2

Chron 7:13-15

13 "When

I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour

the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who

are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and

turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive

their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears

attentive to the prayers offered in this place NIV

Last week

we started a new series on the Parables this week we are going to hit the pause

button on the series. As we approach Independence Day I want you to consider

with me now dependent up God we are as a nation and how desperately we need to

call on him today.

The

founding fathers and framers of this nation understood this…

3 years later after the

declaration of Independence while attempting to write establish the

constitution the delegates reach and impasse and many where threating to leave

the meeting. After remaining silent and listen Benjamin Franklin rose and the

following are some of the words he spoke that day:

lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I

see of this truth- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow

cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can

rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that

“except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it.” I firmly

believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall

succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We

shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be

confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to

future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate

instance, despair of establishing Governments be Human Wisdom and leave it to

chance, war and conquest.

beg leave to move, that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven,

and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning

before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of the City

be requested to officiate in that service.

Now let’s consider our

text this morning if this nation (or any other) is to survive and thrive it

will be because the Lord builds the house and his hand rests upon it. We like

Israel of Solomon’s day need to following God’s direction and Call on Him.

Notice First that God says for a nation to be turned around…

I.              

My people who are called by my name (2 Chron. 7:14) if my people, who are called by my name

qualifications of the persons, it is….

a.     Not political parties, or

the media or entertainment industries

We

are mistaken when we think that the answer for the critical problems – the

insurmountable issues of peoples and nation faces have their solutions apart

from God!

The

answer for America is neither democratic or republican, it is neither Fox, NBC,

CBS, or ABC News – It will only be found in the Good News of this book – God’s

Word.

Isa 31:1,3

Woe to those who go down

to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their

chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the

Holy One of Israel or seek help from the Lord. 

3 But the Egyptians are men and not God;

their horses are flesh and not spirit.

·      Trusting

in and relying on men instead of God is idolatrous to God

·      Someone

said, economists trust market and economic forces, militarialists trust their

weapons and machines of war, and the leader of Jerusalem trusted in the might

of Egypt.

How much

better to have the heart of the Psalmist in Psalm 20:7: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but

we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

the power of the Spirit and God’s grace will call on Him so it follows that…

Church – whose called by his name

It’s

high time for God’s people, the Church to recognize their high and holy

calling. God says…

1 Peter 2:9 But you are

a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,

that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his

wonderful light. NIV

What is it that the Priests did? The Priest’s

offered the sacrifices and made intercession for the people! So, it is clear

that we the people – It is US who God is waiting to hear from.

or educational leaders or the entertainment industry to lead the effort. We,

who are believers in Jesus Christ, must take responsibility to change the

society in which we live into one that honors God and is, therefore, worthy of

His blessing. Once the "who" is established the "what"

becomes the focus (Tony Perkins)

The text says then for a nation to be turned around…

II.             

My people must Humble themselves (2 Chron. 7:14) if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves

bow the knee

The great preacher Dr. Harry

Ironside was once convicted about his lack of humility. A friend recommended as

a remedy, that he march through the streets of Chicago wearing a sandwich

board, shouting the scripture verses on the board for all to hear. Dr. Ironside

agreed to this venture and when he returned to his study and removed the board,

he said "I’ll bet there’s not another man in town who would do that. (Daniel,

Decoder of Dreams, Donald Campbell, p. 22.)

“None are as empty as those who are

full of themselves.” - Benjamin Whichcote

So,

what is humility, and what makes humble people different? Humility is the

absence of self in all we think, do or say.

When

someone appears before a king they bow the knee is an outward sign that some is

in the presence of someone greater who holds great power.

When I visited Israel in the early

70’s one of the places we visited was the Bethlehem and the cave thought to be

the site of the Saviors birth. As with many places in the Holy Land a church

has been built over the cave. What’s fascinating is the entrance to this Church

has a door that people must pass through single

file and is so low that one must stoop to enter. This was to prevent medieval

raiders from riding their horses into the church to disrupt the service. The

door is called, "The Humility Gate." In reminds us that the way into

God’s presence is only through the Humility Gate.

humble themselves…

Do

you remember the story Jesus told in Luke 19:9-14 of the Pharisee and the tax

collector? (He told it because people had become confident in their own

righteousness.)

All of us sin

and fall short of the glory of God. However, too few of us have a routine

practice of rigorous self-honesty examination. (Prayer & Fasting !!!)  

