“A Model Church”
Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
EULOGY FOR A FRIEND
Yesterday (July 19), a good friend passed away.
We spent a lot of time together.
I shared intimate thoughts with this friend.
What a memory!
He helped me with my correspondence, with my work; once in a while we’d even play a game together.
Sometimes when I’m just sitting and thinking, I recall a shared memory we had, or something he knew that will be lost forever.
Maybe he had a virus that made him sick.
In the end, he was worn out, and couldn’t go on any longer.
You won’t see him written up in the obituaries,
Sadly, I don’t think anyone else will mourn his death
Unfortunately, he was only about 7 years old.
I entrusted that friend with my sermon notes for today.
When that friend passed away, he took my notes along.
The computer in the Pastor’s Study died yesterday – and as I try to recreate my sermon notes, I’m still in mourning.
A MODEL CHURCH
Today I want to talk about “A Model Church.”
I’ve been speaking about characteristics of a healthy church. As the body of Christ in this world, we don’t want to just be a church that’s “not sick.” We want to be a healthy church. Most of us could pass a physical exam, but few of us could run a marathon. Jesus wants a “body” that could pass a physical exam, but Jesus wants so much more for his church – to “run the race set out before us” (Heb 12:1).
There are two scripture passages today.
The first is a story
The Apostle Paul had a way of getting into trouble, even (and especially) when he wasn’t looking for it. He traveled with a group of friends (Silas/Sylvanus, Timothy, probably Luke)
It was probably the summer of 50AD, about 15-20 years since the resurrection of Jesus. And they were taking seriously his mandate to spread the Gospel to the whole world.
They had just left Philippi, where they had been publicly beaten and thrown in jail. (Remember Lydia, jailer & family, earthquake). They left under pressure. Then they went to Thessalonica and ran into even more difficulties.
From the passage in Acts we see that the Church got off to a rough start in Thessalonica.
Three weeks Paul and friends were there: preaching and teaching on the Sabbath, and certainly talking about God through the week to those who would listen.
Three weeks – then forced to leave – I wouldn’t expect much to happen.
A few months later, Timothy returned to Thessalonica
About 10 months later, in about the spring of 51, Paul is in Corinth and writes a letter to these folks.
WHAT IS A “MODEL” CHURCH?
A church is a group of Christians committed to working together for the common goal of serving Christ.
Paul told the Thessalonians, “you became a model to all the believers” in the area. (1:7)
Once, when I was visiting churches in Maine, someone asked me to go see a “model church.” I thought, “Wow, let’s see what these folks think is a model church.”
We only drive for about 10 minutes when we arrived at a traditional New England clapboard church building, complete with bell tower and steeple. In the front yard was an exact replica in miniature of that church building. You could even look in the windows and see the pews and pulpit. (Not what I expected.)
I noted that there were no people in “the model church.” He responded to me, “That’s the only way to have a perfect model church.”
Paul told the Thessalonians, “you became a model to all the believers” in the area.
The word “Model” (Greek typon) speaks of a sculptor and the clay or plaster model made in preparation for the masterpiece. This model is the one worked on, changed, corrected, etc. until it is just right – ready to be copied …
The believers in Thessalonica are that model, for others to copy …
What was it that the Apostle Paul wanted others to copy?
THREE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHURCH IN THESSALONICA
These are found in 1 Thessalonians 1:3
FAITH … produces … WORK
LOVE … prompts … LABOR
HOPE … inspires … ENDURANCE
Faith, Hope & Love – the famous trio of the Apostle Paul & other NT writers – necessary for the Christian life
1 Corinthians 13:1 “And now these three remain (when all is said and done): faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Colossians 1:4 “we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints – the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven …”
Hebrews 10:22-24 “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
See also (Galatians 5:5-6; 1 Peter 1:21-22, 1 Thess 5:8, Heb 6:10-12)
As Christians, we need to have these three qualities active and alive in our lives.
FAITH
Hebrews 11:1 – “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we don’t see.”
The church in Thessalonica had faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you have faith in God? Are you sure and certain that God exists, send Jesus to show us how to live, to teach us, to die for us and rise from the dead? Are you sure and certain that Jesus is in heaven waiting for the moment to return and bring the kingdom of God in power?
Faith comes through accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
In Thessalonica – Jason, some Jews, some Greeks, and some women of society – all received the message from Paul and accepted Jesus.
Have you put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
LOVE
Love is caring and compassion.
