Wilderness Wanderings

A Sunday Sermon edition of Wilderness Wanderings! The text is Ephesians 4:1-16. Dive In discussion questions are below for further reflection!

To see this sermon in the context of the worship service it comes from, find it here on YouTube. Or, head to our website to connect with the worshiping community of Immanuel CRC: immanuelministries.ca

Dive In!

1. ________ is the ________ of the church. He gives ________ to _________ people so that they ___________ and become like ___________.
2. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have ____, and that they might have it more _________". List some the passage that give depth to this statement. Take time to read them later.
3. The Building Blocks of Faith are _____________ needs that Jesus supplies.
4. What verses describe our calling? Ephesians 4:________.
5. How are we equipped?
6. What is the initial purpose of equipping?
7. What is the ultimate purpose of the equipping?

The Lord spoke to Moses in the Desert of Sinai in the first month of the second year after they came out of Egypt. He said, "Have the Israelites celebrate the Passover at the appointed time (Numbers 9:1-2).

We all experience times when our lives feel like a desert; life comes apart, dreams die, and help is nowhere to be found. It's not always major tragedy that leads to the desert; small things piled up can do it, too.

The Bible includes several important desert experiences. In those spaces, idols are stripped away, human strategies are shown to be useless; there is fear and loneliness. We are likely to experience what some call ego desperation – acknowledging that our life is not in our control. The pillars of human power, pleasure, and possession are smashed. We feel powerless, miles away from sources of immediate gratification, the owner of little or nothing of material value. One cannot barter one's way out of loneliness and silence. We can only wait until it passes on the wings of faith and hope.

Survival experts have strategies for making the most of a desert situation; in the same way, the Bible offers us strategies for thriving in spiritual deserts. One strategy is remembering previous rescues by our faithful God.

He brought Israel out of Egypt. She spent centuries in bondage, but God remembered his people and freed them after sending ten plagues upon the Egyptians. These plagues were a polemic against the Egyptian gods: they worshiped the Nile, so God turned it into blood; they worshiped the sun, so God made it dark. The final plague was the death angel passing over Egypt and killing the first-born child in every home.

God protected the first-born child of every Israelite by commanding them to kill an unblemished lamb, sprinkle its blood on the doorposts of their homes. When the angel saw the blood on the doorposts, he spared the child in that home. The feast instituted to celebrate that event was called Passover.

The blood of the lamb protected the child inside the home. Israel's first rescue was God's deliverance from Egyptian slavery. But in the desert, it's difficult to remember. So, God tells Israel to celebrate the Passover – remember God's mighty acts.

This is a major reason Christians gather for worship services – to remember God's mighty act of redemption in Jesus Christ. While at worship, we are reminded of God's love for us and our faith and hope are renewed. When you are in the desert, do not neglect to gather with God's people. As difficult as it often is, go and be reminded. Remember our God.

As you journey on, go with his blessing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

For [God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).

One of the chief elements of the Christian faith is comfort. This is not about being comfortably curled up on the couch with a good book or movie. It is about confidence and hope. This comfort is that we belong body and soul, in life and in death to our faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.

How can we be sure of this?

The temptation is that we look for security in ourselves, in the depth of our faith or the width of our holiness. The Heidelberg Catechism points us in a different direction. This comfort is in Christ Jesus, in what he has done and in his character. It summarizes Christ's work with, "He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil". Further, there is only one adjective, faithful, used to describe Jesus.

The writer of Hebrews says, "Since the children (that's us) have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death" (Hebrews 2:14-15).

There is profound comfort here. We face each spiritual battle and each temptation the devil sends our way with profound confidence. The outcome of our fight against evil is already guaranteed. We may lose skirmishes along the way, but the war is won. The battle between David and Goliath is inserted at the very beginning of David's biblical arc because of the confident humility he shows while facing off against the giant, "The battle is the Lord's," he says (1 Samuel 17:47). David doesn't need sword and armor, only the Lord.

The devil may still accuse us of being unworthy of God's affection. We may wonder at God's providence when we peruse the pain of life on earth. Doubts may creep into our hearts as we recognize the very slow progress we make in the Christian life. Against those things we see the cross of Jesus. He gave his life for us. Plain and simple. He was willing to pay the highest price. We belong.

