Sermon nuggets Fri May 9, 2008
Theme Conflict
Verses John 7:25-36 At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, "Isn't this the man they are trying to kill? Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ? But we know where this man is from; when the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from."
Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, "Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me."
At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?"
The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering such things about him. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees sent temple guards to arrest him.
Jesus said, "I am with you for only a short time, and then I go to the one who sent me. You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come."
The Jews said to one another, "Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks? What did he mean when he said, 'You will look for me, but you will not find me,' and 'Where I am, you cannot come'?"
A Matter of Trusting.
Look at the various responses to Jesus in this chapter: v.5 His own brothers did not believe on him. v. l2..He is a good man..v.l2b He is a deciever. v. 40 A prophet, v. 41 The Christ. v. 42 How can he be? 43..The people were divided. v. 46 No one spoke as this man. are you also deceived.? v.47 "Have any of the rulers believed? It is only the mob who knows nothing of the law. there is a curse on them. "
Doesn't it seem that there is much confusion over who Jesus is? And yet this is the crux of a decision that anyone is faced with in this life whether they lived 2,000 years ago or whether you live now. There ultimately comes the question of what are you going to do with Jesus.
There are questions that are asked in these last verses. "Isn't this the man they are trying to kill? (yes He is) “Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ?” (no they haven't) Jesus declares to them that He is the one who is from above. He knows God because he is from heaven.
They were waiting for the one from God and they could identify that one as the Messiah, so then is stands to reason to look at the next question: "When the Christ comes, will He do more miracles that this man?" The obvious answer is, "no he will not". When the Messiah comes, will He do more--could he do more--than Jesus? Who could do more to convince anyone that He is the Messiah? He said it; He showed them miracles; He was not attached to the things of this world. Why should He be when He lived in glory?
When I went to India I was grateful for a bed to sleep on while the hosts slept on the floor. But I realized this was only a short time without air conditioning and intermitted electricity because I was soon to go home to my own bed, cooler temperatures, a car and a wife. I appreciated what I needed for the journey but that wasn’t home and I wasn’t attached to it. Jesus was not attached to this temporary world while on a temporary journey. He was awaiting to go home knowing His time here is limited. It wanted His followers to also have this insight.
When we ask who is Jesus, think of the influence He has had, not just on the church and among Christians, but on socieites. Look at the greatest social changes and reform that occurred and still occurs because of Jesus. No other religion can claim that. At the time of Christ the world was a place of cruelty and horror, Slavery was practiced, Gladiatorial contests encouraged. Prejudice running ramped. It was because of the followers of Jesus Christ that slavery changed, the Roman games were changed, places of refuge were provided, there was food for the poor, education, hospitals, orphanages, Could the coming of another Messiah do more than this?
The last question was “where will Jesus go so we will not find Him? How can we find Him?” We can only find him by trusting in Him.
How do we face a crowd antagonistic to Christ and to Christians? It is trusting Jesus and realizing that the ways of man will pass. The ways of God endure. It is getting the eternal perspective on truth and living it out, or dying to new life. Fear no man. Trust in God. He will never leave you nor forsake you, even through death.
Pastor Dale
Friday, May 9, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Testing John 6:17,18
Sermon Nuggets Thurs May 8, 2008
Theme- Conflicts
Verses- John 6:17,18 If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
Á Matter of Testing
During times of conflict one can also see this as a time of testing of faith. What do you really believe? Are you ready to hold to that belief when the circumstances are tough? What if persecution arises? How strongly do you believe?
Of course there are all kinds of doubts. You can be convinced of something, but unless challenged not a lot of thought is given to it. I am surprised how much I try to rationalize arguments even when I thought I held something strongly. I am not so much talking about the majors, but the areas where popular opinion goes against what I believe.
A friend of mine was challenged when his sister, a Christian, wanted to marry a man who left his wife and divorced her. She asked her brother, a minister, to perform the wedding. He struggled with his beliefs on divorce and remarriage. He believe there were Biblical reasons for remarriage and this was a situation where he felt the divorce of her fiancee didn't meet that criteria. He thought of many reasons to change his mind, but bottom line he wanted to do the wedding because he loved his sister. Finally he said, "I cannot change the rules just because I love the players." Did he do right or wrong? Was this a matter of law or grace? Was he seeking to obey the Lord's will or man's desires? It was a time of testing.
Am I being deceived? Can I really follow Jesus? There comes a time of testing. Jesus puts faith to them in a frank manner. vs. l7 If any one chooses to do God's will he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own."
