Devotions from Pastor Dale

Troubled Marriages Malachi 2:10-16

2012-01-27T06:52:00.000-06:00

Sermon NuggetsMon Jan 23

Verses- Mal 2:10-16

TroubledMarriages

Phillip Yancey awhile back wrote an articleregarding Midlife Crisis. He said, "If I heard that term one more time, Imay have one." The phrase commonly refers to the inner emotional strugglesof those between 35-55. However many people rationalize their sin where no longerdo they commit adultery and break up their marriages they "go throughmidlife crises." Arguments are almost by script.

"I have changed. I am different mantoday than when I married her. I must be true to myself, and follow who Ireally am as far as that leads me. I have spent all my time concerned forothers, now I must take care of me for awhile."

What that often means is another woman whotruly understands (which incidentally usually is 10 years younger and 15 poundslighter than his wife, and not often bound with the same responsibilities ofmotherhood.) Yancey asks this question "Can a person who is actively lustingobjectively examine himself and make a judgment about the future direction ofhis life without being affected by the lust itself?”

TheBible simply says there is no temptation which is taken you that is not commonto man But God is faithful and will provide an escape that you may be able toendure it." What is he saying? Don't make yourself an exception to God's rule. He will be with you towork out your struggle if you are willing to obey and trust Him.

Marriage is vitally important in many ways.For followers of Christ this is a spiritual commitment that affectsrelationships to God.

There were many sins of the people whichMalachi pointed out. The most important was to think they were honoring Godwith actions, while their hearts were complacent. Spiritual leaders were inneed of revival themselves. They were doing a job, not a ministry. They were notinstructing the people in the revealed word of truth, they were not correctingthe people in disobedience. Commitment to Christ means a life change of heartand body and soul. Lack of commitment to God affects all the other areas of ourlives. Perhaps the closest of all relationships next to the Lord is that of amarriage partner. God's intent for marriage has never been that it be aprivately arranged affair for one's own personal conveniences. Marriage is avery solemn covenant entered into in the presence of God. The obligations of marriageare not to be taken lightly. This weekwe will look at some things regarding marriage and divorce.

Pastor Dale

Sermon NuggetsTues Jan 24

Verses Mal2:10-13 -Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do weprofane the covenant of our fathers by breaking faith with one another?

¹¹ Judahhas broken faith. A detestable thing has been committed in Israel and inJerusalem: Judah has desecrated the sanctuary the LORD loves, by marrying thedaughter of a foreign god. ¹² As for the man whodoes this, whoever he may be, may the LORD cut him off from the tents ofJacob—even though he brings offerings to the LORD Almighty.

¹³ Anotherthing you do: You flood the LORD’s altar with tears. You weep and wail becausehe no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasurefrom your hands.

Unequally yokedaffects our Relationship to God.

There are three marital problems being addressed in the larger passage: themarrying of people who are not of the faith, adultery, and divorce. Theseare spiritual matters for the all involved the breaking of God's laws. Theyhold spiritual consequences. How is that? Because when we marry we are making aspiritual commitment to God. To break that commitment affects our ownrelationship to God. Look at verse 13.

People were complaining and crying that the Lord was not hearing their prayers andthey are wondering why? Yet they don't come to him in confession andrepentance, but in thinking that going through religious acts of sacrifice andtemple worship God is not keeping his part of the bargain of answering theirprayers and blessing their lives.

Ifyour spiritual life is in the pits, perhaps you need to re-evaluate yourrelationship with your spouse. If your relationship with your mate is havinggreat difficulty perhaps it's time to do spiritual evaluation.

Nowlet me explain again the problem with marrying foreign wives. People ofvarious nationalities then believed each group of people had their own god. Iunderstand some of the Native American tribes worshiped a different god or partof nature. They believed they got powers from that god- a crow, a buffalo, themoon, the eagle and so forth. When a member of one tribe married a member fromanother the problem wasn't racial, it was religious and cultural. Whose god isto be worshiped? This was more pronounced in Israel when they marriedforeign wives. They would bring in family idols and that was an offense to God.The was the problem with Solomon whose heart grow cold to Jehovah-God in hislater years.

The issue of the Israelites marrying women of a different race involved the introductionof the false gods being worshipped. It was perverting the faith. Indeed, ifpeople worshiped the true God there was no problem, as evidenced in the book ofRuth. She was a Moabite and was blessed for she accepted the true God. Rahabwas a gentile prostitute. But she changed allegiances and believed in the Godof Israel and all was forgiven.

So the matter is not a racial problem it is a spiritual problem.Questions of differing cultures may have a tremendous affect on how peoplecommunicate and act and think, but spiritually there is a big gulf if theSpirit of God resides in one and not the other. They don't even see things thesame way. That is why Christians are instructed not to marry non Christians. (2Cor 6:14) When you marry non-Christians your own faith will be challenged togrow colder or your marriage will, for the most important thing is seekingGod’s will in all of your life and if the spouse does not there is a majordifference in priorities.

The problem, of course, is a spiritual problem. It is a symptom not only acause. There is no question that adultery and divorce will also affectChristians in their spiritual relationship. Two people who love God with alltheir hearts will commit themselves to seeking solutions to resolveddifferences and work out together alternatives whereby they might support, loveand remain faithful to each other. I also know many try with all their heartsto make a marriage work, but have a mate who is not willing to work in therelationship any longer.

Many couples have no sense of the Biblical concept of marriage as a covenantestablished before God and man. On the one hand there is lot of premarital sexplay based on the physical excitement. On the other hand, there is no genuinesense of pledge of spiritual fidelity on the part of the husband and wife toeach other. Marriage is a spiritual commitment.

Pastor Dale

Sermon NuggetsWeds Jan 25

Verses Mal 2:¹³ Another thing you do: You flood the LORD’s altar with tears.You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings oraccepts them with pleasure from your hands. ¹⁴ Youask, “Why?” It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and thewife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is yourpartner, the wife of your marriage covenant.

Adultery affectsour Relationship to God.

There is no one who affects me more thanJudi and vice versa. When there is no a spiritual link between the husband andwife then there is a vast limited communication and understanding. God calls peopleinto a relationship as husband and wife to fulfill a spiritual task. Did youknow that? We are to affect one another but mostly to encourage one another inthe faith. God gives each different gifts and abilities to complement oneanother.

Whata joy when one prays for the other, and can discuss spiritual things togetherand teach one another characteristics that God uses in our own growth.

I am spiritually blessed because of Judi. Itrust that same is true. Almost all the fruit of the Spirit are the results of relationshipswhich we learn in marriage: love, long suffering, patience, goodness, kindness,gentleness, self-control. She is God's tool to help me and I am God's tool tohelp her.

How can that happen if one isn't abeliever? How can that happen if the marriage vows are broken? If a husband or wife cheats on their spouseit affects them and it affects their mate. Infidelity causes many marriages tocrumble. Why does it happen?

Some marriage partners are unfaithful onlymentally for a time, but then it yields to physical. Some people practiceextramarital sex to boost their own ego, or convince themselves they are stillattractive and important and appreciated by someone. Sometimes affairs are atool of vengeance to get back at their mate. Obviously there are morecomplicated reasons but unless it is a safety issue it usually is a selfishone. All of these reasons are still show a lack of commitment to their marriagevows to God and each other.

Weare not created sexual animals to run about doing what feels natural. God createdmale and female to enable two people to become one in the fullest and mostcomplete sense, of which sex is only a part.

God hates divorce. There is no such thingas anyone who isn't sadly affected. What does the Bible say v.16 "I hate divorceand I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as with hisgarment." Some pastors will say in no uncertain terms that wives your jobis submission even if you are being beat every night.

I never advise divorce. I would doeverything I can to seek the parties to correct the sin so God can work inpeople’s lives. But to advise someone to stay in an abusive relationship iswrong? God hates violence. Do you think God honors one person beating up onanother? Get protection and if theperson is unable to get help then your first obligation is to protect you andyour children, for God hates violence. He hates divorce.

Divorce had become so prevalent inMalachi's day that he focused on it as a major evil. It was breaking themarriage vow before God and the Jewish community. It was used for man to pleasehimself and his desires out of selfishness. Men would be enamored by a paganwomen, or seduced by a younger and more attractive woman. His pride wouldsupersede his spiritual vow to God and to his wife.

There is no question that when we sinagainst God we also sin against our mate. If we are committed to Christ anddesire to honor him we will do right to take God's commands seriously. It is anotherthing according to 1 Corinthians 7 if we marry and then come to Christ and ourmate does not. We are to remain a witness so God can work on your spouse,unless the spouse chooses to leave for religious purposes.

Pastor Dale

Sermon NuggetsThurs Jan 26

Verses- Mal 2: ¹⁵ Hasnot the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one?Because he was seeking godly offspring.So guard yourself inyour spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.

Marriage affectsour Children’s' Relationship to God.

Just like marriage is a tool of God's toaffect our spiritual lives and the spiritual lives of our spouses, even more somarriage and parenthood is used of God toinfluence children for God. The job ofthe parent is to be God's servants for preparing them for this life and thenext. It is more than seeing they learnmath, reading, and science. It is more than providing food and clothes, andhousing. It is love and nurture, andacceptance, and discipline, and learning to work together, and values andmorals and principles. We as parent can make a kid get baptized, or even join achurch, but that doesn't make him a Christian.

We are to show the reality of Christ in usand in our love for Jesus then the Holy Spirit uses that to convict each childof their own sin and need for personally accepting Christ and following Him withall their heart.

Modern Christians are often tempted to thinkthat what happens in the church building comprises the sum of their religiousexperience. Most of the religious learning in Malachi's day took place in the Jewishhome. The majority of the worship occurred in the home. Scripture memorizationwas not in the temple it was in the home. So a woman as a wife and mother whoknew nothing about the worship of the one true God would basically be acorruption, a distortion, and the worship of God in the home was destroyed.That same woman would also successfully seek to inject into the Jewish home theworship of her pagan god. Our marriageto non Christians sadly affects the attitude that many children have toward thefaith. Young people remember now before you even date, what type of father ormother would your boy friend or girl friend make to your kids. Would they havea spiritual concern for them; would you have unity in your convictions?

How do you think an affair might influenceyour children? I cannot begin to describe the tremendous influence divorce hason kids. It isn't just their own emotional health that is important it is theirspiritual health and issues of trust, and prayer, and faith, and security.God's grace is often seen when re-commitments and dedications are madefollowing recovery from divorce, but it is not without a great deal of scars.If you think being a single parent is an easy job, ask them. If you think youget out of responsibilities by leaving your family, the consequences arenumerous, not to mention the Spiritual consequences to which God holds usresponsible.

We need to help, encourage and pray forthose who are victims of broken marriages and especially the children.

Pastor Dale

Sermon NuggetsFri Jan 27 – Divorce

Verse Mal 2: ¹⁶ “Ihate divorce,” says the LORD God of Israel, “and I hate a man’s coveringhimself with violence as well as with his garment,” says the LORD Almighty.

Soguard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.

Divorce affectsour Community’s Relationship to God.

We do not live unto ourselves. As I wasreading Malachi these commandment are for individuals, but they are for thepeople of God too. The Lord called Jacob unto himself. He is referring tofellow Jews. I believe the nation of Judah does represent the people God callsunto himself. They are like a bride to Him.

In the New Testament the church is thebody of Christ. When the people of God continue in unfaithfulness, in divorce,and in disobedience how is the church not affected? The cause of Christ is compromised. The moreChristians ignore their vows and pledges to God, the whole body of Christ isnegatively affected. Malachi asserted the every offense against the brotherhoodwas also against His sacred covenant that bound them together as a people.

Given the set of circumstances, divorce mayseem to be the only way to salvage anything of two lives, much less a familythat has broken in two. Divorce is always failure, and since we are human, divorcewill always be with us. It is not an unpardonable sin. Still we should notapproach marriage or be in marriage expecting divorce as the alternative tounhappy trials.

When sin abounds then it must be dealtwith. We not only bear one another'sburdens but also are affected when someone falls. As one is hurt so is the body hurt. When theyjoined themselves in marriage to heathen women or to put away by divorce theirown wives in defiance of their obligations to one another, it affected the fellowship.

Sin is not just personal. The largercommunities also experience the consequences. With the rise of divorce, livingoutside of marriage, adultery, and broken families come the increase of the affectson children and finances, and increases the need for welfare for those who cannotmake ends meet. Most jails and prisons are filled with people who do not havefathers or mothers are not around because they work two jobs to make ends meet.Drug problems, welfare, crime, alcoholism was so much higher among brokenfamilies. One mayor said when values aretaught at home it affects the city.

To be a witness to the Lord as Christians, firstwe must get our own life in order, then we must make things right with ourmate, then our children, then our church, and beyond that our communities.

Many people in our nation have a rather casualattitude toward marriage. Increasingly I am hearing among church people thatwhen their kids start living together with people of the opposite sex the rationaleis well, that's the society we live in. Yes it is, but it is still sin againstGod. We never judge our actions based on what society is doing or even whatother's who claim to be Christians are doing. We based our actions on the wordof God. You cannot change the rules just become you love the players. You don'tstop loving the players either. You love them pray for them, witness to them. Andwhen their lives fall apart, for they will, then be there to pick them up andshow them the path to confession, repentance and forgiveness and acceptance ofGod.

There is an increasing movement to redefinefamilies. We have an opportunity in Minnesota to vote on the marriage amendmentthis November. It is foolish to think it is just affects consenting parties.The relationships, even same sex relationships, affect the communities,churches, and nation.

The call of Malachi is to have God renewour relationships and see them as something more than just between two people,or what our family does is our own business. It is a call to give yourselves toGod as vessels and let God use your marriage as another illustration of grace,forgiveness and love.

Although this passage doesn’t deal with theall the teachings of divorce and remarriage it is pointing out the results of marriagefailures due to sin. Realize that your spiritual life affects your marriage andyour marriage affects your spiritual life. It affects your relationship withGod, your mate, your children, your church, and your community. Let God knowthat there are people who will stop the trend and be examples and lights to thosearound us. Be God's people! Begin inyour homes.

Pastor Dale

Use and Abuse of Ministry Malachi 2:1-9

2012-01-20T07:04:00.000-06:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Jan 16-

Verses- Mal 2:1-2 ¹ “And now, you priests,this warning is for you. ² If you do not listen,and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the LORD Almighty, “I willsend a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have alreadycursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me.

The Use and Abuse of Ministry

Unfortunately weregularly hear in the news reports of priest, pastors, and youth pastors whoabuse their position with illicit affairs, greed, power, and misuse of funds.It is an embarrassment not only to the churches but to the body of Christ.

Popular TV evangelistsare still fighting to keep hidden their finances saying it is no one’s businessand churches would not to be investigated by the government. Indeed what theydo with their money is between the ministry and it’s donors unless there isevidence of tax evasion and use of money for non ministry relate expenses. Manyof the prosperity gospel leaders live very extravagant lives in keeping withtheir message that God blesses the faithful with riches and good health. Howtheir live their lives is no one’s business. Practices of use of money leavemany skeptical of the message of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give thanreceive.” Does this include ministers?

Is it any wonder people have lost trust in churches andtheir leaders? When I was in Jr. Highschool my pastor preached against dancing encouraging us to get a signed astatement releasing us from that school physical educational requirement. Yet, whileI was gone at church youth camp he ran off with our church secretary leavinghis wife and family. I thought of the many sermons he preached some left thechurch never to return to any church.

After addressing the problemlet me put this matter in perspective.

What portion of the clergy would you guess fall into those type ofscandalizing public sins? Probably lessthan 1-2%. If the Minnesota Iowa Baptist Churches of 250 were to reach 1% thatwould be 2 or 3 pastors every two years, not counting all the assistants andyouth that would have to face some scandal. The fact that it might even be .5%compared to the 99.5% makes me want to remind the news media the problem is notan epidemic, and indeed 99.5% are sacrificial, moral committed people desiringto be truly servants of God and the people. That would be the worst casescenario.

However the Bible isclear we need to be aware of the false teachers and leaders and recognize howGod’s warnings directed toward leaders affect us all. Malachi also gives goodguidelines from God to evaluate ministries and the standard to which those inspiritual leadership but abide

Pray for all pastors,church officers, Sunday School teachers, Club workers, and laypeople who doministry at Stanchfield. Pray we live the life that is honoring to the Lord andan example to others.

As so many of therecent candidates for Presidency are being scrutinized publicly what would berevealed of your life if people were looking for dirty? More importantly whatchanges would God call you to make? What warnings apply to us all?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 17

Verses Mal 2:1-2 ¹ “And now, you priests,this warning is for you. ² If you do not listen,and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the LORD Almighty, “I willsend a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have alreadycursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me.

Discerning the Motives of the Ministry.

The priest of Malachi'sday were going through the motions but not honoring the Lord in their hearts oractions. They were supposed to be set apart for God, seeking his rule and hisreign in their lives and for the nation of Israel. As I discussed last week, inthe New Testament understanding we are all priests so even though many commentsmay be directed to the full time Christian ministers the principles areapplicable to all of us in lay responsibilities. We must evaluate our motivesfor service. Who really knows our true motives but God?

Some desire to beministers for the sake of wanting to help other people. They have a concern forsociety or for individuals and truly are desirous to make life easier forothers. Many fight for noble causes of justice, and against political andsocial oppression. Some become the national conscience for social concerns andcivil rights. There are those who get into the ministry to feed the poor, andcloth the naked and see people in the world get clean water and health care.There are many who go out in the name of Jesus with compassion for the people.But let me also say that just because some are doing a good work doesn't meanthey have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Just because some are kindand generous doesn't mean they are saved.

Some ministers who enterthe pastorate for the purpose of earning salvation, thinking, if they areserving in Jesus name they will go to heaven. Do you know what Jesus says inMatthew 7:23 "Some will come and say, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy inyour name and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then Iwill tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evil doers."?

There may be noblecauses for ministry, but they are still false. There are many who minister because it isexpected of them. This would be true of some of the O.T. priest. There werepeople who were born into a priest family and because of their birth they toowere expected to carry out the job of the tribe of Levi. They were designatedas priests even though they may not have a heart for God.

There are some who do churchwork because of the expectations of other people. Some feel coerced into thejob. Some may have a guilt trip placedon them. Some don't want to disappointtheir parents or their church, or friends. Are they really serving God?

There are other motivesless honest. Those who with gifts and talents can obtain large sums of moneyand benefits. I knew a seminary classmate of mine who judged every call basedsolely on the financial packages.

BeverlyCrowley of Wynona responded with one direct mail appeal of a known TV evangelist.He wrote her a letter months after the death of her husband Tom, seeking moremoney. "God spoke to me this morning specifically about you, Tom, and he'sgoing to heal you".

Apparently God must have forgotten to tellRobert Tilton that Tom had died. Many falselyplay on people’s emotions and have them give liberally to the Lord's work whilethe preacher lives in mansions and flies personal jets all over the world. They justify their lavish lifestyle by claimingBiblical promises of the wealth that is ours in Christ if we trust him andclaim it.

Some are motivated intoministry by their power to lead. It is an ego trip to have people followingthem. It is said of Jim Jones he helped people. He influenced people into service and gave meaning to lots of poorpeople. His followers were given hopeand told him how great he was, and what a help he was to them. His problem washe started to believe them. Little by little God was pushed off the throne andJim Jones was inched onto it, until people followed Jim Jones into giving alltheir property, their children, their bodies and ultimately their lives in Guyana. Many are in the ministry for control.

What is right motivefor ministry? It is to nothing else thanto obey His call to glorify God and honor him. The priests are called to listento none other than God Himself. They are to serve foremost God Himself regardlessif it means poverty or riches, popularity or loneliness, pleasure or suffering,health or sickness, or life or death.

Malachi speaks God wordswhen he says, "You have not set your heart to honor my name, says the LordAlmighty." The motive for servicein SS class, on the Trustee board, in the pulpit or on the floor of the toddler'sroom is to honor and lift of the name of God.

We can't do that unlesswe have asked God to forgive us of our sins. We can't do that unless we trustJesus Christ alone to be our savior. We can't do that unless we desire tolisten to God, and we can't do that unless we by commitment and offer ourselvesunto Him unashamedly and completely,

Can we pray, "Lordit is for your glory that I desire to serve you, not my glory. I don't servefor the preacher, or for the program, or even for the sake the people, butultimately the glory must go to God, who raw the people closer toHimself."

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Jan 18

Verses- Mal 2:³ “Because of you I willrebuke your descendants^[a]; I will smear on your faces the dungfrom your festival sacrifices, and you will be carried off with it. ⁴ Andyou will know that I have sent you this warning so that my covenant with Levimay continue,” says the LORD Almighty. ⁵ “Mycovenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him;this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. ⁶ Trueinstruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walkedwith me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.

Discern the Morals of the Ministry

Because of the sinfulheart and actions of the priest the warning of Malachi is how God feels andacts. Sin has it consequences. Immorality has a price to pay. When people gothrough motions to love God but live lives much differently God is offended andrightly so.

The call to ministry isto show people the intimacy of God as one who loves us and desires life andpeace. It is hard to glorify the God of glory in song or in religious acts andlive in disobedience and shame. The life of honor is living in truth, in morallives and leaving sin behind.

It is an embarrassment to the bodyof believers. I wish it weren't true, but among spiritual leaders are drunks,sexual addicts, adulterers, homosexual, embezzlers, liars, manipulator,cheaters, gossips, back-bitters, hypocrites, slanders. There are those who arein competition with others, seeking personal success, jealous of otherministries.

I believe Malachi'smessage is to priests as the ones who minister the spiritual values to thepeople- if they are full of sin, then what about the people? Is it any wonderthere is spiritual inactivity in the hearts of the worshippers? It is one thing for a prophet like Elijah tocall people to God and they refuse, it is another when the prophets and priestdo not fulfill their duty and people who seek God and in fact are turned awayor led to false faith and eternally lost.

When I was at AbbottNorthwestern hospital visiting a patient I saw Pastor Fred Tuma, from our HamLake Baptist church in the hall. Hiswife had back surgery. When I stopped in to see how she was doing, she just gotoff the phone talking with a close friend of hers. Physically she was fine.Spiritually she was troubled. She was told that one of her friends found herhusband with another woman. He was apastor. He had resigned his church. We cried.

There was no place forgossip. There was no desire to run to the phone and call all we know to share abit of spicy news. There was no sense of pride in thinking he was weak but weare strong. No. But there is heartfeltgrief that once again tore out hearts in grief. A friend of ours had dirtiedthe name of Jesus Christ and Satan had gained another victory. How can this happen?

Who is sinless? None.Who is without lying lips? None. Who doesn't have lust in their heart? None.Who deserve to be punished for we have all fallen short of the gospel of Christ?Does God call pastors to one standard of living, and deacons and lay officer toanother standard of living and workers to another and member to another? Hecalls us all to moral holiness. Where there is sin there is grief to the bodyof Christ. There are some sins that grossly affect the body of Christ more thanothers.

The unchurched peoplehowl and laugh, mock and jeer. Friends, Satangoes around seeking whom he can devour and does so within the Christianchurches and among Christian leaders for there is nothing that he wants morethan for the leaders to fall. That is why you need to especially support yourleaders, officers and pastors in prayer that the Spirit would strengthen ourweaknesses, and protect us from the fiery darts of the evil one. Pray that wehave discernment and never think we are above sin, or accountability. But if you are serving the Lord, Satan willalso see to do what he can to disrupt your work. Be on guard. Be alert, beprepared. Pray with humility for there but for the grace of God go I.

When you discern a ministry discernmorals. Is it there desire on the partof spiritual leaders to walk in holiness? Is it their desire to cover up orconfess? Is it the desire of turning people's heart to God and from self, sin andshame? How do they handle money? Arethey people of truth? Do they purposely and knowingly continue in sin withoutstruggle? Do they desire to be pure in all areas of their lives, knowing thatwe are not perfect, but we neither want to hurt our Lord or others?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Jan 19

Verses Mal 2:6-8 ⁶ True instruction was inhis mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peaceand uprightness, and turned many from sin.

