Sermon Nuggets Week of August 2, 2010 Intermediate State
Sermon Nuggets Mon. Aug 2
Theme The Intermediate State
Verses- 1Thes 4:14-18 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
Intermediate State
The comedian and movie producer Woody Allen had this to say about death: “I am not afraid to die; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”
Last week I defined death from a Biblical illustration as a separation. James 2:26 says, “The body without the spirit is dead.”
Just like God is depicted as a Trinity as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so I believe Scriptures give good evidence that we were created as triune beings. We see that as body, soul and spirit.
Dale Lundgren who saw I was doing a series on death had done some study on the subject and shared with me some of his notes, for which I appreciate. I liked his statement that said, “The body is our earthly awareness. The Soul is our self awareness and the Spirit is our God awareness”
When we look at death we have said we see separation from God in three ways bodily, spiritually dead to him in a relationship and an eternal separation of our soul. We are saved our souls, our beings and consciousness will always be with the Lord. The Spirit is alive to divine things and we are given his Holy Spirit from above, and when our bodies are separated for a time from our souls and spirits we are also given the promise of the resurrection, which Lord willing I will talk about next time, the resurrected body and what it will be like. The Bible is also very clear the Jesus is coming again. When he comes again our bodies will awaken or come alive and we will have new bodies forever.
What I want to address is the question what happens immediately after I die. What does the Bible teach about the time between our death and resurrection?
I am surprised how many are influenced by movies and TV today. There are many who believe that we become angels, or we must in some spirit form do good works to earn our wings.
I watched a move awhile ago called. “What Dreams may Come”, starring Robin Williams. It had wonderful photography, and beautiful music intriguing philosophy but differs drastically from the Biblical teaching of what happens when we die. The majority of the movie takes place in the afterlife. Chris is met with a soul guide. He finds heaven to be pretty much how he wishes it to be. It fulfills your greatest dreams. Heaven is painted landscapes, color and variety of attractive styles.
You can add to that list all types of movies about the afterlife and ghost returning back from the dead. Even classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, or The Christmas Carol address contact from the death in literary form to make some important theme or statement. As inspiring or as Hollywood uses it’s dazzle with afterlife themes most of them have wonderful photography, and beautiful music intriguing philosophy but differs drastically from the Biblical teaching of what happens when we die. Most movies end with happy Heavenly stories because this is the way we want things to be, but since all the prophecies of the Bible have come true and have been fulfilled to an astronomical rate of prediction it is with confidence we can place our faith in this book being the word of God and must ask, what does the Bible teach on this subject.
This is the way we want things to be, but since all the prophecies of the Bible have come true and have been fulfilled to an astronomical rate of prediction it is with confidence we can place our faith in this book being the word of God and must ask, what does the Bible teach on this subject.
Now I need to preface my remarks with two other comments. I follow an interpretive principle regarding Bible study. I include the principles what is clearly and plainly and repeated stated in the Bible believe strongly. What is unclear, confusing, and mentioned only once, believe, but allow for various interpretations and don’t be so dogmatic. I find that sometimes people major on minor issues, and minor on the major ones.
On this subject there will be some things I share that are clear and plain and other details which may be open for other interpretations which are held by good evangelical, Christ honoring people. I will try to tell you how I interpret some passages and other things are pretty hard to deny.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Aug 3 – Conscious Existence.
Verses- Matt 22:31-33 But about the resurrection of the dead-- have you not read what God said to you, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."
Rev 6:9-10 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?"
The Bible teaches There is Conscious existence after our bodies die.
That is one of the clear, repeated and plain parts that cannot be denied. Not only do all the faiths of the world teach about an afterlife, it is clearly believed in both the old and the New Testament that there is an afterlife. That is clear from Matthew’s passage quoted above.
In case anyone had any doubts, the Lord allowed three disciples to see Moses and Elijah up with Jesus on the Mountain of Transfiguration in Mat.17:
But what happens in this period after the body dies and before Christ’s return? The Jehovah Witnesses and 7th Day Adventists and many modernist will teach what is called a soul sleep. That means since there are passages from the Bible that use the term sleep when it refers to death. They believe the soul and spirit are dormant also until Jesus returns.
Although some will teach the unsaved soul never wakes up. That teaching is called Annialihism. I am surprised that some evangelicals hold that view because the concept of Hell is so. You can’t change the truth just because you don’t like it. Politicians try to do that every day, but God does not change truth.
Others will point to the passages for instance when Jesus raises people from the dead in the New Testament he refers to them as sleeping. But it seems that even when he tells them to get up he is talking to them as they are alive. “Lazarus come forth” “Little girl get up.” He is commanding their spirits which are conscious. In each case Jesus speaks to the person as if he were alive. We can only answer that each was alive. As G. Campbell Morgan says: “The body was dead. The man was not dead. No man is ever dead when his body lies dead!” The soul of man will never enter into a state of non-existence nor unconsciousness.
We get a glimpse behind heaven in the book of Revelations 6. Notice the souls are communicating with the Lord when will be the time for his return. We know at the return of Christ there will be bodily resurrection.
My favorite Bible verse of Paul’s teaching is 2 Cor 5:8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” We will have conscious awareness of the glory of God and the power of Jesus Christ and being in his presence is sufficient.
The departed saints are truly alive and conscious-
The passage in Luke 16 19-31 relates the story of the rich man and Lazarus. It is a vivid description of these two having consciousness along with Abraham after physical death. The question has been raised by some Bible teachers if this a parable or if it is a prophecy or if it is description of reality. Most commonly in Luke he tells us plainly when he moves into a parable. There is none of that here. In prophecy there is a description of what will be in the future. This is a descriptive story that I believe we must take literally that there is conscious awareness immediately after death and many who experienced near death experiences, or even claimed to have died and returned to the body are immediately made aware of something very real at the gates of the place of dead. The reason that I say that is that we know there will be a final judgment and a resurrection of the bodies of the righteous when Jesus returns and after the Millenium which we will also speak on in one of these sermons there will be later according to Revelations 20 a resurrection of the wicked or unsaved. Neither the resurrection nor the judgment had occurred in this passage. The rich man is pleading to give word to his brothers so they can get saved. The judgment hadn’t come yet. Fully conscious of what is going on.
We have heard many stories of some people, even youngsters, who see Jesus, or grandparents, or loved ones at the point of death and then revived. Likewise I have heard stories of darkness, fear, and horrors. How do we describe those experiences?
Last week we defined death in three ways. The context of the passage also shows that when sleep is referred to it is the bodily death of the separation of the soul from the body. But the soul lives in related to the body. At Christ’s return there will be the reuniting of our soul with a new body.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds August 4, 2010 Place of the dead
Verses- Psalm 139:7-8 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”
Ps 31:17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave.
Isa 5:14 Therefore the grave enlarges its appetite and opens its mouth without limit; into it will descend their nobles and masses with all their brawlers and revelers.
Matt 16:17-18 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Luke 23:42-43 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
The Bible Describes the place of the dead in three ways.
The first term used is the Hebrew word Sheol. That Hebrew term is translated 3 different ways. It is used 65 times. The KJV translates it hell 31 times, the grave 31 times and the pit 3 times. Most of the time sheol is translated grave in the NIV and the Authorized version simply gives you the Hebrew word sheol, letting the reader define it.
The first way in which Sheol is commonly used means “The place of the dead.” It can mean grave, the resting place of the body, but most commonly it does refer to the inner parts of the earth where the Hebrews believed the souls of the departed existed.
We have many words in English that are have different meaning depending on the context in how they are used. In the United States you can say, “I’m mad about my flat” which probably means you are angry that you have a flat tire. In England however that same phrase probably means you are excited about your apartment. The context and location determines the meaning.
Sheol is mostly thought of as down under, somewhere in a hollow part of the earth. Isa 14:9 The grave below is all astir to meet you at your coming; it rouses the spirits of the departed to greet you-- all those who were leaders in the world; it makes them rise from their thrones-- all those who were kings over the nations.
Sheol can be described as a place the wicked go: Num 16:31-35 quote the judgment of God upon the wicked. But likewise Sheol can refer to the place where the righteous or godly also go. Ps 16:9-10 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
Psalm 139:7-8 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Jacob was looking forward to going to his son Joseph to Sheol Gen 36 and 44.
How we are to interpret words mostly deals with the context of the passage. Most of the time both the righteous and the unrighteous go to Sheol when they die. When it relates to the body it is probably appropriate to translate it grave, when it relates to the resting place or temporary dwelling of the soul then it means more than that.
There is another term, it is the Greek term Hades. In the new Testament it is used 10 times. Sometimes it is figurative referring also to the place of the dead. It is translated hell by KJV, but there is another term called Gehenna which is the term we will discuss in a few weeks when we preach on Hell. So I don’t think that is the best translation. The NIV usually says grave. And can include the resting place for souls of the righteous and the wicked, just like Sheol.
Jesus has, in three other places, Matt 11 and 16, and Luke 10, referred to Hades as a real place. Luke 16:19-31 is the story of Lazarus and the rich man. Now I will admit there is differing interpretation regarding this passage. Some will say this is a parable that isn’t true, but rather a story that is given by Jesus to teach some basic principle to be saved and there will be judgment to come. Some teach this is an expression of the future of what hell will be like as Jesus is looking into the future. Others, including myself will say this is a real story showing what is going on right now among the place of the dead.
The reason that I say that is that we know there will be a final judgment and a resurrection of the bodies of the righteous when Jesus returns and after the Millennium. Neither the resurrection nor the judgment had occurred in this passage. The rich man is pleading to give word to his brothers so they can get saved. The judgment hadn’t come yet.
Also it shows Lazarus to be in the bosom of Abraham, which seems to mean to be gathered unto his people. You are comforted by the saints of the Old Testament and Abraham is the father of the Hebrews. The Jews of Jesus day look to Abraham as the comforter of the people as the father of the nation. This place of the dead refers to a place where Abraham was, and implies that those who are righteous and have passed away are (or were) there being comforted with him.
They both went to Hades, but there is a section of Hades where there is a gulf fixed between the rich man and Lazarus and that I believe is how the passage should be looked at. Just like Sheol is shown to be a place of wicked and righteous now we see there are two areas for each to go. The one is described as rest and peace, the other is in torment and pain and anguish of soul. It is a place which I think is described as not only consciousness but one can reflect on the past. He is reminded of the life he lives in selfishness and prejudice and hardness of heart. He is not objecting to his situation as being unfair. He recalls the past, but is also mindful of the present. Not only wishing a drop of water could be placed on his tongue to cool, but the burden of his heart is to get the message to his brothers so they can repent. I will talk about that more in a bit also.
There is a third expression that is used in the Bible as a place for the dead. It is only used in the New Testament and it is called Paradise. “Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:42-43
There are not many times the term paradise is used in the Bible. But when it is it involves a nice place with the presence of God or Jesus there. What does Jesus mean when he tells the thief who is reaching out in faith? Today you will be alive with me in a place called paradise.
No longer do people go to be with Abraham and the place of their fathers. We do to be where Jesus is. Those who are believers in Jesus Christ are in his presence when they die. The Apostle Paul indicates this to be true when he teaches to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
In my studies for this sermon there is also a most interesting passage in 2 Corinthians when Paul is described as being taken up into paradise. Dr. Lehmann Straus relates this incident as Paul describes 14 years ago as a time of his near death experience. He believes he was allows to go to this place too wonderful to describe, but then let to remain on earth to carry out the conclusion of his work. From that time on he was so confident of being with the Lord, and looking at that as being far better than being here.
Whether Paul had a vision in his body, or out of his body he does not know so we don’t know either. But the soul consciousness was in a heavenly place.
The three ways the Bible describes the place of the dead are Sheol, Hades, and Paradise, (Abraham’s bosom) and they are described by grave, place of wicked, and place of righteous with conscious awareness, and interaction.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Aug 5 – Jesus in Hades
Verses- Eph 4:8-10 This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
Jesus had a Ministry to the Place of the Dead.
Now get this. According to Acts 2 it says Jesus went to the grave, or Hades. Paul taught this in the Ephesians 4 passage quoted above.
Part of the Apostles Creed says “I believe that Jesus descended into hell.” It is a difficult statement, but probably taken from 1 Pet 3:18-20 “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,”
Now these are confusing passages but if you put them together this is what they seem to teach. Two things seem clear, first, Christ was put to death. Second he went and preached to the spirits in prison who once were disobedient when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah.
It seems that after his death Jesus went and preached to a people in one place. What does that mean? Many commentaries don’t agree so I’ll give you my thoughts. First I believe there was a praise and worship experience unlike anything we have ever seen for the people with Abraham. The Old Testament saints were explained the plan of God and the redemption of the world bought by the Messiah. The departed saints according to Ephesians were then taken up to be with Jesus in the presence of the Father.
