Sermon nuggets Fri June 27, 2008
Theme- The Sheep of His Pasture
Verses-John 10:30 I and the Father are one."
31 Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him,32 but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?"
33 "We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."
34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are gods'? 35 If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came-- and the Scripture cannot be broken—36 what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'?
37 Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does.38 But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."
39 Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.
40 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed41 and many people came to him. They said, "Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true."
42 And in that place many believed in Jesus.
Who’s your Shepherd?
Notice the other things Jesus is saying in His conversation. "I and the Father are one". Boy has that ever caused controversy! He is talking about essence. Now if it was Jesus intent to stay out of trouble with his hearers, He certainly would not have said this. If he had a chance to clarify His identity so no one would misunderstand, he would not have said this, unless He is who He is. This is as clear a statement of His deity as you will find anywhere in Scripture. This was even stronger than His statement that He had come down from heaven or that He existed before Abraham ever lived.
The Jewish leaders understood clearly what He was saying! Some modern liberal theologians would water down our Lord's statement, but the people who heard it knew exactly what He was saying, "I am God." vs. 33 says, "We are not stoning you for any of these, replied the Jews, but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."
If Jesus was not claiming to be God what would He say? Wouldn't he say something like, “No you got that all wrong. Let me tell you a parable of the difference between a Father and Son.” Instead he pointed out an interesting argument that you almost need a Hebrew mind to understand, Our Lord quoted Psalm 82:6. The picture in Psalm 82 is that of a court, where God has assembled the judges of the earth, to warn them that they too will one day be judged. The problem is not all judges are just. They need to cease from unjust ways and defend the poor and the innocent. The judge is commissioned by God to bring God's help and justice to men. He is as God to men. The Hebrew word Elohim can be translated as "god" or as "judges," It is also one of the OT names for God. In that job they were to declare the judgment of God, they were referred to as gods, standing in his place. The Jewish teachers knew their own language and they knew that Jesus was speaking the truth. If God called human judges gods, then why should they stone him for applying the same title?
Now he even goes further than placing himself in the category of one of the humans judges, he makes a greater distinction by saying, "He is set apart for the Father as his very own and sent into the world" vs.36. He is not just like the human judges, but the Son of God. He is holy, and He is sent. This is even a title the others cannot claim.
Jesus then points out that the tasks of the Father and the Son are identical. If they cannot believe the words, as least look at what he is doing and the power by which He is doing it. A word is something about which a man can argue; but a deed is something about which there is no argument. His claims are not only on what He said, but what He is and does.
His conversation includes the words, "believe the miracles that you may learn and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." Instead of believing, they tried to seize him, and so Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and there many came to Him. There many remembered the words and teaching of John the Baptist; there they became believers, followers of Jesus Christ.
The unbelief is not to be justified on the ground of the lack of evidence. We have heard the words and seen the works. They've been told and we've been told. They have seen and we have seen the evidences, and testimony of changed lives. They were not sheep. They were unwilling to commit to the Shepherd. They were unwilling to follow. They had a lack of humility, lack of desire, lack of the touch of the Spirit of God,
“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." Acts 16:31
Pastor Dale
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Sheep Presevered. John 10:27-30
Sermon Nuggets Thurs June 26, 2008
Theme; The Sheep of the Shepherd
Verses- John 10:27-30 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."(NIV)
The Sheep Preserved.
Yesterday we discussed how we were called and elected as believers to be part of the Shepherd’s fold. The emphasis from God’s point is ownership, love, protection and power. The power of the Father is greater than all. We are preserved through the attacks and the craftiness of the evil one to lead us astray.
While visiting Israel one pastor looked up some shepherds and through an interpreter asked them a lot of questions about sheep and shepherding. He learned in times of old it was customary for the shepherds to meet at a large place each evening, and put all of the sheep into one huge pen for the night where they knew they would be safe, while meeting with other shepherds to have fellowship and eat before going to sleep for the night. The next morning, the shepherd would go to the sheep fold and call out something that the sheep might understand, and only those who were his would respond and the others would turn a deaf ear to that shepherd, until their came and called them out.
From a human standpoint we become His sheep by believing; from a divine standpoint we believe because we are His sheep.
John Newton used to tell a story of a good woman who said, “Ah sir, the Lord must have loved me before I was born, or else He would not have seen anything in me to love afterwards."
