Sermon nuggets Thurs Oct 16
Theme – Prayer
Verse John 16:3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Glory of Eternal Life
If you were to receive a package all gift wrapped and had ribbons and bows with your name on it, you might be excited to open it. This would be the greatest gift of all. As you open it up realize the gift from God to you is Himself. Eternal life is not the main gift, God is. Eternal life is a by product of knowing God through Jesus Christ.
Eternal life doesn’t begin when you die and leave this body behind. It begins when you have by faith received the gift of God Himself into your life. Physical death does not change, for we have already been changed. We just continue in a different form with new perspective. We are with Jesus now. We will be with Him ever more intimately without the bonds of this physical limitation when we shed these mortal clothes. Eternal life is not just existence forever, for that would be true of all people. Some will exist forever in heaven and most will exist forever in hell. Eternal life here refers to the relationship that we have with God now and forever. Eternal life is godly life to experience His splendor and majesty, His joy and peace, His holiness and love.
I John 5:20 says, “We know also that the Son of God has come and had given us understanding so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true-even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”
Notice He not only gives eternal life, He is eternal life. Eternal life is Jesus Christ.
A human mother can stand before you and say, “I have life. I am life” And also through the wonder of God ordained reproduction human life can give new life in a baby. You must have life in order to give life. Life is a reproduction of itself.
We cannot give eternal life for we can only give physical life. “That which is born of flesh is flesh and that which is born of spirit is spirit.” -1 John 3:6. Jesus is eternal life and only He can reproduce it and we receive it by the working of the Holy Spirit. When we do we are alive, born anew.. Death is the inability to respond physically. Spiritual death is the inability to respond spiritually. Jesus is glorified through the cross because He is eternal life, which will not die. That earthly body was put in the ground for three days, but we discover in other passages Jesus was ministering to the spirits who went on before and brought them into glory with Him. He was not dead. He was continuing his work of redemption and unifying His followers unto Himself.
Jesus prayer was the marvel before His Father that we now can know Him in a manner than the world had never experienced. It filled Him with excitement and anticipation.
Pastor Dale
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Acknowledging the Gifts John 16:2
Sermon nuggets Weds Oct 15
Theme- Prayer
Verse- 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.
Acknowledging the Gifts
The story is recorded by William Barkley of an engineer fixing a field telephone line during World War I. This line gave essential messages to the troop leaders. He just completed the line when he was shot and killed. There is a picture which showed him in the moment of death and beneath it there is one word, “Through”. He had died. He had given his life so that essential message saved the lives of many others. His job was completed.
Of course that illustrates what Jesus did for us, but Christ did far more. This verse mentions three gifts. First the gift of authority is given to the Son by the Father. He had the power to act on behalf of the Father. That was true in His teachings, in His miracles, in His life. But this is especially true in his death. He is the only one authorized to be your Savior.
There is a discussion within the Roman Catholic church of Mary being the co-redeemer. This authority apparently is thought to be granted to her posthumously by the pope and the church. But it has not been granted by the Father. Mary cannot save you. There is salvation is no other name than Jesus Christ. There may be others claiming that power but there is nothing behind those words or claims. The Father planned salvation and His plan is through the sacrifice of Christ.
A crook may come in and demand power by the use of force or a gun, but he has no authority. A policeman on the other hand can come in with power and authority for he has been authorized to use and have a gun which has been granted to him by a higher authority. But that authority is recognized by the government of the people. He can not do what he wishes, but only under the guidelines and direction of the law.
The authority granted to Jesus is over all people to give them the gift of eternal life. The second gift is eternal life, of which we will speak more tomorrow looking at verses 3 and 4.
The third gift is the people given to Jesus by the Father. Believers are love gifts from the Father to the Son and elsewhere He reveals we in turn are the gift from the Son to the Father.
What does this have to do with prayer? This is a prayer. This is not a just a theological discussion on the workings of the trinity, but rather an expression of thanksgiving by the Son to the Father. By acknowledging these things in his prayer to his Father Jesus is reflecting over the marvelous plan and wonderful gift He has received.
When we recite the gifts we have received from God and offer ourselves to the Lord’s disposal- it is worship.
“Lord, you have given me a wonderful wife. I have prayed for such a gift and Judi is far more than a helpmate. She is a friend, a comfort, an encourager a counselor. She loves you and her faith also teaches me of Your love and commitment. I marvel at your plan, Lord, of calling us Your bride. The love you have is far greater than any I can experience on this earth. Thank you Lord for such a plan and the expressions of love you allow us to experience, now and for all eternity in knowing You”
Such a prayer is not only an expression of appreciation for my wife to God, but it is thanksgiving to God for his grace and involvement in my life with my partner.
