“Decisions that Unite Us in Christ” Romans 14:13 to 15:6
I asked the children how they made decisions. Some people like the “eeney, meeney, miney, moe” method, but I prefer flipping a coin.
In the famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7) That’s some pretty good advice.
We can SEEK for an answer in God’s Word (the Bible); we can ASK God for direction through prayer; we can KNOCK on a few doors of opportunity and see which ones God opens.
Sounds a little better than coin flipping.
The church in Rome had to make a decision if they were going to keep peace in the church.
The Apostle Paul was interested in Rome; it was the capital city of the most powerful empire in the world at the time. He hadn’t been there, but he did know a number of people who moved there from cities he had visited.
You see … Emperor Claudius kicked the Jews (and Christians who were Jewish) out of Rome because they were trouble makers. … Nero’s mother poisoned Claudius so that her son could become emperor, which he did at age 17. Nero was a little immature to run the empire, so the Philosopher Seneca took care of all of the governing stuff. … Seneca allowed the Jews (and Christians) to return to Rome and there was a time of peace for about 8 years until Nero forced Seneca out of power (Seneca eventually committed suicide) and Nero took charge. … Nero murdered his mother, and his wife, and got really mean with the Christians (and Jews). He even built a bonfire of Christians on his front lawn to celebrate his birthday and initiated throwing Christians to lions as public entertainment. … All of this was not good news for the Christians, who after being blamed for the fire that burned down most of the city, were kicked out entirely.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman Christians during the good years of Seneca’s rule. That is the period when Paul went to Rome (although not as he had planned, see Acts chapters 25 to 28 for the full story).
The church in Rome had to make some decisions which would seem petty compared to the decisions they would have to make when Nero entered into his full rage.
If you read the portion of Paul’s letter indicated at the beginning, we find that the church must have had some differences about eating. Apparently some wanted to follow the Old Testament dietary laws, some wanted to be vegetarians, while others wanted to eat anything that pleased them.
This doesn’t seem like a big deal to us, but these Roman Christians took it pretty seriously. They may have even divided into two churches: The Vegetarian Church of Rome and the Carnivore Church of Rome.
Of course this would confuse non-Christians about the purpose of being a church all together.
I suppose that, noting the large absence of men in the congregation today who have gone deer hunting, Maple Grove would probably be part of the Carnivore Church.
DISSENT (DISAGREEMENT) IS PART OF WHO WE ARE
The human race is notable for its divisions and disagreements.
At the beginning of the early church (Acts 2 to 4) the Holy Spirit came, women and men preached boldly to the people in Jerusalem, there were miracles, people sold property and brought it to the church, they shared so that nobody was lacking anything. (Read acts 2:42-47 to see what kind of church it was.)
Wow! There was love, generosity, caring, learning; they were of one mind and of one spirit. What a church!
But it didn’t take long to get to chapter 6 – quarreling had broken out, there were charges of discrimination and favoritism. Greek heritage folks complained that the Hebrew heritage folks were giving preferred treatment to their people, especially the widows.
They solved it by naming a bunch of deacons with Greek names.
This set a pattern; there were many more disagreements that needed to be resolved rather than causing divisions.
In Acts chapter 15 they had to decide if non-Jews had to become Jews before they could become Christians. Avoiding a good church fight, they decided that anyone could become a Christian, but they had to follow a few basic rules.
Some didn’t like that decision, and went around dividing churches over the matter. You can read about these folks (who were called Judaizers) in a number of the other letters in the New Testament. They taught that all Christians should be obligated to be circumcised and follow kosher food laws, among other things.
Here’s the Point: Dissention, that threatens unity, has always been part of the identity of the church. It’s central to who we are.
Maple Grove built the initial church building in 1909. There were many things to be decided. Should we have a platform? That raises some people above others, which is against our conviction that all people should be treated the same.
Once the decision to build a platform was made (for practical reasons), there was another questions. How high should the platform be? Two groups surfaced; one was for a platform of 11 inches and the other, 7 inches. It was first built 11 inches (on the sly), but to keep the peace – reduced to 7 inches. It sounds petty to us, but a church split was averted.
People disagree – One of the things that we need to always remember is that when we become Christians our human nature isn't abolished.
Thomas Aquinas said, “Grace does not abolish human nature, but grace redirects our human nature.”
Scripture doesn’t deny our humanity; rather it presents leaders full of flaws and imperfections. They are real people, just like you and me, but they do have one difference from many people. They made a commitment to the one and only perfect God. They want God to use them for His work. Who is guiding our disagreements? God or me?
In many places the Bible refers to God’s people as sheep. That’s not because we are all cuddly, warm and fuzzy. Sheep are anxious, worrisome creatures. They settle their differences by butting heads. The shepherd in their midst gives them direction and keeps peace.
