Sermon Nuggets Weds Jan 7
Theme- The Living Lord
Verses- John 21:7-11 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.
9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."
11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.
The Living Christ Encourages Us
What would give discouraged fishermen encouragement? Obviously, to catch fish. Jesus did what the unexpected. Not only did they catch fish, but more than they could imagine. They were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. It was too heavy for the 7 of them to lift without tipping the small fishing vessel. When they obeyed his instructions they were blessed. It was at the point that John recognized that it was Jesus. Peter was so excited, he couldn’t’ contain himself. He had to do what he did before he jumped into the water and swam to shore because of his love for the Lord. If you would see Christ in the world you must be like John, “Things are no longer coincidences. Gods’ hands are in them
When we need encouragement there is no better one than Jesus who knows your need. Many in great discouragement and disappointments come to place where they can no longer trust their own efforts and give up and let go, so God comes in power of the resurrected Jesus and gives them hope again. Jesus is alive, loves you, and wants what is best for you and for His own glory.
Philip Yancey tells about a friend of his who worked with homeless people in Chicago. One woman his friend was trying to help was a cocaine addict: "She was so desperate that she would rent out her two-year-old daughter to men so they could have sex with her. The woman would get $100 per man which would be just enough for another fix. She was homeless, she had bad health. She had no one to care for her. She poured out her story to my friend who is a Christian minister, and he was overwhelmed and amazed. At the end he said to her, 'As you went through all this, did you ever think about going to a church for help?' He said that he would never forget the look of absolute naive shock that crossed her face as she said, 'Church! Why would I ever go there? I was already feeling bad enough. They would just make me feel worse!'
Don’t confuse what some church people may or may not do, with the living Lord. Jesus challenges us in our inabilities and weaknesses to give up and come to Him, not for the purpose of Him achieving our goals and wants. Many misunderstand that. The call to follow Jesus is the call to change the direction of our lives from our desires and priorities to His. Then there is purpose and meaning to life and eternal blessing. It is more than leaving sin. It is also leaving our comfort zone. Although it may be notnbing more than doing the same things with new purpose and understanding.
Perhaps you are discouraged in your Christian life or Sunday school teacher or committee job, in your church life or prayer times. There is change ahead. If not change in responsibility then change of heart. There is one who wants to encourage you, not punish you. One who is alive and makes us aware that He wants us to trust and obey Him. There is blessing far than what we can imagine.
Interestingly, Jesus kept the disciples at the same ol’ spot. They were told to stay at the same place, in the same boat in the sea. Change of environment isn’t necessarily going to help. Some people think all I need to do is change husbands or wives and then it will go better. Change jobs and I would be free from problems. Perhaps they will. Perhaps they won’t. Why would you change? Does God want you to? Is it consistent with His word? You are who you are and most of the problems you will have will follow you wherever you go because you cannot run away form yourself. There needs to be an inward change.
The fishermen were the same disciples. New blood isn’t going to make it work. These were not new methods of doing things. They used the same old net. They had the same old boat, same fishing knowledge and same old people that you were working with. Some think all I need to do to get things working is get new programs, new people new methods. Listen first to the voice of Jesus. Is He telling to you keep at it, fish on the other side?
That was for the immediate blessing so they might know Jesus to be Lord and Master over their lives. But indeed that was the step Jesus used to show them another change was ahead. That change did require new places, additional friends, and not staying in the boat or the same job. They were to be called fishers of man instead of fish. He brought them to a higher understanding of life that brought greater rewards.
Maybe you are struggling in your own wisdom and power and the Lord likes you where you are and with what you’ve got. He wants to encourage you again to remain where you are but with renewed encouragement in His wisdom. What is needed is the Holy Spirit and the power from God. What is ahead may surprise you when you obey.
Perhaps another verse that is applicable today is, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him. And he shall direct your paths.” Prov 3:5,6
Pastor Dale
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Enountering the Lord John 21:3-6
Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 6
Theme- The Living Lord
Verses- John 21:3-6 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered.
He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
The Living Christ Encounters Us
This account is of 7 of the disciples waiting for Jesus after He revealed himself to them on two previous occasions following his resurrection.
Alexander MacLaren writes “ Of all the proofs of the resurrection, I take it that there is none that is harder for an unbeliever to account for in harmony with his hypothesis than the simple fact that Christ’s disciples held together after he was dead and presented a united front to the world.”
Indeed, they were ready to scatter and did at Calvary, but after seeing the resurrected body they were all believers and obedient ones at that. We find in the others Gospel accounts he told them to wait for Him in Galilee. They do so. John’s gospel tells us while they were waiting, Peter convinced the others to go fishing.
The disciples were out fishing all night and caught nothing. I know what that was like. It is not a major loss if I do not catch fish, but if that is your livelihood then it is another thing if you don’t catch fish. They were tired, discouraged and quitting. But as they were coming back they were encountered by a figure of man on the shore yelling out, “Friend, haven’t you any fish? “ Or literally the Greek says, “Children, do you not have anything to eat?” It is a general greeting today for a couple of fishing boats passing, “Any Luck? “No”, they said. And he tells them to throw their nets on the right side of the boat and you will find some.