Jesus is expressing truth. But that truth is also an expression of thanksgiving and joy.
When someone is honored his or her achievements, that person’s character and accomplishments are recited as part of the appreciation event.
When you pray this morning, reflect over the gifts that God has given to you. And reflect on the greatest gift He has given to you, Himself in the person of Jesus Christ and the person of the Holy Spirit and receiving that gift you have eternal life.
Pastor Dale.
Theme- Prayer
Verse- 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.
Acknowledging the Gifts
The story is recorded by William Barkley of an engineer fixing a field telephone line during World War I. This line gave essential messages to the troop leaders. He just completed the line when he was shot and killed. There is a picture which showed him in the moment of death and beneath it there is one word, “Through”. He had died. He had given his life so that essential message saved the lives of many others. His job was completed.
Of course that illustrates what Jesus did for us, but Christ did far more. This verse mentions three gifts. First the gift of authority is given to the Son by the Father. He had the power to act on behalf of the Father. That was true in His teachings, in His miracles, in His life. But this is especially true in his death. He is the only one authorized to be your Savior.
There is a discussion within the Roman Catholic church of Mary being the co-redeemer. This authority apparently is thought to be granted to her posthumously by the pope and the church. But it has not been granted by the Father. Mary cannot save you. There is salvation is no other name than Jesus Christ. There may be others claiming that power but there is nothing behind those words or claims. The Father planned salvation and His plan is through the sacrifice of Christ.
A crook may come in and demand power by the use of force or a gun, but he has no authority. A policeman on the other hand can come in with power and authority for he has been authorized to use and have a gun which has been granted to him by a higher authority. But that authority is recognized by the government of the people. He can not do what he wishes, but only under the guidelines and direction of the law.
The authority granted to Jesus is over all people to give them the gift of eternal life. The second gift is eternal life, of which we will speak more tomorrow looking at verses 3 and 4.
The third gift is the people given to Jesus by the Father. Believers are love gifts from the Father to the Son and elsewhere He reveals we in turn are the gift from the Son to the Father.
What does this have to do with prayer? This is a prayer. This is not a just a theological discussion on the workings of the trinity, but rather an expression of thanksgiving by the Son to the Father. By acknowledging these things in his prayer to his Father Jesus is reflecting over the marvelous plan and wonderful gift He has received.
When we recite the gifts we have received from God and offer ourselves to the Lord’s disposal- it is worship.
“Lord, you have given me a wonderful wife. I have prayed for such a gift and Judi is far more than a helpmate. She is a friend, a comfort, an encourager a counselor. She loves you and her faith also teaches me of Your love and commitment. I marvel at your plan, Lord, of calling us Your bride. The love you have is far greater than any I can experience on this earth. Thank you Lord for such a plan and the expressions of love you allow us to experience, now and for all eternity in knowing You”
Such a prayer is not only an expression of appreciation for my wife to God, but it is thanksgiving to God for his grace and involvement in my life with my partner.
Jesus is expressing truth. But that truth is also an expression of thanksgiving and joy.
When someone is honored his or her achievements, that person’s character and accomplishments are recited as part of the appreciation event.
When you pray this morning, reflect over the gifts that God has given to you. And reflect on the greatest gift He has given to you, Himself in the person of Jesus Christ and the person of the Holy Spirit and receiving that gift you have eternal life.
Pastor Dale.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Pray for Glory John 17:1
Sermon nuggets Tues Oct 14
Theme- Prayer
Verse: John 17:1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.
Pray for Glory
As Jesus prayed to His Father He looked heavenward. If prayer was a ritual there would proper postures of prayer. As a child my mother taught me to get on my knees and bow my head and close my eyes. It was to represent humility and respect. It was to keep my attention on God and not wandering eyes on things around my room. It was to represent my sincerity.
In church and at the kitchen table it was acceptable to bow one’s head with closed eyes. Many will hold their hands together in a sign of pleading (and to keep from poking your neighbor or playing with something during children’s church).
Real conversation with God can be expressed however we feel if it is personal. Jesus does not bow His head, does not knell, does not apparently fold His hands, but is having a heartfelt conversation with His Father who is in heaven. Yet those postures are recorded in other places. The heart is what prays.