As God’s sheep we need to let the good shepherd take care of us; without Jesus in our midst we would just butt heads with each other. One of us would win, but we’d all be just a bunch of “soreheads.”
When Jesus is in our midst, things are different.
As we read the scripture and church history, we shouldn't be surprised that there were problems. We just need to learn how to keep problems from infecting our community. Keeping Jesus present is a good start.
PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN PROJECTS
There are some important points we can glean from the passage in Romans:
1. We should stop passing judgment on each other (14:13) just because you disagree with what they think.
I’ve heard that there is a pair of deer antlers on display in an old monastery near Babenhausen, Germany. They are permanently interlocked. They were found in that position many years ago. Apparently the animals had been fighting fiercely and their horns became so entangled that they couldn't disengage. And as a result, they both perished from hunger.
We should think about the consequences before we “lock horns” with another person.
Egoism teaches that what I’m thinking, what I’m doing, what I want, is more important than what you think, do or want.
We don’t need a “me” centered church.
We need a Christ centered church!
2. Don’t put stumbling blocks in the way of others (14:13). In verse 15 we find that this is not the loving thing to do.
3. Do things that lead to peace and build each other up (14:19). Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food (v.20).
When we put things into perspective – they can lose importance.
Really, how eternally important is it if we are vegetarians or carnivores? If we build our platform 7 or 11 inches? What about the color of the carpet, cushions on the pews, etc. Our building project was full of decisions.
Paul tells us: “Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of _______.” You can put in your conflict of choice.
What is God’s Work? Proclaiming salvation, feeding the hungry, helping others, seeking justice, bringing peace, etc.
For some reason God gave that work to us. God could do a much better job on his own, but he wants to use us to accomplish his will and work in this world.
I can think of precious few things I would let get in the way of God’s work.
4. Think about the needs of others (15:1-3). If we love someone we will seek to please them.
Love? Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
CONCLUSION
Here is one of the recommendations of our church consultation: Once a decision is made live with it even if you don’t like it. Stop re-doing decisions in the parking lot.
Trust God – in the decision making process (pray, ask God’s guidance, etc.). If decisions are questioned, the bottom line is that we are questioning God (who led us to the decision).
Love each other – seek what is best for everyone. How can we build-up rather than tear down.
Romans 14:19 – “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Do not destroy the work of God for anything.
Our common decision to follow and serve Christ should keep us together.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sermon Synopsis for November 18, 2007
Ephesians 4:1-16 “Speak the Truth in Love”
During his missionary travels the Apostle Paul didn’t stay very long in any one place. Ephesus was an exception. During his first visit (which was an afterthought) he left Priscilla and Aquilla to preach, teach and organize the church. When he returned, he stayed about 3 years.
Some time later, Paul was in prison (probably in Rome) and he sent letters to a number of churches in the region. The other letters were addressing specific problems in the churches. The letter to the Ephesians was different; there were no specific troubles. Paul wrote so that they would continue to mature as a church and witness for our Lord Jesus.
Often typical of Paul’s writing, he starts with the theological framework and moves onto the application. Chapter 4 begins the practical application in this letter. In today’s scripture passage Paul tells them what they need to be and do to continue to be a good, sound church:
Do you tell the truth? We live in a world where there is a lot of “untruth.”
A recent poll asked us if we lied.
91% of us lie regularly, mostly to friends and relatives.
We lie about weight, income, fishing stories, golfing, etc.
Did you ever overhear a group of pastors talk about the attendance at their churches?
A University of Virginia psychologist had subjects keep a diary recording the lies that they told and concluded that “People tell about two lies a day, or at least that is how many they admit to”
What about all the commercials we hear on TV and radio:
By the time we reach adolescence, we have been bombarded with so many advertisements claiming wealth, peace, happiness, and instant joy, that the truth becomes rare to us.
We use many words: white lie, fib, falsehood, perjury (Barry Bonds), false witness (from the big 10). They’re all lies.
Postmodern philosophy teaches that truth is relative …
SOME TRUTH DOES NOT NEED TO BE TOLD (exactly)
Husbands, how do you respond to your wife when she asks …
“Does this make me look fat?”
“What do you think of my new recipe?” (“Tell me the truth now.”)
Did your boss ever come to you wearing an ugly suit and ask, “What do you think of my new suit?”
I had a lot of African American friends when I was growing up. I joined the choir at Second Baptist in Coatesville just to sing with them. After 2 weeks the choir named a committee to tell me, “In Christian Love, I need to tell you …..” The fact is I have no rhythm. But they made me feel good, even great, about not being a part of their choir. Maybe it’s just the way you tell someone.