⁷ “For the lips of a priest ought topreserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty and peopleseek instruction from his mouth. ⁸ But you haveturned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you haveviolated the covenant with Levi,” says the LORD Almighty.

Discern the Message of the Ministry

Another important criterionfor ministry is the importance of speaking God's message. In this passage thecall of the priest is to have on his lips the knowledge and give instruction asthe messenger of the Lord Almighty. The priests have not been teaching the Wordand law of the Lord, but other things.

When God calls people tobe His messengers it is because He has a message that the people must hear.That is the means by which they are convicted of sin and brought into thepresence of God for salvation. If there is one easy way to discern the truth orfalsity of a ministry is it to see if they desire to preach and teach the Bibleand principles that are applicable from the Scriptures. Or are they sharingtheir thoughts and opinions? Are they rightly dividing the Word of truth or arethey twisting Scripture to talk about what is popular or false?

The people had most ofthe Old Testament in writing at the time of Malachi. Not everyone owned theScriptures. The scribes and priests and teachers of the law were privileged onesso they taught the people. But instead they taught out of convenience notconviction. They let people continue in the ignorance of their sin. They alsospoke a different message.

We live in a fardifferent culture and I praise God that each of you can have the Bible andcheck out what is false and what is true. What is consistent fundamentaldoctrine and what is Scripture twisting?

The basic motive of thepurpose of preaching class is to address the question how might someone bettercommunicate God's truth? Indeed it is easy to stress the methods ofcommunication than it is the essence of truth. Speaking so people understand isimportant. But some love to talk and preach and teach and compromise themessage.

If something smells fishycheck it out in your Bible. By all means don't just take someone's word for it,read your own Bible. Do you read it in context? That is one of the reasons Idesire to speak expository. I like to typically preach through book, like I amwith Malachi because we are dealing with the whole message and not just a versehere and there.

My commitment to God whenI went into the pastorate is that as truthfully as I can I want to convey whatI understand what God's word is saying. We have some excellent Bible teachers on the radio, on tapes, excellentBible study books, many preachers, but you evaluate the message according tothe standard of Scripture, not how polished and entertaining the speaker is. There are many popular speakers, but theypreach a false gospel.

If you are a S.S.teacher, youth leader, or sharing in devotions if part of your responsibilityis teaching, speaking, or conveying information continue to evaluate yourcontent from that which are your ideas and that which is Biblical. Paul tellsTimothy to study to show yourselfapproved unto God rightly dividing the word of truth. Stability comes fromknowledge of the truth. You'll never have progress if you don't study and seekto know the word by which you can judge other ministries and not be lead intofalsehood. Let the Bible be your guidein all truth. Evaluate other ministriesby it.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 20 –

Verses- Mal 2: . ⁸ But you have turnedfrom the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you haveviolated the covenant with Levi,” says the LORD Almighty. ⁹ “SoI have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, becauseyou have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

Discern the Manner of the Ministry

There are four things Iwant to point out in how we serve God. The first is in obedience. The tribe ofLevi represents people called by God to serve Him as priests. They have beenset apart to glorify God and draw the people unto Him. It is not a mundane job.There are parts of every job that we do not like, but when we lose sight of ourdivine call, we serve with our humanness instead of in the Spirit.

The concept of the churchis that God calls some to be prophets, some to be apostles, some to beevangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people forworks of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reachunity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, and become mature attainingto the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Eph.4:11-12.)

Leaders serve God by helpingpeople into a closer relationship with God so each might serve to build eachother up in the faith. In the New Testament the body of Christ each servingwith his gift. We don't have the same function, personality, ability, but Ibelieve we are called to carry out faithfully the task according to our abilities.You are to obey in doing what God wants you to do.

The second thought isthe manner of humility. It is the understanding that we are tools of God. Hegifts us and calls us by His spirit. We are not to usurp God's authority ordraw people unto ourselves. We are but vessels of God and so we persevere. Isit with a sincere spirit and a right attitude toward God that we serve. Jesus left for us an example when he washedthe feet of his disciples. He said, “I come not to be served but to serve.”

Integrity is anotherimportant ingredient in service. The rebuke to the priests was they were notcompletely honest. They did their jobs with prejudice and influence. Thetreated people differently if they benefited from it. It is easy to treat therich differently than the poor, the professional with more distinction than theworking class, the one with influence in a different way that one who had none.

Putting it plainly they bent the rules for some people. Itwas to their personal benefit to bend the rules for some people and not others.I'm not talking about policies, I'm talking about God's rules.

The manner of serviceputs its concentration on integrity, not the reciting of rituals oradministering the sacraments, but honesty and righteousness, peacefulrelationship with God and others.

A fourth manner ofministry is love. Do they really love the Lord and love others? Is thisdemonstrated in their service? I Corinthians 13 tells us that is we have allknowledge, all wisdom, all power to heal and perform miracles and have not lovewe are a noisy gong and clanging cymbal.

The problem with some pastors is that love to preach andteach, but they do not like being with people. I'm not talking about loving theirsin, or letting the people live they way they want, but in all the Malachi theover ridding them is the love God has for them.

The prophet warns if thepriests don't change they will face the consequences. If they do not have achange of heart then God will remove them from their calling and change theirblessings into curses.

Forgiveness is possible if there is willingness to change.God says that he will rebuke their descendants and spread the dung from theirsacrifices all over their own faces that they be found unclean in theirjobs. They are prepared for the dungheap. The crops of the land will no longer produce.

All throughout theBible there are false prophets and unjust judges, in all the land there will bepeople who will pervert the gospel for their own profit, and abuse people inlegalistic religion and in manipulative means to accomplish personal ends.

God will judge, but inthe process they are people who will be victims and damaged, and lost, andbitter toward God and the church and people of God. Friends our actions affecteach other. God will punish and avenge but in the process we are not peoplepleasers we are God pleasers. If people are offended for righteousness sakewhen they see what God's word says then they must deal with God. If they are broughtto truth and reject it then they must deal with God. If they see Christ and hislove and come to the cross in faith then they deal with God.

The minister's job isto love the Lord their God and live as examples among the people, to speak asclearly as they can God's truth realize the manner must but be consistent withthe ends. We must minister in obedience, in humility, with integrity and withlove. God's desire is that His name lifted up. As you discern your ministry-discern it by the bases of the motives, themorals, the message, and the manners.

Pastor Dale

Wrong Way to Worship Malachi 1:6-14

2012-01-13T16:45:00.002-06:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Jan 9 Wrong Way to Worship

Verses- Mal 1: 6 “A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the LORD Almighty.

“It is you priests who show contempt for my name.

Wrong Way to Worship

Jesus tells us a parable in Matt. 21 of a father who has two sons. He asks them to do some work. The first fusses and fumes and then says, He is not going to do it. The second says, "Yes I'd be happy to do it." After awhile the first goes and does the work. The second does not. Which son is it that honors the father?

The answer is the one who does what Jesus says.

Now those are the only two sons in the story. I suppose another story could have been: there were two sons and when asked to do some work the first replied “no way”, put up a fuss and didn't do anything. The second responded by saying, “I'd be happy to” and with a cheerful heart did the work to please his Father. Now which son was it that honored his father?

For you see there are really four groups of people when it comes to serving the Lord. Those who say they won't and don't. Those who say they won't but do. Those who say they will but don't; and those who say they will and do so.

What is it that God is asking of you? Our responses reveal our actions and our attitudes. In Jesus story the first son was convicted of his bad attitude and I believe he repented after thinking about it then obeyed. In his parable, the second wanted the Dad to think he had a right attitude, but his actions showed things were different.

If we narrow down our faith to attitude and action they seem similar to faith and works. Some say I have faith but do not show it with works. Some seek acceptance from their works and misunderstand what faith is all about. Of course the teaching of James is that works flow out of our faith.

When we talk about worship we emphasize the faith part. But how we demonstrate our worship is also related to our actions.

Last week we began a series from the book of Malachi and explained the background where Malachi speaks to a people who have returned to the land from Babylon. They rebuilt the temple, and they rebuild the walls. They waited for 100 years for God to carry out his promises and in their impatience have now fallen into an apathetic worship, a skeptical spirituality, and critical condition where their focus was not on God but themselves.

They carried out the religious requirements, but their hearts were far from worship. God reminds them how much he really does love them. He points to how He has been gracious to them when they compare themselves to Edom; God was showing His glory through their punishment and destruction. Now He wanted the Israelites to look and remember the covenant love of God that is sovereign, unconditional, and eternal.

How do they respond to that love? One way is by worship. But there are problems with their worship. They think going through the motions defines them as people of faith, but God sees something different. Malachi’s teaching on worship is helpful for us as well. It is a matter of what we say and what we do that comes from a faithful heart.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 10- Priority

Verse- Mal 1: : ⁶ “A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the LORD Almighty.

“It is you priests who show contempt for my name.

“But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’

A problem with God getting a Portion not Priority

Malachi writes in dialogue form. God acknowledges that Israel practices the law to honor their fathers, and servants to respect their masters. They learned to do that. Disrespect and dishonor of parents was a sin that was addressed right from the commandments of Moses.

But the first commandment is even greater. “Thou shall have no other gods before him.” The love that God give to us is priority love and that is what he wants from us. Jesus put it even better when He said, “Thou shall love the Lord your God will all your heart soul and might.”

Now Malachi is revealing the problem that they give a portion of honor to God but not the priority. He doesn't even receive the kind of respect they give to their fathers and masters and He is God.

Malachi reads the hearts of the people, with the question: "Lord, how can you possible say that! How is it that you don't think you get that respect and honor?"

Now the answer is directed to the priests. The priests are the spiritual leaders of the people. The implication of this writing I believe is if this is how you as spiritual leaders respond, it is even worse among the people. Indeed there is a greater accountability to God by religious leaders. Pastors, missionaries, evangelists, teachers, seminary professors, denominational leaders all in our society hold an awesome and significant job that ought not to be sought out for personal reasons, but only by the conviction of the call of God on one's life. As a pastor I am responsible for what I teach and how I act and how
I serve the Lord. But that is true for you as well.

Spiritual leaders become guides and teachers, but you are now a priest representing others to God and God to others since Christ came. You are priests that offer sacrifices to the Lord. Now you conduct worship in your own hearts unto the Lord. So these are for you as well as paid clergy.

The people of Israel declared that God was their father and master, but they were not willing to submit to the priority of the relationship. People wanted to be free without responsibility but want the benefits of what God provides.

The problem in Malachi's day might be what we call Sunday Christians. The term is understood that we give God a portion of what is religious, not the priority of our lives. The shallowness of commitment might be as one poet said "Every time I see a church I stop to pay a visit. So when I am carried in the Lord won't ask you is it?"

It reveals the attitude that says, "I better do something religious so that I can make it into heaven." However, God does not have their heart. Many act like a Christian on Sunday, but nobody can tell any of the rest of the week. Many go to God when there is trouble but when things are going well they don't bother him.

For many modern day worshipers, there is a portion of God not a priority for God. But people are still pleading for blessings of heaven and wondering why God does not respond. After all they think, God should be pleased when I at least go to church Christmas and Easter, and really pleased if I go 3 or 4 times a month. I'm a pretty good Christian. That's actions without attitude. That is a works based salvation. That is seeking to gain approval from God but playing the game, but He knows our hearts and they do not honor Him.

How do we displease God? Is He the priority when there are not enough missionaries to tell the good news? When there are cut backs in most of the Christian organizations and churches all over and increasingly suffering financial set-backs? Should we question how we despise the Lord?

Worship gets pushed aside because people find it more inconvenient to gather with other believers for prayer or praise, or worship. Should we question how we despise the Lord, when sports, and work, and pleasure trips, and entertainment crowd out our week-ends so that even coming to worship is a chore?

Is God a portion or Priority for you?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Jan 11 Disrespect

Verses- Malachi 1:6b-9 “But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’

⁷ “By offering defiled food on my altar.

“But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’

“By saying that the LORD’s table is contemptible. ⁸ When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the LORD Almighty.

⁹ “Now plead with God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?”—says the LORD Almighty.

A problem with God getting Disrespect instead of Dedication.

Worship in Israel involved offerings of animals as well as produce from the fields upon the altar. The altar was where the gifts were burned and a portion of it was saved for the priests to eat and make use of. The offerings were gifts from the people to God.

Burnt offerings symbolized the complete dedication of the worshiper. They were regarded as having been consumed by the Lord as evidence that the worshipper was surrendered to him and also accepted by God.

Instead what the people were doing on a continued basis was offering polluted bread and damaged animals. They were blemished in some way and not fit to eat, but since they didn’t want it or wasn’t useful they would bring those as their offering to God. It wasn't the gifts but what those gifts represented. It was the disrespectful attitude and thought regarding the altar that was contemptible.

There were showing pride in the fact they thought they were pleasing God by leaving him something that was not true dedication. It was like a tip to the waiter. It was not about thankfulness but about ritual.

Jesus pointed out to his disciples people putting in money in the offering so that they can be seen by men. When in the corner was a widow with 2 small mites. The Lord knew the hearts and the attitude as well as the actions. The people didn't even see that widow, but she was worshipping. She was full of love and devotion. There was a giving and receiving going on between she and her God. She loved her God so much that she gave everything she had and didn't know where her next meal was coming from. The men who sought attention were giving a pittance from their bounty but since they had so much what they gave was a nice gift and impressed all the people of their spirituality. They were giving for their own recognition and self justification.

It is disrespectful when they save the best for themselves and not the Lord. They were cheating God and not obeying the requirements of sacrifice and the priest were letting them get away with it.

The situation of which Malachi refers is people were saving their best crops and animals for themselves, but bringing the ones that wouldn't bring in much money and giving those to God. An indifferent and despicable attitude reveals the low spiritual vitality and unconcern.

Robert Baily in his book God's questions and Answers reminds us that the people in Malachi's day were more prosperous than they had been in generations, often they claimed the high cost of living prevented their making their intended offering to God. Today our economy is highly inflated. Yet we have more than ever before. Many have the attitude as the cost of attending professional sports, events, organized entertainment, recreational clubs, and vacations goes higher and higher, most people continue their very same habits. What gets slighted when they spend more of their income for more and more things? Their offering to God is the first area that gets cut back-in order to give their families what they want. It used to be that to withhold from God for one's own benefit was the exception."

We know that we really have nothing we can give to God that He needs, but these are symbols of ourselves and our personal commitment to him. Rightly so, the question is asked of the Israelites, would you treat your bosses and those in high places the way you treat me?

The prophet was saying, If you think these crops and animals are fine then try to impress the governor with them and see if that is what you would do? Many are more willing to sacrifice for their ladies club than Jesus Christ, Many willing to give more of their time to impress recreational buddies than devotion to God. That is not sacrifice. That is not worship. That is disrespect for the God of Glory who is worthy of our best not our least.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Jan 12 Critical

Verses Malachi 1:10-13 “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you,” says the LORD Almighty, “and I will accept no offering from your hands. ¹¹ My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD Almighty.

¹² “But you profane it by saying, ‘The Lord’s table is defiled,’ and, ‘Its food is contemptible.’ ¹³ And you say, ‘What a burden!’ and you sniff at it contemptuously,” says the LORD Almighty.

A Problem of God getting a Critical spirit instead of a Committed heart.

The attitude of the priests reveals a critical spirit toward God and the work of the ministry. The priests are doing their duty and ignoring their commitment to the God of glory. Let’s face it there are parts of everyone's job that you just do not like. There is no such thing as the perfect job. There are things you do that you hate but you do it because that is part of the job. That is true with service that you render to the Lord in giving Him your gifts.

How often do people do tasks in the church out of obligation instead of their offering to God? You might be singing unto the Lord. But the song you are signing maybe isn't your style. What do you do about that? Do you complain and criticize and carry on a fuss?

Many people do not like being leaders or teachers or workers in church because of criticism. They are serving but things are not to the liking of some people, who would never serve.

God says I wish someone would come and lock the door to the temple than to think what is going on is honoring me. There is lots of service, but it stinks. That is not the sacrifice I want, that is not the worship I want that is not the duty I want. I want people to see me and my love and from that heart of appreciation work and serve together to lift my name up among the people and among yourselves.

I don't want you to go through the actions without the attitude and I don't want you to think you have the attitude without action.

The priests were not enjoying what they were doing and no longer dedicated to serving God. Part of the distain of the priest is that they were complaining over some of the food they were getting, but they were allowing the people to give it. Bob L'Estrange said, "He that serves God for money will serve the Devil for better wages."

Worship has lost its wonder because people have lost their own love and focus and purpose of what they were doing. It happens with pastors, with workers, with leaders and with laymen. The wrong way to worship is with critical spirit, judgmental attitude, lack of love and appreciation.

There are people who in some services spend their time counting how many grammatical errors the preacher makes in his sermon. There are people who give more attention to the quality of the musician than to the words of Scripture. There are many people, and I am guilty too often, that care much more about what people think instead of what God thinks. As each of us evaluate our own participation could God be saying, "I am not pleased with you. "

God convicted me of my complaints and criticism. There are times I say of the pastorate, "Lord, what a burden. I want to quit this whole pastorate thing and let those who whine and complain and criticize dump on someone else."

There is more controversy among the churches whether people use overheads or hymn book in their worship organs or guitars. I talked to a pastor of a church that had a split who said the problem with the people is that they hate one another. And still they come and go through the motions of worshiping. And God says, “I am not pleased with you. You have missed the whole point of giving Me honor by being selfish and critical. I will accept neither offering of praise. It is with the attitude that is wrong.

“Instead my name will be great among the nations, all people, not Israel, not just the people who are of Jewish decent.”

God's Spirit seems to be moving in revivals in the third world more than with us in USA. True worship is seen today with people who beat drums in Africa, those who have liturgical worship in orthodox Russia, people who sing out of tune in Thailand, and those who use orchestras and choirs, and those who clap their hand and raise them in the air and those who sit in quiet contemplation, those who preach for 3 hours. There is worship with many overseas who meet in secret and those who meet under trees.

Do you understand pettiness that divides the churches and believers today is a stink in the nostrils of God? He wants people from all over the world to focus on His love and His sacrifice and from it give Him our best.

How is it that some worshippers leave full and others leave empty? Could it be our critical attitudes? Could it be we don’t come to give to the Lord but get? It is only in our giving that we receiving. God gave because he loved. When we seek to love him we find Him. When we come to criticize, complain and go through motions we find worship falls short.

Malachi's words were given to people whom God loved, so they might not miss out on God’s joy. Worship is commitment to God and to one another out of love and encouragement in the Spirit.

How is it with Stanchfield? How is it with your own heart?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 13 Selfishness

Verses- Malachi 1:13-14 And you say, ‘What a burden!’ and you sniff at it contemptuously,” says the LORD Almighty.

“When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?” says the LORD. ¹⁴ “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the LORD Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations.

A Problem of God getting a Spirit of Selfishness instead of Sacrifice

Each Sunday morning there will be some who will say, "We didn't get anything out of this service. It didn't move me."

That's' not the purpose of worship. We come here to think about the Lord. We come here to talk to the Lord. We come together as Christians in group because He asks us to confess sins, praise Him, remind ourselves of truth and encourage one another in the faith. We give ourselves to Him and give sacrifices- things that represent us whether it is animals, or money or whatever. We are giving ourselves to Him.

What do you give in worship? Is it your attitude, your love, your prayer, your money, your appreciation for God? Our audience isn't the people in the pew. Rather we are the participants and God is our audience.

Worship is each of us coming to God to give ourselves in service, and in time and in our offerings. Offering that cost the giver nothing in reality is not an offering either.

Selfishness is displayed when they were waiting and expecting God to be gracious to us. A selfish worshipper gives something to God in order to get something from God. Indeed the opposite is true of spiritual worship. Because He has given to us Himself, we give ourselves to Him. And reflect on His grace, truth, and renew our commitment to follow Him. Malachi was show the people of his day were not worshipping, they were pretending. They were concerned of themselves, what they thought about their gift, and what they thought others were thinking about them. Actions spring from attitudes. They were giving damaged animals that they could not use or not longer want. They wanted the best for themselves and the leftovers for God. People say, “Here I am Lord” but all kinds of selfish and personal attractions show they do not mean it. They love themselves more than God.

The bane of worship today is all about me. We sing praises to God but it must be my way not the way of others around me. It is a commodity to be consumed instead of a sacrifice to be offered to Him. He is the Lord and above all things. He is deserving of our best.

There are many preachers, singers, and worship leaders who see worship as their time to shine. They impress people with their abilities, and move people's emotions to impress others with their skills. The Lord does hold those who are spiritual leaders more accountable. People must worship, but those who are signing, those who are praying, and those who are preaching can make worship a very selfish exercise when they do so to receive glory for themselves. The priests sought to receive the best portions of the animals and the crops for themselves. They do it for personal benefit and not service, when they seek to lead for their own benefit and not for God. The people are under the judgment of God and we have far too many examples of professional religious people who pervert worship and that will always be.

God says, "I will be lifted up with people whose heart for me and not for themselves. Love goes beyond selfish desires and instead love me and love my people regardless how different they are."

Is God honored with your attitude? Is he honored with your actions?

How might we together better worship God?

Give him the right priority, dedication, commitment, and sacrifice. Let’s give Him the right worship!

Pastor Dale

Middle East Unrest Malachi 1:1-5

2012-01-06T07:49:00.001-06:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Jan 2 Middle East Unrest

Verses - ¹ A prophecy: The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.

² “I have loved you,” says the LORD.

“But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’

“Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob, ³ but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”

⁴ Edom may say, “Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins.”

But this is what the LORD Almighty says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the LORD. ⁵ You will see it with your own eyes and say, ‘Great is the LORD—even beyond the borders of Israel!’

Middle East Unrest

Is 2012 the year Jesus returns? Harold Camping was wrong last year. All modern day prophets claiming when Jesus is returning are wrong, but one of these years someone is going to get it right because Jesus is coming again. So many of the signs of the coming have been fulfilled and are being fulfilled.

One prediction that has been ongoing is the animosity between Israel and the Arab nations. For 1,000s of years this has taken place.

In the news are the responses of the presidential candidates and their positions on the tensions in the Middle East and in particular with Israel. There has been much controversy over the place of the Palestinians and the Israeli conflict over land and the displaced people.

The place of Israel in the future history has been part of major controversy among Christians as it relates to the prophecies of the Scriptures. Regardless how the Israeli government acts many Christians will support whatever they do based on Gen 12:3 "I will bless those who bless you and him who curses you I will curse."

There is no question that God has been at work among the nation of Israel long after the New Testament days.

Since 1948 this tiny nation has been at the center of heated international and religious debate. Amos 9:14-15 "I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel... I will plant them upon their land and they shall never again be plucked up out of the land which I have given them, says the Lord your God."

Since the 1967 war where Israel captured land from the Arab neighbors whose right to the land is the issue. Palestinians seethe with anger over the loss of their homes and their rights. Many of them lost everything at great personal injury and abuse. Peace talks are seeking to settle political differences which most will agree is one of the most frustrating and changeable situations on earth. The hatred between Jews and Arabs, between Israelites and Moslems have been bitter from the time of Jacob and Esau.

The number one obstacle to political peace is nationalism, because it insists on the denial of the right of the other nation to exist. The peace that is spoken of in the Scriptures however is of a much different origin. Even Christ put the talks on a different level than geographic boundaries. It had to do with the boundaries of the heart. The peace that lasts now and through eternity is when Gentile, Jew and Arab; black, white, and Indian are holding hands in prayer and worship and homage to the one King of Peace, Jesus Christ.

Indeed as we shall see in this book of Malachi how God holds people, especially the nation of Israel, to the standards of justice and godly righteousness. I believe that the state of Israel holds a special and unique role in the future of God's kingdom, but the focus and the attention can be misdirected from the Spiritual principles God calls them and us to.

People of all ages and walks of life are out of touch with God today. This book gives some insights into how lifeless faith can be revitalized. It has a tremendous impact for a decadent, complacent and apathetic religious nation.

Malachi declares divine love and calls people to a complete relationship with our Creator. This can become a means of our re-evaluation of our relationship and responsibilities to God.

Perhaps this is a good reminder in New Year of the long term work of God fulfilling His plan and the short term manner in which He calls his people to justice, righteousness, and commitment.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 3 The Prophet

Verse: Malachi 1:1 A prophecy: The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.

