Sermon nuggets Thurs June 5
Theme- Spiritual Heritage
Verse John 8:44-47 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!
Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
A spitting image
There is no mistaking who some people are related to. It is apparent that some children are part of the same family because of their similar characteristics. Surprisingly so some kids even walk and certainly talk like their parents.
While studying child psychology at Michigan State University there were two professors arguing if we are influenced more by genetics, or by environment. They did not agree. But in presenting their case it was apparent to me that both influence behavior. Tons of studies are done on twins and triplets, especially if they are removed from their homes at an early age. The similarities of the children who grew up in different families is remarkable in more ways than just looks. One social worker told how a baby from one woman was taken and put in foster care. Mom had acted out in ways that made her lose her child. In spite of the different household, the child carried out just like her biological mother when she reached teen years.
The other psychologist argued how much our experiences influence our choices and the reason many children within the same household are so different is because of their unique experiences with teachers, parents who change during the years, grandparents, neighbors, economy, and friends. Change their environment and you will change the child.
There is no question that friends influence us. I often am grateful for my three friends growing up in Detroit from our youth group who encourage one another in faith issues. I had them to talk to and hang out with while some of my classmates picked different friends.
Jesus identifies in spiritually we need a heart transplant. We need a new parent. Our genes are sadly affected by Satan causing us to “look like him”. When I read of the tragic violence, prejudice, hatred, immorality I get discouraged. When I see how our society is spinning headlong into the garbage pit, and how TV and movies are not only reflecting misguided values, but delighting in going over the edge the radical message of redemption needs to be heard.
Kirk Cameron, child star from Growing Pains, tells how the evil influence of Hollywood throws temptations that are greater than a typical environment. But His change came when Christ came into his life. He needed a new father and life has never been the same. How is it than many who meet and accept Jesus have such a change in their lives? A new identity.
The fellowship of believers, and the encouragement of Christians is a necessity to keep growing and becoming more like Christ. The heart that is changed begins on the inside. The Spirit of God begins to produce the fruit.
Jesus saw the bad fruit of the Pharisees in spite of their outward religious rituals and identified the source. They were still related to the devil. But changing old habits is a combination of faith, humility, obedience, repentance and desire. The path makes folks say, “You can sure tell who his/her Father is. Looks just like HIM!”
Pastor Dale
