Sermon nuggets Mon June 21
Theme- A Godly Reputation
Verses 2 Kings 8, 9
Reputation
Elizabeth Miles shared a story about her parents who live on a farm. They sort their garbage into categories- things that get burned, things that go to the dump, scraps for the dogs, and scraps for the cats. In addition her mother is an organic gardener, so she has a special pail for leftover goodies for her worm bed where she makes her own organic fertilizer.
She was explaining all the procedures very carefully to a new housekeeper Noni. "This bowl is for meat scraps for the dogs, this one for cats, and this pail is for vegetable leftovers for the worms."
At this last instruction, Noni looked at her in great admiration and explained, "Ma'am, you're the most Christian woman in the whole world."
The Bible says to have a good reputation among all people. When people observe you, what do they think? Do they know that you are a Christian? What type of reputation follows you?
Sometimes a person will come to me upset about some gossip that is false but spread about them. It is impossible to stop gossip. I try to encourage them to make it right with the individual who has offended them and then live a life so as to show to others that the story is incorrect, or they will not possibly believe it because they know your character.
I Timothy 3:7 "He must have a good reputation with outsiders so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap." Now the reputation of some people in this world is a disgrace. It is not our goal to please people, but God. But that speaks an important message to others as well, even if they agree with you are not. A person of conviction does what he does whether nobody is looking or everyone is looking. But such conviction does have an effect on society.
Remember when Paul wrote this passage to Timothy he was seeking no affirmation from the world, but he had developed quite a reputation. Paul had a reputation as a killer and persecutor of Christians, before he became one. His bad reputation followed him so that the apostles did not want anything to do with him, until Barnabas intervened. Now, Paul has changed that reputation as one how is devoted to Jesus Christ.
Elisha was such a man devoted to serving His God whether people liked it or not. He is not trying to impress others, but by so living a consistent dedicated life he does impress others whether they agree with him or not.
What type of reputation would you wish to have before others? Is that the reputation that brings glory to God?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues June 22, 2010 – Godly Works
Verses: 2 Kings 8:1-6 Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, "Go away with your family and stay for a while wherever you can, because the LORD has decreed a famine in the land that will last seven years."
2 The woman proceeded to do as the man of God said. She and her family went away and stayed in the land of the Philistines seven years.
3 At the end of the seven years she came back from the land of the Philistines and went to the king to beg for her house and land.
4 The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, "Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done."
5 Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to beg the king for her house and land. Gehazi said, "This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life."
6 The king asked the woman about it, and she told him. Then he assigned an official to her case and said to him, "Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now."
REPUTATION OF GODLY WORKS
A few weeks back we talked about when Elisha was used of God to raise the Shunamite woman's son back to life. (2 Kings 4). It was talked about of course, for years afterward.
This lady was approached some time later by Elisha and told to go to Philistines because there was to be a severe famine for 7 years. She obeyed and as continued to be protected and blessed of God. God cares for individuals and protects his own in different ways.
But after the 7 years she returned home and found that her property was somehow confiscated. She decided to go to the King to beg for her property back. At just that time the King was talking to Gehazi, remember him? This was Elisha’s servant who had contacted leprosy. They were conversing about the boy that was raised to life by the miracle worked through Elisha.
Gehazi looked at the lady introduced her to the King. The King was so impressed that he ordered an official to see to it that she had her property returned. It was exciting for the King to see one upon whom the miracle rested.
When people talked about Elisha he had a reputation for his good works. They remembered what God did through him, works done by and for the Lord. It was the same reputation of the Christians that soon became of the talk of the community in those first century days. The disciples were preaching the good news but also healing, and touching those in need. They were known for their good works.
We are told Eph. 2:8-10 that we are created unto good works. It is glorifying to God if someone is able to see Christ in the actions of his followers. I am not talking about if people go to the church all the time, pray consistently, or carry their Bible around. More than likely people are impressed when Christians have a reputation for Godly works. They are kind people, People with compassion. They are people who do what they do because they love dearly Jesus Christ and want to please Him and serve Him.
I am proud to be associated with the reputation of Stanchfield Baptist Church. I got a call from Isanti County Public Health Services recently requesting help in a particular matter because of the positive reputation of our church. We had also gotten referrals for our food shelf from other government official and I asked why they sent them here instead of another closer agency. I was told because if they really needed immediate help you are there, they are not. That made me feel good. As one lady coming from some distance said, she called three places and they all said they couldn't help, but try Stanchfield.
Now I have to say we certainly are not perfect. You will find those around who have been hurt or offended about something and are upset with the church. Sometimes it is because what is said or done doesn't always reflect the attitude of Christ. But sometimes it is because people don't get their way or wants. Many were also upset with Elisha. It is not a matter of being popular.
I've heard from a few community people they don't want anything do with this church because we oppose the sale of Sunday liquor in our community and the opposition to gambling. I attending a County meeting to restrict adult porn businesses within certain distances from schools and churches. So our reputation follows us for criticism as well. I just wish people could realize the sad effects on homes and people that such compulsive vices really produce.
How a person lives has more impact that what a person says. There was a write up on a man named John Fling of Columbia, South Carolina. He was a bachelor who wrote around on a bicycle. He would look out for the elderly in his neighborhood. He befriended the blind, the retarded, the eccentric, the forgotten. He would bring people food when their refrigerators were empty. He would provide rent money to some when eviction was threatened. He would give away most of the small salary he made delivering auto parts for Chevy dealership and forgoing the requisite pleasures of the American life. He did not have a phone no TV, and no car. He worked 40 hours a week in extra tasks for those around him. Why?, the news reporter asked. He stated because he was God fearing and believed God said, "Love thy neighbor as thyself."
Elisha had a reputation for Godly works, how about you?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds June 23, 2010
Verses- 2 Kings 8: 4 The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, "Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done."
2 Kings 8: 7 Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram was ill. When the king was told, "The man of God has come all the way up here,"
Reputation for a Godly Witness 8:4,7,11
One’s reputation can be passed on as people talk with people. Certainly in the land of Israel Elisha was a topic of conversation among many, as well as in the country of Aram. He was given the reputation for being a “man of God.”
There are many reasons someone might be referred to as a man, or woman, of God, but it is typical that there are godly characteristics. Elisha is one who has been consistently acknowledged as having the ear of God. He is one through whom God works. He is one who demonstrates godly qualities.
Here is an interesting story again of the King of Aram Ben-Hada. He realized the reputation of Elisha as being a man of God. That is a very worthy title. He told his assistant, Hazael, to take gifts to Elisha to have him consult the Lord about the kings illness. Would he get better or not. Hazael sought the counsel of Elisha and Elisha stared at Hazael until the assistant felt ashamed. Elisha wept. He saw the harm that was to come upon Israelites though Hazael: including fire, death, violence upon little children, and ripping up women who are pregnant.
(Incidentally people are doing similar things today to pregnant women and they do not call that sin, they call that freedom of choice.)
Hazael’s response was, "How could I, a dog, do such a thing?" Well Hazael was more than a dog, he was a devil in his actions and indeed Ben-Hadad was not to die of his illness, as Elisha said. It was not a terminal illness, but he did die as a result of murder by his assistant. The next day Hazael suffocated his boss by putting a wet washcloth over his face and by violence took the throne. As we read the horrible time of Israel’s history this is indeed what happened to them when Hazael became King over Aram.
I think of the similar scene of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem because he foresees the destruction. When people realize the consequences of certain actions and realize there is nothing or very little they can do, it is quite sad.