But Jesus had another mission. It was to declare judgment on Satan and the demons. They are lost. Jesus won. They were spirits definitely defeated and prepared now for the final judgment to carry out their eternal sentence. Those who died in unbelief also heard and saw and understand. It seems Christ descended to the place of the dead- Hades to make the good news known.
Now the conclusion I have come to is that part of Christ’s work, after committing His Spirit to the Father and dying on the cross, was to descend to Hades, take the ‘keys’ to death and Hades, (whether that be symbolic or actual is for us to find out later I suppose), and to preach the gospel message to those who were in Hades. Jesus then emptied Paradise, by taking all of those who had fallen asleep in Him up to that point, home to heaven...including the repentant thief.
There is also an interesting passage in 2 Corinthians when Paul described being taken up into paradise. Dr. Lehmann Straus relates this incident as Paul describes 14 years ago as a time of his near death experience. He believes he was allowed to go to this place too wonderful to describe, but remained on earth to carry out the conclusion of his work. From that time on he was so confident of being with the Lord, and looking at that as being far better than being here.
Whether Paul had a vision in his body, or out of his body he does not know so we don’t know either. But the soul consciousness was in a heavenly place.
Jesus went to the place of the dead preaching victory to the saved and judgment, to the lost. He releasing the souls of faith to paradise with him in consciousness and glory until the next great event, His return to earth.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Friday August 6, 2010
Verses- Luke 16:26-3 1
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'"He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
"Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'
"'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.'"
What about Purgatory?
The gulf between Lazarus and the rich man was fixed. The desire to witness and work is over. There is no earning your wings or suffering to get out of purgatory. Purgatory was a medieval concept that no one was good enough for heaven so we had to pay off our sins in suffering after death and everyone eventually will be saved. Nothing like that is taught in the Bible. Indeed. Jesus paid for all our sins and there is nothing more to be done than accept it. To think you will have another chance is wrong. Now is the time to accept Jesus Christ and you will not want to put it off.
One occasion I was asked if I would do a funeral service, but the request was very unusual. They were not religious people except one of the family members. It was important to that family member to have a minister. But the person who died was not a believer nor have any interest in church or clergy. They thought it was more appropriate that I have readings and poems, but they were not interested in hearing anything Christian. I told them I would be respectful of their grief, but I am a Christian minister and would share from the Bible and my prayers were acknowledging Jesus Christ, or they should find someone else because this is my calling.
After reading again the story of Lazarus and the rich man I felt the Lord convicted my heart. I know doing a funeral service for someone who has refused believing in Jesus Christ it is hard to find comfort. But dear people, what do you think the rich man would have me share at his own funeral if he would have had the chance to tell me after his death? Simply this- Do everything in your power to make sure my loved ones are not where I am right now. Perhaps the greatest evangelists would be those who have gone already into Hades without Christ and came back the next day to preach their own funeral sermon.
Heb 9:27-28 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
Our opportunity to witness for Christ will be gone. Do you have a brother, sister, mother, father, relative, friend, neighbor, co-worker, fellow-student who is unsaved? Has God convicted you to share your faith? We cannot save anyone else. That is something each person must face himself or herself. We can pray and we can share out of love.
Someone has gone back from the dead. His name is Jesus! After we die our opportunity to serve Christ will be Gone. John 9:4 "I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.
We are not yet talking about final glories of heaven yet to come, nor are we talking about the final judgment of hell yet to come. We are talking about this waiting period where there is rest already and comfort for those in Christ. Heaven as far as being with Christ in that sense has begun already. But for those who are in Hades, the place of the unsaved death ,a form of hell has begun as well, but this is not their eternal abode yet.
The very thought of death is terrifying to unbelievers and it should be. But for those who have made their peace with God through Jesus Christ it is a blessing. If you have been saved by trusting in Jesus, relax. Your destiny is secured. If you have never trusted Christ for salvation, your destiny is unsettled. One minute after you die, you will be alive, you will be conscious, you will be either in Hades or Paradise with Jesus.
I Jn 5:12-13 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” Are you ready?
Pastor Dale
Friday, August 6, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Death- An Introduction - Topical
Sermon Nuggets Mon July 26
Topic- Death
Verses-Heb 9:27-28 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Death and Dying: An Introduction
The series I have chosen to consider for the next month or so relates to a topic that will affect us all- Death. I have recently had many questions recurring as to what happens when we die. I thought I would take the sermon series originally presented nine years ago and adapt it for sermon nuggets. Unlike the ones posted so far this is a topical series.
George Bernard Shaw wryly wrote, "The statistics on death are quite impressive. One out of one people die.”
While on vacation a number of years ago I happened to pick up one of Moody Bible Institute radio programs. Dr. Irwin Lutzer, pastor of the Moody church in Chicago, was preaching on life after death. He made that sermon series into a book entitled, “One Minute After you Die.” The Lord seemed to be speaking to me about doing a series like that. Some of the ideas and illustrations come from that book.
Increasingly in the United States there are various religious groups who have explanations regarding what happens after you die. Reincarnation is a Hindu explanation of life after death. The caste system is set up in a prejudicial way that allows higher class people to be perfectly justified in mistreatment of lower class people because they deserved the life they got based on how good there were in a previous life. When you die you are reincarnated into a different life form based on works.
Nirvana is the place of wine women and song after death to those of the Moslem faith if you’ve lived a good enough life, or that place of nothingness of completed contentment and peace if you are a Buddhist.
The prominent teaching of the atheist and agnostic is when you’re dead there is no life or consciousness, no afterlife, no heaven, no hell. Those concepts are just made up from mankind to make us feel good and manipulate us into living a certain way on earth as advanced evolved animals.
Many are very reluctant to address the topic as if it is too morbid to discuss. I wonder if that is a way to deny the inevitable when someone has no satisfying answer.
I was given the testimony of Wendy Anderson, niece to Jim Anderson, which was written in the Washington Post. She wrote, “My Conversion began in February 1995 when I met a Christian who had the courage to share his faith with me. He and I had a long discussion over dinner one night about death. I’ve had conversations like this many times before, but this one turned out much differently. I expressed my concern that I had no idea what lies beyond the grave and talked about my paralyzing fear of death. This ration, intelligent, thoughtful person told met that his personal relationship with God made him as sure of what awaited him after physical death as he was of anything. I was surprised and curious. Every other time I had this conversation with people, they had agreed with me that there was no answer to which we could be certain this side of the grave. We could only hope for the best. After that conversation and many others that followed, it dawned on me that I may have been wrong my entire life. There might indeed be a God. The consequences of being wrong were dire, and I knew I needed to learn more. “
Wendy talked about reading the Bible praying and meeting with other Christians and started to attend a church. After reading about proofs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ she surrendered her heart to Christ and hasn’t been the same since.
The subject of death can cause many to do real soul searching for answers. What does the Bible have to say about death? It seems appropriate to discuss this subject and discover the truths on the topic in the days ahead.
The most important question of all as individuals is, “Are you prepared to die? Do you have absolute confidence you will be with the Lord?”
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues July 27, 2010
Verses- Gen 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die"
Genesis 3:19 “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."
Eph. 2:1-2 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
Some Definitions of Death
The first time the topic is mentioned is from the book of Genesis of course. It served as a warning to Adam and Eve. I was thinking when Adam first heard that warning he had no idea what death was for nothing had died since sin did not come into the world. It was only a theoretic concept, without meaning.
I suppose he could understand death, when applied to plants. Something grew and then it was cut or eaten and was no longer there. Here today and gone tomorrow. There is no indication that animals died in the paradise environment created by God for mankind to live in. But later when the animal’s life was taken they were no more.
First death is physical. God warned that one came from dust and would return to dust, or ground.
If we are to understand death from a Biblical perspective we begin with the understanding of separation. James 2:26 says, “The body without the spirit is dead.”
When man was created in the image of God Genesis tells us that he breathed into man the breath of life. Did you know the word breathed, wind and spirit are all related terms? And man became a living soul. It is the way man was intended to be in the garden with full relationship. That spirit was put to death or separated us from God. Therefore each person is spiritually dead because of sin. You are two thirds of a person; until the Holy Spirit of God comes into you are not as God intended you to be. So we become new people reborn spiritually alive connected to God. God makes that possible by his supernatural work of salvation. For us it is faith. It is believing and following Jesus Christ to be our savior and Lord.
I think there are other Scriptures that help us understand this: 1Thes 5:23 “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
When there is a separation from God there is a loss of man’s moral likeness to God. We don’t think like God, we have creative nature and thinking process but also a sinful nature that seeks to serve self and not God.
Because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Rom. 3:23, all men are spiritually dead-- separated from God who is the source of spiritual life. Sin makes a person hate the light and despise the truth; it causes one to break God's laws and to become insensitive to holy things. Everyone who has not been redeemed by Christ is spiritually dead
The prodigal son was lost and found, dead and now alive when he returned in repentance to the father. In other words death is described from the spiritual point when God’s spirit is not in your life and you have the spirit of the world or the spirit of the evil one, but not the spirit of God. You are dead separated from God.
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matt 10:28
The emphasis of death is on the separation from God and His glory. In Luke’s account of the rich man and Lazarus they both physically died, but were conscience in an afterlife. The soul of Lazarus was alive in Abraham’s bosom and conscious. The rich man was conscious but separated from God and in hell.
There is physical death. There is a spiritual death when we are separated from God but still alive physically. And there is an eternal death when we are both dead physically and in an afterlife forever separated from God.
Man is finding so many ways to prolong his days that mortality rate gets lower every year. The aim of medical profession is to prolong life as long as possible. Methods and machines to save life by other standards are miraculous. There are respirators for months, heart massage to continue blood circulation, electrical shocks to heart, pacemaker. There have been many ways that have defined death and life from a medical point of view. But physical death for mankind is the separation of the soul from the body.
We also are spiritually dead to God. The good news is that God has done something about making us spiritually alive. There is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. There is a resurrection from the dead. There is eternal life. To be alive to God means the Holy Spirit comes into us. We have that seal from God to be forever with Him.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds July 28, 2010
Verses- 1 Cor 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
John 16:19-20 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'?
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Phil 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Ps 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
2 Cor 5:8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Descriptions of Death
Many euphemisms are used to describe death: Man's last great vacation; Crossing the river; putting out to sea; crossing the bar; being laid to rest; passing away; going to his Maker.
The Bible also uses other terms to describe death: Those who asleep, or to be gathered unto my people, The Bible speaks of death also as giving up the ghost, being cut down, departing, fleeing as a shadow. But one expression used by Paul is describing death as an enemy.
God is the God of life. We are created to live not die. The Garden of Eden experience was to go on and on in a perfect relationship. Sin changed that perfect plan. We have an independent spirit that wants to do what we want and not what God wants. So death is part of the curse. I have done 35 funerals in the last 2 years. Many homes and loved ones understand that enemy death is.
Grief is described even as Mary and Martha wept over their brother. Jesus wept as he stood by the tomb. Grief is the expression of loss. Death causes us to hurt, to fear, and to sorrow. It is an enemy.
Death is an enemy as it disrupts earthly relationships. It is the breaking of family ties. It is a change in our lives when loved ones are taken from us.
It is common to fear death. Many times in the Bible the Lord tells us not to fear it. Often that fear hinders people and manipulates people. A robber comes with a gun to take your money or your life. Someone keeps another a hostage and the fear of death makes them comply with the wishes of the other. The wars and threats of wars is what keep people in peace or in bondage of a dictator. Someone thinks they have solved any opposition by killing their foes. So there is a natural fear of death because God has given us bodies that want to live.
But the Bible also speaks of death almost as a friend for those who have the security of knowing God in a personal way. Paul says, “For me to live is Christ but to die is gain.” Death took on a different significance when Stephen was martyred. He was greeted by the face of the Lord. Although it was a violent death it was a victory.
Precious is the death of a saint. Ps 116:15. Although we will also talk about suicide in another sermon, yet for some who are undergoing suffering, or who are older and lost a loved one, death is a friend for reuniting or to relieve the problems of this age. As the song writer says, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.” For many who have lived a long and rich life the yearning for death is stronger because there is hope beyond the grave. They are tired of his life and its sufferings.
We have seen some wonderful death bed experiences as one passes from this life into the next with the peace that comes from God. For many it is welcomed when their labors on this earth are over.
Even when the Bible speaks of the great tribulation Rev. 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them:
Various attitudes toward death are expressed in the Bible, from dread to anticipation.
Christ has changed the description of death for those who have placed their trust in Him.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 29, 2010
Verses- 1 Cor 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Heb 2:14-15 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-- that is, the devil--and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
1 Cor 15:54-57 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Destruction of Death.
With reference to human beings, however, death is not the end of life. For man, physical death does not mean the end of existence but the end of life as we know it and the transition to another dimension in which our conscious existence continues. We will look in a couple of weeks from now the Intermediate state and how death is looked at from an Old Testament perspective.