Apostle John (in his first letter) tells us (1 John 3:16-17) “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”
Compassion comes through expressing our new life in Christ – our devotion is not only shown to god (through faith), but to others (through love).
The Gospel tells us that there are two primary laws – “Love God, Love others”
In Thessalonica - Jason, some Jews, some Greeks, and some women of society – apparently they all learned to love one another and to love others – even those who persecuted them.
Are you filled with God’s love?
HOPE
Romans 8:24-25 “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not have, we wait for it patiently.”
Hope – implies a future – with God – on this earth and eternally in heaven
“I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future”
In Thessalonica - Jason, some Jews, some Greeks, and some women of society –they had hope in God’s presence with them now and eternally.
So … to be model Christians, and a model church, we need to have Faith, Love and Hope, in our lives.
Faith – Love – Hope – They all look pretty good in our lives.
BUT IT’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH JUST TO HAVE THESE THINGS
You need to use them …
If someone gives you a kitchen appliance – (you can put it on the counter, keep it clean, admire it) – it does you no good unless you use it.
If you get a new power tool – (you can put it on your work bench, keep it clean, admire it) – it does you no good unless you use it.
A useful tool or appliance – shows signs of wear – because it’s being used.
We just had our parking lot re-paved. Do you know how to keep the parking lot looking great? (Don’t use it)
Look at our building – after the remodeling and new addition – nicks, scratches, dents - we use it!!
Some day we’re going to have to say goodbye to all these (material) things.
But (the Apostle Paul tells us) three things remain (last forever) faith, hope and love.
We have faith, love and hope – to use in our Christian lives.
USING THESE THINGS WILL BRING OTHER THINGS TO OUR LIVES
WORK
1:3 “your work produced by faith”
Work = (generally) actions performed – the end product.
v.1:6 “You welcomed the message with joy”
1:9 “You turned to God from idols”
You spread the gospel message
How do you know they have faith?
By what they do & have done
Thessalonica became a mission center for the region.
1:8 their “faith has become know everywhere.”
You can’t just say “I believe.” “I accepted Christ as my savior.”
That faith produces work – telling others, sharing the faith (in your own way), it doesn’t sit dormant in our lives.
Does the faith in your life produce works for God?
LABOR
1:3 “your labor prompted by love”
Labor = (generally) the ongoing work of caring and showing compassion for others.
The Thessalonian Christians were know for providing financial support for outreach, helping the sick and hungry, Their love was evident in the things they were doing.
We need love in action – 1 John 3:18 “Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.”
It’s not enough to tell your spouses that you love them – you have to show it!
Does your love for God and others lead you to do good things for them?
ENDURANCE
1:3 “your endurance inspired by hope”
Endurance = living for Jesus in a difficult world.
For the Thessalonians – there was opposition – Paul left Thessalonica at night because of it – Jason and the others were out of jail on bail. Hope kept them going in spite of opposition and difficulties.
What difficulties are present in your life?
God wants you to keep going.
The hope of God will enable you (us) to get through every difficulty.
That hope “inspires us” to keep going.
Does your eternal hope enable you to keep going for Jesus when there is opposition or difficulties?
DO WE WANT TO BE MODEL CHRISTIANS?
DO WE WANT TO BE A MODEL CHURCH?
Not perfect Christians – but model Christians
Not a perfect church – but a model church
If you ever find the perfect church, don’t go there – you’d just ruin it.
What do we need to be a healthy “body of Christ” in this world?
FAITH that produces WORK
LOVE that prompts LABOR
HOPE that inspires ENDURANCE
Friday, July 25, 2008
Sermon Synopsis for July 13, 2008
“Gifted for Service: The Legacy of Kenaniah”
1 Chronicles 15:16-22
Imagine a church without music
Today we celebrate part of the musical heritage of Maple Grove. The Open Air Singing – started because the people of this church loved to sing.
Think about our worship service and take out the music; what would it be like? (the sermon could be longer!)
No music means … a number of people could not use their gifts and talents for God. No hymnals, no piano, no singing, no guitars, no drums (some may not argue with that).
Music helps us express what we feel but cannot say and often cannot even define. It helps us understand our emotions, eases us through life's difficulties, and helps us celebrate life's joy. It can lift (or at least transform) our mood when children, or parents, or spouses are trying our tempers.
You might often forget the words of a sermon, but as you leave, and throughout the week, you will probably recall at least one of the songs that we sang.