Therefore, this confession gives us the courage to face our own humanity and sin. No matter what we have done or what people are now saying about us, the truth of this confession stands firm. We belong because God has rescued us. And the fact is, God is faithful. He will not let us go.

Paul writes, May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." And he finishes with, "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

This does not make us passive. Like David, we engage in the fight. We strive for holiness and desire the fruit of the Spirit in us. Like David, we are not afraid. We delight in God's grace. He will bring us through. Praise the Lord!

As you journey on, receive Jesus' invitation:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).

Our workplaces and other spaces we inhabit need Christians who understand that their presence matters. Christianity does not always produce the transformation we would expect. Some lights are too dim.

It is relatively easy to do the right thing when everyone else is doing the right thing. It is easy to practice integrity in a culture of integrity. It is easy to pursue justice when justice is already valued. It is easy to refuse corruption when corruption isn't an option.

But what happens when we are surrounded by dishonesty, bribery, exploitation, injustice, or unethical practices? That is when our light becomes particularly visible. It is easy to be light in a room of light, but to be light in a room of darkness is more difficult. Then we get noticed. Then we are unique. Then we may not be wanted, for our light exposes the darkness of others.

God calls us to bear the fruit of His Kingdom in every season. Even during drought. Even when injustice appears to be winning. Even when corruption seems normal. We are called to bear the light of justice when injustice surrounds us. We are called to hold the light of integrity when dishonesty is profitable. We are called to extend the fruit of generosity when everyone else is pursuing more. We are called to uphold the fruit of excellence when mediocrity has become acceptable. We are called to carry the fruit of truth when lies are easier.

That is what it means to be light.

Sarah is a small business owner in Uganda. When she came to understand this teaching of the light she changed. She says, "I began keeping proper records, organizing my shop, and serving every customer with genuine attention and respect. My work became a daily offering to the Lord, bringing me renewed joy and purpose. I make sure my measurements are accurate and my prices are fair. I refuse to sell expired products or mislead customers. When a supplier accidentally delivered an extra sack of flour, I contacted them and returned it. My honesty opened an opportunity for me to explain that I run my business for God's glory—not merely for profit.

"Before, my work was just work and my faith was for Sunday. Now every bag I lift, every coin I count, and every person who walks through my door is an opportunity to worship and to witness."

To shine the light of Jesus must become our vision. Ask yourself: What do I want my life to be? Do I want to influence the environment around me? Does my integrity, excellence, treatment of others, leadership, and decision-making point people toward Jesus? Is there any wrong thing I accept because everyone is doing it? Where have I allowed "normal" to replace "right"?

Change begins by asking God for help.

As you journey on, go with his blessing:

Wherever God takes you today, may He fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit and that you may live carefully—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.

A Sunday Sermon edition of Wilderness Wanderings! The text is Zephaniah 3:9-17. Dive In discussion questions are below for further reflection!

To see this sermon in the context of the worship service it comes from, find it here on YouTube. Or, head to our website to connect with the worshiping community of Immanuel CRC: immanuelministries.ca

Dive In!

1. What are the four building blocks of faith?
2. Zephaniah can be summed up as, "God is coming!" Will that be good or bad for Israel? Why?
3. What is the first fear that is gone?
4. In this text God saves us so that we what?
5. What three enemies were highlighted?
6. How does this passage anticipate Christmas?
7. What is the king doing? Does that comfort you?

"Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own (Habakkuk 1:5-6).

The book of Habakkuk is a dialogue between the prophet and God, taking place while a Jehoiakim was king of Judah. His reign was marked by injustice, treachery, and bloodshed. The priests taught whatever they wanted. The rich and powerful increased their wealth and power while the rest struggled to survive.

Habakkuk's prayers are angry. The prayers of the righteous have fallen on deaf ears. Where in the world is God in the middle of all this? The prophet shakes his fist towards heaven, "How long are you going to let this go on? What about your promises that Abraham will be a blessing to the nations? How can this nation be a blessing to anyone?"