Introduction to Malachi

The word Malachi means "my messenger" in Hebrew. There are some who will debate whether or not Malachi was the name of the prophet or if it was the job this prophet had. If the prophet's name was not Malachi then we have no idea what it was. Since the Word identifies him as Malachi, my messenger, there are many times when the name properly is also identified with the task one performs. That was true of Jacob who was called Israel, or Abram whose name was change to Abraham, or Naomi who took the name Marah, meaning bitter. Names had a prophetic message in and of themselves. I believe Malachi the messenger of God if he did not have that name before, took that name as part of his prophecy to be heard.

Because of the lack of information about the writer such as parents or place of birth, or occupation, or history, it is not important for us to know a great deal about the man other than what the writings imply of his character. He was zealous for God and wrote in a way that spoke to his readers, or spoke in a way that communicated creatively and artfully the truths of God.

The condition under which he writes shows a spiritual laziness among the people. During Malachi's day people were living in religious indifference. There was high divorce, adultery, reduced giving to the Temple, financial selfishness, disrespect toward spiritual things, marrying people of others faiths or no faiths.

This is the last book in the Old Testament because it is the last recognized writings before the coming of Jesus Christ.

Politically, after the Jews returned from Babylon, they spent 20 years to restore the Temple. Now a century after their return from Babylon the earlier prophecies about the glorious, restored nation were not fulfilled. Most of the Jews were still ruled by other nations. They had to pay taxes to Persia and give men into their armies. They had limited resources. They had crop failures, drought, pestilence, poverty, and on top of all this, although they had been taught that piety was rewarded with prosperity and wickedness with adversity, there were a group of godless men who became unscrupulously wealthy.

Malachi writes in a question and answer format. His style is like a Hebrew Socrates. He raised God's questions and then proceeded to give God's answers to the questions. The intent of the questions is for spiritual renewal and revival. God had a passion for the people and they were called to stop playing church, and have a passion for God from within.

Malachi gives 8 points to determine whether or not they are living in a proper, acceptable relationship with God. The course of this series will be reviewing these points for ourselves and individual lives.

As we enter into a New Year, be open to what God may be telling you and how you might have spiritual renewal in a greater way.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Jan 4 Religion or Relationship

Verse- Malachi 1: ² “I have loved you,” says the LORD.

“But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’

“Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob,

Religion or Relationship?

When a guy meets a girl it is increasingly common to adopt the thought that anything is okay if you really love someone. When the date draws limits to the expression of love, the guy often says with indignation, "Well, if you really love me, you are going to have to show it! You must prove to me you love me by your actions."

That can be pure manipulation. That statement isn't even a loving statement; it is a very selfish one. Love can be used to express almost everything from loving a new dress, to a kitten, to a parent-child relationship, or a husband-wife relationship of love, to the love that God has for us.

The love of God has a term in the Hebrew as well as the Greek that is different than most other love. It is unselfish, freely giving to man who does not deserve it and only receives it as a gift. Across the centuries man has a hard time understanding that. This is the word used in verse 2. It indicates a close, personal relationship. It points to the heart of the covenant established between God and the people of Israel under Moses.

The theme of the book of Malachi is God's expression of deep love. He is like a loving father who yearns for his prodigal son and seeks to reclaim him back unto himself. It is the old story of love that is often unappreciated.

The people come back with the question, "How have you, God, loved us?" They were upset in the midst of their troubles. They complained about what God had not done. Is that familiar? They blamed all their troubles on him.

I remember one lady who was in the hospital with disease. When one of our chaplains came into the room, she said, "I have no reason to talk with you. If God were up there I would not be here."

Many blame God for all their troubles, disease, death, and financial loss. Many think they have received unfair treatment at the hands of God.

The people felt that God did not care about them, so they questioned why they would bother about God. They were filled with bitterness. They felt they had been forgotten by God. We see the results of their resentment to their situation. First religious fervor declined. Then morals decayed. They were practicing sorcery, adultery, false swearing, and more. Does that sound familiar?

I listen to so many testimonies even during the horrible experiences of various hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes. It is during tragedies that many turn to God because there is nothing else to hold on to. They are the ones who will endure. They have a bigger picture of life than just the house and land and money. But like the wise man and foolish man it is the difficulties that reveal the strength of faith, or what the house is built upon.

The people believed if they only had to restore the temple and reinstitution the sacrifices of animals then God’s blessings would return to them. But building the temple with hearts far from God is like building on the sand. They heard the words, but doing them wasn't in their hearts only in their hands.

Many Christians today put lots of energy in building church buildings, and now half empty. The strength of a church is not in the buildings, or even in the multitude of religious activity; it is not in how many programs they have. We must ask again, Where is the heart?

Pastor Robert Bailey writes of how a pulpit committee interviewed him because his church was prospering. This caught the eye of one of the larger churches- they could give him a higher salary and better benefits. They told him they were seeking a preacher who would fill their sanctuary on Sunday with a large congregation. He told the committee that God did not call a minister to fill a sanctuary. He did call him to interpret and proclaim God’s Word. He wanted no one to worship the preacher, only Jesus. He did not get the call to come to the church.

Too often religion can get in the way of a relationship. The how we do worship becomes more of a focus than who we worship.

Do you love God with all your heart this day? Or is the extent of your love going through religious rituals without heartfelt relationship?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Jan 5 People Groups

Verses Mal 1: “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob, ³ but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”

⁴ Edom may say, “Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins.”

People Groups

America has many people groups living within its borders. A people group can be just about any group of people who are identified by culture, race, religion or ethnicity. Often there are similarities, but we have learned that prejudice and racism can too often color our views that leads to discrimination based on outward characteristics than inward character.

When we read about the differences between Jacob and his offspring and Esau and his offspring, it raises understandable questions about how we are to look at Jews and Arab nations. Do we lump everyone into favorable or unfavorable characteristics? Does there appear to be a blessing of God more on one group than another?

How do we look on the nation of America and the blessing we have been graced with? It certainly seems God’s hand has been on our beginning and continuance of a new culture, But the Bible is clear those blessings and curses can certainly be conditional.

When Jesus came unto his own (Jews) His own did not receive him. But as many as receive Him to them He gave the right to become His children. (John 1:12) Never forget grace allows all people, all races, all tongues to be considered a new people of faith. But in the Old Testament His plan was revealed in the outward illustration of nations.

How do the Israelites know that God really loved them? One of the answers God gives through Malachi is "Jacob I loved, and Esau I hated." Now there is a hard verse in God's answer. The people of Israel are represented by Jacob and the people of Edom is represented by Esau. If you read only these verses, you can arrive at an incorrect conclusion that God loves only the Jews and hates the Gentiles, or at least the people group of Edom.

I believe this is the use of hyperbole to put the emphasis on how much God loves them. Just like the New Testament reference of Jesus to his followers that they are to love him and hate their wives mothers, children brother and sister does not call for emotional hatred, but ranking of preference. It is setting of priorities for higher purposes and goals. In Jacob's case, Gods' love signaled his election and his call for service, which was not the call of Edom.

We read the account of Esau and Jacob from Gen 25-28. As the story of the two brothers unfolds it is evident of conflict and human hatred are determined. The birthright appeared was sold to Jacob for a bowl of soup. It was not important to Esau. Even before he twins were born, God had declared to Rebekah, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples, born of you, shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger." (Gen 25:23), It is logical to draw the conclusion that God had seen Jacob as the one with the special endowments to be the head of the family and worthy to receive double portion of the heritage.

Now if you look at the lives of both Jacob and Esau you will agree with me that neither was worthy to receive the provisions of birthright and to undertake the covenant responsibilities. The only thing you can say for Jacob is he wanted it and Esau couldn't care less.

History showed Esau ran after women who were godless; Jacob sought the daughter of Laban. The nation of Edom couldn't care less about God, and the nation of Jacob as bad as it was had Joseph, chosen of God to be devoted and faithful unto the Lord. There is always the remnant, the few who seek the face of the Lord. They have preserved the heritage.

God sees from the beginning to the end while man views life in terms of moments. Esau's way of life invited the judgment of God. Edom, Esau's descendants, is pictured as people who set themselves against God inviting his judgment and destruction in many of the prophecies of the Bible.

The prophet’s reply was that if things were bad in Israel they were infinitely worse in Edom. The decisions and actions of my ancestors allowed me to be born in America with all the privileges that I presently enjoy and you too. The fact remains friend, we have received grace like no other nation in the outward and inward evidences of God. Can we take pride in that? No. We can take worship seriously however.

Since the two nations from the two brothers were so closely related, and their lands bordered upon each other, they might have been expected to share the same fate. Yet God had clearly given the advantage to Israel as anyone could see who would consider the unhappy recent history of Edom.

In that day the Edomites were about as irreligious, self-sufficient people as could be imagined. They were profane and unrepentant, without ideals or humility. When Jerusalem fell to Babylon the Edomites rejoiced. Edom's territory was the rugged mountainous and desert land SE of the Dead Sea. Now Edom was being put under siege. They regarded the disaster which fell as only temporary and looked forward to re-establishing their life in that old environment and under the old conditions. Their optimism was similar to that of the people of the northern kingdom of Israel in its last days. Malachi said the end has really come and the ruin is permanent so that it will provide evidence for future generations of the wickedness of Edom and the justice of God.

Malachi's prophecy proved correct, historically. Edom never returned to her former lands. The Edomites remained settled in southern Palestine with their capital at Hebron and were incorporated by force into the Jewish commonwealth. It no longer exists.

Malachi's concern was not the fate of Edom but the illustration of God's love for his people and of his concern for moral values.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 6 – God’s Plan

Verses- Mal 1:⁴ Edom may say, “Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins.”

Introduction to God's Plan

God's plan was for Israel to be his servant people. Instead of humility because of their divine election, they were arrogantly indifferent to the love of God. God chose them to be the people who point all others to him as the one true God. Instead, they rebelled and spurned the love of God, and then they had the nerve to question the validity and reality of his love!

In spite of all the evidence to the contrary, God did still love the Jews, his special people. His love was sovereign love, it was an unconditional love; it was intimately personal love. Edom was not punished merely for what she had done to the chosen people but for her brutal violation of the moral law. They were, as a nation, under God's judgment. Let us not think for a minute that we as a nation can also be under God's judgment for our increasing violation of the moral laws of God.

Malachi tells them when the self-righteous Jews are sure that God does continue to love them, they will confess that he is great in majesty, power and grace. Even the non-Jewish people, the Edomites, the Gentiles, will know him as Lord. Then the prophet predicted that when the Jews see the finality of God's judgment upon their enemies, they will realize that God does indeed reign, and that in spite of all appearances to the contrary, the love which he once manifested to Israel cannot have changed.

If people will only lift up their eyes to look beyond their own immediate difficulties and observe what is taking place upon the great stage of world history, they will know that the greatness of the Lord extends beyond the border of Israel! (A look at vs. 11 predicts this.)

God's love does extend beyond the borders of the Jews. He wants them to know he still loves them. However, we must come to God on his conditions. God's love includes those beyond the institutional church would open their lives to his Lordship.

What does this have to do with us? Is it a prophecy that we can relate to? How can we see this with New Testament eyes?

First if you are a child of Jesus, been convicted of your sin and forgiven by trusting is Jesus death on the cross, stop complaining that God doesn't love you if things aren't going your way. That is a self-centeredness that affects most of us from time to time. If God has called you to Himself think about that salvation. You could be lost today and bound for hell except for the love of Jesus Christ. You could have been in another part of the world where the message is still not heard. Does God love you? You could be torn with sins that keep you bound instead of the hope of freedom from them.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ the situation that you think is so bad remember is the worst it will ever get. This life is as bad as it gets, for then the blessings of eternal life, and heaven, and the presence of Jesus is far, far greater than ever. If you are outside of Jesus' salvation this morning, this life is as good as it ever gets. You might as well live it up however you want, for it will never get any better. But then you face an eternity lost. Now ask does God love me? When we think of the consequences of the saved and unsaved it is a foolish question. That’s the point Malachi wants to convey to the people who are objects of God's love.

Secondly, sin is a reproach to any people. The wages of sin is death. Malachi declares that when the work of God is seen in his judgment on Edom, people will be reminded that God’s promises are true. When evil is punished, when vengeance and justice are finally executed, we know God keeps His word. Those who feel victimized and perpetrators get away with it, know that they will face God someday.

The church now has the message of salvation that the world needs to hear before it is too late.

Pastor Dale

Prophet's Birth Luke 1:57-80

2011-12-30T07:51:00.001-06:00

Sermon Nuggets Monday Dec 26- The Prophet’s birth

Verses-

Luke 1:57-63 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.

58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John."

61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name."

62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.

63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John."

Prophets Birth

This week we come back to the person of Zechariah and particularly the events of John’s birth. We talked a couple of weeks ago of the silence of Zechariah, the priest, for couldn’t speak for 9 months for doubting Gabriel’s good news. Even in old age he and Elizabeth were to have a baby and this baby was the chosen one to prepare the way of the Messiah and he is to call his name John.

When John was born Zechariah as now able to get his voice back but instead of complaint he praised the Lord and that will be the subject of this weeks devotionals. We had talked about Elizabeth’s words of praise a couple of weeks ago and last week focused in on Mary’s song of praise with the Magnificat.

The verses today talk about Mary being with Elizabeth until the time came for the prophet’s birth.

It is always a joyous time to see new life brought into the world, but especially so when you have what we call a miracle baby. Some parents will call each birth a miracle and are filled with wonder at his or her birth. Some will use that term for those who are born out of unusual circumstances, a premie who lives, or someone who had a great difficult and pulled through. Some who couldn’t get pregnant, like Elizabeth and then the unexpected happened.

John is indeed a miracle child but also special because he is a prophet prepared especially by God and even prophesied in Malachi.

At the birth there was a neighborhood party unlike before because with the special events that surrounded the announcement of the angel to Zechariah at the temple they knew even by his silence that God was involve in an unusual way. Now there is a party to celebrate God’s work among them. Friends and neighbors new the mercy of the Lord was demonstrated.

At the time of the circumcision others expected this baby to have the name of his father Zechariah. We have not any instance in Scripture that the child should bear the father's name; but perhaps it was of increasingly the custom at that time with the Jews, and they intended hereby to do honor to the father, who was not likely to have another child.

It was the custom, when they circumcised their children, to name them, because, when Abram was circumcised God gave him a new name, Abraham; and it is not unfit that they should be left nameless till they are by name given up to God. But he gives him a new name than what is expected. This name is given by none other than the angel Gabriel who tells him to name the baby John.

Perhaps the reason others planned to name him was Zechariah couldn’t speak, but when Zechariah took a tablet and wrote His name shall be John that was when his tongue was loosed and he could speak!.

It seems to me the angel had struck Zechariah deaf as well as dumb because in verse 62 it says they communicated to him with signs instead of speech—gradually in the silence of those months, when he could not converse with his wife or friends, Zechariah began to see what was happening. It began to sink into his head and heart that these were stupendous, unrepeatable, incredibly significant days. That got everyone talking.

He shall be called Johanan-Gracious, because he shall introduce the gospel of Christ, wherein God's grace shines more brightly than ever.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 27 New Name

Verses- Luke 1: 63-66 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John."

64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.

65 The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.

66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him

A New Name

The people who heard now from both Elizabeth and John were amazed that something new was happening by naming him John. They heard John speak for the first time in 9 months and believed another miracle had occurred. They were willing to listen now to a message from the priest. It began with the name John, gracious. God is going to show grace upon His people.

Now a new name is symbolic of a new covenant, a new arrangement with God that is not by the law but by grace. God’s plan in the beginning was always to create for himself a people with whom he could share his life.

We begin to see this most clearly in God’s relationship with Abraham. God comes to Abraham and does something with him that becomes the norm for God establishing a relationship with someone — he establishes a covenant,

God has often given people different names. Names mean something in the Bible. Simons name was changed to Peter the Rock. Sauls name was changed to Paul. (small humble)

Abram the exalted father to Abraham, the father of many or father of nations.

A covenant is not just a mutual agreement between two people, like a contract. It was a binding agreement that the parties involved committed themselves to under pain of death. It created a binding relationship between them. The covenant was based on the character of the persons involved. God’s part of the promise was that he would fulfill the covenant and redeem his people by bringing his Messiah into the world, and this Messiah would bring God’s people back to him. As he said, “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33).
Sometimes you have heard the gospel song, There is a new name written up in glory and its mine, yes Lord its mine. Isa 62: 2 The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow. Rev 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

One of the interesting things we notice about God’s covenant with Abraham is how one-sided it was. The parties making a covenant with each other would walk the path between the pieces, of animals that were cut in half and in effect say, “If I break the terms of this covenant, so may this be done to me.” The animals were then prepared and eaten as a covenant meal.

But what is interesting in the covenant with Abraham is that only God walked the covenant path between the animals. One reason Abraham did not walk between these parts of the animals was he could not keep the terms of the covenant.

Now the new name reminds us of the new covenant. And our relationship with Christ is based on a covenant. His body was broken and we eat the covenant meal as we partake of communion, and we remember that God has bound himself to us in covenant love. This is our faithful God. It is not based on law but on grace. And that is the name of this baby, grace or gracious. A new name to a new beginning of a new work of God in coming to earth to save.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Dec 28 A New Song

Verses- Luke 1: 67-75 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.

69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us-- to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

A New Song

Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, now with his speech returned shouted what has come to be known as the Benedictus. , It was a song filled with praise of what was about to happen with the birth of Jesus. Benedictus is in Latin the first word. It is often recited in some churches and at this time of year.

Zechariah recognizes the coming of the Redeemer to keep the covenant promises and yet in new ways.

He started this new Song with praise to the Lord for he is the God of Israel and if there is a song to be heard from Zachariah it is the song of Redemptions

He begins with praise to the Lord, worthy of honor. He is the one who draws near to his people. He is not left the people without His presence. I am sure he knew of the excitement of Mary’s visit and special child in her womb as virgin with child from God.

Now remember the context of his message has been 400 years of silence. God did not speak to them except through the prophets and coming of the Messiah. It has been that long wince they heard.

Nine months earlier Zechariah could not believe his wife would have a child. Now, filled with the Holy Spirit, he is so confident of God's redeeming work in the coming Messiah that he puts it in the past tense. For the mind of faith, a promised act of God is as good as done. Zechariah has learned to take God at his word and so has a remarkable assurance: "God has visited and redeemed!"

I find it interesting that the word about Jesus activities are in the past tense if it had already been done. He was so confident that he moved from a doubter to one who said it is as good as done even though it would be 30 years before Jesus became public. God has come and has redeemed his people because the promise is sure.

He talks about raised up the horn of salvation. Horn symbolizes different things in the OT but Psalm 92:9, 10 gives us a picture of what the horn stood for: “For lo, thy enemies, O Lord, for lo, thy enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered. But thou hast exalted my horn like that of the wild ox.” The horn is a sign of strength and a means of victory. In Micah 4:13 God says to Jerusalem, "Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion, for I will make your horn iron and your hoofs bronze; you shall beat in pieces many peoples."

The power and might of salvation of Jesus Christ is from the house of David just as promised. Psalm 132:17, God says concerning Jerusalem, "There I will make a horn to sprout for David. I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame." When a horn sprouts on an ox's head and becomes like iron, then he must be feared by all his enemies.

But in the Old Testament one always finds the conviction that God is the one who fights for Israel. He is the one who is strong and who gets victory over the enemies of his people. Therefore, it is not surprising that the only two instances of the phrase "horn of salvation" in the Old Testament are references to God, not man. Both record the same psalm of David after God saved him from his enemy Saul. He says, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation."

God is his defense (his shield) and his offense (his deadly and powerful horn).

In hindsight we see how Jesus did so much more than Zechariah could have imagined. He believed now. But Gods mind wasn’t just on the Egyptian and Assyria, or Babylon and the Philistines or Greeks and Romans- it was on Satan and demons and principalities and power that are unseen. These are the world systems and leaders control by evil.

Zechariah, no doubt, is hoping that the Israel of his day will be delivered from her oppressive Roman overlords and that Messiah, the king of David, will reign over a liberated Israel. It has not been revealed to Zechariah that this national-political deliverance will not happen at the first coming of the Messiah, but only at his second coming. Nevertheless, we will see signs in Zechariah's son that the redemption of the Messiah is more than national liberation.

Zechariah has a new song of the coming of the Redeemer- The one who would pay the price for freedom. With redemption comes also salvation to the house of David.

There is also the praise of the pace of the mercy and to remember the covenant. The agreement by oath which God swore to Abraham call him to himself and his descendents.

It is the "consolation of Israel" for which Zechariah hopes. It is the "Lord God of Israel" who is coming to redeem his people. The people in view are the people of Israel. This was the chosen nation to whom the promises had been given. God had the world in view, but he aimed to come to Israel first. So Jesus said in Matthew 15:24, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But just like there is a clue in Zechariah's song that God's redemption is more than national, so there is a clue that the beneficiaries of that redemption are more than Israelites.

God was making a promise that will find its ultimate fulfillment when He sets up His kingdom here on earth. Just as surely as Zacharias could praise God for a past tense redemption that had not taken place yet, he could also praise God for keeping His promises that hadn’t been fulfilled yet.
When I read about the things God has said He will do one day I don’t worry a bit about whether He’ll do them or not. God has been faithful in the past; He is faithful today and I know He’ll still be faithful tomorrow! The God that promised a Savior and made promises for four thousand years about how that Savior would come is the same God that fulfilled those promises with amazing accuracy. That same God has promised that one day Jesus Christ is coming again to rule and reign in peace and righteousness. He came the first time as a meek and gentle Lamb, but He’s coming again as the mighty Lion of the Tribe of Judah! How do I know? Because God keeps His promises!

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 29 New Hope

Verses- Luke 1: 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,

78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

A New Hope

Now Zechariah moves from addressing God in praise to addressing his newborn son in his arms: ” You will be called a prophet of the Most High.”

What an honor to know in advance you will be especially chosen by God to declare truth and revival to the people. You will prepare the way for the Messiah. What a privilege for John and for his parents who probably didn’t live to see that day.

What was his message of hope? It was to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. God is merciful to tell people they can have forgiveness and we see that played out in the person of Jesus Christ who came and lived and died on a cross and was buried and is coming again.

This one will guide them into peace which they longed or and anticipated.

How easy for Elizabeth and Zechariah to think of themselves and their joy of having children in their older age. But the significance of the baby, John was in being the forerunner of the Messiah. And they were celebrating the splendid part his son was to play in the Messianic drama.

Although they were thinking of political salvation from the oppressors, there was a need for moral salvation. Salvation comes by facing sins and repenting of them. John’s role was to prepare people hearts for the coming of Jesus and prepare them to listen to the Lord and follow in obedience and affect the world for God. There was a need for moral change by trusting and obeying God. It has more than national birth. It was to be a spiritual birth.

One commentator said, “Its not what the child is that made him important, but what the child says- a prophet through whom someone else is meant to speak.”

That is the task that God indeed prepares for each of us, for no longer do we live in a spiritual economy where God is hidden from men and is only revealed by the specially chosen prophets. Now we can hear God directly through the written word. God is no longer working through priest and sacrifices for us to come before his holy throne. Now we are all made priests before the Lord and have a right to come before him through Christ. We are prophets telling forth the good news of Jesus Christ that He came to save people from their sins. We are the new priests representing God to men and men to God. We have no longer a veil that separates us.

The Old Testament prophets could say with hope someday He will come God will visit us and we will be redeemed. We will be saved someday. Someday God will keep his promise but now John could say, “Listen people the one we were looking for is here. He is at hand. Hear him and follow him.”

And John was the first prophet, the greatest prophet to witness God presence and grace first hand. He pointed to the Lamb of God away take away the sins of the world He was preparing his prophet even from before his birth. He had a wonderful plan for his life. Yet we can also think back knowing the story as believers many years later.