What was on the heart of Jesus was to glorify His Father by taking on the responsibility of the cross. His delight was to do what the Father wanted Him to do. His delight was to bring glory to the name of the Lord. Just as He reminded Nicodemus of the bronze serpent what was lifted up on the pole in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up and glorified that all would look upon Him for their salvation. Jesus is to be honored for carrying out the plan the Father had for the Son. The Father is to be honored and glorified for the plan to save the world.
Atheist Christopher Hitchens attacks the cross. He says “Christianity is not only untrue but immoral. It offers vicarious redemption. You are told that by applauding a horrific human sacrifice that took place 1,000s of years ago, to fulfill a prophecy in which you had no say, condemns you eternally if you do not accept that, or offers you a chance that your own sins can be forgiven you… To be exempt from any of our crimes or sins without personal responsibility should be rejected by anyone with self respect.”
Professor Hitchens has rejected the plan of God for our salvation. Jesus embrace the plan and saw it for what it was-glory to the Father to save the world and provide an escape from the consequences of sin. It was justice and love combined that allowed Jesus to take the path the Father prepared for Him and even counted that as joy amidst the suffering. If Christopher Hitches desires to pay for his own sins and not allow Jesus death to be his substitute God allows that. He will face his own consequences. But God came up with a better idea for us.
There were a number of times when Jesus told His followers that His time had not yet come. He would explain that according to the divine timetable preparation must be done before certain actions could be accomplished and the cross was the greatest of events that was prepared long ago at a time known to the Father. Now the time is right. Now the events begin. Now curtain goes up that the unveiling of the glory of the Father and His plan will be demonstrated far greater than any other miracle previously preformed.
Jesus preached, He taught his disciples, He trained them, He declared his power over Satan. Now at the time Passover when people killed the best lambs to cover their sins, the Lamb of God was to be slain to take all sin away to all who will receive Christ. He is the gift.
In your prayer today, how would it be that God gets the glory? Offering yourself to be used by Him. Live in according to His word and will. Do what He asks of you. Be diligent to the call and gifts God has given to you. Love Him and love others. Show patience. Speak the truth in love. Is that your prayer?
Jesus’ delight was to give glory to His Father and His Father honored that.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Prayer
Verse: John 17:1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.
Pray for Glory
As Jesus prayed to His Father He looked heavenward. If prayer was a ritual there would proper postures of prayer. As a child my mother taught me to get on my knees and bow my head and close my eyes. It was to represent humility and respect. It was to keep my attention on God and not wandering eyes on things around my room. It was to represent my sincerity.
In church and at the kitchen table it was acceptable to bow one’s head with closed eyes. Many will hold their hands together in a sign of pleading (and to keep from poking your neighbor or playing with something during children’s church).
Real conversation with God can be expressed however we feel if it is personal. Jesus does not bow His head, does not knell, does not apparently fold His hands, but is having a heartfelt conversation with His Father who is in heaven. Yet those postures are recorded in other places. The heart is what prays.
What was on the heart of Jesus was to glorify His Father by taking on the responsibility of the cross. His delight was to do what the Father wanted Him to do. His delight was to bring glory to the name of the Lord. Just as He reminded Nicodemus of the bronze serpent what was lifted up on the pole in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up and glorified that all would look upon Him for their salvation. Jesus is to be honored for carrying out the plan the Father had for the Son. The Father is to be honored and glorified for the plan to save the world.
Atheist Christopher Hitchens attacks the cross. He says “Christianity is not only untrue but immoral. It offers vicarious redemption. You are told that by applauding a horrific human sacrifice that took place 1,000s of years ago, to fulfill a prophecy in which you had no say, condemns you eternally if you do not accept that, or offers you a chance that your own sins can be forgiven you… To be exempt from any of our crimes or sins without personal responsibility should be rejected by anyone with self respect.”
Professor Hitchens has rejected the plan of God for our salvation. Jesus embrace the plan and saw it for what it was-glory to the Father to save the world and provide an escape from the consequences of sin. It was justice and love combined that allowed Jesus to take the path the Father prepared for Him and even counted that as joy amidst the suffering. If Christopher Hitches desires to pay for his own sins and not allow Jesus death to be his substitute God allows that. He will face his own consequences. But God came up with a better idea for us.
There were a number of times when Jesus told His followers that His time had not yet come. He would explain that according to the divine timetable preparation must be done before certain actions could be accomplished and the cross was the greatest of events that was prepared long ago at a time known to the Father. Now the time is right. Now the events begin. Now curtain goes up that the unveiling of the glory of the Father and His plan will be demonstrated far greater than any other miracle previously preformed.