They are encountered by the Living Lord and don’t know it. They were not seeking Jesus. Yet He sought them. He knew them and knew what they were doing and indeed He even knew the fact they didn’t catch any fish. He asks them a question to reveal their own sense of fatigue and need. Jesus gives them a command. “Cast on the other side the point is not where the work is to be done, or how it is whether it is being done under Christ direction and in obedience to him or by our own wisdom and knowledge and efforts.
John’s record of the appearances of the resurrected body demonstrate that this was not just some vision that people have when they want to see something so badly they might imagine it to happen. Do you ever wonder sometime what happens when groups of people go to some farmers field to follow up some vision of the virgin Mary who is suppose to show at some times. A few people think they saw something but most do not. Psychologists will say there is a phenomenon that can occur called wish fulfillment. Some people see what they want to see if they anticipate it badly enough.
This was not the case with Jesus. They don’t expect him. When they saw him they didn’t know it was him. It wasn’t until the miracle occurred that John realized who it was at a distance. The living Lord encounters them unexpectedly.
I wonder how often Jesus encounters us and we don’t know Him, as He is watching us and realizes our failures, circumstances and discouragement.
Most certainly our Christ encounters come when we knock on His door. We are praying. WE are reading. We are worshiping. We are desirous to be with the Lord. But what about when He knocks on our door? He don’t always see Him as Jesus. He comes, like the old story of visitors to the cobbler’s shop-he comes as a poor person, a child, a lonely soul. "For as you do these things to the least of these you do them unto me." He says.
He can be the one who asks if you caught anything. Jesus is alive around us in our every day experiences, and His work and ways are available more often than we might think. His voice may come from the voice of someone from whom you might lest expect.
Then the eureka moment comes. “It is the Lord”.
He shows Himself. We have been encountered.
Pastor Dale.
Theme- The Living Lord
Verses- John 21:3-6 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered.
He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
The Living Christ Encounters Us
This account is of 7 of the disciples waiting for Jesus after He revealed himself to them on two previous occasions following his resurrection.
Alexander MacLaren writes “ Of all the proofs of the resurrection, I take it that there is none that is harder for an unbeliever to account for in harmony with his hypothesis than the simple fact that Christ’s disciples held together after he was dead and presented a united front to the world.”
Indeed, they were ready to scatter and did at Calvary, but after seeing the resurrected body they were all believers and obedient ones at that. We find in the others Gospel accounts he told them to wait for Him in Galilee. They do so. John’s gospel tells us while they were waiting, Peter convinced the others to go fishing.
The disciples were out fishing all night and caught nothing. I know what that was like. It is not a major loss if I do not catch fish, but if that is your livelihood then it is another thing if you don’t catch fish. They were tired, discouraged and quitting. But as they were coming back they were encountered by a figure of man on the shore yelling out, “Friend, haven’t you any fish? “ Or literally the Greek says, “Children, do you not have anything to eat?” It is a general greeting today for a couple of fishing boats passing, “Any Luck? “No”, they said. And he tells them to throw their nets on the right side of the boat and you will find some.
They are encountered by the Living Lord and don’t know it. They were not seeking Jesus. Yet He sought them. He knew them and knew what they were doing and indeed He even knew the fact they didn’t catch any fish. He asks them a question to reveal their own sense of fatigue and need. Jesus gives them a command. “Cast on the other side the point is not where the work is to be done, or how it is whether it is being done under Christ direction and in obedience to him or by our own wisdom and knowledge and efforts.
John’s record of the appearances of the resurrected body demonstrate that this was not just some vision that people have when they want to see something so badly they might imagine it to happen. Do you ever wonder sometime what happens when groups of people go to some farmers field to follow up some vision of the virgin Mary who is suppose to show at some times. A few people think they saw something but most do not. Psychologists will say there is a phenomenon that can occur called wish fulfillment. Some people see what they want to see if they anticipate it badly enough.
This was not the case with Jesus. They don’t expect him. When they saw him they didn’t know it was him. It wasn’t until the miracle occurred that John realized who it was at a distance. The living Lord encounters them unexpectedly.
I wonder how often Jesus encounters us and we don’t know Him, as He is watching us and realizes our failures, circumstances and discouragement.
Most certainly our Christ encounters come when we knock on His door. We are praying. WE are reading. We are worshiping. We are desirous to be with the Lord. But what about when He knocks on our door? He don’t always see Him as Jesus. He comes, like the old story of visitors to the cobbler’s shop-he comes as a poor person, a child, a lonely soul. "For as you do these things to the least of these you do them unto me." He says.
He can be the one who asks if you caught anything. Jesus is alive around us in our every day experiences, and His work and ways are available more often than we might think. His voice may come from the voice of someone from whom you might lest expect.
Then the eureka moment comes. “It is the Lord”.
He shows Himself. We have been encountered.
Pastor Dale.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Affects of the Resurrection- John 21:1-2
See previous blogs for devotions from the book of John-
Sermon Nuggets Mon Jan 5
Theme- The Living Lord
Verses- John 21:1-2 - Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.
The Living Christ Affects Us
What happens to a group of people who have seen the living Lord? The appearances of Jesus to the disciples changed their lives forever. Now everything that Jesus taught them was true. When he said they would not die, death lost its horrible threat. When He said he would return again to them, they were able to go out in confidence as well as obedience.
