Sermon Nuggets Week of Jan 25 2010
Sermon Nuggets Mon Jan 25
Theme The Spirit of Elijah
Verses. I King 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word."
James 5:16-18 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
The Spirit of Elijah
For the next several weeks I want to study the lives of two of Israel’s most famous and powerful prophets- Elijah and Elisha. Many lessons and principles can be learned from them. These are adapted from sermons preached in 1987 at Stanchfield-
Lois Anne William wrote this about prayer,
“I sat and gazed in silence at the azure sky overhead.
In the glory of that moment, a simple prayer was said.
I thanked God for all the grandeur, for His beauty everywhere.
I praised the Great Creator, as I sat in silent prayer.
I found an inspiration, and a peace within my soul.
I took the time to worship and I felt myself made whole”
Each January we have prayer week. It is fitting to begin a series on one of my favorite Old Testament Prophets, Elijah. But to do so I want to introduce him in the practical way that James does. James 5:16-18 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”
James precedes this passage by talking bout the prayer of faith. Pray if you are in trouble; praise if you are happy. If you are sick, call the leaders to pray over you and be anointed with oil. If you have sinned pray for forgiveness, confess sin so that there will be healing. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
What is your prayer life like? Is it powerful and effective? Then we must ask is it from the lips of a righteous person?
James tells us that Elijah was a righteous, fervent pray-er. It also says he was a man with like passions as we have. Do you ever think that you are like Elijah? Most of you know the major stories that surround this character. He was one who raise a boy form the dead, called down fire from heaven to consume an offering to God at a contest of gods on Mt. Carmel. He was even taken up in a whirlwind and a fiery chariot.
Does that sound like someone of whom it is said “He had like passions as we do?” In fact when James lived there were many popular legends about Elijah in the Jewish stories. He was regarded by the Hebrews a mix of Daniel Boone, Robin Hood, and Superman all wrapped up in one. He represented all the prophets on Mount of Transfiguration when he and Moses met with Jesus in that miraculous manner. It was the prophecy form Malachi that Elijah would come again. That is why some people thought Jesus was really Elijah returned from the dead.
Harold W. Fife said, “A Man just Like Us.” “The real difference between Ahab and Elijah was not in their passion but in their outlets for it. Ahab incited by Jezebel, allowed it to lead the nation into appalling idol worship and unthinkable sin. Elijah, incited by the Spirit of God, allowed his passion to drive him to prayer. It is not our passion that makes or breaks us. It is the way it is channeled.’
If we put the Bible Characters up on pedestals and halos, it is hard to learn from them, but if we do as James did, identify him as an ordinary man who allowed God to use him and was filled with faith and obedience, then we can see some similarities with people of today.
We will also discover that Elijah was not exempt form incredible stress, intense fear and anxiety and crippling anger and depression.
Because Elijah was a man of intense faith and trust in the Almighty he was moved with indignation over evil. Elijah couldn’t just stand by and be quit. God put within his mouth a speaking tongue to warn the people and rebuke them before the ultimate punishment that comes from rejecting God. He was very jealous for God.
What was it that made him tick? It was the Spirit of God. We begin looking at his life from I Kings 17. We will look more at this verse and glean some important qualities about Elijah. But it seems to begin with a prayer life, according to James.
It is always an important reminder to reevaluate your prayer life and allow your time with the Lord to grow your faith.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 26
Verse- I King 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word."
The Call of God on Elijah
James tells us the thing that highlighted Elijah was the faithful righteous man who believed in the power of prayer. The very name, Elijah, means “Yahweh is my God.”
Sometimes the Bible tells us that God changes the name of people based on their call or their service for the Lord. We do not know if this is the case with Elijah. But the name is consistent with the call of God on his life and the mission to which he is called. Yahweh is my God is how Elijah is identified by name which runs contrary to the message of his day when Jezebel and Ahab are leading people away from Yahweh to other gods.
We are becoming quite used to many Muslims in the new who bear the name of Mohammed or Allah. They have often been named that by their family, or change their names to so identify with their faith.
The identifying title we have is Christian. Christian means Christ follower, or Christ’s disciple. Technically we bear the name of little Christs even if it isn’t our surname.
Little is known about Elijah’s beginnings other than he was a Tishbite which is an area in Gilead. It is a mountainous country. People there were sometimes thought of as rural, individualistic, sort of the reputation of the mountain people of the hills of Arkansas. His personality was consistent with one from the outdoors, rugged, independent with hermit like tendencies. He probably wouldn’t feel comfortable in the urban areas, or in the courts of a king. But he went where God led him to say what God wanted him to say. That was the call of God on his life.
We should remind ourselves of the circumstances which surrounded Elijah’s call. This was the period during the times of the Kings. He was called to speak the word of the Lord to the Northern 10 tribes who identified themselves now with the name “Israelites”. The Southern 2 tribes were known now as “Judah.” After King David’s death, his son Solomon reigned for many years. After Solomon died his son Rehoboam was the new king on the throne. He was not the leader his father was. Rehoboam was cruel and wouldn’t listen to the wiser advisers.
The oppositional leader, Jeroboam, lead a revolt and 10 tribes in the North split from the nation and developed its own king. The problem with going on our own and not according to the plan of God is that many who are called into the service of God, as Jeroboam was, find the power or the popularity to go to their head and moved in a direction God did not intend. The Lord needed a leader who was strong to lead His people, but not in a different direction and emphasis.
Jeroboam made Samaria the capital and built altars in two cities, Dan and Bethel, so that the people of the North didn’t have to go to Jerusalem to the temple to worship God. It wasn’t long before they started to also worship false gods and idols.
Twenty four years after the reign the Jeroboam’s death Omni became the 10th king in Israel. He was evil. It was not uncommon for the king of one name to have his son or daughter to marry the king of another names for the sake of alliances and expansions and protection. Ahab was the son of Omni and Jezebel was the daughter of the Phoenician king, who was also a high priest of Baal. On order to keep his new wife happy along with his father-in-law the King of Phoenicia, Ahab and Jezebel built shrines to the gods Baal and Asherah. Jezebel was given great power. After Omni died she spearheaded a campaign to have all the followers of Yehwah be put to death. She made the Jewish religion to God illegal. (read about that 1 Kings 16:29-33).
Ahab was more evil than all before him. Even to bear the name for Yehweh would have put Elijah in danger for his life. But into that situation God raised him to testify and demonstrate the power of God .
Gods’ laws have our own best interests in view. One does not break Gods’ laws but Gods’ laws break those who transgress them. Ahab and Jezebel will learn the hard way. But God had given warning. Obey His word. Israel was once rich in spiritual heritage, but wandered from the Lord.
Interestingly there are many parallels in American with godly heritage, the religious founders. The system of law and justice were founded on the law of God. The opportunity to follow Christ and trust him was evident in the early history of our nation. Even “Trust in God” is on our coins, which will probably be removed in our generation. In this last 30 years we have raised up a generation of people who do not know God. The roots of faith have been removed to relative political correctness where to embrace anyone and everyone faith root the Christian principles have been quickly eroding. We bear the consequences of the tearing down in the morals by increase living and making laws where idols of license replace the throne of God. Rights now are for free choice in areas of pornography, homosexuality, abortion, greed, rights, drugs, and drunkenness.
When leaders follow power, money and prestige they become self serving.
Let us be aware that there are two nations. Jesus was clear in his conversation to Pilate. I have a Kingdom that is not of this world. Regardless which country or leaders are in power, like Elijah we have a call. It is to make the Lord our King and be identified with Him.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Wed Jan 27
Verse- Verse- I King 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word."
He believed God was Alive.
He believed that Yahweh lived and was alive and real. Elijah was very angered at what was happening. Ahab did not believe anymore in the Lord. He felt Baal and Asherah were stronger. He listened to his wife. He put up several idols to Baal. He agreed the prophets of God should be put to death.
Sometimes there are philosophical arguments concerning the existence of God. The God is dead movement by Frederick Nietzsche proposed we no longer needed a God created from our simple emotional needs. In our superior knowledge and scientific age belief in God is something of the past.
When one lady heard that God was dead, she was surprised and responded, “He can’t be. I was just talking with Him this morning.”
I was reading an article in the paper about the place of science and faith. The author proposed that science looks at fact and faith remains for the unexplainable. Some might say there is something aesthetic and spiritual watching a sunset in the glowing hews of the evening. The color, the majesty and the beauty inspires our emotions. That unexplainable appreciation falls into the category of faith according to their arguments. Does science take away the spiritual dimension explaining by measuring guidelines the atmospheric data to explain the color wave and optical frequencies?
Increasingly there are debates over evolution and creationism that I didn’t think possible when I grew up. The lines were more clearly defined that religion and faith had no place in the realm of science. Since then more serious scientists have found no plausible explanation for many scientific phenomena without an intelligent designer.
Psychologists explain away guilt and sin and need for forgiveness based on “mistaken” belief systems.
Religions itself can be practiced with programs and performance without any heartfelt involvement. Prophets of old warned against sacrifices without commitment of love or obedience. That would be dead worship.
Elijah was willing to prove God’s existence by means of a miraculous contest, which we will look at in another chapter. Although people believed in spiritual forces Elijah had a personal relationship with God Almighty. Today we need people who will show God is alive by their own life changed by the Holy Spirit.
` But the greatest step for a Christian is to acknowledge that Jesus Christ had lived a real life. He died a real death. At His crucifixion there were real spikes and wood, real sword and thorns, real death and burial. But that is not all or we would be worshiping a dead God. But we worship one who rose from the grave and is living today. One who is just alike and with us as if he saw him walking it the street. “I am he that lives. I was dead and behold am alive forever and ever. And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Rev 1:18)
The world is full of dead gods and idols. Most of the people of this world are still pagan and living with idol worship. In Japan they worship ancestors and build shrines to them. Buddists have the idol of Buddah. Hindus have prayer temples for various gods with the grotesque figures. You talk to missionaries in South America and in Mexico. When someone is killed or dies, people will come with all kinds of gifts and trinkets and statues and make that place a place of worship and prayer and superstition syncretism that combines Christian Catholicism with pagan idolatry.
But we also must beware of idols which take the place of honor of God. Romans 1 warns us from worshipping the creation instead of the Creator. Since man himself is a created being it applies that too often we worship people- Elvis Presley, Brett Favre, rock stars, or even political powerful people who capture people’s commitment, money, devotion and love.
Is God alive for you? Have you placed your confidence that he is alive within your own soul through His Holy Spirit? Have you the complete awareness that God is active and alive in our world?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Jan 28
Verse- I King 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word."
God was His King
It wasn’t King Ahab that Elijah was subject to. It was God. Ahab could make all the rules and laws that he wanted, but Elijah was the servant of king Yahweh. The Lord was the one before whom he stood accountable. Elijah grasped an idea that is important. We must all stand before the Lord. We can do it now or later. We stand before Him now as his servants, or stand before Him later to be judge. Elijah was the servant.
It is difficult to go against the opinions of King Ahab and the majority. It is hard to be an individual when being an individual means rejection and even danger. That is hard for a young person who wants to live for the Lord, or a business man who makes decisions for his boss. However, for Elijah he knew whom he would serve whether or not it was popular. He knew to whom he belonged, if standing for God meant his life. Jezebel was out to kill all the prophets and Elijah was so identifed publicly.
God wasn’t only Elijah’s God, but the God of Israel, not Baal. That is the God all should worship. God loved Israel and redeemed his people. The Lord was a God that showed love and was personal to Elijah unlike Baal to anyone.
Elijah’s confrontation with Ahab was confronting the wickedness and evil in the land. He was the one sent to cry out against the sins of his day. Isa 59:19b “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”That was being realized in the person of Elijah who made his King the Lord.
Harper Lee in her book, To Kill a Mockingbird” said, “The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” A conscience cannot agree with what is wrong if that conscience is committed to Jesus and He reigns in your life. It was a Bobby Dylan’s song in Slow Train Coming album-“You’ve got serve somebody. It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you’ve got to serve somebody.”
Years ago when I went to a Conference meeting I listened to a Pastor Klaus, president of the Baptist World Alliance. He was German. He communicated with church leaders in East Germany under communist rule at that time. He had friends there who were not allowed to preach. No children would be allowed to go to Sunday School. Just like the Russian Christians I met, parents could be arrested to teaching their children about Jesus and baptisms was something done in the middle of the night so as not to be persecuted. Hundreds passed around handwritten Bibles because it was illegal to buy then or print them.
Pastor Klaus told about an underground Baptist church and how literally under ground they built a place that would sit over 2,000 in East Germany. Why? Because they believed with all their Heart that God was the only they served.
There are rules and regulations whereby we as a nation must be governed. It is right to obey those rules. Scriptures often tell us to do so. But when God’s truth conflicts with government we are to serve the Lord. That was Daniel’s decision which led him into the lion’s den. That was the decision of the Hebrew young men willing to go into the fiery furnace. Paul and Silas were beaten and jailed because they preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. And many who made God their king against the commands of Ahab and Jezebel were killed.
God raised up Elijah to bring judgment on Israel and its leadership. God must be sovereign . He must be your King. If that is true then he has ownership of our money, our entertainment, or pleasures, our hobbies, our work, our homes and our lives.
When Elijah obeyed Him he found a renewed strength through faith. He found courage. He found purpose. He found His peace in the midst of national turmoil.
Where is God in your priorities and decision of life today?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 29
Verse I King 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.
Believing God’s Word
Elijah acted on that which he knew to be God’s word both written and revealed. God would bring a draught by his word because of the sin of Ahab and those who allowed it to happen. This draught would come to everyone, children, and women and destruction until people would be brought to their knees. This was a Biblical warning long before Elijah came on the scene.
Duet 11:16-17 “Be careful or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow to them. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you. And he will shut the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce and you will soon perish form the good land the Lord is giving you..”
Elijah was aware of Moses’ writings. They were often read in Judah. He knew it was important to remember God’s word and this blessing of the land was conditional. He saw the people were allowing such horrible apostasy to occur. He believes God and prayed that heavens would be stopped from rain. Elijah believed God could be counted on to keep His word both for blessing as well as for judgment. He must preach judgment against sin. James tells us that he brought on this draught by prayer.
Israel believed Baal was the god of fertility. They believed Baal would give the harvest. He controlled the weather to allow the fruit to grow and the crops to be harvested. Elijah was already beginning the contest between false Baal and the God who lives. If Baal was the god of the harvest and the god of the weather then let’s see what he does when it doesn’t rain until I say so through the spirit of God. It was a direct attack on the falsehood of Baal.
Elijah he took God’s truth and prayed it into a reality.
While serving as a St. Paul reserved police chaplain, there was a man who had bombed out a Shell gas station. He did so because the S on the sign was out. He read the Bible and listened to a voice that he believed was from God and acted in his emotional and psychological state that indeed was misguided. He needed to bring judgment on the _hell gas station.
Some people try to prove their point by turning to the Bible and taking passages out of context. The abuses of verses and principles in the Bible are the beginning of many cults and false teachers. Fortunately in our age we have our personal Bibles and can check out so many false claims.
Do you believe God’s word? Most would say yes. But many do not act on their belief. What about keeping our promises, or tithing, or forgiving one another, or loving our enemies?
One plus God make a majority. It made a difference with Elijah. he prayed and believed and acted on his faith. That is the spirit of Elijah.
Elijah prayed earnestly. He had no power within himself. But he had a spirit that knew God lives, God is sovereign and God’s word is true. He believed that.
Elijah could have said like the apostle Paul, “Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Tim 2:12
Pastor Dale
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Precious Fellowship Col 4:7-18
Sermon Nuggets Mon Jan 18
Theme- Precious Fellowship
Verses Col 4:7-18
Precious Fellowship
My Aunt and Uncle, who have now passed away, visited with me some time ago about churches. They traveled a great deal and visited churches all over this country and the world of various denominations. Their observations were interesting. It seemed that the churches that refused to associate with any fellowship or conference had a very prideful, separatistic attitude that often bordered on conflict.
Many churches are independent churches without any denominational or fellowship associations. Each Baptist church has the right to chose to associate or not with other churches. Most members of Stanchfield Baptist really don’t know much or care much about the larger fellowship to which we belong, The Baptist General Conference. More recently they have changed their nickname to Converge World Wide. But like any organization we can agree and disagree about lots of details, but what it is that unites us with other churches of similar doctrine?
The connection of Stanchfield began well over 100 years ago when our identity was with Swedish speaking Baptist churches. They met together for planting churches, sharing pastors, and later starting Bethel College to train Swedish speaking pastors and students.
Being part of this fellowship through the years in our state meant working together to do things that we could not do as a single congregation. We helped contribute to starting newer churches. We helped start a camp. We sent missionaries overseas. WE came up with Sunday School material and the Standard became the magazine that communicating what was happening in the country and the world that we had some ministry involvement in the larger sense.