We hear the Lord has a wonderful plan for your life. But realize that plan is to be used for his glory for our ultimate heavenly blessing. Let us not become so earthly minded that we think only of earthly blessing and comfort of this world that is a lie. The Lord has the same plan that he had for John in that we are not to be prophets in the New Testament sense speaking forth the word of God to our fellows of His grace and love. God has wonder plan for our lives the first and foremost plan is for you to know Jesus and trust him to save you and forgive your sin.

We remember and observe Christmas because of the hope it offers us. Both Christians and non-Christians see in this day the Hope of the World.
Unfortunately, while the hope of Christmas is offered to all men, not all men will accept it. The gift we celebrate came in that first century. It is offered until he comes again. This message is still to be proclaimed, accepted, and lived in hope.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Dec 30 A New Year

Verses Luke 1:⁸⁰ And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Luke 3:1-3 ¹ In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— ² during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. ³ He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

A New Year

Vs 80 tells us what happened to John. He became that prophet and began his ministry. There was a new year that dawned in Israel. There was a new chapter God had prepared for his people with the public ministry of John. It was in the fifteenth year of Caesar’s reign.

People from all around would come to hear him and he readily preached repentance to prepare their heart for what God is going. People respond in three ways to messages on sin. First there is repentance when it is exposed resulting in humility, guilt and confession sin. People know they are condemned and want mercy. Secondly there is a self justification. This can result in resistance, denial and bitterness. People want to attack or discredit the prophet by either accusing them of wrong doing. Then there is a group for whom their hearts are so hardened they think it is for another and not them. They see faults and sins in others but not themselves.

John was eventually beheaded for his message as he pointed out the sin of adultery to the King who divorced his wife and married his sister-in-law. He was lonely as he spoke in a wilderness and had to eat locust and wild honey. He was denounced also by the Jews and his task was very unpopular, but he felt it was worth it all to be used by God.

We come to a new year. As we meet on Sunday we share in communion. It is a new year to reflect on the past and ask forgiveness for sin that God might reveal. It is a new year to ignore promptings of truth and we live as we always have lived. Or it is a new year to rejoice in the salvation and freedom provided by God in a closer relationship and vitality in faith. God is praised for providing salvation and forgives. Because he is merciful and shines on those living in darkness there is hope and life after death and guiding feet in the path of peace. God is praised for he provides his presence for his people and he has not only remembered them but also provides for them spiritually.

God provided for his people in way that honors him. He does not forget us either as individuals or as a nation and church. God can to save those who would trust in him and shine on those living in darkness and sin.

Jesus read from Isaiah ¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, ¹⁹ to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Isa 55:1-3 also pictures this beauty of salvation by saying “Arise, shine for thy light has come the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee for Gentiles shall come to the light when we think of the provision before us.”

What does it mean to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor? It is the time for the message to be revealed how God is dealing with his people by grace to all who will receive him as the gift. If you are fighting the effects of the evil one let me tell you the good news. Jesus has won the battle and desires you be strong and free. You can win over the temptation that plagues you that loneliness that will you not to go on, the light in that darkness. It is Jesus Christ and the power that can provide for your life. Only when we have learned to hate sin and leave it that we are free to walk the paths of righteousness. This faith is the beginning of Spiritual Life This can be a new year of God’s favor upon you.

I was talking with someone on their hopeless of addiction. They believe the lie that they will have this sin all their lives. There are others for whom a new year was proclaimed and by the power of the Holy Spirit and help of others they have remained free from resisting the temptations of Satan. He has come to destroy the devil’s power.

Man didn’t know God until Jesus came to show he is love. Man didn’t know forgiveness until Jesus came to offer a relationship with our creator. We have a new peace.

Men seek peace with all their hearts but few find it. The peace offered here today is not peace like the world offers. They is a phony peace of wealth, power and prestige. But peace among men can only happen when all men have peace in their hearts and that can only come as a gift from God.
I think of the hymns we sing could have been sung by Zechariah. It is the essence of his praise.” I will sing of my Redeemer -I will tell the wondrous story, How my lost estate to save, In His boundless love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave.

I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant power I’ll tell, How the victory He giveth Over sin, and death, and hell.

Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer, With His blood, He purchased me. On the cross, He sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free”

It’s a new year. A year of the Lord’s favor.

Pastor Dale

Spirit of Christmas Luke 1:46-56

2011-12-23T07:16:00.001-06:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Dec 19 THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Verses- Luke 1:46-56 And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Spirit of Christmas

At this time of year we hear a lot about the spirit of Christmas.

What does it mean? Ebeneezar Scrooge was contacted by the spirits of Christmas past, present, and yet to come. In Dicken's classic story, the Spirit of Christmas is a ghost.

You might see advertisements talking about given the spirits of Christmas and what they are selling are liquor; Christmas cards depict the spirit of Christmas as love, sharing, giving.

Of Course the Bible does give us an understanding of the ‘spirit’ of

Christmas. This is different also from the Holy Spirit, although He is involved in everything that surrounds the first Christmas story.

John MacArthur reminds us that "the Spirit of Christmas is a relationship with God out of thankfulness for His salvation. It is praise, a time of worship and filling with the beauty of the Holy Spirit. It is being filled with wonder, and awe at the work of God through Jesus.

The one who was closest with Jesus at that time of course was his mother Mary. And what does she do? She magnifies the Lord. She knew that she would bear God's son. What was her response? "Why me? I can't believe it." She, by her own words, felt unworthy of such a great honor. Let’s look at her song of praise as it reminds us of reasons for rejoicing this and every season.

She begins by acknowledging the joy of her heart and soul. The first thing that comes into her mind when Elizabeth greets he and calls her blessed is praise to God for his salvation. Redemption has come. God is coming to save his people. Her heart is centered on God.

I admit that too often people would have our hearts centered on the externals not the internals. I am not one who thinks the celebration should be banned, as some Christians do, anymore than I feel music should be banned because there is a danger of centering our attention on the beauty of the voice, song, music, instruments and not on the Lord. These are vehicles that can be used for worship. But we need the reminder of the one to whom all of this is dedicated. For the Christian the joy of the season is worthy of celebration, decoration, and symbols around which we can converse and discuss the reason for celebration to our children and to one another. But let’s remind ourselves that Mary's deep desire is to honor God and love him. It is not a shallow superficiality. We worship God in spirit and in truth.

This song is often called the Magnificat Latin meaning to magnify or lift up the Lord. You have a magnifying glass it brings things into focus in a larger way than how we have seen them before. Worship is lifting up and extolling and magnifying the Lord in a larger way that we do normally. I think that is an appropriate purpose of the Spirit of Christmas. It is a time to remind ourselves of the plan of God to save a lost world.

Salvation is the heart of the purpose for Jesus to come into the world. Jesus says, ”the son of man has come to seek and to save that which is lost.” The praise that God desires is because this is His plan. He plans to redeem and save. There is salvation in no other.

To declare the salvation of the Lord is to do so in the real spirit of Christmas.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 20,

Verses- Luke 1:47-49 And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name.

Grateful for Grace

Mary, the mother of Jesus, recognizes God as her savior, meaning she needs salvation too. She calls God her savior. She knows she is a sinner who needs saving. She is like any other human being.

She does not exalt herself, Elizabeth only recognizes how blessed she was and indeed she was. Nowhere does the attention of praise ever fall on the angels, on Mary on Joseph, on the priest, on the King only on Christ.

The verb tense in the Greek of praise or magnifies the Lord is a continuous action. She magnifies the Lord and keeps on doing it.

I wonder how many rejoice this season because the coming of Christ meant salvation for them. Have you responded to the good news personally? Have you repented of your sins and called upon God to be your savior? That is the root of all praise for we cannot really praise the Lord unless His Spirit lives within and that cannot happen until we commit ourselves to Him.

"..for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant." From now on all generations will call me blessed. for the Mighty One has done great things for me--holy is his name."

Grace is the giving of God that is so undeserved by mankind. Mary is humbled. Indeed, true worship comes from a humbled heart for the more we lift up God the more we recognize our unworthiness for we are not special but God is. She recognizes and is grateful for God’s work in her life. Out of that realization we are fortunate blessed people because of God's grace. Mary had done nothing to deserve the tremendous gracious gift of God.

Now to be sure, God would not have chosen someone who did not have upstanding character and a heart for God. But there were many God could have chosen. She was not a slut, or a profane woman. She had the character that God wanted to raise Jesus from infancy into adulthood. She had a love for God and a servant’s heart. She regarded her lowly estate: she is a handmaiden, a servant, willing to obey and do what God wanted. Only the truly humble can give true worship because when they see Gods' greatness they see their own weakness and undeserving of grace.

Luke 14:11 says, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Ish. 57:15 tells us "For this is what the high and lofty One says-he would live forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." It is the humbled who recognizes the grace of God.

There is great joy realizing that we have been so blessed beyond what we deserve. If one thinks that he deserves a raise, he isn't nearly as excited about getting one as the fellow who didn't expect or even think he should get one.

Certainly we cannot be compared to Mary who was the mother of the Lord, but do not forget God dwells within us as believers. If we are partakers of the Holy Spirit what more can we desire by way of favor from God? We bear a close a relationship to Christ as did the virgin mother. It is a grace given to us so undeserved but indeed made into flesh as we demonstrate God's grace to the world within our own lives.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Dec 21

Verse Luke 1: 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

Grateful for God's Mercy.

Part of Mary’s song of praise included her thoughts toward God’s mercy. When I think of mercy I think of first, the forgiveness of God. If someone is merciful they are kind even though the other person doesn't deserve their kindness. It is not getting what they deserve. They deserve punishment, they do not get punishment. If I want the judge to be merciful it implies that I have done some wrong and I hope that he will not be harsh with me. If I want mercy from someone I do not want the worse or worse things to happen.

Forgiveness is the means of God’s mercy. Yesterday we addressed the subject of grace when Mary got this unexpected surprise of being the very one chosen to receive the babe. Mercy is recognizing this is undeserved. She felt this ought not to happen to her. When we fear, honor, love, respect the Lord when we are contrite we are seeking forgiveness for our sins and repentance implies the desire to turn from them.

I think of a comment made by Florence Littauer "I used to gather up my husband Fred's faults with the fervor of a child picking berries. I had a whole shelf of overflowing baskets before the concept of forgiveness fell heavily upon me. To be spiritual I plucked out a few of Fred's faults and forgave them, but I didn't want to clear the whole shelf. Where would I go for future reference material?"

Mary is impressed with the mercy of God in working with His people. Eph 2:4 illustrates God's mercy in this way. "But because of his great love for us. God, who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.”

Grace is given us what we do not deserve, salvation. Mercy is not giving

us what we do deserve, death.

John Prussing told of a woman who complained to a neighbor about receiving poor service at a local pharmacy, intending that her complaint would be repeated to the druggist. The next time the woman went into the

store, the druggist greeted her warmly, told her how much he appreciated her business, and filled her prescription immediately. He added that if he could do anything to help her family, she should be sure to call on him, even if it was after store hours.

The woman mentioned the improvement to her neighbor. "It certainly worked, your repeating my dissatisfaction to him."

"Well, no, I didn't do that”, replied her friend. "Instead, I told him you were impressed with the way he had built up his business, and that you felt his was one of the best-run drugstores you'd ever dealt with." The woman showed mercy. He didn't get what he deserved, but by receiving mercy he responded in kindness.

Instead of being full of judgment God has dealt mercifully with mankind by giving us a means whereby we can be forgiven. Instead of covering up sin and ignoring it and pretending it doesn't exist, we can face it and get it cleaned up and out and have those burdens lifted. God is merciful.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 22

Verses- Luke 1: 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel

Grateful for God's Power

Mary continues her praise to God for his unbelievable power. She reflects in her song to God of what he has and will do for her and for others. She mentions seven things.

1) Has performed mighty deeds with his arm. 2) Scattered those who are proud in their inner thoughts 3) Brought down rulers from their thrones

4) Lifted up the humble. 5) Filled the hungry with good things 6) Sent the rich away empty. 7) Helped his servant Israel

E. Stanly Jones said, "The Magnificat is the most revolutionary document in the world." Why? Because of power against pride. Jesus came to earth to bring death to pride. Jesus knocks the props out of each one of us and says if you are a man or woman of faith; it is shown in your servant spirit, in your humble attitude. He brings down rulers. If you are not sure of that look at the regimes of Hitler, of Mussolinni, or of the communist countries that five years ago seemed like such a threat. Do you known when the rulers of Iraq was brought down, at God's timing.

However, have you thought when the ruler of the United State will be brought down? It will be.

Think for a minute of the rulers and kings that were involved during the time of Christ. There was Herod he was so threatened that he had all the babies killed. Still Christ overcame.

There was Pilate, he had not more power than what God would allow and finally allowed him to be put to death. He mistakenly even thought he had that power, yet he was overcome when Christ arose. Herod, Festus, Agrippa, Caesar and Nero all tried to do away with Christ and his followers. He has brought down rulers from their thrones and lifted up the humble. In that final spiritual conquest when the last of days are done; the mighty forces of this world, defeated, God's humble children have won."

There is a revolution against the rich. The love of Christ is demonstrated toward those who are generally poor, hungry, lost, sinners coming to Christ bring them hope to the hopeless.

How odd that someone like Mary should be picked, a simple poor woman. Joseph was only a carpenter. Disciples were fishermen, tax collector, a political zealot. In fact the whole Christmas story is not to the priests, Sanhedrin ministers, wealthy, but surrounded by shepherds, stable, straw.

Those who find themselves all self-sufficient will find themselves empty. Jesus came also to release the captives. Jesus has come by his power to make all the wrongs of society right again, all the things that are unfair just, and to overturn the oppression and prepare for the way of the final judgment of the righteousness of God. Are you ready?

Mary saw God at work. She became mindful of his power. She was to conceive of a child without having sexual relationship with a man. It was a miracle to recognize the virgin birth of Jesus. He was powerful. It was nothing she did. It was something by the sovereign grace of God that happened to her. That brought her to personal praise to God. It also brought her to reflect over the experiences of God throughout the ages.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Dec 23

Verses- Luke 1: 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Grateful for God's Promises.

Mary is also praising the Lord for keeping his promises. The long awaited and expectant Jesus is the theme of anticipation for the Jews for so many years. Now God was fulfilling what he promised. The time had come for God to show himself in the form of a person and picked of all things, to come to earth as a baby and come to earth as a suffering servant. How unlike what they thought God should be and do.

But God does not forget promises and plans for they are foretold by the prophets and they will come about. How joyous to see that they are coming about now. He promised the seed of righteousness and Jesus is that seed.

It was years earlier when God coveted with Abraham to be his God and to let Abraham offspring become God's people. It was a special relationship that as initiated by faith. His faith was tested you remember with Isaac being placed on the sacrifice and he was instructed to kill his own son, Isaac. yet the angel intervened and said that was not God's desire, he wanted to make sure Abraham was obedience and faithful to the Lord.

What is the promise to Israel. Ish. 11:1-3 that he would be born from the family of Jesse, which was the stock of both Mary and Joseph, Micha

5:2 told he would be born in Bethlehem. Ish. 7:14 prophecies that avirgin shall conceive and bear a son. and many more Old Testament predictions.

Yes, the people have waited a number of years to be freed from the tyranny of Greece and Rome. The Israelites were wondering if the Messiah would ever come. Some are still wondering that. They were looking for the redemption of Israel. Now Mary knew that all the centuries of waiting would culminate in the birth of her son.

I wonder what she would have thought if she had any idea of what God was really doing. For you see, yes God was preserving his promises, all that was mentioned hundreds and thousands of years earlier did come about. But Jesus was interested in more than just Palestine. He was claiming his rightful place on the throne of the world- King of kings and Lord of lords. He was to reclaim the dominion of Satan. He was to see the lost and sinners come to life.

We too have the expectation when all of this will be fulfilled. What was purchased for us at his first coming will be finalized at his second coming?

Just as Mary was filled with praise for God was fulfilling his promises so with faith and hope we are filled with that same expectation that one day, soon, maybe very soon He is coming again so we shall be with him forever.

Listen to these promises: Acts 1:11 Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven will come back in the same way you have seen him go in’to heaven. I Thes 4:16-18, Mt. 24:3-8 & 36-44. Rev. 21:3,4 Yes, Jesus coming is something to sing about Mary. May we continue your song of praise to God and may we recognize the spirit of Christmas that spirit of rejoicing and praising God for his salvation, for his grace, for his mercy for his power and for his promises until he comes.

Pastor Dale

Elizabeth's Song Luke 1:5-47

2011-12-16T07:20:00.001-06:00

Sermon Nuggets- Mon, Dec 12 Elizabeth’s Song

Elizabeth’s Song

Singing and carols are an important part of Christmas. Yesterday afternoon we had a traditional Christmas Hymn sing. Those who cam enjoyed singing the favorites interspersed with special numbers. Even as Pastor Isaac spoke in his sermon- one of the Christmas traditions is music. I am glad God gave within our hearts and emotions the means of expressing to Him and others joy and love and witness of what He has done.

Literally a carol is a joyous song or lyric. It is from the French. It has become known to relate to the stories surrounding the Nativity.

According to one article I read St. Francis of Assisi tried to change the Church’s Latin formalism with the human warmth of worship. He was acknowledge as the first to set up the crib, ox and donkey, manger and infant Jesus and sung in 1223.

Interestingly, carols were banned in England in 1647, since many of our customs and traditions were adapted form pagan worship of the sun god. Christians decide not to celebrate the winter solstice bur the son of God bringing light to the world so they took that Holiday and used it to recognize the coming of Jesus into the world. The Puritans wanted to throw all of that out because there were also celebrations that involved carousing and feasting. So Parliament outlawed celebrations and even churches were stripped of ornamentation, organs were carted away and religious singing was restricted to only the Psalms. That law lasted about 20 years.

Now it seems ACLU is the Grinch that want to outlaw Christmas singing except in churches. Not only have there been various law suits throughout the country on what songs schools can an cannot include, and whether the nativity scenes can be place on public property, but even I the Salvation Army can solicit funds on pubic grounds to help the poor.

However, real joy isn’t’ in singing and telling the Christmas story as certain time and place, it is in knowing Jesus Christ in a personal way and receiving his free gift of salvation by repenting of sin an by faith following Him. If you haven’t made Christ Lord of your life, my prayer is you will this year.

G. Campbell Morgan writes, “Luke, the artists, has gathered and collected, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, the stories which reveal the fact that when Jesus came into the world poetry expressed itself and music was reborn.”

Can you imagine the joy as well as the fear ad bewilderment that came to Mary when the angel Gabriel approached her and announce she was to deliver that long expected Messiah? Who can she go to and share the news? Who would understand that she, a virgin, his pregnant? Gabriel tells her about another miracle that happened to her cousin, Elizabeth in her old age. She would understand.

This is something women share with women. Elizabeth could be someone with whom she could share the secret. Instead of being received with suspicion she was received with acceptance, love and excitement. Elizabeth assured Mary of her single blessedness by being selected of God to be the Mother of the Messiah. She indeed was an encouragement. When Elizabeth saw her cousin arrive and realized the joy of her own child within her womb, she responded in praise and song unto the Lord.

This is a time or singing of our salvation, and God’s goodness.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 13 Prelude

Verses Luke 1:5-7

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.

6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.

7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

Prelude

Before most of our services we have a prelude of music. Since we have been talking about music at Christmas this week the prelude is usually musical introduction to what is about to happen. It is used to set a mood for worship. Sometimes the organist plays familiar songs and people might think of some of the words that are about God and His works. Sometimes there are musical numbers which are used specifically to quiet our hearts and allow people to pray, think, mediate before a service begins where the Spirit might guide one’s thinking.

We know the prelude to Jesus ministry was found in the person of John the Baptist who was appointed to prepare the way of the Lord spiritually. But the prelude to Jesus birth was also indirectly found in the person of John the Baptist who even in the womb is the first to recognize the son of God who is to come into the world.

You might say the surroundings of Jesus birth was sober and dreary. It was not a happy tune under the strict dominance of the Romans. There was a feeling of despair and a barrenness where God was taking much too long, in the minds of the Jews, to bring the Messiah to redeem the people from oppression once again.

Part of this, I think, is symbolized by Elizabeth’s barrenness and without the joy of a child. Just as Zechariah was a priest Elizabeth was a descendent of the line of Aaron, the first appointed priest. The Bible says they pleased God. They were upright and observing all the Lord’s commands and regulations.

Many women in their barrenness wonder if God is somehow punishing them. Having a baby is key to being a woman in that culture. They would please their husbands and find purpose in raising a family.

We understand more of what Elizabeth must have felt when we read of the barrenness of Sarah with Abraham, or Rachel before she had a child with Jacob. We see Hannah crying out to the Lord in the temple and felt the shame and ridicule for not having a baby. God provided for all these women and their offspring had a significant part to play in redemptive history.

Some people give up on God when their prayers are not answered. But in spite of the circumstances Elizabeth and her husband served the Lord faithfully. They honored God publicly and privately.

This prelude was a preparation for Elizabeth, but it was really Elizabeth spent her whole lifetime being prepared by God to be the mother of John the Baptist. Only she didn’t know it. Her son would be the greatest of prophets according to Jesus. Her name is honored for her humble and faithful service.

Every person used of God had a mother whom God used in different ways to prepare their children. Certainly the Biblical mandate is the train the children up in the ways of God and in the teachings of the Bible. A parent who is doing his and her job walks close to the Lord and wants to pass on the most important truths any child can know. Elizabeth joins her husband in the years ago to have their son follow the Nazarite laws of diet and dress.

But the prelude is the first song to prepare for worship. And she becomes the first spokesperson to declare the wonders of Jesus coming in the flesh. Her song is the first human expression of praise for the Christ child.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Dec. 14 Joy of John

Verses : Luke 1:39-41 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,

40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

The Joy of John

John the Baptist, still in the womb, recognizes Jesus, the Son of God ,in the womb of Mary. Baby talk! Elizabeth’s own baby becomes for her the messenger of confirmation of Jesus before either are ever born. When the babies were in proximity the Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth. These expressions are not just her own thoughts -this comes from God.

Luke is a doctor. Most doctors today will recognize emotional experiences of the mother can cause movement in the fetus she is carrying. Some will use that as an explanation for her baby jumping or kicking which Elizabeth understands is a sign from God. Skeptics can explain this away recognizing fetal movement, but not agreeing with conclusion that Elizabeth gives.

I believe this is the inspire Words of God. The Bible is the foundation of our faith and practice. She knew by God when the baby leaped inside of her as Mary greeted her even from some distance, this was the Messiah. The baby was not only filled with the Holy Spirit but had excitement in the presence of the Lord.

People today are continuing to understand more about babies in the womb and their reactions and responses. There are articles about encouraging mothers to have music, sing, rub, and even read to their unborn babies. I am not in a position to know what is or is not advisable. Because of ultrasounds many know the sex of the child before birth, something unheard of a few years ago. I will speak of my experience of being a new Grandfather.

Bryan and Kate wanted to know as soon as possible what their baby was going to be. When they got the first ultra sound pictures confirming she was a girl they began to plan accordingly. I was a bit surprised when they announced to us her name- Madelyn. What surprised me more was how they would no longer speak of her as the baby or certainly not a fetus, but as Maddie. They talked about what she did in the womb, and what they think she would like in her room for decorations. For me I was content to have our babies have a crib and a mobile (not a cell phone). But she became more of a person once she was named in my mind as well. I know she was a person at conception, but it was interesting to me how one’s thoughts and emotions toward her changed when she was named. Both Mary and Elizabeth not only knew the sexes of their boys, but their names as well. Add to that the purpose for which they were to be brought up.

I know the Supreme Court of Minnesota can legally declare an 8 ½ month old fetus as being a non person and allowing legal partial birth abortions. The Bible does not describe babies in this way. It acknowledges the personality of the fetus and recognizes the fetus is a baby and a special creation of God, and a person. I am to believe God rather than man.

If John were nothing more than a complex tissue- indeed if mankind is treated as nothing more than evolutionary accident without any spirit- then one animal is no different in value than a human except in our own eyes. Some animal rights advocates teach that. Why should one animal live over another? That is where evolution leads.

God confirms the sanctity of unborn life and declares in these verses for individuals to be unique creation and the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit blesses their mothers. The joy of Christmas was realized before the babies were born. It spreads with the joy of John

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 15 –

Verses Luke 1: 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!