If you had an epitaph on your gravestone could it say, “Man of God” or “Woman of God”. As I think about that one’s identity is known to be on who walks and talks with the Lord. I think of it as one who is set apart from sin (thou not sinless). I think of one who desires the things above more than the things below.
When such a person has that reputation folks will come to get council to be prayed for, to listen and learn. It is not a title one seeks for themselves it is a description that one gives to another because something is seen in their person that connects them as one of God’s special representatives.
Have you been at work or in the neighborhood when people feel awkward cursing or telling off colored jokes around you? You may not be a minister or clergy person, but you have been identified as one who does not appreciate that type of talk, and some feel guilty around you sharing unclean jokes or cursing and gossip.
Elisha has a reputation of a Godly Witness both among those who are the people of God as well as those pagans living around Israel.
How about you? Others may be watching more than you know.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thur June 24, 2010
Verses- 2 Kings 8: 7 Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram was ill. When the king was told, "The man of God has come all the way up here,"
8 he said to Hazael, "Take a gift with you and go to meet the man of God. Consult the LORD through him; ask him, 'Will I recover from this illness?'"
9 Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him as a gift forty camel-loads of all the finest wares of Damascus. He went in and stood before him, and said, "Your son Ben-Hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, 'Will I recover from this illness?'"
10 Elisha answered, "Go and say to him, 'You will certainly recover'; but the LORD has revealed to me that he will in fact die."
11 He stared at him with a fixed gaze until Hazael felt ashamed. Then the man of God began to weep.
12 "Why is my lord weeping?" asked Hazael. "Because I know the harm you will do to the Israelites," he answered. "You will set fire to their fortified places, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little children to the ground, and rip open their pregnant women."
13 Hazael said, "How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?" "The LORD has shown me that you will become king of Aram," answered Elisha.
Reputation for Godly Wisdom
As we look at the reputation of Elisha kings would approach him seeking godly advice and word from the Lord. They knew he was a man that would give a word from God, not his own opinion. That is godly wisdom.
In this matter the King of Aram wanted his assistant to consult with Elisha to see if he will get better from his illness. No one can give that answer. Medical physicians might examine the body and assist with medicine but the king wants godly wisdom from above.
Although we can discuss how it is Elisha’s comments fell short of the desire of the king. He tells him he will recover from the illness but at the same time speaks a conflicting prophecy that he will die at the hand of his assistant, Hazael who wants to overtake the king by violence.
That last part didn’t get reported, only the first part. It was half of the message.
There are also interesting phrases Jesus uses in his teaching. “Those who have ears to hear let him hear.” “Those who have eyes to see let him see.” Those who are open to God will understand things others are blind to. Sometimes truth is not always received based on the heart of the person. And unfortunately, many Christians will only tell half the story. God is a God who blesses. But He is also a God of judgment. The judgment of God was to fall on the king and later on Hazael. The time for repentance was over. Elisha's prophecy revealed the evil of Hazael’s heart. God knows our hearts and our desires.
It is important to seek the Lord’s will. It must first be decided if one is really wanting to know Gods' will. Often we only want our will confirmed not confronted.
As a chaplain student at Hennipen County Medical Hospital I was taught a counseling philosophy made popular by Carl Rogers. It is non-directive counseling. He claims you support others by listen to them allowing the counselees to draw their own conclusions and help them explore other options while they make their choices.
Listening is so vitally important. However, many people cannot solve their own problem because they lack truth. From a Biblical perspective our own wisdom is limited. God is all knowing. We are sinful. He is holy. We are short sighted. He has a perspective worth trusting. Talking can help get relief of emotions and may help us see options to our decisions but what does God's word say about it? What principles may apply to different situations?
Unfortunately, people do not really want to do what the Bible says. They do not really want God's will for their lives; they want to continue in their own ways and wants and have a clergy confirm that what they are doing is ok, or at least not so bad.
Do you really want to know God's will? Are you willing to obey His teaching? Are you willing to be in sincere prayer about it? If you are, I believe God will lead you and direct you in his time.
"Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. One who seeks God about all matters and not builds up himself
is a truly wise man.” (Prov. 5:6,7).
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri June 25, 2010
Verses 2 Kings 9:
1 The prophet Elisha summoned a man from the company of the prophets and said to him, "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take this flask of oil with you and go to Ramoth Gilead.
2 When you get there, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go to him, get him away from his companions and take him into an inner room.
3 Then take the flask and pour the oil on his head and declare, 'This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.' Then open the door and run; don't delay!"
Reputation for a Godly Word
This Biblical story goes on to reveal more of the lessons of the kings, but I want to concentrate on Elisha's part. He had a word to share and picked one of the company of prophets to carry it out by proclaiming that word to Jehu. The Lord tells Elisha to do something and he sees to it that it is done.
There are a number of things I wish to point out when we consider the reputation one with a Godly word. It is first obedience to the Word of God and that is seen throughout Elisha life. There isn't arguing. There is obedience. It is the true desire of our hearts to do and to speak what God wants.
Secondly he has a desire to tell others. Part of that, of course, related to obedience. A good vessel of God is one who receives from the Lord and passes it on. It is not enough to be personally fed and comforted by God. It is his desire to affect others with a passion and holiness for God. He is not concerned for his own glory or prestige, but like Paine Webber, when he speaks people listen because he has a reputation for Godly words.
Another thing is Elisha uses a student who actually does the anointing for the new king and proclaims the prophetic word to Jehu. Elisha is willing to train another and let others share in the ministry. It is later in Elisha’s life and perhaps he is physically unable to get around like he did before. It also indicates He doesn't have to be the one to do the anointing or speaking for God to do his work. Another can do it as well as he is sent and trained. He his is directing the younger one, just as Elijah the Tishbite did for him.
Jehu is anointed and is one of the most zealous Kings for getting rid of Baal worship and false idols.
Sharing God's word is important. Emphasizing that for others is significant. Elisha meditated on the law of God and was able to educate others in it. God had given him his law to the nation and all were under it. All could study it, all could delight in it, but blessed is the one who does it.
One cannot know the word of God unless they heard the Word of God. How can they hear unless someone tells them? One cannot speak it unless that relationship is real and one desires a special closeness with their Savior.
When we talk about reputation of a Godly person, we are talking about a person’s character and integrity. One has confidence in another because of their consistent walk. It wasn't one miracle that brings a certain reputation. It is a life-style. Typically the people that we admire in their faith are folks that are older and have proven through problems and struggle of life that God is faithful and they trust him completely.
Jay Kesler was feeling like he could never match the super-saint status of people who had great reputations. His director shared something profound. "Did you ever realize what would happen if the Lord insisted on perfect men and women to carry out His work? Nothing would ever get done, because none of us would ever measure up. We are all flawed instruments. Isn't it wonderful that Jesus Christ can use us in spite of our imperfections? If we wait to be good enough to serve Him, we will never serve Him."
The reputation Elisha received was only one willing to follow where God led.
Pastor Dale
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Sharing the Good News 2 Kings 6:24-7:20
Sermon Nuggets Mon June 14
Theme SHARING THE GOOD NEWS
Verses 2 Kings 6:24-7:20
Sharing the Good News
Certainly we live in a world at turmoil. People who are suffering will do anything to get out of their situation in many incidences.
There is a lot of political pressure being placed on Israel, but the people who are suffering the most are the citizens who are both Palestinians and Israelis. The bitter conflict between these groups did just start in the 40s but has been part of the fulfillment of prophecy since Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac.