How often do you hear about someone rising from the dead? I heard about an incident about every so often. I remember one news report of a man working on his vehicle when it accidentally fell off the ramp onto him. His wife frantically called 911 while he was having increased difficulty breathing. When the EMT’s arrived they could not get a pulse beat or other signs of life but continued to work on him for several minutes. To their surprise he started breathing again. He was rushed to the hospital and brought back to recovery. The man described his death experience as seeing a bright light and feeling a state of peace. He does not have fear dying again.
In my work as a hospital chaplain and a pastor, I have talked to people who had similar experiences. But also there have been others for whom such a death or near death experience was filled with fear and terror, as if they were at the gates of hell.
I visited with one man who asked how he can be saved because he was more afraid to die that before. We talked about acknowledging and repentance of sins, of trusting in Christ for salvation, and turning his life over to the Lord’s authority by inviting Christ into your life. He accepted Christ that day, and has since passed away with the knowledge of a personal relationship with Jesus.
What do you make of the testimonies of those who claim to have died and come back to life again? There may be minutes when clinically someone might be declared dead and we marvel when they recover. Some relate how a relative has come to greet them, or they see Jesus.
However, the death of Jesus Christ was far different than our modern day examples. There was no question of his death. It was affirmed by the Roman Government. He was bound and put in a tomb for 3 days. When he came back to life he did not require the life support systems in modern hospitals like others do. In fact with his resurrected body he could come and go at will, in and out of locked rooms. His body was real, but still different than what we experience. His resurrection began a whole new church movement
The presence of the living Christ following the Easter experience, affects us today as it did with the early disciples. It changed not just their future hope, but also their present lives.
All of Jesus teaching was not just for our understanding, but for an affect on our lives in some way. Because he lives it does make a difference how we look at marriage and family, work and money, entertainment and recreation.
Because Jesus lives now should make a difference how you and I live in 2009.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Mon Jan 5
Theme- The Living Lord
Verses- John 21:1-2 - Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.
The Living Christ Affects Us
What happens to a group of people who have seen the living Lord? The appearances of Jesus to the disciples changed their lives forever. Now everything that Jesus taught them was true. When he said they would not die, death lost its horrible threat. When He said he would return again to them, they were able to go out in confidence as well as obedience.
How often do you hear about someone rising from the dead? I heard about an incident about every so often. I remember one news report of a man working on his vehicle when it accidentally fell off the ramp onto him. His wife frantically called 911 while he was having increased difficulty breathing. When the EMT’s arrived they could not get a pulse beat or other signs of life but continued to work on him for several minutes. To their surprise he started breathing again. He was rushed to the hospital and brought back to recovery. The man described his death experience as seeing a bright light and feeling a state of peace. He does not have fear dying again.
In my work as a hospital chaplain and a pastor, I have talked to people who had similar experiences. But also there have been others for whom such a death or near death experience was filled with fear and terror, as if they were at the gates of hell.
I visited with one man who asked how he can be saved because he was more afraid to die that before. We talked about acknowledging and repentance of sins, of trusting in Christ for salvation, and turning his life over to the Lord’s authority by inviting Christ into your life. He accepted Christ that day, and has since passed away with the knowledge of a personal relationship with Jesus.
What do you make of the testimonies of those who claim to have died and come back to life again? There may be minutes when clinically someone might be declared dead and we marvel when they recover. Some relate how a relative has come to greet them, or they see Jesus.
However, the death of Jesus Christ was far different than our modern day examples. There was no question of his death. It was affirmed by the Roman Government. He was bound and put in a tomb for 3 days. When he came back to life he did not require the life support systems in modern hospitals like others do. In fact with his resurrected body he could come and go at will, in and out of locked rooms. His body was real, but still different than what we experience. His resurrection began a whole new church movement
The presence of the living Christ following the Easter experience, affects us today as it did with the early disciples. It changed not just their future hope, but also their present lives.
All of Jesus teaching was not just for our understanding, but for an affect on our lives in some way. Because he lives it does make a difference how we look at marriage and family, work and money, entertainment and recreation.
Because Jesus lives now should make a difference how you and I live in 2009.
Pastor Dale
Friday, January 2, 2009
Doubts Replaced John 20:28-31
Sermon Nuggets Fri. Jan 2
Theme- Doubts
Verses- John 20:28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.
31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
(NIV)
Doubts Replaced
I am thinking the opposite of doubt is belief or trust. The opposite of refusing to do something is obedience and obeying in spite of doubts. For Thomas there was a complete commitment.
He knew Jesus to be “My Lord.” He was back in the presence of Jesus whom he loved. Jesus was more than the son of God He was personal to Thomas. He was a personal Lord. He wanted Jesus to be his master. He referred to Jesus as “My God”. He worshiped Jesus for who He was God incarnate- God in the flesh. Jehovah Witnesses try to say this was an expression of surprise we too often hear when people use God’s name in vain. “Oh, My God”. They do not believe Jesus was God. Yet Jesus now was Thomas’ object of complete worship and devotion. Other things didn’t make much difference. He didn’t ask about details. He made a commitment.
Jesus responded, “Because you have seen me you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” He replaced doubt with belief. He believed Jesus. Jesus showed that people are accepted by believing, not by seeing. Those who do not see will be especially blessed. Thomas experience was no different than yours or mine, only he saw Jesus with his eyes. Both he and you must believe in Him. Both he and you have hope and happiness. It isn’t sight that is important it is faith.