Long since ethnic identity subsided we now reached out to other ethic groups for ministry, the first being Hispanics. We developed a Spanish speaking Bible school in Chicago. We branched out to African American churches, and now have several sub groups under our umbrella that find a place of fellowship.
Likewise, I am concerned about the Christian individual who becomes so narrow minded in his or her belief which eliminates associations with other believers in a church fellowship. It is not true to Biblical teaching. Not many Christians grow in their faith without fellowship and cooperation with other Christians. I feel that a church or person that refuses to recognize the larger body of Christ not only misses out on some of God's blessings but is in fact hindering the larger work of Christ.
I have enjoyed learning from this little book of Colossians which we've been studying since last fall. We are now at the conclusion of Paul's letter to this church. Paul wanted them to make Christ central in all things, to remain faithful to the revealed Word of God. He wanted their witness to show at home, at work and in the world. Now we see this witness of love is to be in cooperation with other believers.
Paul had his support team, which is the church. He surrounded himself with other congregations and other fellow workers. He was dependent not only on God for his support, but the people of God. For you see God is not just interested in our own welfare and ministry, but designed the church in such a way as to plan His outreach in cooperative design. I would like to suggest some ways in which Christian fellowship is so important this week from this passage.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 19
Verses- Col4:7-9
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
There is Practical Support
There are people of God who gave practical help to the ministry. Paul couldn’t have done it without them. They helped carry out the tasks that needed to be done. Paul was given the vision of carrying the good news to the Gentile community. He was not alone in that job. God would raise up congregations to support his missionary endeavors as well as workers to go along with him on his journeys. Also be reminded he was not the only one being sent by God as a missionary. Churches were being planted in the East, traditionally by Thomas and other helpers.
Barnabas had left Paul and went with another team to other areas. Appollos was one place, Peter another and host of unnamed missionaries known only to God who spread the good news to people all over.
When I became part of the Ralph Bell Crusade in Cambridge and then in a minor way up in Mora, I was both surprised and impressed as to how many people were involved in the practical tasks to put on a crusade. There were people who were to lead Bible studies; others asked to serve on prayer teams; those who were called upon to raise money; some who providing transportation and setting up lodging; a host of people needed to physically take up and remove the chairs the stage, the sound system and extra lighting; Counselors were trained, people manned the book tables, and food contributions. It is a great experience to work with neighboring Christians and churches for Christ. It was rewarding to see people come to salvation.
Paul was appreciative of all the fellow workers, those who worked behind the scenes as well as those who get the public credit.
He took no pride in accomplishing those tasks alone. The Lord used lots of men and women to carry out the job of evangelism.
There was Tychicus. He was a postman. He was sent to carry letters, packages, back and forth among the churches and individuals. He was in charge of the communication systems. He would tell others about the work, share the needs, and inform the team what was going on in the churches. It was through Tychicus that they found out about the Revivals, about the false teachers. Tychicus was part of the delegation chosen by the churches of Macedonia to accompany Paul when he took to Jerusalem the special offering for the poor and needy saints. Paul sent him to Ephesus to take Timothy's place in that city.
Three words are used to describe him- A dear brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant. Paul found him faithful and reliable. If you gave him a job, he'd get it done. You didn't have to worry about it. There are people who if they have a responsibility sometimes don't show up, or do a half baked job, or need consistent supervision. How great it is to have faithful workers you can trust and know they will do a great job.
He was also a fellow servant in the Lord. All those who do what they do to the glory of God are his servants. Many do things for personal recognition, for money or some personal benefit. A servant of God does what he does because he loves Jesus Christ. It is that type of person who can be counted on.
Secondly there was Onesimus: He was the runaway slave belonging to Philemon. Paul wrote Philemon a letter returning to you your slave Onesimus, but explaining now he is a brother in Christ. There had been a big change in his life since he ran away. He has been a big help to me personally, How? Carrying for Paul's personal needs.
In the jail there was minimum security. Paul doing some of this time was in the section where he could have friend and visitors. Onesimus came to know Christ through Paul and served him. Some how the story got out of his background. Paul realized he needed to have restitution for his sin. Philemon needed to learn forgiveness. Paul used his position not only teaching Onesimus responsibility but reconciliation for the larger body of Christ.
Paul knew he could not do ministry solo. It is a partnership under the direction of God. Share you appreciation of those who are a help and friend to you especially in the practical things of life.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Wed Jan 20
Verses- Col 4:10-11
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
There is Emotional Support
Looking at Paul’s friends he also mentioned Aristarcus. We find out more about him from Acts 19.He came from the Macedonia church. There was an uprising in the city. A riot developed. They grabbed Aristarcus and another disciple. He was beaten almost to death, because they couldn't find Paul.
Aristarcus also went with Paul to Jerusalem and traveled with Him to Rome. That means he was also subjected to the shipwreck, the hardship on the Island of Maltus, and He was referred to as a fellow prisoner. He also was put into chains because of his faithful and forceful witness. Paul was not the only Christian prisoner, just the one we hear most about.
John Mark has a story all of his own. During that first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas they took along Mark who was a cousin of Barnabas. But Mark left the team shortly after they began. Maybe it was fear, maybe home sickness, Maybe it was divided attentions, Maybe it was sin. The only thing Acts 15 tells us was when Paul and Barnabas were getting ready to go on their second journey Barbabas wanted to bring Mark along again and Paul said, "No way." He left once he was not willing to give him a second chance. They got into a heated argument over that. They split company over the issue of Mark.
You know something Paul as wrong. Barnabas was right. Now maybe this was God working out their personal problems so His ultimate plan could be better served. He allowed their dissension to result in two missionary teams and the further on the job training of Silas with Paul. But Paul later learned that Mark was very valuable help. He welcomed him and was willing finally to forgive and forget.
What a reminder of the God of the Second Chance! Some may have muffed things badly in a ministry, or failed area of their life. But God is gracious and offers a second, third, and fourth chance.
Jesus the Justis has little said about him. I would like to think he represented the hundreds and thousands of Christians who get little or no recognition. They are known to God for their faithful labors.
We have people in this church that I accidently catch doing something, fixing something, giving something that no body knows about. We got an anonymous gift recently that will enable us to get a project done, but I don't know where that money came from. It was given to the Lord not to me. Recognition isn't important, but being faithful to God is important. All these folks will be reward.
They have proved to be a comfort to him. That is emotional support, to feel comforted. To know there are people willing to work hard with you and join in your suffering. There are people who are with you during thick and thin. Friends who spend time with you and understand you, pray with you and support you in your Christian walk are of great emotional support.
Never underestimate the importance of a friend. A friend is one that is with you, encourages you, one to talk to, to listen to you. I learned early when I was a Chaplain student that the greatest help a chaplain could do was listen. We are called upon to bear with other in their emotional and spiritual struggles, through their anxieties and sorrows. We could pray; we could read the Bible; but to be their during major surgery, to get an update by the staff for the family how things were going, to sit with folks while someone was in ER or stabilization room fighting for their life was primarily emotional support during crises. There were tragedies and when there is nothing one can say at a death. A chaplain was one to hear their anger, hold the sobbing, and weep with those who weep. People often found strength in knowing someone cared.
When I was studying in the Emergency room the chief of staff at Hennipen County General hospital told us when things got hectic it was good to know that chaplains were are around willing to be with people as well as for the staff.
Along with other pastors, I am still a chaplain volunteer at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Both nurses and doctors as staff have affirmed how helpful it is to have someone there especially during the traumatic times. Even for some who aren't Christians they received emotional support.
Emotional support isn't just for emergencies. I thank God for you people who are encouragers. I got a simple note of appreciation last week from someone. That is emotional support. When I hear of some churches where there is fighting and tensions criticism and consistent complaint about every little thing. I am so grateful to be at Stanchfield Baptist. I want to affirm you in your gift of emotional support.
In an article by Dianne Hales in the Reader's Digest, she mentions some important ways to make friendships part of your life. 1) Just do it. Even if it’s been years since you've contact an old friend, take that initiative. 2) Stay in touch. If you don't have a lot of time, a quick e-mail, or simple note will suffice. 3) Double up- Do a project together. Ask a friend to join you in an activity. Talk on the phone while your folding laundry. 4) Cultivate friends of different ages. I think it is great to have friendship with someone older, youth and your age. Now maybe you are older, then develop a friendship with different generations and initiate it. Maybe you are younger. Do the same. 5) Reveal yourself. Closeness comes with sharing.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Jan 21
Verse- Col 4:12-14 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
There is Spiritual Support
Fellowship isn't just for physical support and emotional support, but fellowship is essential for Spiritual encouragement as well. Paul is encouraging the church to grow in the Lord.
Then there are the Gentiles: Epaphras was probably the pastor of Colossae. He was concerned about his people but now having this missionary experience himself. When I was doing missionary work in Russia and talked to Judi on the telephone, I wanted all the news that was happening at Stanchfield. I discovered news of who was sick and how some special meetings went and so forth. A pastor has ongoing interests in his people and church matters, so did Epaphras.
We encourage one another spiritually by praying for them. vs. 23 shows that Epaphras was wrestling in prayer for them. He was not an example of snapping "bless my family and friends" prayer, but rather he was fervently and seriously raising up their concerns and challenges before God. He prayed for them to withstand the false doctrine. He prayed for the young converts not be deceived, that marriages be Godly and strong, that families demonstrate Christ like love. He prayed that they may stand firm in the will of God.
Luke is another team member. We know him to be a doctor, an historian. He wrote not only the gospel of Luke, but also the book of Acts. He was the only Gentile God used to produce Scripture. He also helped as a physician. He was an eye witness to authenticate the miracles and healings that happened. He is an example of a professional man, using his education and skill in Gods services. Not only was he a practical help but providing us all with the spiritual service designed by God to become Scripture. These trips were God ordained and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit lays down information for the church and added truths on the life and ministry of Jesus, especially some of the healings and wonderful parables. That is spiritual support to us all.
Sometimes the spiritual encouragement is reminding one another what is really the priorities of life. It is not making money and having fun. Joy comes in knowing God and living for him. Respond to the needs around you. I think Dr. Luke fell into that category.
Prov 28:24 says "The man of many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother". God has designed the church and Christian fellowship that we might work together and fellowship in ways to stretch our barriers and boundaries.
Lastly Demas is mentioned in v 14. Paul said almost nothing about Demas. We have other information about him in 2 Tim 4:10 Demas has forsaken me having loved this present world." That bothered Paul a great deal. A friend is one who rejoices when you rejoice, but is saddened when one is tempted by Satan and is overcome in sin. Demas worked with Paul but temptations became too great, or the pressures revealed a true heart. You cannot serve two masters, you must choose between the things or the world, or Jesus Christ. It will be a struggle.
Can one be an encouragement and then a disappointment? Absolutely. As a pastor I delight in seeing people grow in the Lord and something happens where they are sidelined. Often it is sin. Sometimes it is false doctrine or a trail that puts people in a controversial extreme that really is not of God.
FB Meyer, a legendary preacher who was marvelously used of God, was beginning to take pride in himself and his gift, but soon realized that his successes were due primarily because a poor widow in his congregation never ceased to pray for him.
We need to pray for one another, for our missionaries, our church members, those in need, our families, our pastors, officers, our SS teachers, our children workers, students.- We need spiritual support.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 22
Col 4:15-18 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
There is Church Support
Paul was a church planter. The design of Jesus was not just to get converts, but disciples. The Biblical method for disciple making is to infuse people with in the fellowship of believers, the church. This is a local organization that according to Acts 2 was established to corporate worship the Lord, teach the Word of God, evangelize, but also for fellowship and help meet the needs of one another in and out of the fellowship.
Paul mentions Nympha and the church in his house. Some older versions have the ending as male instead of female. Recent studies show that it was probably a lady, a business woman or wealthy widow. She is part of God's team and giving what she has to the Lord.
Loved ones we are all gifted and needed for the building up the church. When we read these words before us we see heartfelt concern for brothers and sisters in the Lord. Paul was people oriented, not program oriented. He wasn't concerned about the latest church program, but he did affirm people and recognized his emotional need for friendships. There was no place for competition, nor pride, nor struggle for authority or power over one another. They were equally submissive to Christ sharing the joy and sorrows of each other. They all want to share their greetings to their friends at Colossae Laodicia & Ephesus.
Notice also this dynamic of emotional encouragement. The basis of their relationship was as workers together for Christ. Luke was a doctor, a professional. Onesimus was a slave, probably illiterate. Economic position means nothing, nor did race. There were Jews as part of the team as well as Gentiles. There was no social status.
Prejudice has no place in Christian fellowship. If one knows and loves Jesus it doesn't make any difference how rich or poor or what color their skin is, or what nationality they are, or how popular they are or what their occupation is, they are brothers and sister in Jesus.
Also in v. 16 we understand that Colossians were to read this letter their congregation and pass it on to the church at Laodicea. Likewise they received a letter form Paul, we never know what is was, but it was to be read at Colossae. God inspired these writings. So they were reading aloud the Bible.
I wonder if this is why he says of Archippus to complete the work. He had a ministry he was neglecting. He had a ministry just like we all have a ministry. Ministers are not those of us who stand up front and preach and teach. We are coaches, the players are in the pew. The impact of this church is not going to be made by what I say in the pulpit so much as it is by what you do when you leave here. You are ministers for Christ. You are the ones responsible to carry on the work. We seek to prepare each believer for his or her ministry. That is what Paul is doing here.
The book of Colossians teaches us our most precious fellowship must begin with Jesus Christ who is all and above all. We are complete in Him. But then we need each other. We need each other for physical support, emotional support and spiritual support.
Paul concludes his letter "Remember my chains". He is in prison because of his commitment to Jesus, but he is able to share the ministry because of the precious fellowship.
Ray Stedman prayed for his church, "Thank you Father for this church to which I belong, for those who help me, intercede for me, support me, love me, inspire me. Lord I cannot life as a Christian without them, for I need that part of Yourself that You have placed within them. And they cannot live without me, because they need the gifts that you have deposited in me. Lord free us of the selfishness, the self-centeredness, the ego-tips, the independence of spirit that keeps us from binding ourselves into one. Lord, help us to think first of those things which will benefit others before we begin listing our own needs Give us grace to live in such a way that we draw attention to You Amen.”
Pastor Dale
Theme- Precious Fellowship
Verses Col 4:7-18
Precious Fellowship
My Aunt and Uncle, who have now passed away, visited with me some time ago about churches. They traveled a great deal and visited churches all over this country and the world of various denominations. Their observations were interesting. It seemed that the churches that refused to associate with any fellowship or conference had a very prideful, separatistic attitude that often bordered on conflict.
Many churches are independent churches without any denominational or fellowship associations. Each Baptist church has the right to chose to associate or not with other churches. Most members of Stanchfield Baptist really don’t know much or care much about the larger fellowship to which we belong, The Baptist General Conference. More recently they have changed their nickname to Converge World Wide. But like any organization we can agree and disagree about lots of details, but what it is that unites us with other churches of similar doctrine?
The connection of Stanchfield began well over 100 years ago when our identity was with Swedish speaking Baptist churches. They met together for planting churches, sharing pastors, and later starting Bethel College to train Swedish speaking pastors and students.
Being part of this fellowship through the years in our state meant working together to do things that we could not do as a single congregation. We helped contribute to starting newer churches. We helped start a camp. We sent missionaries overseas. WE came up with Sunday School material and the Standard became the magazine that communicating what was happening in the country and the world that we had some ministry involvement in the larger sense.
Long since ethnic identity subsided we now reached out to other ethic groups for ministry, the first being Hispanics. We developed a Spanish speaking Bible school in Chicago. We branched out to African American churches, and now have several sub groups under our umbrella that find a place of fellowship.
Likewise, I am concerned about the Christian individual who becomes so narrow minded in his or her belief which eliminates associations with other believers in a church fellowship. It is not true to Biblical teaching. Not many Christians grow in their faith without fellowship and cooperation with other Christians. I feel that a church or person that refuses to recognize the larger body of Christ not only misses out on some of God's blessings but is in fact hindering the larger work of Christ.
I have enjoyed learning from this little book of Colossians which we've been studying since last fall. We are now at the conclusion of Paul's letter to this church. Paul wanted them to make Christ central in all things, to remain faithful to the revealed Word of God. He wanted their witness to show at home, at work and in the world. Now we see this witness of love is to be in cooperation with other believers.