A true disciple of Christ follows Christ. A false disciple of Christ does not follow Christ. Sheep listen to the voice of thier master. If someone has no desire to follow Christ, that person is not a Christian. The Holy Spirit moves us to desire to obey Him. Although we struggle with our old nature too and fall and fail, and sin, but take notice of the words that follow, "no one can snatch them out of my hand." "no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."
This is a lasting relationship. It is secure, it is eternal, it is of God. Satan cannot steal us away. He can discourage us, tempt us, cause us to fall, cause us to sin, cause us to suffer, cause us to be persecuted, martyred, and tortured, but cannot snatch our souls from the protection of God Himself. The divine fact is that no matter how I feel a mature Christian is one who learns early that feelings are not based on truth. Truth is in the fact of salvation. Our feelings and emotions change. Enthusiasm is often controlled by the changing events and circumstances around us. But you and I may have a settled assurance about our relationship to the Lord because of what Jesus has done and what the Bible says.
Pastor Dale
Theme; The Sheep of the Shepherd
Verses- John 10:27-30 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."(NIV)
The Sheep Preserved.
Yesterday we discussed how we were called and elected as believers to be part of the Shepherd’s fold. The emphasis from God’s point is ownership, love, protection and power. The power of the Father is greater than all. We are preserved through the attacks and the craftiness of the evil one to lead us astray.
While visiting Israel one pastor looked up some shepherds and through an interpreter asked them a lot of questions about sheep and shepherding. He learned in times of old it was customary for the shepherds to meet at a large place each evening, and put all of the sheep into one huge pen for the night where they knew they would be safe, while meeting with other shepherds to have fellowship and eat before going to sleep for the night. The next morning, the shepherd would go to the sheep fold and call out something that the sheep might understand, and only those who were his would respond and the others would turn a deaf ear to that shepherd, until their came and called them out.
From a human standpoint we become His sheep by believing; from a divine standpoint we believe because we are His sheep.
John Newton used to tell a story of a good woman who said, “Ah sir, the Lord must have loved me before I was born, or else He would not have seen anything in me to love afterwards."
A true disciple of Christ follows Christ. A false disciple of Christ does not follow Christ. Sheep listen to the voice of thier master. If someone has no desire to follow Christ, that person is not a Christian. The Holy Spirit moves us to desire to obey Him. Although we struggle with our old nature too and fall and fail, and sin, but take notice of the words that follow, "no one can snatch them out of my hand." "no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."
This is a lasting relationship. It is secure, it is eternal, it is of God. Satan cannot steal us away. He can discourage us, tempt us, cause us to fall, cause us to sin, cause us to suffer, cause us to be persecuted, martyred, and tortured, but cannot snatch our souls from the protection of God Himself. The divine fact is that no matter how I feel a mature Christian is one who learns early that feelings are not based on truth. Truth is in the fact of salvation. Our feelings and emotions change. Enthusiasm is often controlled by the changing events and circumstances around us. But you and I may have a settled assurance about our relationship to the Lord because of what Jesus has done and what the Bible says.
Pastor Dale
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Consering the Call John 10:27-28
Sermon Nuggets Weds June 25
Theme- The Sheep of His Pasture
Verses John 10: 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
Considering the Call.
Jesus had talked earlier in the chapter of the relationship between sheep and shepherd. He contrasted Himself, the good shepherd, with those who were hired, and some who were robbers. Spiritually we know that there were false teachers, and religious workers who were only out for what they could get. Instead of protecting the sheep and leading and providing for them, they abused the sheep, and treated them only for their own ends. We see examples of this still today.
Jesus returns to the figure of sheep when he talks about those who belong to God. He reminds us of some basics. His sheep hear his voice. People that are truly Christians desire God. They want to please Jesus. They want His will for their life. They wait expectantly for Him and for His direction. They are eager for a relationship with the Shepherd and their joy is in the Lord. Anything else is either immature faith, or man-made religion.
It is interesting that He says the sheep hear His voice, and He knows them. Doesn't it seem that if the sheep hear His voice, they would know Him? Another important consideration of being a Christians isn't just knowing Jesus, and listening for his voice, it is being known by Jesus. What a mystery and marvel that Jesus knows us. He calls us to himself. The reason many do not believe Jesus told them was they were not his sheep.