I am glad that a skeptic refused to believe without evidence. I am glad this is recorded in the Bible. But for many Thomas’ testimony is no different than what the other disciples were to Thomas. Just because others had seen Him and believed wasn’t good enough for him. He needed to see for himself. Jesus isn’t any more alive after Thomas saw Him than before. Jesus isn’t any more alive now if you see Him or you do not.
As we see in other parts of the Bible, it doesn’t take much faith to believe that God is God when a person is healed. But it does take a great deal of faith to believe and trust Him completed when we don’t’ get healed. Men like to praise those as having great faith when miracles occur in their lives. They like to point to people as having more faith because of healing or because of a miracle. But that is not the case. It is in faith that we are assured of blessing. For the purpose of Christ signs were to convince them that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Do you believe that? Then don’t worry about the signs. Pray for healing, pray for miracles but don’t confuse what God chooses to do with faith or lack of it. There are incidents in the Bible when faith was the avenue for great works and other illustrations when people experienced God’s miracles even when they had no faith. For that isn’t what is important in God’s eyes. What will convince people to trust Him as Lord and God?
The rich man who died thought his brothers would believe if he could resurrect Lazarus from the dead and pay them a visit. "'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" Luke 16:30-31
The Gospels are not just biographies of Jesus. It isn’t important just to know about His life on earth. But the Gospels are to give us a revelation of Jesus as Messiah. The purpose of these writings are not historical primarily, although they pass the historical tests repeated. The purpose is that we might believe in the one whom God has sent to be savior of our souls. It is to reveal Himself. It is to call us for a personal response.
To believe in Jesus is just the beginning not the end of the story. It is helpful to remember Thomas when you have doubts. Don’t be troubled with doubting. Doubting can be health to encourage more Bible reading and meditation. Jesus didn’t’ rebuke John the Baptist when his disciple came to Jesus and asked Johns’ question. “Are you really the one?” What did Jesus tell them? God tell John the blind see, the lame walk, the sins are forgiven.” Then He praised John the Baptist. He met him for reassurance and He reassured Thomas. Wait and let Christ reassure your doubts. Be a seeker. Not like one who throws in the towel like Judas. Let time pass. But like Thomas be with people. Pray and spend time with them and ask the questions with an openness to change.
When a person handles doubts properly his faith will be strengthened. Many a great saint can testify that they have had a similar experience, a period of questioning that is later followed by a renewed and deeper faith. That was Thomas’ experience. He met the lord. Look at eh fats to encourage faith, and also the confession of them to Christ. Then trust. Even when you doubt trust and the eyes of faith will show your Jesus who wants to be your savior, friend and God.
These are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that believing you might have life in His name.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Doubts
Verses- John 20:28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.
31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
(NIV)
Doubts Replaced
I am thinking the opposite of doubt is belief or trust. The opposite of refusing to do something is obedience and obeying in spite of doubts. For Thomas there was a complete commitment.
He knew Jesus to be “My Lord.” He was back in the presence of Jesus whom he loved. Jesus was more than the son of God He was personal to Thomas. He was a personal Lord. He wanted Jesus to be his master. He referred to Jesus as “My God”. He worshiped Jesus for who He was God incarnate- God in the flesh. Jehovah Witnesses try to say this was an expression of surprise we too often hear when people use God’s name in vain. “Oh, My God”. They do not believe Jesus was God. Yet Jesus now was Thomas’ object of complete worship and devotion. Other things didn’t make much difference. He didn’t ask about details. He made a commitment.
Jesus responded, “Because you have seen me you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” He replaced doubt with belief. He believed Jesus. Jesus showed that people are accepted by believing, not by seeing. Those who do not see will be especially blessed. Thomas experience was no different than yours or mine, only he saw Jesus with his eyes. Both he and you must believe in Him. Both he and you have hope and happiness. It isn’t sight that is important it is faith.
I am glad that a skeptic refused to believe without evidence. I am glad this is recorded in the Bible. But for many Thomas’ testimony is no different than what the other disciples were to Thomas. Just because others had seen Him and believed wasn’t good enough for him. He needed to see for himself. Jesus isn’t any more alive after Thomas saw Him than before. Jesus isn’t any more alive now if you see Him or you do not.
As we see in other parts of the Bible, it doesn’t take much faith to believe that God is God when a person is healed. But it does take a great deal of faith to believe and trust Him completed when we don’t’ get healed. Men like to praise those as having great faith when miracles occur in their lives. They like to point to people as having more faith because of healing or because of a miracle. But that is not the case. It is in faith that we are assured of blessing. For the purpose of Christ signs were to convince them that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Do you believe that? Then don’t worry about the signs. Pray for healing, pray for miracles but don’t confuse what God chooses to do with faith or lack of it. There are incidents in the Bible when faith was the avenue for great works and other illustrations when people experienced God’s miracles even when they had no faith. For that isn’t what is important in God’s eyes. What will convince people to trust Him as Lord and God?
The rich man who died thought his brothers would believe if he could resurrect Lazarus from the dead and pay them a visit. "'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" Luke 16:30-31
The Gospels are not just biographies of Jesus. It isn’t important just to know about His life on earth. But the Gospels are to give us a revelation of Jesus as Messiah. The purpose of these writings are not historical primarily, although they pass the historical tests repeated. The purpose is that we might believe in the one whom God has sent to be savior of our souls. It is to reveal Himself. It is to call us for a personal response.