Paul had his support team, which is the church. He surrounded himself with other congregations and other fellow workers. He was dependent not only on God for his support, but the people of God. For you see God is not just interested in our own welfare and ministry, but designed the church in such a way as to plan His outreach in cooperative design. I would like to suggest some ways in which Christian fellowship is so important this week from this passage.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 19
Verses- Col4:7-9
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
There is Practical Support
There are people of God who gave practical help to the ministry. Paul couldn’t have done it without them. They helped carry out the tasks that needed to be done. Paul was given the vision of carrying the good news to the Gentile community. He was not alone in that job. God would raise up congregations to support his missionary endeavors as well as workers to go along with him on his journeys. Also be reminded he was not the only one being sent by God as a missionary. Churches were being planted in the East, traditionally by Thomas and other helpers.
Barnabas had left Paul and went with another team to other areas. Appollos was one place, Peter another and host of unnamed missionaries known only to God who spread the good news to people all over.
When I became part of the Ralph Bell Crusade in Cambridge and then in a minor way up in Mora, I was both surprised and impressed as to how many people were involved in the practical tasks to put on a crusade. There were people who were to lead Bible studies; others asked to serve on prayer teams; those who were called upon to raise money; some who providing transportation and setting up lodging; a host of people needed to physically take up and remove the chairs the stage, the sound system and extra lighting; Counselors were trained, people manned the book tables, and food contributions. It is a great experience to work with neighboring Christians and churches for Christ. It was rewarding to see people come to salvation.
Paul was appreciative of all the fellow workers, those who worked behind the scenes as well as those who get the public credit.
He took no pride in accomplishing those tasks alone. The Lord used lots of men and women to carry out the job of evangelism.
There was Tychicus. He was a postman. He was sent to carry letters, packages, back and forth among the churches and individuals. He was in charge of the communication systems. He would tell others about the work, share the needs, and inform the team what was going on in the churches. It was through Tychicus that they found out about the Revivals, about the false teachers. Tychicus was part of the delegation chosen by the churches of Macedonia to accompany Paul when he took to Jerusalem the special offering for the poor and needy saints. Paul sent him to Ephesus to take Timothy's place in that city.
Three words are used to describe him- A dear brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant. Paul found him faithful and reliable. If you gave him a job, he'd get it done. You didn't have to worry about it. There are people who if they have a responsibility sometimes don't show up, or do a half baked job, or need consistent supervision. How great it is to have faithful workers you can trust and know they will do a great job.
He was also a fellow servant in the Lord. All those who do what they do to the glory of God are his servants. Many do things for personal recognition, for money or some personal benefit. A servant of God does what he does because he loves Jesus Christ. It is that type of person who can be counted on.
Secondly there was Onesimus: He was the runaway slave belonging to Philemon. Paul wrote Philemon a letter returning to you your slave Onesimus, but explaining now he is a brother in Christ. There had been a big change in his life since he ran away. He has been a big help to me personally, How? Carrying for Paul's personal needs.
In the jail there was minimum security. Paul doing some of this time was in the section where he could have friend and visitors. Onesimus came to know Christ through Paul and served him. Some how the story got out of his background. Paul realized he needed to have restitution for his sin. Philemon needed to learn forgiveness. Paul used his position not only teaching Onesimus responsibility but reconciliation for the larger body of Christ.
Paul knew he could not do ministry solo. It is a partnership under the direction of God. Share you appreciation of those who are a help and friend to you especially in the practical things of life.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Wed Jan 20
Verses- Col 4:10-11
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
There is Emotional Support
Looking at Paul’s friends he also mentioned Aristarcus. We find out more about him from Acts 19.He came from the Macedonia church. There was an uprising in the city. A riot developed. They grabbed Aristarcus and another disciple. He was beaten almost to death, because they couldn't find Paul.
Aristarcus also went with Paul to Jerusalem and traveled with Him to Rome. That means he was also subjected to the shipwreck, the hardship on the Island of Maltus, and He was referred to as a fellow prisoner. He also was put into chains because of his faithful and forceful witness. Paul was not the only Christian prisoner, just the one we hear most about.
John Mark has a story all of his own. During that first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas they took along Mark who was a cousin of Barnabas. But Mark left the team shortly after they began. Maybe it was fear, maybe home sickness, Maybe it was divided attentions, Maybe it was sin. The only thing Acts 15 tells us was when Paul and Barnabas were getting ready to go on their second journey Barbabas wanted to bring Mark along again and Paul said, "No way." He left once he was not willing to give him a second chance. They got into a heated argument over that. They split company over the issue of Mark.
You know something Paul as wrong. Barnabas was right. Now maybe this was God working out their personal problems so His ultimate plan could be better served. He allowed their dissension to result in two missionary teams and the further on the job training of Silas with Paul. But Paul later learned that Mark was very valuable help. He welcomed him and was willing finally to forgive and forget.
What a reminder of the God of the Second Chance! Some may have muffed things badly in a ministry, or failed area of their life. But God is gracious and offers a second, third, and fourth chance.
Jesus the Justis has little said about him. I would like to think he represented the hundreds and thousands of Christians who get little or no recognition. They are known to God for their faithful labors.
We have people in this church that I accidently catch doing something, fixing something, giving something that no body knows about. We got an anonymous gift recently that will enable us to get a project done, but I don't know where that money came from. It was given to the Lord not to me. Recognition isn't important, but being faithful to God is important. All these folks will be reward.
They have proved to be a comfort to him. That is emotional support, to feel comforted. To know there are people willing to work hard with you and join in your suffering. There are people who are with you during thick and thin. Friends who spend time with you and understand you, pray with you and support you in your Christian walk are of great emotional support.
Never underestimate the importance of a friend. A friend is one that is with you, encourages you, one to talk to, to listen to you. I learned early when I was a Chaplain student that the greatest help a chaplain could do was listen. We are called upon to bear with other in their emotional and spiritual struggles, through their anxieties and sorrows. We could pray; we could read the Bible; but to be their during major surgery, to get an update by the staff for the family how things were going, to sit with folks while someone was in ER or stabilization room fighting for their life was primarily emotional support during crises. There were tragedies and when there is nothing one can say at a death. A chaplain was one to hear their anger, hold the sobbing, and weep with those who weep. People often found strength in knowing someone cared.
When I was studying in the Emergency room the chief of staff at Hennipen County General hospital told us when things got hectic it was good to know that chaplains were are around willing to be with people as well as for the staff.
Along with other pastors, I am still a chaplain volunteer at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Both nurses and doctors as staff have affirmed how helpful it is to have someone there especially during the traumatic times. Even for some who aren't Christians they received emotional support.
Emotional support isn't just for emergencies. I thank God for you people who are encouragers. I got a simple note of appreciation last week from someone. That is emotional support. When I hear of some churches where there is fighting and tensions criticism and consistent complaint about every little thing. I am so grateful to be at Stanchfield Baptist. I want to affirm you in your gift of emotional support.
In an article by Dianne Hales in the Reader's Digest, she mentions some important ways to make friendships part of your life. 1) Just do it. Even if it’s been years since you've contact an old friend, take that initiative. 2) Stay in touch. If you don't have a lot of time, a quick e-mail, or simple note will suffice. 3) Double up- Do a project together. Ask a friend to join you in an activity. Talk on the phone while your folding laundry. 4) Cultivate friends of different ages. I think it is great to have friendship with someone older, youth and your age. Now maybe you are older, then develop a friendship with different generations and initiate it. Maybe you are younger. Do the same. 5) Reveal yourself. Closeness comes with sharing.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Jan 21
Verse- Col 4:12-14 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
There is Spiritual Support
Fellowship isn't just for physical support and emotional support, but fellowship is essential for Spiritual encouragement as well. Paul is encouraging the church to grow in the Lord.
Then there are the Gentiles: Epaphras was probably the pastor of Colossae. He was concerned about his people but now having this missionary experience himself. When I was doing missionary work in Russia and talked to Judi on the telephone, I wanted all the news that was happening at Stanchfield. I discovered news of who was sick and how some special meetings went and so forth. A pastor has ongoing interests in his people and church matters, so did Epaphras.
We encourage one another spiritually by praying for them. vs. 23 shows that Epaphras was wrestling in prayer for them. He was not an example of snapping "bless my family and friends" prayer, but rather he was fervently and seriously raising up their concerns and challenges before God. He prayed for them to withstand the false doctrine. He prayed for the young converts not be deceived, that marriages be Godly and strong, that families demonstrate Christ like love. He prayed that they may stand firm in the will of God.
Luke is another team member. We know him to be a doctor, an historian. He wrote not only the gospel of Luke, but also the book of Acts. He was the only Gentile God used to produce Scripture. He also helped as a physician. He was an eye witness to authenticate the miracles and healings that happened. He is an example of a professional man, using his education and skill in Gods services. Not only was he a practical help but providing us all with the spiritual service designed by God to become Scripture. These trips were God ordained and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit lays down information for the church and added truths on the life and ministry of Jesus, especially some of the healings and wonderful parables. That is spiritual support to us all.
Sometimes the spiritual encouragement is reminding one another what is really the priorities of life. It is not making money and having fun. Joy comes in knowing God and living for him. Respond to the needs around you. I think Dr. Luke fell into that category.
Prov 28:24 says "The man of many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother". God has designed the church and Christian fellowship that we might work together and fellowship in ways to stretch our barriers and boundaries.
Lastly Demas is mentioned in v 14. Paul said almost nothing about Demas. We have other information about him in 2 Tim 4:10 Demas has forsaken me having loved this present world." That bothered Paul a great deal. A friend is one who rejoices when you rejoice, but is saddened when one is tempted by Satan and is overcome in sin. Demas worked with Paul but temptations became too great, or the pressures revealed a true heart. You cannot serve two masters, you must choose between the things or the world, or Jesus Christ. It will be a struggle.
Can one be an encouragement and then a disappointment? Absolutely. As a pastor I delight in seeing people grow in the Lord and something happens where they are sidelined. Often it is sin. Sometimes it is false doctrine or a trail that puts people in a controversial extreme that really is not of God.
FB Meyer, a legendary preacher who was marvelously used of God, was beginning to take pride in himself and his gift, but soon realized that his successes were due primarily because a poor widow in his congregation never ceased to pray for him.
We need to pray for one another, for our missionaries, our church members, those in need, our families, our pastors, officers, our SS teachers, our children workers, students.- We need spiritual support.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 22
Col 4:15-18 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
There is Church Support
Paul was a church planter. The design of Jesus was not just to get converts, but disciples. The Biblical method for disciple making is to infuse people with in the fellowship of believers, the church. This is a local organization that according to Acts 2 was established to corporate worship the Lord, teach the Word of God, evangelize, but also for fellowship and help meet the needs of one another in and out of the fellowship.
Paul mentions Nympha and the church in his house. Some older versions have the ending as male instead of female. Recent studies show that it was probably a lady, a business woman or wealthy widow. She is part of God's team and giving what she has to the Lord.
Loved ones we are all gifted and needed for the building up the church. When we read these words before us we see heartfelt concern for brothers and sisters in the Lord. Paul was people oriented, not program oriented. He wasn't concerned about the latest church program, but he did affirm people and recognized his emotional need for friendships. There was no place for competition, nor pride, nor struggle for authority or power over one another. They were equally submissive to Christ sharing the joy and sorrows of each other. They all want to share their greetings to their friends at Colossae Laodicia & Ephesus.
Notice also this dynamic of emotional encouragement. The basis of their relationship was as workers together for Christ. Luke was a doctor, a professional. Onesimus was a slave, probably illiterate. Economic position means nothing, nor did race. There were Jews as part of the team as well as Gentiles. There was no social status.
Prejudice has no place in Christian fellowship. If one knows and loves Jesus it doesn't make any difference how rich or poor or what color their skin is, or what nationality they are, or how popular they are or what their occupation is, they are brothers and sister in Jesus.
Also in v. 16 we understand that Colossians were to read this letter their congregation and pass it on to the church at Laodicea. Likewise they received a letter form Paul, we never know what is was, but it was to be read at Colossae. God inspired these writings. So they were reading aloud the Bible.
I wonder if this is why he says of Archippus to complete the work. He had a ministry he was neglecting. He had a ministry just like we all have a ministry. Ministers are not those of us who stand up front and preach and teach. We are coaches, the players are in the pew. The impact of this church is not going to be made by what I say in the pulpit so much as it is by what you do when you leave here. You are ministers for Christ. You are the ones responsible to carry on the work. We seek to prepare each believer for his or her ministry. That is what Paul is doing here.
The book of Colossians teaches us our most precious fellowship must begin with Jesus Christ who is all and above all. We are complete in Him. But then we need each other. We need each other for physical support, emotional support and spiritual support.
Paul concludes his letter "Remember my chains". He is in prison because of his commitment to Jesus, but he is able to share the ministry because of the precious fellowship.
Ray Stedman prayed for his church, "Thank you Father for this church to which I belong, for those who help me, intercede for me, support me, love me, inspire me. Lord I cannot life as a Christian without them, for I need that part of Yourself that You have placed within them. And they cannot live without me, because they need the gifts that you have deposited in me. Lord free us of the selfishness, the self-centeredness, the ego-tips, the independence of spirit that keeps us from binding ourselves into one. Lord, help us to think first of those things which will benefit others before we begin listing our own needs Give us grace to live in such a way that we draw attention to You Amen.”
Pastor Dale
Friday, January 15, 2010
Winsome Witness Col 4:2-6
Sermon Nuggets Mon Jan 11
Theme: Winsome Witness
Verses- Col 4:3-6 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Winsome Witness
Perhaps it was yesterday's sermon on the plagues of Egypt. Perhaps it as the news about another earthquake Saturday in California. Perhaps it was the news of both Egypt and Malaysia seeing attacked and Christians killed while they were at worship this week. But warnings of being ready to meet the Lord is as important as ever when we talk about eternal things.
I thought of my Geology professor at Michigan State University who transferred from working for Shell Oil Company in California to return to his native state of Michigan. His main reason for his moved was the evidence of the coming major earthquake that will split California. I graduated in the 60s and assume my professor is dead never seeing his prediction come true. He did not give a date but looked at the data and said a major earthquake can and will cause the fault to split.
We keep predicting the return of Jesus. It hasn’t happened in 2,000 years. So it is easy to be apathetic and maybe skeptical of the reality of this event. Either people were misguided, or it is real and we should prepare people to be ready.
Frederick Ivor-Campbell is best known as a baseball historian. He is the author of many books and biographies on baseball and its greats. He died in a car accident this last summer. However he wrote a parable called “The Night After the Hurricane”. In his story the character, Bryerhoff Michaels, had seen the world was aware how reinforce concrete block made foundation of coastline houses secure in storms. For many years the people of Saltport, where he lived, had built their houses upon foundation of sandstone blocks, quarried by a local company.
Bryerhoff’s visit to another port town, Calm Harbor, revealed how all the homes were had reinforced concrete foundations and none were affected by the storms. So he was glad to tell his neighbors of this good news and the need to reinforce their homes.
Every year the nor’easter struck Saltport. The heavy winds and driving rains and high tides so weakened the sandstone that several families found it necessary to replace their foundations with the blocks. But it was expensive and time consuming. Still they trusted their friend Bryerhoff and saw the improvements for themselves.
He also rebuilt his home and talked with his friends of this superior foundation. But traditions are hard to break and the laughter and rejection of his enthusiasm soon caused him to keep quiet. He tried to persuade some of the others with the reinforced concrete foundations to join him in sharing this news but they were busy with other work and recreation activities. Nothing more was done.
Then a hurricane suddenly hit Saltport without warning at midnight. Bryerhoff’s house stood firm on its new foundation as did those of his followers, but the houses of those who laughed, ignored, refused, and those who had not heard were destroyed. Not one remained. Since the hurricane when everyone was asleep, their families were blown and washed away with their homes.
The remaining friends gathered and thought if they had known for sure the hurricane was coming they would certainly have been knocking on doors and shouting on street corners, but now there was no left to listen and be saved. It was hard to be happy.
I think this was Ivor-Campbell's way of retelling his freinds the parable of the wise mand and the foolish man from Matt 7:24ff.
The Apostle Paul was so concerned that people be ready to the meet the Lord that his passion could not be contained. However, in someone's enthusiasm of sharing the truth of God, a witness can get in the way of the message. We have seen people who have been so offensive in their approach about God that it has turned people away from truth. In order not to be offensive it is easy to remain silent. Or sometimes to be liked by others there is the temptation to water down the message of salvation. Or in our day, we are taught everyone has a right to believe what they want. We live and promote freedom of religion. Any forced faith is not real faith.
But our society also goes beyond that and teaches therefore what anybody believes is their own business and we should never try to persuade someone to change their religious views. Then we leave people lost forever. That approach is not what God's word teaches.
There are some important things needed to be a winsome witness. That is our topic from this chapter this week.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 12
Verses- Col 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
To be a Winsome Witness you need Consistent Prayer
Last week’s thoughts centered on the importance of prayer. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is not a human task, it is a spiritual one. We can do nothing on our own of significance.
