“Keeping In Step With the Spirit” – Galatians 5:16-25 (Romans 12:11)
A healthy church has passionate spirituality.
The story is told …
A Catholic church was on fire. The priest risked his life to save the communion host and the crucifix.
Sometime later a Synagogue caught fire. The rabbi braved the flames to save the torah.
Not long after that a Mennonite church was burning. At first the pastor didn’t believe the news (“When has our church ever been on fire?”). When he realized it was an actual fire, he went in to save the coffeepot!
Did you hear what the firefighter said when the church caught on fire?
Holy Smoke!
A church fire is no joke; it’s a tragedy (Recently a sister church, Conestoga Mennonite burned).
Four times the Maple Grove building burned. (Oct 1922, 1940, May 1952, and Dec 1967)
Kevin King, Executive Director of Mennonite Disaster Services told us that the last fire at MG inspired him to minister with people in disaster situations.
A building fire is a tragedy, but a church on fire is what God wants.
I want to focus on passionate spirituality.
A HEALTHY CHURCH
We want to be healthy; we want our church to be healthy.
I am in the midst of a series of sermons centering on being a “healthy church” from the Natural Church Development study.
The study discovered 8 characteristics common to healthy churches. We have looked at two specific points.
First, a healthy church has leadership (at all levels) that empowers every member for ministry, and Spiritual Gift centered ministry. In healthy churches, the leaders encourage and empower the members to be ministers of Jesus Christ.
Second, a healthy church has spiritual gift centered ministry. When we become Christians (accept Christ) each of us receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers us to do the ministry of Christ, not in our own strength, but in the power of God.
Now, I want to look at a third characteristic of a healthy church. A healthy church has “passionate spirituality.”
PASSIONATE SPIRITUALITY
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase passionate spirituality?
Perhaps you remember a time in your life when you first became a Christian.
You realized that God loves you unconditionally; you just couldn't get enough Bible study.
Perhaps passionate spirituality makes you think of people you know who are still excited about their Christian faith. They're always talking about it, even though they have been believers for years. Their eyes light up when they talk about their faith.
People get passionate about many things: football (Go Eagles!), hunting, quilting, etc.
You can see the passion in their eyes when they talk about it.
So what about passionate spirituality?
Passionate spirituality has less to do with strong emotions and more to do with "the degree to which faith is actually lived out with commitment, passion, and enthusiasm." When it comes to passionate spirituality, we need to ask: "Are the Christians in this church 'on fire?' Do we live committed lives and practice our faith with joy and enthusiasm?"
It certainly makes sense that if church members are living out their faith with commitment and passion, the church would be growing. Faithful discipleship is contagious. How can you measure passion? How do you measure Spirituality? It’s the kind of thing you know is there, by the effects it causes (in your life, and in the lives of those around you).
PASSIONATE SPIRITUALITY IN GALATIANS CHAPTER 5
The Apostle Paul visited the region of Galatia on his first missionary journey. A number of new churches were established.
Afterwards, many people came urging the Galatian Christians to modify their faith by submitting to all the Jewish laws and regulations.
Much of the letter Paul wrote later is dedicated to understanding: Legalism vs. freedom in Christ
Some used that freedom to mean, “We can do anything we want as long as we call ourselves Christian”
Paul lets us know that we are “Free in Christ” but that our freedom cannot be used to “indulge the sinful nature” (5:13).
The young churches in Galatia – central Turkey in today's world – had been deceived by some theologically confused Christians who had taught them that faith in Jesus wasn't enough. If you really want to experience God, they said, then you have to keep the whole Jewish law, especially the ceremonial parts. Legalism was their path to passionate spirituality.
Legalism continues to lure many Christians today. It's a trap we easily fall into.
People come to God through Christ, receiving salvation by grace through faith.
But then someone comes along to tell them that if they really want to have a relationship with God, they have to do all sorts of things to earn God's favor. The Christian life becomes a long list of things to do, and especially things not to do.
Soon, people who began their life in Christ with a passion for him and his mission become weighed down with endless dos and don'ts, and the life of Christ gets sucked out of them. That's what was happening with the Galatians
LIVE BY THE SPIRIT
In response, Paul pointed to a new way of living, something he might well have called passionate spirituality.
"Live by the Spirit," he wrote in Galatians 5:16, "and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature (flesh)."
V. 16 – “Live” = Greek “peripateite” literally “walk” or “move forward” It means “continually live.
Passionate Spirituality is not something we “have” (like something on a check list or grocery list), it’s something we “live.”
v.16 continues – “and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
This is not a promise, but a result. By living “passionate spirituality” you will not fall into sin. Do you want to be sure you don’t give in to temptation? Don’t focus on the sin; focus on your spiritual walk.
Maybe someone once said, “Don’t think about elephants.” (you’re thinking about them aren’t you?)
The more you live by the spirit, the less you will be given to sin. Focus!
BE LED BY THE SPIRIT
v. 18 – “led” = be guided by. This implies something outside ourselves.
What will that be? The Judiazers suggested it should be the Law.
Paul tells them it should be the Spirit of God.
The result of being guided by the Spirit is that there is no need for the law. If God is in control, why do you need a set of regulations? Paul is saying, “Ask God, don’t consult a rule book.”
GENUINE SPIRITUALITY
Spirituality is in. People want to be spiritual (not religious). Mystical transcendence, meaningful living, eastern meditation, motivational talks, crystals, incense, etc. are all used to find higher meaning.
For a Christian, Spirituality must begin with the “Spirit.” It is Spirit (or God) centered.
Spirituality is living each day in the power of God’s Spirit who dwells in us.
Paul tells us that the more you live in the Spirit, the less you will engage in the so-called works of the flesh, including (Paul liked to make lists): "fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing" (vss. 19-21).
On the contrary, as you live in the Spirit of God, you'll find that your life is increasingly characterized by what Paul calls the "fruit of the Spirit": "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (vss. 22-23).
True spirituality, therefore, isn't something hidden away in our souls. It impacts how we live in relationship with others: offering love, seeking peace, treating folks with patience, kindness, generosity and the like.
GPS AND GOD’S SPIRIT
I showed the children a GPS device. It took them a while to figure out what it was. Once we identified the device as a GPS, they knew exactly what it was and what it did (It belongs to their generation).
The GPS reminds us of what God wants to do for us.
Psalm 23:3 “He guides me in paths of righteousness” (NIV)
Maybe you’ve heard the story (from an insurance agent) of the man whose car was pulled out of a river – the GPS told him to turn. (The Spirit is a perfect GPS device; properly used, it won’t lead you astray)
When we become a Christian, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is a little like a GPS device. As we pay attention to the Spirit, we receive divine guidance for our actions.
Guided to help others, guided to teach, guided to serve on a commission, etc.
KEEPING IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:25 "Since we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
“keep in step” = greek “stoichomen” = advance, go forward. It implies movement.
Life with the spirit is not stagnant.
We can see God walking ahead of us, leading us. We are keeping up, going the right path.
Children do this sort of thing on the beach. You' may see a dad walking across the sand, leaving large footprints as he walks. Then, several feet behind, a little boy will be following along, stretching his legs in order to put his feet in the footprints of his daddy. Similarly, we can be led by the Holy Spirit, who shows us where to step, helping us to walk in God's ways each day.
Keeping in step with the Spirit means not falling too far behind or getting too far ahead of God.
PAYING ATTENTION TO THE GRAMMAR
verse 16 – you “live by the spirit” (singular)
verse 18 – you “be led by the spirit” (singular)
verse 25 – “we live by the spirit” “let us keep in step with the spirit” (plural)
The greek word (stoichomen = keep in step) is plural and has the meaning of unity, “together” we keep in step with the spirit.
To be in step with God, we need to be in step with other Christians who are also “in step” with God. It is the spirit that keeps us together.
Spiritual passion is not just an individual thing. To be effective, it must involve the whole church.
A CIRCUS STORY
Some people have a real passion for the circus … it excites them …
The story is told …
Years ago, the circus came to town. Bobby went into town to see the circus. His dad gave him a dollar to see the circus. Bobby rode his bike into town, and watched the circus parade – there was lots of excitement, it was an amazing thing. There were clowns at the end of the parade. Bobby went up to the last one, handed him the dollar, and raced home to tell everyone about the circus.