For a Christian, telling the truth should not be such a difficult thing.
10 commandments remind us: You shall not give false testimony (tell lies)
The Mennonite Confession of faith, article 20: “We commit ourselves to tell the truth, to give a simple yes or no …”
TRUTH IS (SHOULD BE) OBJECTIVE
The “loving thing” is to …. Tell the truth.
President Clinton lied about his relationship with an intern. He said he lied because he wanted to protect his family.
Can lies be for the good of others? Usually it is just for our own good.
The bottom line – we need to know the truth.
Telling the truth implies that we know the truth.
What is truth? That was Pilate’s question to Jesus (or in front of Jesus)
Jesus prefaced much of what he said with “I tell you the truth”
Earlier, in the upper room with his disciples, Jesus said, “I am … the truth.” (Jn 14:6)
The first step in telling the truth in love is – knowing the truth - Jesus
Paul told the church in Corinth: “For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.” (2 Cor 3:18) – truth will eventually win out.
Know Jesus = know the truth.
LOVE IS SUBJECTIVE
Truth is objective, but love is subjective.
Many people can speak the truth: policeman, judge, school teacher, physicist, scientist, bank, loan officer, etc.
There is a difference between just speaking the truth, and speaking the truth in love.
In the world people may let you down, but it should be different with us.
Have you heard someone say, “I accepted his word, because I knew he loved me.” Or “I had no reason to doubt him.”
In Christ it should be different.
Eph 4:15 “Instead, speaking the truth in Love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”
In 2 Samuel chapter 12 – Nathan confronts David. He’s his friend; Nathan loves David. He tells him a story (a rich man takes the sheep of a poor man); he lets David react; he confronts him (with the present truth), and gives him God’s word (the eternal truth)
What was necessary for this to happen?
There was an existing relationship, a relationship of trust and confidence, a relationship of assuming the best.
Nathan doesn’t confront David in a rough or abrupt way; he tells him the truth in love.
What if Nathan had just let it go? It may have resulted in a kingdom like Ahab and Jezebel.
We can read James 5:19-20 – James concludes his letter with this caution.
“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE
When you speak the truth in love, things happen.
First, spiritual growth should be expected and realized (check out Ephesians 4: 15).
Verses 3 & 13 speak about the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. We all reach the unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God.
Verse12 tells us that people will be prepared for ministry (many varied ministries).
Verses 13, 14 & 15 speak about maturity, “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” We are “no longer infants.” We “grow up in to him who is the head – Christ”
Christians should increase in spirituality and vitality and the lost should come to a knowledge of the truth. The church as God's creation should result in spiritual growth and spiritual increase and is built upon on the presentation and reception of the truth.
Second, one should also expect some adverse reactions to the matter of speaking the truth in love.
Jesus' speaking the truth in love caused some of his disciples to "…walked no more with him" and even resulted in division among his Jewish brethren (John 6:66; 7:43).
Jesus told his followers on many occasions, “If you are not against us, you are for us” – there was opposition.
Speaking the truth in love resulted in Stephen being murdered by a mad mob (Acts 7).
We should be ready for spiritual and numerical growth.
We should be ready for persecution.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
Paul tells the Ephesian Christians that they have a good church, and he gives them some counsel on how to have a great church in chapter 4.
Verse 1: (all of you) “Live a life worth of the calling you have received” (a calling to faith in Jesus Christ).
Verse11: Have gifted leaders who seek to prepare and build up everyone else in the church.
Verse15: Speak the truth in love.
Purpose of the church consultation is to better be the church of Jesus Christ.
Here’s one of the recommendations of the consultation: Speak the truth in the appropriate settings, in respectful ways.
We show our love to each other by being truthful and respectful with each other, in a relationship of trust. This will build-up the body of Christ and lead to spiritual maturity.
True love thinks of the other person: 1 Corinthians 13 was written to the church:
It’s an example for the new couple of what love is (that’s why we read it at weddings), but it is to show the church how to love.
What is our first commandment? Love God / Love others.
Our ability to speak the truth in love is found in relationship: our relationship with
God, our relationship with Others.
Can you tell God anything and everything? Truthfully!
Can you tell others anything and everything? Truthfuly!
This is the basis of our Christian relationship: speak the truth in love.
During his missionary travels the Apostle Paul didn’t stay very long in any one place. Ephesus was an exception. During his first visit (which was an afterthought) he left Priscilla and Aquilla to preach, teach and organize the church. When he returned, he stayed about 3 years.
Some time later, Paul was in prison (probably in Rome) and he sent letters to a number of churches in the region. The other letters were addressing specific problems in the churches. The letter to the Ephesians was different; there were no specific troubles. Paul wrote so that they would continue to mature as a church and witness for our Lord Jesus.