But people are real who are suffering. There are refugee camps for the poor. They are people in Gaza without the basics of food and water. There are people in Israel whose independence is denied by their neighbors. The complications of international intrigue are many. There are none who are guiltless. Yet, Israel is the only democratic nation in the area and the most prosperous.
The lack of food and water of those depraved however is capturing the attention of the world. How humanitarian aide is met is with suspicion since Hamas, the ruling Palestinian party abuses their power and uses the international concerns to cover up some of its operations. There are no easy answers.
Political intrigue, national suffering, individual depravity and the workings of God are evidenced in our world today. But those elements show themselves in history past. That is the scene in Elisha's day many thousands of years ago.
God is merciful to Israel even when its leaders and key people are seeking to build a kingdom for themselves instead of God. The Nation of Israel, presently in rebellion, is confronted many times with the power of God so they may repent of their sins and turn to God and trust and obey Him.
God is like that. He tries over and over again to win people to himself, but in so doing, I can't help but see this as a larger and more appropriate lesson to our world and recognize God's offer of salvation and grace to mankind today.
The story of Samaria is the story of salvation. In this story we see people experiencing God's blessings and the responsibility of others of telling that good news. God has blessed us and given us Good News to share.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues June 15, 2010
Verses: II Ki 6:24-7:1 Some time later, Ben-Hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up and laid siege to Samaria.
25 There was a great famine in the city; the siege lasted so long that a donkey's head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter of a cab of seed pods for five shekels.
26 As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried to him, "Help me, my lord the king!"
27 The king replied, "If the LORD does not help you, where can I get help for you? From the threshing floor? From the winepress?"
28 Then he asked her, "What's the matter?" She answered, "This woman said to me, 'Give up your son so we may eat him today, and tomorrow we'll eat my son.' 29 So we cooked my son and ate him. The next day I said to her, 'Give up your son so we may eat him,' but she had hidden him."
30 When the king heard the woman's words, he tore his robes. As he went along the wall, the people looked, and there, underneath, he had sackcloth on his body.
31 He said, "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today!"
32 Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, "Don't you see how this murderer is sending someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door and hold it shut against him. Is not the sound of his master's footsteps behind him?"
33 While he was still talking to them, the messenger came down to him. And said, "This disaster is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?"
7:1 Elisha said, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria."
There is Hatred for the Holy.
Samaria was the capital of Israel. The King is Joram who is wicked and not following the Lord. Yet God is amazingly patient. He offers a second chance for those to whom He shows mercy.
How come some people are so thick headed in resisting God and others never learn, in spite of all the chances God gives to them to change?
Once again there is famine in the city due to King BenHadad's siege surrounding the land. They have cut off the supplies to the city. There was no food. People become desperate when there is no food.
You saw the news stories in the camps in Haiti where people fight and push and yell when the food trucks and water trucks come. Oppressed people turn on each other. When food and water is scarce, inflation is common. Those who have are willing to sell at such an inflated price. That was the problem in Samaria when shekels for donkeys head and seed pods were ridiculous and only for the very rich. Others were starving to death.
According to the law the donkey was unclean and not to be eaten, but the severity of the famine caused the people of Samaria not only disregard the laws of uncleanness, but also to place a high value on the least edible part of the donkey.
How do we respond with so many in our world sick from hunger? That was the scene in Samaria with the King walking along the wall; They were hopeless people not having food and not seeing any change in sight except surrender to the enemy forces of Aram.
"Help me my Lord", was the cry of one woman. People take advantage of other people during such tragic times. Two mothers were starving and having no milk to feed their babies. No doubt the babies were dying anyway so one suggested to the other to kill her baby and eat it, and the next day she will kill hers so they will have food. The people were literally brought to the place of cannibalism.
The debauchery and devastation of a nation that can go is hard to believe. God warns in Leviticus 26 that things would get so bad in their sin and suffering for it. He warns the people if they remain hostile toward God and refuse to listen to him, He will multiply their affliction 7 times over as their sins deserve, sending wild animals, siege of other nations more pagan then them, and they will eat the flesh of their sons and daughters.
How can people be brought to such situations? It is hard to imagine. I remember watching a program on the atrocities of Nazi Germany. I get sick when I think of the horribleness of war and the depravity of man. Studies would be done in Germany using humans as guinea pigs.
The King hearing of the cannibalism tore his robes and underneath was sackcloth. This was a sign of grief, and sometimes repentance. The revelation of his heart is noted however when he utters a vow to kill the prophet of God. Instead of humbling himself before God and confessing his sins and the sins of the nation he is filled with hatred toward God’s servant, Elisha. He, like his grandfather, Ahab, responded in hatred toward the holy. He hates God who down deep knows is the cause for this draught. They have sinned against God but the haughtiness of hearts are stronger than the need for humble repentance. So the king lashes out on God by lashing out on his servant. Instead of calling the people back to faith and confession of sin he vows to murder the one who can help. I have often been confused over the years for such strong persecution against Christians. I could understand those who are a physical threat and can do damage with guns, and weapons, but when the holy use love and the story of the good news of Jesus Christ, there is strong opposition from the evil one. The forces of evil rise up with hatred to attack.
Unfortunately, there are many who call themselves Christian whose words and actions an embarrassment to Jesus. Hatred is a tool of Satan.
The first step to responding to the good news is admitting your need. The response God desires is humility not haughtiness. It is to confess ones sin and repent of it. That is the prerequisite to turning to Christ for salvation.
Jesus said, “ The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. John 7:7
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Wed June 16, 2010
Verse- 2 Kings 6:33-7:2
33 While he was still talking to them, the messenger came down to him. And said, "This disaster is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?"
7:1 Elisha said, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria."
2 The officer on whose arm the king was leaning said to the man of God, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" "You will see it with your own eyes," answered Elisha, "but you will not eat any of it!"
Healing for the Humble
I wonder if the only reason the Lord decided to save Israel from hunger and teach them of His salvation was because of the elders who were sitting with Elisha? Typically, the elders were the rulers of the city. I do think it is important to remember that people who humble themselves and pray will benefit from the promise that God will heal their land. If it isn't with the king who beseeches God, then the elders must, if not the elders, then people. The king was filled with haughtiness. The Elders were sitting with Elisha and listening to the word from the Lord.
If our government is going the way of godlessness and immorality, then it is the job of the people to pray and seek personal and local, and national revival. If church leaders are more concerned about power and money than spiritual resources then it is time the people are called to fasting and prayer.
There has been something happening all over the country that is very encouraging. There are have been mass prayer concerts being held. 1,000s of people gather to seek the face of God to call for revival and an out pouring the God's spirit to be witnessed by the world won to Christ.
A few years ago also there was a small revival touching men’s lives through Promise Keeper where the commitment to God family and godliness at work and in the church resulted in not just large gathers of groups throughout the nation, but also small groups from which some still exist. The movement of God is often preceded by the humbleness of people to prayer and seeking spiritual healing as well as admitting their need. It is the call we have in our nation when so much needs healing. Instead of clouting our might and military strength, we see things such as oil spills and recurrence of economic down turn that calls for humility, not the pride of name calling among politicians.
We need prayer in these days ahead and it is to start within the churches. There is spiritual warfare. Only God's power provides the victory. He desires to use it with praying, yielded, holy people.
But there is hope in the power of the Lord. Elisha gives the promise of God. There will be feasting tomorrow.
One of the officers doubts the word of God and expresses that even the Lord can't work that fast. His heart is hardened. Elisha pronounces his judgment, "You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it." There is healing for the humble. There is the touch of God in ways we cannot imagine. Those who are lepers will find food. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thur June 17, 2010
Verses- II Ki 7:3-16 Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate. They said to each other, "Why stay here until we die? If we say, 'We'll go into the city'-- the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let's go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die."