To believe in Jesus is just the beginning not the end of the story. It is helpful to remember Thomas when you have doubts. Don’t be troubled with doubting. Doubting can be health to encourage more Bible reading and meditation. Jesus didn’t’ rebuke John the Baptist when his disciple came to Jesus and asked Johns’ question. “Are you really the one?” What did Jesus tell them? God tell John the blind see, the lame walk, the sins are forgiven.” Then He praised John the Baptist. He met him for reassurance and He reassured Thomas. Wait and let Christ reassure your doubts. Be a seeker. Not like one who throws in the towel like Judas. Let time pass. But like Thomas be with people. Pray and spend time with them and ask the questions with an openness to change.
When a person handles doubts properly his faith will be strengthened. Many a great saint can testify that they have had a similar experience, a period of questioning that is later followed by a renewed and deeper faith. That was Thomas’ experience. He met the lord. Look at eh fats to encourage faith, and also the confession of them to Christ. Then trust. Even when you doubt trust and the eyes of faith will show your Jesus who wants to be your savior, friend and God.
These are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that believing you might have life in His name.
Pastor Dale
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Doubts Examined John 20:26-28
Sermon nuggets Thurs Jan 1 (Happy New Year)
Theme Doubts
Verses- John 20:26-28 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Doubts Examined.
After Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection regardless of what his friends said and saw, Jesus confronts doubts by appearing once again in this upper room. This time Thomas sees for himself. One comes to saving and active faith ultimately not based on what other people say or do, but based on their own meeting with Jesus.
Stephen Board, wrote for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on doubts and discussed doubts of emotions, doubts of ignorance, and doubts of the will.
An emotional doubt stems not from facts, but how we feel about something. Our convictions cause us to look at the facts differently than “objective” people.
I have often been with husbands and wives who perceive reality differently based on their emotions. I keep telling myself not to come to my conclusions on a matter until I have heard both sides of the story. People see life differently from their emotional experiences. I saw this happening with the political campaign. Facts are believed or doubted based on which candidate or party one favors. That would be emotional doubting.
But there is also a doubt of ignorance. From time to time I get emails (It used to be letters) to sign a petition to halt a bill from legislature which is trying to pull religious programming from the air waves and media. It started circulating over 30 years ago with Madeline Murray O’Hare accused of fighting the FCC. It was shown to be a hoax. Using different names, this hoax crops up about every 5 years. It costs a fair amount of time and money to take these petitions and dispense with them.
Because I encouraged the church attenders to sign the petition and discovered it to be a hoax I don’t do announce or pass on petitions unless I have checked the source. Fortunately with the internet I can check out the validity more quicly, but when something seems fishy it usually is. Even emails that say they have been verified by Snopes.com aren’t. Ignorance of the facts perpetuates doubts.
Politicians are masters at trying to circulate misinformation, half information, and out right lies. I have never been more upset than this year because I had checked out many of the stories of the claims candidates make toward one another. So many political ads were misleading. What does one do with new information?
Years ago one lady at Stanchfield was so convinced a particular company secretly funding abortions. She was very angry at me for not publicizing this in church. I wrote a letter to the company and showed her how it was a hoax and false information. She refused to believe the corporation was telling the truth. One member accepted that new information and stopped encouraging people to sign a boycott of goods from this company. But this other lady moved from an emotional doubt to a doubt prompted by her will. She refused to look at the evidence. Stephen Board also talked about doubts of the will. This is just the plain desire to want to believe something to not believe thing. One doubts based on their refusal to look at evidence.
Jesus came into the room and locked the doors and his first words were again, “Peace” He came for peace to ease their fears and doubts. He is real. For Thomas the confrontation of emotional doubts were eased when he was with people again. But the confrontation of meeting Jesus confronted the doubts of ignorance.
I find if frustrating to discuss with someone who objects to Christianity by looking at evidence that points to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As soon as one question is answered he has more. I learned that questions move from doubts of ignorance to doubts of the will. One refuses to believe because to accept some facts means they would have to change their thinking or admit they were wrong. People do not like to admit they were wrong.
Jesus knew the heart of Thomas. Even when Jesus was not in the room, He knew his doubts. But when Thomas was confronted with the risen Lord he changed his will and bowed down and gave a confession of faith and recommitment. His was a response that is one of the greatest that can be given. “my Lord and my God.” His doubts were confronted and He was willing to admit his was wrong. He realized a whole new purpose in living and in dying when by his will he submitted himself to the living Lord. He believed.
Pastor Dale
Theme Doubts
Verses- John 20:26-28 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Doubts Examined.
After Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection regardless of what his friends said and saw, Jesus confronts doubts by appearing once again in this upper room. This time Thomas sees for himself. One comes to saving and active faith ultimately not based on what other people say or do, but based on their own meeting with Jesus.
Stephen Board, wrote for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on doubts and discussed doubts of emotions, doubts of ignorance, and doubts of the will.
An emotional doubt stems not from facts, but how we feel about something. Our convictions cause us to look at the facts differently than “objective” people.
I have often been with husbands and wives who perceive reality differently based on their emotions. I keep telling myself not to come to my conclusions on a matter until I have heard both sides of the story. People see life differently from their emotional experiences. I saw this happening with the political campaign. Facts are believed or doubted based on which candidate or party one favors. That would be emotional doubting.