We must Weekly,

even daily, review of our hearts and behaviors, coupled with confession to God,

is an essential practice of humility.

The third what of the text for a nation to be turned around is for…

III.           

My People Must Seek My Face (2 Chron. 7:14)  if my people, who are

called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face

Have

you ever considered the difference in seeking God’s face and his hand?

One

seeks God for what he can do and the other seeks God for who he is! Clearly

here in our text God is speaking of seeking him for who he is, that is a

relationship with him and for what he can do for me.

I’m

reminded of Peter’s revelation of Simon the Sorcerers heart in Acts chapter 8.

The scripture reveals that Simon was following Jesus and seeking God’s hand and

not his face. He was only interested in power and not a true relationship. with

    

Acts

8:18-23 (NLT)

18 When

Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on

people, he offered them money to buy this power. 19 "Let me have this power, too,"

he exclaimed, "so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive

the Holy Spirit!"

20 But

Peter replied, "May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God's

gift can be bought! 21 You can have no part in this, for your

heart is not right with God. 22 Repent of your wickedness and pray to the

Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, 23 for I can see that you are full of bitter

jealousy and are held captive by sin."

Remember we just minutes ago we were reminded that we have a calling as

priesthood of believers to be intercessors

Ever heard of the Cane Ridge Revival?  This was 1801. The United States was barely 25

years old, and Kentucky had just joined the Union less than 10 years earlier.

The new nation was quickly growing as more and more people continued to venture

West. The days of Jonathan Edwards and the Great Awakening had already begun to

fade as the U.S. expanded. Once again the moral foundations America once knew

were slowly eroding. Churches were few and far in this vast land. As people

moved farther and farther away from their churches, they began to forsake the

Lord. This was the wild frontier, where the only rule of law was a gun or a

rope. It was a time when wickedness abounded and very few people professed real

faith. It was a spiritually dark time for America.  

Yet in dark times, the light of the gospel shines

brightest. The fire that fell in Cane Ridge sparked a movement. Revival spread

across the American frontier like wild fire driven by a stiff wind through the

dry brush. In the years following, there was an exponential explosion of church

planting. Similar camp meetings were organized in several states. Though none

ever matched the attendance of the original meeting at Cane Ridge, the effect

was undeniable. America was once again awakened!

I'm certain there are many who wonder if it is possible for

God to move again in such a powerful way. They have concluded that America is

too far gone to experience another great awakening. Cane Ridge shows otherwise.

This revival that took place 215 years ago offers us great hope today. Look

back at what God did and let it bring you to the revelation that He can and

will do it again! https://www.charismanews.com/opinion/from-the-frontlines/58270-why-the-cane-ridge-revival-holds-prophetic-hope-for-america-s-third-great-awakening

Finally,

the text reveals for a nation to be turned around...

IV.           

My

People Must Turn from Wicked Ways (2 Chron. 7:14) 14 if my people, who are

called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn

from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin

and will heal their land.

a.     Recognize the sinfulness of sin

·  Not our neighbors but ours

·  No excuses – but a woe is me – Isa. A

spade is a spade – quit calling it by a different name!

b.     Realize the entanglements of sin

·  It inhibits – it constrains – holds

captive

    

Introduction:

This

morning we begin a new series on the parables of Jesus. As many of you know the

text that we asked everyone to join us in memorizing is “This was to fulfill what was spoken by the

prophet: “I

will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the

foundation of the world.”  Matthew 13:35 (ESV)

I want to

point your attention to the fact that just prior to verse 35, verse 34 says, “Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he

did not say anything to them without using a parable.” Why? According to the

text we are memorizing together its to reveal hidden truth! So for the next

several weeks we are going to study these parables. Let’s get started his

morning by reading for the sake of time some select verses from Matthew 13.

Text:

Matt

13:1-9, 18-23

That

same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and

sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then

he told them many things in parables, saying: "A

farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As

he was scattering the seed, some

fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because

the soil was shallow. 6 But

when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they

had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on

good soil, where it produced a crop — a

hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 He

who has ears, let him hear."

18 "Listen

then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When

anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil

one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word

and at once receives it with joy. 21 But

since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution

comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22 The

one who received the seed that

fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of

this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23 But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the

word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or

thirty times what was sown." NIV

Let’

first observe the parts and pieces of the parable:

There

is the farmer of the sower, there is the seed, there are birds that came

devouring the seed and then there is the different types or kinds of soil.

never change. It is only the soil conditions, where the seed fell that is

different.