5 At dusk they got up and went to the camp of the Arameans. When they reached the edge of the camp, not a man was there, for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to one another, "Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!"
So they got up and fled in the dusk and abandoned their tents and their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives.
The men who had leprosy reached the edge of the camp and entered one of the tents. They ate and drank, and carried away silver, gold and clothes, and went off and hid them. They returned and entered another tent and took some things from it and hid them also.
Then they said to each other, "We're not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let's go at once and report this to the royal palace."
So they went and called out to the city gatekeepers and told them, "We went into the Aramean camp and not a man was there-- not a sound of anyone-- only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents left just as they were."
The gatekeepers shouted the news, and it was reported within the palace.
The king got up in the night and said to his officers, "I will tell you what the Arameans have done to us. They know we are starving; so they have left the camp to hide in the countryside, thinking, 'They will surely come out, and then we will take them alive and get into the city.'"
One of his officers answered, "Have some men take five of the horses that are left in the city. Their plight will be like that of all the Israelites left here-- yes, they will only be like all these Israelites who are doomed. So let us send them to find out what happened."
So they selected two chariots with their horses, and the king sent them after the Aramean army. He commanded the drivers, "Go and find out what has happened."
They followed them as far as the Jordan, and they found the whole road strewn with the clothing and equipment the Arameans had thrown away in their headlong flight. So the messengers returned and reported to the king.
Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. So a seah of flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, as the LORD had said.
Hope for the Hopeless
The remarkable type of salvation is portrayed in the story of the lepers. They were rejected and diseased, hopeless and helpless in their situation. They were unclean in society and not only is the city in starvation, but they were too and certainly would be the first to experience the results of the famine. Beggars are the last to get food. They must rely on the mercy of others to help them survive. Since they had to live outside the city walls, people would leave food for them, or drop food down from baskets. But since they didn't have food within the cities, they were the first to be seriously affected. They knew they were going to die.
As they thought about their situation, they concluded that they might as well go to the Syrian camp, because they might get food. Perhaps they would be killed, but since they were going to die anyway what difference did that make?
That was the place the prodigal son had to come to. He came the place of such need and hunger that he envied the hogs. "I will arise, and go to my Father." These lepers were driven to go to make the discovery because they felt that they could not be any worse than they were. There are some who hear my voice, who have situations where they have no place else to turn, but to the mercy of God. Friends, in Jesus Christ you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
They went to the camp and you can imagine their complete surprise to find everyone gone. God caused the Syrians to hear a roar which they interpreted as being other outside forces and armies. Fearing they were going to die, they retreated for their lives and ran away leaving everything behind them- valuables, food, clothing, resources of all kinds.
God wanted to use this evil nation to show Israel His own glory and power and without the help of an army God caused them to retreat. Power is in the Lord.
Salvation is of the Lord. The mercy of God was seen as he worked to eliminate the power of evil and make provisions for salvation both for the lepers who are diseased and helpless, and for the city of Samaria which had no place to turn. To who was God's mercy granted? It was to the lepers, those who were most conscious of their need and their depravity. God's salvation isn't for people who deserve it. His mercy is for the hopeless, to those undeserving. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He accomplished the work of salvation and did the fighting for our enemy Satan and his forces.
The good news is available. It was the responsibility of the lepers to share the Good News. At first they desired to keep the blessing to themselves then realized that was wrong. They went and the told how the enemy has been conquered because of God. The supply was so plentiful that even the poorest could partake of the goodness.
Evangelism is one beggar telling another where to find food. That is how it has been defined by others. There are people dying without Jesus and we have experienced the blessing. We are called to share it. Have you tasted and seen that the Lord is good?
C. S. Lewis writes, "Isn't it frightfully unfair that this new life in Christ should be confined to people who have heard of Christ and been able to believe in Him? Well, the truth is...we do know that no man can be saved except through Him. If you want to help those outside you must add your own little cell to the body of Christ who can help them. Why isn't God landing in force in this world invading it? He is delaying because he wants to give us the chance of joining his side freely.
God will invade! I wonder whether people who want God to interfere openly and directly in our world quite realize what it will be like when he does. When the author walks on the stage the play is over. This time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side; it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen. God is holding back to give men an opportunity to choose Jesus Christ or to be lost. And the chance to choose will not last forever."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri June 18 – Hard hearted
Verses- II Ki 7:2 & 17-20
2 The officer on whose arm the king was leaning said to the man of God, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" "You will see it with your own eyes," answered Elisha, "but you will not eat any of it!"
17 Now the king had put the officer on whose arm he leaned in charge of the gate, and the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died, just as the man of God had foretold when the king came down to his house.
18 It happened as the man of God had said to the king: "About this time tomorrow, a seah of flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria."
19 The officer had said to the man of God, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" The man of God had replied, "You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!"
20 And that is exactly what happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died.
Harm for the Hard-Hearted
There will also be those who ignore or not believe the word of God. There will be those who in hardness of heart will reject the Good News of Salvation. By the mercy of God He warns them repeatedly of the harm of rejecting Jesus. Yet most continue in their hardened ways and will not repent or believe.
This is an example in this story of one who refused to believe. This is an illustration of those who have heard the good news, but doubted and did not believe. They reject the miracle of God. This sin was the sin of unbelief. Notice there are other sinners that are saved, not just the lepers, but also the women who ate their babies, the King who was going to murder Elisha. God in his grace can accept them and did in their situation, but not the one who does not believe the word of God. Had this man been guilty of every other sin, if he had but believed he would have been pardoned, but this is the damning exception- he had no faith. He saw, but unfortunately never did take and eat himself.
God's promises are true. We can believe them. But likewise God's judgments are also true. Many will see the Lord come in his glory, many will see Jesus Christ on the throne high and lifted up. Many will see the blessings of the Lord as he shares with the ones saved by grace, but they will not partake, for they have not believed the good news. They have not received Jesus to save them. How difficult it must be in the last day when Jesus will say, "I never knew you." There is harm to the hard-hearted.
I read of a Gallup poll indicating nearly 80% of all college students say religion is important in their lives. More than 50% attended church or synagogue in the month preceding the survey, and about 50% said they read the Bible at least occasionally. Further results of the poll conducted to determine how religion affects the sexual attitudes and practice of college students. It startled even the polling officials: 69% indicated they approve of premarital sex and 56% approve of unmarried couples living together. Almost 75% reported having engaged in sex and 20% said they had 5 or more partners.
It is easy to give lip service to religion, but how is willing to act on their beliefs? Commitment to God does indicate a desire to leave sin and follow the Lord. Leave the bondage of self and be free.
Charles G. Finney, a young lawyer, was sitting in a village law office in the state of New York. Finney had just come into the old squire's office. It was very early in the day and he was all alone when the Lord began to deal with him with a conversation that he had.
Someone asked him, "Finney, what are you going to do when you finish your course?" Put out a shingle and practice law." Then what? "Get rich." Then what? "Retire." Then what? "Die" Then what? and the words came trembling, "the judgment."
Finney ran for the woods a half mile away. All day he prayed and vowed that he would never leave until he had made his peace with God. He saw himself at the judgment bar of God for four year he had studied law and now the vanity of a selfish life, lived for the enjoyment of the things of this world, was made clear to him.