Jesus preached, He taught his disciples, He trained them, He declared his power over Satan. Now at the time Passover when people killed the best lambs to cover their sins, the Lamb of God was to be slain to take all sin away to all who will receive Christ. He is the gift.
In your prayer today, how would it be that God gets the glory? Offering yourself to be used by Him. Live in according to His word and will. Do what He asks of you. Be diligent to the call and gifts God has given to you. Love Him and love others. Show patience. Speak the truth in love. Is that your prayer?
Jesus’ delight was to give glory to His Father and His Father honored that.
Pastor Dale
Monday, October 13, 2008
Personal Prayer John 17:1-5
Sermon Nuggets Mon Oct 13
Theme- Prayer
Verses John 17:1-5 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.
3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.
5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
Personal Prayer
We have recorded for us one of the most intimate prayers of Jesus. Some will call this the real “Lord’s Prayer” whereas what we sometimes recite together from the illustration on prayer in Matthew might be called “The disciple’s prayer” teaching us how to prayer.
This is a personal time Jesus spends with His Father. It is communication and intimacy with one another while the Son is in the human body. We are blessed to be allowed to hear it as recorded by the Apostle John.
Fellowship with a Holy God produces holiness among us. That cannot be accomplished any other way than communication without Heavenly Father. I read somewhere, “Prayer is so simple; It is like quietly opening a door and slipping into the very presence of God. There in the stillness to listen to His voice; Perhaps to petition, or only to listen; It matters not. Just to be there in His presence is prayer.
One mother noticed her little girl was in her room a long time to say her prayers before going to bed. Finally when she was done her mother asked her what she was doing? “I was just telling Jesus that I love Him and He was telling me that He loves me. And we were just loving each other.”
I am afraid too many people miss out on that element of prayer. Prayer is not just the means by which we make requests of the divine and put in our orders like at McDonalds. It is seeking the presence of our Creator. It is the desire to know Him and His glory and to see His power and experience His love.
Prayer is not a ritual to go through, but heartfelt conversation with God. Here Jesus and His Father are loving one another in prayer. It was intended for our spiritual benefit as well. Prayer became the avenue of expression and receiving the comfort and strength prior to Jesus going to the cross. Gethsemane is yet to come when other matters need to be discussed and communicated. Now is just the time to share appreciation and enjoy the relationship.
Do you ever think aloud? Do you talk to yourself? How can one God expressed in three distinct persons have a conversation? God is talking to Himself in terms of the Son and the Father and the Holy Spirit.
After preparing His disciples for His departure and endurance on a cross Jesus is praying something like ‘Let it happen Lord, just like you planned.” This chapter 17 He prays for Himself His disciples and for all believers yet to come. But this week I want to just think together on the personal prayer communication with God the Father.
There is a glory that is to be revealed that is the plan of God for our benefit. There is a glory that is to be revealed for our benefit also in prayer.
I had a very intelligent professor at Bethel whose favorite Hymn was “In the Garden”. It wasn’t all the knowledge and insights he discovered and could pass on to his students that excited him as much as the intimacy of a personal relationship with Almighty God.
“And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.” It is the personal communication that is just between the two of them that is most awesome.
Imagine that in your personal time with God there is a desire on His part to spend uninterrupted time just with you and you with Him. It is no one else’s business. But it is to be your delight.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Prayer
Verses John 17:1-5 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.
3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.
5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
Personal Prayer
We have recorded for us one of the most intimate prayers of Jesus. Some will call this the real “Lord’s Prayer” whereas what we sometimes recite together from the illustration on prayer in Matthew might be called “The disciple’s prayer” teaching us how to prayer.
This is a personal time Jesus spends with His Father. It is communication and intimacy with one another while the Son is in the human body. We are blessed to be allowed to hear it as recorded by the Apostle John.
Fellowship with a Holy God produces holiness among us. That cannot be accomplished any other way than communication without Heavenly Father. I read somewhere, “Prayer is so simple; It is like quietly opening a door and slipping into the very presence of God. There in the stillness to listen to His voice; Perhaps to petition, or only to listen; It matters not. Just to be there in His presence is prayer.
One mother noticed her little girl was in her room a long time to say her prayers before going to bed. Finally when she was done her mother asked her what she was doing? “I was just telling Jesus that I love Him and He was telling me that He loves me. And we were just loving each other.”
I am afraid too many people miss out on that element of prayer. Prayer is not just the means by which we make requests of the divine and put in our orders like at McDonalds. It is seeking the presence of our Creator. It is the desire to know Him and His glory and to see His power and experience His love.