43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Elizabeth’s Humility

Elizabeth recognizes that not only did God bless her with the privilege of having a special baby in her old age, but sees herself as favored for allowed her to be in the presence of the long awaited Messiah, even if the baby is not born yet. He thoughts were “Why should I be so favored?” Already she knew he was her Lord. That is faith.

The expression of joy and thankfulness is similar to Hannah and Deborah of the Old Testament and their expressions of praise.

The Holy Spirit opened the yes of Elizabeth so she could see Jesus as Lord. A common participation in the divine favor drew the two women together. Mary loved Elizabeth and realized she would understand her feelings. Elizabeth was not the least bit concerned that she was the older deserving respect. The thing that impresses me about Elizabeth is the evidence of her sweet and humble spirit, and the joy she experienced in another’s good fortune.

Some are so quick to give God glory for the blessing of their lives while others seem to be so quick to think they are so special. They act as if others should somehow treat them differently. Pride is so devastating because we don’t want to admit others are better than we are. Pride tries to make us pretend that we are superior in some way to others. If someone does something better in one area we think of something we do better in another to regain that feeling of pride. It is easy to put down others so as to raise ourselves up.

That is the root of gossip. Do you realize that? People who have to prove themselves and their worth struggle with self esteem issues.

An old godly writer name Flavel said “When God intends to fell a soul he first makes it empty; when he intends to enrich a soul he first makes it poor; when he intends to exalt a soul he first makes it sensible to its own needs, wants, and nothingness. Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all.”

Samuel Brengel adds an important lesson on humility- “If I appear great in their eyes the Lord is most graciously helping me to see how absolutely nothing I am without Him and helping me to keep little in my own eyes. He does use me, but I am so concerned that he uses me and that it is not of me the work Is done. The axe cannot boast of the trees it has cut down. It could do nothing but for the woodsman. He made it, he sharpened it, and he used it. The moment he throws it aside , it becomes only old iron. Oh that I may never lose this sight.”

Elizabeth understood this concept that it is God that has blessed her. Gave her a baby, gave her a prophet, blessed her cousin. But joy in the presence of the Lord yet unborn and why God should do this is beyond her understanding. It is totally an act of grace and she gives God the praise.

Think about our life and all that God has given to you recently that is so unwarranted and give Him praise and be filled with joy.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri. Dec 16 Elizabeth’s Joy

Verse- Luke 1: 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Elizabeth’s Joy

Why do you think the angel instructed Mary to go see her cousin Elizabeth? I think there might be several reasons. First, as mentioned, who could possibility understand the miracle of birth of God intervening to produce a child to a virgin? Not only is that hard to believe, but this miraculous birth is something Elizabeth has experienced in God providing a child in her old age.

Secondly, I think to get Mary out of the situation of more ridicule and shame was wise. People in her small village would definitely be judgmental and perhaps encouraging Joseph to have her pay the penalty for infidelity which could be death. The family would need adjustment to that type of story and that is also why an angel came to Joseph in his dream so he could stand as her protector and helper later but not right now.

Thirdly, I think Elizabeth could also use the help of a young girl/relative. Zechariah was silent and could not speak. Elizabeth couldn’t carry on a conversation, or have much to talk about in this important time in their lives because of that hindrance. Elizabeth also had someone to talk to and someone to help her with some of the chores as I am guessing her energy level was not what it used to be.

How long did Mary stay? The Bible says Elizabeth was in her sixth month when the angel came to Mary. And then Luke 1:56 “Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.” That would have made it the 9^th month after she probably delivered the baby. During those last months of pregnancy and at her older age, I also think Mary ministered in a practical was to Elizabeth.

Fourthly, and I think most importantly, she could share openly and ask all the questions freely to someone who could be her mentor, friend, relative, and spiritual encouragement. We need people in our lives with whom we can share.

As I look back on my ministry there is one gapping need that I would do differently if I were to start all over again. I would do what I could to training older people to mentor younger people. We speak of that from time to time, but many people who started growing in the Lord lose the importance of having a friend and mentor who will be with them , teach, guide, and talk. We have had newer believers come and go through some classes and things go well, but then they seem to be left on their own and without ongoing friendship and guidance, their faith seems to grow colder and in time many become inactive if they do not get involved in ministry and mentorship.

2 Cor 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.”

The apostle Paul seeks to instruct and encourage the Corinthian believers. Certainly newer Gentile Christians needed to understand truth through the Bible teaching and instructions of Jesus Christ. They needed to learn a new way to love and live in the Spirit. But an important principle is God is our comfort. And the way God has ministered to us needs to be shared with others. In our good times and in our bad times, in our lonely times and glad times. We need others who can encourage us in the Lord. When we go through pain, suffering, or hardships who best to encourage us in the Lord than those who have gone through the same things? They not only know some of the answers and options we should consider when making decisions but understand the emotions and feelings of facing what we are facing.

When girls get pregnant they find comfort in talking with others who have been pregnant. When someone is a young mother they find help talking with others who have been mothers as to what to do and how to do it. When one goes through facing life with God’s comfort there are people who have been there and done that and find God’s presence and purposes sustaining. It is those type of people God uses to help others grow in their faith.

Younger people in the Lord, seek out someone older who can pray with you, help you, and encourage you in truth. Older people in the Lord, seek out to be available to teach, listen, guide and pray for someone younger in Christ and need counsel and friendship.

Small groups, one on one Bible studies, discipleship is all part of developing a relationship with another who can be a comfort to pass on to others who need comfort.

Elizabeth was one whose true joy praised God and in that acceptance we see Mary following by giving Him praise as well. Someone understood her feelings and they shared them together.

Pastor Dale

Angelic Visit Luke 1:26-38

2011-12-09T06:26:00.001-06:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Dec 5 Angelic visit

Verses- Luke 1:26-27

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

Angelic Visit

My brother went into professional theatre after college graduation until he got older and realized there was more job security doing voiceovers for commercials and documentaries. But as I was a 6 ½ years younger it was exciting to see what went on both on-stage as well as back stage for plays he was in. I became aware there were lots of people that made a production work. Not just actors, but lighting, and sound, and make up, and properties, and costumes, and set design and construction people were needed. Then I met people in charge of the house- ticket sales, and cleaning and ushers and phone reservations and banking. While the play was going on stage hands were busy getting things ready for the actors.

There was one of the biggest dramas ever to occur in the world when God planned to execute coming to earth as a human. We are not talking about fictional presentation. There were no rehearsals at the first Christmas where people tried to get their lines right for others’ entertainment. The script was, however, pre-written. The characters were chosen carefully to fit their prescribed parts. The stagehands as it were, were the heavenly beings getting things in order for God to not only direct, but participate as the star of the greatest performance the world has ever seen.

In professional theatre there is someone behind the scenes that cues the performers when it is coming close to their time to be on stage.

Last week we looked at the preparation giving through the angelic announcement to Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth would give birth to a child in her old age. This was part of the script. It was to coming of John the Baptist, a cousin to Jesus. He had a purpose to prepare also the way of Jesus during his public ministry.

The cue prompters in this Christmas story seem to be the angels. They are the one given lines, but do so as announcer to the characters in the story. We know that angels are messengers of God. They go and do what God desires. The Hebrew word translated angel, literally means a sent one. “Angelos” the Greek word, means messenger. They were the messengers to prepare by letting Mary and Joseph and the Shepherds know their parts. And in fact there was even a crowd scene for them coming up as part of the chorus.

. This day Gabriel is a chosen angel to deliver the Christmas message to Mary. Gabriel is a special messenger mentioned a number of times in the Bible

Wouldn’t it be great if we were as eager to give the messages from God to men and women? We have been given a message of Good News. To whom can we share it this week?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 6 Luke 1:28-29

Verses- Luke 1: 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

Blessed Art Thou

This time of year FedEX, UPS, and the USPS are all folks delivering packages. The workers look at the name and the address of a package and are paid to see that household gets it. If their customers are like me they really aren’t that interested in the delivery person, but what is in the package and who it was that was sending them this gift. What most folks don't do is go to the door and gush all over the delivery person, "Oh! I'm so glad you came. Please come in for some lunch, sit down, tell me all about yourself." But some people treat the heavenly messengers that way.

Some will sin by worshipping angels and praying to angels. There are passages I the Bible where they speak to angels, but not pray for them Those requests and words of praise are reserved for the sender. The sender is God.

Angels are so much part of our society’s folklore and decorations, and Christmas cards, movies and TV programs.

We know the name of the special delivery agent to Mary the Mother of Jesus. The angel’s name was Gabriel who appeared in Galilee, in the town of Nazareth, to Mary, a virgin, engaged to marry Joseph and announced to her that she would miraculously conceive a son and bring forth Jesus, the Son of God.

Heb 1:14: reminds us "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" So they are ministering spirits sent by God to serve the saints. If we fuss over them, we miss the point. What's important is who sent them. He's the one to pursue.

“Blessed,” cried a woman one day to Jesus, “is she that bare thee” He added “Yea, rather blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it.” This Mary is blessed among women. The word of the Lord’s angel is true. She is highly favored of God. It is a personal blessing. Gabriel said twice that Mary was favored by God. God favored Mary, but she is not our intercessor between us and God. 1 Timothy 2:5 ‘For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”

The Bible never says that Mary is anything more than a regular human being who found favor with God. And she is the one who humbly believes and receives with joy the good news. In that is she most blessed.

What has the eyes of the angels seen? They have seen the Lord up in the heavens preparing his coming. They have seen how in his sovereignty he has planned out each person’s part to fulfill prophecy and those he picks are humble, but blessed. Gabriel was picked to give the word to Mary. The angel understood the blessing of that appointment. Gabriel was in awe that an earthly woman would be chosen of God to deliver Jesus, divine in a fully human body.

This was a once in a lifetime experience never to be repeated again. She was to be the object of the grace of God. This was not a position she earned, but received. Many other people can share in the grace of God with various tasks. Eve was the first woman and God’s grace to be a mother. There were women leaders and judges too. There are men chosen to lead Israel as prophets and priests and kings. But to deliver God the Son into the world is a privilege granted to just Mary. Gabriel understood how highly favored she was.

Can you image the responsibility it would be to raise from babyhood the Son of God? Can you imagine the many thoughts that went through her mind? Who would be worthy? No one. But by God’s grace he involves humans in his greater plan for various purposes and tasks. To all of that we see the blessing from above and give God the praise.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Dec 7 Fear Not

Verse Luke 1: 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Fear Not

Can you imagine the scene as Mary is about her business and this heavenly messenger materializes and Gabriel stands before her? Of course she would be afraid. But Gabriel wanted to put her mind to rest. Good things would came from this message. The good news was she had found favor with God. The angel wanted her to know what he knew. She was to be blessed for grace was given to her. This gift had noting to do with anything she did. It happened to her.

Obviously the explanation needed to be required. Since she is a virgin what happened was impossible from a human perspective. It was a child unlike any other. He would be hers, but without any husband or man. The Lord would see to it He would come through her.

The angel had seen some of the script, but not all of it 1 Peter 1:12 “It was revealed to them (prophets) that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things into which angels long to look.”

Interesting that angels are outsiders looking in like a FedEx delivery person watching as we open up a package addressed to us. They were excited for us. For not only did they know the sovereignty of God who could do the impossible but they knew what was in the package and what wonderful gift that was given. It was to be the gift that would bring about salvation. This was promised from the line of David. As king he shall rule over the house of Jacob and of his kingdom there shall be no end. The angel knew Mary and Joseph were descendants of David, Jacob, Judah, and Abraham, just as the script said it would be.
The angel was revealing that when God makes a promise, He keeps His Word, even if it takes thousands of years .We usually have a very difficult time waiting on God, but not the angels because they see things we do not. They see a sovereign God who will do what he says in his time. They have the insight of eternity. We do not. This angel of the Lord revealed that God keeps His promises long after many would forget for He is faithful.

But more importantly that being a king over the household of Judah He shall be called Son of the Highest. He is Gods’ son. His name shall be Jesus. The name Jesus means Jehovah saves! There is salvation in no other! Had salvation been possible any other way Jesus wouldn’t have had to be born those many years ago. But there’s salvation no other way. Jesus said that He was the way, the only way, "for no man comes to the Father except through me." The plan was to see this son grow to take our place for the punishment of sin by dying as the punishment so we can be free.

What Gabriel was proclaiming was not only a Sovereign God, but a Saving God. The saving of human beings and the keeping and blessing of the saved is the greatest business that even God Himself in Heaven, and Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit and all the angels of God, can occupy themselves with! Up in Heaven their attention is centered primarily on earth. How the angels delight to see sinners converted! And how lovingly they minister to the saved! And this gift is given to you and me and all who by faith will receive Him. That certainly would take away any fear.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 8

Verses- Luke 1: 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Impossibilities

“The power of the Most high will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. “ What was Mary’s response? I am the Lord’s servant,” and her song is the soul glorifies the Lord, nothing about praise for the angel. But all the praise goes to God. Gabriel is delighted to do the marvelous work seeing God get glory.

What the angels see at Christmas is the power of God to do what he wants and the excitement that it is going to be revealed so others will get a glimpse of his glory. God can do the impossible. He is to be praised. They saw God create the world out of the power of his WORD. They saw the way he fashioned mankind out of dust and decided to make it a living soul. They saw the God who does the impossible by taking a rib and creating a helpmate for man. He can blow the waters of the Red sea part. He can make rock give water. He can change dew into bread. There is nothing he cannot do. So it takes angels eyes to know this lady needed convincing that virgin can give birth to a son if this is what the sovereign director says He wants. It will be. For nothing is impossible with God!”

How do we reveal the power of God to so whatever He wants? The angel told Mary that God had the power to make her cousin Elizabeth to get pregnant, even though she was too old to have kids and she had so far been barren. Gabriel was telling Mary that if God had the power to make a woman have a child who was an old woman and who had never been able to have any kids, then he could surely cause Mary to have a child without having a husband and this child was going to be Son’s son. If God had the power to create the universe by simply speaking it into being, He can surely create a child in a virgin! If God had the power to create Adam from the dust of the earth with no father OR mother whatsoever, then He could surely create a child from just a woman! If God had the power to use a small shepherd boy to kill a nine-foot-tall giant, He could surely create a child in a virgin! If God had the power to cause a great rain to flood the entire earth, He could surely create a child in a virgin! If God had the power to start a fire on a heavily water-soaked pile of wood, He could surely create a child in a virgin!
I heard recently there are companies that take an ultrasound picture of unborn children to give the parents their first pictures of their child. It takes a few weeks in the womb before they can determine if it is a boy or girl. In Mary’s case, however, the divine messenger declared that Mary is to give birth to a son, and this declaration was made before the child was even conceived.

But the angel delighted to bring the message of how a great God was going to accomplish benefits for you and me in their life. And what they saw was the power of God to do the impossible. This time he was going to outdo Himself, by becoming a baby from a virgin.

The message of power is summed up in these words “Nothing is impossible.”

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Dec 9 -

Verse Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Trust

As we have been looking at the angelic visit to Mary to announce God’s plan for this virgin to deliver the Son of God, we should remind ourselves some things about Mary. She was young. Mary was pledged to be married. At that time, it was customary for girls to be engaged around the time of reaching puberty. One reason was to ensure girls maintained their virginity until marriage. It’s very possible that Mary could have been as young as 13, or as old as 16 when Gabriel visited her.
She was poor. We understand that also from when Mary and Joseph went to the temple to have Jesus circumcised. Their sin offering was two doves used by the poor instead of a lamb for those with more money.

She also was rural, from Nazareth. Is that reason for humility? We know lots of prideful people out in the country. Remember what Nathanael said when He learned Jesus from Nazareth? “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” I am assuming that was so because of being less educated, less economy, maybe a reputation of poorer communities with crime and lack of social skills.

Yet Mary had two vital characteristics God looks for: humility and faith. She knew she wasn’t worthy of the honor God offered her. Yet she still believed God could use her, if she trusted Him. Do you believe God can use you? Or do you think you’re too small—too young, too poor, too weak to be used by Him?
“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.” - Betty Reese.
Do you think you are useless to God? Think again. God is searching for humble people to use. Mary teaches us no matter who you are, God can use you.

When she heard she was a going to have a baby without being with a man and God’s Spirit would provide the conception, she didn’t doubt it. God can do whatever He chooses. “Let it happen just as you said.” Even though the angel’s news was unbelievable, she believed it. Mary didn’t understand it, but she also didn’t doubt it. She believed that no matter what He has promised, the Lord is sovereign.

Mary believed that “nothing is impossible with God.” Whatever God promises, He will do it. She believed!
What promises of God are you tempted to doubt? Are there areas of your life that you do not wish to yield to the Lord’s control? Are you willing to do whatever He asks of you? Do you realize His power is manifested in people who are obedience, of faith, and humble?

Our job is to trust. His job is to do the wondrous works for His glory.

Pastor Dale

Baby of Promise Luke 1;1-24

2011-12-02T07:27:00.001-06:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 28 The Baby of Promise Luke 1:1-25

Verses Luke 1:1-4 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.

3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Baby of Promise

Beginning January 29^th I will begin a preaching series from the Gospel of Luke. Since we will have gone through Christmas I decided to begin those first two chapters by means of our December and January sermon Nuggets.

The story of Luke begins with the story of a couple of miracle babies-John the Baptist to Elizabeth and Zarariah, and Jesus to the virgin Mary. The gospel of Jesus is hard to believe with miracles and the incarnation and resurrection and God’s establishing a new Kingdom with spirit filled followers. That is why Dr. Luke makes a point of beginning his writings from an historical perspective. He researched carefully eye witness accounts the things that happened. There were miracles babies born.

Dr. Joseph MacDougall told a story that happened a number of years ago that he called a Christmas Miracle. His patient Eleanor Munro was 23 years old devout, religious woman, the mother of a one year-old child. She was so near to death from tuberculosis. She asked for only one thing from the doctor. "If I'm still alive on Christmas Eve would I have your promise that I can go home for Christmas."

Dr. MacDougal was disturbed because he knew she shouldn't go, She had what the doctors call open TB and could spread the germs by coughing. But he promised because he was sure she'd be dead before Christmas. The doctor phoned another specialist in New York who thought if a needle could be injected into the peritoneal cavity it might force in air and push the diaphram up against the lung. If they could get pressure against the lower lobe it might force the TB cavity shut. Then it might have a change to close and heal the cavity by letting the sides grow together. In trying that procedure she almost died and they did everything that medical science could do. He told her that her Creator now had the final verdict.

Dr. MacDougal was amazed that she as still alive on Christmas Eve though just barely. She held him to his promise. The smile on her face made it worth it. When she returned every day her condition grew just a bit worse, yet she clung to life.

Toward the end of February, she was down to 80 pounds; she couldn't eat and a new complication set in. She became nauseated and began to vomit even without food in her stomach. The doctor was stumped. The symptoms were odd, she acted like someone pregnant, but everything he knew about medicine added up to that she was so ill, so weak, she couldn't possibly have conceived. Her body just wasn't up to it. Nevertheless, he did take a pregnancy test and to his astonishment it was positive. She now bore a second life within her. It was impossible but true. Legally and medically she could have and should have taken that child through abortion because it imperiled the life of the mother. She could not live long enough to deliver. The patient and her husband were strongly against it. Beside she was so far gone that he was sure her body would reject the baby anyway.

Then an incredible thing began to happen. By late March her temperature began going down. For the first time there was some improvement in her condition. She began to eat and gain weight. The X ray showed that the growth of the TB cavity had stopped. Soon after another X-ray showed that her diaphram was pushing up against the lower lobe of her diseased lung to make room for the child she bore.

Through the child, God was doing what the doctors failed to do. The pregnancy was pressing the sides of that cavity together. The child was literally saving the life of the mother. Indeed as the baby grow it gave the mother needed time to have the hole mend and when the baby was born a natural healthy, the TB cavity was completed closed.

She was soon allowed to go home for good. She continued to send her doctor cards each Christmas, to remind him of the Christmas baby.

The doctor made a promise he didn't want to keep, but God honored that woman and gave her a child that saved her life.

Each baby is planned by God. Luke begins to tell us the tale of two other miracle babies unlike has happened since.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 29 Prepared Parents

Verses- Luke 1:5-14 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

Prepared Parents

God decided to honor Zechariah and Elizabeth by personally promising to them a miracle child. God's promises are given because of God's love and grace that are even extended to individuals.

The parents of this special child to come were godly. Zechariah faithfully served the Lord in a small rural area as a priest. As was the custom, a lot was cast for a priest each year to take the responsibility of carrying out the function into the Holy area of the temple of the Lord. Different groups of priests would carry out functions at different times in the year. This year Zechariah’s group would prepare the temple in the morning for the daily activities. When the assignments were given a lot was cast to choose the one who would go into the Holy area by himself and prepare the daily incense and take out the ashes. One only did this once in his life time. Most never did. This was the day Zechariah would be chosen for this responsibility.

But God had more in mind. They were pious folk, beyond the age of child bearing. This was the day their prayers would be answered to have a child, even though they probably gave up praying in their older years. Not only would they be parents but parents of a promised child from the prophets. This would be the one who would prepare the way of the Lord.

There are many other things we can say about this couple as revealed in this passage. Both were upright in the sight of God. There are a lot of people who are upright in the sight of people, but this was in the sight of God.

There are lots of people that would be greatly embarrassed if other people were privy to what goes on in the homes. But even more so what about in the sight of God?

Hypocrisy can be easily hid from other people, and sometimes even from family members, but never can we hide our thoughts and motives from God. So when the Bible says they were upright in the sight of God, He saw their motives and their hearts. They were upright and godly.

They observed the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. They were people who kept both the letter of the Law and the spirit of the law.

We are reminded by Jesus that unless our righteousness exceeds the Scribes and Pharisees we cannot see the kingdom of Heaven. When we read all the rules and regulations the Pharisees followed, our mind begins to swim and we wonder who then can possibly be saved? It would take more than what we can possible do. But that was Jesus’ point. As hard as we might try all of our righteousness is as filthy rags. The way our righteousness can exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees is that our righteousness is an imputed righteousness from Jesus Christ. It is given to us based on his grace and our faith. We trust him and are justified.

That would describe Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. They kept the law, not because they thought they would be made right by it, but rather they kept the law because they loved the Lord and trusted him and desired to please him in their actions as well as in their desires.

James says. You say you Have faith, I'll show you faith by the works they do. The character of Zechariah and Elizabeth was pleasing to the Lord for they were pure in their hearts and active in their expression of faith, not to gain righteousness but out of their love for God.

What would God have to say about you? - Righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless? We don’t have the Old Testament law, but we have a greater law of love to follow.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 30 Barren Parents

Verse Luke 1: 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Barren Parents-

They had no children. In that culture there is disgrace and humiliation many women face when they are childless. The woman’s worth is in child bearing; it affects their status in the community; it affects sometimes their own spiritual relationship because many of the people felt that if you did not have children and did not have sons, then God was punishing you for some sin or you weren't pleasing God.

That raises a couple of issues that I feel can be a problem when it comes to unanswered prayers. For Zechariah and Elizabeth it was a delayed answer. For others the answer is no.,

The problem can be the judging from others. Some people come to conclusions that if a person's prayers are not answered then they aren't really in God's will. Sometimes sickness is an illustration of that.

Paul had a thorn in the flesh. Some groups will accuse those who've prayed and not gotten well as having weak faith or some spiritual problem because God was not answering their prayers for healing. Sometimes financial or job situations illustrate that. People that are unemployed or whose bills pile up are looked down upon as having something spiritually wrong or God would answer their prayers for financial stability.

Too often people judge others and their spirituality when they do not know their hearts or their relationship with God. Now there are those who indeed are demonstrating decisions and actions that are in disobedience to God and out of the fellowship of the church and decisions they made that have consequences whereby the Lord is teaching them lessons.

There are things that grieve me, such as young people who think they are not affected by the friends they make. It always happens that the close friends will influence us into their way of thinking. Girls and boys who date non-Christians when an emotional attachment and love develops and they want to get married. There are consequences to disobediences.