I believe one of the draw backs on many good intended people is they come up with their own methods of evangelism that is based on human persuasion. They might brag about how many they have led to the Lord, but heaven holds different statistics. True salvation comes by the conviction of the Holy Spirit on their heart of their sin and the need of Jesus to save them.
We however must be people of constant prayer that God will use our words and our actions for His work. When nothing seems to be happening, it is easy to want to quit praying. Satan wants to convince us it doesn't seem to make any difference. There might be people you have been praying for years. Don't stop praying.
Some might stop praying because they are so busy. There is so much to do we often don't take the time for personal conversations with God. Many turn to prayer when we are in trouble or realize there is a problem beyond their capabilities. Is that the way you would want your children to relate to you? Come to you only when there is a need or problem?
Teachers, do you prepare your Sunday School lessons without prayer? Committee members, do you try to do your responsibilities without prayer? As the praise team meets it is easy to want to use the time practicing, but I'm glad they pray. We desire to praise and that is a spiritual activity not a human one.
Prayer is not a magical ritual that elicits some mystical button that causes divine blessing. It is a means of bringing our hearts to God and admitting that we are needy- without him we can do nothing. Prayer is to get our hearts changed. It is the desires to see God more fully and be used to glorify him all that we do, in teaching, in preaching, in singing, in sharing the good news that God be honored and people might know the truth and be free. Someone said, "God's delays are not always God's denials.” Don't quit praying.
In Colossae, Paul saw spiritual conflict going on that they didn't see. There were problems with people who were distorting the truth. The people needed to pray discerning God will. They needed the Holy Spirit's wisdom. God did not want them abusing their authorities in their relationships. Problems persisted because they didn't want to obey the Lord. Husband and wives, children and parent and workers and management they needed to be alert to problems of authority and give both their rights and their authority over to God so He could do His work of making them witnesses in their community.
This new year is a wonderful time to ask God to lay on your heart people to pray that they come to faith in Christ. Pray that the Lord would speak to them and to you as to a way to share your testimony or invitation to come church, or read a book to discuss, or a special event. Show them you care, but begin by prayer they their eyes may be opened of their need for Christ.
Paul asked for specific prayer of the church that God would give him open doors, that the message can be proclaimed. Remember Paul is in prison. But he didn't ask to be released from prison, or for a new camel, or a bigger better house, or better food, but rather people might get saved in his work.
I need to learn as Paul did the longing heart that thirsts for God, and the burning desire that others know God.
Pray that God will open up conversations at work, at school, in your neighborhood that you can share the message of hope in Jesus.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Wed Jan 13
Verse- Col 4:4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
A Winsome witness needs a Clear Presentation
In addition to prayer Paul reminds us in his request that the message needs to be clear. As you look at the context Paul is first asking for prayer for himself that the message be clear, but later reminds them what is important also in their conversations that they be good witnesses for Christ.
I am so happy for many of you who pray for me and Isaac and Paul.
I am happy for the people who come out at 8:30 to the prayer room before our Sunday begins. Pray that the whole story is clear.
Paul is not only looking for open opportunities, but also clarity.
What is this mystery he wants to preach? The message that is conveyed too often in our society sounds a little like this: "Here is Jesus standing outside your hearts door and wants so much to come in. Won't you pity him and please, please let him in? Then you will have all kinds of good things happen to you, and you'll live happily ever after."
Yes, it is absolutely true that God loves you and does have a wonderful plan for your life. It is also true that if you don't humble yourself before God of the universe and repent of your pride and sin and pled for mercy for forgiveness by trusting only in the death of Jesus to save you, there is a horrible plan for your life. Ignoring God's gift separates you forever in Hell.
Salvation is not for those who are only looking for something to add to their life, like another high, or kick. Salvation is being saved from God's wrath against your sin. We are like drowning people who without salvation go into a lost eternity.
Notice he began his message making people realize that they are alienated form God and enemies due to their evil and sinful behavior. Because of our lying, anger, hatred, selfishnesses, lack of concern for others, unwillingness to help the poor; our prejudiced against other races, our stingy in giving to God, our lust, immorality, lustful hearts our sexual sins, pornography, our gluttony our jealous, gossip, we killed Jesus and deserve to have Gods punishment upon us.
Jesus said unless you repent you will all likewise perish. The key to rebellion is selfishness.
But reconciliation with God is possible for Jews and Gentiles for Swedes and Americans, but blacks and white and rich and poor. It is because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. He suffered in his physical body, shed his blood so we can be forgiven of everything we ever did or thought. But it isn't just a prayer that we speak like magic formula, it is the heart commitment to want to follow Jesus.
Notice v. 23. if you continue in your faith not moved. Hope is yours. Not a wish, but confidence based on the works of Jesus Christ. Jesus said to his disciples if anyone would come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Whoever wants to save his life will lose and whoever loses his life will find it. "
The clear message is us knocking on God's door saying be merciful to me a sinner. God by his grace and mercy, not our works and worth, comes into our lives. He becomes the new owner of your body, soul, and spirit. Pray that the message and presentation will be clear.
Have you come to place in your life when you have had enough of controlling your life your way? It is time to give your heart to Christ and let him rule. It is time to turn from selfishness to rulership. That opportunity is available to you today.
As a Christian you might be reluctant to share you testimony with anyone because you are not sure how to do that. Let me give you a suggestion. A testimony involves three things. Your life before Jesus; Don't make it dramatic, but make it real. There was something very important lacking in your life. Then explain how you came to know about Jesus. What is it that is important to know? I was a sinner, I cannot save myself, Jesus died for my sin and I turned my life over to God. Now I am seeking to follow him by his power and word. Then life after you became a Christian, maybe it included struggles, maybe failed, but now there is the power of God available to be with you and me and to change us. We are not along. It is your story. Maybe you should write down. Ask someone to read it in the church. Then ask a friend to read it outside the church. Ask them if it is clear and understandable. Then ask someone if you can tell your story and let God take it from there.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nugget Thur Jan 14
Verse-Col 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
A winsome Witness needs a Careful Procedure
Be wise in how you act among those who do not know the Lord yet. Do you know that God wants you to be his witness wherever you go, at school, at work, on vacation, at home, in the neighborhood? It makes a difference how you live. That is a witness. Our plan is to bring outsiders to know Jesus Christ. Proverbs 11:30 says, "He who is wise wins souls" We need to be careful not to say or do anything that would make it difficult to share the gospel. Let us therefore not give opportunity to cheapening the gospel by the way we act toward them or toward one another.
It is pretty hard to witness at work if you gossip, lie, or cheat. It is hard to show the love of Christ if you are putting others down. Earning the right to be heard comes with consistent Christian living.
Even when we go to do short term missions it would be foolish to ignore the advice of those who work with folks from a different culture and sub-culture. A wise procedure is learning how they interact. What is the dress code? What are things that are offensive? What makes a good witness within that culture? We need to understand the way people live and act so they are not an offense to them and the Gospel may be presented. That is part of being wise as serpents and gentle as doves.
To know God and his wisdom takes us back to 3:16 "Let he word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another." Wisdom comes from letting the word of Christ dwell richly in you. This comes with meditation and obedience to the word of God, in addition to how you might live among your neighbors and friends.
I Cor 9:20-22 “I become all things to all men that I might by all means save some." says Paul. His careful procedure is to meet people where they are at, learn to be interested in some of the things they are interested in, yet not participating in sin
A careful procedure might be to make friendship with folks and do things with them that demonstrate a sincere and genuine love. People see and understand that. Many in the unchurched world are open to knowing God especially if someone they know and appreciate has a real faith. Do you ever pray how you might be a witness to people God brings along your path? Such a plan might be to visit them when there is illness, or when they are undergoing problems.
Jesus had a procedure when he healed the sick and gave food to the hungry. It was they might hear truth. Some responded and others did not.
Make the most of opportunities. We can't plant where the spirit hasn't first plowed. But if we pray for open doors, the Lord will provide them. Are you praying that God give you opportunities to share the story with them? The reason God brings some people your way is that you are to be part of the team of believers he wants to use to influence them for Heaven. God will not ask you to do anything he doesn't prepare or provide for you to do.
We have a commission to go and be witness in our world. He has given to us the power to do that. We have the truth that the world needs. It is at our disposal. We fail to make use of the opportunity. How long will we continue to have the freedom of sharing the good news? Maybe in our life time these privileges will be closed to us, not to mention that we never know how long before we die. Are you prepared tonight to meet God? If you were to go to God and you are sure of that because of your faith in Christ, are you walking in his ways seeking to use your gifts and abilities to advance His Kingdom?
Look for opportunities to share. Be Christ like in your procedures.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Fri Jan 15
Verse- Col 4: 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
A winsome witness is a Considerate Person.
There is one final reminder and that is you need to be a considerate
person. Many over zealous persons can seek to witness by stuffing faith down the throat of another or have a condemning attitude that keeps people from listening. People need to hear the message of the gospel of Christ, but if they won’t listen because we are inconsiderate we have failed.
Paul went from city to city preaching the mystery of Christ. Some were eager to hear and others who hostile. Was hostility due to his offensive personally? No. Christianity is not coercive. It does not use the sword, manipulation, or brainwashing. But it does proclaim and persuade and plead and pray. People who are confronted with sin in their lives do not like it. To say you need a savior means changing one’s ways and the thought that it demands a response will may some folks wish you would keep your opinions to yourself.
Now remember the message may be offensive, the methods we use need not be. We need to be considerate in our approach to others. Last week when Fox news commentator and former news anchor, Bret Hume, shared the importance for Tiger Woods to find faith in Christianity, secularist screamed foul. They felt that had no place on public airwaves from a person of his stature. Why? Was he being rude? Was he telling the truth? Was he being offensive in his demeanor or presentation? Not at all. Our secular society does not want God and any mention of him to some is offensive. Yet when the tragedy of Haiti is before us, news personnel on all channels talk about the need for coming together and praying for the people. They show Christian prayer services and announce where you can go to such events.
I am a firm believer that God has already plowed the field where He wants the seed of faith to grow. If someone is not open to the gospel then don't force it. We are representing the best thing this world has to offer. I believe that. I don't have to use misrepresentation for people to Christ. If they are not ready to receive Christ freely, there is no true conversion. You and I must seek to be considerate persons so God can use however He wants in the life of another. Never argue or debate with another, because that is a sure sign their heart isn't ready yet. Paul and Peter would argue in a group setting however. When some would listen and others antagonize them it prevented the seekers from responding. They answered the objections and arguments so others would listen. But even in that there is to be consideration as Christ had. He confronted evil. But for seekers his speech showed sin, the need for faith, and demanded a response. Whether a person believed or not was left to them.
Satan's plan is to keep people confused, apathetic or blind to truth. Therefore use any open opportunity that may come up to share God's truth. Go as far as they are interested and if they close the conversation it will be better in the long run to let the Spirit of God use what was said until they are ready for the next step.
Jesus shared, “Let your light so shine among men that they may see your good work and give God the glory.”
Having a conversations seasoned with salt means that it adds flavor, it produces a thirst for more. Jesus was the master at this making the message clear and plain in a way that His hearer understood. He gave farming illustrations, talked to a lady about living water when she came to a well. He discussed philosophy and theology with Nicodemus. He used illustrations about sheep and fish and building and sweeping a house among the workers of the town.
Luke 4:22 And all wondered at his gracious word which proceeds out of His mouth. He knew how to season his conversations with salt. He wants us all to know how to answer all. We Know the Word by studying it. If someone asks you a question you do not know, admit it and agree to find out the answer and get back to them.
How can you be a winsome witness? You need consistent prayer;
A clear presentation, careful procedure, and be a considerate person; then watch what God will do.
Pastor Dale
Theme: Winsome Witness
Verses- Col 4:3-6 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Winsome Witness
Perhaps it was yesterday's sermon on the plagues of Egypt. Perhaps it as the news about another earthquake Saturday in California. Perhaps it was the news of both Egypt and Malaysia seeing attacked and Christians killed while they were at worship this week. But warnings of being ready to meet the Lord is as important as ever when we talk about eternal things.
I thought of my Geology professor at Michigan State University who transferred from working for Shell Oil Company in California to return to his native state of Michigan. His main reason for his moved was the evidence of the coming major earthquake that will split California. I graduated in the 60s and assume my professor is dead never seeing his prediction come true. He did not give a date but looked at the data and said a major earthquake can and will cause the fault to split.
We keep predicting the return of Jesus. It hasn’t happened in 2,000 years. So it is easy to be apathetic and maybe skeptical of the reality of this event. Either people were misguided, or it is real and we should prepare people to be ready.
Frederick Ivor-Campbell is best known as a baseball historian. He is the author of many books and biographies on baseball and its greats. He died in a car accident this last summer. However he wrote a parable called “The Night After the Hurricane”. In his story the character, Bryerhoff Michaels, had seen the world was aware how reinforce concrete block made foundation of coastline houses secure in storms. For many years the people of Saltport, where he lived, had built their houses upon foundation of sandstone blocks, quarried by a local company.
Bryerhoff’s visit to another port town, Calm Harbor, revealed how all the homes were had reinforced concrete foundations and none were affected by the storms. So he was glad to tell his neighbors of this good news and the need to reinforce their homes.
Every year the nor’easter struck Saltport. The heavy winds and driving rains and high tides so weakened the sandstone that several families found it necessary to replace their foundations with the blocks. But it was expensive and time consuming. Still they trusted their friend Bryerhoff and saw the improvements for themselves.
He also rebuilt his home and talked with his friends of this superior foundation. But traditions are hard to break and the laughter and rejection of his enthusiasm soon caused him to keep quiet. He tried to persuade some of the others with the reinforced concrete foundations to join him in sharing this news but they were busy with other work and recreation activities. Nothing more was done.
Then a hurricane suddenly hit Saltport without warning at midnight. Bryerhoff’s house stood firm on its new foundation as did those of his followers, but the houses of those who laughed, ignored, refused, and those who had not heard were destroyed. Not one remained. Since the hurricane when everyone was asleep, their families were blown and washed away with their homes.
The remaining friends gathered and thought if they had known for sure the hurricane was coming they would certainly have been knocking on doors and shouting on street corners, but now there was no left to listen and be saved. It was hard to be happy.
I think this was Ivor-Campbell's way of retelling his freinds the parable of the wise mand and the foolish man from Matt 7:24ff.
The Apostle Paul was so concerned that people be ready to the meet the Lord that his passion could not be contained. However, in someone's enthusiasm of sharing the truth of God, a witness can get in the way of the message. We have seen people who have been so offensive in their approach about God that it has turned people away from truth. In order not to be offensive it is easy to remain silent. Or sometimes to be liked by others there is the temptation to water down the message of salvation. Or in our day, we are taught everyone has a right to believe what they want. We live and promote freedom of religion. Any forced faith is not real faith.
But our society also goes beyond that and teaches therefore what anybody believes is their own business and we should never try to persuade someone to change their religious views. Then we leave people lost forever. That approach is not what God's word teaches.
There are some important things needed to be a winsome witness. That is our topic from this chapter this week.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 12
Verses- Col 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
To be a Winsome Witness you need Consistent Prayer
Last week’s thoughts centered on the importance of prayer. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is not a human task, it is a spiritual one. We can do nothing on our own of significance.
I believe one of the draw backs on many good intended people is they come up with their own methods of evangelism that is based on human persuasion. They might brag about how many they have led to the Lord, but heaven holds different statistics. True salvation comes by the conviction of the Holy Spirit on their heart of their sin and the need of Jesus to save them.
We however must be people of constant prayer that God will use our words and our actions for His work. When nothing seems to be happening, it is easy to want to quit praying. Satan wants to convince us it doesn't seem to make any difference. There might be people you have been praying for years. Don't stop praying.
Some might stop praying because they are so busy. There is so much to do we often don't take the time for personal conversations with God. Many turn to prayer when we are in trouble or realize there is a problem beyond their capabilities. Is that the way you would want your children to relate to you? Come to you only when there is a need or problem?
Teachers, do you prepare your Sunday School lessons without prayer? Committee members, do you try to do your responsibilities without prayer? As the praise team meets it is easy to want to use the time practicing, but I'm glad they pray. We desire to praise and that is a spiritual activity not a human one.
Prayer is not a magical ritual that elicits some mystical button that causes divine blessing. It is a means of bringing our hearts to God and admitting that we are needy- without him we can do nothing. Prayer is to get our hearts changed. It is the desires to see God more fully and be used to glorify him all that we do, in teaching, in preaching, in singing, in sharing the good news that God be honored and people might know the truth and be free. Someone said, "God's delays are not always God's denials.” Don't quit praying.