So many people look at death as finality when the Bible does not speak about that at all. But even death as a separation will no longer be tolerated. When we read that the last enemy to be destroyed is death then we see it too has a time of destruction. Death itself will be no more.
So many people are working hard to find cures to various illnesses with only the hope of prolonging our life on earth. Some seek to be frozen and revived, some leave some posterity of money or literature, or something to be remembered, but all will be forgotten sooner or later. Jesus provided a cure that destroys death itself.
In His resurrection, Jesus conquered death-- physical, spiritual, and eternal. Jesus came to destroy the power of death. That means he came to destroy a bodily separation, a spiritual separation and a soul separation. Ironically he did this by dying himself.
When Jesus says “Whoever believes in me shall never die” that is quite a statement. I know people who believe in Jesus and I have conducted their funerals. We grieve over them and a doctor or medical examiner has officially declared them dead. The penalty for sin is the curse of death, but the definition is separation. Jesus said in Him there is no separation from God. One moment you are in the presence of your loved ones and the next in the presence of Jesus. The body is gone but that too is temporary. It is a living experience not a dying one from God’s perspective, which is what He wants us all to know.
Jesus defeated Satan at the cross and the power of sin and the power of death over us. He beat Satan at his own game. God paid the price of sin by dying himself through his son and our sins are forgiven so the penalty is taking away and instead of separation there is reconciliation. And in the book of Revelation there is also a prophecy about death itself. It is taken and thrown into the lake of fire. Rev. 20
Rev 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
So Christ has abolished death and taking away its terror and will some day utterly destroy it. He has so changed death so I wonder if we should give it a new name? A train to glory? A boat to the beyond? A heavenly journey?
Have you trusted Christ to be your savior and Lord? Like Jesus we leave our grave clothes behind and exchange our mortal for immortal.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri July 30, 2010
John 8:21
21 Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come."
Destination.
In John 8:21 the Lord Jesus said, "You...will die." "Death," said Billy Graham, "hangs over our heads from the cradle to the grave. It stalks the little child, it plagues the youth, it hovers over us in middle age, it haunts us in old age, and it catches up with us in the end."
Graham reminded us Houdini with his magic couldn't escape it. Edison with his mind couldn't evade it. Rockefeller with his millions couldn't elude it. Alexander the Great with his militancy couldn't eliminate it. Paul the apostle with his morality couldn't expel it. In Lansing, Michigan, businessman Harry Cove won the title of "the world's most revived man." He had 172 heart attacks, and the Lansing fire department raced to his home 172 times and revived him. He boasted that he cheated death 172 times. But one day he died, and some day you'll die!
"Words can't express the horror of such a plight," (for the unbeliever) said Dr. Robert G. Lee. "It means that the unbelieving man is lost, not for one day, but forever. Terrible the plight of the blind - in a world of light and colors; of the deaf in a world with voices and musical instruments; of the dumb who would speak but can't; of the crippled and maimed who can't walk; of lost health, lost honor, lost character! Terrible the plight of those who starve in lands of famine; of prisoners who live behind prison bars; of those born without minds, or who have lost their minds. But no plight of body or mind is as awful as your plight if you refuse Christ."
Prov 11:7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
Yet, Jesus said to his followers, "In my Father's house are many mansions...I go to prepare a place for you. And since I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
An atheist said to Dr. Walter Wilson, "I believe that death ends all."
"So do I," he answered. "Death ends all your joy; death ends all the gospel you'll ever hear; and you go out into outer darkness."
But the Christian doctor added, "Death ends all my tears, all my perplexities, all my disappointments, all my aches and pains, and I go to be with the Lord."
How does one prepare for heaven? By believing. The Bible says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved."
Pastor Dale
Topic- Death
Verses-Heb 9:27-28 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Death and Dying: An Introduction
The series I have chosen to consider for the next month or so relates to a topic that will affect us all- Death. I have recently had many questions recurring as to what happens when we die. I thought I would take the sermon series originally presented nine years ago and adapt it for sermon nuggets. Unlike the ones posted so far this is a topical series.
George Bernard Shaw wryly wrote, "The statistics on death are quite impressive. One out of one people die.”
While on vacation a number of years ago I happened to pick up one of Moody Bible Institute radio programs. Dr. Irwin Lutzer, pastor of the Moody church in Chicago, was preaching on life after death. He made that sermon series into a book entitled, “One Minute After you Die.” The Lord seemed to be speaking to me about doing a series like that. Some of the ideas and illustrations come from that book.
Increasingly in the United States there are various religious groups who have explanations regarding what happens after you die. Reincarnation is a Hindu explanation of life after death. The caste system is set up in a prejudicial way that allows higher class people to be perfectly justified in mistreatment of lower class people because they deserved the life they got based on how good there were in a previous life. When you die you are reincarnated into a different life form based on works.
Nirvana is the place of wine women and song after death to those of the Moslem faith if you’ve lived a good enough life, or that place of nothingness of completed contentment and peace if you are a Buddhist.
The prominent teaching of the atheist and agnostic is when you’re dead there is no life or consciousness, no afterlife, no heaven, no hell. Those concepts are just made up from mankind to make us feel good and manipulate us into living a certain way on earth as advanced evolved animals.
Many are very reluctant to address the topic as if it is too morbid to discuss. I wonder if that is a way to deny the inevitable when someone has no satisfying answer.
I was given the testimony of Wendy Anderson, niece to Jim Anderson, which was written in the Washington Post. She wrote, “My Conversion began in February 1995 when I met a Christian who had the courage to share his faith with me. He and I had a long discussion over dinner one night about death. I’ve had conversations like this many times before, but this one turned out much differently. I expressed my concern that I had no idea what lies beyond the grave and talked about my paralyzing fear of death. This ration, intelligent, thoughtful person told met that his personal relationship with God made him as sure of what awaited him after physical death as he was of anything. I was surprised and curious. Every other time I had this conversation with people, they had agreed with me that there was no answer to which we could be certain this side of the grave. We could only hope for the best. After that conversation and many others that followed, it dawned on me that I may have been wrong my entire life. There might indeed be a God. The consequences of being wrong were dire, and I knew I needed to learn more. “
Wendy talked about reading the Bible praying and meeting with other Christians and started to attend a church. After reading about proofs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ she surrendered her heart to Christ and hasn’t been the same since.
The subject of death can cause many to do real soul searching for answers. What does the Bible have to say about death? It seems appropriate to discuss this subject and discover the truths on the topic in the days ahead.
The most important question of all as individuals is, “Are you prepared to die? Do you have absolute confidence you will be with the Lord?”
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues July 27, 2010
Verses- Gen 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die"
Genesis 3:19 “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."
Eph. 2:1-2 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
Some Definitions of Death
The first time the topic is mentioned is from the book of Genesis of course. It served as a warning to Adam and Eve. I was thinking when Adam first heard that warning he had no idea what death was for nothing had died since sin did not come into the world. It was only a theoretic concept, without meaning.
I suppose he could understand death, when applied to plants. Something grew and then it was cut or eaten and was no longer there. Here today and gone tomorrow. There is no indication that animals died in the paradise environment created by God for mankind to live in. But later when the animal’s life was taken they were no more.
First death is physical. God warned that one came from dust and would return to dust, or ground.
If we are to understand death from a Biblical perspective we begin with the understanding of separation. James 2:26 says, “The body without the spirit is dead.”
When man was created in the image of God Genesis tells us that he breathed into man the breath of life. Did you know the word breathed, wind and spirit are all related terms? And man became a living soul. It is the way man was intended to be in the garden with full relationship. That spirit was put to death or separated us from God. Therefore each person is spiritually dead because of sin. You are two thirds of a person; until the Holy Spirit of God comes into you are not as God intended you to be. So we become new people reborn spiritually alive connected to God. God makes that possible by his supernatural work of salvation. For us it is faith. It is believing and following Jesus Christ to be our savior and Lord.
I think there are other Scriptures that help us understand this: 1Thes 5:23 “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
When there is a separation from God there is a loss of man’s moral likeness to God. We don’t think like God, we have creative nature and thinking process but also a sinful nature that seeks to serve self and not God.
Because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Rom. 3:23, all men are spiritually dead-- separated from God who is the source of spiritual life. Sin makes a person hate the light and despise the truth; it causes one to break God's laws and to become insensitive to holy things. Everyone who has not been redeemed by Christ is spiritually dead
The prodigal son was lost and found, dead and now alive when he returned in repentance to the father. In other words death is described from the spiritual point when God’s spirit is not in your life and you have the spirit of the world or the spirit of the evil one, but not the spirit of God. You are dead separated from God.
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matt 10:28
The emphasis of death is on the separation from God and His glory. In Luke’s account of the rich man and Lazarus they both physically died, but were conscience in an afterlife. The soul of Lazarus was alive in Abraham’s bosom and conscious. The rich man was conscious but separated from God and in hell.
There is physical death. There is a spiritual death when we are separated from God but still alive physically. And there is an eternal death when we are both dead physically and in an afterlife forever separated from God.
Man is finding so many ways to prolong his days that mortality rate gets lower every year. The aim of medical profession is to prolong life as long as possible. Methods and machines to save life by other standards are miraculous. There are respirators for months, heart massage to continue blood circulation, electrical shocks to heart, pacemaker. There have been many ways that have defined death and life from a medical point of view. But physical death for mankind is the separation of the soul from the body.
We also are spiritually dead to God. The good news is that God has done something about making us spiritually alive. There is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. There is a resurrection from the dead. There is eternal life. To be alive to God means the Holy Spirit comes into us. We have that seal from God to be forever with Him.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds July 28, 2010
Verses- 1 Cor 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
John 16:19-20 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'?
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Phil 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Ps 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
2 Cor 5:8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Descriptions of Death
Many euphemisms are used to describe death: Man's last great vacation; Crossing the river; putting out to sea; crossing the bar; being laid to rest; passing away; going to his Maker.
The Bible also uses other terms to describe death: Those who asleep, or to be gathered unto my people, The Bible speaks of death also as giving up the ghost, being cut down, departing, fleeing as a shadow. But one expression used by Paul is describing death as an enemy.
God is the God of life. We are created to live not die. The Garden of Eden experience was to go on and on in a perfect relationship. Sin changed that perfect plan. We have an independent spirit that wants to do what we want and not what God wants. So death is part of the curse. I have done 35 funerals in the last 2 years. Many homes and loved ones understand that enemy death is.
Grief is described even as Mary and Martha wept over their brother. Jesus wept as he stood by the tomb. Grief is the expression of loss. Death causes us to hurt, to fear, and to sorrow. It is an enemy.
Death is an enemy as it disrupts earthly relationships. It is the breaking of family ties. It is a change in our lives when loved ones are taken from us.
It is common to fear death. Many times in the Bible the Lord tells us not to fear it. Often that fear hinders people and manipulates people. A robber comes with a gun to take your money or your life. Someone keeps another a hostage and the fear of death makes them comply with the wishes of the other. The wars and threats of wars is what keep people in peace or in bondage of a dictator. Someone thinks they have solved any opposition by killing their foes. So there is a natural fear of death because God has given us bodies that want to live.
But the Bible also speaks of death almost as a friend for those who have the security of knowing God in a personal way. Paul says, “For me to live is Christ but to die is gain.” Death took on a different significance when Stephen was martyred. He was greeted by the face of the Lord. Although it was a violent death it was a victory.
Precious is the death of a saint. Ps 116:15. Although we will also talk about suicide in another sermon, yet for some who are undergoing suffering, or who are older and lost a loved one, death is a friend for reuniting or to relieve the problems of this age. As the song writer says, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.” For many who have lived a long and rich life the yearning for death is stronger because there is hope beyond the grave. They are tired of his life and its sufferings.
We have seen some wonderful death bed experiences as one passes from this life into the next with the peace that comes from God. For many it is welcomed when their labors on this earth are over.
Even when the Bible speaks of the great tribulation Rev. 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them:
Various attitudes toward death are expressed in the Bible, from dread to anticipation.
Christ has changed the description of death for those who have placed their trust in Him.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 29, 2010
Verses- 1 Cor 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Heb 2:14-15 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-- that is, the devil--and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
1 Cor 15:54-57 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Destruction of Death.
With reference to human beings, however, death is not the end of life. For man, physical death does not mean the end of existence but the end of life as we know it and the transition to another dimension in which our conscious existence continues. We will look in a couple of weeks from now the Intermediate state and how death is looked at from an Old Testament perspective.