But there is also a doubt of ignorance. From time to time I get emails (It used to be letters) to sign a petition to halt a bill from legislature which is trying to pull religious programming from the air waves and media. It started circulating over 30 years ago with Madeline Murray O’Hare accused of fighting the FCC. It was shown to be a hoax. Using different names, this hoax crops up about every 5 years. It costs a fair amount of time and money to take these petitions and dispense with them.
Because I encouraged the church attenders to sign the petition and discovered it to be a hoax I don’t do announce or pass on petitions unless I have checked the source. Fortunately with the internet I can check out the validity more quicly, but when something seems fishy it usually is. Even emails that say they have been verified by Snopes.com aren’t. Ignorance of the facts perpetuates doubts.
Politicians are masters at trying to circulate misinformation, half information, and out right lies. I have never been more upset than this year because I had checked out many of the stories of the claims candidates make toward one another. So many political ads were misleading. What does one do with new information?
Years ago one lady at Stanchfield was so convinced a particular company secretly funding abortions. She was very angry at me for not publicizing this in church. I wrote a letter to the company and showed her how it was a hoax and false information. She refused to believe the corporation was telling the truth. One member accepted that new information and stopped encouraging people to sign a boycott of goods from this company. But this other lady moved from an emotional doubt to a doubt prompted by her will. She refused to look at the evidence. Stephen Board also talked about doubts of the will. This is just the plain desire to want to believe something to not believe thing. One doubts based on their refusal to look at evidence.
Jesus came into the room and locked the doors and his first words were again, “Peace” He came for peace to ease their fears and doubts. He is real. For Thomas the confrontation of emotional doubts were eased when he was with people again. But the confrontation of meeting Jesus confronted the doubts of ignorance.
I find if frustrating to discuss with someone who objects to Christianity by looking at evidence that points to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As soon as one question is answered he has more. I learned that questions move from doubts of ignorance to doubts of the will. One refuses to believe because to accept some facts means they would have to change their thinking or admit they were wrong. People do not like to admit they were wrong.
Jesus knew the heart of Thomas. Even when Jesus was not in the room, He knew his doubts. But when Thomas was confronted with the risen Lord he changed his will and bowed down and gave a confession of faith and recommitment. His was a response that is one of the greatest that can be given. “my Lord and my God.” His doubts were confronted and He was willing to admit his was wrong. He realized a whole new purpose in living and in dying when by his will he submitted himself to the living Lord. He believed.
Pastor Dale
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Doubts Confronted- John 20:26-27
Sermon nuggets Weds Dec 31
Theme- Doubts
Verses- John 20:26-27 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Doubts Confronted-
A problem with confronting doubts is the tendency to believe what we first were taught. Some studies says when we hear a lie it takes up to 5 times to hear the truth before we actually change our minds. First impressions do make a difference. But when we know a truth how much more difficult to accept another truth. Death ends life. To accept a resurrection from someone who died is a big adjustment.
Jesus is confronting Thomas with his personal appearance. His doubts must be faced with another truth.
But before that Thomas heard many testimonies of the miracle by those who were his friends. When people respond to Christ because of others it is never as strong a faith as when someone has a personal meeting with Jesus. In the first instance people are responding to ideas and testimony. Those become important steps to bring us to meeting the Lord. However, if that is all we base our faith on then doubts arise more quickly. We need a personal encounter with Christ. But rebellion may keep us from wanting to heed the Holy Spirit’s conviction on our hearts.
When we disbelieve something it is difficult to change one’s mind. You must be shown to be wrong. Most beliefs hinge not so much on the facts as on pride. It is difficult to admit personal change of opinions. Yet, there is no one who can accept Christ without first coming to the very point of humility saying “I was wrong”, "I have sinned”, "I need help". Sin keeps people in their doubts even when confronted with truth because it is as one who says, “Don’t confuse me with the fact, my mind is made up.”
Likewise, there are doubt that come from our emotions more than reason. Emotional doubt is just a feeling we have. Something in us doesn’t make sense. Someone might doubt because of hypocrisy in the church. This has nothing to do with the claims of Jesus only the emotions we have about others. Such a person needs a different perspective. They need to think through the real issues and not judge Jesus by those who claim to believe in Him.
I find doubts of emotion to come into play with the loss of a loved one. It is grief that keeps some people from trusting in Jesus because they are hurt when a loved one leaves them. Life didn’t happen hey way they wanted it to happen. Surprisingly to me, it has nothing to do with the facts. All people die. I would think someone who has died past their 80s would be more understandable. The resentments against God, church, pastors and faith are just as strong for some who lost a grandparent or an older parent. They don’t like death and so blame God. It is especially hard to lose a child in death by illness, or worse by violence.
When some doubt God or the Bible it might be helpful to evaluate what else is going on in their life that is keeping them from the real issues about Jesus. Satan uses lots of lies to keep us from faith. But we also need to look within to see what is going on in our own hearts-Pride? Sin? Selfishness? Grief? Anger? Loneliness? Lust? Looking at the facts doesn’t always change the emotions. “Lord, change me” is one of the hardest prayers to give to face our doubts as well as our lives when we know we are not in the will of the Lord.