Prayer is not a ritual to go through, but heartfelt conversation with God. Here Jesus and His Father are loving one another in prayer. It was intended for our spiritual benefit as well. Prayer became the avenue of expression and receiving the comfort and strength prior to Jesus going to the cross. Gethsemane is yet to come when other matters need to be discussed and communicated. Now is just the time to share appreciation and enjoy the relationship.
Do you ever think aloud? Do you talk to yourself? How can one God expressed in three distinct persons have a conversation? God is talking to Himself in terms of the Son and the Father and the Holy Spirit.
After preparing His disciples for His departure and endurance on a cross Jesus is praying something like ‘Let it happen Lord, just like you planned.” This chapter 17 He prays for Himself His disciples and for all believers yet to come. But this week I want to just think together on the personal prayer communication with God the Father.
There is a glory that is to be revealed that is the plan of God for our benefit. There is a glory that is to be revealed for our benefit also in prayer.
I had a very intelligent professor at Bethel whose favorite Hymn was “In the Garden”. It wasn’t all the knowledge and insights he discovered and could pass on to his students that excited him as much as the intimacy of a personal relationship with Almighty God.
“And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.” It is the personal communication that is just between the two of them that is most awesome.
Imagine that in your personal time with God there is a desire on His part to spend uninterrupted time just with you and you with Him. It is no one else’s business. But it is to be your delight.
Pastor Dale
Friday, October 10, 2008
A Time of Victory John 16:33
Sermon nuggets Fri Oct 10
Theme Hope
Verses- John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)
A Time of Victory
The hope we have as believers is- Jesus wins. We do have victory after death. Immorality does not abide in our earthly accomplishments, but our spiritual ones, which are based on what Christ has done, not on what we have done.
Recently I watch on the news the memorial dedication to Lady Diana. Many people wanted to remember her life and the humanitarian efforts she put forth. A number of British people exclaimed she has done more for Britain in recent years than anyone else has. She will always be remembered.
It was said of Elvis. “He is not dead, he will continue to live on through his music." His music will certainly live on.
Such memorials are common with movie stars, musicians, artists, authors, politicians, and leaders. Rich people leave money behind to have a building at a school or institution named after them. But after a few years what does that name mean to the students? Not much.
My mother died a decade now. I will always remember her as long as I live. I will remember her mother as long as I live. That's it. I can't go back any further. My kids might remember their Grandma, they will never remember their grandpa because he died before they were born.
I have boxes of my aunt and Uncle and their achievements and I wonder what I should do with them, because I am their closest relative and it has no meaning to my boys. Soon it will go into the trash and that will be the extent of the memories of that generation. So much for their human immortality.
My message at funerals of believers is that Christ has given victory over death and therein is our immortality. The names of Mathew Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Abraham, Mary live on because of the grace of Jesus Christ. But we can include your name and mine in there even though our names are not in the Bible because our names are in the Lamb’s book of life! That is what counts. The resurrection of Jesus Christ after death is the proclamation that this life is temporary. Jesus gives what is needed for our short term journey with constant reminders to keep our eyes on what is ahead. He will return and make things right, not just for a season, but for all eternity.
He left the grave and banished death and sin: He opened wide the gates of heaven, That we might enter in. Jesus has overcome the world. That is such a great testimony.
John 20:21 "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you" How was Jesus sent? He was sent to suffer with a suffering world. I think what the world needs to see is not that Christians do not have pain, or grief or problems, but rather that we can experience firsthand His power in the midst of pain and give others hope. God takes our wounds and uses them to minster to others who are fellow suffers.
Let's face it. We can't be absolutely certain from Christ's teachings alone that He was the Son of God. We can't be absolutely certain from His miracles that He was the Son of God; we can't be absolutely certain from His holy life that He was the son of God. But when arose from the dead He settled that fact once and forever. The crowning proof of His deity was not His virgin birth, His authoritative teaching, His mighty works. The crowning proof of His deity was overcoming death with victory. When asked what proof did he have that He was the Son of God, He told them, "Destroy the temple and in three days I will raise it up again."
Jesus is alive now and alive to you who wait upon Him. When my bones are laid to rest they point to the release from the struggle, the freedom from the trouble, the completion of grief and victory, peace, and joy forever more. After death there is abiding victory! That gives us hope in our unsettled times. We cannot lose.