Today we will consider one of the great people of the Bible. Most have heard of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, etc. Few have heard of Kenaniah (Chenaniah in the KJV).
All have heard of King David. David wanted to build the Temple (a building on a hill in Jerusalem). God told him no, because he was a warrior and had blood on his hands. But God did permit David to build the Temple in terms of ministry. Music was an important part of the ministry of Israel. David appointed a number of worship teams.
Today’s Scripture passage is one of those lists of names we often skip over when we read the Bible. In biblical times people must have had a lot of time on there hands – to invent so many names that are difficult to pronounce. These lists of names are there because that is the nature of God’s work – personal – dealing with people – the church is not a building, it is people.
KENANIAH
Today we think of Kenaniah – let’s just call him Ken.
We don’t know much about Kenaniah? But we know more than many of the other names listed in Chronicles.
1 Chronicles 15:22 tells us that Kenaniah was the leader of the Levites and was placed in charge of the singing, because he was skillful at it.
Kenaniah became the first music director of the Bible. Why?
I asked the children, “What are you good at? What do you do well?” They had a lot of different answers (riding a bicycle, swimming, soccer, singing, etc.). I told them the story of Kenaniah (a short story).
He was selected by King David to lead the music ministry of the Tabernacle.
What were his qualifications? There were 3:
He was good at it!
King David chose him.
He was willing.
He led the singing; he led the singers; he organized the music. He did a good job!
I told the children that God wants to use the things that they do well. They need to think about how they can use the things they do best for God.
1 Peter 4:10 tells us, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
THREE QUALIFICATIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE MINISTRY
1. The NIV says, “he was good at it.” He had talent and ability in music. His name in Hebrew means “prepared for the Lord.” There are many of you I would never ask to sing in a worship team or a solo – You’re not good at it. But you are good at something. Everyone is good at least one thing. Scripture says that God gives us gifts (talents, abilities, “things we’re good at”). This is a gift based ministry. (We find that Kenaniah was part of a family of musicians)
2. He was chosen. King David and his fellow musicians recognized that he was a good musician and a good leader. Apostle Paul says, “You are the body of Christ, and everyone is a part of it – some are eyes, some are hands, some are feet.” Each is chosen for a specific task. Not all are to be music leaders (Imagine a church full of music directors.) We are chosen to be part of the greater whole (the church).
3. He was willing. He served! Willingness makes all the difference. He said yes. (Were any others asked? We don’t know; we only know in the Bible about the ones who said yes.)
BUILDING GOD’S CHURCH
The task at hand is the construction (building) of the church. I’m not talking about constructing a building, but building the church – a group of people, called by God, gifted by God, willing for service. God has a task that is to be completed – Talented, recognized and willing people are necessary.
LEAVING FINGERPRINTS IN THE CHURCH
The Jerusalem Lutheran Church in New Ebenezer, Georgia (near Savannah) is the oldest church building in The South with a continuously active congregation. It was begun by exiles from Salzburg, Austria, who brought their faith with them to the new world. The old church building was built by the Salzburgers from 1767 to 1769 and is the oldest structure in Georgia. The church regularly hosts tour groups and visitors. The building was built back in the days when Georgia was a colony led by General Oglethorpe, and the colonists struggled with poverty, rampant disease, and frequent attacks by hostile Native Americans.
The church walls are made of 21 inch thick bricks formed from clay deposits near the church site. The men, women and children worked together to dig the clay, form and mold it, bake the bricks, carry them to the building site, hoist them up makeshift scaffolds to build the church walls, that stand to this day.
The fingerprints of those involved in the church’s construction can still be seen in many of the old bricks. Each fingerprint is a reminder of the people who worked using their talents and abilities to build up the church.
These bricks are a silent witness of people using talents and working together for a common goal.
BUILDING THE CHURCH IS NOT (ALWAYS) CONSTRUCTING A BUILDING
Of course, the primary task is not building a building. That eventually came for Israel. The primary task was to build the people of God, together in ministry, each doing what they were good at, called and willing to do. This is the body of Christ, a healthy body of Christ.
What gifts (talents/abilities) do you bring to the Lord?
Are you developing them?
What has God (and the church) asked you to do?
Are you willing?
Everyone receives gifts / talents / abilities for ministry.
These are to be used “in concert” with others.
They are for the benefit of the congregation and the enjoyment of God.