In

this parable Jesus is primarily focusing the conditions of the heart. This morning my prayer is that each of us

will ask and answer what is the condition of my heart? Where am I in this

parable? What type of soil represents my spiritual development and journey with

Jesus? Soo let’s examine the text with this in mind.

The first type of soil or heart

condition that Jesus refers to is the soil…

I.     

Along the Path – A Heart that is Harden (Matthew 13:18-19) "Listen

then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When

anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil

one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown

along the path.

The

parable reveals that this heart…

a.   

Lacks understanding –

v.19 (does not understand it…)

Is it

because the seed is dead? Is it because the seed has no power? No! Why then? It

is because of the conditions of the soil or the heart. The seed, the truth, the

word of God cannot penetrate it clearly because of the hardness of the soil.

Where

are numerous reasons why the soil of our hearts hardened.

Among

the chief reasons a heart will harden is the refusal to respond to God’s

direction and/or correction. (I’m thinking of Pharaoh in the book of Exodus.

There are 15 occasions in

Exodus, the Scriptures mention Pharaoh’s heart being hardened. This is the only

explanation to Pharaoh’s persistence in resisting God.

Prov

29:1 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed — without remedy. NIV

When

our hearts are hard the seed, the Word…

b.   

Lacks infiltration v.19

(the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown

in his heart.)

In

the parable Jesus told the birds came and snatched away, devoured the seed sown

because it didn’t infiltrate the soil and it was exposed to the birds before it

could take root.

This

is why it is so important to ask what God is saying to me in the daily study of

His Word. In doing so I give room for the penetration of the seed of the word

so the enemy cant snatches it away!

The next type of soil or heart

condition that Jesus refers to is the soil…

II.   

Along the Rocky Places – A Heart that is Root Bound (Matthew

13:20-21) The one who received the seed

that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it

with joy. 21 But

since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution

comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.

Here

the seed, the Word is received, it is embraced and at first it looks very

promising. Jesus describes the conditions of this heart that it

a.   

Quickly Springs Up v.21

and at once receives it with joy

Quick

starts do not always equate to good finishes. Have you ever discovered that

when you jump into something quickly without considering the cost you can

quickly become disheartened?

Limestone

is very prevalent in Israel and there are numerous places that the depth of the

soil is very shallow with the bedrock just inches below the soil. This is more

than likely the conditions that Jesus was referring to. It these conditions the

soil warms quickly, and the seed can quickly germinate. But quick germinations

don’t necessarily equate to lasting and sustainable growth.

Jesus

clearly states that because they have no root as quickly as the seed sprouts

there is the…

b.   

Quickly Falls Away v.21

But since he has no root, he lasts only a short

time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.

I

want to suggest here the conditions of this kind of heart or soil is such that

they are following Jesus for the wrong reasons. As long as they are happy tiand

life is smooth sail and everything is good they are all in. But as soon as the

pressure is on they bail.

Make no mistake trouble

and persecution are a part of our development. The book of Acts reminds us "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of

God," Acts 14:22 NIV

You

cannot and will not develop deep roots to withstand trouble and persecution on

a Sunday morning only commitment – to dig deep your commitment must be daily.

The third type of soil or heart

condition that Jesus refers to is the soil…

III.  

Among the Thorns – A Heart

that is Choked (Matthew 13:22) The one who received the

seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries

of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

a.   

Believes v.22

b.   

Bears no Fruit v.22

The final type of soil or heart

condition that Jesus refers to is the soil…

I.     

The Soil that is Good – A

Heart of Good Ground (Matthew 13:23) But

the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the

word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or

thirty times what was sown."

a.   

Hears and Understands v23

b.   

Harvests much Fruit v. 23

1

Thess 2:11-12

For

you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own

children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to

live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. NIV

I know I have

said this to you numerous times but its so important that we hear and

understand just like there are no prefect families there are no perfect earthly

father’s.

Recently came across a survey that

was given to fathers where they anonymously answered some questions about how

being a dad changed them.

·     

90% said that becoming a father made them want to be a

better person & role model for their kids

·     

75% felt a weight of responsibility now that they had

before

·     

75% said they were less judgmental of other dads

·     

42% said they had a constant concern about their children’s

safety

When asked about which of 3

challenges most concerned them, they chose:

1.    

Steering kids clear of alcohol & drugs (38%)

2.    

Protecting kids from Sex & Violence in media (28%)

3.    