Pastor Dale
Theme Hope
Verses- John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)
A Time of Victory
The hope we have as believers is- Jesus wins. We do have victory after death. Immorality does not abide in our earthly accomplishments, but our spiritual ones, which are based on what Christ has done, not on what we have done.
Recently I watch on the news the memorial dedication to Lady Diana. Many people wanted to remember her life and the humanitarian efforts she put forth. A number of British people exclaimed she has done more for Britain in recent years than anyone else has. She will always be remembered.
It was said of Elvis. “He is not dead, he will continue to live on through his music." His music will certainly live on.
Such memorials are common with movie stars, musicians, artists, authors, politicians, and leaders. Rich people leave money behind to have a building at a school or institution named after them. But after a few years what does that name mean to the students? Not much.
My mother died a decade now. I will always remember her as long as I live. I will remember her mother as long as I live. That's it. I can't go back any further. My kids might remember their Grandma, they will never remember their grandpa because he died before they were born.
I have boxes of my aunt and Uncle and their achievements and I wonder what I should do with them, because I am their closest relative and it has no meaning to my boys. Soon it will go into the trash and that will be the extent of the memories of that generation. So much for their human immortality.
My message at funerals of believers is that Christ has given victory over death and therein is our immortality. The names of Mathew Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Abraham, Mary live on because of the grace of Jesus Christ. But we can include your name and mine in there even though our names are not in the Bible because our names are in the Lamb’s book of life! That is what counts. The resurrection of Jesus Christ after death is the proclamation that this life is temporary. Jesus gives what is needed for our short term journey with constant reminders to keep our eyes on what is ahead. He will return and make things right, not just for a season, but for all eternity.
He left the grave and banished death and sin: He opened wide the gates of heaven, That we might enter in. Jesus has overcome the world. That is such a great testimony.
John 20:21 "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you" How was Jesus sent? He was sent to suffer with a suffering world. I think what the world needs to see is not that Christians do not have pain, or grief or problems, but rather that we can experience firsthand His power in the midst of pain and give others hope. God takes our wounds and uses them to minster to others who are fellow suffers.
Let's face it. We can't be absolutely certain from Christ's teachings alone that He was the Son of God. We can't be absolutely certain from His miracles that He was the Son of God; we can't be absolutely certain from His holy life that He was the son of God. But when arose from the dead He settled that fact once and forever. The crowning proof of His deity was not His virgin birth, His authoritative teaching, His mighty works. The crowning proof of His deity was overcoming death with victory. When asked what proof did he have that He was the Son of God, He told them, "Destroy the temple and in three days I will raise it up again."
Jesus is alive now and alive to you who wait upon Him. When my bones are laid to rest they point to the release from the struggle, the freedom from the trouble, the completion of grief and victory, peace, and joy forever more. After death there is abiding victory! That gives us hope in our unsettled times. We cannot lose.
Pastor Dale
Thursday, October 9, 2008
A Time of Peace John 16:29-33
Sermon Nuggets Thur Oct 9
Theme: Hope
Verses- John 16:29 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.
30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."
31 "You believe at last!" Jesus answered.
32 "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
A time of Peace
It is hard to see when we are in the midst of difficult and turmoil how situations could possibly work themselves out. But to the believer God wants us to know the truth of Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
There are people who are carrying weights of trouble 10 times of anything I have experienced. I know that. I also know that Jesus carried weights of trouble 1,000 times greater than anything you are carrying. I believe that. In faith there is peace.
Jesus told them trouble will come upon them so they might have peace in Him. What did He mean? I believe He told them about their disloyalty before it happened so that they would know that it will not come as a shock to Jesus when they are disloyal. It won't make a difference to His love. Peace is ours. I believe He told them these things so they would know He understands completely when we grieve and when we are faced with trouble. Such experiences do not mean God is not working in our lives, but indeed He is.
Peace isn't the absence of trouble or turmoil in this world, but it is the presence of the Savior in our troubles. It is the calm confidence that God is still on the throne. It is the realization that trouble will not defeat us. It is the confidence that peace will rule in our lives and in our hearts. In Christ there is a day when all this trouble will be over. Just like having a baby he says. Peace and joy follow pain and sorrow, and it is worth it.
After the Russian cosmonauts spent 211days in space, they suffered from dizziness, high pulse rates, and heart palpitations upon their return. They couldn't walk for a week, and were undergoing therapy for atrophied muscles and weakened hearts. At zero gravity the muscles of the body begin to waste away because there is no resistance. To counteract this a running suit laced with elastic bands was utilized. It resists every move the cosmonauts make, forcing them to exert their strength. It worked. Years later astronauts found when they had resistance their muscles were strong and prepared them for recovery back into the earth’s atmosphere.
