVThvCva_4zI7BnqAbNr80I0zbjFmMNuCLG3OLONN5r8bQhgeoauX_y0ssrzi6GSiJQIJdZ_CmdJAxCdwbmWJPBndI9xCuUI73byv3SHRjNmLzmEfPlLLuaRsnTZrFdZxJJC60qu3i4zpUWZsH5spIcWt3a1eYmEdtuvHj0c/s320/Slide13.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>The Kingdom of God is Not of this World</b><br />
As we review what Jesus said about who is truly blessed—supremely blessed and
happy—we can clearly see Jesus’ definitions are not at all the same as the world’s.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You can strive to be blessed according to this world’s definitions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can strive for:<br />
wealth, comfort, power, prosperity, and selfish fulfillment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this world and what it stands for is passing away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At most, you may have 100 years to scrape and scratch and fight to hold onto the things of this world. But the end will come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will have to
stand before God and give an account for your life. And then you will have all eternity to answer for it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But those who repent and turn to Jesus, turn their back on
this world and its values. They become children of God and royal priests in the Kingdom of God. And Jesus atones for all their sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are made pure and righteous before God. They offer mercy and receive mercy from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And theirs is the glorious Kingdom of God, in which they will dwell for all eternity in everlasting life--where there will be no more sin or sickness or suffering or sorrow or death.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Which Kingdom do you choose? The kingdoms of this world <i>or</i> the Kingdom of God?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Closing<br /></b>If you choose God's Kingdom, pray to Him today. Ask Him to forgive you. Promise to follow Jesus from this day forward. Thank Him and receive His Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you and empower you to live for Jesus every day.<o:p></o:p></p>Pastor Chris Mullishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353491406941137840noreply@blogger.com0