Often typical of Paul’s writing, he starts with the theological framework and moves onto the application. Chapter 4 begins the practical application in this letter. In today’s scripture passage Paul tells them what they need to be and do to continue to be a good, sound church:
Do you tell the truth? We live in a world where there is a lot of “untruth.”
A recent poll asked us if we lied.
91% of us lie regularly, mostly to friends and relatives.
We lie about weight, income, fishing stories, golfing, etc.
Did you ever overhear a group of pastors talk about the attendance at their churches?
A University of Virginia psychologist had subjects keep a diary recording the lies that they told and concluded that “People tell about two lies a day, or at least that is how many they admit to”
What about all the commercials we hear on TV and radio:
By the time we reach adolescence, we have been bombarded with so many advertisements claiming wealth, peace, happiness, and instant joy, that the truth becomes rare to us.
We use many words: white lie, fib, falsehood, perjury (Barry Bonds), false witness (from the big 10). They’re all lies.
Postmodern philosophy teaches that truth is relative …
SOME TRUTH DOES NOT NEED TO BE TOLD (exactly)
Husbands, how do you respond to your wife when she asks …
“Does this make me look fat?”
“What do you think of my new recipe?” (“Tell me the truth now.”)
Did your boss ever come to you wearing an ugly suit and ask, “What do you think of my new suit?”
I had a lot of African American friends when I was growing up. I joined the choir at Second Baptist in Coatesville just to sing with them. After 2 weeks the choir named a committee to tell me, “In Christian Love, I need to tell you …..” The fact is I have no rhythm. But they made me feel good, even great, about not being a part of their choir. Maybe it’s just the way you tell someone.
For a Christian, telling the truth should not be such a difficult thing.
10 commandments remind us: You shall not give false testimony (tell lies)
The Mennonite Confession of faith, article 20: “We commit ourselves to tell the truth, to give a simple yes or no …”
TRUTH IS (SHOULD BE) OBJECTIVE
The “loving thing” is to …. Tell the truth.
President Clinton lied about his relationship with an intern. He said he lied because he wanted to protect his family.
Can lies be for the good of others? Usually it is just for our own good.
The bottom line – we need to know the truth.
Telling the truth implies that we know the truth.
What is truth? That was Pilate’s question to Jesus (or in front of Jesus)
Jesus prefaced much of what he said with “I tell you the truth”
Earlier, in the upper room with his disciples, Jesus said, “I am … the truth.” (Jn 14:6)
The first step in telling the truth in love is – knowing the truth - Jesus
Paul told the church in Corinth: “For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.” (2 Cor 3:18) – truth will eventually win out.
Know Jesus = know the truth.
LOVE IS SUBJECTIVE
Truth is objective, but love is subjective.
Many people can speak the truth: policeman, judge, school teacher, physicist, scientist, bank, loan officer, etc.
There is a difference between just speaking the truth, and speaking the truth in love.
In the world people may let you down, but it should be different with us.
Have you heard someone say, “I accepted his word, because I knew he loved me.” Or “I had no reason to doubt him.”
In Christ it should be different.
Eph 4:15 “Instead, speaking the truth in Love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”
In 2 Samuel chapter 12 – Nathan confronts David. He’s his friend; Nathan loves David. He tells him a story (a rich man takes the sheep of a poor man); he lets David react; he confronts him (with the present truth), and gives him God’s word (the eternal truth)
What was necessary for this to happen?
There was an existing relationship, a relationship of trust and confidence, a relationship of assuming the best.
Nathan doesn’t confront David in a rough or abrupt way; he tells him the truth in love.
What if Nathan had just let it go? It may have resulted in a kingdom like Ahab and Jezebel.
We can read James 5:19-20 – James concludes his letter with this caution.
“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE
When you speak the truth in love, things happen.
First, spiritual growth should be expected and realized (check out Ephesians 4: 15).
Verses 3 & 13 speak about the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. We all reach the unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God.
Verse12 tells us that people will be prepared for ministry (many varied ministries).
Verses 13, 14 & 15 speak about maturity, “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” We are “no longer infants.” We “grow up in to him who is the head – Christ”
Christians should increase in spirituality and vitality and the lost should come to a knowledge of the truth. The church as God's creation should result in spiritual growth and spiritual increase and is built upon on the presentation and reception of the truth.
Second, one should also expect some adverse reactions to the matter of speaking the truth in love.
Jesus' speaking the truth in love caused some of his disciples to "…walked no more with him" and even resulted in division among his Jewish brethren (John 6:66; 7:43).