PLEASE FORGIVE ANY COPYWRITE INFRINGMENT
There is a song by Petra: “Kenaniah” (on 1987 album “This Means War”)
Kenaniah of the Levites appointed by the king
To teach the songs of Zion, to lead them as they sing
Your song is not forgotten, we hear it in our souls
Let it burn and burn within us (And) Fan the sacred coals
Kenaniah, Kenaniah, we will sing your ancient song
Kenaniah, Kenaniah, we will sing it loud and strong
Gathered for the battle, Kenaniah led the way
As the singers closely followed him they all began to pray
The musicians all assembled, Kenaniah gave the word
Through the raging battle zone the anthem could be heard
Sing unto Jehovah of his wonderous ways
Sing a song of triumph, sing a victory song
And in the cloud of witnesses Kenaniah sings along
Kenaniah, Kenaniah, through the ages it will ring
Kenaniah, Kenaniah, to Jehovah we will sing
Kenaniah is remembered because he was good at music and used it for God.
What do you bring to God today?
What “fingerprints” are you leaving in God’s church?
1 Chronicles 15:16-22
Imagine a church without music
Today we celebrate part of the musical heritage of Maple Grove. The Open Air Singing – started because the people of this church loved to sing.
Think about our worship service and take out the music; what would it be like? (the sermon could be longer!)
No music means … a number of people could not use their gifts and talents for God. No hymnals, no piano, no singing, no guitars, no drums (some may not argue with that).
Music helps us express what we feel but cannot say and often cannot even define. It helps us understand our emotions, eases us through life's difficulties, and helps us celebrate life's joy. It can lift (or at least transform) our mood when children, or parents, or spouses are trying our tempers.
You might often forget the words of a sermon, but as you leave, and throughout the week, you will probably recall at least one of the songs that we sang.
Today we will consider one of the great people of the Bible. Most have heard of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, etc. Few have heard of Kenaniah (Chenaniah in the KJV).
All have heard of King David. David wanted to build the Temple (a building on a hill in Jerusalem). God told him no, because he was a warrior and had blood on his hands. But God did permit David to build the Temple in terms of ministry. Music was an important part of the ministry of Israel. David appointed a number of worship teams.
Today’s Scripture passage is one of those lists of names we often skip over when we read the Bible. In biblical times people must have had a lot of time on there hands – to invent so many names that are difficult to pronounce. These lists of names are there because that is the nature of God’s work – personal – dealing with people – the church is not a building, it is people.
KENANIAH
Today we think of Kenaniah – let’s just call him Ken.
We don’t know much about Kenaniah? But we know more than many of the other names listed in Chronicles.
1 Chronicles 15:22 tells us that Kenaniah was the leader of the Levites and was placed in charge of the singing, because he was skillful at it.
Kenaniah became the first music director of the Bible. Why?
I asked the children, “What are you good at? What do you do well?” They had a lot of different answers (riding a bicycle, swimming, soccer, singing, etc.). I told them the story of Kenaniah (a short story).
He was selected by King David to lead the music ministry of the Tabernacle.
What were his qualifications? There were 3:
He was good at it!
King David chose him.
He was willing.
He led the singing; he led the singers; he organized the music. He did a good job!
I told the children that God wants to use the things that they do well. They need to think about how they can use the things they do best for God.
1 Peter 4:10 tells us, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
THREE QUALIFICATIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE MINISTRY
1. The NIV says, “he was good at it.” He had talent and ability in music. His name in Hebrew means “prepared for the Lord.” There are many of you I would never ask to sing in a worship team or a solo – You’re not good at it. But you are good at something. Everyone is good at least one thing. Scripture says that God gives us gifts (talents, abilities, “things we’re good at”). This is a gift based ministry. (We find that Kenaniah was part of a family of musicians)
2. He was chosen. King David and his fellow musicians recognized that he was a good musician and a good leader. Apostle Paul says, “You are the body of Christ, and everyone is a part of it – some are eyes, some are hands, some are feet.” Each is chosen for a specific task. Not all are to be music leaders (Imagine a church full of music directors.) We are chosen to be part of the greater whole (the church).
3. He was willing. He served! Willingness makes all the difference. He said yes. (Were any others asked? We don’t know; we only know in the Bible about the ones who said yes.)
BUILDING GOD’S CHURCH
The task at hand is the construction (building) of the church. I’m not talking about constructing a building, but building the church – a group of people, called by God, gifted by God, willing for service. God has a task that is to be completed – Talented, recognized and willing people are necessary.