In the Bible divine elections and human responsibility are balanced and taught. They appear to be contradictory. I cannot get away from the call of God to you and me to respond in belief in Jesus. I cannot get away from the fact that before we were born He already chose us for Himself. Theologians have been debating this one for years. Eph. 1:4 "Chosen before the foundation of the world." Each saved sheep is a love gift from the Father to His Son. Life is a life. You and I were born into a world, into a culture, into a country, to parents none of which is our doing. We had no voice in it. Yet it is grace. God planned your birth here, now, under the conditions in which you face. You could have been born today in famine stricken Africa and the chances of living beyond 5 are 50-50. You could have been born in Japan and the chances of coming to know Jesus Christ is less than 5%. You could be born in one of the closed countries of Moslem domination and your chance of hearing the gospel, not to mention responding to it, is less they 5%. Eternal life and the opportunities of coming to Christ as our Savior and Lord is not earned, nor is it because of intrinsic merit or value. We are His sheep because God willed it.
God initiates salvation. He calls us to be His own. In that I delight.
Pastor Dale
Theme- The Sheep of His Pasture
Verses John 10: 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
Considering the Call.
Jesus had talked earlier in the chapter of the relationship between sheep and shepherd. He contrasted Himself, the good shepherd, with those who were hired, and some who were robbers. Spiritually we know that there were false teachers, and religious workers who were only out for what they could get. Instead of protecting the sheep and leading and providing for them, they abused the sheep, and treated them only for their own ends. We see examples of this still today.
Jesus returns to the figure of sheep when he talks about those who belong to God. He reminds us of some basics. His sheep hear his voice. People that are truly Christians desire God. They want to please Jesus. They want His will for their life. They wait expectantly for Him and for His direction. They are eager for a relationship with the Shepherd and their joy is in the Lord. Anything else is either immature faith, or man-made religion.
It is interesting that He says the sheep hear His voice, and He knows them. Doesn't it seem that if the sheep hear His voice, they would know Him? Another important consideration of being a Christians isn't just knowing Jesus, and listening for his voice, it is being known by Jesus. What a mystery and marvel that Jesus knows us. He calls us to himself. The reason many do not believe Jesus told them was they were not his sheep.
In the Bible divine elections and human responsibility are balanced and taught. They appear to be contradictory. I cannot get away from the call of God to you and me to respond in belief in Jesus. I cannot get away from the fact that before we were born He already chose us for Himself. Theologians have been debating this one for years. Eph. 1:4 "Chosen before the foundation of the world." Each saved sheep is a love gift from the Father to His Son. Life is a life. You and I were born into a world, into a culture, into a country, to parents none of which is our doing. We had no voice in it. Yet it is grace. God planned your birth here, now, under the conditions in which you face. You could have been born today in famine stricken Africa and the chances of living beyond 5 are 50-50. You could have been born in Japan and the chances of coming to know Jesus Christ is less than 5%. You could be born in one of the closed countries of Moslem domination and your chance of hearing the gospel, not to mention responding to it, is less they 5%. Eternal life and the opportunities of coming to Christ as our Savior and Lord is not earned, nor is it because of intrinsic merit or value. We are His sheep because God willed it.
God initiates salvation. He calls us to be His own. In that I delight.
Pastor Dale
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Considering Christ John 10:22-26
Sermon nuggets Tues June 23
Theme The Sheep of His pasture
Verses- John 10:22-26 Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade.
24 The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
25 Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT CHRIST.
The setting is at the temple. Scripture gives even the details of the date of the conversation that took place at the Temple. It was in the winter during the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. This is the same as Hanukkah, or the Feast of the Lights. Even though this was not a Biblical celebration, it points to the grace of God during the period of the Maccabees, which we call the inter-testamental time, between the Old and New Testaments.
When the Syrian King, Antiochus Epiphanes, came into power, he did everything he could to bring in Greek practices: in culture, in worship, in language, in art, in money. The biggest resistance of course, came from the Jewish people dedicated to the Old Testament law and seeking to honor God. The King sought to annihilate all resistors. He not only slaughter many Jews, but enraged them by desecrating the Temple with prostitution, placing up idols of Greek Gods, and even killing swine and sacrificing this forbidden animal on the altar to God. Jews were greatly insulted and motivated in confronting this evil, so with the bravery of the fighting rebels, lead by the Macabbean brothers they were able to win back their freedom. They sought to purify the temple. They also got the only consecrated oil they could find to light the lamps in the temple, but there was only enough oil for one day. It would take them a week before they could get more consecrated oil.