Finney came out of the woods that evening, after a long struggle, with the high purpose of living henceforth to the glory of God and of enjoying Him forever. From that moment blessing untold filled his life, and God used him in a mighty way, not as a lawyer but as an evangelist.
The story of God's grace is one who takes a sinner from his suffering into Salvation. and those who have experience it have the task of sharing it. Those that don't respond to God's offer are sentenced to harm or damnation. It is as simple as that and as old as the Old Testament.
Many people feel they do not have the gift of evangelism. I am glad God has called some people who are used to draw people to salvation. But not feeling you have the give is not an excuse to keep the Good News to yourself. Just like people needed to know were the food was, people need to know eternal peace lies with knowing Jesus in a personal way. You have influence over some peoples lives in greater ways than anyone else. Pray that God would allow you to share the Good News to someone in hunger.
Pastor Dale
Theme SHARING THE GOOD NEWS
Verses 2 Kings 6:24-7:20
Sharing the Good News
Certainly we live in a world at turmoil. People who are suffering will do anything to get out of their situation in many incidences.
There is a lot of political pressure being placed on Israel, but the people who are suffering the most are the citizens who are both Palestinians and Israelis. The bitter conflict between these groups did just start in the 40s but has been part of the fulfillment of prophecy since Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac.
But people are real who are suffering. There are refugee camps for the poor. They are people in Gaza without the basics of food and water. There are people in Israel whose independence is denied by their neighbors. The complications of international intrigue are many. There are none who are guiltless. Yet, Israel is the only democratic nation in the area and the most prosperous.
The lack of food and water of those depraved however is capturing the attention of the world. How humanitarian aide is met is with suspicion since Hamas, the ruling Palestinian party abuses their power and uses the international concerns to cover up some of its operations. There are no easy answers.
Political intrigue, national suffering, individual depravity and the workings of God are evidenced in our world today. But those elements show themselves in history past. That is the scene in Elisha's day many thousands of years ago.
God is merciful to Israel even when its leaders and key people are seeking to build a kingdom for themselves instead of God. The Nation of Israel, presently in rebellion, is confronted many times with the power of God so they may repent of their sins and turn to God and trust and obey Him.
God is like that. He tries over and over again to win people to himself, but in so doing, I can't help but see this as a larger and more appropriate lesson to our world and recognize God's offer of salvation and grace to mankind today.
The story of Samaria is the story of salvation. In this story we see people experiencing God's blessings and the responsibility of others of telling that good news. God has blessed us and given us Good News to share.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues June 15, 2010
Verses: II Ki 6:24-7:1 Some time later, Ben-Hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up and laid siege to Samaria.
25 There was a great famine in the city; the siege lasted so long that a donkey's head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter of a cab of seed pods for five shekels.
26 As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried to him, "Help me, my lord the king!"
27 The king replied, "If the LORD does not help you, where can I get help for you? From the threshing floor? From the winepress?"
28 Then he asked her, "What's the matter?" She answered, "This woman said to me, 'Give up your son so we may eat him today, and tomorrow we'll eat my son.' 29 So we cooked my son and ate him. The next day I said to her, 'Give up your son so we may eat him,' but she had hidden him."
30 When the king heard the woman's words, he tore his robes. As he went along the wall, the people looked, and there, underneath, he had sackcloth on his body.
31 He said, "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today!"
32 Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, "Don't you see how this murderer is sending someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door and hold it shut against him. Is not the sound of his master's footsteps behind him?"
33 While he was still talking to them, the messenger came down to him. And said, "This disaster is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?"
7:1 Elisha said, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria."
There is Hatred for the Holy.
Samaria was the capital of Israel. The King is Joram who is wicked and not following the Lord. Yet God is amazingly patient. He offers a second chance for those to whom He shows mercy.
How come some people are so thick headed in resisting God and others never learn, in spite of all the chances God gives to them to change?
Once again there is famine in the city due to King BenHadad's siege surrounding the land. They have cut off the supplies to the city. There was no food. People become desperate when there is no food.
You saw the news stories in the camps in Haiti where people fight and push and yell when the food trucks and water trucks come. Oppressed people turn on each other. When food and water is scarce, inflation is common. Those who have are willing to sell at such an inflated price. That was the problem in Samaria when shekels for donkeys head and seed pods were ridiculous and only for the very rich. Others were starving to death.
According to the law the donkey was unclean and not to be eaten, but the severity of the famine caused the people of Samaria not only disregard the laws of uncleanness, but also to place a high value on the least edible part of the donkey.
How do we respond with so many in our world sick from hunger? That was the scene in Samaria with the King walking along the wall; They were hopeless people not having food and not seeing any change in sight except surrender to the enemy forces of Aram.
"Help me my Lord", was the cry of one woman. People take advantage of other people during such tragic times. Two mothers were starving and having no milk to feed their babies. No doubt the babies were dying anyway so one suggested to the other to kill her baby and eat it, and the next day she will kill hers so they will have food. The people were literally brought to the place of cannibalism.
The debauchery and devastation of a nation that can go is hard to believe. God warns in Leviticus 26 that things would get so bad in their sin and suffering for it. He warns the people if they remain hostile toward God and refuse to listen to him, He will multiply their affliction 7 times over as their sins deserve, sending wild animals, siege of other nations more pagan then them, and they will eat the flesh of their sons and daughters.
How can people be brought to such situations? It is hard to imagine. I remember watching a program on the atrocities of Nazi Germany. I get sick when I think of the horribleness of war and the depravity of man. Studies would be done in Germany using humans as guinea pigs.
The King hearing of the cannibalism tore his robes and underneath was sackcloth. This was a sign of grief, and sometimes repentance. The revelation of his heart is noted however when he utters a vow to kill the prophet of God. Instead of humbling himself before God and confessing his sins and the sins of the nation he is filled with hatred toward God’s servant, Elisha. He, like his grandfather, Ahab, responded in hatred toward the holy. He hates God who down deep knows is the cause for this draught. They have sinned against God but the haughtiness of hearts are stronger than the need for humble repentance. So the king lashes out on God by lashing out on his servant. Instead of calling the people back to faith and confession of sin he vows to murder the one who can help. I have often been confused over the years for such strong persecution against Christians. I could understand those who are a physical threat and can do damage with guns, and weapons, but when the holy use love and the story of the good news of Jesus Christ, there is strong opposition from the evil one. The forces of evil rise up with hatred to attack.
Unfortunately, there are many who call themselves Christian whose words and actions an embarrassment to Jesus. Hatred is a tool of Satan.
The first step to responding to the good news is admitting your need. The response God desires is humility not haughtiness. It is to confess ones sin and repent of it. That is the prerequisite to turning to Christ for salvation.
Jesus said, “ The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. John 7:7
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Wed June 16, 2010
Verse- 2 Kings 6:33-7:2
33 While he was still talking to them, the messenger came down to him. And said, "This disaster is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?"
7:1 Elisha said, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria."
2 The officer on whose arm the king was leaning said to the man of God, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" "You will see it with your own eyes," answered Elisha, "but you will not eat any of it!"
Healing for the Humble
I wonder if the only reason the Lord decided to save Israel from hunger and teach them of His salvation was because of the elders who were sitting with Elisha? Typically, the elders were the rulers of the city. I do think it is important to remember that people who humble themselves and pray will benefit from the promise that God will heal their land. If it isn't with the king who beseeches God, then the elders must, if not the elders, then people. The king was filled with haughtiness. The Elders were sitting with Elisha and listening to the word from the Lord.
If our government is going the way of godlessness and immorality, then it is the job of the people to pray and seek personal and local, and national revival. If church leaders are more concerned about power and money than spiritual resources then it is time the people are called to fasting and prayer.