In Colossae, Paul saw spiritual conflict going on that they didn't see. There were problems with people who were distorting the truth. The people needed to pray discerning God will. They needed the Holy Spirit's wisdom. God did not want them abusing their authorities in their relationships. Problems persisted because they didn't want to obey the Lord. Husband and wives, children and parent and workers and management they needed to be alert to problems of authority and give both their rights and their authority over to God so He could do His work of making them witnesses in their community.
This new year is a wonderful time to ask God to lay on your heart people to pray that they come to faith in Christ. Pray that the Lord would speak to them and to you as to a way to share your testimony or invitation to come church, or read a book to discuss, or a special event. Show them you care, but begin by prayer they their eyes may be opened of their need for Christ.
Paul asked for specific prayer of the church that God would give him open doors, that the message can be proclaimed. Remember Paul is in prison. But he didn't ask to be released from prison, or for a new camel, or a bigger better house, or better food, but rather people might get saved in his work.
I need to learn as Paul did the longing heart that thirsts for God, and the burning desire that others know God.
Pray that God will open up conversations at work, at school, in your neighborhood that you can share the message of hope in Jesus.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Wed Jan 13
Verse- Col 4:4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
A Winsome witness needs a Clear Presentation
In addition to prayer Paul reminds us in his request that the message needs to be clear. As you look at the context Paul is first asking for prayer for himself that the message be clear, but later reminds them what is important also in their conversations that they be good witnesses for Christ.
I am so happy for many of you who pray for me and Isaac and Paul.
I am happy for the people who come out at 8:30 to the prayer room before our Sunday begins. Pray that the whole story is clear.
Paul is not only looking for open opportunities, but also clarity.
What is this mystery he wants to preach? The message that is conveyed too often in our society sounds a little like this: "Here is Jesus standing outside your hearts door and wants so much to come in. Won't you pity him and please, please let him in? Then you will have all kinds of good things happen to you, and you'll live happily ever after."
Yes, it is absolutely true that God loves you and does have a wonderful plan for your life. It is also true that if you don't humble yourself before God of the universe and repent of your pride and sin and pled for mercy for forgiveness by trusting only in the death of Jesus to save you, there is a horrible plan for your life. Ignoring God's gift separates you forever in Hell.
Salvation is not for those who are only looking for something to add to their life, like another high, or kick. Salvation is being saved from God's wrath against your sin. We are like drowning people who without salvation go into a lost eternity.
Notice he began his message making people realize that they are alienated form God and enemies due to their evil and sinful behavior. Because of our lying, anger, hatred, selfishnesses, lack of concern for others, unwillingness to help the poor; our prejudiced against other races, our stingy in giving to God, our lust, immorality, lustful hearts our sexual sins, pornography, our gluttony our jealous, gossip, we killed Jesus and deserve to have Gods punishment upon us.
Jesus said unless you repent you will all likewise perish. The key to rebellion is selfishness.
But reconciliation with God is possible for Jews and Gentiles for Swedes and Americans, but blacks and white and rich and poor. It is because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. He suffered in his physical body, shed his blood so we can be forgiven of everything we ever did or thought. But it isn't just a prayer that we speak like magic formula, it is the heart commitment to want to follow Jesus.
Notice v. 23. if you continue in your faith not moved. Hope is yours. Not a wish, but confidence based on the works of Jesus Christ. Jesus said to his disciples if anyone would come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Whoever wants to save his life will lose and whoever loses his life will find it. "
The clear message is us knocking on God's door saying be merciful to me a sinner. God by his grace and mercy, not our works and worth, comes into our lives. He becomes the new owner of your body, soul, and spirit. Pray that the message and presentation will be clear.
Have you come to place in your life when you have had enough of controlling your life your way? It is time to give your heart to Christ and let him rule. It is time to turn from selfishness to rulership. That opportunity is available to you today.
As a Christian you might be reluctant to share you testimony with anyone because you are not sure how to do that. Let me give you a suggestion. A testimony involves three things. Your life before Jesus; Don't make it dramatic, but make it real. There was something very important lacking in your life. Then explain how you came to know about Jesus. What is it that is important to know? I was a sinner, I cannot save myself, Jesus died for my sin and I turned my life over to God. Now I am seeking to follow him by his power and word. Then life after you became a Christian, maybe it included struggles, maybe failed, but now there is the power of God available to be with you and me and to change us. We are not along. It is your story. Maybe you should write down. Ask someone to read it in the church. Then ask a friend to read it outside the church. Ask them if it is clear and understandable. Then ask someone if you can tell your story and let God take it from there.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nugget Thur Jan 14
Verse-Col 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
A winsome Witness needs a Careful Procedure
Be wise in how you act among those who do not know the Lord yet. Do you know that God wants you to be his witness wherever you go, at school, at work, on vacation, at home, in the neighborhood? It makes a difference how you live. That is a witness. Our plan is to bring outsiders to know Jesus Christ. Proverbs 11:30 says, "He who is wise wins souls" We need to be careful not to say or do anything that would make it difficult to share the gospel. Let us therefore not give opportunity to cheapening the gospel by the way we act toward them or toward one another.
It is pretty hard to witness at work if you gossip, lie, or cheat. It is hard to show the love of Christ if you are putting others down. Earning the right to be heard comes with consistent Christian living.
Even when we go to do short term missions it would be foolish to ignore the advice of those who work with folks from a different culture and sub-culture. A wise procedure is learning how they interact. What is the dress code? What are things that are offensive? What makes a good witness within that culture? We need to understand the way people live and act so they are not an offense to them and the Gospel may be presented. That is part of being wise as serpents and gentle as doves.
To know God and his wisdom takes us back to 3:16 "Let he word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another." Wisdom comes from letting the word of Christ dwell richly in you. This comes with meditation and obedience to the word of God, in addition to how you might live among your neighbors and friends.
I Cor 9:20-22 “I become all things to all men that I might by all means save some." says Paul. His careful procedure is to meet people where they are at, learn to be interested in some of the things they are interested in, yet not participating in sin
A careful procedure might be to make friendship with folks and do things with them that demonstrate a sincere and genuine love. People see and understand that. Many in the unchurched world are open to knowing God especially if someone they know and appreciate has a real faith. Do you ever pray how you might be a witness to people God brings along your path? Such a plan might be to visit them when there is illness, or when they are undergoing problems.
Jesus had a procedure when he healed the sick and gave food to the hungry. It was they might hear truth. Some responded and others did not.
Make the most of opportunities. We can't plant where the spirit hasn't first plowed. But if we pray for open doors, the Lord will provide them. Are you praying that God give you opportunities to share the story with them? The reason God brings some people your way is that you are to be part of the team of believers he wants to use to influence them for Heaven. God will not ask you to do anything he doesn't prepare or provide for you to do.
We have a commission to go and be witness in our world. He has given to us the power to do that. We have the truth that the world needs. It is at our disposal. We fail to make use of the opportunity. How long will we continue to have the freedom of sharing the good news? Maybe in our life time these privileges will be closed to us, not to mention that we never know how long before we die. Are you prepared tonight to meet God? If you were to go to God and you are sure of that because of your faith in Christ, are you walking in his ways seeking to use your gifts and abilities to advance His Kingdom?
Look for opportunities to share. Be Christ like in your procedures.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Fri Jan 15
Verse- Col 4: 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
A winsome witness is a Considerate Person.
There is one final reminder and that is you need to be a considerate
person. Many over zealous persons can seek to witness by stuffing faith down the throat of another or have a condemning attitude that keeps people from listening. People need to hear the message of the gospel of Christ, but if they won’t listen because we are inconsiderate we have failed.
Paul went from city to city preaching the mystery of Christ. Some were eager to hear and others who hostile. Was hostility due to his offensive personally? No. Christianity is not coercive. It does not use the sword, manipulation, or brainwashing. But it does proclaim and persuade and plead and pray. People who are confronted with sin in their lives do not like it. To say you need a savior means changing one’s ways and the thought that it demands a response will may some folks wish you would keep your opinions to yourself.
Now remember the message may be offensive, the methods we use need not be. We need to be considerate in our approach to others. Last week when Fox news commentator and former news anchor, Bret Hume, shared the importance for Tiger Woods to find faith in Christianity, secularist screamed foul. They felt that had no place on public airwaves from a person of his stature. Why? Was he being rude? Was he telling the truth? Was he being offensive in his demeanor or presentation? Not at all. Our secular society does not want God and any mention of him to some is offensive. Yet when the tragedy of Haiti is before us, news personnel on all channels talk about the need for coming together and praying for the people. They show Christian prayer services and announce where you can go to such events.
I am a firm believer that God has already plowed the field where He wants the seed of faith to grow. If someone is not open to the gospel then don't force it. We are representing the best thing this world has to offer. I believe that. I don't have to use misrepresentation for people to Christ. If they are not ready to receive Christ freely, there is no true conversion. You and I must seek to be considerate persons so God can use however He wants in the life of another. Never argue or debate with another, because that is a sure sign their heart isn't ready yet. Paul and Peter would argue in a group setting however. When some would listen and others antagonize them it prevented the seekers from responding. They answered the objections and arguments so others would listen. But even in that there is to be consideration as Christ had. He confronted evil. But for seekers his speech showed sin, the need for faith, and demanded a response. Whether a person believed or not was left to them.
Satan's plan is to keep people confused, apathetic or blind to truth. Therefore use any open opportunity that may come up to share God's truth. Go as far as they are interested and if they close the conversation it will be better in the long run to let the Spirit of God use what was said until they are ready for the next step.
Jesus shared, “Let your light so shine among men that they may see your good work and give God the glory.”
Having a conversations seasoned with salt means that it adds flavor, it produces a thirst for more. Jesus was the master at this making the message clear and plain in a way that His hearer understood. He gave farming illustrations, talked to a lady about living water when she came to a well. He discussed philosophy and theology with Nicodemus. He used illustrations about sheep and fish and building and sweeping a house among the workers of the town.
Luke 4:22 And all wondered at his gracious word which proceeds out of His mouth. He knew how to season his conversations with salt. He wants us all to know how to answer all. We Know the Word by studying it. If someone asks you a question you do not know, admit it and agree to find out the answer and get back to them.
How can you be a winsome witness? You need consistent prayer;
A clear presentation, careful procedure, and be a considerate person; then watch what God will do.
Pastor Dale
Friday, January 8, 2010
Considering Prayer Col 4:2-4
Sermon Nuggets Mon Jan 4
Theme Considering Prayer
Verses Col 4:2-4
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
CONSIDERING PRAYER
This is the beginning of prayer week at Stanchfield. Traditionally the Baptist General Conference would call for prayer at the beginning of a new year and give our suggestions as to how we might promote prayer in the church. We used to have a director of prayer ministries, Dana Olson, who came to Stanchfield and led us in prayer gatherings.
The Region also had pastoral prayer retreats and our district had two last year where pastors could go overnight and pray together, led by Vic Winquist.
Bethel had a memorable prayer conference a few years ago bringing in wonderful speakers. The mixture of the enthusiasm and commitment of George Verwer and the patient and loving spirit of Eugene Peterson brought a balance of servants of God who have experienced the power of God in their ministries. The call to prayer by David Bryant was exciting. Through his ministry 1,000s and millions are commitment themselves to regular prayer. It is exciting to realize that prayer effort precedes revivals and there have been prayer concerts and gatherings all over America and indeed the world that has been unprecedented in our nation.
More people are fasting today that I ever remember before I started the pastorate. We at Stanchfield had a couple of all night prayer meetings in the past. There has been an increased emphasis on missions, and a fervor of zealous believers commitment themselves to reach the unreached people of the world to the point of willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause of Christ.
Christianity is not a faith of convenience. It is a faith of conviction, and commitment.
However, it has never been and never will be a true faith if it is by the works of men. It must be the works of God. God has chosen us to be his servants and as elected prayer to be an essential activity to prepare us and to share his grace.
I believe in prayer. There are some skeptics that will tell us prayer makes no difference whatsoever. What happens and what will be will be. This fatalistic approach explains why some prayers go unanswered and other prayers are answered.
Interestingly I read a study in Reader’s Digest were a group of patients were prayed for who had similar diseases and ailments. There was a group that was not prayed for. The Doctors did not know who was in each group. The study concluded that the patients who had regularly been prayed for got better quicker than the ones who did not. And this did not include the personal faith and prayers of those who were in the group not prayed for by religious volunteers.
If prayer doesn't make any difference then why does God command for us to pray? If it is a useless exercise why do you find every key figure in the Bible a man or woman pray? We were made for God our friendship can only grow when we communicate and talk and share in dialogue, not just in Monologue.
Paul in the book of Colossians was addressing the people concerning false doctrine. As he concludes this little letter he gives them pointed, no nonsense advice. He calls them to prayer. He knows heartfelt conversation with God makes a difference.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 5
Verse Col 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Effective praying is Faithful Praying.
It is easy to quit praying when it doesn’t appear to be working the way we want it to. We find ourselves asking “Why bother? God isn't answering me.”
Paul instructs the church to continue in prayer. Devote yourselves to prayer; be faithful in your prayers. In other words don't stop praying. Make prayer a high priority in your lives as well. Prayer is not just a Sunday thing, nor it is sufficient for effectiveness to pray only at meal times, or when problems happen. God desires daily and regular communication.
Thessalonians tells us to "Pray without ceasing."
What does that mean? Does that mean walking around like the Hasidic
Jews with a prayer book going down the street? Or to have some rosary beads that your go over and over again in your hand so as to pray while you're riding in a car? No. It means to have the life that is always open to God and be open in your thoughts and communication to Him through out your day. A heart that grows is aware of God's realness and closeness. But I also think we need to schedule time without any distraction for concentrated prayer. Is He alive to you? Are you continually aware of his constant presence and leading?
Richard Dortch was the administrator for the PTL Club with Jimmy and Tammy Faye Bakker. He told Christianity Today after the fall of the ministry, "At PTL, there was no time taken for prayer or for family because the show had to go on. We were so caught up in God's work that we forgot about God. It took the tragedy, the kick in the teeth, to bring us to our senses."
God promised Israel a new land, a land of "great and splendid cities ...houses full of good things..vineyards and olive trees..and you shall eat and be satisfied,” But the promise of grand blessing came with a stern warning "watch yourself, lest you forget the Lord..." (Deut. 6)
When the apostles were so caught up in the administration of church duties do you remember what they did? They picked church deacons to be servers so the apostles would not be kept from their calling of preaching the word and prayer. They saw the continual faithful time for prayer of greater importance than the daily work of the church.
In Luke 11 we read the parable of a visitor coming to his friend’s house at midnight asking for bread because he needed it for people that stopped to stay with them.
"Go away" the neighbor said. Still if you keep it up he'll give the bread just so he can go back to bed. Let’s not read more into the parable than what is intended. Do we bother God? Does he consider our requests and prayers a nuisance? Not at all. The point is persistence in prayer and if someone who is a neighbor who doesn't want to be bothered will answer your request, how much more is God who loves you and who never sleeps and desires communication with you, ready to answer according to his good will. The lesson was on persistence. The point wasn’t to wear out the patience of the Lord, but the faithfulness of keep on praying faithfully.
I do wonder sometimes if God doesn't delay the answers to increase our faith and devotion and to accomplish his purpose at the right time--but many give up too soon in prayer. Someone said, "God's delays are not always God's denials." Don't quit. God tells us repeatedly to continually and persistently pray. He will answer for our good and for our growth.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Jan 6
Verse- Col 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Effective praying is Watchful Praying
The word watchful, implies alertness and responsiveness. This word is used in the story about the 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins. When the Lord comes 5 are out of oil and 5 are prepared and ready to follow the bridegroom. We are then told be wise, and be watchful for you know not what day the Lord will come. Part of being watchful is expectant, looking for the answer to one's prayers.
Jesus said to his disciples on another occasion, "Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation." In one of Paul’s letters he tells the church to be watchful for Satan is walking about like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour. Be alert to spiritual danger and temptation that is around you.
Our praying needs to be that way. The first time this was used in connection with prayer was when Nehemiah was building the walls in Jerusalem. The enemies were trying to stop the project. They prayed, they worked and they were ready to fight.
In Colossians there were problems with people distorting the truth. They people needed to pray discerning God's will and not man's will. They need to pray realizing that problems can mount up quickly and they need the Holy Spirit's wisdom. In terms of husbands and wives, children and parents, slave and masters, they needed to be alert to those problems of authority.
Practical application of being watching in prayer for me means to work at thinking about what I am praying. Don’t just spout off pious words. When I do not feel like praying, I am alert to the fact that Satan is gaining a victory in my life and I seek to do it anyway. Or I'll be praying and my mind wonders. It is hard to concentrate. Does that ever happen to you? I think about all the things I should be doing, or people I need to talk to. I found writing down on a slip of paper the things that come to my mind that I don't want to forget. Sometimes I pray about them. But I'm able to get on with prayer knowing I can come back to my paper at a more appropriate time.