So many people look at death as finality when the Bible does not speak about that at all. But even death as a separation will no longer be tolerated. When we read that the last enemy to be destroyed is death then we see it too has a time of destruction. Death itself will be no more.
So many people are working hard to find cures to various illnesses with only the hope of prolonging our life on earth. Some seek to be frozen and revived, some leave some posterity of money or literature, or something to be remembered, but all will be forgotten sooner or later. Jesus provided a cure that destroys death itself.
In His resurrection, Jesus conquered death-- physical, spiritual, and eternal. Jesus came to destroy the power of death. That means he came to destroy a bodily separation, a spiritual separation and a soul separation. Ironically he did this by dying himself.
When Jesus says “Whoever believes in me shall never die” that is quite a statement. I know people who believe in Jesus and I have conducted their funerals. We grieve over them and a doctor or medical examiner has officially declared them dead. The penalty for sin is the curse of death, but the definition is separation. Jesus said in Him there is no separation from God. One moment you are in the presence of your loved ones and the next in the presence of Jesus. The body is gone but that too is temporary. It is a living experience not a dying one from God’s perspective, which is what He wants us all to know.
Jesus defeated Satan at the cross and the power of sin and the power of death over us. He beat Satan at his own game. God paid the price of sin by dying himself through his son and our sins are forgiven so the penalty is taking away and instead of separation there is reconciliation. And in the book of Revelation there is also a prophecy about death itself. It is taken and thrown into the lake of fire. Rev. 20
Rev 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
So Christ has abolished death and taking away its terror and will some day utterly destroy it. He has so changed death so I wonder if we should give it a new name? A train to glory? A boat to the beyond? A heavenly journey?
Have you trusted Christ to be your savior and Lord? Like Jesus we leave our grave clothes behind and exchange our mortal for immortal.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri July 30, 2010
John 8:21
21 Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come."
Destination.
In John 8:21 the Lord Jesus said, "You...will die." "Death," said Billy Graham, "hangs over our heads from the cradle to the grave. It stalks the little child, it plagues the youth, it hovers over us in middle age, it haunts us in old age, and it catches up with us in the end."
Graham reminded us Houdini with his magic couldn't escape it. Edison with his mind couldn't evade it. Rockefeller with his millions couldn't elude it. Alexander the Great with his militancy couldn't eliminate it. Paul the apostle with his morality couldn't expel it. In Lansing, Michigan, businessman Harry Cove won the title of "the world's most revived man." He had 172 heart attacks, and the Lansing fire department raced to his home 172 times and revived him. He boasted that he cheated death 172 times. But one day he died, and some day you'll die!
"Words can't express the horror of such a plight," (for the unbeliever) said Dr. Robert G. Lee. "It means that the unbelieving man is lost, not for one day, but forever. Terrible the plight of the blind - in a world of light and colors; of the deaf in a world with voices and musical instruments; of the dumb who would speak but can't; of the crippled and maimed who can't walk; of lost health, lost honor, lost character! Terrible the plight of those who starve in lands of famine; of prisoners who live behind prison bars; of those born without minds, or who have lost their minds. But no plight of body or mind is as awful as your plight if you refuse Christ."
Prov 11:7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
Yet, Jesus said to his followers, "In my Father's house are many mansions...I go to prepare a place for you. And since I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
An atheist said to Dr. Walter Wilson, "I believe that death ends all."
"So do I," he answered. "Death ends all your joy; death ends all the gospel you'll ever hear; and you go out into outer darkness."
But the Christian doctor added, "Death ends all my tears, all my perplexities, all my disappointments, all my aches and pains, and I go to be with the Lord."
How does one prepare for heaven? By believing. The Bible says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved."
Pastor Dale
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Mission Minded Acts 11 & 13
Sermon Nuggets Mon July 12
Theme Mission Minded
Verses Acts 11:19-20
Characteristics of a Mission Minded Church
I was upset when I read an American Anthropologist attacking the idea of churches sending missionaries to other countries. He asks, “What right do we have trying to teach them an American religion when their own serves them just fine? What right do we have teaching them a new standing of right and wrong? What makes us think ours is superior to their methods of worship? Let each person and each culture develop it own beliefs and practices. ‘
In an article by Oswald Smith he recounts a Moslem in Algeria who slashed his head with a large knife until the blood flowed freely, then took newspapers and plastered them on top. He took a match and setting fire to the papers, hair and blood. Can you imagine the agony? Why? Because of he was trying to earn merit in Heaven showing his sincerity. Is his religion just fine?
Or look at the Aborigines of Australia. There a witch doctor looks for just the right baby to sacrifice to his god. He seizes the newborn infant in spite of the mother’s protest and agonizing appeals. He fills its little mouth with sand until it chokes to death. Why? Because his pagan religion tells him he must. The spirits have to be satisfied. Does the religion make them happier? Yet some tell her that her religion is good enough for her and we have no right to show her Jesus Christ.
In some tribe in Africa they kill twin babies believing they are demon possessed. Or one of the sects of Hinduism believes if the husband dies the wife should be cremated with him. Somehow his death must be her fault. People gather as her screams are heard. She is burned alive. Do you think it brings them happiness and fulfillment? Buddhist monks are also known to burn themselves up to show their self control and spirit of Nirvana where the circumstances that surround them to not affect their peace.
“Until one is wiling to accept these religions with their consequences and their abominable practices for himself one ought to be ashamed to say that the heathen are better off.” writes Oswald Smith. Theirs is a religion of fear and works hoping to earn some salvation and appease the gods. They know nothing of peace, and love, or a loving God who was willing to suffer Himself to save all who will receive Christ. Christ alone offers life, abundant life, and that which satisfies the soul and the only way to the Father.
As I am presently in Mexico and seek the positive effects of missionaries and church planting I thought I’d comment on this theme. Where I am presently 1/3 of 1% are evangelical believers. The task is much larger than I realized. The responsibility of mission is more than a few people being called to go to a foreign country or a group of people who are different from us with the gospel and good works of Jesus. Missions is for the whole church. We are part of the missionary call. I think it would be well for us to look in the Acts for a model Missionary church that is explained to us in Antioch and see how we match up.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues July 13
Verses Acts 11:19-26 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.
20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.
21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
A Mission Minded church is a SPIRITUAL Church.
The study from the church of Antioch showed they were recipients of the work of missionaries themselves. Stanchfield had believers from Sweden come over to our area and start a church in a foreign land. They believed and turned to the Lord and many immigrants were witnessed to and accepted Christ.
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch he saw the evidence of the grace of God he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
It is exciting to see a new Christians discover first hand the person relationship with Christ and the way in which the Holy Spirit lives in them. As I am in Mexico I rejoice to see we have something in common with people all over the world who are Christians. We have the same Holy Spirit that unites our hearts together in Him. We have the same Father and that makes us brothers and sisters. The church at Antioch accepted Jesus. It was not a community gathering place to discuss politics, or social organization to play cards, or entertainment center to appease their cultural tastes. This was a place alive with love for Jesus, a place to hear truth of God, and confess sins and introduce Jesus to other family, friends, visitors, and pray together.
It is important for believers to worship with other believers who meet for the purpose of honoring our Lord. Because of the seed of the Gospel being planted in Antioch Barnabas recognized their faith in God and unity in Jesus Christ.
We have commonness with the folks in the Mexican churches I have visited even if I had not met them before. It is the Spirit of God that makes us one.
At Stanchfield we have had people of different countries coming here and we there to see different styles of worship, different music, different dress, but the one Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
Sometimes there are churches that are dead. I’m not talking about style of music, or if they clap or dance, or raise their hands or don’t. I am talking about there is no spirit of God. They might discuss politics, health, philosophies, psychology, ways to a happy life, but God is not worshiped. Some churches can run perfectly well without the Holy Spirit and could never pin point the time when Christ left the church.
Traditions can be so ingrained in our practices that if something spontaneous happened some people might faint of fear.
Vs. 23 says Barnabas encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. Where is your heart? Do you seek to remain true to the Lord, or to habits, tradition, people, families, community, or friends? Where is your treasure? That’s a good indication as to where your heart is. This church was comprised of a group of people who wanted God to be first in their lives. They wanted the change He provides. They wanted to live differently than they used to live: Not seeking to satisfy their own pleasures, but go heartily for God. Now getting ahead in this world wasn’t as important as it once was. Impressing their neighbors didn’t have the same appeal as before. Money now became a means to exist for a short time we have on earth but the taste of heaven on earth nothing can beat. The hope of glories forever more is something no man made religious can come up with. When members of Stanchfield Baptist church seek God first that is a sign of a Spiritual church. A spiritual church begins to demonstrate the fruit of the spirit- love joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, self control, faithfulness. Where is the spirit working most on your right now? God is not done working with us. There is always improvement, but are your keeping your eyes on HIM?
The believers were called Christians first at Antioch. A Christian is a Christ follower. They wanted to follow what Jesus had to say. Lots of people call themselves Christians. But two words are often used by Jesus Christ in presenting the gospel that Americans don’t like to hear very much. They are repentance, and Kingdom. Repentance means a willingness to turn from sin, and the Kingdom is presented where God is King and we follow voluntarily obediently. Then there is good news by faith. There is the working of the Holy Spirit. There is the key to begin a mission minded church .
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds July 14
Verses- Acts 11:29-30
29 The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.
30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
A Missions Minded church is a Giving Church.
In the Antioch church all gave as the Lord prospered, each according to his ability. It was a personal thing, but it was also a proportionate thing. They wanted to help others. There was another famine in another area and they sent money with Saul and Barnabas to help them out. When one has a love for God they start having a love for others. When one has a love for others they want to help others and sooner or later that will show itself in giving to the Lord and giving to others. And I can’t help but think that the churches that have a heart for mission and other believers in need will have blessings from God in different ways.
We have had projects at Stanchfield lately that incurred expenses. The giving has been commendable. We are looking at our budget with regular giving as well. We have had short term missions as well as commitment to our mission programming. God has blessed us and many needs, gifts, and expenses have been met year by year.
But one problem is we can be tempted to measuring giving by the standards of others churches, other years, other people instead of the standards of the Lord. To whom much is given much shall be required. We are not in the business of making money but in the business of giving it away for God’s glory. The temptation is to measure the standard with the budgets instead of asking God Lord, whom can we help? What in the world doe God want us to do?
I am seeing some of the results of our missions giving while here in Mexico. I have had the privilege of passing out flyers in plazas advertising VBS program in a large city without an evangelical church. A youth group from the states is here now providing the introduction of Bible stories and games through translators. I see the effect and encouragement this is to established churches and pastors. I have seen the planting of churches were there were none and the desire to plant and grow more. We enjoy many programs in the US and now family counseling and pastoral training is part of the curriculum we help support. I am glad as Kim Hansen gave her report last week of what is happening as she is training to go to East Africa in Bible translation. There is a need world wide as well as at home. God has given us a opportunities. He has blessed us with money. Should we hang on to it?
Do you know that last year for most of us we had all the food we wanted, we had gas we needed, we paid all our utilities bill have more clothes than I can wear in a month, two cars, air conditioning, two televisions sets, computers and on and on. Some have experienced job and home loss and we have used the food shelf and gas vouchers to help folks make ends meet. I am glad for the benevolent fund to assist in short term help.
Let’s see who the Lord wants to bless and use Stanchfield as that blessing and we continue to be a giving church. Realize God´s glory as you are faithful in your voluntary contributions to the Lord and His word.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thur July 15, 2010
Verse Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
A Mission Minded church is a Praying Church
Worship and prayers are the backbone of every church. Prayer isn’t just the job of the pastor or few deacons on Sunday morning. The passage said that the church gathered, worshipping fasting, and vs. 3 after they had fasted and prayed they placed hands on Saul and Barnabas. A praying church is a church that calls out to God in worship and in need. They recognize the awesomeness of God and the dependency of mankind. A praying church recognizes that it is the work of God and not of man.
It is encouraging to see a prayer room in our church. But far more encouraging is to see it filled. It is encouraging that people led of God desire to intercede for our fellowship and needs, for the pastors and members every week. It is special to set some times aside for specific prayer needs. Sometimes we have at prayer partners in church. We have had some evening services were we anointed people and prayed for healing and have seen some results. We prayed for the requests that came in and rejoiced to see some of them answered.
I shared what I heard one Lutheran pastor say. “In our church we never prayed for healing and no one got healed. Now God led us to pray for healing and some people get healed. We have no formulas, no secret interpretations of Scripture. We just pray and anoint with oil if someone asks for it. If not, we don’t do it. Some people get healed. All people get blessed.”
I have been so appreciative of the church praying for Judi and me as we are in Mexico these past two weeks. Things have gone very well. I am praying everyday for the team on Windigo Island, as others are also this week. We have rejoiced to see answers for prayer with our summer missions teams. Prayer for missions and evangelism in Stanchfield has seen God raise people up throughout the years into Christian service. There are times people will fast as the Lord leads. I just wish more would catch the vision to participate in prayer groups.