Jesus told his followers on many occasions, “If you are not against us, you are for us” – there was opposition.
Speaking the truth in love resulted in Stephen being murdered by a mad mob (Acts 7).
We should be ready for spiritual and numerical growth.
We should be ready for persecution.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
Paul tells the Ephesian Christians that they have a good church, and he gives them some counsel on how to have a great church in chapter 4.
Verse 1: (all of you) “Live a life worth of the calling you have received” (a calling to faith in Jesus Christ).
Verse11: Have gifted leaders who seek to prepare and build up everyone else in the church.
Verse15: Speak the truth in love.
Purpose of the church consultation is to better be the church of Jesus Christ.
Here’s one of the recommendations of the consultation: Speak the truth in the appropriate settings, in respectful ways.
We show our love to each other by being truthful and respectful with each other, in a relationship of trust. This will build-up the body of Christ and lead to spiritual maturity.
True love thinks of the other person: 1 Corinthians 13 was written to the church:
It’s an example for the new couple of what love is (that’s why we read it at weddings), but it is to show the church how to love.
What is our first commandment? Love God / Love others.
Our ability to speak the truth in love is found in relationship: our relationship with
God, our relationship with Others.
Can you tell God anything and everything? Truthfully!
Can you tell others anything and everything? Truthfuly!
This is the basis of our Christian relationship: speak the truth in love.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Sermon Synopsis for November 4, 2007
“The Benefit of the Doubt” – John 20:19-31
[Disciples should trust each other]
THE OLD CHAIR
I showed the children an old worn out chair from the storage shed. It was not bad enough to throw away, but not good enough to be in regular use. (sometimes I feel that way)
I asked for a volunteer to sit in it. After hesitation by a number of the children, Melissa sat right down in the chair. It held her weight, no problem.
I told the children a story about a wedding reception I attended (not recently) where I sat in a chair and a leg broke and down I went. Ouch! Hurt my pride more than anything.
How did I react to chairs in the future? I looked them over and tested them out before I sat down. I’d lost my faith in chairs for a while.
Sitting in a chair is like trusting in Jesus. We need to have faith that Jesus will hold and support us. Unlike some chairs, Jesus will never fail us.
Hebrews 11:6 tell us, “Without Faith it’s impossible to please God.” We make God happy when we show our faith and trust in Jesus.
DISCIPLES
Jesus had many followers, but he chose a core group of 12 to be his most intimate disciples. This is the group he wanted to form into a team to begin the spread the gospel to the whole world. He had a lot of confidence and trust in those guys.
After 3 years of hands-on training with Jesus, after listening and sharing in the ministry, after the experience in the upper room and the crucifixion, these guys had been through a lot together. I would expect the trust and the confidence between them would be strong. I find that in a week or a weekend together we can build bonds that will last a lifetime. Imagine the closeness of the disciples.
Shortly after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to most of the disciples (read the scripture passage). Thomas wasn’t there. He didn’t believe the others when they told him that Jesus was alive. Basically he called them liars. This went on for a week, until Jesus showed up again. Red faced Thomas knew he had let down both Jesus and his fellow disciples.
Which Disciple would you like to be? Which disciple do you identify with?
Outspoken and impulsive Peter? Young, inquisitive, and impressionable John? Solid and responsible James? Someone with a head for numbers and details like Matthew? Hopefully not Judas.
Most likely, few will claim Thomas. Thomas was the Aramaic name for Didymus which means “the twin” in Greek. Some traditions say he was called the twin because he looked like Jesus.
Thomas was very down and out about the way things had turned out … he wouldn’t believe the others when they told him that “a miracle had happened.” That things were changing; that things had changed. Jesus was alive.
H.A.Ironside tells the story …
Bishop Potter was sailing from NY to Europe on a great transatlantic ocean liner. When we went on board, he found that he had to share his cabin with another passenger. He went to the room and met the other man. He looked him over and felt he might not be the most trustworthy person, so he decided to check his valuables in the ship’s safe.
After he unpacked his suitcase, he went to the ship’s purser’s desk. He told him that he wanted to leave his gold watch and other valuables in the ship’s safe during the voyage. He told the purser that he felt they would be safer in the safe.
The purser inventoried the items and said, “That’s fine Bishop, I’ll be glad to take care of these things for you. Your cabin mate just deposited his valuables; he felt they’d be safer here too.
For some reason, it is easier to jump to negative conclusions about people than it is to assume the best about them. It’s easier to project bad intentions on people we don’t know, just by their looks. Some call it “profiling.” When we do this, we reveal something about ourselves …..
The faults we see in others, may actually be a reflection of our own.