LEAVING FINGERPRINTS IN THE CHURCH
The Jerusalem Lutheran Church in New Ebenezer, Georgia (near Savannah) is the oldest church building in The South with a continuously active congregation. It was begun by exiles from Salzburg, Austria, who brought their faith with them to the new world. The old church building was built by the Salzburgers from 1767 to 1769 and is the oldest structure in Georgia. The church regularly hosts tour groups and visitors. The building was built back in the days when Georgia was a colony led by General Oglethorpe, and the colonists struggled with poverty, rampant disease, and frequent attacks by hostile Native Americans.
The church walls are made of 21 inch thick bricks formed from clay deposits near the church site. The men, women and children worked together to dig the clay, form and mold it, bake the bricks, carry them to the building site, hoist them up makeshift scaffolds to build the church walls, that stand to this day.
The fingerprints of those involved in the church’s construction can still be seen in many of the old bricks. Each fingerprint is a reminder of the people who worked using their talents and abilities to build up the church.
These bricks are a silent witness of people using talents and working together for a common goal.
BUILDING THE CHURCH IS NOT (ALWAYS) CONSTRUCTING A BUILDING
Of course, the primary task is not building a building. That eventually came for Israel. The primary task was to build the people of God, together in ministry, each doing what they were good at, called and willing to do. This is the body of Christ, a healthy body of Christ.
What gifts (talents/abilities) do you bring to the Lord?
Are you developing them?
What has God (and the church) asked you to do?
Are you willing?
Everyone receives gifts / talents / abilities for ministry.
These are to be used “in concert” with others.
They are for the benefit of the congregation and the enjoyment of God.
PLEASE FORGIVE ANY COPYWRITE INFRINGMENT
There is a song by Petra: “Kenaniah” (on 1987 album “This Means War”)
Kenaniah of the Levites appointed by the king
To teach the songs of Zion, to lead them as they sing
Your song is not forgotten, we hear it in our souls
Let it burn and burn within us (And) Fan the sacred coals
Kenaniah, Kenaniah, we will sing your ancient song
Kenaniah, Kenaniah, we will sing it loud and strong
Gathered for the battle, Kenaniah led the way
As the singers closely followed him they all began to pray
The musicians all assembled, Kenaniah gave the word
Through the raging battle zone the anthem could be heard
Sing unto Jehovah of his wonderous ways
Sing a song of triumph, sing a victory song
And in the cloud of witnesses Kenaniah sings along
Kenaniah, Kenaniah, through the ages it will ring
Kenaniah, Kenaniah, to Jehovah we will sing
Kenaniah is remembered because he was good at music and used it for God.
What do you bring to God today?
What “fingerprints” are you leaving in God’s church?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Sermon Synopsis for July 6, 2008
“Are We In Shape For The Race”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 12:24b-27 (Isaiah 40:31; Hebrews 12:1)
This week I spent a couple of days having a relaxing time in a cabin in the mountains. The first evening, our campfire time quickly ended when a black bear wandered into the yard.
It reminds me of a story …
Two hikers on a trail came around the bend to find an enormous brown bear about 75 yards up the trail. The bear spies them and begins running toward them at a full gallop. One hiker drops his backpack, sits down, throws off his boots, and starts lacing up a pair of running shoes. The other hiker says: "What are you doing? You will never outrun that bear!". The first hiker replies: "I don't have to outrun the bear..." (think about it)
When we are in a race we often think about who we have to outrun.
A fellow who entered the New York City Marathon tells the story …
“Last year I entered the New York City Marathon. The race started and immediately I was the last of the runners. It was embarrassing. The guy who was in front of me, second to last, was making fun of me. He said, "Hey buddy, how does it feel to be last?" I replied: "Do you want to know?" and I dropped out.”
Sports often means competition.
As Christians, the competition is not between believers.
Often we see our competition between other Christians, denominations, etc.
The enemy (opposing us) is not of flesh and blood.
We are the body of Christ – all of us – we’re not in a competition with other.
THE NEED FOR PHYSICAL / SPIRITUAL FITNESS
Physical fitness eludes us in many ways.
No one will ever accuse me of being an athlete. Sure I can participate, but I’m no athlete.
I remember my first visit in Iscayachi (A town straight up the mountain, Cuesta de Sama, above Tarija, Bolivia, about 11,000 feet above sea level) – we were to have a week of church meetings. I was invited to play soccer with the locals (I thought this was a good idea, it would help me fit in and get to know the people.)