Secondly, I am using prayer lists more these days. Sometimes I pray about different things on different days. I have requests that I pray about weekly and requests that I pray about daily. I have at times written down a specific prayer request that someone has asked me to pray about and then when there is an answer, I will jot down the date and the answer to that prayer. That exercise helped me to be watchful for the solution to the request that I might have ignored otherwise.
Do you have a problem with alertness and watchfulness in prayer? Then pray about that. Even before you pray ask the Lord to bring to your mind the things that your wish to pray about. I believe prayer is the mighty weapon for spiritual victory and a must when we are involved in spiritual warfare.
Confession and repentance is part of being watchful as well. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." How can we seek God's will for our lives when we are harboring sin and grudges and bitterness against others in our heart? How can we expect God to answer prayer unless we are alert to selfish motives? Beware of lusting for things for our own glory, and desiring things that really are not good for us. We need to ask forgiveness when we see how self-serving so many of our prayers really are. If you think that you don't struggle and wrestle with sin and temptation then I doubt you are watchful in praying.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Jan 7
Verse- Col 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Effective praying is Thankful Praying.
It is important to center our minds on the grace and blessing of God in our lives. Think of His benefits and our hearts will say, "Praise the Lord". We are put to shame when reminded of how thankful Paul is even when he wrote this letter from prison.
Col 1:3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,… vs 11,12… being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Col 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
There is something to the thought of positive thinking affects our attitude. Christians ought to be thankful people.
When I think of all places in the world where I could have been born, I am thankful for the blessings of this nation. What would the likelihood of anyone one of us be Christians if we were born in an atheistic country, or be among the millions that are Buddhists, or Muslims, where less than 2% are Christians. When I think of all the homes within American I could have been born into I am grateful to God for Christian parents and upbringing. When I think of the various generations into which I could have been born what joy to be in a world with the benefits of this day, but mostly the joy of the opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus.
Paul is writing to people that are first, and perhaps some second generation Christians. They know the blindness, they know the futility of life without Christ and now they know the liberty of believing in Jesus who is the truth the way and the life.
Sometimes I get a little impatient when comments that I hear by believers and sometimes in my lower moments I am tempted to speak like them as well. "Although I am a Christian I struggle with sickness, I don't have enough money to live on, I'm all alone, Yet, I'm supposed to be thankful. How can I thank God for anything?"
The Bible tells us to be thankful for all things, and in everything give thanks. What a wonder to know that your sins are forgiven and you are a member of God's family. What a privilege to be able to respond and carry his word and read it in a language that we can understand. What a joy to worship together with fellow Christians in freedom. Think of the many that will go into everlasting judgment and Hell. God saved us from torment. Think of the riches of the Kingdom of glory reserved for us who believe.
We have too often centered so long in what we do not have that we need to confess that sin of covetousness and look at all we have because of God's blessing. Many are like the little children on Christmas who get excited over the presents and after the time of opening them is over ask disappointedly, “is this all? How come I didn't get Micro astronaut Barbie slinky?”
There was a lady who lost her son by death. She felt extremely bitter and naturally full of anguish. She did not get over that loss and was talking with a friend of hers who was childless in her marriage. Her response was sincere, but quiet, "at least you had a son." From that moment on she said she had thanked God every day for the blessing that she failed to realize. She thanks God for what she had received, rather than that which had been taken from her. Her attitude also changed as she saw the blessing that could not be taken from her because of the years she had with her son.
During the presentation on the Passover the Jews recite a prayer that looks at God’s grace. He brought them out of Egypt, if that was all he had done it would have been enough, but indeed in executed judgment on his enemies, the Egyptians, that would have sufficed, but on their gods, more given us their wealth, more, split the seas, more and the list goes on.
It would have been enough had Jesus visited this planet, but he did more, enough to show us how to live, to be forgiven from sin, to save from hell, to grant us heaven, but gave us Himself to live and dwell with us now and forever. Pray with thankful hearts.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 8
Verses- 3,4 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
Effective praying is Specific Praying.
Pray for others. Paul is in prison and yet notice his prayer request-“That the door might be opened to spread the gospel.” Praying specifically for others is tremendous responsibility.
F.B. Meyer told of a preacher who was marvelously used of God. He dreamed on night that he was beginning to take pride in himself and his gifts. But an angel told him that his success was due primarily to a poor widow who sat regularly at the foot of his pulpit and never ceased to pray for him.
I was encouraged by the folks who in spite of the cold, came these evenings to pray. I wish the numbers were more. I wish there were more to join us at 8:30 AM Sunday mornings for prayer. I wish there were more who came out Monday evenings. But more important than a crowd of people is heart felt desire to approach God in prayer and be intercessors for each other. Paul realized personal prayers are essential. He also knew like minded people to gather together in prayer is effective.
Another church in the cities has people praying for prayer requests and for the service while the service is going on.
There is the temptation to believe Christ is sufficient for all our needs which is true. But Scripture teaches He often chooses to use other believers to help do his work. Paul was not ashamed to ask his friends to pray for him and tell of his needs and he was even an apostle. He needed prayer. He asked for it from people who really were not as mature in the faith as he was. Does that surprise you? He realized the prayers of the saints are important for his ministry.
Christ himself requested of his disciples their prayers for him and with him in the garden of Gethsemane. If Paul and our Lord desired prayer how much more do you and I need this specific pray for specific needs?
Paul didn't ask to be released from prison, or for a new camel to ride, or a bigger and better house but that the doors would be open to have the gospel preached and that people might be saved.
The purpose of prayer is not so much to get man's will done in heaven, but to get God's will done on earth.
Paul fills out his prayer request card. What does it say? It says "Pray for us” He is asking for prayer for the ministering team with him. I think it is the Mark, Aristarchus, Luke, Justus, and Epaphras, (see v. 12), “who is one of who, a servant of Christ Jesus, He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured."
What does it mean that he is wresting in prayer for you? The people are so deeply on his mind and heart that he works at prayer, often, intensely, not as a show, but as a heartfelt desire to do spiritual battle against Satan to see victory in Christ.
As we enter into a new year what better time to wrestle in prayer for our community and our church to see the lost saved? Pray for me so I can clearly proclaim the mystery of Christ. Pray for our pastoral team, our Sunday School teachers, our club workers, our evangelists, our missionaries, that the Holy Spirit must bring home that word to peoples’ hearts to respond by faith to Jesus.
“Pray now that I many proclaim it clearly as I should.” Pray that I would be as Biblical as possibly, as practical as I am able, and as clear to the audience or the majority of people to whom I am speaking. But it isn't important that I am clear, but that the Holy Spirit takes that which is of Him and brings it home.
We need to be praying with attitude of watchfulness, desirous full of faith looking to see how He answers and how we might be the answer to prayer. We are looking for ways to be thankful for whatever he does and sometimes be thankful he does not answer our prayers the way we think he should. We need to be specific not for our own lusts and desires, but for that which would advance his eternal kingdom through us together.
Will you be part of the team interceding for us?
Pastor Dale
Theme Considering Prayer
Verses Col 4:2-4
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
CONSIDERING PRAYER
This is the beginning of prayer week at Stanchfield. Traditionally the Baptist General Conference would call for prayer at the beginning of a new year and give our suggestions as to how we might promote prayer in the church. We used to have a director of prayer ministries, Dana Olson, who came to Stanchfield and led us in prayer gatherings.
The Region also had pastoral prayer retreats and our district had two last year where pastors could go overnight and pray together, led by Vic Winquist.
Bethel had a memorable prayer conference a few years ago bringing in wonderful speakers. The mixture of the enthusiasm and commitment of George Verwer and the patient and loving spirit of Eugene Peterson brought a balance of servants of God who have experienced the power of God in their ministries. The call to prayer by David Bryant was exciting. Through his ministry 1,000s and millions are commitment themselves to regular prayer. It is exciting to realize that prayer effort precedes revivals and there have been prayer concerts and gatherings all over America and indeed the world that has been unprecedented in our nation.
More people are fasting today that I ever remember before I started the pastorate. We at Stanchfield had a couple of all night prayer meetings in the past. There has been an increased emphasis on missions, and a fervor of zealous believers commitment themselves to reach the unreached people of the world to the point of willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause of Christ.
Christianity is not a faith of convenience. It is a faith of conviction, and commitment.
However, it has never been and never will be a true faith if it is by the works of men. It must be the works of God. God has chosen us to be his servants and as elected prayer to be an essential activity to prepare us and to share his grace.
I believe in prayer. There are some skeptics that will tell us prayer makes no difference whatsoever. What happens and what will be will be. This fatalistic approach explains why some prayers go unanswered and other prayers are answered.
Interestingly I read a study in Reader’s Digest were a group of patients were prayed for who had similar diseases and ailments. There was a group that was not prayed for. The Doctors did not know who was in each group. The study concluded that the patients who had regularly been prayed for got better quicker than the ones who did not. And this did not include the personal faith and prayers of those who were in the group not prayed for by religious volunteers.
If prayer doesn't make any difference then why does God command for us to pray? If it is a useless exercise why do you find every key figure in the Bible a man or woman pray? We were made for God our friendship can only grow when we communicate and talk and share in dialogue, not just in Monologue.
Paul in the book of Colossians was addressing the people concerning false doctrine. As he concludes this little letter he gives them pointed, no nonsense advice. He calls them to prayer. He knows heartfelt conversation with God makes a difference.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 5
Verse Col 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Effective praying is Faithful Praying.
It is easy to quit praying when it doesn’t appear to be working the way we want it to. We find ourselves asking “Why bother? God isn't answering me.”
Paul instructs the church to continue in prayer. Devote yourselves to prayer; be faithful in your prayers. In other words don't stop praying. Make prayer a high priority in your lives as well. Prayer is not just a Sunday thing, nor it is sufficient for effectiveness to pray only at meal times, or when problems happen. God desires daily and regular communication.
Thessalonians tells us to "Pray without ceasing."
What does that mean? Does that mean walking around like the Hasidic
Jews with a prayer book going down the street? Or to have some rosary beads that your go over and over again in your hand so as to pray while you're riding in a car? No. It means to have the life that is always open to God and be open in your thoughts and communication to Him through out your day. A heart that grows is aware of God's realness and closeness. But I also think we need to schedule time without any distraction for concentrated prayer. Is He alive to you? Are you continually aware of his constant presence and leading?
Richard Dortch was the administrator for the PTL Club with Jimmy and Tammy Faye Bakker. He told Christianity Today after the fall of the ministry, "At PTL, there was no time taken for prayer or for family because the show had to go on. We were so caught up in God's work that we forgot about God. It took the tragedy, the kick in the teeth, to bring us to our senses."
God promised Israel a new land, a land of "great and splendid cities ...houses full of good things..vineyards and olive trees..and you shall eat and be satisfied,” But the promise of grand blessing came with a stern warning "watch yourself, lest you forget the Lord..." (Deut. 6)
When the apostles were so caught up in the administration of church duties do you remember what they did? They picked church deacons to be servers so the apostles would not be kept from their calling of preaching the word and prayer. They saw the continual faithful time for prayer of greater importance than the daily work of the church.
In Luke 11 we read the parable of a visitor coming to his friend’s house at midnight asking for bread because he needed it for people that stopped to stay with them.
"Go away" the neighbor said. Still if you keep it up he'll give the bread just so he can go back to bed. Let’s not read more into the parable than what is intended. Do we bother God? Does he consider our requests and prayers a nuisance? Not at all. The point is persistence in prayer and if someone who is a neighbor who doesn't want to be bothered will answer your request, how much more is God who loves you and who never sleeps and desires communication with you, ready to answer according to his good will. The lesson was on persistence. The point wasn’t to wear out the patience of the Lord, but the faithfulness of keep on praying faithfully.
I do wonder sometimes if God doesn't delay the answers to increase our faith and devotion and to accomplish his purpose at the right time--but many give up too soon in prayer. Someone said, "God's delays are not always God's denials." Don't quit. God tells us repeatedly to continually and persistently pray. He will answer for our good and for our growth.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Jan 6
Verse- Col 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Effective praying is Watchful Praying
The word watchful, implies alertness and responsiveness. This word is used in the story about the 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins. When the Lord comes 5 are out of oil and 5 are prepared and ready to follow the bridegroom. We are then told be wise, and be watchful for you know not what day the Lord will come. Part of being watchful is expectant, looking for the answer to one's prayers.
Jesus said to his disciples on another occasion, "Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation." In one of Paul’s letters he tells the church to be watchful for Satan is walking about like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour. Be alert to spiritual danger and temptation that is around you.
Our praying needs to be that way. The first time this was used in connection with prayer was when Nehemiah was building the walls in Jerusalem. The enemies were trying to stop the project. They prayed, they worked and they were ready to fight.
In Colossians there were problems with people distorting the truth. They people needed to pray discerning God's will and not man's will. They need to pray realizing that problems can mount up quickly and they need the Holy Spirit's wisdom. In terms of husbands and wives, children and parents, slave and masters, they needed to be alert to those problems of authority.
Practical application of being watching in prayer for me means to work at thinking about what I am praying. Don’t just spout off pious words. When I do not feel like praying, I am alert to the fact that Satan is gaining a victory in my life and I seek to do it anyway. Or I'll be praying and my mind wonders. It is hard to concentrate. Does that ever happen to you? I think about all the things I should be doing, or people I need to talk to. I found writing down on a slip of paper the things that come to my mind that I don't want to forget. Sometimes I pray about them. But I'm able to get on with prayer knowing I can come back to my paper at a more appropriate time.
Secondly, I am using prayer lists more these days. Sometimes I pray about different things on different days. I have requests that I pray about weekly and requests that I pray about daily. I have at times written down a specific prayer request that someone has asked me to pray about and then when there is an answer, I will jot down the date and the answer to that prayer. That exercise helped me to be watchful for the solution to the request that I might have ignored otherwise.
Do you have a problem with alertness and watchfulness in prayer? Then pray about that. Even before you pray ask the Lord to bring to your mind the things that your wish to pray about. I believe prayer is the mighty weapon for spiritual victory and a must when we are involved in spiritual warfare.
Confession and repentance is part of being watchful as well. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." How can we seek God's will for our lives when we are harboring sin and grudges and bitterness against others in our heart? How can we expect God to answer prayer unless we are alert to selfish motives? Beware of lusting for things for our own glory, and desiring things that really are not good for us. We need to ask forgiveness when we see how self-serving so many of our prayers really are. If you think that you don't struggle and wrestle with sin and temptation then I doubt you are watchful in praying.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Jan 7
Verse- Col 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Effective praying is Thankful Praying.
It is important to center our minds on the grace and blessing of God in our lives. Think of His benefits and our hearts will say, "Praise the Lord". We are put to shame when reminded of how thankful Paul is even when he wrote this letter from prison.
Col 1:3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,… vs 11,12… being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Col 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
There is something to the thought of positive thinking affects our attitude. Christians ought to be thankful people.
When I think of all places in the world where I could have been born, I am thankful for the blessings of this nation. What would the likelihood of anyone one of us be Christians if we were born in an atheistic country, or be among the millions that are Buddhists, or Muslims, where less than 2% are Christians. When I think of all the homes within American I could have been born into I am grateful to God for Christian parents and upbringing. When I think of the various generations into which I could have been born what joy to be in a world with the benefits of this day, but mostly the joy of the opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus.
Paul is writing to people that are first, and perhaps some second generation Christians. They know the blindness, they know the futility of life without Christ and now they know the liberty of believing in Jesus who is the truth the way and the life.
Sometimes I get a little impatient when comments that I hear by believers and sometimes in my lower moments I am tempted to speak like them as well. "Although I am a Christian I struggle with sickness, I don't have enough money to live on, I'm all alone, Yet, I'm supposed to be thankful. How can I thank God for anything?"
The Bible tells us to be thankful for all things, and in everything give thanks. What a wonder to know that your sins are forgiven and you are a member of God's family. What a privilege to be able to respond and carry his word and read it in a language that we can understand. What a joy to worship together with fellow Christians in freedom. Think of the many that will go into everlasting judgment and Hell. God saved us from torment. Think of the riches of the Kingdom of glory reserved for us who believe.
We have too often centered so long in what we do not have that we need to confess that sin of covetousness and look at all we have because of God's blessing. Many are like the little children on Christmas who get excited over the presents and after the time of opening them is over ask disappointedly, “is this all? How come I didn't get Micro astronaut Barbie slinky?”