OUR MISTRUST FOR OURSELVES MAY BE REFLECTED IN OUR TREATMENT OF OTHERS
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus told the people, “Judge not lest you be judged.”
Easier to say than to do.
When we are suspicious of others, we need to look at the root of that suspicion.
Why don’t we trust? Maybe it’s because of the hurts and scars of mistrust in our own lives.
I’ve been hurt; others have judged me unjustly; I wasn’t treated f air.
We need to let Jesus heal us before we can.
Crespo grew up in the Chapare region of the Bolivian Amazon Valley. Through the work of a young evangelist he accepted Christ. He decided that Jesus didn’t want him to continue the production of “pasta” (first stage in turning the coca leaf into cocaine).
Who could he trust? Everyone was out to get him (drug lords, other grower/producers, DEA). He lived in a world where everyone was out to get something from everyone else.
He lived in a world of mis-trust. He bore the scars from attempts to trust others.
The young evangelist told him – “trust Jesus – trust me.”
Crespo didn’t trust anyone! Even his family (he escaped from his house after his brother turned him in for the reward $). It took time.
Crespo needed to learn to trust again. Not just anybody – Jesus and his disciples.
Is there something in your past that’s keeping you from trusting Jesus? From trusting other disciples?
Thomas told his fellow disciples, “Unless I see the nail holes and put my finger in them, I won’t believe.” What do you need to believe?
WE NEED TO BE TRUSTING
In Bolivia I took a number of trips to the town of Toro-Toro (“very muddy” in the Quechua language). A seminary student from the town invited us to form a ministry team and visit his home town. After 12 hours of difficult mountain roads and forging rivers we arrived. It’s an amazing place, full of fossils, preserved footprints of dinosaurs and prehistoric remains.
The student told us we should check out the Umajalanta cave. His family recommended a guide and off we went. It was a 45 minute hike to the cave entrance. The entrance was about 4 foot high and 3 feet wide. We lit candles and entered the cave.
It dawned on me: I was in charge of a ministry team, taking them into a cave, led by a complete stranger. Was I crazy or something? We climbed and crawled for more than two and a half hours until we reached a lake deep in the earth. An awesome experience!
We made it out. During the trip we talked with the guide about our trust in him, and we shared with him about our faith and trust in Jesus. Afterward – as we sat on large rock formations, near a waterfall, eating a mixture of chopped tomatoes, onions and sardines (on crackers) – the guide shared how many people had left him down in life and he wanted to have that same faith we had.
That evening our guide – and his whole family – came forward to accept Jesus.
When we trust others, it can be a reflection of our trust in Jesus. How is your faith? Do you assume the best?
BACK TO THOMAS
Thomas had a history of thinking the worst. In John chapter 11, Jesus gets word that his friend Lazarus is sick. They don’t rush off; they aren’t in a hurry to get to the Jerusalem area. Jesus and his band are wanted men; it’s best to stay away from the heavily patrolled areas. After two days, Jesus tells his disciples, “let’s go, we’re going back to Judea.”
Thomas says (v. 16) “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
Pretty pessimistic Thomas!
Don’t you trust even Jesus?
Why do you assume the worst?
WE OFTEN THINK THE WORST
Sometimes people show up at the church looking for help. I can get pretty skeptical.
Often I assume that the person is “pulling the wool over my eyes” to take advantage of the church. Pretty skeptical, Pastor Steve.
How can we truly help? We need to know the people – real help implies a personal relationship.
It’s why Bridge of Hope works – a relationship is built between a church mentoring group and a woman in need. (www.bridgeofhopelcc.org)
Relationship is the key. Once we have a relationship – we’ll help, we’ll overlook certain flaws, and we’ll go the extra mile.
WE NEED TO TRUST JESUS – AND EACH OTHER
Once in the airport, my flight was delayed. I bought a small bag of chips (tortilla, I think) and sat down to read a book and enjoy my snack. As I’m sitting there, the person next to me reaches over and takes a chip out of the bag. What chutzpa. He does it again. And again.
Finally I take the bag with the remaining chips, and my stuff, and go sit in another place. And I finish the chips myself.
Later on, on the airplane, I opened my carryon and I found my bag of chips.
How do you think I felt? (very small)
I can never tell that person how sorry I am – I can only confess to God and to you and hope that somehow that person will understand.
I imagine that Thomas “ate a lot of crow” with the other disciples after that experience with Jesus and his fellow disciples. I imagine he felt “very small.” In a sense, he deserved it. How would he rebuild the trust and faith?
ASSUME THE BEST
One of the recommendations of our church consultant was to assume the best.
As a church, each one of us needs to assume that the other “disciples” are being truthful and up-front. We shouldn’t be “Doubting Thomases” in our relationship with each other.