I see parents for whom church is very little priority but down the line years later they wonder why their children have no spiritual desires. Friends, let be honest. Many times the conclusions are direct results to our choices and many times they are not.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were upright, good, blameless even in the eyes of God, although other people may have been judging them.

The other item relates to the encouragement of perseverance. We talked about that last week in perseverance in prayer. I want to stress in our society that is so impulsive and instant everything that faith is in a different category. We are to be faithful to God in the big and little things in life even then great exciting things are not happening. We praise God for this experience that Zechariah had, but it was have years of consistent service to God and even when their prayers were not answered they did not turn their backs on doing what was right. They continued even if God choose not to give them a child. Do you understand? We can have are hearts set on something, but our faith walks is dependent upon God's timing and wisdom not on the ups and downs of our experiences.

When things are going well, praise God and serve him with all your heart. When things are not going well, pray to God and continue to serve him with all your heart. In growing experiences where prayers are not answered the question isn’t so much, “Why God?” as it is “What God?” “What is it that you want me to learn and allow my faith in you to grow?”

In His time for His reasons God decided to in this life honor Elizabeth and Zechariah with a son. Not any son, but a special son, even in their old age. He would be a blessing to them, and they would find delight in this child. This baby was a personal promise to a couple who had a personal walk with God.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 1 Prophetic Promise

Verses- Luke 1:11-17

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.

13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,

15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.

16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God.

17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous-- to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

(NIV)

Prophetic Promise

It was 400 years since God had spoken to his people you may wonder if God is really alive, or did our ancestors have their stories straight. If we put us 400 years ago that would place it in the 1590s.

Put yourself in their shoes. In the 1590 America wasn't a nation, King Henry the VII broke for the catholic church and declared himself as the head of the church. The reformation had begun with Luther and Zwingli, Calvin were differing their interpretation of Scripture. The church was becoming alive gain and the work of God was promoted, Is it any wonder that we might doubt if that was the last time that God had direct contact with his people. Now the last prophet of Malachi of which we studied in sermons this fall we read.

Mal 4:5-6 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

The beginning words in Luke's account shows how God sought to fulfill that prophecy by the coming of this baby. After Zechariah met the angel he questioned if indeed this could be possible, but after all God is the God of impossibilities.

A prophetic word always means more than can be understood at the time. There are hidden meaning in them that cause us to thrill and wonder when they come about. We see much better picture with hindsight than with foresight. We know that the Messiah that Zechariah is just referring to. We have seen how God did so much more than what Zechariah could have imagined. But he did know the prophets and he did believe that just as God promised a Messiah would come and redeem the people from the enemies. Prophets of old spoke right from God throughout the ages.

Now they were thinking the enemies were the Egyptians, and they Assyrians and the Babylonians and the Philistines, and the Romans and Greeks. It was the thinking of the people that the Messiah was to deliver them from the political powers to make Israel the number one power in the world, but our worse enemies are not political enemies but Spiritual unbelief, falsehood and discouragement from Satan.

Jesus came to conquer evil from within to establish the Spiritual kingdom that will last far after this world is destroyed.

We marvel at all the promises of the Bible that we see fulfilled during this time of Christmas. We see how John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of the Old Testament and Jesus proclaimed him the one who is Elijah. Meaning he came in the same power and spirit. He was not afraid to declare repentance to the people.

We have the greatest book that looks into the future by the prophecies fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled. We have a God who keeps his promises, maybe not when we think, or how we thing, but He will.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Dec 2 Purposed baby

Verses- Luke 1: 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,

15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.

16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God.

(NIV)

Purposed Baby

God had a planned purpose for John the Baptist even before he was born. He had a part in the redemptive history as it was to be played out.

The ultimate purpose of God was salvation from our sins and from death. The plan in carrying it out was the coming of Jesus Christ into the world to be born as a baby. It was a planned promise whereby he gave them glimpses of what would happen in prophecy. But they had no idea it was so great a plan, They had no idea it was so great a promise.

The significance of John’s coming was the fact that he was the forerunner of the Messiah. Even in the following passage Zechariah's song of praise is celebrating not only the birth, but the purpose of his birth will have in the unfolding of god's promise. His son will play an honored part. He is to be the prophet of the Most High God.

God is a God of love, who sympathetically stands by his children. He heard their cries and saves them, I must confess to you I do not understand that type of love of God when He could have and should have said that man is not worth saving. "I have created but man has turned his back on our creator and gone his own way." God could have said "I've had enough, he has already too many chances I will do away with the whole human race", but as if that was not enough God in reasons that are far beyond my understanding to take the place of man and paid the penalty himself for all our sin.

The purpose planned by God for this child was to be a proclaim repentance. There needed to be a moral change of the people to trust God and obey Him to leave their sins. He was to proclaim righteousness and make straight the paths for Jesus. He was to prepare the way of the Lord and when Jesus arrived on the scene there was a group ready to follow. They knew He was the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world.

As John’s life unfolds he confronted people for their sin. He was to be take the vow of a Nazarite without alcohol, cutting of his hair and restricted in diet. He was to be bold in his message. Because of that he was beheaded. Was that the wonderful plan for his life? He was wearing skins of animals, and camel hair coats, what that the wonderful plan for his life? He was denounced by the Jews and his job was not popular with important people but only those who felt lost in need of direction from God. That purpose was to be used for God's glory and of this earth not to be attached. Let us not become so earthly minded that we think only of earthly blessing and comforts of this world. That is a lie.

There was a child who was promised to precede the Messiah and prepare for people to receive Him.

Pastor Dale

Delightful People Titus 3:12-15

2011-11-25T08:37:00.001-06:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 21 Delightful People

Verses- Titus 3:12-15

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.

13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.

14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Delightful People

“Greet those who love us in the faith”.

Friends are important in life. A true friend is someone with whom we enjoy mutual affection, interests and respect. The best friends are those helpers in times of trouble. Solomon once wrote, "A brother is born for times of adversity, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”

A British publication once offered a prize for the best definition of a friend. Among the thousands of answers received were the following:
"One who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is inviolable."
"One who understands our silence."
"A volume of sympathy bound in cloth."
"A watch that beats true for all time and never runs down."
The winning definition read: "A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."

We know the importance of friendship as we read about the life of Jesus. Part of His earthly purpose was to train disciples who would go into the world by the power and giftedness of the Holy Spirit to share salvation’s message. He spent quality time with them where they first watched him. Then He watched them as they went two by two into the various cities. They did not go alone, but paired up as one needs another. Then they were ready to go out with the presence of the Holy Spirit to do God’s work after Jesus ascended into heaven.

But when Jesus needed prayer and comfort during His time of need there were Peter and James and John on different occasions. Jesus had the 3, the 12, the 120 and the women, and many followers on his earthly journey.

As Paul was writing to Titus he commented on the various friendship that he has made and those who are living in the area. There are people that Paul was sending to also encourage the brothers and sisters in Titus’s work. He asks the Christian family to help them and show hospitality when they arrive.

As is the case, the church expands our family of friends. There are obviously some we are closer to than others. They are some who we barely know but appreciate their ministry in the church and we feel like we are friends in the Lord. There are others with whom we can feel free to share the concerns and burdens we face and know they will treat us with love that is reserved for a few. In order to have friends, we must be a friend.

One of the problems many pastors face is loneliness for although they are friends with many they do not feel they can have special friends with whom they are accepted, not for the role they play, but for human bonding. Some will close themselves off even from other pastors as they feel threatened or jealous. Those who tend to get into trouble do so because they are carrying burdens that are not shared with someone they can call a friend.

Paul had many people, who there are some he was especially close to. At first Barnabas was the friend God provided. Then it was Silas. He embrace Luke and then took on Titus and Timothy to work and share life with.

We spent last week discussing those who are difficult people in the church and unfortunately they can get too much attention. Paul shares now about those with whom he shares in the work and in love. These are the delightful people.

Dr. Jerry Healy tells of the Church hall of fame with his kids growing up. He reminded them of people in the church they can look up to. There are people who show love and integrity and faith. He sought to offset the grumpy people with the lovely people and reminded them regularly of the saints who stand out as lights to darkness.

They are part of the reasons the family are all committed in their adult lives to the church. They are real. They are used of God.

How about you?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 22

Verses Titus 3:12=15

Devoted

As Paul reflects on the people who give him delight there are qualities implied in this passage. The first and most important is these are friends who share a common faith. They are not just believers in Jesus but committed to the cause of advancing the gospel and working together with Paul. They are devoted to Jesus and to Paul and the church.

There is the motivation for devotion that comes not by manipulation, not by twisting someone's arm. To serve Christ doesn't work very well if one is pressured out of guilt, or seeks to work off their

salvation. What motivates devoted people?

The two great commands of Jesus are to love God with all your heart, soul strength and mind and love others as yourself. A devoted person is motivated out of love, not guilt; out of an awareness that Jesus saved us, Jesus died for us. If you were the only one living Jesus Christ would have gone to the cross for just you. Do you believe that?

One of the motivating factors in the live of a devoted person is to see the change from what they were to where they are going. It was fun to hear a speaker to our men’s group a few years ago say for years he had tried to stop smoking. The only solution was to cut off his head, but when he received the freedom that God gives even to Christians as if the chains have fallen off, and now for the first time in his life has been smoke free for 10 months. When people see the work of God in their lives then they are willing to say ‘Here Am I Lord, send me.’

Now I am aware the some are freed from addictions instantaneously and others over a longer period of time, but the source of our change is not our own motivation or desire, it is yielding by faith to Christ and be devoted to keep on letting Him do his sanctifying work in our lives.

If brothers and sisters in Christ are trusting Christ that makes us family, for we have same Father, Black, white, Chinese, Indian are one together, rich and poor, educated and uneducated. There is a bond to the family of believers regardless of denominations.

But let me also add the devotion to a friend is not just for fellow Christians. Few people seem to be willing to extend friendships to people before are saved. IT is important that we guard ourselves and be separate from worldly things and sinful influences others may have, but may the Lord help us to be kind to all, friendly, and willing to serve those around us by extending a helping hand. The Lord befriended many as a way of demonstrating the love that gives, even when others misunderstand, ignore or criticize the giver.

Devotion to the Father allowed for that. It still does.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 23

Verse Titus 3:12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.

Desirous to Help

Swindoll tells this story. During his days as president, Thomas Jefferson and a group of companions were traveling across the country on horseback. They came to a river which had left its banks because of a recent downpour. The swollen river had washed the bridge away. Each rider was forced to ford the river on horseback, fighting for his life against the rapid currents. The very real possibility of death threatened each rider, which caused a traveler who was not part of their group to step aside and watch. After several had plunged in and made it to the other side, the stranger asked President Jefferson if he would ferry him across the river. The president agreed without hesitation. The man climbed on, and shortly thereafter the two of them made it safely to the other side. As the stranger slid off the back of the saddle onto dry ground, one in the group asked him, "Tell me, why did you select the president to ask this favor of?" The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the president who had helped him. "All I know," he said, "Is that on some of your faces was written the answer ’No,’ and on some of them was the answer ’yes.’ His was a ’Yes’ face."

Paul could call on delightful people who are willing to help. They are the backbone of church work. Artemas and Tychicus and Titus were desirous to do what needed to be done for God and for Paul.

Now contrast that situation with the other folk who when asked to do something complain, feel put out and seem to do things for the Lord out of compulsion instead of desire and joy.

vs. 8 reminds us they are devoted and ready to do what is good. Artemas is mentioned only here but Tychicus name is mentioned in three other letters. He delivered Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he wrote as Paul's secretary and delivered and read it to the people at Colossi. He was with Paul in Rome and ministered with and was sent to as a postman and informed Paul of news that was happening. Now we see he is sending them to Titus to relieve him. They are willing to take the job that needed to be done by helping Titus. When they come they will relieve Titus from his responsibility so that he can be with Paul in the winter. They are desirous to do whatever they can do. God bless such people who are willing to take responsibility. They know their gifts and of the character of trustworthiness and of such the churches are built.

God’s design is for the body of the church to love Him and one another. His plan is that people work together each doing something according to their gifts, but even if something needs to be done instead of begging for help to have people see the bigger picture of serving God and desirous to do so.

May their numbers increase!

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 24 HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Verse- Titus 3: 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.

Thankful

On this Thanksgiving Day I have seen people are getting together with family and/or friends. I think of the people who are overseas in the military or in missions work who are away from family and friends. I think of those who are in beds of illness and unable to enjoy company or a good meal. I think of those with whom we minister in prison on a monthly basis. Usually during holidays the inmates are not allowed to congregate due to a reduced number of staff who are off. Many are required to just be in their cells.

But the loneliest of all I believe are those who have no hope and are outside of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The greatest part of thanksgiving is knowing who to thank. It is a friendship with God by the works of Jesus.

Paul’s closes friends were people who he could call brothers and sisters in the Lord. The family that meant so much were those who were ostracized by the community because of their faith. They would watch out and take care of one another.

In a survey of more than 40,000 Americans said these qualities were most valued in a friend: 1. The ability to keep confidences 2. Loyalty 3. Warmth and affection.
Adding to that list Paul would say a common faith.

These are delightful people with whom Paul could give thanks for they are helped by strangers who are Christians. They are lodged and fed and in many cases given money for their journey of spreading the gospel and carrying out functions for discipleship

Titus and the church were willing to provide resources to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and would see that they have everything they need. Dedicating friends also are willing to pay the costs for ministry according to their means.

I was talking with one of our members who has the right idea when he said that what he has is the Lord and however the Lord can use it car, house, money is a privilege. That's what we are here for. I think of the gift hospitality of Amy and Melvin who ministered by providing resources and food and invitation for all people.

Titus is instructed to do whatever he can to help these believers on their missions trip. We have folks we can help.

Be thankful for friends for such people are richer by far than in material goods.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 25 Diligent

Verses Titus 3: 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Diligent People

As we conclude the delightful saints Paul sees they are ones who keep doing what friends do. They do what is good and godly. They keep working to provide for their needs and those who can share when others are doing the Lord’s work without regular income. They are productive and not depended people. They are diligent to work.

They make good citizens in both the nation as well as the kingdom of God. They are respected and loving people.

There is the responsibility there is also the need to work. To doing what is good. To accomplishing tasks, to provide for their own needs not to just sit and do nothing. Responsibility of believers is to do what they can to take care of their own needs and help of the needs of those who cannot. But many who cannot usually assist with a servant attitude also and not just on the take. How can we help those in need, so that they can be brought to their feet until they can assist others? There are some who are terminal or infirmed for whom work cannot be expected.

Diligent people are willing to cooperate lovingly. They share in the joy of the relationships with Jesus and with others in the Lord. There is a unity of the brethren.

How do you deal with them? You deal with them in loving relationships in encouraging and praying and helping and cooperating and sharing and working and blessing one another that the cause of Christ can advance.

Let me say that this book is a book gauge in character connect, and conduct. It is important to learn doctrine and live out our witness, It is important to act with humbleness and changed lives. It is important to minimize divisiveness and maximize their devotion. which are you?

In a church newsletter Earl Balley wrote “The commitment of a Christian.”

"I have made a covenant with God of the universe. I am part of the fellowship of the faithful. I have been filled with Holy Spirit power. The dye has been cast. I have crossed the line. The decision has been made and I am unashamed. I will not look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

I no longer need to have preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I do not have to be right first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I will now give others the right to be wrong, in my eyes. I, by God's grace, will live by faith, lean on his presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer and labor by His power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Jesus- the Author and finisher of my faith. My road is narrow the way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. By God's grace, I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. Lord help me not to flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or flow with the tide of mediocrity.

By God' matchless Grace I will not give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, prayed up and stored up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ and then taken up. Because Jesus paid it all, I am a DISCIPLE of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. I must go ‘til He comes, give ‘til it hurts, preach till all know, and work while He give me breath. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me-my banner will be clear - JESUS IS LORD OF MY LIFE!"

We will deal with divisive people and we will deal with the devoted,

but the devoted will have something to rejoice about and people to rejoice with when Jesus comes. Which are you?

Pastor Dale

Saints Below Titus 3:9-11

2011-11-18T05:49:00.002-06:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 14

Verses Titus 3:9-11

The Saints Below

Most know what I mean when I talk about the saints below. It is a take off on a now well known ditty. "To dwell above with the saints I love, Oh that will be glory, But to dwell below with the saints I know, Well, that's another story!"

But until we are with the saints above we must learn to put up with them and they with us. That's what makes the writings of Paul so practical.

We know it is God's design as a church to work together in cooperation and appreciation of the variety of gifts. It is not God's plan to live our Christian life in isolation of other believers. The

Bible tells us to submit our rights unto Jesus Christ and by His Spirit let him assign to us the task to carry out his work together in His love and in his power.

But Satan keeps us separated with envy, selfish ambition, competition, individualism, and dissension.

The story is told of a bright yellow highway department truck that creeps along a quiet, city street. A worker slowly climbs out of the truck and laboriously digs a large hole between the sidewalk and the street. A few minutes later, the second worker gets out, fills in the hole, and taps down the dirt. A few yards down the street they repeat the same procedure. Then again and again.

An elderly lady was been watching. She walks over and asks. "What in the world are you doing? " The workers says, "We're on an urban beautification project." She asks with dismay.

"What's' so beautiful about all these filled-in holes?”

"Well, you see," says the worker, the man who actually plants the trees is out sick today. And we're certainly not to going do his job too."

In a ridiculous way that little story reminds us that different people play different roles. When one person does not do his or her job, there is a hole. When there is a spirit of shortsightedness we lose the purpose behind what we are doing.

The apostle Paul gave Titus a job to do. It was to work in cooperation with other believer to grow disciples of the new believers on the island of creed. He instructs them to pick qualified leaders, to guard against false teachers. He tells Titus to instruct the people how they ought to live as the people of God. Doctrine is important. Good works is important. He concludes this book by reminding us of the saints below. There are two kinds of people identified: The Divisive and the Devoted. Now I am sure there are also a bunch in between these two extremes, but we learn from God's word how to work with them.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 15 Differences

Verses- Titus 3:9-11

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.

11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Dealing with Differences

One important way of working together is to determine in a church what the major and minor issues are and be willing to go to the wall for the majors, but allow flexibility to the minors. Of course who determines what is major and what is minor?

The clear doctrine of Scriptures we do not change. But not everyone is going to experience the same priorities and gifts. How can a healthy dialogue occur? Ought we to go around walking on eggs never mentioning the things that need to be addressed? Ought we to expose and bring out for open vote and discussion everything that anyone has that comes to mind?

Three words which might help explain what I mean. There are differences, difficulties, and divisions. I believe that differences which can bring some tension are inevitable in the church of Jesus Christ. People just are not going to think alike, act alike, enjoy the same music, dress the same way. Who knows some might even like clean shaven faces and others prefer beards. People are different.

People are going to have different gifts and abilities, and sometimes some will step on another’s toes. Love is like that if you are committed together to work on those differences.

Newlyweds often move from a glowing ideal romantic relationship to discover that a deep love comes through continually adjusting in this new found entity called love in marriage. Working out differences doesn't mean one loves the other less, but learning to adjust to moods, to habits, and preferences is part of what makes the task of commitment important.

Stewart Briscoe in his book “Purifying the Church” identifies several common differences in church people. There is the difference with knowledge, difference in spiritual experience and how some are saved and mature. There are differences in social graces and backgrounds differences in psychological makeup, and different personality. We can learn to agree to disagree, without being disagreeable.

Now where to have differences you will also have some difficulty. We still need to treat brothers and sisters with respect. There is something I've learned in time and it is that some people don't necessarily say what they mean. So many arguments are over what one said instead of what one meant. Also people don't necessarily hear what you say. This is a communication problem. But instead of calling it a communication problem people make it into personal problems. People not having expressed themselves properly or not having been heard adequately attributes motives to those related to the problem. Once you have people anticipating motives, problems often occur.

Be committed not only to forgiveness but clarification. The cause of Christ and unity in the church is worth it.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 16 Divisive

Verses- Titus 3:10-11 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.

11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Dealing with Divisiveness

A divisive person seeks to divide people onto their side and against the side and opinions of others. Now that is the way politics works, you understand. We have some people who are democrats and some who are republicans. I am here to tell you that those who are really into their party find absolutely no good in anything anyone says from the other party. Even if they say the right things their motive are questioned.

When division begins in a church it makes enemies of friends we are called to love for Jesus sake. Trust is breaking down.

A divisive person will take offense if everyone doesn't agree in most issues with him/her. A divisive person in the church will live as if they have a chip on their shoulder and love to have people make choices as to which camp or opinion they belong?

Legalistic churches are well known for fighting about anything and everything. I asked one person who had been in a number of churches what some do not get along with others when I could not see any difference in their theology. The answer he gave was a true, but sad one. They cooperate based on who they are against, not what they are for. Now that is division and inbreeds divisiveness.

People get into arguments on the dates and details of Jesus return; people have church splits as to how long men's hair can be, or whether women can where slacks or shirts. People love to argue and divide as to which Bible version they should be reading, people will insist on areas of how many angels can fit on a head of a pin.

Paul tells us to avoid such arguments. Don't waste your time. If people want to argue about non essentials and confusing verses with such adamantly it will ruin the reputation of a church and not let people work together for the common good of the fellowship and the advancement of Christian growth, evangelism and discipleship.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 17 Discipline

Verses- Titus 3:10-11 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.

11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Dealing with Discipline

What should be done? There are practical instructions when it involves the church, which is God’s plan for all believers to work and worship together for service and for outreach.

Vs 10 “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” Frankly, we are directed to discipline a divisive person. It is important to talk with them and if it doesn't work then warn them against such activities. If there is no change then give them another chance, and three strikes and you're out.

I was talking with a former missionary to who said that pastors in Brazil used to brag about how many they would kick out of the church. There was a spirit among some like a witch hunt where they are looking for infractions by which they can rebuke and in need be reprimand and kick out of the fellowship people that didn't change quickly enough. A purified church was more important than seeking to bring someone into growth or repentance.

Robert Moeller wrote an article on church fighting. He spoke of one pastor who was so concerned about keeping the peace and offending no one that he rarely called anyone to account with their divisive behaviors and words. If volunteers handled the financial affairs in a slipshod way, he said nothing. He didn't want them to quit or offend them. If a SS teacher led questionable life, the church said nothing If staff members didn't do their jobs, he pretended everything was fine. He reasoned love is what builds a church. But over the years problems accumulated. Without providing discipline and correction divisive people cause others to leave the church and it became another statistic of spiritless religious organization.

On the other hand, some pastors thrive on confrontation. Some call people on the carpet for the least bit of infraction that may not be sin, but even differences in lifestyle questions. Sermons sound like scolding. They berate people for their lack of faith, prayer, and service. Such churches train people to be sharks. That group can become very defensive and judgmental and results in power plays in congregations where various groups will gather to divide others from one another. All in the name of Christian purity, mind you.

The Bible says in Ephesians "speak the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ."

According to Matt 18 Jesus says if someone has something against another go to that person and work it out, If that doesn't work then bring along a witness or two if that doesn't work then let the church decide and if a person is still unrepentant then treat him as a tax collector. That may mean some people might be asked to leave the church or leave their positions of official service for the sake of the rest of the group. It may mean removing people from fellowship for a time until repentance and restoration occurs, which ought always to be the goal.

These actions are not to be taken lightly, but neither ought they to be ignored. Pray that we become people who delight in pleasing God and not ourselves and one another.

When it comes to individual matters this instruction is seeking to reconcile, but if attempts have been made without success and even involved others to help clarify matters, then leave them alone and let God deal with them. Have nothing to do with them until they are willing to cooperate in Christ. They are warped, sinful and self condemned.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 18 Destructive

Verse Titus 3: 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Dealing with Destructiveness

What is the character of one who refuses to submit and be cooperative? The disposition that leads to destruction is revealed. “You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” The reason why a divisive person or factions in a church need to be warned and warned and then disciplined is because their true colors are showing. They are not concerned about the church, they are not concerned about unity in the Lord, they are concerned about their own pride, popularity, and most importantly, power. Words and actions are more than seeking to build up the church it is to tear down. It is not the work of the Holy Spirit it is the work of the unholy spirit. It is devious and determined. Even if with good intentions there are times when faced with how they are coming across becomes a challenge to a fight instead of evaluation of the situation. Paul has seen and over critical people affects the work and destroys others.