But Bobby hadn’t seen the circus, he only saw the parade.
Bobby needed to follow the parade to the show – where the real excitement and joy is.
How about you? Are you watching the parade? Or have you joined the circus.
How is your walk with the Lord?
Does walking with God excite you?
What is guiding you?
Are you in step with the Spirit or are you going your own way?
God wants you to follow the Spirit to the eternal circus.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Sermon Synopsis for September 7, 2008
“Spiritual Gifts with a Servant’s Heart” John 13:12-17 (Mark 10:45)
Maybe you heard …
A Sunday School teacher asked her students to draw pictures of their faith. As she arrived at one student who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.
The student replied, "I'm drawing God."
The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."
Without looking up from her drawing, the student replied, "They will in a minute."
I wasn’t too worried about this until I heard it was an adult class.
Teachers have a special gift from God.
Today we continue looking at the use of Spiritual Gifts.
What you do is important = discovering and using your spiritual gift
In today’s scripture, we learn, HOW we use our spiritual gifts is also important.
In our worship service, we recognized those who have gifts of teaching
I like to test the knowledge of my grandchildren. Not too long ago Daniel was with me and I’d point to an object and ask what color it was. He’d tell me … and he was always correct. After we continued for a while he looked at me and made the comment, “Pop pop, don’t you know your colors?”
Sometimes the teacher looks the part of the fool.
Today’s scripture passage finds Jesus at the end of his ministry. He was in the upper room with the disciples. They had gathered for one last time together. This is a passage of scripture that is key to Mennonite Christian theology.
Jesus washed their feet – a simple act that taught so much. After that he put down the towel and returned to the table.
He asked them if they understood what he did.
He told them they should wash each other’s feet.
He told them that the best leaders in his church are servants.
I have some observations from this scripture passage.
A. JESUS TAUGHT BY DOING
I’ve learned that Girls have dolls, but boys have action figures
Children learn from action figures – role playing, etc.
Did you ever see a Jesus action figure?
In his book, “They Like Jesus, But Not the Church,” Dan Kimball speaks of the attitude of having a “Jesus Action Figure”
You can find them in some Christian bookstores; even Wal-Mart has carried them from time to time.
He also found a Jesus bobble head
He noticed Pamela Anderson’s clothing line “Jesus is my Homeboy”
This presents a Problem – making Jesus in our image – we make him what we want him to be.
But the real Jesus always surprised his disciples.
Dan Kimball – later on in the book he asks non Christian young people, “What kind of church would you want to be part of?”
“If I were to go to church, I’d want it to be like a family. A healthy family where you all are looking out for each other. Where they are glad to see you and it really feels like a community. A place where they love you, even when you aren’t doing well. …” (p.226)
That’s the kind of church Jesus created.
Jesus could have said: God wants believers (disciples) to love one another through humble service … but, instead, he washed their feet.
“Actions speak louder than words” = easier to remember.
B. JESUS TAUGHT BY EXAMPLE
There's a Common Phrase – “If you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all.”
“Doing it right” has more to do with our attitude, than our action.
Jesus could have made a big deal about washing his follower’s feet.
1. A show = “Look at what I’m doing” (see me? I’m a servant)
We know People who make a PR event of their acts of service (politicians – packing boxes for soldiers or working in soup kitchens – a photo op!)
2. A reverse criticism – “Look at what I’m doing” (and you’re not)
Pride can get in the way of our actions. (This is a common problem with spiritual gifts). We’re good at it – and we let others know.
Jesus did it … and asked a simple question, “Do you understand what I have done for you?”
This is a teaching moment.
Jesus was asking, “Do you get the message?”
He didn’t just show them – he lived it.
Jesus’ motto wasn’t: “Do as I say, not as I do.” It was “Do as I say and do.”
There wasn’t any inconsistency between his words and his actions. (Hypocrisy)
READ Philippians 2:5-8 for example.
C. JESUS WASHED PETER’S FEET (The questioning student, who thinks he knows it all)
Peter believed in hierarchy – leaders don’t do menial tasks! That’s what servants are for.
There are words often repeated by Jesus: “The son of man came not to be served, but to serve”
Think about God – think about all that encompasses God – God (through Jesus) came to serve us.
From Jesus, we learn a lot about God …
We would gladly do anything for God
But we have a God who washes our feet
Like Peter, we need to let God do this for us
And be willing to do it for others – That’s the servant’s heart
D. JESUS WASHED JUDAS’ FEET (Don’t give up on a troubled child)
This always astounds me. Knowing what Jesus knew, he still washed Judas’ feet.
A Servant’s heart – loves the unlovable, the enemy, the betrayer.
God’s message – no matter how bad (unlovable) I am – Jesus still love and cares for me
That’s the mark of a true servant.
The theme of this quarters Adult Sunday School lesson – birth of a new community
The church is a different type of community than the world knows – a community dominated by a servant’s heart. And this makes all the difference in the world.
Paul to the Philippians writes, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (2:5)
THE SHOPPING TRIP
In the supermarket there was a man pushing a cart which contained a screaming, bellowing baby.
The gentleman kept repeating softly, “Don't get excited, Albert; don't scream, Albert; don't yell, Albert; keep calm, Albert.'”
A woman standing next to him said, “You certainly are to be commended for trying to soothe your son Albert.”
The man looked at her and said, “Lady, I'm Albert.”
I can just see Jesus pushing his disciples in a shopping cart – he has a true servant’s heart
How are we doing, pushing the cart for others?
Maybe you heard …
A Sunday School teacher asked her students to draw pictures of their faith. As she arrived at one student who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.
The student replied, "I'm drawing God."
The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."
Without looking up from her drawing, the student replied, "They will in a minute."
I wasn’t too worried about this until I heard it was an adult class.
Teachers have a special gift from God.
Today we continue looking at the use of Spiritual Gifts.
What you do is important = discovering and using your spiritual gift
In today’s scripture, we learn, HOW we use our spiritual gifts is also important.
In our worship service, we recognized those who have gifts of teaching
I like to test the knowledge of my grandchildren. Not too long ago Daniel was with me and I’d point to an object and ask what color it was. He’d tell me … and he was always correct. After we continued for a while he looked at me and made the comment, “Pop pop, don’t you know your colors?”
Sometimes the teacher looks the part of the fool.
Today’s scripture passage finds Jesus at the end of his ministry. He was in the upper room with the disciples. They had gathered for one last time together. This is a passage of scripture that is key to Mennonite Christian theology.
Jesus washed their feet – a simple act that taught so much. After that he put down the towel and returned to the table.
He asked them if they understood what he did.
He told them they should wash each other’s feet.
He told them that the best leaders in his church are servants.
I have some observations from this scripture passage.
A. JESUS TAUGHT BY DOING
I’ve learned that Girls have dolls, but boys have action figures
Children learn from action figures – role playing, etc.
Did you ever see a Jesus action figure?
In his book, “They Like Jesus, But Not the Church,” Dan Kimball speaks of the attitude of having a “Jesus Action Figure”
You can find them in some Christian bookstores; even Wal-Mart has carried them from time to time.
He also found a Jesus bobble head
He noticed Pamela Anderson’s clothing line “Jesus is my Homeboy”
This presents a Problem – making Jesus in our image – we make him what we want him to be.
But the real Jesus always surprised his disciples.
Dan Kimball – later on in the book he asks non Christian young people, “What kind of church would you want to be part of?”
“If I were to go to church, I’d want it to be like a family. A healthy family where you all are looking out for each other. Where they are glad to see you and it really feels like a community. A place where they love you, even when you aren’t doing well. …” (p.226)
That’s the kind of church Jesus created.
Jesus could have said: God wants believers (disciples) to love one another through humble service … but, instead, he washed their feet.
“Actions speak louder than words” = easier to remember.
B. JESUS TAUGHT BY EXAMPLE
There's a Common Phrase – “If you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all.”
“Doing it right” has more to do with our attitude, than our action.
Jesus could have made a big deal about washing his follower’s feet.
1. A show = “Look at what I’m doing” (see me? I’m a servant)
We know People who make a PR event of their acts of service (politicians – packing boxes for soldiers or working in soup kitchens – a photo op!)