We need to be praying as we approach VBS and Sunday School recruitment and Club workers in our coming plans. We need to pray for the hindering of Satan and that we have wisdom and protection to take on the fiery darts of the devil.
People at Antioch fasted. Fasting is mentioned often in Scriptures. Why do it since we live under grace and not the law? We do it for our own souls. Even tough it may not look like it, I try to fast and pray different times for spiritual guidance or concerns. You can see I should do it more.
Prayers aren’t answered in response to how much we eat or not, but it is an exercise for ourselves to look at spiritual things with as much devotion as well address our physical needs. We are opening ourselves up to listen to God. When I fast it is a reminder to me that God’s food is more important than man’s food. It is time to pray and to read and to think about the needs of others.
While they were fasting and praying, God revealed his plan to have them send out leaders into the mission field, to people who have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are told to pray for workers to the harvest. We have prayed for missionaries to be raised from our church. Not necessarily young people but anyone that is open to gods’ leading.
Tennyson said, “More things are wrought by prayer that this world dreams of.”
We had recently been thinking together about the life of Elijah. James reminds us that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah as such a man. When he prayed for the heavens to dry up It didn’t’ rain for 3 ½ years. But then he prayed hat the Lord would send a storm and it came hard.
When things are in turmoil in our lives and in our church we don’t need to be prompted to pray. But when things seem to be going well it is easy to be misled thinking we can do it. We can’t. We need the challenge of being a praying church.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri July 16
Verses Acts 13:3-4 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
A Missions Minded church is a Sending Church
I suppose this is what makes them especially a mission’s church in the fullest sense of the term. God gave them great leaders in Saul and Barnabas, but God wanted them to give their pastoral leaders to world evangelism and they were glad to do so. These men responded obediently to the call of God. One person said, “Every person is either a missionary or a mission field.”
One asked David Livingstone, “Dr. Livingstone is it true that you are a missionary?” He responded, “Is it true that you are not?”
But God’s plan is that the church does the sending. They have finances, prayer, and encouragement from the body of believers. Now I think back about the many who have left Stanchfield to go into some of full time Christian work. There have been many who have served Christ at home and overseas from Stanchfield. There have been may assistant pastors in the ministry still today who have developed their gifts and training at Stanchfield. There have been former pastors who have had greater influence in national and even worldwide ministries. We are still growing Christian leaders. It is a legacy that God has provided when there have been faithful Sunday School teachers, club workers and youth sponsors pouring out love and truth in young minds.
Antioch church did not have the longevity that Stanchfield has, but God used them to take their young leaders and set them apart by the direction of the Holy Spirit to go to other lands as among the first recorded missionaries from a church. Paul and Barnabas followed Gods direction, but with the prayer support and giving support of th congregation who were happy to receive their reports of the movements of God in various communities.
I had been given a month off to do short term missions. That is why I am in Mexico today. I will be praying for another opportunity if God wills and money allows in the next couple of years. The church as allowed me to go to Russia twice and India twice. The youth are encouraged to go on special missions trips every other year to some place special. Every year our short term missions budget is used for opportunities from folks of Stanchfield to get their ministry projects a try outside of our fellowship. It is important that each church sees the world wide need and not limit themselves to just local church ministry, even for those who do not go, we pray and we send and provide money that is invested in Kingdom work that affects all of eternity.
I am glad for camps we support. We received a check from a man who does not come to our church but has seen in the years that we send kids to camp. He gave $1,500 to help pay for the ½ the campers fees.
The opportunities are not just world wide. The world has come to us. And as new people still move into our community and new homes go up, as God leads some to tune into our broadcasts or fall upon our website, I pray the His truth will not return void but because of peoples willing to risk and trust God we will see His Kingdom advance.
I pray Stanchfield will remain a mission minded church as long as God allows us to exit until His coming again.
Matt 9:37-38 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Pastor Dale
Theme Mission Minded
Verses Acts 11:19-20
Characteristics of a Mission Minded Church
I was upset when I read an American Anthropologist attacking the idea of churches sending missionaries to other countries. He asks, “What right do we have trying to teach them an American religion when their own serves them just fine? What right do we have teaching them a new standing of right and wrong? What makes us think ours is superior to their methods of worship? Let each person and each culture develop it own beliefs and practices. ‘
In an article by Oswald Smith he recounts a Moslem in Algeria who slashed his head with a large knife until the blood flowed freely, then took newspapers and plastered them on top. He took a match and setting fire to the papers, hair and blood. Can you imagine the agony? Why? Because of he was trying to earn merit in Heaven showing his sincerity. Is his religion just fine?
Or look at the Aborigines of Australia. There a witch doctor looks for just the right baby to sacrifice to his god. He seizes the newborn infant in spite of the mother’s protest and agonizing appeals. He fills its little mouth with sand until it chokes to death. Why? Because his pagan religion tells him he must. The spirits have to be satisfied. Does the religion make them happier? Yet some tell her that her religion is good enough for her and we have no right to show her Jesus Christ.
In some tribe in Africa they kill twin babies believing they are demon possessed. Or one of the sects of Hinduism believes if the husband dies the wife should be cremated with him. Somehow his death must be her fault. People gather as her screams are heard. She is burned alive. Do you think it brings them happiness and fulfillment? Buddhist monks are also known to burn themselves up to show their self control and spirit of Nirvana where the circumstances that surround them to not affect their peace.
“Until one is wiling to accept these religions with their consequences and their abominable practices for himself one ought to be ashamed to say that the heathen are better off.” writes Oswald Smith. Theirs is a religion of fear and works hoping to earn some salvation and appease the gods. They know nothing of peace, and love, or a loving God who was willing to suffer Himself to save all who will receive Christ. Christ alone offers life, abundant life, and that which satisfies the soul and the only way to the Father.
As I am presently in Mexico and seek the positive effects of missionaries and church planting I thought I’d comment on this theme. Where I am presently 1/3 of 1% are evangelical believers. The task is much larger than I realized. The responsibility of mission is more than a few people being called to go to a foreign country or a group of people who are different from us with the gospel and good works of Jesus. Missions is for the whole church. We are part of the missionary call. I think it would be well for us to look in the Acts for a model Missionary church that is explained to us in Antioch and see how we match up.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues July 13
Verses Acts 11:19-26 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.
20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.
21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
A Mission Minded church is a SPIRITUAL Church.
The study from the church of Antioch showed they were recipients of the work of missionaries themselves. Stanchfield had believers from Sweden come over to our area and start a church in a foreign land. They believed and turned to the Lord and many immigrants were witnessed to and accepted Christ.
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch he saw the evidence of the grace of God he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
It is exciting to see a new Christians discover first hand the person relationship with Christ and the way in which the Holy Spirit lives in them. As I am in Mexico I rejoice to see we have something in common with people all over the world who are Christians. We have the same Holy Spirit that unites our hearts together in Him. We have the same Father and that makes us brothers and sisters. The church at Antioch accepted Jesus. It was not a community gathering place to discuss politics, or social organization to play cards, or entertainment center to appease their cultural tastes. This was a place alive with love for Jesus, a place to hear truth of God, and confess sins and introduce Jesus to other family, friends, visitors, and pray together.
It is important for believers to worship with other believers who meet for the purpose of honoring our Lord. Because of the seed of the Gospel being planted in Antioch Barnabas recognized their faith in God and unity in Jesus Christ.
We have commonness with the folks in the Mexican churches I have visited even if I had not met them before. It is the Spirit of God that makes us one.
At Stanchfield we have had people of different countries coming here and we there to see different styles of worship, different music, different dress, but the one Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
Sometimes there are churches that are dead. I’m not talking about style of music, or if they clap or dance, or raise their hands or don’t. I am talking about there is no spirit of God. They might discuss politics, health, philosophies, psychology, ways to a happy life, but God is not worshiped. Some churches can run perfectly well without the Holy Spirit and could never pin point the time when Christ left the church.
Traditions can be so ingrained in our practices that if something spontaneous happened some people might faint of fear.
Vs. 23 says Barnabas encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. Where is your heart? Do you seek to remain true to the Lord, or to habits, tradition, people, families, community, or friends? Where is your treasure? That’s a good indication as to where your heart is. This church was comprised of a group of people who wanted God to be first in their lives. They wanted the change He provides. They wanted to live differently than they used to live: Not seeking to satisfy their own pleasures, but go heartily for God. Now getting ahead in this world wasn’t as important as it once was. Impressing their neighbors didn’t have the same appeal as before. Money now became a means to exist for a short time we have on earth but the taste of heaven on earth nothing can beat. The hope of glories forever more is something no man made religious can come up with. When members of Stanchfield Baptist church seek God first that is a sign of a Spiritual church. A spiritual church begins to demonstrate the fruit of the spirit- love joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, self control, faithfulness. Where is the spirit working most on your right now? God is not done working with us. There is always improvement, but are your keeping your eyes on HIM?
The believers were called Christians first at Antioch. A Christian is a Christ follower. They wanted to follow what Jesus had to say. Lots of people call themselves Christians. But two words are often used by Jesus Christ in presenting the gospel that Americans don’t like to hear very much. They are repentance, and Kingdom. Repentance means a willingness to turn from sin, and the Kingdom is presented where God is King and we follow voluntarily obediently. Then there is good news by faith. There is the working of the Holy Spirit. There is the key to begin a mission minded church .
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds July 14
Verses- Acts 11:29-30
29 The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.
30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
A Missions Minded church is a Giving Church.
In the Antioch church all gave as the Lord prospered, each according to his ability. It was a personal thing, but it was also a proportionate thing. They wanted to help others. There was another famine in another area and they sent money with Saul and Barnabas to help them out. When one has a love for God they start having a love for others. When one has a love for others they want to help others and sooner or later that will show itself in giving to the Lord and giving to others. And I can’t help but think that the churches that have a heart for mission and other believers in need will have blessings from God in different ways.
We have had projects at Stanchfield lately that incurred expenses. The giving has been commendable. We are looking at our budget with regular giving as well. We have had short term missions as well as commitment to our mission programming. God has blessed us and many needs, gifts, and expenses have been met year by year.
But one problem is we can be tempted to measuring giving by the standards of others churches, other years, other people instead of the standards of the Lord. To whom much is given much shall be required. We are not in the business of making money but in the business of giving it away for God’s glory. The temptation is to measure the standard with the budgets instead of asking God Lord, whom can we help? What in the world doe God want us to do?
I am seeing some of the results of our missions giving while here in Mexico. I have had the privilege of passing out flyers in plazas advertising VBS program in a large city without an evangelical church. A youth group from the states is here now providing the introduction of Bible stories and games through translators. I see the effect and encouragement this is to established churches and pastors. I have seen the planting of churches were there were none and the desire to plant and grow more. We enjoy many programs in the US and now family counseling and pastoral training is part of the curriculum we help support. I am glad as Kim Hansen gave her report last week of what is happening as she is training to go to East Africa in Bible translation. There is a need world wide as well as at home. God has given us a opportunities. He has blessed us with money. Should we hang on to it?
Do you know that last year for most of us we had all the food we wanted, we had gas we needed, we paid all our utilities bill have more clothes than I can wear in a month, two cars, air conditioning, two televisions sets, computers and on and on. Some have experienced job and home loss and we have used the food shelf and gas vouchers to help folks make ends meet. I am glad for the benevolent fund to assist in short term help.
Let’s see who the Lord wants to bless and use Stanchfield as that blessing and we continue to be a giving church. Realize God´s glory as you are faithful in your voluntary contributions to the Lord and His word.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thur July 15, 2010
Verse Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
A Mission Minded church is a Praying Church
Worship and prayers are the backbone of every church. Prayer isn’t just the job of the pastor or few deacons on Sunday morning. The passage said that the church gathered, worshipping fasting, and vs. 3 after they had fasted and prayed they placed hands on Saul and Barnabas. A praying church is a church that calls out to God in worship and in need. They recognize the awesomeness of God and the dependency of mankind. A praying church recognizes that it is the work of God and not of man.
It is encouraging to see a prayer room in our church. But far more encouraging is to see it filled. It is encouraging that people led of God desire to intercede for our fellowship and needs, for the pastors and members every week. It is special to set some times aside for specific prayer needs. Sometimes we have at prayer partners in church. We have had some evening services were we anointed people and prayed for healing and have seen some results. We prayed for the requests that came in and rejoiced to see some of them answered.
I shared what I heard one Lutheran pastor say. “In our church we never prayed for healing and no one got healed. Now God led us to pray for healing and some people get healed. We have no formulas, no secret interpretations of Scripture. We just pray and anoint with oil if someone asks for it. If not, we don’t do it. Some people get healed. All people get blessed.”