Jesus teachings were often addressed to the will rather than simply to the mind. Christ challenges us to believe and act on His truth. Only when I am willing to be obedient is my heart in a receptive state where I can know His will. Jesus is saying that you do God's will, and the God who expressed that will become believable to you.
Pastor Bob Brunko said, "It is in forgiving others that we understand and experience the reality of God's forgiveness of us. It is in loving others that God's love becomes real. It is in giving that we begin to understand and appreciate his generosity. It is in sacrificing ourselves to serve others that his sacrifice for us becomes believable. " In other words in the obeying of the word, the believing takes care of itself.
If a man determines in advance that he will live by it then God will disclose the truth of His word to him. He will disclose more truth concerning the person of Jesus to those who determine that they will follow Him.
Do you have trouble believing in Christ, or trusting the Bible? Then perhaps it is because you have not yet determined to go in the way God's truth lead you. Consider the matter of testing. Circumstances have a way of doing that to us.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Conflicts
Verses- John 6:17,18 If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
Á Matter of Testing
During times of conflict one can also see this as a time of testing of faith. What do you really believe? Are you ready to hold to that belief when the circumstances are tough? What if persecution arises? How strongly do you believe?
Of course there are all kinds of doubts. You can be convinced of something, but unless challenged not a lot of thought is given to it. I am surprised how much I try to rationalize arguments even when I thought I held something strongly. I am not so much talking about the majors, but the areas where popular opinion goes against what I believe.
A friend of mine was challenged when his sister, a Christian, wanted to marry a man who left his wife and divorced her. She asked her brother, a minister, to perform the wedding. He struggled with his beliefs on divorce and remarriage. He believe there were Biblical reasons for remarriage and this was a situation where he felt the divorce of her fiancee didn't meet that criteria. He thought of many reasons to change his mind, but bottom line he wanted to do the wedding because he loved his sister. Finally he said, "I cannot change the rules just because I love the players." Did he do right or wrong? Was this a matter of law or grace? Was he seeking to obey the Lord's will or man's desires? It was a time of testing.
Am I being deceived? Can I really follow Jesus? There comes a time of testing. Jesus puts faith to them in a frank manner. vs. l7 If any one chooses to do God's will he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own."
Jesus teachings were often addressed to the will rather than simply to the mind. Christ challenges us to believe and act on His truth. Only when I am willing to be obedient is my heart in a receptive state where I can know His will. Jesus is saying that you do God's will, and the God who expressed that will become believable to you.
Pastor Bob Brunko said, "It is in forgiving others that we understand and experience the reality of God's forgiveness of us. It is in loving others that God's love becomes real. It is in giving that we begin to understand and appreciate his generosity. It is in sacrificing ourselves to serve others that his sacrifice for us becomes believable. " In other words in the obeying of the word, the believing takes care of itself.
If a man determines in advance that he will live by it then God will disclose the truth of His word to him. He will disclose more truth concerning the person of Jesus to those who determine that they will follow Him.
Do you have trouble believing in Christ, or trusting the Bible? Then perhaps it is because you have not yet determined to go in the way God's truth lead you. Consider the matter of testing. Circumstances have a way of doing that to us.
Pastor Dale
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Teaching truth John 7:14-24
Sermon nuggets, Weds May 7, 2008
Theme – Conflict
Verses -John 7:14-24 Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. The Jews were amazed and asked, "How did this man get such learning without having studied?"
16 Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me.
17 If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?"
20 "You are demon-possessed," the crowd answered. "Who is trying to kill you?"
21 Jesus said to them, "I did one miracle, and you are all astonished. Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a child on the Sabbath. Now if a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath?
Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." (NIV)
Teaching Truth
It was interesting after Jesus left Galilee he came in secretly and showed himself publicly at the temple. The temple is the physical dwelling place of God to the Jewish people. There God was revealed also in the flesh, though they did not know it at the time.
As He taught they questioned where he got his teaching. The world has a different viewpoint of authoritative teaching. They wanted to know his credentials. Truth is truth regardless of how many degrees someone has. With the recent movie, Expelled, we see how the traditions of man in Darwinism refuses to look at the evidence for Intelligent Design. The political and academic culture wants to supress the truth of God for man centered worldviews. This is evidenced increasingly in the traditions of church teachings as well. All truth is never anything to be feared, although it can increase conflict when the opinions of man differs from the truth of God.