Supporting a family in a bad economy (28%)

Given all the

responsibilities and concerns wouldn’t it be great if there was a build – a

-dad app? Well take a look at this!!!

Play Build a Dad Video

Dads, we can be

easily overwhelmed with the responsibilities and concerns of fatherhood but our

text this morning give us 3 simple directions of being a great Christian dad.

The Bible tells us…

The Christian father focuses on…

I.     

His Children (I Thess. 2:12) each

of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging

a.   

– (Gen. 37:3-4)

Dad our children need and crave our

encouragement! They have a powerful hungry within them that desires it!

Don’t neglect or abuse this power tool

and position that God has placed in your hands. But be cautious that you

encourage them equally…

Jacob created dysfunction in His

family because of his obvious favoritism to Joseph.

Gen

37:3-4

Now

Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born

to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented a robe for him. 4 When his brothers saw that their father

loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word

to him. NIV

Did you ever

notice how that this became the source of years of heart break for him

personally? The Christian father doesn’t show favoritism of one child over

another.

b.   

and/or Physically (I Thess. 5:11) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing. NIV

It’s important to

know your children’s ‘love language.’

words of affirmation, acts

of service (devotion), and physical touch.        

In southern Africa, The Bebemba tribe has a fascinating

procedure for combating feelings of rejection. Each person in the tribe who

acts irresponsibly or unjustly is taken alone to the center of the village.

Everyone in the village stops work and gathers in a large circle around the accused.

In turn, each person in the tribe--regardless of age--speaks to the individual,

recounting aloud the good things he has done in his lifetime. All the positive

incidents in the person’s life, plus his good attributes, strengths, and

kindnesses, are recalled with accurate detail. Not one word about his

irresponsible or antisocial behavior is shared.

The ceremony, which sometimes lasts for several days, isn’t

complete until every positive expression has been given by those assembled. At

the conclusion of the ceremony, the person is welcomed back into the tribe. Can

you imagine the flood of feelings during the tribe’s welcome? Can you imagine

the extent of acceptance he realizes? Can you imagine how you would feel if a

group of people affirmed you in this way?

Then the text tells us that the Christian father focuses

on…

II.   

His Children (I Thess. 2:12) each

of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 comforting

The idea of “comfort” implies at least two parties: one who

gives the comfort and one who receives it. It also implies a need. We see this

in the story of the prodigal son and the older brother…

a.   

Equally

(Lu. 16:28-32)

Luke 15:31 "'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and

everything I have is yours.

Don’t we tend to

think of this as the mother’s role? And yet the Bible at least here shows us

the Father, Dads have a part to play in comforting their children. After the

younger prodigal came home the elder needed reassurance and comfort.

The Christian Father

comforts equally but he should also appropriately

b.   

Appropriately (2 Cor. 7:6-7) But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the

coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the

comfort you had given him.

Writer Max Lucado

tells about a dad named Lee Lelp. Lee is a retired firefighter, a New York City

firefighter. He gave 26 years to the city. But on September 11, 2001, he gave

much more. He gave his son. Jonathan Lelp was a fireman as well. When the Twin

Towers fell, he was there.

Firefighters are a

loyal clan. When one perishes in the line of duty, the body is left where it is

until a firefighter who knows the person can come and quite literally pick it

up. Lee made the discovery of his son’s body his personal mission. He dug daily

with dozens of others at the sixteen-acre graveyard. On Tuesday, December 11,

three months after the disaster, his son was found. And appropriately Lee was

there to carry him out.

Finally, the texts reveals that

Christian Fathers should focus on…

III.  

His Children (I Thess. 2:12) each

of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 urging…

The text says

urging … to live lives worthy of God. (another word for teaching) so the

Christian Father urges or teaches his children…

a.   

Be Self-controlled (Titus 2:11-12)

Paul was

instructing his ‘spiritual’ son Titus in this passage and says …     

For the grace of God that

brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to

ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and

godly lives in this present age NIV

Did you ever think about how fathers

play different that mothers with their children?

Fathers tickle more, they wrestle, and they throw their

children in the air (while mother says . . . "Not so high!"). Fathers

chase their children, sometimes as playful, scary "monsters."

Fathering expert John Snarey explains that children who

roughhouse with their fathers learn that biting, kicking and other forms of

physical violence are not acceptable.3 They learn self-control by being told when

"enough is enough" and when to settle down. Girls and boys both learn

a healthy balance between timidity and aggression.

b.   