Sinfulness is evil and they are condemned if they do not respond to authority. Some people in one setting are very controlling and in another setting fit in much better. The goals of disciple ought never to be ostracism; it ought always to be reconciliation.

Robert Moeller tells of a church in Southern US that no longer exists, due in part to an incident that took place in the church kitchen one Sunday afternoon. A new family had arrived to take part in their first pot-luck luncheon. The aroma of tuna casseroles, baked beans and Tater-Tot dishes waft through the building. The unsuspecting wife cheerfully brought her red gelatin salad to the kitchen then headed back to the fellowship hall to join her family.

After folks started going in the line the husband couldn't find her salad. "There must be some mistake" she said, "I'll find out what happened.” She reached the kitchen door in time to witness the queen of the kitchen ladling the last of her salad in the garbage disposal.

"What are you doing?" the newcomer shrieked. "That's my salad." without batting an eye, the woman looked up and said, "You're new to this church. You'll, soon learn we use only real whipped cream around here, not Cool Whip." One incident started a significant church battle that escalated into all out war.

The problem was they focused only on their own desires and what they wanted. Problems begin when people elevate personal convictions to the level of absolutes. It's when we insist on having things done our way and our way only, that shows character that is sinful and self-centered.

For the sake of God's kingdom if someone isn't' willing to face sin or spiteful attitudes then it is better if they not be part of the church and discipline by asking them to leave is required. Their disposition is destructive.

Pastor Dale

Love of God Titus 3:4-8

2011-11-11T07:11:00.002-06:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 7 Titus 3:4-8

Verses- Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

The Love of Christ

Certainly Paul knew deeply the love of Christ. He taught his son in the Lord well. Titus was a gentile who was told and taught of the marvelous story of God’s redemption in Jesus. It is the love of God that compelled him to serve the Lord all his life. It was faith in God that brought him from darkness into the light. He trusted in the one who loves him more than one can imagine. But in his holiness there is a message people need to hear to be saved from their sins and from their punishment for sin.

I remember a friend of mine who was an avid sports fan speaking truth to his sister who was not living for the Lord. He said, “I can’t change the rules just because I love the players.” She wanted him to condone her living situation because she loved her boyfriend so much.

Love does not mean eliminating the rules. It means seeking a way to follow the rules and come our victorious.

God found a way in Jesus. And the rule that cannot be changed is there is salvation in no other means than complete trust in Jesus the only way to the Father. His love compels us to share that message but the rules of the way to be saved do not change regardless of how much we love someone.

Bill Keller said it this week in his devotional- “while God is a 'loving God", He is also a HOLY GOD! It is sin that separates us from God. It is because that He is a 'loving God' that He made a plan of salvation for His fallen creation. By faith in His Son Jesus Christ, we can be once again reconciled to God our Creator. However, God, in His love, gave us free will. The choice to love Him is NOT HIS, but ours.

How can anyone go the lengths God did to save us by sending his Son to the cross to die for us? How can that not be the highest of kindness and love? To reject that love and ignore the many ways and times God makes his truth known is for mankind a guilt for which he cannot be forgiven until there is confession, repentance, and submission to Him who loves us.

This week I will be performing a wedding. They profess love to one another. But as they stand in a religious ceremony before God and make a vow of commitment to one another they are not married. This “I do” is an official acceptance of their love for another. And according to the rules of the state of Minnesota someone like me can be licensed to show the world the outward expression of their personal and spiritual commitment. It is crossing the line in a public manner to identify with one another as husband and wife.

Have you made your vow of commitment to Jesus Christ? There is also a public expression of this commitment that is called baptism. Baptism does not save us but lets the world know of His love and our acceptance of it.

Pastor Dale

Sermon nuggets Tues Nov 8

Saving Love

One of the greatest themes in the New Testament is how God’s love extends to our eternal salvation. It has been the theme of the whole Bible why God of glory should demonstrate his love to his creatures to the point of dying. It is a further confusion that with His power and Sovereignty why he would direct his love to those who are so unworthy. Each creature created carried out their created plan for being, except humans. When sin occurred that marred all of creation. Other than Satan an the angels with a will of rebellion has anything created gone against the will of God. Animals did what they were created to do.

When sin came by Adam and Eve now plants an animals were affected. But rather than destroy everything, God sought to redeem it and save us.

John 3.16 has been called the greatest verse in the Bible. It is learned in Vacation Bible School, quoted often in sermons and even hung over guard rails in football stadiums during the Super Bowl. I even heard of a man who changed his name legally to John Threesixteen.
Many preachers have preached a sermon by taking the verse phrase by phrase. I read a thirteen-point sermon entitled, ‘Our Value To God’ by Maurice McCarthy I find it hard to beat this for clearly telling the gospel in a nutshell:

For God- The greatest one
So loved- The greatest degree
The world- The greatest amount of people
That He gave- The greatest generosity
His only begotten Son- The greatest uniqueness
That whosoever- The greatest invitation
Believeth in Him- The greatest simplicity
Should not- The greatest certainty
Perish- The greatest possible loss
But- The greatest difference
Have- The greatest possession
Eternal- The greatest length
Life- The greatest gift

Jesus didn’t come into the world for us because we deserved Him or because we were friends with him or part of his family. God gave His Son because we needed to be saved. Without Jesus, we would have no hope of a future.
God’s generous approach means that he freely gives us this precious gift of Jesus, without us needing to earn it. And the gift of Jesus is not just limited to Jesus himself. When we trust Jesus, the gifts for life now and in the future continue to come our way.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 9

Merciful Love

There are different meanings for the word “love” as well. There is romantic love, the kind between a man and woman. There is brotherly love we have for friends. We also have parental love, and love for our pets. There is a whole host of uses for love when it comes to appreciating things, food, sports. I “love” my job. Some could say, “I love my car”. In the 60’s movie “Love Story” Ali McGraw turned to Ryan O’Neal and said, Love means never having to say you’re sorry.
So, when it comes to talking about God, what kind are we talking about? Obviously human love fall short. Here is a working definition of love (agape’ in Scripture):
God’s kind of love is an unselfishness which results in doing the best for another, even at the highest personal cost, without requiring or expecting payback.

Paul says we used to be this way at one time, but then something happened. They were saved by the kindness of love of Jesus Christ. Now not everyone has yet experienced the wonderful attitude toward God has their savior. Not everyone has experienced this attitude that God has toward his children because they can't say this is how life used to be- in envy and malice and disobedience, but this is how my life is now. They have not felt they experienced the kindness of God. They haven't claimed the love of God. They are outside of his fellowship.

But when we look to Christ we seek life differently. If there is no evidence that God has changed you from what you were, then you need to take a good, long hard look to see whether you were saved at all.

Salvation is an act of God as a Savior on our behalf. It is an act of God in mercy and loving kindness not the action of man.

Have this attitude in you which is also in Christ, in says in Philippians who humbled himself and became obedience even unto death on the cross.

Mercy is being treated not as we deserve, but out of the love God has even for the sinner and the worst of sinners. It isn’t based on anything other than love. Mercy is treating people kindly not just when they treat us kindly but in spit of how we treat them. When we are faced with our sin then we better understand mercy as well as grace. We are grateful we have not been punished for what we deserve.

When I walked into a meeting with some clergy friends they asked the typical question, “How are you today.” I responded as I sometimes do, “Better than I deserve”. One quirked “and what do you deserve?” I said, “Hell”. For some reason that comment surprised them. They had to think about it. And giving it some thought, agreed. That’s mercy

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 10

Cleansing Love

The impression that comes to my mind as I read these verses is a forgiving love. When people make things right with others it is taking a burden away. Then forgiveness is sought and granted then a relationship is restored and the past is in the past.

As we think about Christ, think about his actions that saved us because he took the penalty and we are forgiven. He did the saving not because he deserved it, when we reflect on the cross we are reminded to extent of forgiving love. He saved us by the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

People who understand that salvation means washing, a cleansing, a blotting out of their past are people who are most highly motivated in Christian service. Those who understand the debt of their sin are the ones who get excited about the wonder of their cleansing.

The rebirth also speaks of a new beginning. When you turn your life over to the Lord the Holy spirit comes in and takes control of the situation. That is a new beginning. We are born again and have a new start. Old things are past away because of the Cross. Faith allows us to experience the indwelling of the Spirit of God and to be renewed. Our hearts are changed by what God does in our lives.

God's people behave differently from those who are not God's people? That should be obvious, but we need to go on reminding each other of this. Behaving differently means that we cannot indulge ourselves the way we used to do; and we want to indulge ourselves so we carefully forget. It means that I refuse to be what others insist I be. One of the greatest tragedies of the Christian Church in America is that we have millions of people who profess they have been saved, but show absolutely no evidence of it, because they insist on living the way the unsaved do.

Looking to Christ and the power from the Holy Spirit within

begins to change our behavior too. Do people see Jesus in you?

We are people who see love through eternities eyes, not just for the immediate gratification of our desires. We see a love that forgives because we have been forgiven. Amazing love.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 11

Eternal Love

How long does love last? For most it is as long as things seem to go well in a relationship. We see men and women stand at the altar and commitment themselves to a loving relationship as long as we both shall live. That implies love lasts a lifetime. Unfortunately we see many relationships ending not only without love, but in divorce often with great hatred and anger. I saw a bumper stick on the back of a car that said, “I missed my ex. Next time I will take better aim”.

We may love spouses and children as far as our feelings go even after death. Many out in the cemetery go to grieve the loss or honor the life of someone they love or are related to. Some want their memories to continue. But when that person has died it goes to reason that any individual love ends at the grave when all earthly relationships ends.

Love from God and to God will not end at death. This remains and if fact grows. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us faith, hope, and love abide but the greatest is love. Why? Because faith will end when we are in glory. Hope will have already been achieved. But love will not die. It is eternal.

God is inside us and growing in our maturity comes to recognize his power and peace. I am so glad that I don't have to live some of the days that I used to live. I am glad that God's grace and presence is real. I have a long way to go, but praise God he has never left me nor has he forsaken me. I praise him for his mercy.

The second relationship is with believers. We become part of a body, a church, carrying out together what we cannot do ourselves. God

calls us to work together each having different gifts each needing

one another. I should add that relationship does not die also at dearth for other believers will be with us in eternity. We will live them in a far different way that while on earth however. We will love not just our children and our spouses, but it will enlarge an include all, just like God’s love.

But for now, the instructions to Titus is to show that eternal love and let it shine that in an earthly way it can been seen by the unbeliever as well. Keep on reminding the people of the great works of Jesus Christ on the cross. Because God has marvelously saved us, let’s live the life that honors him and is a witness to others. For now that love which shall serve the Lord is glory is motivation to serve Him now an benefit others around us as a witness.

Pastor Dale

Changed Lives Titus 3:1-3

2011-11-04T07:39:00.001-05:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Oct 31 Changed Lives

Verses Titus 3:1-3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,

2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

Changed Lives

In 1994 at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. a small, frail woman with no political credentials stood fearlessly at the podium surrounded by President and Mrs. Clinton and various government leaders.

She stood up and said, "I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion. It is a war against the child direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself.." She went on to say how abortion is the opposite of love; it show neglect of patriarchal responsibility and will increase in further abuses.

"Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion."

The crowd rose in thunderous applause. For that woman was Mother Theresa. When President Clinton rose to speak he said, "It's hard to argue with a life so well lived." How can a aged, weak, stooped woman catch the attention of influential leaders? It came not by political lobbying or leverage, but the power of a life lived with integrity, love and credibility, living for the Lord and serving others.

Paul is telling Titus to tell his people that what we do makes a difference. How Jesus in our lives affects our lives will affect others.

Paul reminds Titus to "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient." What is going to speak to others is our attitude that we have toward them. It is not easy in our individualistic society to want to submit to anything. Yet the Bible mentions to subject or submit 66 times. Part of God's plan for order is that people are given responsibilities of authority and leadership. They are to carry out the works of God by having others recognize that authority and leadership and give them the attitude that is willing to comply, or submit without rebellion, disobedience, or mockery.

There are people most certainly who abuse their positions of authority. There are times when one must chose between the authority of God in doing what is right, against the authority of a leader who leads people to do what is wrong.

How can a Mother Theresa be asked to speak before the president and express the words of truth she did? I believe it was because she knew the greatest authority over all kings and presidents. Because God changed her life He used her to be His witness even to those in authority over nations.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 1 Cooperation

Changed to Cooperate

God is the prime authority in our lives, but do not forget that it is part of his will to give responsibility of authority to kings, rulers, governors, officers, generals, elected and appointed officials, to husbands, to wives, to parents, to employers, to judges, to officers of peace, etc. Otherwise our society would be in chaos. Christians are charged by the Word of God to submit to authorities and obey them.

Always be ready to do what is good. God calls us to righteousness, He calls us be light in the darkness, and to be salt to the world. We can discern the will of God if we ask what would be the good thing to do. Not what is legal, or what is profitable, or what benefits me, or what rights do I have? But what is the good thing to do that would be a witness to the Lord?

Joseph Stowell the president of Cornerstone University, was in a conversation with a lawyer he just met. They discovered they had a mutual friend. The lawyer he said, "Art is like no other client I have. Most of my clients want me to keep them out of trouble no matter what it costs. When Art is in a difficult situation and he calls on me to unravel it, I always ask, ‘Art, what do you want me to do?’ Art’s reply is always the same, ‘Do whatever is right.’ I have no other client who responds like that."

If we had friends who met and they discussed knowing us what would they say? Would it be a positive testimony to the Lord? Doing what is right and good does influence our society. What we do and what we say reflects on our faith in Jesus Christ. Doing good also includes our tongue as well as our attitude. Titus is to teach other "to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."

More damage is done in churches that people who slander. Slander in the Bible is evil, malicious talk intended to damage or destroy another person Ps.50:19 "You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit." Slander is prohibited in the ninth commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor"

In your relationships seek to be peaceable and considerate. One who seeks to do what brings about peace among brothers among communities among families is doing the work of God.

A Christian ought always to seek peace and working out what needs to be worked out to bring about consideration of others. The Bible says blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. James 3:18 "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

Lastly, show true humility to all people. A freedom from arrogance that grows out of the recognition that all we have and are comes from God. Jesus is the supreme example of humility. Biblical humility is not belittling of oneself, but an exalting or praising of others, especially God and Christ. Phil 2:3 " Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves". A humble person focuses more on God and others than on himself. True humility does not produce pride but gratitude.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 2 – Unsaved Life

Verse Titus 3:3

Changed Attitudes

Something happened to the people. Although they recall the charge of what they want to be and ought to be, they certainly were not the people they used to be? Are you?.

Ken Zintak tells in an article how he and his friend Mark when they were in high school would take advantage of girls, party and see how much they could drink. His friend got into increasing trouble with alcohol and chemical abuse when in college. Then during the summer of the senior year, Mark called and told Ken "I've come to the Lord." Ken scoffed, "Give me a break"

When they got together he noticed a big change in Mark. He stopped drinking, he was nicer to people, he renewed his relationship with his parents. He would talk about God as if they were buddies, companions. Many times Ken tried to get Mark back to his old ways. He was bold enough to say after continued badgering, "I don't think I can handle being there. I might resort to my old ways."

They would argue about faith in Christ. One day Mark said, "One day you'll come the Lord." When either would start dating new girls they always talked in detail about their physical characteristics and exploits, but Mark described his new girl friend's heart and character. Ken tried to redirect the conversation but Mark showed that Lord changed his heart so much that what he saw in her were her outlook, her personality, her character, and where she stood with God.

Ken admitted there was a purpose in his old friend that he didn't have. He decided to attend a church and was introduced to the saving power of Jesus Christ. Mark was the first person he called. Mark’s response? I knew this day would come."

What God used was the change in Mark's life to bring Ken to questioning his own relationship to God. Paul wants us to remember how far we've come in our lives.

He had changed attitudes: "At one time we too were foolish,"

In the Bible, the most foolish person of all is one who denies the reality of God the Father: "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'" Ps. 14:1. Jesus also contrasted wise and foolish persons as those who would listen to the word of God and put it to practice with those who would listen but continue on living as if it didn't matter.

I really didn't understand all the benefits of growing up in a Christian home until much later in life. I realize now, how much hurt I avoided by seeking to follow Christian principles at a young age. I think about some of the lives of kids who did whatever they wanted, and they could no longer say no to their desires and lusts and paid deep consequences from the pain in life which I was spared- drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancies, dropping out of school, lack of job, lack of family ties.

Yet I also know many who were saved through those experiences and are able to tell you of the grace and mercy of God. Those who were saved later in life can tell you what they were saved out of. The greatest thing I remember before knowing Christ was I had fear of going to Hell, but when I trusted in Jesus who will bring me to heaven, fear was replaced with faith.

When people realized how foolish they were in ignoring God they couldn't believe they were so blind. When people realize their sin how foolish they could be in keeping on sinning. That's how we were.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 3- Unsaved Actions

Verse- Titus 3:3

Changed Actions

In additions to the change of attitudes, Paul instructs Titus to remind followers of Jesus they are to be changed in their unsaved actions as well.

“We lived in malice and envy.”

Malice is vicious intention, or a desire of one person to hurt another, or put them down. Malice is often irrational, usually based on the false belief against others they are unworthy. It is contrary to love. Envy is the attitude toward others of constantly comparing and recently what others have or can do. Or never satisfied with what God is doing in you life, you must compare your life with others. A great verse that has often spoken to my heart is in James. 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." It is usually a selfishness that compares and contrasts in an unfavorable attitude of self or others. It is at attitude that defined the people.

Now they have been freed from those attitude bondage.

In addition to those actions they were "disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures." That dealt with knowing God's will and choosing to do what we want anyway.

It is like one man I talked with many years ago who was arguing with me about what the Bible said concerning a sin in his life. He gave me this line that said you can make the Bible say anything you want it to say, that's why we have so many differing denominations and preachers around. If everyone interpreted it all the same way we'd only have one church.

I asked him to explain to me how else he could interpret this passage that God gave us regarding this man's sin.

Finally in excusing our conversation he made two of the most foolish statements I have heard from someone claiming to be a Christian. "How can it be wrong when it feels so right." and secondly, "I don't care what the Bible says, I have made my choice." From that time I learned a tremendous lesson. It is the deceitfulness of one's heart. He is blinded to the truth and decidedly remains. It is the spirit of disobedience that kept him from seeing the spiritual consequences of His decisions. What became so plain to me from God was a matter of personal opinion interpretation and decision and he went his own way.

Then I think, that is how we all were, justifying our actions and rationalizing our ways. But God is still God. Then I think about how God is changing us even after we are believers. People who are brought up in a Christianized community with many opportunities to read the Bible and other books, Christian magazines, radio and television and still doesn't bother to find out what God says this person is living in rank disobedience to what God says.

Paul says to remind the people and go on reminding the people of what they used to be like. They used to live in such a ways that the relationship was totally away from what it ought to have been. Their relationship to God was characterized by disobedience to His truth and it was darkening of their understanding.

People think that pleasure is great and they are all in favor of indulging in their own passions. And our present society says get as much pleasure as you can. But what they fail to tell us is, You live a life indulging in your passions you'll end up enslaved by your own passions and your own pleasures.

So many are plagued with additions of alcohol, drugs, gambling, and pornography because of simple pleasures that soon take over their lives to not being able to control their lusts for more.

Some of us can look back to times when our greed was all that matters. More greedy we were the more enslaved we became by greed. Some look back and see sexual freedom is not freedom at all. It ends up enslaved to passions and consumed by desire to satisfy ourselves.

For those outside of Christ those unsaved actions are more common. But for the believer God still has a work to do in our lives to flee sin and embrace the love of Christ and fellowship of believers who encourage one another in good works.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 4 Relating to Others

Changed Relationships

Anger and hatred are part of the old nature from which we have been forgiven and also delivered. Malice and envy are part of the make up of a sinful heart. Jealousy and bitterness become ways people hold relationships outside their circle of love. Brothers and sisters in Christ have not only a higher standard of relating to one another but the Holy Spirit that allows forgiveness and reconciliation to occur.

The person who is only interested in his own passion and pleasures doesn't make very good husband. The person who is only interested in making sure that she is always happy and looked after doesn't make a very good wife or mother. Such people are self-absorbed.

Marriage is often centered on passion, and commitment is replaced by pleasure and having one's own needs met. The home is where our emotions are most commonly played out and that includes attitudes and actions against someone we have vowed to love, honor and respect.

The church also becomes a training ground for believers. Of course not all are believers in Jesus and love does not mean we do not hold people accountable for actions and words that hurt and cause division. These will happen. To pretend it doesn’t is not realistic. That is the reason such instructions and commands are put in the Bible for us to leave the past and work toward future allowing the Spirit to bring healing.

There are crimes that one commits against another. Those crimes are indeed not only wrong, but breaking the law and should be punished. Tough love holds people responsible for their actions. Malice, envy, anger and hatred can lead to abuse not only verbal but physical. I have never encouraged people to stay in unsafe environments. Help to control emotions is available and should be utilized for the sake of peace and glory to God. As much as it depends upon you, live in peace.

It is unrealistic to think everyone will get along. But how we handle our feelings can result in reconciliation, or retaliation or resentment that lingers. What would Jesus have you do?

The path to take is to treat others you way you want to be treated. The way of Jesus is to pray for one another and work for His glory. Ask God to change us as well as others that the testimony of believers be held to a higher standard that those of the world.

Pastor Dale

Growing in Grace Titus 2:11-15

2011-10-28T08:13:00.002-05:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Oct 24

Verses Titus 2:11-15

Saying Grace

Do you remember when you first learned to pray? From the earliest years most of us probably learned to pray at the kitchen table more than anywhere else on earth. Many homes followed the practice of saying "grace", of giving thanks at meal time.

The first may be a memorized prayer, "God is great. God is good. And we thank him for this food."

Then there is a time in most children’s lives when they will look around the table and begin to thank God for the hamburger, the buns, the salt, the pop, the catsup, the potato chips. The prayer ends up being among the longest at the table as all the food is listed. Usually someone tries to coax the youngster by interjecting, "Amen. Say Amen!”

Most families will have funny stories about table grace prayers. One Mother told her small girls to stay their blessings without her. She watched them as they both squeezed their eyes tightly shut over folded hands. As her 4-year-old finished, her 3-year-old sister kept on praying.
Another minute or two passed before she lifted her head, looked at her plate, and in an indignant voice said, “Hey! My peas are still here!”
Another family told of the kids squabbling and fighting, and finally to stop all the spats the Dad said the next words I want to hear are in prayer. Silence loomed. Finally his 10 year old prayed, "Dear Lord, help Mom to pass the salt please."

Some young people may develop a kind of a cynical doubting, "What does it matter if I don't say grace? This is a ritual. Does it really serve a purpose? God knows that I'm grateful,"

In Junior high years often the whole scene of bowing heads and closing eyes and saying religious words suddenly seemed childish and needless, and for the most part embarrassing if there are friends around, especially those who are not churched.

But some realize how good it is to cultivate this healthy habit. ‘Asking the blessing’ is a sweet and much needed refreshing pause during hectic days.

Grace means something more however. It is a great word indicating the goodness of God. At Thanksgiving time we are focused to think of the bounty of food we have in America and then reflect on the needs of the world and those who are dying without food. We see that it is not because of our doing that we live in the land of plenty; it is by God's grace. Then we are not only thankful, we are also desirous to share of our abundance.

Grace is looking at God who is the giver of good things. Are we thankful for what God has provided through farmers, and groceries, through jobs, or food shelf? Do we offer grace for the air we breathe, the houses we live in, the beds we sleep in, the clothes we wear? These are all part of undeserved favor of God

I would like us to think again this week on the greatness of God's grace as reminded in Titus of even greater gifts from God.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Oct 25

Verse Titus 2:11

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

Grace is demonstrated in Salvation

Judi and I received a gift awhile ago from someone that was unexpected and undeserved. We called the person to let her know how grateful we were. Our comments were a mixture of “you shouldn't have”, “we really appreciate it”, “I was far more than we imagined”. To us she was wonderful.