The easier our life, the weaker our spiritual fiber, for strength of any kind grows only by exertion. Peace follows trouble, and sometimes is only experienced as a result of trouble.
There was one thing we realize with all the people who saw the resurrected Lord. No one stayed the same after seeing Jesus alive. When Jesus showed the wounds in the upper room appearance he simply said, "Peace be unto you."
We think peace comes from knowing the right things. But peace comes from knowing the right person. If we can just know the right things, we think, we'll be in control, safe from harm. But knowledge does not mean control. Knowledge doesn't protect us. Peace comes not from knowing the right things but from knowing Jesus and trusting Him for the future.
“And in this world you will have tribulation but be of Good cheer I have overcome the world”, Jesus said. After trouble there is peace.
Pastor Dale
Theme: Hope
Verses- John 16:29 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.
30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."
31 "You believe at last!" Jesus answered.
32 "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
A time of Peace
It is hard to see when we are in the midst of difficult and turmoil how situations could possibly work themselves out. But to the believer God wants us to know the truth of Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
There are people who are carrying weights of trouble 10 times of anything I have experienced. I know that. I also know that Jesus carried weights of trouble 1,000 times greater than anything you are carrying. I believe that. In faith there is peace.
Jesus told them trouble will come upon them so they might have peace in Him. What did He mean? I believe He told them about their disloyalty before it happened so that they would know that it will not come as a shock to Jesus when they are disloyal. It won't make a difference to His love. Peace is ours. I believe He told them these things so they would know He understands completely when we grieve and when we are faced with trouble. Such experiences do not mean God is not working in our lives, but indeed He is.
Peace isn't the absence of trouble or turmoil in this world, but it is the presence of the Savior in our troubles. It is the calm confidence that God is still on the throne. It is the realization that trouble will not defeat us. It is the confidence that peace will rule in our lives and in our hearts. In Christ there is a day when all this trouble will be over. Just like having a baby he says. Peace and joy follow pain and sorrow, and it is worth it.
After the Russian cosmonauts spent 211days in space, they suffered from dizziness, high pulse rates, and heart palpitations upon their return. They couldn't walk for a week, and were undergoing therapy for atrophied muscles and weakened hearts. At zero gravity the muscles of the body begin to waste away because there is no resistance. To counteract this a running suit laced with elastic bands was utilized. It resists every move the cosmonauts make, forcing them to exert their strength. It worked. Years later astronauts found when they had resistance their muscles were strong and prepared them for recovery back into the earth’s atmosphere.
The easier our life, the weaker our spiritual fiber, for strength of any kind grows only by exertion. Peace follows trouble, and sometimes is only experienced as a result of trouble.
There was one thing we realize with all the people who saw the resurrected Lord. No one stayed the same after seeing Jesus alive. When Jesus showed the wounds in the upper room appearance he simply said, "Peace be unto you."
We think peace comes from knowing the right things. But peace comes from knowing the right person. If we can just know the right things, we think, we'll be in control, safe from harm. But knowledge does not mean control. Knowledge doesn't protect us. Peace comes not from knowing the right things but from knowing Jesus and trusting Him for the future.
“And in this world you will have tribulation but be of Good cheer I have overcome the world”, Jesus said. After trouble there is peace.
Pastor Dale
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
A Time of Prayer John 16:23-28
Sermon nuggets Weds Oct 8
Theme: Hope
Verses- John 16:23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
25 "Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.
26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.
27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.
28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
A Time of Prayer
Certainly people have prayed from the beginning of time. Prayer is talking to God. Many people, Christian and non-Christian have let their thoughts and requests be known to God. But real communication with the Lord is not possible without our sins being forgiven. Our sins cannot be forgiven unless we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ to save us. That did not happen without His going to the cross. The connection we have with God is the righteousness granted to us by Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, but the gift of the Holy Spirit allows us to pray in a different way.
When Jesus tells His disciples they can ask the Father in Jesus’ name, it is not a formula that we recite, but by the means and authority we have being God’s child because of the blood of Jesus Christ has been shed to forgive us our sins.
An interesting phrase, “In that day you will no longer ask me anything.” Did He mean He was not going to be physically around to talk to because He would have ascended unto His Father?