2. A reverse criticism – “Look at what I’m doing” (and you’re not)
Pride can get in the way of our actions. (This is a common problem with spiritual gifts). We’re good at it – and we let others know.
Jesus did it … and asked a simple question, “Do you understand what I have done for you?”
This is a teaching moment.
Jesus was asking, “Do you get the message?”
He didn’t just show them – he lived it.
Jesus’ motto wasn’t: “Do as I say, not as I do.” It was “Do as I say and do.”
There wasn’t any inconsistency between his words and his actions. (Hypocrisy)
READ Philippians 2:5-8 for example.
C. JESUS WASHED PETER’S FEET (The questioning student, who thinks he knows it all)
Peter believed in hierarchy – leaders don’t do menial tasks! That’s what servants are for.
There are words often repeated by Jesus: “The son of man came not to be served, but to serve”
Think about God – think about all that encompasses God – God (through Jesus) came to serve us.
From Jesus, we learn a lot about God …
We would gladly do anything for God
But we have a God who washes our feet
Like Peter, we need to let God do this for us
And be willing to do it for others – That’s the servant’s heart
D. JESUS WASHED JUDAS’ FEET (Don’t give up on a troubled child)
This always astounds me. Knowing what Jesus knew, he still washed Judas’ feet.
A Servant’s heart – loves the unlovable, the enemy, the betrayer.
God’s message – no matter how bad (unlovable) I am – Jesus still love and cares for me
That’s the mark of a true servant.
The theme of this quarters Adult Sunday School lesson – birth of a new community
The church is a different type of community than the world knows – a community dominated by a servant’s heart. And this makes all the difference in the world.
Paul to the Philippians writes, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (2:5)
THE SHOPPING TRIP
In the supermarket there was a man pushing a cart which contained a screaming, bellowing baby.
The gentleman kept repeating softly, “Don't get excited, Albert; don't scream, Albert; don't yell, Albert; keep calm, Albert.'”
A woman standing next to him said, “You certainly are to be commended for trying to soothe your son Albert.”
The man looked at her and said, “Lady, I'm Albert.”
I can just see Jesus pushing his disciples in a shopping cart – he has a true servant’s heart
How are we doing, pushing the cart for others?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Sermon Synopsis for August 31, 2008
“Gift Oriented Ministry: God’s Plan for His Church” Romans 12:4-8 (1 Corinthians 14:12)
I’ve heard it said …
There was a particularly slippery and dangerous stairway.
A Methodist minister fell down the stairs, he picked himself up andsaid, "That was an experience, how do I learn from it?"
Then, a Catholic priest fell down the stairs; he picked himself up andsaid, "I must have done something really bad to deserve that."
After that, a Presbyterian minister fell down the stairs, he picked himself upand said, "That was inevitable, I'm glad it’s over."
Later, a Mennonite minister fell down the stairs; he picked himself up andsaid, "Which one of the elders pushed me?"
I’m sure that’s just a story preachers tell, because God wants us to trust each other.
Many are traveling this weekend (Labor Day). I’ve heard it said that if all the cars in the USA were placed end to end, it would probably be Labor Day weekend. Drive carefully folks.
The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the believers in Rome.
Beginning at chapter 12, his letter to the Romans moves from theoretical to practical
12:1-3 – be living sacrifices, be holy, don’t conform to the world’s ways, be transformed, know God’s will, don’t think of yourself as overly important in this world.
And beginning in verse 4, Paul tells us how we can do this …
GOD’S HAS A PLAN FOR THE CHURCH
A. Rom 12:5 – one body = unity
God wants the church to be unified.
Jesus had a great concern that his disciples be unified. “That they may be one” is a phrase found in the Gospel of John (especially chapter 17 – Jesus’ prayer)
B. Work together – the one body, had different parts, but they work together
God wants the church to work together.
Illnesses = when something in the body doesn’t coordinate with the other parts.
God’s design for our bodies is harmony and unity.
God’s design for the spiritual body, the church is the same.
Some might say that dependence (and interdependence) is bad – we want to be individuals, we want to “do it ourselves.” But it is God’s plan and design that we be dependent and interdependent.
It depends on each part doing what it was designed to do.
EXAMPLE: OLYMPICS TEAM USA
Olympics athletes specialize.
Michael Phelps – most gold medals (first record set when he was 10 years old)
How would he do at other sports?
Think about the gymnasts – Natasia Lukin for example – she’s the best all around.
How would she do at track? Or Soccer? Or shot put?
Why are these athletes good at their sport?
The have the desire (calling) to a specific sport
They Practice
They have Dedication and Passion
They show Endurance
Ultimately,”They love it!”
Yet they are a part of a team … each one doing his/her best.
Did you watch the opening ceremony? When they all marched in together on Friday night …. Makes me think of what heaven will be like.
Here’s what the Apostle John saw: “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’" (Revelation 7:9–10)
Until that time … we exist in the church … in the world
THE CHURCH IS A LIVING ORGANISM
The church is not a building of brick, board and mortar. These things are dead. The church is alive!
What does it mean to be the body of Christ today? The church is a living organism. Human bodies are living organisms. Look at any part of my body; each part is alive.
They remain alive because they are connected, in a symbiotic relationship.
There are millions of billions of little living cells in my body.
Look through a microscope; you can see the movement of millions of particles that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
So also with the body of Christ. The church is a living organism, composed of billions of different parts, in every nation, in all tribes and languages around the globe.
THE CHURCH IS A COMPLEX ORGANISM
The earth itself is enormously complex and intricate beyond our wildest human imagination.
The oceans are enormously complex and intricate beyond our wildest imagination.
The universe is enormously complex and intricate beyond our wildest imagination.
So is the body of Christ.
Each cell is so complex. Each congregation is so complex.
Each congregation in each culture in each century is so utterly complex.
Yet all are part of Christ’s body.
WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY
Paul tells us that we have different gifts according to the grace given us. In 1 Corinthians Paul seems to amplify on what he is saying, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Cor. 12:4-7)
Not everyone is called or equipped to do the same thing.
You can’t do what other Christians can do. Don’t be discouraged. This is part of God’s design!
Different doesn’t mean better or worse – it’s just different.
God determines who gets what. 1 Corinthians 12:11 - “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines”.
Everyone’s gift is given for the purpose of enriching the whole body.
It’s not about you! Or me for that matter.
THE CHURCH WILL BE EFFECTIVE WHEN WE DO WHAT WE CAN DO
Paul’s counsel is pretty simple, “If you are able to teach, teach; if you can serve, serve; if you are a preacher, preach. If you are an encourager, encourage.” In other words, our job is to do what we can do.
Maybe you’re thinking: “I don’t know what I can do.”
Ask two questions and then act.
First – Ask yourself, “What am I good at?”
Second – Ask, “How can I use this for the Kingdom of God?”
Then – Take a step of faith. Try it out. Ask the pastor or elders where you fit in.
WE NEED TO SEE OUR WORK FOR GOD AS A SPECIAL CALLING IN THE OVERALL KINGDOM OF GOD
The story is told …
Three stonemasons were working on a cathedral when a stranger wandered by. The first stonemason was toting rocks to a pile near a wall.
“What are you doing?” asked the stranger.
“Can’t you see that I’m carrying rocks?”
The stranger asked the second laborer, “What are you doing?”
“I’m building a wall,” he replied.
A few steps away, the stranger came upon a third mason. “What are you doing?” he asked.
This worker smiled, “I’m building a cathedral to the glory of God!”
Same jobs - different attitude.
How would you answer?
Are you reading through an outline to a group of people on Sunday morning?
Are you a Sunday school teacher?
Or are you building lives and training workers for use in God’s Kingdom?
Your attitude makes all the difference.
Carrying rocks? Building a wall? Building God’s Kingdom?
Paul tells us, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
I showed the children my tool box. (It is Labor Day weekend after all)
We looked at the different tools and talked about how they are useful to build or repair something.
If all I had were a box of hammers, I couldn’t do anything.
God wants to build his Kingdom in this world.
We are God’s toolbox.
I’ve heard it said …
There was a particularly slippery and dangerous stairway.