There was a lady who lost her son by death. She felt extremely bitter and naturally full of anguish. She did not get over that loss and was talking with a friend of hers who was childless in her marriage. Her response was sincere, but quiet, "at least you had a son." From that moment on she said she had thanked God every day for the blessing that she failed to realize. She thanks God for what she had received, rather than that which had been taken from her. Her attitude also changed as she saw the blessing that could not be taken from her because of the years she had with her son.
During the presentation on the Passover the Jews recite a prayer that looks at God’s grace. He brought them out of Egypt, if that was all he had done it would have been enough, but indeed in executed judgment on his enemies, the Egyptians, that would have sufficed, but on their gods, more given us their wealth, more, split the seas, more and the list goes on.
It would have been enough had Jesus visited this planet, but he did more, enough to show us how to live, to be forgiven from sin, to save from hell, to grant us heaven, but gave us Himself to live and dwell with us now and forever. Pray with thankful hearts.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 8
Verses- 3,4 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
Effective praying is Specific Praying.
Pray for others. Paul is in prison and yet notice his prayer request-“That the door might be opened to spread the gospel.” Praying specifically for others is tremendous responsibility.
F.B. Meyer told of a preacher who was marvelously used of God. He dreamed on night that he was beginning to take pride in himself and his gifts. But an angel told him that his success was due primarily to a poor widow who sat regularly at the foot of his pulpit and never ceased to pray for him.
I was encouraged by the folks who in spite of the cold, came these evenings to pray. I wish the numbers were more. I wish there were more to join us at 8:30 AM Sunday mornings for prayer. I wish there were more who came out Monday evenings. But more important than a crowd of people is heart felt desire to approach God in prayer and be intercessors for each other. Paul realized personal prayers are essential. He also knew like minded people to gather together in prayer is effective.
Another church in the cities has people praying for prayer requests and for the service while the service is going on.
There is the temptation to believe Christ is sufficient for all our needs which is true. But Scripture teaches He often chooses to use other believers to help do his work. Paul was not ashamed to ask his friends to pray for him and tell of his needs and he was even an apostle. He needed prayer. He asked for it from people who really were not as mature in the faith as he was. Does that surprise you? He realized the prayers of the saints are important for his ministry.
Christ himself requested of his disciples their prayers for him and with him in the garden of Gethsemane. If Paul and our Lord desired prayer how much more do you and I need this specific pray for specific needs?
Paul didn't ask to be released from prison, or for a new camel to ride, or a bigger and better house but that the doors would be open to have the gospel preached and that people might be saved.
The purpose of prayer is not so much to get man's will done in heaven, but to get God's will done on earth.
Paul fills out his prayer request card. What does it say? It says "Pray for us” He is asking for prayer for the ministering team with him. I think it is the Mark, Aristarchus, Luke, Justus, and Epaphras, (see v. 12), “who is one of who, a servant of Christ Jesus, He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured."
What does it mean that he is wresting in prayer for you? The people are so deeply on his mind and heart that he works at prayer, often, intensely, not as a show, but as a heartfelt desire to do spiritual battle against Satan to see victory in Christ.
As we enter into a new year what better time to wrestle in prayer for our community and our church to see the lost saved? Pray for me so I can clearly proclaim the mystery of Christ. Pray for our pastoral team, our Sunday School teachers, our club workers, our evangelists, our missionaries, that the Holy Spirit must bring home that word to peoples’ hearts to respond by faith to Jesus.
“Pray now that I many proclaim it clearly as I should.” Pray that I would be as Biblical as possibly, as practical as I am able, and as clear to the audience or the majority of people to whom I am speaking. But it isn't important that I am clear, but that the Holy Spirit takes that which is of Him and brings it home.
We need to be praying with attitude of watchfulness, desirous full of faith looking to see how He answers and how we might be the answer to prayer. We are looking for ways to be thankful for whatever he does and sometimes be thankful he does not answer our prayers the way we think he should. We need to be specific not for our own lusts and desires, but for that which would advance his eternal kingdom through us together.
Will you be part of the team interceding for us?
Pastor Dale
Friday, January 1, 2010
God's Workmen Col 3:22-4:1
Sermon Nuggets week of Dec 28- God’s Workmen
Theme- God’s Workmen
Verses-
Col 3:22-4:1
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
God's Workmen
What a relief to come to a weekend and realize that most people ave a break from work. It seems that more jobs require week-end responsibilities as well as some get no days off. Many people long to leave the work-a-day world to escape labor and pursue their personal pleasures. God designed us to work and to rest. There is an important balance to make us whole and productive people. Whether one is employed or not work is designed by God for mankind.
I have been on committees for the conference with men and women who now in their retirement, or semi retirement put as much effort in their responsibilities as they did when they were employed. They loved what they do and feel fulfilled when they have something meaningful to do.
When I am at Study Break at Trout Lake Camp there is a force of retired men and women who are busy with building and cleaning buildings for campers. There are special project where some have the ability and training to now work for the Lord in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, sewing, painting tasks.
Rob Boyd of the Minnesota Baptist Conference is semi-retired but I don’t think anyone told him. When I asked him what he will be doing he said the same thing I’ve always been doing, only now have the freedom to take more vacations and days off. He loves what he does and cannot image not doing it, even if he is not getting as much money.
What a blessing if you work at a job you love. Unfortunately that is not case with everyone. And it is typical that at any job there are things most people enjoy and other things they do not enjoy. It is a mixture of fulfillment and frustration.
If you had all the money you could live on, and were allowed to continue your job for only expenses, would you do what you are doing? There are thankless jobs. I am sure that if it wasn't for the paycheck many jobs never done for not all work is pleasurable.
I found it hard to put myself in the shoes of factory workers in Russia who haven't been paid for 3 months. I think it would be hard to want to do a good job.
Other than the chores my Mother made me do at home, my worse job was working as a bus boy in a large University cafeteria for a few months. During the 1 to 1½ hours of lunch I was running, barked at by the boss, trying to hurry people out of their table to make room for more. It didn’t seem like a service to people, but treated as a machine never interacting with anyone. I didn’t like it. However hard anyone worked there was never any appreciation given by the employers or the customers.
Fortunately, after a few months I worked in the kitchen in a private sorority house waiting on pretty girls every day. What a happy change! The conditions were much better, the employee was someone I could talk to. The food they provided was much better than cafeteria food.
We live in a fantastic age where there are such a variety of jobs open to people. If you are at the point in your life of considering training for vocation, ask yourself what would you enjoy doing even if you were not get paid for it? Or what type of working environment would be ideal for you? Even if it doesn’t exist in reality, it gets you closer than a mismatch of gifts, interests and talents, unless it is honest work and you need the money to live. There is nothing wrong with that if it is honest work.
It is a far cry from the days when sons were expected to follow in their father's occupation, or take over the family business, even if they did not want it. Work is also part of the curse of the fall. It is with the sweat of the brow that man must labor, with thorns and thistles.
What is a chore for one is like recreation for another. It is a matter of perspective. For a worm digging in the hard ground is much more relaxing than going fishing.
In Colossians we are instructed to live up to our calling. Our new nature affect, not only our families, but also our relationships at work. Paul is writing to slaves and masters. This is not support for slavery as much as it is bringing faith into a society that already has slavery. 50% of the people were slaves. When people were brought to a saving faith in Jesus the Holy Spirit began to work in society. That's when slavery began to diminish. In I Cor 7:21 Paul tells slaves if possible to get their freedom. But he did not advocate rebellious overthrow of the government or the existing authorities.
Our faith affects our works and there are directive for Employees and Employers as we apply truth.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 29 Quality of Work
Verse- Col 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor,
Quality of Work
When we have a new nature it affects our family life, as we have been discussing the last couple of weeks. And also affects our work life. When Paul’s letter is directed at slaves we can interpret these principles to all employees, who are under voluntary and paid arrangements for employment as people pay for your time for your services.
Slaves in that day had very little rights. But they did have responsibilities to represent Christ even in their work as a child of God. They were to be a witness to the Lord by working effectively.
Obedience seems like something a slave ought to do. When masters are in complete control do slaves have any options? Some with cruel masters can be killed or beaten for not obeying. Fortunately that is not the case any longer, under the law. But a good employee seeks to win the pleasure of his or her employer by following the rules and abiding by the guidelines of the company or place of employment. They would do well to reflect Jesus by having an attitude of wanting to do a good job. Christians should work differently. Obedience and seeking to win the favor of an employer are part of being a good effective workman (and workwoman. The apostle Paul also adds not just when the boss is looking at you, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
I remember working early mornings at the Farmer's Union Grain Terminal Association in St. Paul while I attended Bethel College. I was hired to work in the mail room. The personal director said, "We like to hire Bethel students because they are usually dependable."
When the boss was not around the other younger people employed in the mail room would have rubber band fights, and sneak off to the coffee shop. When passing the mail around the building, rather than come back when they were done, they would find places to hide and cheat on their time. Sometimes I was surprised how little work was being done. It seemed some worked at getting out of work.
One attendee of Stanchfield told me of his problem. He worked too well. As we worked with others his production was far greater and fellow employees got on his case lest the boss would require the same from them. He asked me what he should do. I advised him to remember who he really worked for. Then they began to sabotage his work. Unfortunately, I have seen that happen in the ministry when people who are upset with the pastor will offer false and misleading accusations to get them fired. God knows the whole story and many people find that the encouragement to do right even if they are wronged.
From time to time the secret investigative reporting team on a TV station would sneak around and show some police men or fire inspectors, or University employees, or government officials goofing off on the job, going home in the middle of the day on company pay and so forth. What type of testimony does that give the Christian if he or she acted that way? They are stealing from their employer. The employer or company is paying your time and services which they are not getting.
The story is told by a missionary in Africa about a foreman who was responsible for getting people to do certain jobs. He discovered that they were all rather lazy and would only perform while he was actually watching them. When he left they would stop work and do nothing until he returned. This man had a glass eye, and one day when his eye was irritating him he took it out and put it on a stump.
When he returned he found that everyone was still working because the "eye" as they thought, was watching them all the while he was away.
That is what the apostle means here- eye service, working only when the boss is watching.
This foreman thought had found a way to free himself, until one day he returned to discover that one of the workers had sneaked around from behind and put his hat over the eye, everyone was lounging around enjoying themselves without working. The thought no one was watching them.
We begin by saying our employer is really the Lord. We do not work out of fear lest he catches us loafing, because His eye is always on us. We work out of love and by the strength of the Spirit because we love him.
The quality of work we do because we are Christians does provide a witness to His kingdom people and is of honor to the Lord who in turn will honor us. The word we hope to hear is "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Dec 30
Verse. Col 3: 22-23
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
Attitude of work
Christians are instructed as employees (slaves) to work wholeheartedly as unto the Lord. It doesn't make any difference whether you are a housewife, cook meals, or wash clothes if you are doing it for loved ones and Jesus. Or if you are a teacher, doctor, lawyer, nurse, sales clerk, or accountant, are you seeking to serve the Lord? Does the farmer work not only for profit but working as a privilege to God?
Col 3:23 instructs Christians to be whole hearted in every worthy endeavor. That means applying ourselves to the same diligence to lowly tasks that we do to prominent ones. There is nothing too small for Jesus.
We have talked in the past about the dangers of workaholics who make work the sole attention of their activity. For some the quality of work is focused only on increasing in material wealth. Many fail to understand the importance of worship, of rest, and their responsibility serving their families and church. It is not God’s will to neglect those priorities. But incorporate them in giving your best in the things you do.
Many only work if they get recognition and glory. Our recent Christmas play highlighted a diva who worked at a homeless shelter to work off community service requirements. But most tasks were beneath her dignity as she sought personal publicity and recognition. There are many like that. I am not talking about service outside of one’s gift mix or training, but the attitude. Some love to work with children, others with numbers, others do better with tools for building, others musically. All, however, are to have the attitude of Jesus who gives their talents to the Lord with a spirit of humility.
Any opportunity to glorify God should never be considered too small or too insignificant to command our best efforts.
When you commit yourself to work for someone you are in a sense, selling yourself for the hours involved. Today we are fortunate to have laws that restrict abusive working conditions, and many serve under contracts that explain their responsibilities for work and training. There are some things under law that people can and cannot do.
Employers cannot control the rest of your life, but they do have a right to control your life during the work hours. Work diligently.
I certainly cannot answer when it is right to quit one job and go to another. We have that freedom in our culture. That was not possible during Biblical days. God often entrusts us with a little to see what we will do in order that he might give us something better. Joseph was required to work his best as a slave for many years and then in prison before God raised him up to rule over the people of Egypt, second to Pharaoh. The quality and attitude toward his work was rewarded.
I don't think that we will become better workers by increasing pay, or having better conditions, or higher benefits. The secret of good work is personal pride one takes in doing a good job. It is in recognizing labor is part of the gift and responsibility from God. Do your best with the attitude of gratitude and humility and God will be honored.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 31
Verse Col 4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Conditions of Work
The Apostle Paul discusses how our new nature affects not only the employees, but also the employers. I will call these concerns the conditions of employment.
Employers have a tremendous responsibility because they also are under the submission of Jesus Christ. No boss can do whatever he wants just because he or she is an employer or manager. The master was to treat a slave as a brother or sister in Christ, not to mistreat them or be unjust but to be fair in all one's practice remembering that he is under the authroity of Jesus to treat others that way He instructs.
The two most important conditions mentioned here are justice and equality, or fairness. Justice is doing what is right. We are to apply justice in work. I thinkthat means employees are not be overworked and underpaid. Doing what is right is allowing sufficient breaks, or rest periods, providing for their needs with safe working conditions. It also means following the laws that are used to protect workers.
I was required to read "The Jungle" by Sinclair Lewis in High School. Although it was a novel it depicted the unjust working conditions in the Chicago stock yards at the turn of the last century. Such abuses resulted in the need the labor unions. When one missed work due to work related accident 10 were ready to take their job. They worked long hours for dirt cheap wages. For any reason they could be fired.
There are employers who cheat their workers out of promised benefits, or vacations days.
I have boycotted products or companies if I discovered such products are the result of the breaking of child labor laws, or slave labor. Over 250 million children around the world work in poor countries. Poverty increases because instead of hiring adults to do the jobs, children are forced to work long hours with little pay. Kenya estimates 42% children work full or part time. Although the products may be cheaper working conditions for the poor will not improve if their companies keep pocketing the profits at the expense of abusing others.
An Christian employer is also to be fair and just as important is to compliment and recognize good work.
I first became introduced to Sherm Swenson in a seminary class I was auditing. He was the CEO of B. Dalton Bookstores and invited us into his board room at the corporate offices at the time. He has since retired He found support from his staff in the business world when he demonstrated integrity, honesty and fairness. According to Swenson regardless of favorable or unfavorable circumstances serving with joy leads to finding joy on the job or in the home. When faced with inevitable disappointments and frustrations that work presents Swenson goes on "thank you walks regardless of the weather."
He focused on thanking God for all the positive things God is doing in his life.
As an employer Sherm noted Christ calls us to serve, even as employers, to do our best serving Him by serving our employees. The best rule is the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Treat people the way you want to be treated. If you want respect then you must show respect, even to your employees. If you want service, then you must give service, If you want friendly working relationships, then you need to provide friendship. Remember "as you do it unto the least of these my brothers you do it unto me." Jesus said.
How would you treat Jesus Christ if he worked for you? That is how you are supposed to treat your employees as well as fellow workers. It makes for much better working conditions.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 1 10
Verses- Col 3:23-25
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Purpose of Work
William Willimon, the dean of the chapel at Duke University wrote on the topic of clergy and laity burnout. He observed with insight that seldom is burnout the direct result of overwork. Hard and demanding work often can be remarkably energizing. Instead, argues Willimon, burnout is almost always the result of a loss of sense of meaning in our labors. We find sustained energy when we are engaged in something we believe matters.
One poem goes "I may not do great things for God who did so much for me; but if I do the little things, His work through me I'll see."
Work Spiritually. We need to see that God is our boss, not the person who pays our bills, or the one who hired us. Christians need to understand there is no such thing as secular and sacred work. That is not a distinction in the New Testament.
Too often people put work in categories: Running the business of a corporation is secular; running the business of a church is sacred. Singing in the choir is sacred; singing on stage is secular. Building an office complex is secular but building a church is sacred. As a result lay people see most of their time spend in secular activity. They believe that the only time they are serving Christ is when they are doing what is spiritual-teaching SS singing in choir, serving on a board, praying, or sharing their faith with someone who doesn't know about Jesus. Because secular jobs are so demanding they have little time to do these extra "Spiritual things'.
Many think that only ministers and full time Christian workers are doing ministry. What a difference in the NT where the believers were spirit filled. They spread the gospel in ways natural to them. They were filled with the love of God and demonstrated this love by caring for others and sharing possessions. What spoke to the non Christian world was their attitudes which were most clearly seen in the work world. The greatest impact for Jesus was not through the mass media and Jerusalem Gazette, but through the witness of the body of Christ through the way they lived between Sundays in their home and neighborhoods, in their social contacts and on their jobs day in and out. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit they demonstrated Christian love and caring in ways natural to them shared their faith to friends. They affirm confidently how God changed their lives and how He can change anyone's life.