I believe Jesus is telling His disciples and us that the barrier between a Holy God Father and sinful man has been broken. Just like the veil in the temple was torn in two. We are no longer separated from the Father but can come into his presence because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Until that time people have not asked anything in the authority of Jesus Christ. But now we have this privilege. Some people misuse this verse thinking God is like a Santa Claus at Christmas appealing to our materialistic and human wants. The fact that the Holy Spirit now dwells within helps us understand the significance of how were should pray.
Rom 8:26-27 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.”
To pray with the intercession of the Spirit and in the authority of Jesus Christ means that we are praying according to the will of the Father, not according to our own whims and wishes. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the delights of our hearts. He is the object of our delight and to desire things that are not according to His will is not in the Spirit. But now we seek the mind of the Lord by the Spirit and let our requests and petitions be known to God and can come boldly before the throne.
Jesus says there is prayer that unites us with the Father in the name and authority of Christ. We have privilege of presence of God working in our lives. Not just in the lives of the world in general sense, but specifically with you and me as followers of Christ. What a blessing.
Three reasons are given for their enablement to ask in the name of Jesus: 1) The Father's love for them. 2) Their love for Jesus. 3) Their belief that Jesus came from God. These three factors will prompt them to petition the Father "in Jesus' name ," to ask as Jesus would ask. Their transformation into people who think like Jesus begins with the Father's love for them, and this love will be more fully understandable after they see how He has given up his Son. Already, they have loved Jesus and have believed in His divine origination.
When people ask about prayer, the best advice I can give is, when Jesus taught the disciples to pray He instructed them to pray to the Father who is in Heaven. When He met with them in the upper room he once again said we have access before the Father and can ask whatever we will. Because the Father loves the Son so now we have been granted this wonderful privilege of being in the presence of our creator!
How offensive it must be to think He delights in the thought we must go through “saints” or other sinners. We can come in no other way and to no one else than the Holy One of God, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Dale
Theme: Hope
Verses- John 16:23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
25 "Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.
26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.
27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.
28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
A Time of Prayer
Certainly people have prayed from the beginning of time. Prayer is talking to God. Many people, Christian and non-Christian have let their thoughts and requests be known to God. But real communication with the Lord is not possible without our sins being forgiven. Our sins cannot be forgiven unless we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ to save us. That did not happen without His going to the cross. The connection we have with God is the righteousness granted to us by Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, but the gift of the Holy Spirit allows us to pray in a different way.
When Jesus tells His disciples they can ask the Father in Jesus’ name, it is not a formula that we recite, but by the means and authority we have being God’s child because of the blood of Jesus Christ has been shed to forgive us our sins.
An interesting phrase, “In that day you will no longer ask me anything.” Did He mean He was not going to be physically around to talk to because He would have ascended unto His Father?
I believe Jesus is telling His disciples and us that the barrier between a Holy God Father and sinful man has been broken. Just like the veil in the temple was torn in two. We are no longer separated from the Father but can come into his presence because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Until that time people have not asked anything in the authority of Jesus Christ. But now we have this privilege. Some people misuse this verse thinking God is like a Santa Claus at Christmas appealing to our materialistic and human wants. The fact that the Holy Spirit now dwells within helps us understand the significance of how were should pray.
Rom 8:26-27 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.”
To pray with the intercession of the Spirit and in the authority of Jesus Christ means that we are praying according to the will of the Father, not according to our own whims and wishes. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the delights of our hearts. He is the object of our delight and to desire things that are not according to His will is not in the Spirit. But now we seek the mind of the Lord by the Spirit and let our requests and petitions be known to God and can come boldly before the throne.
Jesus says there is prayer that unites us with the Father in the name and authority of Christ. We have privilege of presence of God working in our lives. Not just in the lives of the world in general sense, but specifically with you and me as followers of Christ. What a blessing.
Three reasons are given for their enablement to ask in the name of Jesus: 1) The Father's love for them. 2) Their love for Jesus. 3) Their belief that Jesus came from God. These three factors will prompt them to petition the Father "in Jesus' name ," to ask as Jesus would ask. Their transformation into people who think like Jesus begins with the Father's love for them, and this love will be more fully understandable after they see how He has given up his Son. Already, they have loved Jesus and have believed in His divine origination.
When people ask about prayer, the best advice I can give is, when Jesus taught the disciples to pray He instructed them to pray to the Father who is in Heaven. When He met with them in the upper room he once again said we have access before the Father and can ask whatever we will. Because the Father loves the Son so now we have been granted this wonderful privilege of being in the presence of our creator!
How offensive it must be to think He delights in the thought we must go through “saints” or other sinners. We can come in no other way and to no one else than the Holy One of God, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Dale
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