A Methodist minister fell down the stairs, he picked himself up andsaid, "That was an experience, how do I learn from it?"
Then, a Catholic priest fell down the stairs; he picked himself up andsaid, "I must have done something really bad to deserve that."
After that, a Presbyterian minister fell down the stairs, he picked himself upand said, "That was inevitable, I'm glad it’s over."
Later, a Mennonite minister fell down the stairs; he picked himself up andsaid, "Which one of the elders pushed me?"
I’m sure that’s just a story preachers tell, because God wants us to trust each other.
Many are traveling this weekend (Labor Day). I’ve heard it said that if all the cars in the USA were placed end to end, it would probably be Labor Day weekend. Drive carefully folks.
The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the believers in Rome.
Beginning at chapter 12, his letter to the Romans moves from theoretical to practical
12:1-3 – be living sacrifices, be holy, don’t conform to the world’s ways, be transformed, know God’s will, don’t think of yourself as overly important in this world.
And beginning in verse 4, Paul tells us how we can do this …
GOD’S HAS A PLAN FOR THE CHURCH
A. Rom 12:5 – one body = unity
God wants the church to be unified.
Jesus had a great concern that his disciples be unified. “That they may be one” is a phrase found in the Gospel of John (especially chapter 17 – Jesus’ prayer)
B. Work together – the one body, had different parts, but they work together
God wants the church to work together.
Illnesses = when something in the body doesn’t coordinate with the other parts.
God’s design for our bodies is harmony and unity.
God’s design for the spiritual body, the church is the same.
Some might say that dependence (and interdependence) is bad – we want to be individuals, we want to “do it ourselves.” But it is God’s plan and design that we be dependent and interdependent.
It depends on each part doing what it was designed to do.
EXAMPLE: OLYMPICS TEAM USA
Olympics athletes specialize.
Michael Phelps – most gold medals (first record set when he was 10 years old)
How would he do at other sports?
Think about the gymnasts – Natasia Lukin for example – she’s the best all around.
How would she do at track? Or Soccer? Or shot put?
Why are these athletes good at their sport?
The have the desire (calling) to a specific sport
They Practice
They have Dedication and Passion
They show Endurance
Ultimately,”They love it!”
Yet they are a part of a team … each one doing his/her best.
Did you watch the opening ceremony? When they all marched in together on Friday night …. Makes me think of what heaven will be like.
Here’s what the Apostle John saw: “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’" (Revelation 7:9–10)
Until that time … we exist in the church … in the world
THE CHURCH IS A LIVING ORGANISM
The church is not a building of brick, board and mortar. These things are dead. The church is alive!
What does it mean to be the body of Christ today? The church is a living organism. Human bodies are living organisms. Look at any part of my body; each part is alive.
They remain alive because they are connected, in a symbiotic relationship.
There are millions of billions of little living cells in my body.
Look through a microscope; you can see the movement of millions of particles that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
So also with the body of Christ. The church is a living organism, composed of billions of different parts, in every nation, in all tribes and languages around the globe.
THE CHURCH IS A COMPLEX ORGANISM
The earth itself is enormously complex and intricate beyond our wildest human imagination.
The oceans are enormously complex and intricate beyond our wildest imagination.
The universe is enormously complex and intricate beyond our wildest imagination.
So is the body of Christ.
Each cell is so complex. Each congregation is so complex.
Each congregation in each culture in each century is so utterly complex.
Yet all are part of Christ’s body.
WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY
Paul tells us that we have different gifts according to the grace given us. In 1 Corinthians Paul seems to amplify on what he is saying, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Cor. 12:4-7)
Not everyone is called or equipped to do the same thing.
You can’t do what other Christians can do. Don’t be discouraged. This is part of God’s design!
Different doesn’t mean better or worse – it’s just different.
God determines who gets what. 1 Corinthians 12:11 - “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines”.
Everyone’s gift is given for the purpose of enriching the whole body.
It’s not about you! Or me for that matter.
THE CHURCH WILL BE EFFECTIVE WHEN WE DO WHAT WE CAN DO
Paul’s counsel is pretty simple, “If you are able to teach, teach; if you can serve, serve; if you are a preacher, preach. If you are an encourager, encourage.” In other words, our job is to do what we can do.
Maybe you’re thinking: “I don’t know what I can do.”
Ask two questions and then act.
First – Ask yourself, “What am I good at?”
Second – Ask, “How can I use this for the Kingdom of God?”
Then – Take a step of faith. Try it out. Ask the pastor or elders where you fit in.
WE NEED TO SEE OUR WORK FOR GOD AS A SPECIAL CALLING IN THE OVERALL KINGDOM OF GOD
The story is told …
Three stonemasons were working on a cathedral when a stranger wandered by. The first stonemason was toting rocks to a pile near a wall.
“What are you doing?” asked the stranger.
“Can’t you see that I’m carrying rocks?”
The stranger asked the second laborer, “What are you doing?”
“I’m building a wall,” he replied.
A few steps away, the stranger came upon a third mason. “What are you doing?” he asked.
This worker smiled, “I’m building a cathedral to the glory of God!”
Same jobs - different attitude.
How would you answer?
Are you reading through an outline to a group of people on Sunday morning?
Are you a Sunday school teacher?
Or are you building lives and training workers for use in God’s Kingdom?
Your attitude makes all the difference.
Carrying rocks? Building a wall? Building God’s Kingdom?
Paul tells us, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
I showed the children my tool box. (It is Labor Day weekend after all)
We looked at the different tools and talked about how they are useful to build or repair something.
If all I had were a box of hammers, I couldn’t do anything.
God wants to build his Kingdom in this world.
We are God’s toolbox.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sermon Synopsis for August 24, 2008
“What Shall We Do?” Acts 2:37-47
My early childhood years were spent in a small crossroad community. Our neighborhood wasn’t culturally diverse, but we were religiously diverse.
We neighborhood children would often play church.
We agreed on many things … there should be a sermon, Lord’s Prayer (we argued about transgressions vs. debts), there had to be an offering.
But there were also great theological discussions – the ones that 7 year olds can have. Baptism was a point of contention. We discussed infant baptism verses believer baptism, methods from sprinkling to pouring to immersion. Theological differences run deep – even in children.
We found ourselves at the local farm pond. After we had baptized each other a number of times, our congregation grew to include the neighborhood pets. Of course, we didn’t want heathen pets. The dogs were generally submissive, but the cats presented a challenge. They didn’t seem to mind sprinkling too much; pouring was about acceptable. Immersion presented the real challenge.
Harry was the Baptist preacher’s kid, so he was nominated to immerse the first cat. Determination paid off and he managed, with much difficulty, to baptize one cat.
We walked Harry home (because he couldn’t see too well out of his left eye and his arms and face were bleeding and clothes torn). We got a little more adult supervision after that.
In our simplistic childish practical theological viewpoints we reached a couple of decisions:
Baptism should be a voluntary & personal decision.
Cats are pagans.
PENTECOST
Acts chapter 2 tells us about the first Christian Day of Pentecost – when the church was born.
120 men and women went out of the upper room and preached the gospel, in different languages, giving their testimony, sharing their faith.
As Acts 1:8 says – they became “witnesses” for Jesus
After they spoke, Peter gave an open air sermon – how did the people in the crowd respond?
The gospel message evokes a wide variety of responses.
During my missionary work in Latin America, I preached in many public squares and open air meetings.
The people responded in many ways.
Some ignore you
Some wonder why you would do such a thing (curiosity)
Publicly mock you
I remember one meeting, a young man, Segundo, came and asked “¿Y, que es lo que quiere que haga?” What do you want me to do?
The response is the same as 2000 years ago: repent (inward sign) and be baptized (outward sign)
In Acts 2 … The people responded … with the heart and the head.
1. They were “cut to the heart” – an emotional response
This is a graphic phrase – healing is needed!
It presents an open wound – you can’t ignore it
Spiritual surgery is needed – that’s what Jesus does best! He heals the broken heart.
2. They asked a question “What shall we do?” – a practical (rational) response
There was a need to act on the feeling
You cannot not do something – the gospel demands a response
Peter told them – Repent and be baptized
First Repent = change, heart and mind (inward sign)
Second Be Baptized = show the world (outward sign of a changed heart)
RESULTS
When people respond, things happen.
