Mattoon East Side Church of the Nazarene

Morning Worship Sermon with Rev. Bud HanceScripture referenceEphesians 2:4-104 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.Amazing grace, how sweet the soundThat saved a wretch like me.I once was lost, but now am foundWas blind but now I see.~ (John Newton)Grace may come in various forms, both in Scripture and in life, but the nature of grace remains the same.Grace defies our human categories of relationships and transactions.The simplest definition of grace is “gift.”2 Corinthians 8:99 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.The desire to repay the favor/gift negates the power of the gift.God’s essential nature is holy love, which means God’s characteristic action is divinely self-giving, poured-out grace.Justice is getting what you deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you do not deserve.Foundness delights the heart of God! Grace overcomes wandering, lostness, and infidelity.Grace is not about who deserves to be paid and how much; it is about underserving persons who are given gifts anyway. 1. Grace is personal. a. Grace is not a thing. b. Grace comes to us in the person of Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ is grace; grace is Jesus Christ.Acts 9:17-1817 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once2. Grace is costly.“Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon His Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered Him up for us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God. ~ (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)3. Grace is Amazing.Grace is free only because the giver Himself has borne the cost.

Morning Worship Sermon with Rev. Bud HanceScripture reference1 John 5:1313 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God..This last paragraph of John’s letter is what we would call a postscript or addition. The letter ends with a statement of the very essence of the Christian life. The essence of the Christian life is eternal life. What is eternal life, and what are its gifts and characteristics? The Greek word for eternal *(aionios; Pron. ahee-o’-nee-os) means more than simply lasting forever. A life which lasts for ever might well be a curse rather than a gift. There is only one person to whom the word eternal *(aionios; Pron. ahee-o’-nee-os) may properly be applied, and that one person is God. In the real sense of the word it is God alone who possesses and who inhabits eternity. So then, eternal life is nothing other than the life of God Himself. What we are promised is that here and now we can be given a share in the very life of God. Someone say, “All praise be to God”!We live in a world, where everyone longs for, and is in need of peace. Real peace! It can be found. In God there is peace, and therefore, eternal life means serenity (peace of mind, composure, calmness, patience). Eternal life means real peace!We live in a world filled with fear. Eternal life means a life liberated from the fears which haunt the human situation. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4) He Himself is our peace (Eph. 2:14). God’s peace is not just a sense of well-being, but well-being itself, given to the believer from God himself. God’s peace is “the peace that surpasses all understanding [which] will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6). Eternal life is knowing God’s peace.We live in a world where there is an insatiable desire for power. But the power sought by the world (unbelievers) is selfish, and demonic. God is all-power! “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.” (1 Chron. 29:11) Eternal life in Christ means a life filled with the power which is the power of God, a life victorious over sin, and over circumstance. In God there is holiness, and therefore, eternal life means the defeat of sin. Eternal life means a life clothed and covered with the purity which is the purity of God. A life armed with a sure defense against the soiling, corrupting infections of the world. In God there is love. Eternal life means the end of bitterness and hatred. It means a life which has the love of God in its heart.In God there is life. Eternal life means the ultimate defeat of death. It means a life which is indestructible, because it has in it the indestructible life of God Himself.Eternal life comes through Jesus Christ and in no other way. We can only possess eternal life when we know God, and when we are enabled to approach God, and to rest in Him. We can only do these two things in Jesus Christ. Why? Because the Son alone fully knows the Father, and therefore, only Jesus Christ can fully reveal to us what God is like. God’s Word clearly states this:John 1:1818 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.Jesus Christ alone can bring us into the presence of God. It is in Jesus that there is open to us the new and living way into the presence of God. Hebrews 10:19-2319 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Prie(continued)

Morning Worship Sermon with Rev. Bud HanceScripture referenceProverbs 16:1616 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.Men work hard to obtain money, for money answers all things – it supplies necessities for life (Prov. 16:26; Eccl. 10:12). There are people who attend school for many years; they undergo training after that; they put forth great effort; they endure many difficulties; they fret when there is not enough; they devise plans to acquire more; they beg for God’s assistance. But how many apply these kinds of efforts to obtain wisdom and understanding? What about you?Wisdom is power of right judgment – the ability to know the best response to any situation to please God and find His favor. No wonder David told Solomon to get wisdom and understanding above all else (Prov. 4:5-9)! So when God offered Solomon any request, he chose wisdom above all else 1 Kings 3:5-14)! Most men apply their greatest desire, planning, effort, and time to the pursuit of money - gold or silver. Solomon warns and instructs us that wisdom is greater than any amount of money!As we begin a new school year I think it is appropriate to speak about wisdom. We need wisdom! (Tell your neighbor) Wisdom is a theme that permeates Scripture. It is thoroughly covered throughout both the O.T. and the N.T.Proverbs 10:2323 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.Psalm 111:1010 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.James 1:55 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.Ephesians 5:15-1715 Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.These are just a few out of hundreds of Scriptural admonishments to seek wisdom from above. Wisdom and the gospel life is a theme crucial to the gospel ministries of evangelism, discipleship, and Christian parenting. In addition, wisdom is a blessing of common grace granted by God to a world of impenitent sinners in His unfathomable kindness. So let’s consider gospel wisdom.Gospel WisdomThrough gospel evangelism, the grace of God grants sinners the wisdom to confess their sins and flee to the Son of God, who alone can and will save them from sin’s guilt and power. PPFurthermore, gospel-saturated discipleship allows saved sinners to employ the twofold, interdependent God-given means of acquiring wisdom - prayer in faith and “the hearing and doing” of God’s Word - as identified in the book of James, which is often considered the New Testament book of wisdom. Additionally, wisdom is a desired objective in Christian parenting, as clearly commended in Proverbs. Its value is illustrated in the repetitive summation of the effects of Mary and Joseph’s parenting in the life of Jesus. As Jesus embarks upon adolescence, the gospel of Luke sums up His childhood in this manner: Luke 2:4040 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor) of God was upon Him.Another summary statement of parental focus highlights the importance of developing wisdom as Christ enters manhood: Luke 2:5252 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.Without doubt, these verses require much more consideration than we have time for this morning, but we can at least observe that in the limited amount of Scripture describing the parental activity of Joseph and Mary, we are repeatedly informed that Jesus was “increasing in wisdom.” Parents and Grandparents, let us make it our priority to impart and model the wisdom of God and His Word to the children under our influence - no matter(continued)