There was still hostility concerning the fact that He healed a man on the Sabbath. According to the teachings of religious law Jesus had violated the Jews understanding of the Sabbath by healing a paralyzed man. If Jesus could do such a thing on the Sabbath day then He was obviously dangerous.
The point Jesus makes is that just as the rite of circumcision was done in order not to violate the law of Moses, so also His act of grace was done in order not to violate the law of God. He has fulfilled the kindly intent and purpose of God on that Sabbath.
The world is also concerned also about appearances. Jesus is concerned about reality. He is not concerned with how well he comes across to mere men, or how well He will be liked. He wants them to honor God with all their hearts. He wants that of you and me. He calls us to be His witnesses.
Friends, there comes a time when we must no longer keep silent. We must tell and teach the truths of Jesus and His word, regardless how it is to be received. The idea that," I don't speak up to tell others about my faith I just let my life do the talking," forces us to ask, "Whose life is good enough for such an assignment?"
Samuel Shoemaker once said, "I cannot by being good, tell men of Jesus' atoning death and resurrection, nor of my faith in His divinity. The emphasis is too much on me, and too little on Him. Our lives must be made as consistent as we can make them with our faith; but our faith, if we are Christians, is vastly greater than our lives. That is why the word of witness is so important."
When we confront a hostile world we must consider the matter of teaching truth. Traditions of man will often be in conflict with the truth of God.
Are there traditions that seem in conflict with what the Spirit an Word of truth is presenting to you these days?
Pastor Dale
Theme – Conflict
Verses -John 7:14-24 Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. The Jews were amazed and asked, "How did this man get such learning without having studied?"
16 Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me.
17 If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?"
20 "You are demon-possessed," the crowd answered. "Who is trying to kill you?"
21 Jesus said to them, "I did one miracle, and you are all astonished. Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a child on the Sabbath. Now if a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath?
Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." (NIV)
Teaching Truth
It was interesting after Jesus left Galilee he came in secretly and showed himself publicly at the temple. The temple is the physical dwelling place of God to the Jewish people. There God was revealed also in the flesh, though they did not know it at the time.
As He taught they questioned where he got his teaching. The world has a different viewpoint of authoritative teaching. They wanted to know his credentials. Truth is truth regardless of how many degrees someone has. With the recent movie, Expelled, we see how the traditions of man in Darwinism refuses to look at the evidence for Intelligent Design. The political and academic culture wants to supress the truth of God for man centered worldviews. This is evidenced increasingly in the traditions of church teachings as well. All truth is never anything to be feared, although it can increase conflict when the opinions of man differs from the truth of God.
There was still hostility concerning the fact that He healed a man on the Sabbath. According to the teachings of religious law Jesus had violated the Jews understanding of the Sabbath by healing a paralyzed man. If Jesus could do such a thing on the Sabbath day then He was obviously dangerous.
The point Jesus makes is that just as the rite of circumcision was done in order not to violate the law of Moses, so also His act of grace was done in order not to violate the law of God. He has fulfilled the kindly intent and purpose of God on that Sabbath.
The world is also concerned also about appearances. Jesus is concerned about reality. He is not concerned with how well he comes across to mere men, or how well He will be liked. He wants them to honor God with all their hearts. He wants that of you and me. He calls us to be His witnesses.
Friends, there comes a time when we must no longer keep silent. We must tell and teach the truths of Jesus and His word, regardless how it is to be received. The idea that," I don't speak up to tell others about my faith I just let my life do the talking," forces us to ask, "Whose life is good enough for such an assignment?"
Samuel Shoemaker once said, "I cannot by being good, tell men of Jesus' atoning death and resurrection, nor of my faith in His divinity. The emphasis is too much on me, and too little on Him. Our lives must be made as consistent as we can make them with our faith; but our faith, if we are Christians, is vastly greater than our lives. That is why the word of witness is so important."
When we confront a hostile world we must consider the matter of teaching truth. Traditions of man will often be in conflict with the truth of God.
Are there traditions that seem in conflict with what the Spirit an Word of truth is presenting to you these days?
Pastor Dale
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Timing John 7:6-13
Sermon nuggets, Tuesday May 6, 2008
Theme- Conflict
Verses -John 7:6-13 Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come."
Having said this, he stayed in Galilee.
However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.
Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, "Where is that man?"
Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No, he deceives the people."