Godly Character (Titus 2:12) upright

and godly lives in this present age NIV

Play Video “They’ll Never Stop Looking to You” from

sermoncentral

Conclusion:

Dad God created you with a high and

noble purpose to leave a legacy. To do this you don’t have to be perfect! (Good

thing because we can’t!)

Ernest Hemingway wrote

a short story called  "The Capital of the World." Hemingway told

the story of a father and his teenage son. The son had sinned against his

father and in his shame he ran away from home. The father searched all over

Spain for him, but still he could not find the boy. Finally, in the city of

Madrid, in a last desperate attempt to find his son, the father placed an ad in

the daily newspaper. The ad read: "PACO MEET AT HOTEL MONTANA NOON TUESDAY

ALL IS FORGIVEN PAPA."

The father prayed that

maybe the boy would see the ad and maybe - just maybe - he would come to the

Hotel Montana.

And on Tuesday at

noon, the father in Ernest Hemingway's story arrived at the Hotel Montana and

he could not believe his eyes. A squadron of police officers had been called

out to keep order among the eight hundred young boys named "Paco" who

had come to meet their father in front of the Hotel Montana. Eight hundred boys

named Paco read the ad in the newspaper and hoped it was for them. Eight

hundred "Pacos" came to receive the forgiveness they so desperately

needed.

 Two Groups of People the Holy Spirit spoke to

my heart to pray for in closing:

1.    

Those

who were hurt by their fathers

2.    

Every

Dad to – Encourage – Comfort and Urge (teach) their children – leaving a Godly

Legacy

Your

name probably isn’t Paco but God gave you and invitation today to meet him here

are his house. It’s not accident you’re here today. He sent you and invitation

to His house today and the Holy Spirit drew you here whether you recognized it

or not – this is a God moment for you

For the One Series – Part 2“Everything for The One”April 8, 2018 Introduction:Jesus gave his disciples a commission to change the world and that’s what we want to be all about here at Abundant Life. That’s what this message series, “For the One” is about changing the destinies of peoples lives. One of the templates that reveal the heart of Jesus and the father is found in Luke the 15 chapter. This chapter teaches the lengths at which Jesus says he is willing to go and therefore we should go to reach “The One”. Go with me to our text this morning and follow along as I read it. We are only going to read the first 8 verses. Luke 15:1-8Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. 8 "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins a and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."     (Pray for God’s Help unpacking the truth of this Word) You may not recognize the name Arland D. Williams Jr., but he is a great American hero. Arland Williams was traveling from Washington D.C. on Florida air flight 90. The plane was flying in freezing conditions and shortly after takeoff was unable to gain the necessary altitude. The plane struck the 14th Street Bridge and plunged into the icy waters of the Potomac River.Rescue efforts started almost immediately and Williams was one of only six people who survived the crash. The survivors were struggling to stay afloat in the freezing waters when helicopters arrived to extend lifelines to those still alive. The chopper shone its light on Williams and extended him a line to pull him to safety. Williams grabbed the line and immediately took the line to someone struggling worse than he was and they were rescued.Helicopters returned to where Williams was and extended the line again and again Williams took the line to someone else in greater need. The copter lifted the person to safety and lowered the line a third time to Williams. Without hesitation, Williams again gave the lifeline that would have carried him to safety to another survivor. The line was lowered to Williams again, but this time he was gone.First, notice when Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and teachers of the law about eating/reaching out to the lost he teaches that shepherd is willing to risk…I.               Everything for the One Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-6) 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' a.    The Worlds Value System (Luke 15:4) Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? Jesus asks the listeners, the Pharisees, and scribes a question: whi