I have been so appreciative of the church praying for Judi and me as we are in Mexico these past two weeks. Things have gone very well. I am praying everyday for the team on Windigo Island, as others are also this week. We have rejoiced to see answers for prayer with our summer missions teams. Prayer for missions and evangelism in Stanchfield has seen God raise people up throughout the years into Christian service. There are times people will fast as the Lord leads. I just wish more would catch the vision to participate in prayer groups.
We need to be praying as we approach VBS and Sunday School recruitment and Club workers in our coming plans. We need to pray for the hindering of Satan and that we have wisdom and protection to take on the fiery darts of the devil.
People at Antioch fasted. Fasting is mentioned often in Scriptures. Why do it since we live under grace and not the law? We do it for our own souls. Even tough it may not look like it, I try to fast and pray different times for spiritual guidance or concerns. You can see I should do it more.
Prayers aren’t answered in response to how much we eat or not, but it is an exercise for ourselves to look at spiritual things with as much devotion as well address our physical needs. We are opening ourselves up to listen to God. When I fast it is a reminder to me that God’s food is more important than man’s food. It is time to pray and to read and to think about the needs of others.
While they were fasting and praying, God revealed his plan to have them send out leaders into the mission field, to people who have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are told to pray for workers to the harvest. We have prayed for missionaries to be raised from our church. Not necessarily young people but anyone that is open to gods’ leading.
Tennyson said, “More things are wrought by prayer that this world dreams of.”
We had recently been thinking together about the life of Elijah. James reminds us that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah as such a man. When he prayed for the heavens to dry up It didn’t’ rain for 3 ½ years. But then he prayed hat the Lord would send a storm and it came hard.
When things are in turmoil in our lives and in our church we don’t need to be prompted to pray. But when things seem to be going well it is easy to be misled thinking we can do it. We can’t. We need the challenge of being a praying church.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri July 16
Verses Acts 13:3-4 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
A Missions Minded church is a Sending Church
I suppose this is what makes them especially a mission’s church in the fullest sense of the term. God gave them great leaders in Saul and Barnabas, but God wanted them to give their pastoral leaders to world evangelism and they were glad to do so. These men responded obediently to the call of God. One person said, “Every person is either a missionary or a mission field.”
One asked David Livingstone, “Dr. Livingstone is it true that you are a missionary?” He responded, “Is it true that you are not?”
But God’s plan is that the church does the sending. They have finances, prayer, and encouragement from the body of believers. Now I think back about the many who have left Stanchfield to go into some of full time Christian work. There have been many who have served Christ at home and overseas from Stanchfield. There have been may assistant pastors in the ministry still today who have developed their gifts and training at Stanchfield. There have been former pastors who have had greater influence in national and even worldwide ministries. We are still growing Christian leaders. It is a legacy that God has provided when there have been faithful Sunday School teachers, club workers and youth sponsors pouring out love and truth in young minds.
Antioch church did not have the longevity that Stanchfield has, but God used them to take their young leaders and set them apart by the direction of the Holy Spirit to go to other lands as among the first recorded missionaries from a church. Paul and Barnabas followed Gods direction, but with the prayer support and giving support of th congregation who were happy to receive their reports of the movements of God in various communities.
I had been given a month off to do short term missions. That is why I am in Mexico today. I will be praying for another opportunity if God wills and money allows in the next couple of years. The church as allowed me to go to Russia twice and India twice. The youth are encouraged to go on special missions trips every other year to some place special. Every year our short term missions budget is used for opportunities from folks of Stanchfield to get their ministry projects a try outside of our fellowship. It is important that each church sees the world wide need and not limit themselves to just local church ministry, even for those who do not go, we pray and we send and provide money that is invested in Kingdom work that affects all of eternity.
I am glad for camps we support. We received a check from a man who does not come to our church but has seen in the years that we send kids to camp. He gave $1,500 to help pay for the ½ the campers fees.
The opportunities are not just world wide. The world has come to us. And as new people still move into our community and new homes go up, as God leads some to tune into our broadcasts or fall upon our website, I pray the His truth will not return void but because of peoples willing to risk and trust God we will see His Kingdom advance.
I pray Stanchfield will remain a mission minded church as long as God allows us to exit until His coming again.
Matt 9:37-38 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Pastor Dale
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Death of a Saint 2 Kings 13:14-21
Sermon Nuggets Mon June 28
Theme THE DEATH OF A SAINT
Verses: II Ki 13:14-21
Death of a Saint
In one of the Parade Magazines there was a little article,"How much does your soul weigh?" An experiment by Dr. Duncan MacDougall of Haverhill, Mass. in 1907 moved the bed of a dying TB patient into sensitively balanced platform beam scale and kept close watch on him throughout his final hours. And at the precise moment of death the beam fell and the scale showed a 3/4 ounce weight loss. He continue this type of experiment on five others who all showed between 3/8 to 1 ½ ounces weight loss. He also did a similar experiment on 15 dogs of various sizes with no weight loss. Where will your soul go?
We will discuss this week of the death of a saint, namely Elisha. This week we will conclude our long series on the prophets- Elijah and Elisha. As I think of the various devotions on Elisha and he has intrigued me more as I have studied about his life in the last few months. He was called as a young man, a wealthy farmer, who was willing to leave all to follow the call of God and become a disciple of Elijah. God called Elisha and empowered him for service. When we compare the two ministries, that of Elisha and Elijah we realize that they were two very different sort of men. Elijah was the rugged individualist, while Elisha was more comfortable as a godly advisor to Kings, but with many miraculous incidents of his love for individuals. He had served God well. He is now old and passed on the spirit to others. Even in his death I see he was an influence for God.
Just as our lives influence people in various ways, so can death. It is natural part of our existence since we all die. But it is very difficult to expect life to go on as normal when that person has had a great influence on the life of another.
As we looked at the home going of Elijah who passed the responsibility on to Elisha, so Elisha has a home going of a different nature. Elijah never died the natural death but the fiery chariots of heaven took him up in a most unusual way. However the death of Elisha was more in keeping with the natural way of slipping away due to old age or illness.
Simply put his life on earth was over. But his life eternal not.
Yesterday I officiated at the funeral of our friend and former associate, Pastor Bob Grover. Although he died in January his family gathered at the Stanchfield Cemetery yesterday afternoon to bury his ashes. There was a certain amount of closure since his death. But the thoughts and memories of the ministry of Bob were shared among the family. The relationship and experiences were honored. The reminder of the victory Jesus has over the grave became the sustaining hope we have as believers.
All of us will die. But not all of us will have that hope of heaven. Although the Old Testament saints by faith looked to the provision of God, the New Testament believers look by faith to the provision made known which is Jesus Christ, who died for our sin, was raised again on the third day and calls us to trust Him for our salvation.
Do you have the same confidence of being forever with our Lord when you die? If not, contact me and I will show you want the Bible says and how you might have assurance of salvation.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues June 29 –
Theme – The Death of a Saint
Verse- 2 Kings 13:14 Now Elisha was suffering from the illness from which he died. Jehoash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him. "My father! My father!" he cried. "The chariots and horsemen of Israel!"
INFLUENTIAL IN SICKNESS
We shared last week the influence of a godly life and the reputation that follows in words, witness, works, and wisdom. The prophet was a revered and honored person, even though others wanted to kill him. When Elisha was sick unto death the king came and wept over him. Prophets waited upon kings, not kings upon prophets; If a king came to a prophet's house, it was likely to be on an errand of vengeance, not one of kindness and sympathy.
The king prayed, "O my father..the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof", the very words which Elisha himself had used at the assumption of Elijah. Perhaps he thought Elisha would be like his predecessor, but indeed if Luke 16 refers to all saintly deaths God’s messengers carry every saved soul into the presence of God.
Elisha was ready to go and showed no emotion concerning his own life or longevity at this point. Elisha knew that he was on his death bed.
The Scriptures said he suffered an illness. One of the biggest problems that man has is facing the theology of suffering. I read a quote that says the believer in God has a hard time explaining suffering, the atheist has a hard time explaining every things else.
Being a man of God who served and loved God like he did, did not keep him from suffering sickness physically. It is not true, as some believe, that if you suffer something is wrong with you and you are harboring some sin or you would not suffer. Suffering is not necessarily punishment for specific sin. It is part of the curse certainly of the general sin of this world. But I do want to acknowledge that saints can undergo physical suffering in the dying process too.
When I was a chaplain's student in Hennipen County Hospital, I wrote a paper on pain because I had a hard time facing suffering patients. I felt I had no real word of comfort for the person in extreme pain. The worse the pain the less I felt I could minister. I remember a dear lady in my church who loved the Lord and was sort of the spiritual mother to many people. She was a lovely person. But in her dying process she was about a month in the hospital. The nurses would close her door because her cries of pain was such a disturbance. I would walk into her room as she was thrashing on the bed and crying out. She had a type of cancer of which pain medications did not help. I prayed; I questioned God as to why he would allow this and not just take her to heaven to take her life and put her out of her misery. I could understand why a loving family member could carry out mercy killing to put someone out of their suffering, even though I do not believe it is right.
I would often wonder how some people could live a life in that type of state. I used to suffer migraine headaches with horrible pain and feelings of nausea for about 3 to4 hours, but some would be so afflicted 3-4 days, other months or some even years of such pain.
Both the books of Job and Corinthians recognized some suffering is from the hand of Satan. Yet II cor. 1:6 If we are afflicted it is for your comfort and salvation." Paul speaks later of the thorn in his flesh used to keep him humble and in weakness so that the strength of God would be made manifested in his life. The afflictions of a Christian are often designed by God to achieve the comfort and salvation of those around him. Elisha still points Jehoash to God and does not center in on his personal situation.
There are mysteries that we may never understand, but pain should never be that which stands as a barrier between us and God, only that which causes us to cling stronger to him. He promises that he will not tempt us beyond what we are able to bear. The saints of God may undergo pain and suffering to show the world that God is still worthy.
There is no reason for Elisha's suffering, but he did. That helps me to know that there will be strength for me too if God should so desire. Elisha was not healed. There is a sickness unto death. God is still God and does not need our understanding to do his work, His way, and in his timing. There are worse things than being ill and Elisha wants to share that with the King.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Weds June 30, 2010
Verses- 2 Kings 13: 15 Elisha said, "Get a bow and some arrows," and he did so.
16 "Take the bow in your hands," he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king's hands.
17 "Open the east window," he said, and he opened it. "Shoot!" Elisha said, and he shot. "The LORD's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!" Elisha declared. "You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek."
18 Then he said, "Take the arrows," and the king took them. Elisha told him, "Strike the ground." He struck it three times and stopped.
19 The man of God was angry with him and said, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times."
Influential in Service
When someone is on their deathbed, it isn't typical that the dying one is looking to others for support at that time, but we see the King looking to Elisha. AS a faithful servant to the end, Elisah points the King to the spiritual concerns of Israel and specifically God's work in winning their wars.
There have been numerous reports of Christians encountering terminal illness having a tremendous spiritual impact on peoples lives. It was Teddy Roosevelt who said, "There has never been a man who lived a life of ease whose name is worth remembering." Perhaps it is because of suffering some people go through that qualify them for insights.
This week I heard the news of Joni Earickson Tada discovering breast cancer. Not only has she used her disability to shine like gold in her testimony to the Lord, but this illness is faced with the same confidence in God as she had to depend upon His strength throughout her life.
Here Elisha spent his strength to show Jehoash that the battle he was going to face was not his own, but Gods. Just like the physical battle that was facing Elisha was also in God's hand and he need not worry.
He instructed him to take a bow and arrow as a dramatic and prophetic way to demonstrate the victory over the Syrians. Then he was told to take the arrows and hit the ground. He struck the ground 3 times and stopped. Elisha rebuked him. He saw what God could do if only the king had more faith. That was such a disappointment for Elisha.
King Jehoash could have been zealous and followed though by striking the ground many times assuring that number of victories against their enemy but did not. So he was to win those battles, but not be ultimately victorious over them.
Elisha was desirous to see the king have a victorious faith by trusting completely in the power of God and not in his own self. The sticking of the ground apparently became a symbol of trusting God only so far.
As long as God gave Elisha a task, he would do it even when he was on his death bed. He was a faithful servant until the end. His focus was not on himself as it was on the Lord. He was a vessel for the masters use.
Dawson Grover shared with me when he was at the death bed of his father, Bob. His dad was in a lot of pain and discomfort. He said that what he is going through doesn’t compare to the suffering and pain that Jesus went through to take away His sin.
A saint will look to the Lord and help others see Him and His glory.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 1, 2010
Verses II Ki 13:20-21
20 Elisha died and was buried. Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring.
21 Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.
