Scripture Reading - Colossians 1:24-2:5

oikonomia: the implementation of Jesus’ Mission on earth

oikos + nomos = oikonomia

oikos: an extended family

nomos: management, law, principle, or system

Reminder: denial & sacrifice to your own well being for the sake of someone else’s benefit is oikonomia at its best

Christ in you is real hope for others: Will you let your life be a life-changer for others?

To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. (Colossians 1:29).

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ. (Colossians 2:2).

Scripture Reading - Ephesians 1:1-14

oikonomia: the implementation of Jesus’ Mission on Earth

Reminder: denial & sacrifice to your own well being for the sake of someone else’s benefit is oikonomia at its best

oikos + nomos = oikonomia

oikos: an extended family

nomos: management, law, principle, or system

The English word economics comes from the Greek word oikonomia.

God’s economy (His stewardship plan) continues to move through the local church family unit

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:11).

Scripture Reading - Luke 16: 1-15

Common ways oikonomia (“stewardship”) is translated into English: Caretaker, Manager, Custodian, Ambassador, Warden, Guardian

oikonomia: the implementation of God’s plan on earth

oikonomeo: the execution of God’s plan on earth (verb)

oikonomos: the person actually doing God’s plan on earth

Dishonesty to your own well being for the sake of someone else’s benefit is oikonomia at its best.

“The master commended the dishonest “steward” because he had acted shrewdly...I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:8-9).

oikonomia (“stewardship”) 101...try this and watch: When during the day can you be dishonest (read: injustice, inconvenience, sacrifice) to yourself so that someone else would benefit?

Scripture Readings - 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12

-It really is true that we get to know people by their actions.

-That is why when most people think of saints they think of people who act in a particular way…people who are exceptionally caring and selfless…people who sacrifice a great deal so that others might have better lives.

-The saints we remember this weekend are all the people of God…saints because of what God has done for them in Jesus to save them from sin and give them life in His Kingdom!

-Today we remind ourselves that as children of God we are now called by God to live every day as His saints in this world.

-As saints we realize we are steward managers of everything God gives us and how we use the time He gives us every day will give evidence we are His children.

-On a day we remember the saints who have preceded us to God’s presence, we pray that God might use us as He used them for us!

Scripture Readings - Galatians 1:6-10; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

The Reformation Tension over the last 500 years:

1. Standing on Grace, Faith, & Scripture Alone

Getting the right things right

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all...But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!... I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! (Galatians 1:6-9)

2. AND Pursuing Unity

Having hearts that cause the least division possible

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Cor. 1:10)

Scripture Reading - Romans 11:33-12:2

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 11:33-12:2)

Scripture Reading - Matthew 15:21-28

The need for Bible translation in 2017

7,100 636 3,874 180 million

The call to Botswana

2.1 million people, 31 languages

The hard words of Jesus

How do we respond?

The Bakgalagari people

Who are the marginalized in your life?

There are marginalized people all around us, just like Jesus’ day. However, they can be hard to recognize if your eyes aren’t open. Are you looking?

How can you lift them up?

What do these people need? How is God calling you to respond to the words of Jesus? How is He calling you to respond to the example of Jesus?

Get out there people of God!

Scripture Reading - Galatians 5:1-26

The basic life of a Christian is summed up in two words “Loved and Sent”

In Galatians 5, Paul tells us that our lives are either: In our sinful natures

“If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Galatians 5:15

Or in the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

The Challenge: You are Sent

Live a life in the Spirit. Now.

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

Scripture Reading - Matthew 18:1-9

Let’s talk about “sin”

“Sin” is not simply bad behavior.

“Sin” is when these arrows get crossed and confused.

“If anyone causes one of these little ones-- those who believe in me-- to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! (Matthew 18:6-7)

Crossing & confusing the arrows scares the children. Stop scaring the children!

Uncrossing the arrows...for the children!

Stop asking “am I okay with God?” (You are!)

Start asking “am I okay with my family member, friend, ____________?”

(you might have some work to do)

Scripture Reading - Romans 8:31-39

The basic life of a Christian is summed up in two simple words: Loved and Sent

Our Idea of Love

Is demanding, seeks fault, and is fickle

God’s Love

Is Forgiving: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all.” (Romans 8:32)

Is Transforming: “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

Is Steadfast: “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

God’s love makes you who you are, and nothing will ever change that.