It was a rough for the next few days – I could barely walk or speak – the locals had a good laugh at the missionary who couldn’t handle the exercise or the altitude. I won their hearts, but it nearly killed me.
There were some results: by the end of the week, a struggling congregation in a small mountain town was renewed with many new converts.
It was one of my few attempts at sports evangelism.
PAUL’S EXAMPLE
The Apostle Paul saw a lot of the Roman world. He had a determination to take the Gospel to people who didn’t grow up in the Jewish faith. This led him to people with drastically different practices than he was used to.
Ancient literature and Archaeologists tell us that, at the time of Jesus, Jerusalem had a large sports stadium just southwest of the temple mount. It’s not mentioned in any of the gospel stories or books of the NT. Jewish law prohibited Jews from attending or participating in Roman or Greek Sports competitions. When the apostle Paul took the Gospel to the gentile world, he was crossing many difficult cultural lines. One of them was Olympic style sports.
The Apostle Paul must have been a bit of a sports fanatic. He used sports to get a point across. Athletes need to be in good shape, healthy.
Today’s scripture passage is in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Corinth was the location of the Isthmian Games (every two years, second in importance only to the Olympics). The Church in Corinth was not a healthy church (just read Paul’s letters).
Paul was concerned for the health of the church in Corinth – not the physical health, but the spiritual health.
The Apostle Paul used sports (racing in particular) to get theological points across. Maybe it’s an analogy of Paul’s life.
Make sure you are on the right track. Being part of a church, working together with the body of Christ, can keep us in line – so that we are not “running in vain.”
Galatians 2:2 – Paul checked with the leaders of the church “for fear that I was running my race in vain.” Philippians 2:16 – “that I did not run … for nothing.”
Don’t let others slow you down (in this instance the Judiazers were slowing down the Gentile believers) Galatians 5:7 – “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?”
Get rid of the things that hinder / Run with perseverance
(Not Paul’s writings) Hebrews 12:1 – Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witness, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Paul’s desire was to “finish the race” (Acts 20:24) by preaching the gospel of
God’s grace. And he made it … 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Look at your own spiritual life – could you run a race?
I’m not sick … but am I healthy? Am I able to run the race?
Or will I give up when put to the test?
DO WE FEAR TRAINING? ARE WE UP TO THE TASK?
Sometimes we just don’t want to overdo it.
A physical education trainer was asked about the best way to start getting in shape.
He told them, “For those who have spent their teenage years in front of the TV, here is a little secret for building arm and shoulder muscles.
“Begin by standing with a 5-LB. potato sack in each hand ... extend your arms straight out to your sides and hold them there as long as you can.
“After a few weeks, move up to 10-LB. potato sacks and then 50-LB potato sacks, and finally get to where you can lift a 100 lb. potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for as long as you can.
“Next...start putting a few potatoes in the sacks, but be careful not to overdo it.
Paul says to the Corinthian Christians – You’ve seen the effort, the training, the discipline, these guys put into running – for a wreath of leaves that will wilt and die – how much more you should be striving for an eternal heavenly crown!!
Listen for the interviews with the winner at the Olympics coming next month (if it’s anything like in the past) – breathless they will say “This medal was worth all the hours and hours of training and practice and dedication….
The tasks we face as Christians are in their way far more demanding and significant than being involved in an Olympic final. We are called to bring love and light and peace and justice into the world – and proclaim God’s offer of eternal life for all his children.
It’s odd that some Christians seem to assume that all this can be done casually and without discipline, training or preparation!!
HERE'S AN EXAMPLE: A fellow prayed to God – Let me win the race – but he never does.
So he complains – “God, I didn’t win, you let me down!”
God replies, “You didn’t train, you didn’t exercise, you didn’t even enter the race. How do you expect to win?”
In most cases, God is not going to just hand us the prize; we need to put in our part.
Faith and Action – working together – will help us win the prize.
Do we, as Christians, as a Church, want to win the prize?
Are we putting in our part?
DO WE WANT TO BE HEALTHY?
What does it take to be healthy? Exercise? Good nutrition? Stress reduction?
The first step is to want (desire) to be healthy.
Do we want a healthy church?
A church is a group of Christians committed to working together for the common goal of serving Christ.
Paul wrote, “You (plural) are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
Jesus deserves a strong and healthy body in this world.