There has been something happening all over the country that is very encouraging. There are have been mass prayer concerts being held. 1,000s of people gather to seek the face of God to call for revival and an out pouring the God's spirit to be witnessed by the world won to Christ.
A few years ago also there was a small revival touching men’s lives through Promise Keeper where the commitment to God family and godliness at work and in the church resulted in not just large gathers of groups throughout the nation, but also small groups from which some still exist. The movement of God is often preceded by the humbleness of people to prayer and seeking spiritual healing as well as admitting their need. It is the call we have in our nation when so much needs healing. Instead of clouting our might and military strength, we see things such as oil spills and recurrence of economic down turn that calls for humility, not the pride of name calling among politicians.
We need prayer in these days ahead and it is to start within the churches. There is spiritual warfare. Only God's power provides the victory. He desires to use it with praying, yielded, holy people.
But there is hope in the power of the Lord. Elisha gives the promise of God. There will be feasting tomorrow.
One of the officers doubts the word of God and expresses that even the Lord can't work that fast. His heart is hardened. Elisha pronounces his judgment, "You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it." There is healing for the humble. There is the touch of God in ways we cannot imagine. Those who are lepers will find food. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thur June 17, 2010
Verses- II Ki 7:3-16 Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate. They said to each other, "Why stay here until we die? If we say, 'We'll go into the city'-- the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let's go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die."
5 At dusk they got up and went to the camp of the Arameans. When they reached the edge of the camp, not a man was there, for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to one another, "Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!"
So they got up and fled in the dusk and abandoned their tents and their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives.
The men who had leprosy reached the edge of the camp and entered one of the tents. They ate and drank, and carried away silver, gold and clothes, and went off and hid them. They returned and entered another tent and took some things from it and hid them also.
Then they said to each other, "We're not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let's go at once and report this to the royal palace."
So they went and called out to the city gatekeepers and told them, "We went into the Aramean camp and not a man was there-- not a sound of anyone-- only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents left just as they were."
The gatekeepers shouted the news, and it was reported within the palace.
The king got up in the night and said to his officers, "I will tell you what the Arameans have done to us. They know we are starving; so they have left the camp to hide in the countryside, thinking, 'They will surely come out, and then we will take them alive and get into the city.'"
One of his officers answered, "Have some men take five of the horses that are left in the city. Their plight will be like that of all the Israelites left here-- yes, they will only be like all these Israelites who are doomed. So let us send them to find out what happened."
So they selected two chariots with their horses, and the king sent them after the Aramean army. He commanded the drivers, "Go and find out what has happened."
They followed them as far as the Jordan, and they found the whole road strewn with the clothing and equipment the Arameans had thrown away in their headlong flight. So the messengers returned and reported to the king.
Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. So a seah of flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, as the LORD had said.
Hope for the Hopeless
The remarkable type of salvation is portrayed in the story of the lepers. They were rejected and diseased, hopeless and helpless in their situation. They were unclean in society and not only is the city in starvation, but they were too and certainly would be the first to experience the results of the famine. Beggars are the last to get food. They must rely on the mercy of others to help them survive. Since they had to live outside the city walls, people would leave food for them, or drop food down from baskets. But since they didn't have food within the cities, they were the first to be seriously affected. They knew they were going to die.
As they thought about their situation, they concluded that they might as well go to the Syrian camp, because they might get food. Perhaps they would be killed, but since they were going to die anyway what difference did that make?
That was the place the prodigal son had to come to. He came the place of such need and hunger that he envied the hogs. "I will arise, and go to my Father." These lepers were driven to go to make the discovery because they felt that they could not be any worse than they were. There are some who hear my voice, who have situations where they have no place else to turn, but to the mercy of God. Friends, in Jesus Christ you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
They went to the camp and you can imagine their complete surprise to find everyone gone. God caused the Syrians to hear a roar which they interpreted as being other outside forces and armies. Fearing they were going to die, they retreated for their lives and ran away leaving everything behind them- valuables, food, clothing, resources of all kinds.
God wanted to use this evil nation to show Israel His own glory and power and without the help of an army God caused them to retreat. Power is in the Lord.
Salvation is of the Lord. The mercy of God was seen as he worked to eliminate the power of evil and make provisions for salvation both for the lepers who are diseased and helpless, and for the city of Samaria which had no place to turn. To who was God's mercy granted? It was to the lepers, those who were most conscious of their need and their depravity. God's salvation isn't for people who deserve it. His mercy is for the hopeless, to those undeserving. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He accomplished the work of salvation and did the fighting for our enemy Satan and his forces.
The good news is available. It was the responsibility of the lepers to share the Good News. At first they desired to keep the blessing to themselves then realized that was wrong. They went and the told how the enemy has been conquered because of God. The supply was so plentiful that even the poorest could partake of the goodness.
Evangelism is one beggar telling another where to find food. That is how it has been defined by others. There are people dying without Jesus and we have experienced the blessing. We are called to share it. Have you tasted and seen that the Lord is good?
C. S. Lewis writes, "Isn't it frightfully unfair that this new life in Christ should be confined to people who have heard of Christ and been able to believe in Him? Well, the truth is...we do know that no man can be saved except through Him. If you want to help those outside you must add your own little cell to the body of Christ who can help them. Why isn't God landing in force in this world invading it? He is delaying because he wants to give us the chance of joining his side freely.
God will invade! I wonder whether people who want God to interfere openly and directly in our world quite realize what it will be like when he does. When the author walks on the stage the play is over. This time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side; it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen. God is holding back to give men an opportunity to choose Jesus Christ or to be lost. And the chance to choose will not last forever."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri June 18 – Hard hearted
Verses- II Ki 7:2 & 17-20
2 The officer on whose arm the king was leaning said to the man of God, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" "You will see it with your own eyes," answered Elisha, "but you will not eat any of it!"
17 Now the king had put the officer on whose arm he leaned in charge of the gate, and the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died, just as the man of God had foretold when the king came down to his house.
18 It happened as the man of God had said to the king: "About this time tomorrow, a seah of flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria."
19 The officer had said to the man of God, "Look, even if the LORD should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" The man of God had replied, "You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!"
20 And that is exactly what happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died.
Harm for the Hard-Hearted
There will also be those who ignore or not believe the word of God. There will be those who in hardness of heart will reject the Good News of Salvation. By the mercy of God He warns them repeatedly of the harm of rejecting Jesus. Yet most continue in their hardened ways and will not repent or believe.
This is an example in this story of one who refused to believe. This is an illustration of those who have heard the good news, but doubted and did not believe. They reject the miracle of God. This sin was the sin of unbelief. Notice there are other sinners that are saved, not just the lepers, but also the women who ate their babies, the King who was going to murder Elisha. God in his grace can accept them and did in their situation, but not the one who does not believe the word of God. Had this man been guilty of every other sin, if he had but believed he would have been pardoned, but this is the damning exception- he had no faith. He saw, but unfortunately never did take and eat himself.
God's promises are true. We can believe them. But likewise God's judgments are also true. Many will see the Lord come in his glory, many will see Jesus Christ on the throne high and lifted up. Many will see the blessings of the Lord as he shares with the ones saved by grace, but they will not partake, for they have not believed the good news. They have not received Jesus to save them. How difficult it must be in the last day when Jesus will say, "I never knew you." There is harm to the hard-hearted.