A fair few of us can empathize with Habakkuk. Chaos, violence and injustice seem to increase daily. Various wars and disasters headline ever newscast. And God is sidelined. Military chaplains are no longer allowed to mention god while at work. We too might cry, "How long?"

In our text, God answers. And his answer is very unexpected. He is still at work. But he is going to use those vile and violent Babylonians. Why? He will answer injustice with injustice, violence with violence, power with power, lawlessness with lawlessness. As Judah has done, it will be done to her.

Instead of pressing on towards his Kingdom on earth, God seems to be heading in the opposite direction; instead of peace, he ordains war; instead of security, he ordains violence; instead of good, he ordains evil; instead of life, he ordains death.

We don't like to think about God this way. But it is a theme that runs through the Bible. In Psalm 81, God says, "But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. So, I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices" (11,12). This is echoed in Romans 1 and Ephesians 4. When people insist on lawlessness, God sometimes gives in, and civilizations collapse. Evil never produces life, only death.

The turmoil and violence and death of our world may not be evidence of God's absence but his judgment as he pursues his purpose, the full coming of the kingdom of his Son. Who of us can understand how he chooses to accomplish his goals? None understood Jesus' crucifixion as God plan; that this was the Christ who would sit at God's right hand.

What should we do? Follow Habakkuk. Pray. Pray that God will bring a better day. Pray as Jesus taught us, "Your kingdom come." And pray that God will preserve his people during the evil days.

As you journey on, go with his blessing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine" (Isaiah 43:1).

At many graduation ceremonies, some speaker will offer something to the tune of, "Your life is in your hands. You are the master of your own fate. So, dream your own dreams, set your goals high, reach for the stars, work hard, and you can be whatever you want to be."

Very few are taken in by this rubbish. We are too in touch with our own limitations to believe that any of this is true. Each of us can only be the persons we are—with our unique histories and abilities along with our weaknesses and sins. These constraints keep most of us well grounded on the earth.

Further, everyone quickly learns that many aspects of life are out of our control. We can eat well and exercise appropriately and still find ourselves with a life altering disease too early. We may study hard and still not get accepted into our university of choice. Market fluctuations caused by unknown agents effect our employment and retirement opportunities. Driving carefully does not shield us from the carelessness of other drivers.

Life is not in our control. This is a sobering reality which frightens many. There is little we can do to change this situation. It is into this fear that the Heidelberg Catechism begins its exploration of the Christian faith. In answer to the question, "What is your only comfort?" the answer comes, "That I am not my own, but belong-body and soul, in life and in death-to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ".

This is a sweeping and bold profession, full of reassurance against the uncertainties of life. It does not suggest that tragedy will not strike. Rather, it assures that no mater what happens to us, we belong to God.

In this answer, the Catechism teaches that God is as concerned about our bodies as our souls. It refuses to follow the track that suggests the physical is of lesser value than the spiritual. That is why I take this confession with me to the cemetery. When body and soul are temporarily separated by physical death, God still holds the loved one. Death cannot separate us from our Father in heaven.

But this confession should not be saved only for such occasions. When we use it as a last cheer-me-up when everything else has failed we may find that it does not have the desired effect. Christian comfort will show its power for the dying when it is used as daily vitamins by the living. It invites us to live as comforted people this day.

This belief is not a bomb shelter to hide in when life is leaving us. These are the prescriptions by which we live today.

Often, at tourists traps one can buy some clothing that says, "I am the property of…" and then the name of wherever one is. Christians have engraved on their hearts, "I am the property of Jesus Christ, Lord of the universe." This is the conviction that brings us through each day, and as we live into it, we can approach life and death with confidence.

As you journey on, receive Jesus' invitation:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. (Matthew 5:13-14).

Salt changes what it touches. Meat and vegetables taste different when salt is added. They also don't spoil as quickly. Salt remains salt—but it changes what it touches. Jesus called His followers "the salt of the earth." That is the calling of a Christian in the workplace. We are not called to become like the culture around us. We are called to influence it.

A Christian teacher should not behave like every other teacher. A Christian accountant should be distinguishable from other accountants by her character. A Christian employee should not compromise simply because "everyone does it." A Christian politician should lead with greater hope then others.