Miraculously the oil burned not for one day, or two, but for eight days. The people celebrated that God blessed them and their efforts. God visited them in this miracle. So it was a time of celebration from the Greek domination and it was a Holy and great moment which is still practiced today with the menorah, the candle holder with eight candles symbolizing the eight days the oil burned in the Temple.
Symbolically, during the festival of the lights, Jesus had claimed to be the light that shines in darkness. He is the miracle from even that never goes out. It was during the celebration of this Holiday that Jesus was walking in the temple and the area of the colonnades Rabbis and their disciples would discuss and answer questions. Here Jesus and His disciples were walking through and they stop Him to confront Him with his identity. "Tell us plainly, are you the Christ?"
His simple answer gives us important things to consider. He answered, "I did tell you." Jesus is one who was concerned about the timing of his revelation, but there have been clear teachings all through this gospel of John about who he was. He witnessed with his words. Jesus had said plainly in 4:26 "The woman said, "I know that Messiah called Christ is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us. " Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." or again, the Pharisees were there in the scene with the blind man when we hear this dialogue, Jn 9:35-37. Where He is clear in his identity. We are reminded of the clear testimony of John the Baptist and at the baptism of Jesus the Heavenly voice declared "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, Hear ye Him."
"Look at my miracles" he tells them. If we need any evidence of who He is, we just need to look at the great miracles He had accomplished. People were following Him from all over because of these signs and wonders. He fed thousands, He healed people from incurable disease, He even raised the dead. That in and of itself pointed many people to the Christ and they believed in Him.
Pastor Dale
Theme The Sheep of His pasture
Verses- John 10:22-26 Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade.
24 The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
25 Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT CHRIST.
The setting is at the temple. Scripture gives even the details of the date of the conversation that took place at the Temple. It was in the winter during the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. This is the same as Hanukkah, or the Feast of the Lights. Even though this was not a Biblical celebration, it points to the grace of God during the period of the Maccabees, which we call the inter-testamental time, between the Old and New Testaments.
When the Syrian King, Antiochus Epiphanes, came into power, he did everything he could to bring in Greek practices: in culture, in worship, in language, in art, in money. The biggest resistance of course, came from the Jewish people dedicated to the Old Testament law and seeking to honor God. The King sought to annihilate all resistors. He not only slaughter many Jews, but enraged them by desecrating the Temple with prostitution, placing up idols of Greek Gods, and even killing swine and sacrificing this forbidden animal on the altar to God. Jews were greatly insulted and motivated in confronting this evil, so with the bravery of the fighting rebels, lead by the Macabbean brothers they were able to win back their freedom. They sought to purify the temple. They also got the only consecrated oil they could find to light the lamps in the temple, but there was only enough oil for one day. It would take them a week before they could get more consecrated oil.
Miraculously the oil burned not for one day, or two, but for eight days. The people celebrated that God blessed them and their efforts. God visited them in this miracle. So it was a time of celebration from the Greek domination and it was a Holy and great moment which is still practiced today with the menorah, the candle holder with eight candles symbolizing the eight days the oil burned in the Temple.
Symbolically, during the festival of the lights, Jesus had claimed to be the light that shines in darkness. He is the miracle from even that never goes out. It was during the celebration of this Holiday that Jesus was walking in the temple and the area of the colonnades Rabbis and their disciples would discuss and answer questions. Here Jesus and His disciples were walking through and they stop Him to confront Him with his identity. "Tell us plainly, are you the Christ?"
His simple answer gives us important things to consider. He answered, "I did tell you." Jesus is one who was concerned about the timing of his revelation, but there have been clear teachings all through this gospel of John about who he was. He witnessed with his words. Jesus had said plainly in 4:26 "The woman said, "I know that Messiah called Christ is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us. " Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." or again, the Pharisees were there in the scene with the blind man when we hear this dialogue, Jn 9:35-37. Where He is clear in his identity. We are reminded of the clear testimony of John the Baptist and at the baptism of Jesus the Heavenly voice declared "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, Hear ye Him."
"Look at my miracles" he tells them. If we need any evidence of who He is, we just need to look at the great miracles He had accomplished. People were following Him from all over because of these signs and wonders. He fed thousands, He healed people from incurable disease, He even raised the dead. That in and of itself pointed many people to the Christ and they believed in Him.