But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews. (NIV)
A Matter of Timing
Jesus’ brothers were not believers yet, but they are aware of Jesus abilities to perform miracles. The brothers of Jesus were worldly wise. Doing things the world's way and at the world's timing is part of knowing your market. It makes sense to capitalize on the Feast of Tabernacles. It makes sense to do some miracles to attract a crowd. It makes sense to go to Jerusalem now, with fanfare and pomp and splendor to accomplish what they thought Jesus wanted to accomplish, but this was not the way of Christ. Jesus is out of step with the world. Handling conflict was a matter of timing.
It wasn't the right timing from God’s perspective, not in terms of the time of day, but the circumstances surrounding the entrance into Jerusalem. It was not God's timing to show off miracles, but to confront people of their unbelief. It was not the right time to make a public display for the wrong reasons.
In other words, what his unbelieving brothers did not understand, and what is hard for others to understand too is this: Jesus was not to be popular with people by trying to please them. It was time to point out their sin and that would result in hatred.
We can miss the will of what God is doing in our lives, not because we cannot see the individual features of His work, but because His work is either too slow for our comprehension or too fast. Trust Him and rejoice in the fact that one day your perspective will be His own. We have one concern on our mind whereas God is aware of the bigger picture and purpose.
Jesus was concerned about being in God's will by recognizing that timing must also be in God's hands as well. We must recognize the timing of God differs from man's timing as well. God does what He wishes from a different perspective than what we can imagine. The New Testament is full of verses which indicate that Jesus was born, lived, and died according to the fixed plan of God: Gal. 4:4,5 "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his son, made of a woman, made under the law to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."
The death of Jesus Christ was the most important event of His life and it was eternally planned and determined by God. Not only His death, but also the details of His death and other facts related to His birth and life on earth. When Jesus came to earth, He was conscious that the events of His life were marked out for Him by God.
When it also comes to conflicts a matter of timing and prayer needs to be considered to discuss, confront, or remain quiet as we pray and prepare our hearts. Impulsive responses and confrontation at the wrong time can make matters worse. Most married couples realize there is right and wrong times to resolve some issues.
Are you struggling with witnessing to someone who is closed to Jesus Christ? Are you perplexed that God is not moving as fast as you want Him to move in a certain area of your life? Are you concerned that He is pushing you too fast?
The time Joseph was in the prison in Egypt seemed wasted but it wasn't. The time of Paul in the prisons of Rome seemed to not make sense from a worldly point of view, but as all these figures of faith will attest God's timing is best. Wait when he wants you to wait, Keep quiet when he wants you to keep quiet, move when he wants you to move. The matter of timing is important when you want to follow the ways of God.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Conflict
Verses -John 7:6-13 Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come."
Having said this, he stayed in Galilee.
However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.
Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, "Where is that man?"
Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No, he deceives the people."
But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews. (NIV)
A Matter of Timing
Jesus’ brothers were not believers yet, but they are aware of Jesus abilities to perform miracles. The brothers of Jesus were worldly wise. Doing things the world's way and at the world's timing is part of knowing your market. It makes sense to capitalize on the Feast of Tabernacles. It makes sense to do some miracles to attract a crowd. It makes sense to go to Jerusalem now, with fanfare and pomp and splendor to accomplish what they thought Jesus wanted to accomplish, but this was not the way of Christ. Jesus is out of step with the world. Handling conflict was a matter of timing.
It wasn't the right timing from God’s perspective, not in terms of the time of day, but the circumstances surrounding the entrance into Jerusalem. It was not God's timing to show off miracles, but to confront people of their unbelief. It was not the right time to make a public display for the wrong reasons.
In other words, what his unbelieving brothers did not understand, and what is hard for others to understand too is this: Jesus was not to be popular with people by trying to please them. It was time to point out their sin and that would result in hatred.
We can miss the will of what God is doing in our lives, not because we cannot see the individual features of His work, but because His work is either too slow for our comprehension or too fast. Trust Him and rejoice in the fact that one day your perspective will be His own. We have one concern on our mind whereas God is aware of the bigger picture and purpose.
Jesus was concerned about being in God's will by recognizing that timing must also be in God's hands as well. We must recognize the timing of God differs from man's timing as well. God does what He wishes from a different perspective than what we can imagine. The New Testament is full of verses which indicate that Jesus was born, lived, and died according to the fixed plan of God: Gal. 4:4,5 "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his son, made of a woman, made under the law to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."
The death of Jesus Christ was the most important event of His life and it was eternally planned and determined by God. Not only His death, but also the details of His death and other facts related to His birth and life on earth. When Jesus came to earth, He was conscious that the events of His life were marked out for Him by God.