Segundo responded to the invitation to repent and be baptized, and he is the leader of a struggling congregation that just completed 18 years of ministry in a community that doesn’t want people to accept Jesus.
Obvious Result #1 – numerical growth
2:41 - More than 3000 were added to their number that day
2:47 – And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved
A healthy church continues to present the gospel to every generation … and baptize new believers.
When a church stops sharing the gospel message – it becomes a club, another organization, etc.
Obvious Result #2 – changed lives
This was not just the recording of names in a book in heaven (a heavenly membership record), assuring these folks of an eternal destiny, it meant “repentance” = a release from living for self to living for God and others. It changed their lives.
A group of people divided by language and culture were brought together in the church. And they acted very differently than before – because they had repented, changed.
V. 2:42 – a spiritual unity
People who didn’t care to learn about God before … spent time learning (devoted themselves to the apostles teaching)
People who normally wouldn’t socialize together … spent time together (fellowship, breaking of bread)
People who normally wouldn’t share the same religious values … spent time in prayer
THE GOSPEL MESSAGE DEMANDS AN ANSWER
A very sad time for me in Bolivia was the memorial service for Pastor Romolo Tirado. He was electrocuted while standing in a baptistery at the beginning of a baptism service. They had just set-up a new sound system and he was using an ungrounded microphone. No one was baptized that day.
During the memorial service, one by one, the baptismal candidates came forward to declare their decision to proclaim publically their faith and follow Jesus in baptism.
After that many others came forward, accepting Christ. Many said, “I don’t want the pastor to die in vain.” And, “I don’t want Jesus to have died in vain.”
There was unexpected revival. And the Lord added to their number that day.
THE GOSPEL DEMANDS A RESPONSE
What is your response?
What do you say to Jesus?
Yes – No (check one)
No response is as good as a “no” response.
I showed the children a picture of Jesus’ Baptism. I gave them copies to take home and color.
The coloring book artist’s rendition showed Jesus, standing in water and in front of John the Baptist (I refer to him as John the Anabaptist).
Over their head was a dove – God’s Spirit (represents God’s presence). It lets us know that God brings peace, love, provision, all we need for our lives to be whole.
There were lines (rays) coming down from above. The scripture says there was a voice from heaven: “This is my son, whom I love. He makes me happy.”
We become God’s children when we accept Jesus. God loves us, and God wants us to make him happy, like Jesus made God happy.
Galatians 3:26-27 “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
God said to Jesus: “this is my son, I love him; he makes me happy.”
God loves us. So much that he sent Jesus (John 3:16).
What is our response to God’s love?
Following Jesus will make God happy. It'll make you happy too.
[Note: from what I understand, life is better when God is happy with us. Today we won’t talk about what life’s like when God’s not happy with us. But it’s worth thinking about.]
My early childhood years were spent in a small crossroad community. Our neighborhood wasn’t culturally diverse, but we were religiously diverse.
We neighborhood children would often play church.
We agreed on many things … there should be a sermon, Lord’s Prayer (we argued about transgressions vs. debts), there had to be an offering.
But there were also great theological discussions – the ones that 7 year olds can have. Baptism was a point of contention. We discussed infant baptism verses believer baptism, methods from sprinkling to pouring to immersion. Theological differences run deep – even in children.
We found ourselves at the local farm pond. After we had baptized each other a number of times, our congregation grew to include the neighborhood pets. Of course, we didn’t want heathen pets. The dogs were generally submissive, but the cats presented a challenge. They didn’t seem to mind sprinkling too much; pouring was about acceptable. Immersion presented the real challenge.
Harry was the Baptist preacher’s kid, so he was nominated to immerse the first cat. Determination paid off and he managed, with much difficulty, to baptize one cat.
We walked Harry home (because he couldn’t see too well out of his left eye and his arms and face were bleeding and clothes torn). We got a little more adult supervision after that.
In our simplistic childish practical theological viewpoints we reached a couple of decisions:
Baptism should be a voluntary & personal decision.
Cats are pagans.
PENTECOST
Acts chapter 2 tells us about the first Christian Day of Pentecost – when the church was born.
120 men and women went out of the upper room and preached the gospel, in different languages, giving their testimony, sharing their faith.
As Acts 1:8 says – they became “witnesses” for Jesus
After they spoke, Peter gave an open air sermon – how did the people in the crowd respond?
The gospel message evokes a wide variety of responses.
During my missionary work in Latin America, I preached in many public squares and open air meetings.
The people responded in many ways.
Some ignore you
Some wonder why you would do such a thing (curiosity)
Publicly mock you
I remember one meeting, a young man, Segundo, came and asked “¿Y, que es lo que quiere que haga?” What do you want me to do?
The response is the same as 2000 years ago: repent (inward sign) and be baptized (outward sign)
In Acts 2 … The people responded … with the heart and the head.
1. They were “cut to the heart” – an emotional response
This is a graphic phrase – healing is needed!
It presents an open wound – you can’t ignore it
Spiritual surgery is needed – that’s what Jesus does best! He heals the broken heart.
2. They asked a question “What shall we do?” – a practical (rational) response
There was a need to act on the feeling
You cannot not do something – the gospel demands a response
Peter told them – Repent and be baptized
First Repent = change, heart and mind (inward sign)
Second Be Baptized = show the world (outward sign of a changed heart)
RESULTS
When people respond, things happen.
Segundo responded to the invitation to repent and be baptized, and he is the leader of a struggling congregation that just completed 18 years of ministry in a community that doesn’t want people to accept Jesus.
Obvious Result #1 – numerical growth
2:41 - More than 3000 were added to their number that day
2:47 – And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved
A healthy church continues to present the gospel to every generation … and baptize new believers.
When a church stops sharing the gospel message – it becomes a club, another organization, etc.
Obvious Result #2 – changed lives
This was not just the recording of names in a book in heaven (a heavenly membership record), assuring these folks of an eternal destiny, it meant “repentance” = a release from living for self to living for God and others. It changed their lives.
A group of people divided by language and culture were brought together in the church. And they acted very differently than before – because they had repented, changed.
V. 2:42 – a spiritual unity
People who didn’t care to learn about God before … spent time learning (devoted themselves to the apostles teaching)
People who normally wouldn’t socialize together … spent time together (fellowship, breaking of bread)
People who normally wouldn’t share the same religious values … spent time in prayer
THE GOSPEL MESSAGE DEMANDS AN ANSWER
A very sad time for me in Bolivia was the memorial service for Pastor Romolo Tirado. He was electrocuted while standing in a baptistery at the beginning of a baptism service. They had just set-up a new sound system and he was using an ungrounded microphone. No one was baptized that day.
During the memorial service, one by one, the baptismal candidates came forward to declare their decision to proclaim publically their faith and follow Jesus in baptism.
After that many others came forward, accepting Christ. Many said, “I don’t want the pastor to die in vain.” And, “I don’t want Jesus to have died in vain.”
There was unexpected revival. And the Lord added to their number that day.
THE GOSPEL DEMANDS A RESPONSE
What is your response?
What do you say to Jesus?
Yes – No (check one)
No response is as good as a “no” response.
I showed the children a picture of Jesus’ Baptism. I gave them copies to take home and color.
The coloring book artist’s rendition showed Jesus, standing in water and in front of John the Baptist (I refer to him as John the Anabaptist).
Over their head was a dove – God’s Spirit (represents God’s presence). It lets us know that God brings peace, love, provision, all we need for our lives to be whole.
There were lines (rays) coming down from above. The scripture says there was a voice from heaven: “This is my son, whom I love. He makes me happy.”
We become God’s children when we accept Jesus. God loves us, and God wants us to make him happy, like Jesus made God happy.
Galatians 3:26-27 “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
God said to Jesus: “this is my son, I love him; he makes me happy.”
God loves us. So much that he sent Jesus (John 3:16).
What is our response to God’s love?
Following Jesus will make God happy. It'll make you happy too.
[Note: from what I understand, life is better when God is happy with us. Today we won’t talk about what life’s like when God’s not happy with us. But it’s worth thinking about.]