In the next few months we will look at the things that help Christ’s body be healthy and strong, able to compete and able to win the race set out before us.
BIKING IN GOD’S KINGDOM
I like George M’s stories about his bicycling experiences. It shows great strength, determination and character. It’s the kind of stuff the Apostle Paul was talking about.
I remember December 1989; we were organizing the Christian Youth Olympics in Tarija. About 40 Bicyclists carrying the (symbolic) torch from Cochabamba (8,500 feet above sea level) to Oruro (11,000 feet) to Potosi (14,000 feet), across mountain passes (up to 17,000 feet) to arrive in Iscayachi (about 11,000 feet) to descend to Tarija (7,000 feet). (They carried their provisions and repair kits, there was not chase vehicle, they stayed together, helping each other out, we received a report by phone from each major town along the way.) We drove out about 15 miles to greet them, some of the local folks on bicycles & motorcycles– The team rode in together, triumphant, to cheers, they had completed the course, together!
It is doubtful that any one of them would have completed the course on their own. They needed each other for encouragement & help,
As Christians, this is something we can do … (not the bicycling), but completing the course, together.
Maple Grove has a strong history of service for Christ. This church has shown itself to be a strong and healthy body for Christ in this world:
Years of Bible Schools
Open Air Singing
Starting new churches
Sending mission teams & missionaries around the world
Let’s continue the race … let’s keep this body of Christ in the race, until we all win the eternal crown of glory.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 12:24b-27 (Isaiah 40:31; Hebrews 12:1)
This week I spent a couple of days having a relaxing time in a cabin in the mountains. The first evening, our campfire time quickly ended when a black bear wandered into the yard.
It reminds me of a story …
Two hikers on a trail came around the bend to find an enormous brown bear about 75 yards up the trail. The bear spies them and begins running toward them at a full gallop. One hiker drops his backpack, sits down, throws off his boots, and starts lacing up a pair of running shoes. The other hiker says: "What are you doing? You will never outrun that bear!". The first hiker replies: "I don't have to outrun the bear..." (think about it)
When we are in a race we often think about who we have to outrun.
A fellow who entered the New York City Marathon tells the story …
“Last year I entered the New York City Marathon. The race started and immediately I was the last of the runners. It was embarrassing. The guy who was in front of me, second to last, was making fun of me. He said, "Hey buddy, how does it feel to be last?" I replied: "Do you want to know?" and I dropped out.”
Sports often means competition.
As Christians, the competition is not between believers.
Often we see our competition between other Christians, denominations, etc.
The enemy (opposing us) is not of flesh and blood.
We are the body of Christ – all of us – we’re not in a competition with other.
THE NEED FOR PHYSICAL / SPIRITUAL FITNESS
Physical fitness eludes us in many ways.
No one will ever accuse me of being an athlete. Sure I can participate, but I’m no athlete.
I remember my first visit in Iscayachi (A town straight up the mountain, Cuesta de Sama, above Tarija, Bolivia, about 11,000 feet above sea level) – we were to have a week of church meetings. I was invited to play soccer with the locals (I thought this was a good idea, it would help me fit in and get to know the people.)
It was a rough for the next few days – I could barely walk or speak – the locals had a good laugh at the missionary who couldn’t handle the exercise or the altitude. I won their hearts, but it nearly killed me.
There were some results: by the end of the week, a struggling congregation in a small mountain town was renewed with many new converts.
It was one of my few attempts at sports evangelism.
PAUL’S EXAMPLE
The Apostle Paul saw a lot of the Roman world. He had a determination to take the Gospel to people who didn’t grow up in the Jewish faith. This led him to people with drastically different practices than he was used to.
Ancient literature and Archaeologists tell us that, at the time of Jesus, Jerusalem had a large sports stadium just southwest of the temple mount. It’s not mentioned in any of the gospel stories or books of the NT. Jewish law prohibited Jews from attending or participating in Roman or Greek Sports competitions. When the apostle Paul took the Gospel to the gentile world, he was crossing many difficult cultural lines. One of them was Olympic style sports.
The Apostle Paul must have been a bit of a sports fanatic. He used sports to get a point across. Athletes need to be in good shape, healthy.
Today’s scripture passage is in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Corinth was the location of the Isthmian Games (every two years, second in importance only to the Olympics). The Church in Corinth was not a healthy church (just read Paul’s letters).
Paul was concerned for the health of the church in Corinth – not the physical health, but the spiritual health.