I read of a Gallup poll indicating nearly 80% of all college students say religion is important in their lives. More than 50% attended church or synagogue in the month preceding the survey, and about 50% said they read the Bible at least occasionally. Further results of the poll conducted to determine how religion affects the sexual attitudes and practice of college students. It startled even the polling officials: 69% indicated they approve of premarital sex and 56% approve of unmarried couples living together. Almost 75% reported having engaged in sex and 20% said they had 5 or more partners.
It is easy to give lip service to religion, but how is willing to act on their beliefs? Commitment to God does indicate a desire to leave sin and follow the Lord. Leave the bondage of self and be free.
Charles G. Finney, a young lawyer, was sitting in a village law office in the state of New York. Finney had just come into the old squire's office. It was very early in the day and he was all alone when the Lord began to deal with him with a conversation that he had.
Someone asked him, "Finney, what are you going to do when you finish your course?" Put out a shingle and practice law." Then what? "Get rich." Then what? "Retire." Then what? "Die" Then what? and the words came trembling, "the judgment."
Finney ran for the woods a half mile away. All day he prayed and vowed that he would never leave until he had made his peace with God. He saw himself at the judgment bar of God for four year he had studied law and now the vanity of a selfish life, lived for the enjoyment of the things of this world, was made clear to him.
Finney came out of the woods that evening, after a long struggle, with the high purpose of living henceforth to the glory of God and of enjoying Him forever. From that moment blessing untold filled his life, and God used him in a mighty way, not as a lawyer but as an evangelist.
The story of God's grace is one who takes a sinner from his suffering into Salvation. and those who have experience it have the task of sharing it. Those that don't respond to God's offer are sentenced to harm or damnation. It is as simple as that and as old as the Old Testament.
Many people feel they do not have the gift of evangelism. I am glad God has called some people who are used to draw people to salvation. But not feeling you have the give is not an excuse to keep the Good News to yourself. Just like people needed to know were the food was, people need to know eternal peace lies with knowing Jesus in a personal way. You have influence over some peoples lives in greater ways than anyone else. Pray that God would allow you to share the Good News to someone in hunger.
Pastor Dale
Friday, June 4, 2010
Unseen Forces 2 Kings 6:8-23
Sermon Nuggets Week of May 31
Sermon Nuggets Mon May 31
Theme Unseen Forces
Verses 2 Kings 6:8-23
Unseen Forces
The passage this week introduces us to the spiritual world that is often unseen. The Bible teaches us there are forces that influence and intersect in our lives. We are given some revelations into the world of demons and angels. But so much remains a mystery. It would be presumptuous for us to think we understand it all.
One of the more intriguing Christian novels in resent years is a book by Frank Peretti entitled, This Present Darkness. It was different than I anticipated. It is fiction. But the book address the Scriptural presentation of the heavenly warfare that goes on and shows how it invades our world in ways and manners that we may not know. We are graphically reminded of the Spiritual warfare that is going on between God and Satan, between angels and demons, between the forces of light and the forces of darkness. Of course, the power is the Lord's.
What is our part in this warfare? As Christians, God wants us to be aware of some things. We are presented with His Sovereignty. We are to believe in His power over all things. We trust His wisdom. We must understand His timing and purposes far exceed our limited insights. We prepare ourselves with faith, truth, and obedience. We are to be saved people who learn to love and trust God and follow Him in spite of our feelings, believing He will accomplish His purposes His ways. But especially prayer is an important part of our fellowship with the Lord and the prayer power is effective for the righteous.
The Bible does give us glimpses and for important reasons.
How God uses his heavenly messengers is a mystery. The fact that He does is to result in fully trusting Him in all situations. In spite of the attack by the evil one we are to take delight in the truth, “Greater is He than is in us that he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues June 1
Verses II Ki 6:8-23 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, "I will set up my camp in such and such a place."
9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: "Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there."
10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, "Will you not tell me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?"
12 "None of us, my lord the king," said one of his officers, "but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom."
13 "Go, find out where he is," the king ordered, "so I can send men and capture him." The report came back: "He is in Dothan."
14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
God Works amidst our Folly
I saw the excerpts from some TV advertising presentation. A real estate man was challenging his audience to set their goals high if it means working two extra evenings a week and an extra day a week-end, then you must stick to those goals. He went on to share, when kids programs, hockey games, fun recreational time must take secondary place to the goals of the business if you want to be a millionaire. He was telling the audience truth if you want to be a successful money maker. But that is not how to be a successful father, or husband, or even a Christian. God always wins and always will.
Notice the proud man in his folly who says, "I will set up my camp in such and such a place." He has the same misconception that believes the greatest military power and muscle will win. Whether it is the forces of Israel, the armies of United States, the power of China or the zeal of the middle East true power is not in how confident you are in carrying out your desires, but whether you seek to serve the Lord.
Now there is something to be said about those who have commitment and determination. Joshua was a courageous fighter who believed the Lord and through military strength God blessed him. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us, "there is a time for war and a time for peace, a time for every purpose under heaven."
The King of Aram plotted against Israel and found that the King of
Israel was always prepared. He was convinced there must be a mole, a stool-pigeon, a spy revealing the secrets to Israel. But it was the Lord who revealed to Elisha, God's servant and prophet what the plans would be of the enemy. He told the King so they were adequately prepared.
Vs. 12,13 reveals his folly. He thinks that if he can eliminate the prophet of God, therefore he can win his little wars. He fails to understand that he is facing God, not Elisha. Even if he could get Elisha out of the way, God is seeking to display his glory and power. He cannot fight God.
How quickly one forgets. It was one of the generals of Aram who was healed of leprosy. What makes the King think he can fight God? It is folly to think that you can continue to cover up your activities. Friends, the all knowing God not only knows of your activities but also your very thoughts. You cannot fight God.
I am amazed with people who call themselves Christians thinking they are getting away with their sin, continuing to lie and cover up things that God will judge. It didn't work for King David trying to continue in his sin with Bathsheba, and it won't work with us. Sooner or later God will reveal all things before us, even those things done in secret and done again his name. God works amidst our folly.
One man said he wanted to provide the best things for his family.
He went to school extra evenings. He was at work early, stayed late. He was able to get the nice house, automobile, cabin, boat, clothes. But he came to his marriage counselor a broken man asking what he did wrong. He was a failure. His wife was going to divorce him. In fact, he was not a failure he was a success. He accomplished his goals. He did provide for his family according to what he thought best.
Only he had the wrong goals. However, the most important thing in life is not to provide the best material things for ones family. It is more important to give of himself.
God made King of Aram the laughing stock of Israel and will eventually do that to all with the rebellious and selfish spirit.
Augustine said, "Let us not seek to bend the straight 5to the crooked, that is thy will to ours, but let us seek to bend the crooked to the straight, that is, our will to thine."
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds June 2, 2010
Verses- 2 Kings 6: 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.
16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
God works amidst our Fear.
When the King of Aram discovered where Elisha was staying, he surrounded the city. Elisha’s servant awoke that morning and saw the hills covered with enemy troops. He did what most people would do, what I'm sure I would do as well. He cried out, "Elisha, Oh Elisha, look, there is the enemy all around us." He was petrified, scared, and fearful!
Fear can be a normal reaction to that which is perceived as a physical, or emotional danger; or an emotional reaction to the unknown. Lots of times fear is experienced when there is lack of knowledge, or lack of trust. In this case, there is real human danger. It seems as if their lives are at stake and they are seemingly defenseless. He could not see what God was doing.
Fear can let our imaginations run away from us and gripe us to inactivity, or activity that is inappropriate. Extreme shyness is a form of fear. One doesn't put himself out because he's afraid of getting hurt, or appearing foolish. He is afraid of not being liked, or appearing incompetent before others.