For the One SeriesWorldview & Reaching the OneApril 15, 2018 The message that the Lord gave me for this morning in our “For the One” series is Worldview & Reaching the One. Worldview is a buzz phrase today. One definition of worldview is a philosophy of life. It is the viewpoint that affects everything I think and do. It is the unsaid linchpin of my thoughts, decisions, and actions. Clearly, it is the lens (pun) intended through which I view and live my life! Matt 6:19-24 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. NIVYou can’t take it with you. There was a man who tried to disprove that. As he lay on his deathbed, he spoke with his 3 best friends, a doctor, a professor, and his lawyer. He said, “I’m going to prove them wrong. I’m going to take it with me. I’m giving you each $100,000 in an envelope. After I die, before they close my casket, I want you each to put the money in with me. Sure enough, he died, and at his funeral, the 3 friends each stopped by the open casket and put in an envelope. Later that day, they were talking about their friend and his unusual request. Then, the doctor spoke up and said, “Guys, I need to get this off my chest. We all know that money wasn’t going to do any good in the ground. The hospital is completing a new children’s wing. I took $50,000 of that cash and gave it to that cause.” “Well, as long as we confessing,” said the professor, “You’re right – there really was no reason to put that money in the ground. I donated $70,000 of it to the university library.” They both looked expectantly at the preacher. He said, “I’m ashamed of both of you. Our friend trusted us. Why I put in a check for the whole $100,000.” First, note that Jesus teaches that our worldview effects ….I.     How and what we live for (Matthew 6:19-20) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. a.    The earthly worldview – that is a view that is only concerned about earthly things. Worries about, obsesses and lives for the moment and is consumed with the present moment. Like the shepherd, I read about who live in Montana … This shepherd discovered oil on his land and became enormously rich. One of the first things he bought was a Rolls Royce limousine, the kind usually driven by a chauffeur who sits in front of a glass partition. When the sheepherder brought this splendid car in for service, the mechanic was properly impressed. “What a marvelous machine,” he said. “What do you like best about it?” “Well,” said the sheepherder, “I can take my sheep to market now without having them lick my neck.” Larson, B., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1983). Vol. 26: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 26: Luke. The Preacher’s Commentary series (239). Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Inc. A strictly earthly worldview usually gets our priorities out of whack!For instance --- it prioritizes things this way:1.    Earn money2.    Enjoy – over-enjoy money – which usually lands us in debt3.    Repay the debts of overspending4.    Save

For the One Series - Part 4My Commitment to Reach the One Commitment SundayApril 22, 2018 A family came home from church one Sunday and after they had lunch they sent their 6-year-old son off to play. After a while, his mother realized that they hadn’t heard much from him, which any parent knows is a recipe for disaster.  The mother got up from her recliner and walked to the child's bedroom and listened right outside his door. She kept hearing small metallic sounds and jingling come from the other side of the door. Intrigued, she cracked the door a little and looked in to see her son sitting on the floor with his piggy bank opened and a few dollars in coins lying on the floor. He gathered them up and put them in the handkerchief, knelt down and prayed silently, and then threw the coin up in the air. He watched them all hit the ground, frowned, and gathered his coin back into the handkerchief and repeated throwing them up in the air. His mom opened the door and asked him what in the world he was doing. The little boy replied, “We learned in Sunday School today that we should give money to God for an offering. I forgot to bring mine today I figured I’d come home and throw mine in the air, and God would catch whatever He needed and I could keep the rest, but He hasn’t caught any yet!” As cute as that story is, it does highlight one of the common misconceptions about giving as an act of worship. Our relationship to money is a spiritual truth taught throughout the Bible.Go with me to our text this morning: 2 Cor 8:1-9And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.   5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. 6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us a-see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. NIVThe past several weeks we have been searching the scriptures seeing how Jesus left the 99 to reach the one and how he has given us that great commission as well. We have heard that Jesus gave everything to reach the one and how it only makes sense that we do everything to reach the one as well.  This journey to reach the one is a Spiritual journey, it is a spiritual journey that transforms those who take it. Today we come to Commitment Sunday a day where we are challenging to make a financial commitment to the vision to reach the one. Our relationship to money is a spiritual truth taught throughout the Bible. (Repeat)When it comes to money and finances;·      Scholars say Jesus discussed the topic of money more than heaven & hell combined·     One man counted 2,350 verses in the Bible deal with money·     Rick Warren author of Purpose Driven Church has said that stewardship and redemption are the 2 all-encompassing themes of God’s Word.·     Why (the above)? Because as we saw in last weeks message God does want money to control us but us to control it!Our text this morning reveals a church, a group of believers, who seemed to be living by this spiritual truth.These two chapte