Monday, August 4, 2008
Sermon Synopsis for August 3, 2008
“Jesus Empowers His Disciples for Ministry”
John 20:19-23
Maybe you heard …
A mother took her child to visit a formal liturgical church. The lights were lowered and the priest came down the isle carrying lighted candles. All was quiet until the little girl started singing “Happy Birthday to you ….”
Birthdays remind us that we’re getting older.
This week our congregation celebrates 99 years in this building. (I don’t’ think anyone here was present on that first Sunday meeting in this place)
Why did the ministry continue?
It was handed on to the next generation.
The next generation was trained and prepared.
The next generation was trusted with the work.
What is the future of Maple Grove?
It depends on us … and how we do ministry … and how we empower the next generation for ministry.
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECT
To see why some churches grow and others do not, a major study was undertaken world wide. (About 12 years ago Natural Church Development was first published.) It was the most comprehensive research ever done on churches – thousands of churches, in every part of the world were studied.
It was found that the emphasis should not be on developing growth (principles), but on developing healthy qualities for churches to grow (both spiritually and in number)
We want to be a healthy church!
The study revealed 8 qualities or characteristics of healthy churches. We are on a journey to look at these qualities and look at ourselves to see how we use these qualities in our church.
Last week we began our consideration of the first of these quality characteristics of a healthy church: A healthy church has leadership that empowers the members for ministry.
We want to be healthy – we want to be a healthy church.
Jesus and the disciples are an example; they were together for three years of training, preparation, etc.
After the resurrection … Jesus was going to leave … And he was going to leave the continuation of his ministry in the hands of his disciples.
That’s the context of today’s scripture passage
THE PURPOSE OF LEADERSHIP
Last week’s scripture: (let’s review)
Ephesians 4:12 – “to prepare God’s people for works of service”
Prepare = “katartizo” (Greek)
Pastor Neilson Asis is director of the “Katartizo” Healing and Discipleship Center
Uses of the word in the Greco-Roman world:
Medical term – “setting of a broken bone”
In the New Testament – Jesus used the term (MT. 4:21 James & John were “preparing” their nets when Jesus called them) – “mending broken nets” “preparing them for service”
Paul (Gal 6:1) – restoration
Heb 13:20-21 – equip
1 Peter 5:10 – to perfect
Paul was telling the Church in Ephesus that Jesus gives the church leaders for a purpose:
Leaders are to heal, mend, restore, equip, perfect
Leadership is a very personal and intimate ministry!
LEADERSHIP IN A HEALTHY CHURCH
The Natural Church Development study found that healthy churches had leadership that was:
1. People oriented (as opposed to project oriented)
We had Music in the Meadow – important because it didn’t focus on the event – it focused on the people setting up, serving food, singing, running the sound system, parking, moving them around. … And on the people who came.
It worked because the project didn’t become more important than the people involved.
Jesus took time for people – “who touched me” to the sick woman; he changed his schedule to heal the centurion’s daughter; he spent time with the woman at the well; while suffering he addressed mother’s needs while on the cross;
This is central to the Gospel message: love God, love others
Remember Matthew 25:31-46 – separation of sheep and goats – this was based on how we treated people
A project (event, program, etc.) is not worth it, if it comes at the expense of people.
2. Relationship oriented (as opposed to goal oriented)
When we play “The Mennonite Game” it reminds us that relationships are important.
Reaching the goal is not more important that the relationships we develop along the way
I remember going to the Bolivian town of Toro-Toro with ministry students.
Our Goal: evangelistic services in town to help launch the local church
There were relationship issues among the students (differences needed to be calmed, Aymara/Quechua).
Instead of organizing our evangelistic service, we went hiking. We worked on our relationships as Christians.
We didn’t have a service that first night – but the following evenings were great – because we didn’t have one that first night.
3. Team oriented (as opposed to authoritarian oriented)
Is a church leader a dictator or a team player
Dictator – gets more done, more quickly, but change comes through death or revolution
Team developer – goes slowly, but firmly, change is not as intrusive
Our Pastors, Elders, Commission Directors, Leaders are not so much authoritarians (dictators), as they are team builders.
This should not be a surprise – it’s what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus – Leaders are to deal with people, not with “things” as we build the body of Christ together.
The church is not a building or an organization …
The church is the “body of Christ”
The church is people (you and me) together for the common purpose of serving our Lord Jesus Christ.
THE RESULT
Ephesians 4:12
“so that the body of Christ may be built up” (healthy, body building program)
Ephesians 4:13
“until we all reach unity in the faith … and become mature”
Good leadership (in all areas) produces healthy, unified churches.
THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS
How did Jesus empower his disciples?
They learned from his teaching
The learned by doing with him (sent out, healing, baptizing, feeding 5000)
What did Jesus empower his disciples to do
What does Jesus want his disciples to do?
Love others, share the gospel,
TRUST IS IMPORTANT
Jesus trusted the disciples to carry on the ministry.
God could have done it by him/herself – sometimes it’s easier to do the job yourself.
It’s a mystery – God entrusted us with the work of the Kingdom.
Every generation must learn.
IT’S HARD TO TRUST
I remember the first time my daughter drove off on her own.
I was full of fear and anxiety and dread and …. a knot in my stomach.
We had driven together, practiced, gone over the rules, etc.
The car was powerful
The car was expensive
Her life was precious
How did Jesus feel when he left the disciples in charge?
How does God feel about leaving the church in our hands?
Leaving the work of the kingdom in our hands?
What about you?
Are you worrying God?
How does God feel about leaving his church in our hands?
What is your area of leadership in the church – maybe you lead a three year old class, or your an Elder.
Are you empowered for ministry?
Are you empowering others for ministry?
Jesus tells us, “As the Father sent me, I am sending you.”
I played a game of “Simon Says” with the children.
Obedience and conformity seems to be the object of the game. Another object of the game is for the leader to try and trick us.
Who is Simon? And why does he want us to do things?
Some say it is a reference to Simon Peter, the disciple called by Jesus, but who later denied Jesus, and than later became one of the main leaders of the Disciples. Simon Peter learned to show his love for Jesus, to imitate Christ. If Simon Peter knows how to imitate Christ, he would be a good one to tell us what to do.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 “you became imitators of us and of the Lord”
Ephesians 5:1 “Be imitators of God”
We also need to be aware of when the evil one is trying to trick us.
If we called the game “Jesus Says,” what would Jesus ask us to do?
We can find much of that in the Bible.
In real life we should play “Jesus Says”
John 20:19-23
Maybe you heard …
A mother took her child to visit a formal liturgical church. The lights were lowered and the priest came down the isle carrying lighted candles. All was quiet until the little girl started singing “Happy Birthday to you ….”
Birthdays remind us that we’re getting older.
This week our congregation celebrates 99 years in this building. (I don’t’ think anyone here was present on that first Sunday meeting in this place)
Why did the ministry continue?
It was handed on to the next generation.
The next generation was trained and prepared.
The next generation was trusted with the work.
What is the future of Maple Grove?
It depends on us … and how we do ministry … and how we empower the next generation for ministry.
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECT
To see why some churches grow and others do not, a major study was undertaken world wide. (About 12 years ago Natural Church Development was first published.) It was the most comprehensive research ever done on churches – thousands of churches, in every part of the world were studied.
It was found that the emphasis should not be on developing growth (principles), but on developing healthy qualities for churches to grow (both spiritually and in number)
We want to be a healthy church!
The study revealed 8 qualities or characteristics of healthy churches. We are on a journey to look at these qualities and look at ourselves to see how we use these qualities in our church.
Last week we began our consideration of the first of these quality characteristics of a healthy church: A healthy church has leadership that empowers the members for ministry.
We want to be healthy – we want to be a healthy church.
Jesus and the disciples are an example; they were together for three years of training, preparation, etc.
After the resurrection … Jesus was going to leave … And he was going to leave the continuation of his ministry in the hands of his disciples.