Remember the lesson that Jesus was teaching his disciples on the sea in the middle of the storm. They left in the calm waters and Jesus fell asleep. It is easy to trust in the day than in the dark when you can't see and aren't sure of what is ahead. But at night when winds and waves became life threatening they panicked and awakened Jesus, who rebuked them for their lack of faith.
Jesus told them they were going on the other side of the lake. He didn't tell them they were going to the middle of the lake and then drown. They needed to trust that with Jesus in the boat they need not fear. But at a later time they were in the boat in a storm and Jesus was not with them physically, but he still saw them and knew of their situation. That’s the thing I like about Jesus. He keeps on eye on you and me and we are never outside of his knowledge and care for us.
Isn't it common that people with weak faith see problems and want to escape? God has not forgotten you. He works amidst our fears.
Perhaps we would fear less if we re-evaluated our main goals, and let Jesus take care of the successes. Can we remain in God's will even if it appeared to be failure in the eyes of others?
We need strength in our weakness. We need the supernatural eyes of faith. We need to learn what trust is. We need to focus our attention on the One who has the power to do whatever He wants and will.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs June 3
Verses- 2 Kings 6: 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
18 As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, "Strike these people with blindness." So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.
19 Elisha told them, "This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for." And he led them to Samaria.
20 After they entered the city, Elisha said, "LORD, open the eyes of these men so they can see." Then the LORD opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria.
God works amidst our Faith
Elisha certainly was aware of what most are not. He saw God's heavenly protection and prayed that God would open the eyes of his servant so he would not fear. What he saw was a host of angels. What is invisible to man is how God works and the ways He chooses to work. Unseen angels are one of the facts of spiritual power and protection. No harm will befall Elisha. There are Biblical examples of angels and heavenly forces that keep and care and protect and strengthen God's anointed.
The added glory for the Christian is that now we have the Holy Spirit living within us. He never leaves!
Wallace said, "Faith sees what is invisible, It sees behind the visible alien forces all the heavenly resources and reinforcement of love and power that are there available for all who ally themselves with the causes of God. It sees in the darkest day the light of God's glory. It sees behind the very lilies and sparrows the Heavenly Fathers; promise of never-failing providence. To such a faith fear is to be thought of as folly to be pitied rather than as deliberate wickedness. How foolish not to believe that the love that has provided the infinitely costly gift will at the same time grudge to provide the paper and the wrappings that in comparison seem of no consequence."
In Billy Graham's book on Angels he tells of an experience his wife related concerning the Christian witness in China. 1942 after the Japanese had won the war with China. One morning around 9 am a Japanese truck stopped outside the bookroom of a Bible bookstore. The Christian shop assistant was all alone and realize with dismay the marines came to seize the stock. As soon as they started to enter a neatly dressed Chinese gentleman entered the shop just ahead of them. The shop keeper knew most of the customers and the people who traded there. This was a complete stranger. For some unknown reason the soldiers seemed unable to follow him. They loitered about looking in the larger windows. For 2 hours they stood around, until after 11 and never set foot inside the door. The stranger prayed and encouraged the clerk and at last the soldiers climbed into their army truck and drove away. The stranger also left without making a single purchase or even inquiring about any items in the shop. Ruth Graham’s father, Nelson Bell, noted this was certainly a God sent messenger for that time.
The Gospel Herald recorded the story of a minister who was threatened with his life. The missionary tells of being sent to someone on whom a tree had fallen. To reach the place he had to pass thought some rough area. All at once he was overwhelmed with fear and foreboding. He could not shake it off until he stopped and prayed. He went on. The next day the head bandit was shot and the missionary was summoned to his deathbed. The man confessed that on the previous night he had lain in wait in the cut-over land intending to kill him. But who were those men who rode with you? When he told him that he was alone, he was more agitated. You were not. Two men were with you. One on either side of you and in all my life I never saw such a horse as they rode. Who were they?
In the excitement the man had a hemorrhage and died. Oh that we might trust God and his forces to do what we cannot do and to obey in doing when we know he would have us do.
Was it not Job who was the object of debate with Satan and God. Satan was upset because God put a hedge of protection around him. God gave permission for Satan to tempt his faith only up to a point. Job showed his faith and trust in God in spite of the questions, doubts, and pain. Did God stop protecting Job? No, not at all. He still had Job in the palm of his hand; only he was using the experience of testing. The Psalmist tells us, "The angel of the Lord encampeth around about those who fear him and delivereth them."
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Fri June 4 – Friendliness
Verses 2 Kings 6: 21-23 When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, "Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?"
22 "Do not kill them," he answered. "Would you kill men you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master."
23 So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel's territory.
God Works amidst Friendliness
Elisha calls for blindness on the troops and then adds insult to injury. One man leads them into the capital city of Samaria where the total forces of Israel are lodged. The man brings them all in to the king and their eyes are opened. They see they are captured. "Shall I kill them?", The king asks. God's angels are stronger than metal swords and spears, as well as tanks, nuclear weapons, radar computers.
It was not God’s will to kill them, only to show them His compassion. They ate and were allowed to return to their master. They had no more problems after that. Such kindness was as throwing burning coals on their heads. Mercy was show to the enemy. God did His work His way with His timing. Friendliness paid off.
Chuck Colson in a Christianity Today article talked of the persecution of the church. Not so much the physical dangers that our third world brothers and sister face, but the prejudice Christians here might face in our culture. The values of the Bible are considered offensive by various aberrant groups publicized in the media. We marginalized are attacked by homosexuals, abortionists, feminists, secularists, evolutionists, and many schools of higher learning. TV and movie scripts portray Christians as hypocrites, oafs, and imbeciles. All the while the public cries there is no place for religion in the secular world. IT should be restricted only to the places of worship and kept among those who already follow their faith. school prayer is banned, kids in public school sex-education classes are taught bout alternative lifestyles, the use of condoms, safe sex. It is open season for Christian bashing.
Being kind to those who treat us unkindly is the instruction Jesus gives to us in his Sermon on the Mount. To bless those who despitefully use us. It is not the same as showing defense or even standing up for our rights. It is not the same as to be kept quiet from the truth. It is to show kindness.
When soldiers were captured in World War two there were countless testimonies of how our soldiers were treated by the enemy and how we treated those prisoners of war. Compassion wins over.
Colson reminds us that Christians have encountered hostility from a secular culture, throughout the ages. There has not always been the host of angels who blinds the enemy. But there has been God's messengers, even heavenly forces, carrying out the advancement and establishment of God's kingdom, not man's way, but God's way.
Suffering and injustice were to be expected. We take as our example one who, when he was reviled, reviled not in return, but stayed the course in obedience to the Father. We are called to be a holy nation, loving one another and the world around us. We are called to do good deeds even as we are slandered as evildoers.
Aram and his forces are long gone, so is Nero and Herod and their empires. But the light of the gospel continues to shine brightly today. It is a light as our brothers and sisters from the persecuted churches of the East have proved, cannot be extinguished. How else can we explain that happened when only the Church was the significant opposition to atheistic communistic rule in spite of persecution? Who won? "Not by might, but by my spirit says the Lord."
God's forces are winning, they are heavenly forces. They make themselves occasionally evident, or most commonly continue with the shroud of mystery and invisibility. But the victory is the Lord. He works amidst our folly, our fears, our faith and our friendliness.
Don't fight God. Don't fear, but have faith. He is in charge.
Pastor Dale
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)