Morning Worship Sermon with Rev. Bud HanceText: Matthew 4:18-2018 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.We’ve all received invitations at one time or another. We may have been invited to a birthday party, a wedding, a graduation, an anniversary, or even to attend church. But as special as these invitations are, they simply cannot compare to the invitation of Jesus Christ. The invitation to follow Him. This is this greatest invitation of all! Jesus' call to follow Him is more than an invitation to pray a prayer. It is a summons to lose your life and find new life and ultimate joy in him. It is an invitation to go on an adventure with the best friend you will ever have. Contrary to popular thought, the Christian life is far more than right belief. It is far more than intellectual assent. It is an invitation to a journey with Jesus. This journey, in contemporary language, is most often called discipleship. Discipleship is to follow the way of Jesus with Jesus. Sadly, many have falsely believed that becoming a Christian (following Jesus) equates to a newfound life of ease. No more trials, burdens, or difficulties. But this is not true. We still live and breathe in a fallen world. And the journey with Jesus will at times have twists and turns, and steep inclines in the road. But the end goal of discipleship forever remains the same: to be like Christ.There may be those who think this journey is impossible. In fact, it is impossible unless we make the journey with Jesus. Jesus said in John chapter 14:John 14:6Jesus is not speaking of a mere contractual agreement to be made with God. He is saying that discipleship takes place in a relational way. Way, Truth, and Life are not philosophical or life principles. Way, Truth, and Life are a Person. Real life as God intended is fulfilled in and through Jesus. The grace journey, the Christian life is relational to the core.The Apostle Paul tells clearly what it looks like for those who have answered the invitation to follow Jesus, Who is the Way, the Truth, the Life:Colossians 1:13Discipleship (following Jesus) is “immigration from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God’s Son”. It is moving from one country to another. It is changing citizenship and allegiances made possible only by the grace of God in Jesus Christ. This immigration to God’s kingdom is not just a matter of being teleported to a different realm; we now also acclimate to a new way of life, learn a new language, acquire new habits - and unlearn the habits that are of the kingdom of this world (Satan/darkness). This is possible only if we come to Jesus, and follow Jesus. Jesus is the Way for the way. Jesus’ statement, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life,” comes from what is referred to as The Last Discourse (John 14-17). It was made to His disciples during the hours just before His Passion and death on the cross. We could say this was the last will and testament of Jesus Christ. Now, Jesus makes this truth statement right on the heels of delivering incredibly bad news to His disciples. He washes their feet in an upper room, tells them that very soon all of them will betray Him, and then informs them that He is leaving and they cannot go with Him (John 13:33). This upsets and troubles the disciples greatly! In an attempt to comfort them, Jesus tells them:John 14:1-4Of all the disciples, Thomas, the one called the doubter, had the presence of mind to identify the elephant in the room and ask what was on everyone’s mind: “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:5)APPLICATION: Life is like that, isn’t it? There are times when we find ourselves wondering which way to turn. Times when we thought we knew where we (continued)

SERMON NOTESMatthew 28:18-2018 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.Baptism is an expression of saving faith.Baptism is God-ordained and commanded by Jesus.Baptism is an act of obedience to our Savior.Baptism unites us with Christ by identifying us with His death, burial, and resurrection.Romans 6:3-4Romans 6:5-7Baptism identifies us with the body of Christ (the Church)..1 Corinthians 12:12-13Galatians 3:26-27Baptism gives public testimony of the Holy Spirit’s inward work of washing away our sins.1 Peter 3:21What really saves us is the answer of a good conscience toward God, a conscience made good through the completed work of Jesus.1 Corinthians 6:111. The restoration by Christ to our intended status with God.1 Peter 2:9-10Romans 6:3-4Sin willfully demeans and devalues the price Christ paid to be marked with the scars of the cross.Romans 6:10-12Any life in which sin is conquered is a good life worth celebrating.Philippians 2:12-132. Our acceptance into the family of God.1 Corinthians 12:13Galatians 3:26-29There must be no barriers in Christ’s Church.

Morning Worship Sermon with Rev. Bud HanceScripture referenceEphesians 5:25-2725 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Morning Worship Sermon with Rev. Bud HanceScripture referenceEphesians 5:25-2725 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Morning Worship Sermon with Rev. Bud HanceScripture referenceEphesians 5:25-2725 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Morning Worship Sermon with Rev. Bud HanceScripture referenceLuke 19:1010 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Morning Worship Sermon with Rev. Bud HanceScripture referenceGalatians 5:13-2613 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.