That is an important prayer also as we face a New Year.
Pastor Dale.
Theme- Doubts
Verses- John 20:26-27 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Doubts Confronted-
A problem with confronting doubts is the tendency to believe what we first were taught. Some studies says when we hear a lie it takes up to 5 times to hear the truth before we actually change our minds. First impressions do make a difference. But when we know a truth how much more difficult to accept another truth. Death ends life. To accept a resurrection from someone who died is a big adjustment.
Jesus is confronting Thomas with his personal appearance. His doubts must be faced with another truth.
But before that Thomas heard many testimonies of the miracle by those who were his friends. When people respond to Christ because of others it is never as strong a faith as when someone has a personal meeting with Jesus. In the first instance people are responding to ideas and testimony. Those become important steps to bring us to meeting the Lord. However, if that is all we base our faith on then doubts arise more quickly. We need a personal encounter with Christ. But rebellion may keep us from wanting to heed the Holy Spirit’s conviction on our hearts.
When we disbelieve something it is difficult to change one’s mind. You must be shown to be wrong. Most beliefs hinge not so much on the facts as on pride. It is difficult to admit personal change of opinions. Yet, there is no one who can accept Christ without first coming to the very point of humility saying “I was wrong”, "I have sinned”, "I need help". Sin keeps people in their doubts even when confronted with truth because it is as one who says, “Don’t confuse me with the fact, my mind is made up.”
Likewise, there are doubt that come from our emotions more than reason. Emotional doubt is just a feeling we have. Something in us doesn’t make sense. Someone might doubt because of hypocrisy in the church. This has nothing to do with the claims of Jesus only the emotions we have about others. Such a person needs a different perspective. They need to think through the real issues and not judge Jesus by those who claim to believe in Him.
I find doubts of emotion to come into play with the loss of a loved one. It is grief that keeps some people from trusting in Jesus because they are hurt when a loved one leaves them. Life didn’t happen hey way they wanted it to happen. Surprisingly to me, it has nothing to do with the facts. All people die. I would think someone who has died past their 80s would be more understandable. The resentments against God, church, pastors and faith are just as strong for some who lost a grandparent or an older parent. They don’t like death and so blame God. It is especially hard to lose a child in death by illness, or worse by violence.
When some doubt God or the Bible it might be helpful to evaluate what else is going on in their life that is keeping them from the real issues about Jesus. Satan uses lots of lies to keep us from faith. But we also need to look within to see what is going on in our own hearts-Pride? Sin? Selfishness? Grief? Anger? Loneliness? Lust? Looking at the facts doesn’t always change the emotions. “Lord, change me” is one of the hardest prayers to give to face our doubts as well as our lives when we know we are not in the will of the Lord.
That is an important prayer also as we face a New Year.
Pastor Dale.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Doubts Expressed John 20:24-25
Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 30
Theme- Doubt
Verses- John 20: 24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
Doubts Expressed
Sometimes people are harder on Thomas than I think he deserves. You might remember that Thomas was a questioner. Thomas was especially chosen by Jesus because he had a function to perform with the personality given to him by God. I am glad he was quizzical and asked questions. He wasn’t afraid to speak up.
When I was a student in college I was too shy to ask questions of the professor. There were things I didn’t understand or doubted. I didn’t want the class to think I was the only one not getting it. I thought if nobody else had a question I must be the only one. I didn’t want to appear dumb. Every now and again someone would ask the question I had. I am glad he did. I was off the hook as to what others thought about me when I kept my silence. But I learned from others asking the question.
I am glad Thomas was the one asking questions that has be raised ever since the resurrection. When Jesus told their earlier, “I am going to prepare a place for you and I will come again to receive you unto myself” Thomas asked “But we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” If it wasn’t for Thomas we might never have those glorious words from our Lord, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.”
We cannot fault Thomas on his commitment. When Jesus was going to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead, Thomas was so convinced he would be killed he said, “Let us go too, and die with him.”
Perhaps that is why he was so dejected at the crucifixion. He trusted so much in the Messiah that died he was devastated. He believed and now was wrong. He was discouraged for all he believe in he thought was false. The Kingdom had not come. Israel did not have Jesus as King. That day of crucifixion was a day Thomas’ doubts got the best of him. He wasn’t going to be fooled again.
I think it is interesting that all the others grieved together in the upper room. They had contact with one another. Jesus appeared to them all except Thomas who was not there. We are not told the reason for his absence but doubts can have a way of closing ourselves off from others. No longer being with this friends for support can move him to further doubt.
When someone faces suffering alone their burdens can be almost unbearable. When someone shares their burden it is lighter. Just to talk with another who tries to understand helps. He may not be able to solve our problems, but things do not look quite so dark when someone else cares.
C.S. Lewis said that he was plagued with doubts while away form home and in hotel rooms or foreign towns by himself. It is exceedingly difficult to maintain a viewpoint when you are isolated from others who share it. It is true that the hardest part of temptation for Christians is holding their faith when they are thinking they are alone. The encouragement of others who pray and read and worship helps us grow and become stronger in our faith. The Lord designed us for fellowship.
When Thomas did join his friends they were so excited to tell him of the miracle of the resurrection. They had seen the Lord alive! NO. Thomas could not believe that. They tried to explain they saw Him with their own eyes. For Thomas it was too much to swallow. Eye witnesses of 10 men and one woman would not change his mind. He was further alienating himself from his friends by implying that they were mistaken. He refused to accept their testimony.