Influential in Death.
This is the most unusual part of the story when Elisha dies and then some time later there is another funeral near his tomb. Since the Moab nation was raiding the land the undertakers quickly disposed of another's body by throwing it into the tomb of Elisha and suddenly and miraculously the body came to life again. What a miracle. There are not many examples of someone coming back to life in all of the Bible, but this one was completely without prayer, or petition to our knowledge.
What do you make of such a story? Most liberals will say this is just a legend that has no validity. If I believed that the Bible contained errors and fables then I would be drawn to that conclusion too. However, I do believe the Bible and the truth and authority of all Scripture that is inspired by God and believe this is not only possible, but in fact did happen.
I agree that this is not common that bodies come to life, especially when touching another's bones. Yet other stories in the Scriptures remind us of the healing power of God when many sick and lame try to be so positioned as to have Peter's shadow pass over them they might be healed. Or the episodes in Ephesus when there were napkins and handkerchiefs from the Apostle Paul that were placed on the sick and diseased and they were healed.
Here the body touched the bones of Elisha and he was healed and resurrected. Can you imagine happened after that? Well, if it is anything like people's obsession with relics and holy places there were probably 100s of people who died whose bodies were brought to the tomb of Elisha and placed on top. Yet there is no record of any other resurrection.
Certainly, there were others who were under Peter's shadow that were not healed and it was not an everyday occurrence that Paul's handkerchiefs were brought to the sick and all were healed in that manner.
First we must acknowledge that healing was NOT through shadows, napkins and bones. It was through the special power and will of God. Those happened to be the instruments used by God in such special occasions to bring authority to the word of those prophets. It was to bring people to faith. It was to authenticate their word was from God. It was for the purpose of people believing and obeying God.
We do not compliment a hammer, or a wood plane, or a screwdriver and think they were something, but we give glory to the skilled carpenter that brought about the work by using those tools. We don't give first prizes to brushes and little tubes of paint for creating a masterpiece of art, but rather we honor the one who used those things for being the artist who deserves praise. The artist may not use the same brush twice, and God may not use the same person twice in the same way for something he is doing. Religious relics in themselves are useless idols. But may they serve as reminders of the greatness of God.
There is nothing Elisha can do in his death to influence others. This is something God did to influence others in the death of Elisha. I would hope that when I die God would use that event to somehow and in some way to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. But I absolutely will have nothing to do specifically. That is entirely up to God, but it is my prayer.
In Elisha’s situation part of an answer as to why this happened might be for God to bring human honor to the man. Others might reflect over the holy and godly life and desire to turn their own hearts to Him. Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind, and Elisha was well thought of for God's grace and goodness by the king and others that knew he was indeed a man of God. This was a means of honoring his service, faith and life.
Rev. Drummach shared a story of a woman who was influential with her great wealth and social position. When she was to get married she was concerned that she might lose the life to which she was accustomed. She had her fiancé promise not to deprive her of her finery. He told her. "I'll leave you and your trinkets and fine clothing until the Lord himself stripes you of them."
The man was in a storm on a ship and drowned. Conviction of her sin came to her life and she felt the judgment of God on her self indulgent life. She cried to God for forgiveness and gave away her wealth. His bones brought to her spiritual life. The influence of his life extended to her beyond his watery grave. His faith spoke to her of the need of her salvation even after his death. Pray that your works and witness will follow you.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri July 2
Verses- Luke 4:18-30
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,
21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.
23 Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.'"
24 "I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown…
27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed-- only Naaman the Syrian."
Influential for Eternity
The final word in the Bible is from Jesus. He is used as an illustration of a faithful prophet throughout Israel. The context of this comment came when the people of his hometown did not listen or believe what Jesus was saying. He offered them truth of life in Him. They rejected his message because he was just one of their boys.
They put him in a box from which they would not listen to his message. Elisha was a faithful servant who could have done so much for Israel but because of their rejection of him the miracle of healing came to a foreigner.
His earthly job, however miraculous in details, did not produce the repentance of the peope to whom his ministry was focused. There were some who listened. There were some to heeded his advice, but for the most part they ignored him and God.
However, the attention is to be on Elisha at this point. He was continuing his service to Israel and to God even though Israel was never to leave their disobedience. Was Elisha a failure because in his prophetic manner the people did not ultimately follow the Lord? No, not at all. This is just a commentary on the mercy and grace of Almighty God that speaks of his patience with his people by providing someone like Elijah and Elisha who will not stop in their work and service in seeking to bring back a people to God.
There are times certainly when it is easy to feel discouraged. Parents can be discouraged as they instruct and pray for their children who are well into their adult years. It can be discouraging for pastors and evangelists to work and preach the truth without the people responding in obedience and faith in Christ. It can be discouraging for youth sponsors and S.S. teachers and workers to provide Christian alternatives for their students only to see them go the ways of the world. But God still calls us, parents, children, church and workers, to serve him. However people may respond is not ultimately our responsibility. They have been told the truth and taught the lessons of God's word. Being obedient to what God wants is our responsibility.
I close with a story from Philip Yancey a writer in Christianity Today. He traveled with the noted missionary physician Dr. Paul Brand who specialized with the disease of leprosy. While in India they were warmly greeted by people he had helped. They sang hymns, danced, and shared in the joy of seeing their friend the Doctor who healed and shared with them about Jesus.
He met Namo who had a photo of Dr. Brand on the wall of his humble home. "May the Spirit that is in him live in me' he said. He had given up on life as a leper, but Medical treatments halted the spread of the disease and a series of surgical procedures over 5 years allowed him to regain the use of his hand and feet. He took training in physiotherapy, and began working with other leprosy patients and went on to become chief of physical Therapy at the All-India Institute.
He visited Sadan another former patient of Dr. Brand. He looked like Gandhi. He told Yancy of wrenching stories of past rejection: classmates who made fun of him in school, driver who literally kicked off a public bus, many employers who refused to hire him, hospital that turned him away. He told how Dr. Brand was the first physician to touch him. "Still, I must say that I am now happy that I had this disease. Apart from leprosy, I would have been a normal man with a normal family, chasing wealth and a higher position in society. I would never have known such wonderful people as Dr. Paul and Dr. Margaret, and I would never have known the God who lives in them."
Yancey continued his trip with Brand in England. They toured the Royal College of Surgeons her Brand delivered two prestigious Hunterian lectures. As they wandered form receptionist to receptionist at the University College Hospital they did not even recognize some of the names of the renown physicians teaching there. If he had stayed in London perhaps he could have achieved tremendous honors and maybe a Nobel Prize, but what then? his picture would join the others in the darkened hallway now dusty and beginning to yellow. His name would appear as a footnote in the medical textbooks.
But fame in the annuals of medicine rarely lasts long; microsurgery techniques have already outdates most of the procedures considered breakthroughs in the last 15 years. But in contrast his sacrificial work as a missionary surgeon in India continue to bear fruit, in the transformed lives of Namo and Sadan and 100s like them. There is fleeting fame or permanence for eternity that continues in others we serve.
Whether we live out our days in India, England, or Stanchfield the true measure of our worth will depend not on a resume or income, but on the spirit we pass on to others.
Jesus said, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." We know that Elisha recieved his rewards as a faithful servant..
Pastor Dale
Theme THE DEATH OF A SAINT
Verses: II Ki 13:14-21
Death of a Saint
In one of the Parade Magazines there was a little article,"How much does your soul weigh?" An experiment by Dr. Duncan MacDougall of Haverhill, Mass. in 1907 moved the bed of a dying TB patient into sensitively balanced platform beam scale and kept close watch on him throughout his final hours. And at the precise moment of death the beam fell and the scale showed a 3/4 ounce weight loss. He continue this type of experiment on five others who all showed between 3/8 to 1 ½ ounces weight loss. He also did a similar experiment on 15 dogs of various sizes with no weight loss. Where will your soul go?
We will discuss this week of the death of a saint, namely Elisha. This week we will conclude our long series on the prophets- Elijah and Elisha. As I think of the various devotions on Elisha and he has intrigued me more as I have studied about his life in the last few months. He was called as a young man, a wealthy farmer, who was willing to leave all to follow the call of God and become a disciple of Elijah. God called Elisha and empowered him for service. When we compare the two ministries, that of Elisha and Elijah we realize that they were two very different sort of men. Elijah was the rugged individualist, while Elisha was more comfortable as a godly advisor to Kings, but with many miraculous incidents of his love for individuals. He had served God well. He is now old and passed on the spirit to others. Even in his death I see he was an influence for God.
Just as our lives influence people in various ways, so can death. It is natural part of our existence since we all die. But it is very difficult to expect life to go on as normal when that person has had a great influence on the life of another.
As we looked at the home going of Elijah who passed the responsibility on to Elisha, so Elisha has a home going of a different nature. Elijah never died the natural death but the fiery chariots of heaven took him up in a most unusual way. However the death of Elisha was more in keeping with the natural way of slipping away due to old age or illness.
Simply put his life on earth was over. But his life eternal not.
Yesterday I officiated at the funeral of our friend and former associate, Pastor Bob Grover. Although he died in January his family gathered at the Stanchfield Cemetery yesterday afternoon to bury his ashes. There was a certain amount of closure since his death. But the thoughts and memories of the ministry of Bob were shared among the family. The relationship and experiences were honored. The reminder of the victory Jesus has over the grave became the sustaining hope we have as believers.
All of us will die. But not all of us will have that hope of heaven. Although the Old Testament saints by faith looked to the provision of God, the New Testament believers look by faith to the provision made known which is Jesus Christ, who died for our sin, was raised again on the third day and calls us to trust Him for our salvation.
Do you have the same confidence of being forever with our Lord when you die? If not, contact me and I will show you want the Bible says and how you might have assurance of salvation.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues June 29 –
Theme – The Death of a Saint
Verse- 2 Kings 13:14 Now Elisha was suffering from the illness from which he died. Jehoash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him. "My father! My father!" he cried. "The chariots and horsemen of Israel!"
INFLUENTIAL IN SICKNESS
We shared last week the influence of a godly life and the reputation that follows in words, witness, works, and wisdom. The prophet was a revered and honored person, even though others wanted to kill him. When Elisha was sick unto death the king came and wept over him. Prophets waited upon kings, not kings upon prophets; If a king came to a prophet's house, it was likely to be on an errand of vengeance, not one of kindness and sympathy.
The king prayed, "O my father..the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof", the very words which Elisha himself had used at the assumption of Elijah. Perhaps he thought Elisha would be like his predecessor, but indeed if Luke 16 refers to all saintly deaths God’s messengers carry every saved soul into the presence of God.
Elisha was ready to go and showed no emotion concerning his own life or longevity at this point. Elisha knew that he was on his death bed.
The Scriptures said he suffered an illness. One of the biggest problems that man has is facing the theology of suffering. I read a quote that says the believer in God has a hard time explaining suffering, the atheist has a hard time explaining every things else.
Being a man of God who served and loved God like he did, did not keep him from suffering sickness physically. It is not true, as some believe, that if you suffer something is wrong with you and you are harboring some sin or you would not suffer. Suffering is not necessarily punishment for specific sin. It is part of the curse certainly of the general sin of this world. But I do want to acknowledge that saints can undergo physical suffering in the dying process too.
When I was a chaplain's student in Hennipen County Hospital, I wrote a paper on pain because I had a hard time facing suffering patients. I felt I had no real word of comfort for the person in extreme pain. The worse the pain the less I felt I could minister. I remember a dear lady in my church who loved the Lord and was sort of the spiritual mother to many people. She was a lovely person. But in her dying process she was about a month in the hospital. The nurses would close her door because her cries of pain was such a disturbance. I would walk into her room as she was thrashing on the bed and crying out. She had a type of cancer of which pain medications did not help. I prayed; I questioned God as to why he would allow this and not just take her to heaven to take her life and put her out of her misery. I could understand why a loving family member could carry out mercy killing to put someone out of their suffering, even though I do not believe it is right.
I would often wonder how some people could live a life in that type of state. I used to suffer migraine headaches with horrible pain and feelings of nausea for about 3 to4 hours, but some would be so afflicted 3-4 days, other months or some even years of such pain.
Both the books of Job and Corinthians recognized some suffering is from the hand of Satan. Yet II cor. 1:6 If we are afflicted it is for your comfort and salvation." Paul speaks later of the thorn in his flesh used to keep him humble and in weakness so that the strength of God would be made manifested in his life. The afflictions of a Christian are often designed by God to achieve the comfort and salvation of those around him. Elisha still points Jehoash to God and does not center in on his personal situation.
There are mysteries that we may never understand, but pain should never be that which stands as a barrier between us and God, only that which causes us to cling stronger to him. He promises that he will not tempt us beyond what we are able to bear. The saints of God may undergo pain and suffering to show the world that God is still worthy.