When it also comes to conflicts a matter of timing and prayer needs to be considered to discuss, confront, or remain quiet as we pray and prepare our hearts. Impulsive responses and confrontation at the wrong time can make matters worse. Most married couples realize there is right and wrong times to resolve some issues.
Are you struggling with witnessing to someone who is closed to Jesus Christ? Are you perplexed that God is not moving as fast as you want Him to move in a certain area of your life? Are you concerned that He is pushing you too fast?
The time Joseph was in the prison in Egypt seemed wasted but it wasn't. The time of Paul in the prisons of Rome seemed to not make sense from a worldly point of view, but as all these figures of faith will attest God's timing is best. Wait when he wants you to wait, Keep quiet when he wants you to keep quiet, move when he wants you to move. The matter of timing is important when you want to follow the ways of God.
Pastor Dale
Monday, May 5, 2008
Hostility John 7:1-5
Sermon nuggets, Monday May 5, 2008
Theme- Conflict
Verses John 7:1-5 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.
2 But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world."
5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him. (NIV)
Handling a Hostile Crowd
One of the most inspiring missions books I have read is from the church library, Bruncho. The story is of Bruce Olson who resided in Minnesota and sensed a call from God to go to Columbia. He worked in Columbia for Wycliffe Bible Translators. He was held in captivity for nine months. His prayer was not," God, liberate me", but," Lord, make me effective wherever you place me."
The Communists captured Olson and accused him of being a CIA agent. During the time of his captivity he consistently won the trust of his captors teaching them to read, studying the Bible with them, and introducing them to Christ. He shared that about 60% of 200 men he had Bible studies with came into a definite understanding of Jesus Christ and a Christian commitment. " Olson experienced a mock execution.
Soon after that he was set free. It was because of intestinal disorders that caused bleeding and the need for blood transfusions, that ultimately brought about his release. A national leader of the communist guerrillas told Bruce Olson "We will never forget you are the first person in our camp that we have captured that has been a friend and understood us. We esteem you."
We praise God for the outcome of the release of Bruce Olson. He was in the midst of handling a hostile crowd, because of his faith. He was not intimidated by death or captivity. The Love of God shown through his life and ministered to his very captors.
Many believers face a hostile crowd and are killed. Ultimately Jesus was. It is important to accept Christ's message about conflict: We don't have to be afraid; we can stand for what we believe, that standing, that struggle, is redemptive.
I am afraid as days go by Christians all over the world and in the United States will experience increased persecution. How should we react? The passage this week allows us to see conflict through the experience of Jesus Christ. It can be summed up in the verse "I will never leave you nor forsake you, henceforth we can confidently say, the Lord is my helper, I need not fear for what can man do to me?"
Pastor Dale.
Theme- Conflict
Verses John 7:1-5 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.
2 But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world."
5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him. (NIV)
Handling a Hostile Crowd
One of the most inspiring missions books I have read is from the church library, Bruncho. The story is of Bruce Olson who resided in Minnesota and sensed a call from God to go to Columbia. He worked in Columbia for Wycliffe Bible Translators. He was held in captivity for nine months. His prayer was not," God, liberate me", but," Lord, make me effective wherever you place me."
The Communists captured Olson and accused him of being a CIA agent. During the time of his captivity he consistently won the trust of his captors teaching them to read, studying the Bible with them, and introducing them to Christ. He shared that about 60% of 200 men he had Bible studies with came into a definite understanding of Jesus Christ and a Christian commitment. " Olson experienced a mock execution.
Soon after that he was set free. It was because of intestinal disorders that caused bleeding and the need for blood transfusions, that ultimately brought about his release. A national leader of the communist guerrillas told Bruce Olson "We will never forget you are the first person in our camp that we have captured that has been a friend and understood us. We esteem you."
We praise God for the outcome of the release of Bruce Olson. He was in the midst of handling a hostile crowd, because of his faith. He was not intimidated by death or captivity. The Love of God shown through his life and ministered to his very captors.
Many believers face a hostile crowd and are killed. Ultimately Jesus was. It is important to accept Christ's message about conflict: We don't have to be afraid; we can stand for what we believe, that standing, that struggle, is redemptive.
I am afraid as days go by Christians all over the world and in the United States will experience increased persecution. How should we react? The passage this week allows us to see conflict through the experience of Jesus Christ. It can be summed up in the verse "I will never leave you nor forsake you, henceforth we can confidently say, the Lord is my helper, I need not fear for what can man do to me?"
Pastor Dale.
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