The Apostle Paul used sports (racing in particular) to get theological points across. Maybe it’s an analogy of Paul’s life.
Make sure you are on the right track. Being part of a church, working together with the body of Christ, can keep us in line – so that we are not “running in vain.”
Galatians 2:2 – Paul checked with the leaders of the church “for fear that I was running my race in vain.” Philippians 2:16 – “that I did not run … for nothing.”
Don’t let others slow you down (in this instance the Judiazers were slowing down the Gentile believers) Galatians 5:7 – “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?”
Get rid of the things that hinder / Run with perseverance
(Not Paul’s writings) Hebrews 12:1 – Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witness, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Paul’s desire was to “finish the race” (Acts 20:24) by preaching the gospel of
God’s grace. And he made it … 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Look at your own spiritual life – could you run a race?
I’m not sick … but am I healthy? Am I able to run the race?
Or will I give up when put to the test?
DO WE FEAR TRAINING? ARE WE UP TO THE TASK?
Sometimes we just don’t want to overdo it.
A physical education trainer was asked about the best way to start getting in shape.
He told them, “For those who have spent their teenage years in front of the TV, here is a little secret for building arm and shoulder muscles.
“Begin by standing with a 5-LB. potato sack in each hand ... extend your arms straight out to your sides and hold them there as long as you can.
“After a few weeks, move up to 10-LB. potato sacks and then 50-LB potato sacks, and finally get to where you can lift a 100 lb. potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for as long as you can.
“Next...start putting a few potatoes in the sacks, but be careful not to overdo it.
Paul says to the Corinthian Christians – You’ve seen the effort, the training, the discipline, these guys put into running – for a wreath of leaves that will wilt and die – how much more you should be striving for an eternal heavenly crown!!
Listen for the interviews with the winner at the Olympics coming next month (if it’s anything like in the past) – breathless they will say “This medal was worth all the hours and hours of training and practice and dedication….
The tasks we face as Christians are in their way far more demanding and significant than being involved in an Olympic final. We are called to bring love and light and peace and justice into the world – and proclaim God’s offer of eternal life for all his children.
It’s odd that some Christians seem to assume that all this can be done casually and without discipline, training or preparation!!
HERE'S AN EXAMPLE: A fellow prayed to God – Let me win the race – but he never does.
So he complains – “God, I didn’t win, you let me down!”
God replies, “You didn’t train, you didn’t exercise, you didn’t even enter the race. How do you expect to win?”
In most cases, God is not going to just hand us the prize; we need to put in our part.
Faith and Action – working together – will help us win the prize.
Do we, as Christians, as a Church, want to win the prize?
Are we putting in our part?
DO WE WANT TO BE HEALTHY?
What does it take to be healthy? Exercise? Good nutrition? Stress reduction?
The first step is to want (desire) to be healthy.
Do we want a healthy church?
A church is a group of Christians committed to working together for the common goal of serving Christ.
Paul wrote, “You (plural) are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
Jesus deserves a strong and healthy body in this world.
In the next few months we will look at the things that help Christ’s body be healthy and strong, able to compete and able to win the race set out before us.
BIKING IN GOD’S KINGDOM
I like George M’s stories about his bicycling experiences. It shows great strength, determination and character. It’s the kind of stuff the Apostle Paul was talking about.
I remember December 1989; we were organizing the Christian Youth Olympics in Tarija. About 40 Bicyclists carrying the (symbolic) torch from Cochabamba (8,500 feet above sea level) to Oruro (11,000 feet) to Potosi (14,000 feet), across mountain passes (up to 17,000 feet) to arrive in Iscayachi (about 11,000 feet) to descend to Tarija (7,000 feet). (They carried their provisions and repair kits, there was not chase vehicle, they stayed together, helping each other out, we received a report by phone from each major town along the way.) We drove out about 15 miles to greet them, some of the local folks on bicycles & motorcycles– The team rode in together, triumphant, to cheers, they had completed the course, together!
It is doubtful that any one of them would have completed the course on their own. They needed each other for encouragement & help,
As Christians, this is something we can do … (not the bicycling), but completing the course, together.
Maple Grove has a strong history of service for Christ. This church has shown itself to be a strong and healthy body for Christ in this world:
Years of Bible Schools
Open Air Singing
Starting new churches
Sending mission teams & missionaries around the world
Let’s continue the race … let’s keep this body of Christ in the race, until we all win the eternal crown of glory.
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