Pastor Dale
Listening Sheep John 10:27
Sermon nuggets for Mon June 22
Theme The Sheep of His Pasture
Verses- In John 10:27 Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow Me.
HIS LISTENING SHEEP
There are people such as Rich Little, who have made it big in entertainment by imitating other people's voices. They can make their voice sounds and intonations so similar to some well known personality that we can hardly tell them apart.
People have unique voices. We learn and know each other's voices. That's why a friend or loved one can call you up on the telephone and you can begin talking without having to identify themselves because you recognize their voice. Don't you want to know the voice of God when He calls? What He says may not always be good news. It may not always be comforting. But it will be truth and it will be right. How do we hear the voice of the Shepherd as His sheep. Certainly part of that answer is the prompting of the Holy Spirit as we read Scripture and pray. But there are other circumstances that make a difference if we are willing to listen and obey the voice of the Shepherd.
I am not very mystical seeking special signs and interpreting them from God. There are lots of abuses with that type of activity. However, I have experienced the direct leading from the Holy Spirit that has impressed something deep on my heard or conscience and it was a real as if I had heard it. It was certainly in keeping with the revealed Word of God, but it was for me. The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Rom 10:17) When our hearts are in tune with the Lord, there is a communication and a closeness that is from above. I believe being in tune with the Lord means desiring to know Him better. It is wanting His will in your life. It is desirous of leaving and repenting of known sin, and desiring holiness and clean living. It is reading the Bible, and being faithful in serving Him with the gifts He has given.
Last week we discussed the Good Shepherd. This week I want to think about the listening sheep and our relationship with Jesus. There are some considerations to be given for Christ, Christians, and some of his claims.
We must take him seriously when we realize what it was He taught and said and spoke of Himself. Jesus didn't stop with the witness of His words, but His works as well. The more we know of His clear word (the Bible), the more we talk with Him daily (in prayer), the more we worship Him in the company of believers and in our private devotions, the better we hear the voice in our daily walk as His spirit communicates with our spirit. IT begins with this question- do you really want to get to know Him more closely? Are you willing to follow where He leads you?
“Let him who has ears to hear, let him hear.” - Jesus
Pastor Dale.
Theme The Sheep of His Pasture
Verses- In John 10:27 Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow Me.
HIS LISTENING SHEEP
There are people such as Rich Little, who have made it big in entertainment by imitating other people's voices. They can make their voice sounds and intonations so similar to some well known personality that we can hardly tell them apart.
People have unique voices. We learn and know each other's voices. That's why a friend or loved one can call you up on the telephone and you can begin talking without having to identify themselves because you recognize their voice. Don't you want to know the voice of God when He calls? What He says may not always be good news. It may not always be comforting. But it will be truth and it will be right. How do we hear the voice of the Shepherd as His sheep. Certainly part of that answer is the prompting of the Holy Spirit as we read Scripture and pray. But there are other circumstances that make a difference if we are willing to listen and obey the voice of the Shepherd.
I am not very mystical seeking special signs and interpreting them from God. There are lots of abuses with that type of activity. However, I have experienced the direct leading from the Holy Spirit that has impressed something deep on my heard or conscience and it was a real as if I had heard it. It was certainly in keeping with the revealed Word of God, but it was for me. The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Rom 10:17) When our hearts are in tune with the Lord, there is a communication and a closeness that is from above. I believe being in tune with the Lord means desiring to know Him better. It is wanting His will in your life. It is desirous of leaving and repenting of known sin, and desiring holiness and clean living. It is reading the Bible, and being faithful in serving Him with the gifts He has given.
Last week we discussed the Good Shepherd. This week I want to think about the listening sheep and our relationship with Jesus. There are some considerations to be given for Christ, Christians, and some of his claims.
We must take him seriously when we realize what it was He taught and said and spoke of Himself. Jesus didn't stop with the witness of His words, but His works as well. The more we know of His clear word (the Bible), the more we talk with Him daily (in prayer), the more we worship Him in the company of believers and in our private devotions, the better we hear the voice in our daily walk as His spirit communicates with our spirit. IT begins with this question- do you really want to get to know Him more closely? Are you willing to follow where He leads you?
“Let him who has ears to hear, let him hear.” - Jesus
Pastor Dale.
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