Our society is full of skeptics and doubters that say what is real is only what is experienced personally. They live a narrow life. I have been encourage with the faith of others, as well as the testimony of the word. I might question some of the facts but when enough people I trust tell of their experience I am willing to consider that as an option of truth.
But Thomas demands proof. What he cannot see, touch or hear he will no longer believe. The naturalist takes that view when it comes to the supernatural. Scientists who do experiments that are repeatable and observable make conclusions based on empirical data. But how do you measure love, or commitment? There are evidences of the non material one must take into account. To conclude there is no God based on outside observation is narrowing the criteria of acceptance of data. Our scientific tools are limited in what they can measure.
Thomas had seen the miracles and witnessed changed lives, but the circumstance of the dead coming back to life was more than he could accept. I would have a hard time believing since it hardly happens today unless it is within minutes of someone being declared clinically dead. It is not part of our experience. Thomas was honest with his feelings and thoughts. He was a man of integrity, not wanting to convince others, but not wanting to be convinced of anything he didn’t personally experience. He could express his doubts and conclude in error that it was impossible for Jesus to rise from the dead.
Most times what others believe really makes no difference if we believe or not. But the resurrection of Jesus Christ is pivotal to trusting Him for all eternity and having hope after death.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Doubt
Verses- John 20: 24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
Doubts Expressed
Sometimes people are harder on Thomas than I think he deserves. You might remember that Thomas was a questioner. Thomas was especially chosen by Jesus because he had a function to perform with the personality given to him by God. I am glad he was quizzical and asked questions. He wasn’t afraid to speak up.
When I was a student in college I was too shy to ask questions of the professor. There were things I didn’t understand or doubted. I didn’t want the class to think I was the only one not getting it. I thought if nobody else had a question I must be the only one. I didn’t want to appear dumb. Every now and again someone would ask the question I had. I am glad he did. I was off the hook as to what others thought about me when I kept my silence. But I learned from others asking the question.
I am glad Thomas was the one asking questions that has be raised ever since the resurrection. When Jesus told their earlier, “I am going to prepare a place for you and I will come again to receive you unto myself” Thomas asked “But we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” If it wasn’t for Thomas we might never have those glorious words from our Lord, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.”
We cannot fault Thomas on his commitment. When Jesus was going to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead, Thomas was so convinced he would be killed he said, “Let us go too, and die with him.”
Perhaps that is why he was so dejected at the crucifixion. He trusted so much in the Messiah that died he was devastated. He believed and now was wrong. He was discouraged for all he believe in he thought was false. The Kingdom had not come. Israel did not have Jesus as King. That day of crucifixion was a day Thomas’ doubts got the best of him. He wasn’t going to be fooled again.
I think it is interesting that all the others grieved together in the upper room. They had contact with one another. Jesus appeared to them all except Thomas who was not there. We are not told the reason for his absence but doubts can have a way of closing ourselves off from others. No longer being with this friends for support can move him to further doubt.
When someone faces suffering alone their burdens can be almost unbearable. When someone shares their burden it is lighter. Just to talk with another who tries to understand helps. He may not be able to solve our problems, but things do not look quite so dark when someone else cares.
C.S. Lewis said that he was plagued with doubts while away form home and in hotel rooms or foreign towns by himself. It is exceedingly difficult to maintain a viewpoint when you are isolated from others who share it. It is true that the hardest part of temptation for Christians is holding their faith when they are thinking they are alone. The encouragement of others who pray and read and worship helps us grow and become stronger in our faith. The Lord designed us for fellowship.
When Thomas did join his friends they were so excited to tell him of the miracle of the resurrection. They had seen the Lord alive! NO. Thomas could not believe that. They tried to explain they saw Him with their own eyes. For Thomas it was too much to swallow. Eye witnesses of 10 men and one woman would not change his mind. He was further alienating himself from his friends by implying that they were mistaken. He refused to accept their testimony.
Our society is full of skeptics and doubters that say what is real is only what is experienced personally. They live a narrow life. I have been encourage with the faith of others, as well as the testimony of the word. I might question some of the facts but when enough people I trust tell of their experience I am willing to consider that as an option of truth.
But Thomas demands proof. What he cannot see, touch or hear he will no longer believe. The naturalist takes that view when it comes to the supernatural. Scientists who do experiments that are repeatable and observable make conclusions based on empirical data. But how do you measure love, or commitment? There are evidences of the non material one must take into account. To conclude there is no God based on outside observation is narrowing the criteria of acceptance of data. Our scientific tools are limited in what they can measure.
Thomas had seen the miracles and witnessed changed lives, but the circumstance of the dead coming back to life was more than he could accept. I would have a hard time believing since it hardly happens today unless it is within minutes of someone being declared clinically dead. It is not part of our experience. Thomas was honest with his feelings and thoughts. He was a man of integrity, not wanting to convince others, but not wanting to be convinced of anything he didn’t personally experience. He could express his doubts and conclude in error that it was impossible for Jesus to rise from the dead.
Most times what others believe really makes no difference if we believe or not. But the resurrection of Jesus Christ is pivotal to trusting Him for all eternity and having hope after death.
Pastor Dale
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