For the One Series – Part 5We Are Called to CelebrateApril 29, 2018Ps 118:1-8,25-29Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let Israel say: "His love endures forever." 3 Let the house of Aaron say: "His love endures forever." 4 Let those who fear the Lord say: "His love endures forever." 5 In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. 6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. 8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. 24 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. 27 The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. NIVHave you heard the story of the woman who woke up one morning and as she saw her husband getting ready to leave for work she said, with a big smile on her face, “Honey, I’ll bet you don’t know what day this is.” Her husband had a hard time remembering birthdays and anniversaries, but since he was about to leave for work he excused himself from the embarrassing situation by walking out of the door while saying, “Honey, how could I ever forget. This is the best day of our lives.” All during the day, he kept trying to remember what month and what day his wife’s birthday was, and when their anniversary was, but he could not remember. The day wore on and it was getting close to time to get off from work and he knew he was going to have to go home and face his wife. Knowing what made this day so special. He finally thought of a plan to save his hide. He rushed into the house and said, “Honey, get your best dress on. We are going to paint the town red to celebrate this outstanding day in our lives!” While she was getting ready he rushed down to the florist and bought her a lovely bouquet of flowers. He took her to the most expensive restaurant in town. He had spent $150.00 to celebrate this day and he didn’t even know what he was celebrating.  It was on the way home that he finally discovered what day it was. His wife snuggled real close to him, placed her arm around his shoulder, planted a soft kiss on his cheek and said, “Honey, this is the best celebration of groundhog day that we have ever enjoyed together.  Introduction:For the past month, we have been celebrating our call to reach the One. All of this is based off the example of Jesus when he left the 99 and went after the One. Several weeks ago, I called your attention to the passage in Luke 15 where Jesus tells 3 parables where something was lost and then was recovered or found. The parables are the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost (boy) son. Have you noticed that every time that chapter the lost was recovered they celebrated! It stuck me that whether it is Old Testament or New Testament God’s Word lays out a pattern for Biblical Celebrations praising God for His provision and supply to us. We Celebrate today because …I.               God is Good (Psa. 118:1) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good There is a phrase often repeated in church – God is good All the Time, and All the Time God is Good! (Say it with me…) But what about those times when …. Things aren’t going to well? More month than money … Unexpected surprises us…  it may be more difficult to recall God's goodness. In those times we have to reach down into what we know, not what we feel, and on purpose declare that no matter what, GOD IS GOOD. Jesus promised in 

Un-fazed SeriesLiving with Confidence in a Troubled WorldUn-fazed by CultureMarch 11, 2018 I’m excited about the new series we are starting this morning. The series I’m calling, “Un-fazed.” Maybe that term isn’t familiar to you. To be fazed (spell it out) is to be confused, shocked, surprised, deterred, thrown or flustered. This morning part one is “Un-fazed By Culture.” Now we are very naive if we think we are unaffected by our culture. Culture is a very powerful force that can be good, or it can be bad. (In our connect groups we have been having discussions about this.) Culture has its good and redeeming qualities as well as the bad and very ugly elements. The Bible, God’s Word seeks to help us establish the way to live that gives us stability and confidence in a troubled world! This is what the writer of the Psalms 73 is talking about. Sometime today read the entire Psalm and soak in its meaning and message. But for the sake of time this morning we are going to read a select portion of it. Following along… Ps 73:1-5, 13-17, 28Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.     13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.14 All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. 15 If I had said, "I will speak thus, “I would have betrayed your children. 16 When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. 28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. NIV God’s Word tells us we can live with confidence in a troubled world! That… We can be unfazed by our cultureI.               By Avoiding Envy (Psa. 73:3) 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Envy is a cruel taskmaster! Numerous people are ruled by its harsh demands. I’m talking about Envy or the feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. The quotes of several people remind how those who have been phased by it are affected. ·       "I defy you to show me an envious man who is a happy man" (Billy Graham)·       "Of all the 7 deadly sins, envy's the only one that's 'no fun at all'" (Joseph Epstein). ·       "Envy remains thoroughly unenviable" (Graham Tomlin). Not only will envy NOT make us happy it is clear….a.    Envy is a slippery slope (v. 2) This verse states it 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.                                              i.     Envy will cause you to lose your footing and slip spiritually                                            ii.     It means it leads to deeper depths of sin & destruction[ Remember the Story of Achan]b.    Envy is blinding (v.4 & 5) ·      There is a reason that the phrase. “Blinded by envy” was coined!·  &