Paul begins to show us the great wonder of God who brought for us the tremendous gift of salvation. We have been looking at the book of Ephesians for our sermon series on Sundays and the key verses include 2:8,9 "It is by grace that you have been saved through faith it is not of yourselves it is a gift of God lest anyone should boast." We have received a tremendous gift that is also undeserved. Salvation includes the greatness of heavens, escape from the judgment of hell. Salvation means something when we understand our freedom from the bondage of sin and of Satan. We have the indwelling Spirit of God within our lives. We are never left alone. We have been made into new creatures bound for glorious things. We are loved by the creator who sought us by his grace. What a wonder of God to graciously give us what we do not deserve.

The phrase "salvation that has appeared to all men," simply means that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh and appeared to mankind. Jesus appeared in Bethlehem. He suffered and died at Calvary. Because Jesus arose and ascended and He intercedes on our behalf we can have salvation.

The unmerited favor of God was demonstrated in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ set aside his glory and removed His splendor to take on human form and became for us the sin offering.

He walked among us for 33 years. He humbled himself and became obedient even to go to the cross.

Every news program I watch I am further convinced that this world needs hope like never before. When I perform funeral services I think about what I know of the person’s life an wonder if he/she had that hope of salvation trusting in the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Is your hope in the grace of God that has appeared to all men, and will appear again to bring us to Him?

Grace demonstrates the wonder of God that he would even desire to save us when he doesn't have to. He could have rejected us on the garbage heap of sinful souls, but His abounding love is manifested in our salvation. His gift is awesome when we think that He makes us holy from evil and makes us His showpieces unto righteousness.

When you say “grace” today, thank Him not just for the food you are eating but for saving your soul. If you are not sure, commit your life to Him trusting in the works of Jesus to make you whole and forgiven forever. Receive His free gift!

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Oct 26

Verses- Titus 2:12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope-- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Grace is Demonstrated in Sanctification

God’s grace saves us. But then Paul reminds us it is by God grace we are taught to say "No" to meaningless things like ungodliness and to worldliness.

Ungodliness means that we have an attitude of heart and an activity in life-style that clearly demonstrates we are not serious about God. The Greek word used here is the exact opposite from the word godly, or to take God seriously. The problem, God says, with our society and with our lives, is that we do not take Him seriously and we exhibit this in the activities we find so attractive. Do you realize that if it wasn't by the gift of God to us to live in us we would not have the option of saying no to many of our lusts and desires? We find ourselves controlled by thoughts and actions we wish we did not have. We would automatically be drawn by our old sinful nature to live our lives in the flesh and not by the Spirit. We might have religion for God places the need for Himself in our hearts, but it would be without the reality of God living in our lives.

Not only does God's wonderful grace teach us to say no to ungodliness but it also teaches us to say No to worldly passions Worldly passion is tied with this present age and what we call secularism. It has to do with an attitude of the heart, mind and life-style that show we are interested in the now and here than the hereafter. Or to put it another way we are more interested in the materialistic world and the pleasures now than the spiritual world and the pleasures yet to come.

Joni Eareckson Tada wrote an article “This World is not My Home.”

She was wheeling in a mall and felt like stranger. There was a fashion show going on in the center courtyard, she was hit with the thought, "Does anyone else here realize that there is more to life than the new winter designs?"

She was troubled with the impressions and the discussions she overheard that the world that most people are deeply engrossed are with video games, movie complexes, and latest clothing styles She called it conspicuous consumption. It's not that we cannot enjoy these things, it is that meaning of life and the priority we give them does not satisfy the heart. When we are dead and gone none of this means a thing. But people are missing out on the treasures of heaven.

Faith is double sided. It not only verifies heaven as real, giving hard and fast reality to that which we do not yet see, but it also makes us look differently at visible things on earth. Like the hymn writer says, "the things of this earth grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace." Most are more interested in worldly things than Christ. Faith makes invisible things real and visible things unreal, earthly dissatisfaction becomes the road to heavenly satisfaction. One place supplants the other as home. And it hurts that so many lack faith to see it.

Not only does grace of God teach us to say no to meaningless things it teaches us to say yes to spiritually meaningful things. That's why grace then teaches us to live self-controlled, upright godly lives in this present age, It provides for us an awareness that because God has invaded this planet it changes our attitude toward it. We can be self-controlled and not manipulated by the demands of the world. By the indwelling of the Spirit in our lives we can have the power of God within and live upright and godly lives. But when it comes right down to it we are foreigners in a strange land.

Hebrew 11:13-16 says it right "People who say such things show they are looking for a country of their own. They had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. That is the hope.

The glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, we look ahead to his glory and revelation of his second coming. We have been excited about what God has done, we can be excited about what God is going to do. God has promised that there is a great day coming when Jesus will appear again in his glory and redeem us from this world. This appearing is the second coming.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Oct 27

Verses- Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope-- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Grace is demonstrated in Good Works

It is grace that centered on the work of Jesus Christ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness. We wonder at the love of God who sought to redeem us, but grace shows us the works of God of how he accomplishes that. Jesus has visibly, spectacularly, miraculously appeared at a precise time and place in history. for the purpose of saving and is even now saving us by training us to renounce godliness and worldly passion and to live sober, upright and godly lives in this world.

Grace always refers to god's loving kindness. What amazes Paul is that God was at work at the beginning of the world. As one views the prophecies of the bible things are not happen chance. We review that wonderful story at Christmas. When we review again the prophetic fulfillments of the cross at Easter we see how these Old Testament stories are more than interesting history lessons of the Jewish people. They become the revelation of almighty God carrying out the plan of our redemption whether we realize it or not. There was no other way for us to be forgiven than to have a righteous one pay for our debt. There is none that is righteous than God. So God came as man to take on Satan in sinlessness, but then die unjustly that unjust people may life. The work of God's grace doesn't stop there with the manifestation of Jesus Christ as our Savior, but as Lord over all.

When God as grace first appears it was to give himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity, when he again appears glorified, it will be to receive us as a purified people of his very own.

A preacher a Oxford once remarked that it is the modern temper to cry in despair, "Look what this world has come to", while the early Christian shouts "Look what has come to the world!" God has revealed his loving purpose to save all men by his work of the coming first and second, the death burial, resurrection, ascension and return.

But we live in this in between stage of the saved, but not yet glorified. We live in this time between redemption of soul to reigning in glory with him, after Satan is completely defeated. Notice the title “great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” is affirming clearly in the Bible the divinity of Jesus as well as his humanity.

Now the work of Jesus is to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. But we can say, “Please Be Patient God isn't Finished with Me Yet.” He died to make us good.

Philip Yancey in CT describe a friend named Larry who had he most colorful background of anyone he knows. He has history of sexual liaisons with people of both genders. A recovering drug addict, he attends a 12 step recovery groups almost daily, has recently celebrated his 10th Anniversary of sobriety and has become a substance abuse counselor.

Along the way Larry became a Christian. He says he was converted by hearing two hymns, "Just as I am" and "Amazing Grace". As he heard the words of those hymns it sunk in for the first time that God really did want him to come just as he was. God's grace was that amazing. In his own way Larry has been trying to follow God ever since. But also in his own way he has not experienced the victorious Christian life. He overeats, chain smokes, and sex continues to be a problem and since he never manages to get up in time for church.

Now the question Larry has is if he is dead to sin how come it has such ongoing victory in his defeated life. How can he act as if he is dead to sin, because essentially he is. In the sanctifying work of God Sin has lost its controlling power over you. In Romans Paul teaches that we are no longer slaves to sin. He is no longer our master. There is a way out from defeat. We have changed masters.

The question of the legalist is ‘how far can I go so as to be righteous and more righteous?’ The question of a love relationship is

‘how can I please the one I love?’. Would a groom on his wedding night say to his bride, Honey, now that we're married I want to work out a few details, "How far can I go with other women? Can I kiss them? Sleep with them, I know a few affairs might hurt you, but just think of all your opportunity you have to forgive me. That will really show what a great woman you are." It is obviously he does not understand the first thing about love.

Similarly if we approach God with a ‘What can I get away with?’ It proves we do not grasp God’s grace gift.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 28

Verses Titus 2:15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Grace is demonstrated in God's Word

This entire gospel is the Word of God that is to be taught. The fact that we can have this Word spread is by God's grace and our commitment and obedience to his call. The fact that we have the Scriptures is by God's grace; the fact we have churches that teach the word of God is by God's grace. The fact that your parents, or SS teachers, or tv or radio preachers, or tract writers were used of the Holy Spirit is to your praise to God of His grace who saw to it that not only are we presented with the good news the gospel, but we can grow in our wisdom and understanding and put godly things to practice in our lives by His power.

The purpose of the Word of God is to shape us into a thing of beauty. This is to be taught, to be passed on in our homes and in our churches until Jesus comes again. It is to train, to instruct and to educate people not in intellectual understand but in the practical sense to be godly to be hopeful in the world that is to come.

Paul tells Titus to communicate what has been taught this far as authoritatively from God. That include the need for older men to be worthy of respect, the older women to be models and trainers for younger women, who need not neglect the place God has given them in the home and the awareness of young men to be faithful in love and in self control. Those who are slaves are to be a witness of their new found faith by their life and an example in all things that the word of God would be attractive to those who watch.

Paul gives Titus three verbs, teach, encourage and rebuke in authority. He can do that only if what he is teaching and encouraging and rebuking is in line with the authoritative word of God.

It is the Word of God that will not return void. Jean Giono tells the story of Elzeard Bouffier, a shepherd he met in 1913 in the French Alps. At that time because of careless deforestation, the mountains around Provence, France, were barren. Former villages were deserted because their springs and brooks had run dry. the wind blew furiously, without foliage and made that mountainside almost inhabitable.

While mountain climbing, Giono came to a shepherd's hut where he was invited to spend the night. After dinner Giono watched the shepherd meticulously sort through a pile of acorns, discarding those that were cracked, or undersized. When the shepherd had counted out 100 acorns, he stopped for the night and went to bed.

He learned that the 55 years old shepherd had been planting tree on the wild hillside for over three years. He had planted 100,000 trees, 20,000 of which had sprouted. Of those, he expected half to be eaten by rodents or die due to the elements, and other half to live.

After WW I Giono returned to the mountainside and discovered incredible rehabilitation; there was a veritable forest, accompanied by a chain of reaction in nature. Water flowed in the once empty brooks. The ecology sheltered the trees now abounded to healthy Willows, bushes, meadow gardens and flowers.

Giono returned again after WW II 20 miles from the lines, the shepherd had continued his work, ignoring the war just as he had before. The reformation of the land continued. Whole regions glowed with health and prosperity. Giono writes, "On the site of the ruins I had seen in 1913 now stand neat farms.The old streams, fed by the rains and snows that the forest conserve, are flowing again. Little by little, the villages have been rebuilt. People from the plains, were land is costly have settled, bringing youth, and adventure."

The planting of the Word of God in barren land and in barren people are like the parable of the sower and the seed.

"Titus, continue to teach." Continue to plant; continue to sow;

Continue to encourage those who need it by my Word. Continue to rebuke, continue to let the Word of God be what people are fed for in the process it will make a difference in some people’s lives like the barren mountainside the love of Jesus will produce life. It is a marvelous grace of our loving Lord.

When you are doing the work of God people will try to stop you. Discouragement will abound, but don't let people despise you. Keep doing what God's will is by His strength and His power and even if you do not see the fruit, He will produce it in His time.

Pastor Dale

Discipleship Titus 2:1-10

2011-10-21T10:46:00.001-05:00

Sermon Nuggets Mon Oct 17 Relationships Titus 2:1-10

Titus 2:1-10

1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

Teaching Relationship Responsibilities

"The greatest miracle that God can do today," observed evangelist Leonard Ravenhill, "is to take an unholy man out of an unholy world and make him holy, and then put him back in that unholy world and keep him there." The reason the disciples displayed great influence is that their lives were transformed by Jesus Christ and they were living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

What difference does it make that you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? We certainly understand that difference when we die, or when Christ returns. But does it make a difference Monday through Saturday?

On the island of Crete Paul when preached many came to Christ. They lived in a very ungodly culture. They hadn't the slightest idea what it meant to belong to God. But after one comes to know the Lord in a personal way Titus was instructed to disciple people in the fellowship of believers in the Church of Jesus Christ. God wants to call a people unto himself to show the world that we know God. Now that we are God's, show it.

Last week we talked about false teachers and concerns of identifying them as we evaluate their character, the content of their teaching, the consequence of their ministries and how they take correction. Hank Hanegraff said, "False teachers invite people to come to the Master's table because of what's on it, not because they love the Master." I thought that was insightful. If we look at what God provides and fail to come to Jesus the provider we have not found faith. Many followers of Jesus left when he stopped giving out food, and doing miraculous signs that they wanted to see. To come and follow me" is just as much of the call as "come unto me all ye who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest."

Do you love God for what he provides, or for who He is? Far too many people turn to Jesus in trouble and leave him alone when everything is going fine in their life. That is not a disciple of Jesus Christ. One in peaceful relationship knowing who they are in Jesus and aware that Jesus dwells within finds strength throughout.

Now in Chapter 2 Paul instructs Titus about instructing others how they should live in relationships with one another. It begins with family and reaches to our work and tasks of responsibility with others. .

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Oct 18 Teaching Content

Verses- Titus 2:1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

Teaching Content

Since what we believe is important in spiritual leaders so is it important to guide us in our relationships in the home. What we believe effects what we do. As Christians there is foundation that makes us who we are and it begins in our beliefs.

Paul teaches Titus to teach sound doctrine. Sound doctrine always leads to obedience and submission to God’s authority. There is a way to live and a way not to live as Christian. Nowhere is it taught to live however you wish. That is not real faith it is a false faith.

Notice that we’re not just to go over rote doctrine but are to share what is in “accord,” or that which is “fitting for” sound doctrine. Specifically, this refers to character qualities that are built upon the bedrock of belief. If we want to be spiritually healthy, and desire others to be as well, we must talk truth and dialog about doctrine in practical ways that can be fleshed out in daily life. Someone put it this way: “Sound doctrine is the basis for sound character and sound character is proof of sound doctrine.”

There was a study by sociologist John P. Bartkowski and a team of researchers at Mississippi State University. They examined data from the nationwide Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, which evaluated first-graders by interviewing parents and teachers. The results were quite clear the religious attendance impacts children positively.

The message of a new study that says young children of church-going parents fare better behaviorally, emotionally and cognitively than do children of parents who never attend church. In fact, the more often the parents attend, the better off the kids are.
The study says. “The religious attendance of parents and a cohesive religious environment in the home yields significant benefits for children’s behavioral, emotional, and cognitive development, and such outcomes are most pronounced when both partners attend services frequently.

This by necessity means to know the main beliefs of the Christian faith. It is not just the minister who is to be a student of the Bible.

You might hear more today about having a Christian World View. That mean the Bible is the teaching that direct our thoughts and how we are to live. So much of the opinions of the world is being accepted even among Christians. What is politically correct is taught in many schools even though it go against the Bible. Evolution has long been the guide for believing man is the center of what we make ourselves and concept of creation by an all powerful God is suspect if not flatly rejected. Life is taught by secularists to be a matter of choice not a gift from above. How we treat others is motivated by profit or personal benefit, not because it reflects the character of Jesus.

The passage continues to examine how we life based on what we believe for older men and women, younger men and women, and between slaves and masters.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Oct 19 Conduct

Verses- Titus 2: 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

Teaching Conduct

I am bothered by the various reports that the Christian’s lifestyle is no different than that the lifestyle of non Christians. There is a difference in what they say they believe, but it doesn’t have much affect on how they live. The constant temptation is to fit in with the world instead of being an example to the world and living to the glory of Jesus.

The knowledge should be mixed with abundance of love for Jesus and love for the lost. Christ-like leaders are important, but Christ like congregations are essential.

Who is teaching the younger Christians today? Who is shaping their family values? I’m afraid that in many cases it’s someone like Oprah, and the View or Desperate Housewives or Family Guy. The world is sending all kinds of negative messages to our younger population “If you’re not happy/satisfied your spouse, just leave! After all, you have a right to be happy”

Older men are to have six requirements. Morally and ethically these men are to be temperate, worthy of respect, and self controlled. Temperate means not to over indulge in anything- eating, drinking, or things which can be hurtful or out of balance. I have appreciated many times when an older saint has loved me by giving me words of advice that in essence say, "Let's not make a mountain out of a mole hill. When a number of younger couples moved away at the same time some sensed my discouragement and wisely said, "It's happened before and it's happened again. The work will continue". And it has. Experience helps put life in perspective and not be jumping to extremes. A wise man is one has a balanced view of life.

Older men are looked up to for leadership. They need to be worthy of that respect. Unfortunately many people tend to become increasing self-centered in later years, but Paul wanted Titus to remind them they have a lot to give and they should give it. Others need to see mature Christianity. Do not become self absorbed. Do not think retirement is an excuse for Christian inactivity. Be worthy of respect in your behavior and activity. Be self controlled. Not controlled by your lust and personal desires, but let God direct your later years.

Love is the essential quality of all believers and older men need to refrain from being cranky, opinionated, and disgruntled. Love those even who are immature and recognize they are in process too.

The idea of endurance is taking whatever obstacle Satan throws in the way we can keep pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The idea which Paul is advancing may be illustrated by an athlete who has run a cross-country race like the Vassolapet. The race is almost over. The skier is exhausted. Yet with his eyes affixed to the stand to the judges, he manages one last burst of speed and crosses the finish line. He has endured and there is now rest from the labor and reward for his effort. Don't quit.

We need some older men and women who have been married for years to step up and say, you have the right to keep your commitment/vow before God and it’s not your love that sustains your commitment, it’s your commitment that sustains your love!

We need some older women to say, we’ve had our share of problems, bigger ones than you’ve had, and more of them, but it has worked because of commitment.

Also the older women are to behave in a certain way. They are to be reverent in the way they live, not slanders or addicted to much wine. There have always been older women who drank too much and talked too much. But nothing is more impressive than a lovely woman living a life for the sake of Jesus as a servant of God.

A holy woman in tune with God will not be a slanderer. The passing on of talk that puts down others is never indicative of Christian spirit. Far too much damage is done through sins of gossip and half truths in the church than any one sin. So many people want to talk about problems they have with others to everybody but the person they should be talking to. If you have a problem with someone, either talk to them, or keep quiet about it. It isn't going to do anyone else any good and especially the church.

Police reports abound with people under the influence for many reasons. It used to be for alcohol abuse. Now, of course, one of the greatest problems is drug abuse. Many acknowledge illegal drugs as being a crime like Meth or Marijuana, but prescription drugs are also being greatly misused causes people to be over medicated to get a buzz or feel better. Passing on of pills and even misusing food and drink is something that needs to be evaluated within the Christian life and habits.

Pastor Dale

Sermon nuggets Thurs Oct 20

Verses Titus 2:4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

Teaching Commitment

How we are to live as Christians involves spirit of commitment to Christ and to one another in family and church relationships. Young women are to be taught to be in love with their husbands and children. There have always been younger women who have neglected home and children. The problem would probably be traced to boredom and or laziness. There is no question our day is different than Paul's day. We face situations that weren't the case then. Children are increasingly caught up in variety of school activities. Wives are working. Husbands have little time at home and what time the family has together is often spent in silence, or television. Family loyalties are divided as never before.

There is a need for spiritual love, emotional love, and physical love. The family is the place that is designed by God to nurture one another in pure intimacy. It is the tender care of a wife who knows Jesus Christ to be committed to caring for the home. We live in a society that seeks to re-define the family. With disruption all around stable homes are needed as never before. God's word shares the importance of Mom's place to help make that happen. Make it a priority.

Since verse 6 includes “similarly young men” it would apply that both are to be kind to be chaste, faithful to their mates.

Billions of dollars are spend on the pornography entertainment as well as addictions. If we make soft porn acceptable and call it innocent fun then what message is that giving to both young girls and young boys?

Sex sells. We learn if you are glamorous you are popular. If you are sexual you are valuable and wanted by others. If you are not, then you are a reject and unimportant. That all is a lie from Satan and it is growing in spite of all voices against female and child abuse in our society.

Has advocates of contemporary lusting and hordes of tv program and sitcoms and movies helped us to liberty or to bondage? Is Aids, S.T.D.s pornography, and rape and incest, and unwanted pregnancies, drugs, alcoholism, abortions, the kind of freedom we desires? That is not liberty. We must teach our young people the Biblical point of view before they are eternally ruined. The only way to deal with the commercialized sex is a renewal of the Bible that makes for godliness.

For young women who are not married it means that they are to behave as one who has been separated unto God until the marriage to a mate who loves God. 1,000s of teens across America are making vows of chastity recognizing that true love waits. They make commitments to God and sign statements that from this day forward they will follow God's plan of sexual abstinence until marriage. Even if men and women have been sexually promiscuous that vow stands now until marriage by the grace and deeper understanding of the forgiving love of God.

For the married couples faithfulness is required. It means refraining from methods of dress or action that would provoke lust. Never does sex outside of marriage free someone up. It has negative consequences emotionally, psychologically and physically producing deeper scars that what the world can begin to understand.

Men have a tremendous responsibility for homes, for wives, for business, for employment, for church. Young men, take serious the importance of being a father and meeting the needs God asks you to meet in the lives of your children.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 21 Example

Verses Titus 2:7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Teaching by Example

How does one go about teaching and training for godliness?

People need to be controlled by the Spirit not by their own wants and tastes.

First, the teacher is not above hits teaching. To the extent that you want to produce disciples of Jesus, the teachers and leaders must also show them how a disciple of Jesus lives. In everything set for them an example by doing what is good. Ethically, spiritually, practically, a Christian leader never says, it's for you, not for me. One must model integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.

The plan is modeling it yourself so people will see Christians live differently. The plan is to instruct people to let the spirit of God live in their lives and change them so when the live in unholy world the people will see Christ in you the hope of glory.

Part of discipleship is to pass it on to pass it on to others and to the younger generation. One of the greatest challenges in the Church of Jesus Christ has been the fallacy that you pay the professional minister to do it all. The pastor and staff certainly cannot do it all. When you have a situation where people are in different ministries then the burdens, blessings, and responsibilities are being shared. The load is being shared the many opportunities are being delegated. This has always been the New Testament principle.

Scriptures are clear those who are pastor-teachers, apostles or prophets, have the responsibility to equip people to do the work of the ministry. What do you do when people do not respond? I admit I take it much more personally than I should. You can take the horse to the water, but you can't make it drink" It is not the responsibility of the leaders to make people drink, or come to meetings or make them listen. It is not our job, if folks are not interested in doing it. But it is our job to be sure the water source is the right one and food is from above. It is our responsibility to practice what we preach. If you have no appetite for the Bible or not interested in discovering things of God, if you have no interest in seeing others come to Jesus then there is something wrong with your spiritual life. Then revival is needed in our churches and in our individual lives .

Notice how Paul is aware of different needs among different groups. Women need certain things. Men need to be taught certain things; Young people have different needs than the older people. Those who are disadvantaged (the slaves or the poor) have different way of witness and responsibilities that those who have. All have different problems. All have different interests. All have different prejudices.

In our churches it is appropriate that we have something for women, It is appropriate that we have something for seniors, and for youth. It is appropriate as we apply all of God's truth to all of God's people, but there are things that each needs to be especially aware of.

How do we teach? by modeling it, passing it on so others pass it on and train people according to their maturity and stations in life.

I was so pleased recently to hear of one of our older saints taking the initiative to getting to know one of our younger saints because they cared. I was happy to hear without program or plan of one helping another on a problem or project. It thrills my heart to hear of one member giving another food, of another loaning money for an emergency, of another caring for the children of a young family so the couple can have time away together.

The Pharisees sought to convince people they were perfect. The disciples sought to convince people that the perfect one loves them. True character begins with Jesus Christ. The greatest thing in all

Of life is knowing Him. God has begun his work in you. He doesn't stop. And best of all, people will notice if it is real. And we will be blessed of God.

Pastor Dale