That’s the context of today’s scripture passage
THE PURPOSE OF LEADERSHIP
Last week’s scripture: (let’s review)
Ephesians 4:12 – “to prepare God’s people for works of service”
Prepare = “katartizo” (Greek)
Pastor Neilson Asis is director of the “Katartizo” Healing and Discipleship Center
Uses of the word in the Greco-Roman world:
Medical term – “setting of a broken bone”
In the New Testament – Jesus used the term (MT. 4:21 James & John were “preparing” their nets when Jesus called them) – “mending broken nets” “preparing them for service”
Paul (Gal 6:1) – restoration
Heb 13:20-21 – equip
1 Peter 5:10 – to perfect
Paul was telling the Church in Ephesus that Jesus gives the church leaders for a purpose:
Leaders are to heal, mend, restore, equip, perfect
Leadership is a very personal and intimate ministry!
LEADERSHIP IN A HEALTHY CHURCH
The Natural Church Development study found that healthy churches had leadership that was:
1. People oriented (as opposed to project oriented)
We had Music in the Meadow – important because it didn’t focus on the event – it focused on the people setting up, serving food, singing, running the sound system, parking, moving them around. … And on the people who came.
It worked because the project didn’t become more important than the people involved.
Jesus took time for people – “who touched me” to the sick woman; he changed his schedule to heal the centurion’s daughter; he spent time with the woman at the well; while suffering he addressed mother’s needs while on the cross;
This is central to the Gospel message: love God, love others
Remember Matthew 25:31-46 – separation of sheep and goats – this was based on how we treated people
A project (event, program, etc.) is not worth it, if it comes at the expense of people.
2. Relationship oriented (as opposed to goal oriented)
When we play “The Mennonite Game” it reminds us that relationships are important.
Reaching the goal is not more important that the relationships we develop along the way
I remember going to the Bolivian town of Toro-Toro with ministry students.
Our Goal: evangelistic services in town to help launch the local church
There were relationship issues among the students (differences needed to be calmed, Aymara/Quechua).
Instead of organizing our evangelistic service, we went hiking. We worked on our relationships as Christians.
We didn’t have a service that first night – but the following evenings were great – because we didn’t have one that first night.
3. Team oriented (as opposed to authoritarian oriented)
Is a church leader a dictator or a team player
Dictator – gets more done, more quickly, but change comes through death or revolution
Team developer – goes slowly, but firmly, change is not as intrusive
Our Pastors, Elders, Commission Directors, Leaders are not so much authoritarians (dictators), as they are team builders.
This should not be a surprise – it’s what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus – Leaders are to deal with people, not with “things” as we build the body of Christ together.
The church is not a building or an organization …
The church is the “body of Christ”
The church is people (you and me) together for the common purpose of serving our Lord Jesus Christ.
THE RESULT
Ephesians 4:12
“so that the body of Christ may be built up” (healthy, body building program)
Ephesians 4:13
“until we all reach unity in the faith … and become mature”
Good leadership (in all areas) produces healthy, unified churches.
THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS
How did Jesus empower his disciples?
They learned from his teaching
The learned by doing with him (sent out, healing, baptizing, feeding 5000)
What did Jesus empower his disciples to do
What does Jesus want his disciples to do?
Love others, share the gospel,
TRUST IS IMPORTANT
Jesus trusted the disciples to carry on the ministry.
God could have done it by him/herself – sometimes it’s easier to do the job yourself.
It’s a mystery – God entrusted us with the work of the Kingdom.
Every generation must learn.
IT’S HARD TO TRUST
I remember the first time my daughter drove off on her own.
I was full of fear and anxiety and dread and …. a knot in my stomach.
We had driven together, practiced, gone over the rules, etc.
The car was powerful
The car was expensive
Her life was precious
How did Jesus feel when he left the disciples in charge?
How does God feel about leaving the church in our hands?
Leaving the work of the kingdom in our hands?
What about you?
Are you worrying God?
How does God feel about leaving his church in our hands?
What is your area of leadership in the church – maybe you lead a three year old class, or your an Elder.
Are you empowered for ministry?
Are you empowering others for ministry?
Jesus tells us, “As the Father sent me, I am sending you.”
I played a game of “Simon Says” with the children.
Obedience and conformity seems to be the object of the game. Another object of the game is for the leader to try and trick us.
Who is Simon? And why does he want us to do things?
Some say it is a reference to Simon Peter, the disciple called by Jesus, but who later denied Jesus, and than later became one of the main leaders of the Disciples. Simon Peter learned to show his love for Jesus, to imitate Christ. If Simon Peter knows how to imitate Christ, he would be a good one to tell us what to do.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 “you became imitators of us and of the Lord”
Ephesians 5:1 “Be imitators of God”
We also need to be aware of when the evil one is trying to trick us.
If we called the game “Jesus Says,” what would Jesus ask us to do?
We can find much of that in the Bible.
In real life we should play “Jesus Says”
Sermon Synopsis for July 27, 2008
“A People Prepared for Service” Ephesians 4:11-16
Maybe you heard …
One Sunday, a young boy arrived to his Sunday school class late. His teacher knew that the boy was usually very prompt and asked him if anything was wrong. The boy replied no, that he was going to go fishing, but that his dad told him that he needed to go to church instead. The teacher was very impressed and asked the boy if his father had explained to him why it was more important to go to church rather than to go fishing. To which the boy replied, "Yes, ma'am, he did. My dad said that he didn't have enough bait for both of us."
Two Elders were talking …
Elder 1: “I didn’t see you at church last Sunday; I hear you went to the races instead of coming to church”
Elder 2: “That’s not true, and I’ve got the fish to prove it”
I asked the children if they ever go fishing. Some went with their dads, others with their grandparents or aunts & uncles. They learned to fish from them. The children explained all about fishing and how to do it.
We talked about the story in Matthew 4:18-28, where Jesus tells Peter and Andrew (professional fishermen) that he wants to teach them to fish. Jesus wants them to use all the gifts, talents and abilities they have for fishing and apply it to catching people.
We’re disciples too. Jesus wants us to fish for people – do you think I can catch a person with a fishing pole? Jesus means we should catch people for God.
We sang, “I will make you fishers of men.”
QUALITIES OF A HEALTHY CHURCH
We want to be a healthy church!
A recent study revealed 8 qualities or characteristics of healthy churches. We begin a journey to look at these qualities and look at ourselves to see how we use these qualities in our church.
Today we will look at the first of these quality characteristics: A healthy church has leadership that empowers the members for ministry.
CHANGING THE SUBJECT FROM FISH TO PLANTS
Jesus often compared Christians to plants. This includes grape vines, fig trees, wheat, mustard plants, etc.
The emphasis was on a healthy plant – one that grows and produced fruit.
PUSHING THE ANALOGY
Plants in different climates grow differently.
Desert – slow, steady, conservative growth
Tropical rainforest – wild, uncontrollable growth
Which plants are healthy? The ones in the desert or the ones in the jungle?
The answer, of course, is both are healthy.
The emphasis should not be on fast growth, but on the qualities of that growth and the context of our growth..
The main principle is that a healthy plant will grow and produce fruit.
A healthy church will grow and produce fruit.
As pastor, Elders, & Leadership Team – we seek the things that will enable us to be a healthy church.
THE APOSTLE PAUL WROTE A LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS
The Apostle Paul was in Rome, under house arrest (early 60s AD). He was thinking about his time in Ephesus.
His first visit was brief, at the end of his second missionary journey, as he was returning home in Antioch. He left Priscilla and Aquila there (Acts 18:18-21).
A year or so later he returned and spent two years giving lectures in a public lecture hall, because he wasn’t welcomed in the Synagogue. Apollos, Timothy and Erastus worked with him there. A strong church was born.
As he wrote from his Roman imprisonment, he didn’t write about any specific problems they were facing, but rather about the difficulties Christians were having in the Roman world.
Nero was Emperor (Caesar 54-68). Nero was known for his persecution of Jews as well as Christians. Paul knew the difficulties of being a Christian in the Roman world. Times were difficult, and getting worse. In a few years Rome would burn and the Christians would be blamed and then banned from the city. God needed a strong and healthy church to endure and persevere during such times.
All of this was going on in Paul’s head as he wrote. The church in Ephesus needed to be the best it could be, to be healthy, so that it could:
- hold together under pressure
- survive the persecutions
- be a witness in a world that needed Jesus
That’s the context of our scripture passage today.
THE APOSTLE PAUL – THE CHURCH NEEDS LEADERS
Ephesians 4:11 – Jesus wants leaders in the church: apostles, prophets (ethics & justice), evangelists, pastors, teachers.