Unfazed SeriesLiving with Confidence in a Troubled WorldUn-fazed by Intimidation March 18, 2018 I am delighted that you have joined us today for worship and the preaching of this second message in the “Unfazed Series.” Remember to be fazed is to be distracted or thrown by something (Like Paul Blart the Mall Cop) Satan is a master at distraction! Some listening to me today have been distracted by him and are not even aware of it. Remember that he is a master at deception. He will us numerous ways and means to throw you to distract you. He has gotten you to take your eyes and focus off God and his direction. Last week – Distracted by Culture – Psalms 73 – Download our app and you can listen/watch on your phone. I am convinced that one of his most successful ways of fazing believers is intimidation. He used intimidation against:·      Israel to delay their entrance into the promised land (We can’t take it – Giants!)·      The Israelite army was intimidated by Goliath·      Peter was intimidated in the courtyard outside Jesus trial·      Today people are intimidated by the fear of people Fortunately, God’s word gives us direction to be unfazed by intimidation and live with confidence in a troubled world. Go with me to Psalms 3 and follow along as I read it. Ps 3:1-8O Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." 3 But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift b up my head. 4 To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. 6 I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. 7 Arise, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8 From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. NIV Background on the text:Most believe that this psalm is written by David as he is running from his own son Absalom. Absalom had been banished by his father David from the palace because of his taking vengeance by murdering his half-sisters’ rapist. This powerful real-life drama has numerous spiritual lessons for us.  Absalom is eventually let back to the city and sits out city gate. There he uses manipulation to wrestle the kingdom and take the throne from his father King David. David flees the palace and runs for his life as Absalom uses devious, treachery to displace him. The details of all this can be found in 2 Samuel chapters 13 -18. David is definitely feeling intimidated, his security is shaken, his confidence is rattled, and doubts begin to creep in and cloud his heart and mind. That’s how the psalm starts but there is a transformation process reveal in the text. It reveals how you and I can live unfazed by intimidation. David shows us that to be unfazed by intimidation we must….I.              Rehearse Your Pressures to God (vs. 1-2) O Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." Obviously, David is being intimidated by his enemies and Satan is magnifying them to David. There seem to be 3 categories:a.    Foes/Adversaries (v.1)Reading this it almost seems that David is surprised that there are enemies who stand opposed to Him. It’s safe to say that there had always been some that opposed and were adversaries or foes. Those loyal to King Saul, those who hated God, those who thought David should rule differently. This is borne out by 2 Samuel where we read: As King David was escaping from Jerusalem, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out and cursed him.  Shimei pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were all around th

Unfazed Series Unfazed by Bad Influence – Part3 March 25, 2018   Ps 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prosper. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. NIV Influence is a powerful force. Influence is an invisible print on us! One of my mentors, Doctor Richard Dobbins, who greatly influenced my life has said, “Throughout our lives, in both subtle and profound ways, we leave "invisible imprints" that influence the people around us for better or for worse. And, they leave their imprints on us. Some people call these "vibes" or "impressions." These unique imprints, planted firmly in our minds, and fixed in our memories, make a lasting contribution to our identity. They can be hurtful or helpful. They can lead us to success or failure.” True be told, good influence can be like spinach was to Popeye the Sailor and bad influence like kryptonite to Superman. That is the reason the Bible gives us guidance like it does in our text Psalm 1 God’s word teaches us that we can be unfazed and live with confidence in a troubled world when we … I.    Retreat from Bad Influence (Psa. 1:1) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. Notice that there are three metaphors of posture mention in the verse. The first is “walking in the counsel of the wicked”. This means: a.    Bad Thinking – (counsel) Thoughts and thinking are powerful forces that influence us. Our minds are like supercomputers but like a pc, if you put garbage in you’ll get garbage out.  If it’s true we are what we eat, then it follows we become what we think. The second metaphor is, “standing in the way of sinners”, which is: b.    Bad Behaving – (the way we live) It might be said following the way or lifestyle of sinners.  The bible clearly means the works of the fallen nature             Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. NIV The third metaphor is, “sit in the seat of mockers”, which is: c.    Bad Relationships (who hang with) God in his word has said, “Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character.” I Cor. 15:33 Play the Video: The Wrong Crowd 2:27 Someone coined the phrase, “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action; reap a habit; sow a habit reap a character; sow a character reap a destiny.” Here is the point. To live unfazed by bad influence we must retreat from it, run from it – ask God and He will provide a way of escape. Then the text teaches us that we can be unfazed by bad influence and live with confidence in a troubled world when we … II.    Reflect on God’s Word (Psa. 1:2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. Note not enough to flee or retreat must replace the bad with the good and power word of God. Many people read God’s Word at least once a week, fewer read several times a week, fewer yet 4 or more times.  The psalmist in our text is clearly talking about more that the casual and occasion engagement of the Word. He says to be unfazed (influenced) by bad character: a.    Delights