Jesus told Thomas (John 20:29), “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
What did Thomas not believe (doubt)?
First, he didn’t believe that Jesus had risen from the dead.
Second, he didn’t believe the word of the other disciples.
The two go hand in hand. We need to believe in Jesus, but we also need to have a high level of trust in our fellow disciples.
It also means that we need to be open and honest, to gain the trust of others. Sure, people will let you down, but there’s a lot less chance if you have an open and honest relationship with them.
Jesus said that his disciples are known by their love (John 13:35). Jesus disciples will love God and love each other.
What is love? The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 explains something about love. This chapter is not particularly a wedding theme – it’s a church theme. Verse 7 – love … “it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Before we can fully trust – we need to love.
[Disciples should trust each other]
THE OLD CHAIR
I showed the children an old worn out chair from the storage shed. It was not bad enough to throw away, but not good enough to be in regular use. (sometimes I feel that way)
I asked for a volunteer to sit in it. After hesitation by a number of the children, Melissa sat right down in the chair. It held her weight, no problem.
I told the children a story about a wedding reception I attended (not recently) where I sat in a chair and a leg broke and down I went. Ouch! Hurt my pride more than anything.
How did I react to chairs in the future? I looked them over and tested them out before I sat down. I’d lost my faith in chairs for a while.
Sitting in a chair is like trusting in Jesus. We need to have faith that Jesus will hold and support us. Unlike some chairs, Jesus will never fail us.
Hebrews 11:6 tell us, “Without Faith it’s impossible to please God.” We make God happy when we show our faith and trust in Jesus.
DISCIPLES
Jesus had many followers, but he chose a core group of 12 to be his most intimate disciples. This is the group he wanted to form into a team to begin the spread the gospel to the whole world. He had a lot of confidence and trust in those guys.
After 3 years of hands-on training with Jesus, after listening and sharing in the ministry, after the experience in the upper room and the crucifixion, these guys had been through a lot together. I would expect the trust and the confidence between them would be strong. I find that in a week or a weekend together we can build bonds that will last a lifetime. Imagine the closeness of the disciples.
Shortly after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to most of the disciples (read the scripture passage). Thomas wasn’t there. He didn’t believe the others when they told him that Jesus was alive. Basically he called them liars. This went on for a week, until Jesus showed up again. Red faced Thomas knew he had let down both Jesus and his fellow disciples.
Which Disciple would you like to be? Which disciple do you identify with?
Outspoken and impulsive Peter? Young, inquisitive, and impressionable John? Solid and responsible James? Someone with a head for numbers and details like Matthew? Hopefully not Judas.
Most likely, few will claim Thomas. Thomas was the Aramaic name for Didymus which means “the twin” in Greek. Some traditions say he was called the twin because he looked like Jesus.
Thomas was very down and out about the way things had turned out … he wouldn’t believe the others when they told him that “a miracle had happened.” That things were changing; that things had changed. Jesus was alive.
H.A.Ironside tells the story …
Bishop Potter was sailing from NY to Europe on a great transatlantic ocean liner. When we went on board, he found that he had to share his cabin with another passenger. He went to the room and met the other man. He looked him over and felt he might not be the most trustworthy person, so he decided to check his valuables in the ship’s safe.
After he unpacked his suitcase, he went to the ship’s purser’s desk. He told him that he wanted to leave his gold watch and other valuables in the ship’s safe during the voyage. He told the purser that he felt they would be safer in the safe.
The purser inventoried the items and said, “That’s fine Bishop, I’ll be glad to take care of these things for you. Your cabin mate just deposited his valuables; he felt they’d be safer here too.
For some reason, it is easier to jump to negative conclusions about people than it is to assume the best about them. It’s easier to project bad intentions on people we don’t know, just by their looks. Some call it “profiling.” When we do this, we reveal something about ourselves …..
The faults we see in others, may actually be a reflection of our own.
OUR MISTRUST FOR OURSELVES MAY BE REFLECTED IN OUR TREATMENT OF OTHERS
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus told the people, “Judge not lest you be judged.”
Easier to say than to do.
When we are suspicious of others, we need to look at the root of that suspicion.
Why don’t we trust? Maybe it’s because of the hurts and scars of mistrust in our own lives.
I’ve been hurt; others have judged me unjustly; I wasn’t treated f air.
We need to let Jesus heal us before we can.
Crespo grew up in the Chapare region of the Bolivian Amazon Valley. Through the work of a young evangelist he accepted Christ. He decided that Jesus didn’t want him to continue the production of “pasta” (first stage in turning the coca leaf into cocaine).
Who could he trust? Everyone was out to get him (drug lords, other grower/producers, DEA). He lived in a world where everyone was out to get something from everyone else.