Imagine a church without leaders … (some might like that)
It would be directionless, have an emphasis on existence & survival.
Jesus wants growth and fruit – leadership is necessary for that.
The Apostle Paul knew this – and applied it – he wasn’t the only leader – he was a leader producing machine: Priscilla & Aquila, Lidia, Timothy, Apollos, - to name a few.
Paul didn’t do all the work – he mentored and formed leaders.
It is Jesus’ church - not Paul’s or Apollos’ or anyone else’s (He made this clear to the Corinthians, who showed a tendency to follow a leader instead of following Jesus)
At Maple Grove we have many leaders – each in different areas – each one according to the gifts, talents & abilities he/she has
Leaders are important.
THE PURPOSE OF LEADERSHIP
Ephesians 4:12 – “to prepare God’s people for works of service”
Prepare = “katartizo” (Greek)
Remember Pastor Neilson Asis – Katartizo Healing and Discipleship Center
Uses of the word in the Greco-Roman world:
It was a medical term – “setting of a broken bone”
Jesus used the term (MT. 4:21 James & John were “preparing” their nets when Jesus called them) – “mending broken nets”
Paul (Gal 6:1) – restoration
Heb 13:20-21 – equip
1 Peter 5:10 – to perfect
Paul was telling the Church in Ephesus that Jesus gives the church leaders for a purpose: leaders are to heal, mend, restore, equip & perfect.
THE RESULT OF GOOD LEADERSHIP
Ephesians 4:12 “so that the body of Christ may be built up” (healthy, body building program)
Ephesians 4:13 “until we all reach unity in the faith … and become mature”
Good leadership produces healthy, unified churches. They grow and produce fruit.
FISHERS OF PEOPLE
Jesus wanted fish (people who were brought into God’s Kingdom)
To do this, he needed to “prepare” fishers (heal, restore, equip, build a team)
Remember the old adage “Don’t give them fish – teach them to fish.”
In Jesus’ time fishing wasn’t a solitary thing – it involved teamwork – casting and pulling in nets. Simon Peter and Andrew knew about this, so did James and John.
There’s a lot more to fishing than casting a line.
Jesus calls us to be “Fishers of People”
Pray that the Lord will guide our fishing expedition.
Let’s go fishing this week.
Maybe you heard …
One Sunday, a young boy arrived to his Sunday school class late. His teacher knew that the boy was usually very prompt and asked him if anything was wrong. The boy replied no, that he was going to go fishing, but that his dad told him that he needed to go to church instead. The teacher was very impressed and asked the boy if his father had explained to him why it was more important to go to church rather than to go fishing. To which the boy replied, "Yes, ma'am, he did. My dad said that he didn't have enough bait for both of us."
Two Elders were talking …
Elder 1: “I didn’t see you at church last Sunday; I hear you went to the races instead of coming to church”
Elder 2: “That’s not true, and I’ve got the fish to prove it”
I asked the children if they ever go fishing. Some went with their dads, others with their grandparents or aunts & uncles. They learned to fish from them. The children explained all about fishing and how to do it.
We talked about the story in Matthew 4:18-28, where Jesus tells Peter and Andrew (professional fishermen) that he wants to teach them to fish. Jesus wants them to use all the gifts, talents and abilities they have for fishing and apply it to catching people.
We’re disciples too. Jesus wants us to fish for people – do you think I can catch a person with a fishing pole? Jesus means we should catch people for God.
We sang, “I will make you fishers of men.”
QUALITIES OF A HEALTHY CHURCH
We want to be a healthy church!
A recent study revealed 8 qualities or characteristics of healthy churches. We begin a journey to look at these qualities and look at ourselves to see how we use these qualities in our church.
Today we will look at the first of these quality characteristics: A healthy church has leadership that empowers the members for ministry.
CHANGING THE SUBJECT FROM FISH TO PLANTS
Jesus often compared Christians to plants. This includes grape vines, fig trees, wheat, mustard plants, etc.
The emphasis was on a healthy plant – one that grows and produced fruit.
PUSHING THE ANALOGY
Plants in different climates grow differently.
Desert – slow, steady, conservative growth
Tropical rainforest – wild, uncontrollable growth
Which plants are healthy? The ones in the desert or the ones in the jungle?
The answer, of course, is both are healthy.
The emphasis should not be on fast growth, but on the qualities of that growth and the context of our growth..
The main principle is that a healthy plant will grow and produce fruit.
A healthy church will grow and produce fruit.
As pastor, Elders, & Leadership Team – we seek the things that will enable us to be a healthy church.
THE APOSTLE PAUL WROTE A LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS
The Apostle Paul was in Rome, under house arrest (early 60s AD). He was thinking about his time in Ephesus.
His first visit was brief, at the end of his second missionary journey, as he was returning home in Antioch. He left Priscilla and Aquila there (Acts 18:18-21).
A year or so later he returned and spent two years giving lectures in a public lecture hall, because he wasn’t welcomed in the Synagogue. Apollos, Timothy and Erastus worked with him there. A strong church was born.
As he wrote from his Roman imprisonment, he didn’t write about any specific problems they were facing, but rather about the difficulties Christians were having in the Roman world.
Nero was Emperor (Caesar 54-68). Nero was known for his persecution of Jews as well as Christians. Paul knew the difficulties of being a Christian in the Roman world. Times were difficult, and getting worse. In a few years Rome would burn and the Christians would be blamed and then banned from the city. God needed a strong and healthy church to endure and persevere during such times.
All of this was going on in Paul’s head as he wrote. The church in Ephesus needed to be the best it could be, to be healthy, so that it could:
- hold together under pressure
- survive the persecutions
- be a witness in a world that needed Jesus
That’s the context of our scripture passage today.
THE APOSTLE PAUL – THE CHURCH NEEDS LEADERS
Ephesians 4:11 – Jesus wants leaders in the church: apostles, prophets (ethics & justice), evangelists, pastors, teachers.
Imagine a church without leaders … (some might like that)
It would be directionless, have an emphasis on existence & survival.
Jesus wants growth and fruit – leadership is necessary for that.
The Apostle Paul knew this – and applied it – he wasn’t the only leader – he was a leader producing machine: Priscilla & Aquila, Lidia, Timothy, Apollos, - to name a few.
Paul didn’t do all the work – he mentored and formed leaders.
It is Jesus’ church - not Paul’s or Apollos’ or anyone else’s (He made this clear to the Corinthians, who showed a tendency to follow a leader instead of following Jesus)
At Maple Grove we have many leaders – each in different areas – each one according to the gifts, talents & abilities he/she has
Leaders are important.
THE PURPOSE OF LEADERSHIP
Ephesians 4:12 – “to prepare God’s people for works of service”
Prepare = “katartizo” (Greek)
Remember Pastor Neilson Asis – Katartizo Healing and Discipleship Center
Uses of the word in the Greco-Roman world:
It was a medical term – “setting of a broken bone”
Jesus used the term (MT. 4:21 James & John were “preparing” their nets when Jesus called them) – “mending broken nets”
Paul (Gal 6:1) – restoration
Heb 13:20-21 – equip
1 Peter 5:10 – to perfect
Paul was telling the Church in Ephesus that Jesus gives the church leaders for a purpose: leaders are to heal, mend, restore, equip & perfect.
THE RESULT OF GOOD LEADERSHIP
Ephesians 4:12 “so that the body of Christ may be built up” (healthy, body building program)
Ephesians 4:13 “until we all reach unity in the faith … and become mature”
Good leadership produces healthy, unified churches. They grow and produce fruit.
FISHERS OF PEOPLE
Jesus wanted fish (people who were brought into God’s Kingdom)
To do this, he needed to “prepare” fishers (heal, restore, equip, build a team)
Remember the old adage “Don’t give them fish – teach them to fish.”
In Jesus’ time fishing wasn’t a solitary thing – it involved teamwork – casting and pulling in nets. Simon Peter and Andrew knew about this, so did James and John.
There’s a lot more to fishing than casting a line.
Jesus calls us to be “Fishers of People”
Pray that the Lord will guide our fishing expedition.
Let’s go fishing this week.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Sermon Synopsis for July 20, 2008
“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
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
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