I read a book of the business man Stanley Tam the Title was "God Owns My Business" The story of this man decided to give his business over to God. He began a shrewd operator, but God convicted his heart to give God 51% of the profits of his business. This made God the controlling partner of his silver reclaiming business. IRS audited him every year because they couldn't believe the gifts of charity.
The business grew beyond anyone's exceptions. He found as he was faithful to his commitment to God, the Lord prospered him, not necessarily in financial ways. He had more witnessing opportunities. He saw people grow in their faith and become believers in Jesus. Many times he was tempted to do things that were not in keeping with Christian principles only to get financial advantage, and yet prayed and resisted such temptations.
"My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ" he writes in his book "In my case God knew my yen for making money He had left me undisturbed in this area, I could have become a proud, materialistic, self centered spiritual misfit, but somehow I had found wisdom to tell God he could have full control of me. I meant it and God took me at my word. Thus is asking of me the submission of the greatest drive in my live, the thirst for making money, he removed the blinding influence and replaced it with inner peace and satisfaction such as I could never have otherwise known.
I have no doubt but that the other men may be able to run their businesses in the usual manner but just as committed to God in their way and how they use their money, but with me it was a matter of nailing down my commitment. "
That kind of purpose, as an employee or employer, or self employed or volunteer person means everything you do is completely on the up and up. God wants honest service, never misrepresenting their product, having open books, when one makes a mistake in overpayment that money was returned. Seeking to pay bills on time and paying what you owe.
Moving into the New Year of 2010 is a step of faith. Faith is seeking to live for Jesus in a world that keeps tempting us in different ways, with different purposes and pleasures.
May your New Year be filled with Christ’s presence and peace at work and in your home.
Pastor Dale
Theme- God’s Workmen
Verses-
Col 3:22-4:1
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
God's Workmen
What a relief to come to a weekend and realize that most people ave a break from work. It seems that more jobs require week-end responsibilities as well as some get no days off. Many people long to leave the work-a-day world to escape labor and pursue their personal pleasures. God designed us to work and to rest. There is an important balance to make us whole and productive people. Whether one is employed or not work is designed by God for mankind.
I have been on committees for the conference with men and women who now in their retirement, or semi retirement put as much effort in their responsibilities as they did when they were employed. They loved what they do and feel fulfilled when they have something meaningful to do.
When I am at Study Break at Trout Lake Camp there is a force of retired men and women who are busy with building and cleaning buildings for campers. There are special project where some have the ability and training to now work for the Lord in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, sewing, painting tasks.
Rob Boyd of the Minnesota Baptist Conference is semi-retired but I don’t think anyone told him. When I asked him what he will be doing he said the same thing I’ve always been doing, only now have the freedom to take more vacations and days off. He loves what he does and cannot image not doing it, even if he is not getting as much money.
What a blessing if you work at a job you love. Unfortunately that is not case with everyone. And it is typical that at any job there are things most people enjoy and other things they do not enjoy. It is a mixture of fulfillment and frustration.
If you had all the money you could live on, and were allowed to continue your job for only expenses, would you do what you are doing? There are thankless jobs. I am sure that if it wasn't for the paycheck many jobs never done for not all work is pleasurable.
I found it hard to put myself in the shoes of factory workers in Russia who haven't been paid for 3 months. I think it would be hard to want to do a good job.
Other than the chores my Mother made me do at home, my worse job was working as a bus boy in a large University cafeteria for a few months. During the 1 to 1½ hours of lunch I was running, barked at by the boss, trying to hurry people out of their table to make room for more. It didn’t seem like a service to people, but treated as a machine never interacting with anyone. I didn’t like it. However hard anyone worked there was never any appreciation given by the employers or the customers.
Fortunately, after a few months I worked in the kitchen in a private sorority house waiting on pretty girls every day. What a happy change! The conditions were much better, the employee was someone I could talk to. The food they provided was much better than cafeteria food.
We live in a fantastic age where there are such a variety of jobs open to people. If you are at the point in your life of considering training for vocation, ask yourself what would you enjoy doing even if you were not get paid for it? Or what type of working environment would be ideal for you? Even if it doesn’t exist in reality, it gets you closer than a mismatch of gifts, interests and talents, unless it is honest work and you need the money to live. There is nothing wrong with that if it is honest work.
It is a far cry from the days when sons were expected to follow in their father's occupation, or take over the family business, even if they did not want it. Work is also part of the curse of the fall. It is with the sweat of the brow that man must labor, with thorns and thistles.
What is a chore for one is like recreation for another. It is a matter of perspective. For a worm digging in the hard ground is much more relaxing than going fishing.
In Colossians we are instructed to live up to our calling. Our new nature affect, not only our families, but also our relationships at work. Paul is writing to slaves and masters. This is not support for slavery as much as it is bringing faith into a society that already has slavery. 50% of the people were slaves. When people were brought to a saving faith in Jesus the Holy Spirit began to work in society. That's when slavery began to diminish. In I Cor 7:21 Paul tells slaves if possible to get their freedom. But he did not advocate rebellious overthrow of the government or the existing authorities.
Our faith affects our works and there are directive for Employees and Employers as we apply truth.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 29 Quality of Work
Verse- Col 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor,
Quality of Work
When we have a new nature it affects our family life, as we have been discussing the last couple of weeks. And also affects our work life. When Paul’s letter is directed at slaves we can interpret these principles to all employees, who are under voluntary and paid arrangements for employment as people pay for your time for your services.
Slaves in that day had very little rights. But they did have responsibilities to represent Christ even in their work as a child of God. They were to be a witness to the Lord by working effectively.
Obedience seems like something a slave ought to do. When masters are in complete control do slaves have any options? Some with cruel masters can be killed or beaten for not obeying. Fortunately that is not the case any longer, under the law. But a good employee seeks to win the pleasure of his or her employer by following the rules and abiding by the guidelines of the company or place of employment. They would do well to reflect Jesus by having an attitude of wanting to do a good job. Christians should work differently. Obedience and seeking to win the favor of an employer are part of being a good effective workman (and workwoman. The apostle Paul also adds not just when the boss is looking at you, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
I remember working early mornings at the Farmer's Union Grain Terminal Association in St. Paul while I attended Bethel College. I was hired to work in the mail room. The personal director said, "We like to hire Bethel students because they are usually dependable."
When the boss was not around the other younger people employed in the mail room would have rubber band fights, and sneak off to the coffee shop. When passing the mail around the building, rather than come back when they were done, they would find places to hide and cheat on their time. Sometimes I was surprised how little work was being done. It seemed some worked at getting out of work.
One attendee of Stanchfield told me of his problem. He worked too well. As we worked with others his production was far greater and fellow employees got on his case lest the boss would require the same from them. He asked me what he should do. I advised him to remember who he really worked for. Then they began to sabotage his work. Unfortunately, I have seen that happen in the ministry when people who are upset with the pastor will offer false and misleading accusations to get them fired. God knows the whole story and many people find that the encouragement to do right even if they are wronged.
From time to time the secret investigative reporting team on a TV station would sneak around and show some police men or fire inspectors, or University employees, or government officials goofing off on the job, going home in the middle of the day on company pay and so forth. What type of testimony does that give the Christian if he or she acted that way? They are stealing from their employer. The employer or company is paying your time and services which they are not getting.
The story is told by a missionary in Africa about a foreman who was responsible for getting people to do certain jobs. He discovered that they were all rather lazy and would only perform while he was actually watching them. When he left they would stop work and do nothing until he returned. This man had a glass eye, and one day when his eye was irritating him he took it out and put it on a stump.
When he returned he found that everyone was still working because the "eye" as they thought, was watching them all the while he was away.
That is what the apostle means here- eye service, working only when the boss is watching.
This foreman thought had found a way to free himself, until one day he returned to discover that one of the workers had sneaked around from behind and put his hat over the eye, everyone was lounging around enjoying themselves without working. The thought no one was watching them.
We begin by saying our employer is really the Lord. We do not work out of fear lest he catches us loafing, because His eye is always on us. We work out of love and by the strength of the Spirit because we love him.
The quality of work we do because we are Christians does provide a witness to His kingdom people and is of honor to the Lord who in turn will honor us. The word we hope to hear is "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Dec 30
Verse. Col 3: 22-23
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
Attitude of work
Christians are instructed as employees (slaves) to work wholeheartedly as unto the Lord. It doesn't make any difference whether you are a housewife, cook meals, or wash clothes if you are doing it for loved ones and Jesus. Or if you are a teacher, doctor, lawyer, nurse, sales clerk, or accountant, are you seeking to serve the Lord? Does the farmer work not only for profit but working as a privilege to God?
Col 3:23 instructs Christians to be whole hearted in every worthy endeavor. That means applying ourselves to the same diligence to lowly tasks that we do to prominent ones. There is nothing too small for Jesus.
We have talked in the past about the dangers of workaholics who make work the sole attention of their activity. For some the quality of work is focused only on increasing in material wealth. Many fail to understand the importance of worship, of rest, and their responsibility serving their families and church. It is not God’s will to neglect those priorities. But incorporate them in giving your best in the things you do.
Many only work if they get recognition and glory. Our recent Christmas play highlighted a diva who worked at a homeless shelter to work off community service requirements. But most tasks were beneath her dignity as she sought personal publicity and recognition. There are many like that. I am not talking about service outside of one’s gift mix or training, but the attitude. Some love to work with children, others with numbers, others do better with tools for building, others musically. All, however, are to have the attitude of Jesus who gives their talents to the Lord with a spirit of humility.
Any opportunity to glorify God should never be considered too small or too insignificant to command our best efforts.
When you commit yourself to work for someone you are in a sense, selling yourself for the hours involved. Today we are fortunate to have laws that restrict abusive working conditions, and many serve under contracts that explain their responsibilities for work and training. There are some things under law that people can and cannot do.
Employers cannot control the rest of your life, but they do have a right to control your life during the work hours. Work diligently.
I certainly cannot answer when it is right to quit one job and go to another. We have that freedom in our culture. That was not possible during Biblical days. God often entrusts us with a little to see what we will do in order that he might give us something better. Joseph was required to work his best as a slave for many years and then in prison before God raised him up to rule over the people of Egypt, second to Pharaoh. The quality and attitude toward his work was rewarded.
I don't think that we will become better workers by increasing pay, or having better conditions, or higher benefits. The secret of good work is personal pride one takes in doing a good job. It is in recognizing labor is part of the gift and responsibility from God. Do your best with the attitude of gratitude and humility and God will be honored.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 31
Verse Col 4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Conditions of Work
The Apostle Paul discusses how our new nature affects not only the employees, but also the employers. I will call these concerns the conditions of employment.
Employers have a tremendous responsibility because they also are under the submission of Jesus Christ. No boss can do whatever he wants just because he or she is an employer or manager. The master was to treat a slave as a brother or sister in Christ, not to mistreat them or be unjust but to be fair in all one's practice remembering that he is under the authroity of Jesus to treat others that way He instructs.
The two most important conditions mentioned here are justice and equality, or fairness. Justice is doing what is right. We are to apply justice in work. I thinkthat means employees are not be overworked and underpaid. Doing what is right is allowing sufficient breaks, or rest periods, providing for their needs with safe working conditions. It also means following the laws that are used to protect workers.
I was required to read "The Jungle" by Sinclair Lewis in High School. Although it was a novel it depicted the unjust working conditions in the Chicago stock yards at the turn of the last century. Such abuses resulted in the need the labor unions. When one missed work due to work related accident 10 were ready to take their job. They worked long hours for dirt cheap wages. For any reason they could be fired.
There are employers who cheat their workers out of promised benefits, or vacations days.
I have boycotted products or companies if I discovered such products are the result of the breaking of child labor laws, or slave labor. Over 250 million children around the world work in poor countries. Poverty increases because instead of hiring adults to do the jobs, children are forced to work long hours with little pay. Kenya estimates 42% children work full or part time. Although the products may be cheaper working conditions for the poor will not improve if their companies keep pocketing the profits at the expense of abusing others.
An Christian employer is also to be fair and just as important is to compliment and recognize good work.
I first became introduced to Sherm Swenson in a seminary class I was auditing. He was the CEO of B. Dalton Bookstores and invited us into his board room at the corporate offices at the time. He has since retired He found support from his staff in the business world when he demonstrated integrity, honesty and fairness. According to Swenson regardless of favorable or unfavorable circumstances serving with joy leads to finding joy on the job or in the home. When faced with inevitable disappointments and frustrations that work presents Swenson goes on "thank you walks regardless of the weather."
He focused on thanking God for all the positive things God is doing in his life.
As an employer Sherm noted Christ calls us to serve, even as employers, to do our best serving Him by serving our employees. The best rule is the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Treat people the way you want to be treated. If you want respect then you must show respect, even to your employees. If you want service, then you must give service, If you want friendly working relationships, then you need to provide friendship. Remember "as you do it unto the least of these my brothers you do it unto me." Jesus said.
How would you treat Jesus Christ if he worked for you? That is how you are supposed to treat your employees as well as fellow workers. It makes for much better working conditions.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 1 10
Verses- Col 3:23-25
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Purpose of Work
William Willimon, the dean of the chapel at Duke University wrote on the topic of clergy and laity burnout. He observed with insight that seldom is burnout the direct result of overwork. Hard and demanding work often can be remarkably energizing. Instead, argues Willimon, burnout is almost always the result of a loss of sense of meaning in our labors. We find sustained energy when we are engaged in something we believe matters.
One poem goes "I may not do great things for God who did so much for me; but if I do the little things, His work through me I'll see."
Work Spiritually. We need to see that God is our boss, not the person who pays our bills, or the one who hired us. Christians need to understand there is no such thing as secular and sacred work. That is not a distinction in the New Testament.
Too often people put work in categories: Running the business of a corporation is secular; running the business of a church is sacred. Singing in the choir is sacred; singing on stage is secular. Building an office complex is secular but building a church is sacred. As a result lay people see most of their time spend in secular activity. They believe that the only time they are serving Christ is when they are doing what is spiritual-teaching SS singing in choir, serving on a board, praying, or sharing their faith with someone who doesn't know about Jesus. Because secular jobs are so demanding they have little time to do these extra "Spiritual things'.
Many think that only ministers and full time Christian workers are doing ministry. What a difference in the NT where the believers were spirit filled. They spread the gospel in ways natural to them. They were filled with the love of God and demonstrated this love by caring for others and sharing possessions. What spoke to the non Christian world was their attitudes which were most clearly seen in the work world. The greatest impact for Jesus was not through the mass media and Jerusalem Gazette, but through the witness of the body of Christ through the way they lived between Sundays in their home and neighborhoods, in their social contacts and on their jobs day in and out. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit they demonstrated Christian love and caring in ways natural to them shared their faith to friends. They affirm confidently how God changed their lives and how He can change anyone's life.
I read a book of the business man Stanley Tam the Title was "God Owns My Business" The story of this man decided to give his business over to God. He began a shrewd operator, but God convicted his heart to give God 51% of the profits of his business. This made God the controlling partner of his silver reclaiming business. IRS audited him every year because they couldn't believe the gifts of charity.
The business grew beyond anyone's exceptions. He found as he was faithful to his commitment to God, the Lord prospered him, not necessarily in financial ways. He had more witnessing opportunities. He saw people grow in their faith and become believers in Jesus. Many times he was tempted to do things that were not in keeping with Christian principles only to get financial advantage, and yet prayed and resisted such temptations.
"My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ" he writes in his book "In my case God knew my yen for making money He had left me undisturbed in this area, I could have become a proud, materialistic, self centered spiritual misfit, but somehow I had found wisdom to tell God he could have full control of me. I meant it and God took me at my word. Thus is asking of me the submission of the greatest drive in my live, the thirst for making money, he removed the blinding influence and replaced it with inner peace and satisfaction such as I could never have otherwise known.
I have no doubt but that the other men may be able to run their businesses in the usual manner but just as committed to God in their way and how they use their money, but with me it was a matter of nailing down my commitment. "
That kind of purpose, as an employee or employer, or self employed or volunteer person means everything you do is completely on the up and up. God wants honest service, never misrepresenting their product, having open books, when one makes a mistake in overpayment that money was returned. Seeking to pay bills on time and paying what you owe.
Moving into the New Year of 2010 is a step of faith. Faith is seeking to live for Jesus in a world that keeps tempting us in different ways, with different purposes and pleasures.
May your New Year be filled with Christ’s presence and peace at work and in your home.
Pastor Dale
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