We often ask the question, "What is God doing here?" We should also ask, "What does God want me to do here?" Our presence should make a difference.

John Wesley recognized this when he wrote, "The Gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social religion; no holiness but social holiness." As Christians, we should not live in isolation from folks around us. Our faith must affect how we treat people, how we conduct business, how we exercise authority, how we use money, how we respond to injustice, and how we make decisions.

We should not be afraid to be involved in government, in business, in public education, in civil services, or in advocacy for justice. If we withdraw from the places where decisions are made, resources are allocated, people are employed, and communities are shaped, who will bring the values of God's Kingdom into those places?

But being salt is by no means easy. It will usually run counter to the prevailing culture. Thus, saltiness begins with prayer. There is no saltier prayer than the one Jesus taught us which being, "Our Father in heaven…" It asks for God's kingdom to come to this earth, and the only way it can come is through Christians.

Saltiness also takes patience. Cultures change slowly. We must trust that God is at work recognizing that his kingdom often comes in hidden forms. It's also helpful to have other Christinas supporting us, shoring us up like Aaron and Hur held up Moses's arms (cf. Exodus 17).

As you journey on, go with his blessing:

Wherever God takes you today, may He fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit and that you may live carefully—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity

A Sunday Sermon edition of Wilderness Wanderings! The text is Ephesians 1:15-23. Dive In discussion questions are below for further reflection!

To see this sermon in the context of the worship service it comes from, find it here on YouTube. Or, head to our website to connect with the worshiping community of Immanuel CRC: immanuelministries.ca

Dive In!

1. What are the four building blocks of faith?
2. What illustration was used to help us understand "walking with God?"
3. In Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, deism describes a _______ god.
4. God wants you ______________. God want to restore us to ________________ with him.
5. God wants to __________ with you. What words in the Bible illustrate this?
6. God wants you to __________ him. The Spirit's two primary tools for knowing God are _______________ and __________? What person embodies the entire story of the Bible?
7. What one thing will you do to walk more closely with God?

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6).

Life is not always easy. When its difficult, we get weary, even spiritually tired. Our souls can become parched. What do we do when the well is dry?

In 1 Samuel 30, when David and his men return from a military mission, they found their camp "destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive." Their enemy, the Amalekites, had come in while they were gone, burned their camp, and taken their families prisoner. The things they owned, the people they loved ... gone.

Then this, "each one was bitter in spirit" and David's own men were even "talking of stoning him." It was a dark, dark moment. Yet, as everyone else was turning bitter and angry, "David found strength in the Lord his God." Here he is, standing amid the rubble of everything he had, having lost the people he loves most, while those he thought he could depend on were turning against him. All the wells he could go to for strength were dry.

Maybe you have been in such a place or are there now. All those places you would normally turn for the strength and encouragement aren't able to meet your need. You're feeling very alone. And bitterness, discouragement, anger, depression are starting to creep into your soul.

But at a moment like this, David remembered the spring! There is a spring that never runs dry, that's gushing water for our souls even in an unrelenting drought. David turned to the infinite resources of the Lord his God and found strength when it seemed no strength was possible. How much strength? David rallies his troops to defy the enemy who robbed them and to take back what was stolen. "David fought them from dusk until the evening of the next day, and not one of them got away ... David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken." All the ground that had been lost was retaken - because he downloaded strength from the Lord who was his God when all human strength was gone.

It is not time to give up, or to withdraw, or to slip into the darkness. Especially if there are other people looking to you, depending on you, like David. You'll need strength you don't have - that no one else can give you, except the awesome God we belong to. When we feel defeated, we should not go to the same old dry wells. Instead, we should turn to the gushing spring of the strength of God, whose strength and provision and joy is not rooted in circumstances, or feelings, or finances, or humans. He is the Lord who rules all the galaxies, and the Lord is our God! He is our Source.

Yes, the wells we've counted on may be dry. But no matter what we've lost, no matter how dark it looks, we've got a spring that never runs dry! As Jesus promised, "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them" (John 7:38).

As you journey on, go with his blessing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.