He lived in a world of mis-trust. He bore the scars from attempts to trust others.
The young evangelist told him – “trust Jesus – trust me.”
Crespo didn’t trust anyone! Even his family (he escaped from his house after his brother turned him in for the reward $). It took time.
Crespo needed to learn to trust again. Not just anybody – Jesus and his disciples.
Is there something in your past that’s keeping you from trusting Jesus? From trusting other disciples?
Thomas told his fellow disciples, “Unless I see the nail holes and put my finger in them, I won’t believe.” What do you need to believe?
WE NEED TO BE TRUSTING
In Bolivia I took a number of trips to the town of Toro-Toro (“very muddy” in the Quechua language). A seminary student from the town invited us to form a ministry team and visit his home town. After 12 hours of difficult mountain roads and forging rivers we arrived. It’s an amazing place, full of fossils, preserved footprints of dinosaurs and prehistoric remains.
The student told us we should check out the Umajalanta cave. His family recommended a guide and off we went. It was a 45 minute hike to the cave entrance. The entrance was about 4 foot high and 3 feet wide. We lit candles and entered the cave.
It dawned on me: I was in charge of a ministry team, taking them into a cave, led by a complete stranger. Was I crazy or something? We climbed and crawled for more than two and a half hours until we reached a lake deep in the earth. An awesome experience!
We made it out. During the trip we talked with the guide about our trust in him, and we shared with him about our faith and trust in Jesus. Afterward – as we sat on large rock formations, near a waterfall, eating a mixture of chopped tomatoes, onions and sardines (on crackers) – the guide shared how many people had left him down in life and he wanted to have that same faith we had.
That evening our guide – and his whole family – came forward to accept Jesus.
When we trust others, it can be a reflection of our trust in Jesus. How is your faith? Do you assume the best?
BACK TO THOMAS
Thomas had a history of thinking the worst. In John chapter 11, Jesus gets word that his friend Lazarus is sick. They don’t rush off; they aren’t in a hurry to get to the Jerusalem area. Jesus and his band are wanted men; it’s best to stay away from the heavily patrolled areas. After two days, Jesus tells his disciples, “let’s go, we’re going back to Judea.”
Thomas says (v. 16) “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
Pretty pessimistic Thomas!
Don’t you trust even Jesus?
Why do you assume the worst?
WE OFTEN THINK THE WORST
Sometimes people show up at the church looking for help. I can get pretty skeptical.
Often I assume that the person is “pulling the wool over my eyes” to take advantage of the church. Pretty skeptical, Pastor Steve.
How can we truly help? We need to know the people – real help implies a personal relationship.
It’s why Bridge of Hope works – a relationship is built between a church mentoring group and a woman in need. (www.bridgeofhopelcc.org)
Relationship is the key. Once we have a relationship – we’ll help, we’ll overlook certain flaws, and we’ll go the extra mile.
WE NEED TO TRUST JESUS – AND EACH OTHER
Once in the airport, my flight was delayed. I bought a small bag of chips (tortilla, I think) and sat down to read a book and enjoy my snack. As I’m sitting there, the person next to me reaches over and takes a chip out of the bag. What chutzpa. He does it again. And again.
Finally I take the bag with the remaining chips, and my stuff, and go sit in another place. And I finish the chips myself.
Later on, on the airplane, I opened my carryon and I found my bag of chips.
How do you think I felt? (very small)
I can never tell that person how sorry I am – I can only confess to God and to you and hope that somehow that person will understand.
I imagine that Thomas “ate a lot of crow” with the other disciples after that experience with Jesus and his fellow disciples. I imagine he felt “very small.” In a sense, he deserved it. How would he rebuild the trust and faith?
ASSUME THE BEST
One of the recommendations of our church consultant was to assume the best.
As a church, each one of us needs to assume that the other “disciples” are being truthful and up-front. We shouldn’t be “Doubting Thomases” in our relationship with each other.
Jesus told Thomas (John 20:29), “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
What did Thomas not believe (doubt)?
First, he didn’t believe that Jesus had risen from the dead.
Second, he didn’t believe the word of the other disciples.
The two go hand in hand. We need to believe in Jesus, but we also need to have a high level of trust in our fellow disciples.
It also means that we need to be open and honest, to gain the trust of others. Sure, people will let you down, but there’s a lot less chance if you have an open and honest relationship with them.
Jesus said that his disciples are known by their love (John 13:35). Jesus disciples will love God and love each other.
What is love? The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 explains something about love. This chapter is not particularly a wedding theme – it’s a church theme. Verse 7 – love … “it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Before we can fully trust – we need to love.
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