Sermon nuggets Mon Aug 25
Theme Pretenders
Verses: John 13:18-20 "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'
19 "I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He.
20 I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."
False Leaders
Recently I have been troubled again by the many who take on religious leadership but do not follow the one and only leader, Jesus Christ. I am not talking about non Christian religions, but people who claim to be Christians but present a different gospel.
All throughout the Bible we are warned of false prophets and false teachers. After some tell me what they have heard on TV, radio, or in the latest book I am appalled how people follow some of these leaders who go contrary to the clear teaching of the Bible. Just because a person quotes some Bible verses or says he or she is a Christian does not mean they are according to the word of God. Many see Oprah as one of the greatest Christians because she says she is and does good things. Yet by her own admission she does not believe He is the only way to salvation. Does one use Jesus only to the degree it fits our purposes?
I realize there are many interpretations of verses that Christians have debated throughout the centuries. Some people get enamored with new teachings they haven’t heard before and so think because it is novel it must be a new revelation by God.
Many pastors and teachers begin with solid doctrine and biblically based ministry only to find that years later their pride, or power, or lust have gotten into the way of being found faithful. The early messages of Jim Jones, for instance, seemed pretty orthodox, so I am told. But as his following got bigger and reputation as a leader stronger, it soon became all about him and not about Jesus. He manipulated people for his own purposes.
As the subject of Judas Iscariot is presented as the betrayer of Christ, Jesus tells his disciples not to let these things throw them. He wants to warn them and us people will be revealed sooner or later if they are true followers or pretenders.
There is an attitude that permeates around us after something has served it's purpose, we might as well discard it. Unfortunately some people treat others that way too. Relationships also become wasted on selfish pursuits.
Jesus was one that the Jews looked to for relief from Roman oppression. Many believed he was the Messiah to establish Jewish earthly rule forever. Some people liked to think this was the motivation behind Judas'action. Judas was a national zealot who thought he could move Jesus to conflict thus forcing his hand into a position of national leadership. This was not Jesus intention. So for Judas Jesus was a commodity to be used to accomplishhis personal goal.
The musical of the 70s "Jesus Christ Superstar" by Tim Rice, and other recent writings presented Judas as someone a confused, misguided leader who had the best intensions in mind for Israel. He is a hero.
How do we look at Christ? Does he serve our purposes? If he doesn't do we put him on the self ignore Him, or even abandon Him? Are we a religious consumer, or a real servant? Do we believe in Jesus in order to have our desires met or do we see Him as Lord of the universe who is worthy of following and serving Him wherever that path may lead?
Pastor Dale.