There is no reason for Elisha's suffering, but he did. That helps me to know that there will be strength for me too if God should so desire. Elisha was not healed. There is a sickness unto death. God is still God and does not need our understanding to do his work, His way, and in his timing. There are worse things than being ill and Elisha wants to share that with the King.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Weds June 30, 2010
Verses- 2 Kings 13: 15 Elisha said, "Get a bow and some arrows," and he did so.
16 "Take the bow in your hands," he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king's hands.
17 "Open the east window," he said, and he opened it. "Shoot!" Elisha said, and he shot. "The LORD's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!" Elisha declared. "You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek."
18 Then he said, "Take the arrows," and the king took them. Elisha told him, "Strike the ground." He struck it three times and stopped.
19 The man of God was angry with him and said, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times."
Influential in Service
When someone is on their deathbed, it isn't typical that the dying one is looking to others for support at that time, but we see the King looking to Elisha. AS a faithful servant to the end, Elisah points the King to the spiritual concerns of Israel and specifically God's work in winning their wars.
There have been numerous reports of Christians encountering terminal illness having a tremendous spiritual impact on peoples lives. It was Teddy Roosevelt who said, "There has never been a man who lived a life of ease whose name is worth remembering." Perhaps it is because of suffering some people go through that qualify them for insights.
This week I heard the news of Joni Earickson Tada discovering breast cancer. Not only has she used her disability to shine like gold in her testimony to the Lord, but this illness is faced with the same confidence in God as she had to depend upon His strength throughout her life.
Here Elisha spent his strength to show Jehoash that the battle he was going to face was not his own, but Gods. Just like the physical battle that was facing Elisha was also in God's hand and he need not worry.
He instructed him to take a bow and arrow as a dramatic and prophetic way to demonstrate the victory over the Syrians. Then he was told to take the arrows and hit the ground. He struck the ground 3 times and stopped. Elisha rebuked him. He saw what God could do if only the king had more faith. That was such a disappointment for Elisha.
King Jehoash could have been zealous and followed though by striking the ground many times assuring that number of victories against their enemy but did not. So he was to win those battles, but not be ultimately victorious over them.
Elisha was desirous to see the king have a victorious faith by trusting completely in the power of God and not in his own self. The sticking of the ground apparently became a symbol of trusting God only so far.
As long as God gave Elisha a task, he would do it even when he was on his death bed. He was a faithful servant until the end. His focus was not on himself as it was on the Lord. He was a vessel for the masters use.
Dawson Grover shared with me when he was at the death bed of his father, Bob. His dad was in a lot of pain and discomfort. He said that what he is going through doesn’t compare to the suffering and pain that Jesus went through to take away His sin.
A saint will look to the Lord and help others see Him and His glory.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 1, 2010
Verses II Ki 13:20-21
20 Elisha died and was buried. Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring.
21 Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.
Influential in Death.
This is the most unusual part of the story when Elisha dies and then some time later there is another funeral near his tomb. Since the Moab nation was raiding the land the undertakers quickly disposed of another's body by throwing it into the tomb of Elisha and suddenly and miraculously the body came to life again. What a miracle. There are not many examples of someone coming back to life in all of the Bible, but this one was completely without prayer, or petition to our knowledge.
What do you make of such a story? Most liberals will say this is just a legend that has no validity. If I believed that the Bible contained errors and fables then I would be drawn to that conclusion too. However, I do believe the Bible and the truth and authority of all Scripture that is inspired by God and believe this is not only possible, but in fact did happen.
I agree that this is not common that bodies come to life, especially when touching another's bones. Yet other stories in the Scriptures remind us of the healing power of God when many sick and lame try to be so positioned as to have Peter's shadow pass over them they might be healed. Or the episodes in Ephesus when there were napkins and handkerchiefs from the Apostle Paul that were placed on the sick and diseased and they were healed.
Here the body touched the bones of Elisha and he was healed and resurrected. Can you imagine happened after that? Well, if it is anything like people's obsession with relics and holy places there were probably 100s of people who died whose bodies were brought to the tomb of Elisha and placed on top. Yet there is no record of any other resurrection.
Certainly, there were others who were under Peter's shadow that were not healed and it was not an everyday occurrence that Paul's handkerchiefs were brought to the sick and all were healed in that manner.
First we must acknowledge that healing was NOT through shadows, napkins and bones. It was through the special power and will of God. Those happened to be the instruments used by God in such special occasions to bring authority to the word of those prophets. It was to bring people to faith. It was to authenticate their word was from God. It was for the purpose of people believing and obeying God.
We do not compliment a hammer, or a wood plane, or a screwdriver and think they were something, but we give glory to the skilled carpenter that brought about the work by using those tools. We don't give first prizes to brushes and little tubes of paint for creating a masterpiece of art, but rather we honor the one who used those things for being the artist who deserves praise. The artist may not use the same brush twice, and God may not use the same person twice in the same way for something he is doing. Religious relics in themselves are useless idols. But may they serve as reminders of the greatness of God.
There is nothing Elisha can do in his death to influence others. This is something God did to influence others in the death of Elisha. I would hope that when I die God would use that event to somehow and in some way to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. But I absolutely will have nothing to do specifically. That is entirely up to God, but it is my prayer.
In Elisha’s situation part of an answer as to why this happened might be for God to bring human honor to the man. Others might reflect over the holy and godly life and desire to turn their own hearts to Him. Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind, and Elisha was well thought of for God's grace and goodness by the king and others that knew he was indeed a man of God. This was a means of honoring his service, faith and life.
Rev. Drummach shared a story of a woman who was influential with her great wealth and social position. When she was to get married she was concerned that she might lose the life to which she was accustomed. She had her fiancé promise not to deprive her of her finery. He told her. "I'll leave you and your trinkets and fine clothing until the Lord himself stripes you of them."
The man was in a storm on a ship and drowned. Conviction of her sin came to her life and she felt the judgment of God on her self indulgent life. She cried to God for forgiveness and gave away her wealth. His bones brought to her spiritual life. The influence of his life extended to her beyond his watery grave. His faith spoke to her of the need of her salvation even after his death. Pray that your works and witness will follow you.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri July 2
Verses- Luke 4:18-30
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,
21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.
23 Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.'"
24 "I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown…
27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed-- only Naaman the Syrian."
Influential for Eternity
The final word in the Bible is from Jesus. He is used as an illustration of a faithful prophet throughout Israel. The context of this comment came when the people of his hometown did not listen or believe what Jesus was saying. He offered them truth of life in Him. They rejected his message because he was just one of their boys.
They put him in a box from which they would not listen to his message. Elisha was a faithful servant who could have done so much for Israel but because of their rejection of him the miracle of healing came to a foreigner.
His earthly job, however miraculous in details, did not produce the repentance of the peope to whom his ministry was focused. There were some who listened. There were some to heeded his advice, but for the most part they ignored him and God.
However, the attention is to be on Elisha at this point. He was continuing his service to Israel and to God even though Israel was never to leave their disobedience. Was Elisha a failure because in his prophetic manner the people did not ultimately follow the Lord? No, not at all. This is just a commentary on the mercy and grace of Almighty God that speaks of his patience with his people by providing someone like Elijah and Elisha who will not stop in their work and service in seeking to bring back a people to God.
There are times certainly when it is easy to feel discouraged. Parents can be discouraged as they instruct and pray for their children who are well into their adult years. It can be discouraging for pastors and evangelists to work and preach the truth without the people responding in obedience and faith in Christ. It can be discouraging for youth sponsors and S.S. teachers and workers to provide Christian alternatives for their students only to see them go the ways of the world. But God still calls us, parents, children, church and workers, to serve him. However people may respond is not ultimately our responsibility. They have been told the truth and taught the lessons of God's word. Being obedient to what God wants is our responsibility.
I close with a story from Philip Yancey a writer in Christianity Today. He traveled with the noted missionary physician Dr. Paul Brand who specialized with the disease of leprosy. While in India they were warmly greeted by people he had helped. They sang hymns, danced, and shared in the joy of seeing their friend the Doctor who healed and shared with them about Jesus.
He met Namo who had a photo of Dr. Brand on the wall of his humble home. "May the Spirit that is in him live in me' he said. He had given up on life as a leper, but Medical treatments halted the spread of the disease and a series of surgical procedures over 5 years allowed him to regain the use of his hand and feet. He took training in physiotherapy, and began working with other leprosy patients and went on to become chief of physical Therapy at the All-India Institute.
He visited Sadan another former patient of Dr. Brand. He looked like Gandhi. He told Yancy of wrenching stories of past rejection: classmates who made fun of him in school, driver who literally kicked off a public bus, many employers who refused to hire him, hospital that turned him away. He told how Dr. Brand was the first physician to touch him. "Still, I must say that I am now happy that I had this disease. Apart from leprosy, I would have been a normal man with a normal family, chasing wealth and a higher position in society. I would never have known such wonderful people as Dr. Paul and Dr. Margaret, and I would never have known the God who lives in them."
Yancey continued his trip with Brand in England. They toured the Royal College of Surgeons her Brand delivered two prestigious Hunterian lectures. As they wandered form receptionist to receptionist at the University College Hospital they did not even recognize some of the names of the renown physicians teaching there. If he had stayed in London perhaps he could have achieved tremendous honors and maybe a Nobel Prize, but what then? his picture would join the others in the darkened hallway now dusty and beginning to yellow. His name would appear as a footnote in the medical textbooks.
But fame in the annuals of medicine rarely lasts long; microsurgery techniques have already outdates most of the procedures considered breakthroughs in the last 15 years. But in contrast his sacrificial work as a missionary surgeon in India continue to bear fruit, in the transformed lives of Namo and Sadan and 100s like them. There is fleeting fame or permanence for eternity that continues in others we serve.
Whether we live out our days in India, England, or Stanchfield the true measure of our worth will depend not on a resume or income, but on the spirit we pass on to others.
Jesus said, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." We know that Elisha recieved his rewards as a faithful servant..
Pastor Dale
Friday, June 25, 2010
A Godly Reputation - 2 Kings 8, 9
Sermon nuggets Mon June 21
Theme- A Godly Reputation
Verses 2 Kings 8, 9
Reputation
Elizabeth Miles shared a story about her parents who live on a farm. They sort their garbage into categories- things that get burned, things that go to the dump, scraps for the dogs, and scraps for the cats. In addition her mother is an organic gardener, so she has a special pail for leftover goodies for her worm bed where she makes her own organic fertilizer.
She was explaining all the procedures very carefully to a new housekeeper Noni. "This bowl is for meat scraps for the dogs, this one for cats, and this pail is for vegetable leftovers for the worms."
At this last instruction, Noni looked at her in great admiration and explained, "Ma'am, you're the most Christian woman in the whole world."
The Bible says to have a good reputation among all people. When people observe you, what do they think? Do they know that you are a Christian? What type of reputation follows you?
Sometimes a person will come to me upset about some gossip that is false but spread about them. It is impossible to stop gossip. I try to encourage them to make it right with the individual who has offended them and then live a life so as to show to others that the story is incorrect, or they will not possibly believe it because they know your character.
I Timothy 3:7 "He must have a good reputation with outsiders so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap." Now the reputation of some people in this world is a disgrace. It is not our goal to please people, but God. But that speaks an important message to others as well, even if they agree with you are not. A person of conviction does what he does whether nobody is looking or everyone is looking. But such conviction does have an effect on society.
Remember when Paul wrote this passage to Timothy he was seeking no affirmation from the world, but he had developed quite a reputation. Paul had a reputation as a killer and persecutor of Christians, before he became one. His bad reputation followed him so that the apostles did not want anything to do with him, until Barnabas intervened. Now, Paul has changed that reputation as one how is devoted to Jesus Christ.
Elisha was such a man devoted to serving His God whether people liked it or not. He is not trying to impress others, but by so living a consistent dedicated life he does impress others whether they agree with him or not.
What type of reputation would you wish to have before others? Is that the reputation that brings glory to God?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues June 22, 2010 – Godly Works
Verses: 2 Kings 8:1-6 Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, "Go away with your family and stay for a while wherever you can, because the LORD has decreed a famine in the land that will last seven years."
2 The woman proceeded to do as the man of God said. She and her family went away and stayed in the land of the Philistines seven years.
3 At the end of the seven years she came back from the land of the Philistines and went to the king to beg for her house and land.
4 The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, "Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done."
5 Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to beg the king for her house and land. Gehazi said, "This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life."
6 The king asked the woman about it, and she told him. Then he assigned an official to her case and said to him, "Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now."
REPUTATION OF GODLY WORKS
A few weeks back we talked about when Elisha was used of God to raise the Shunamite woman's son back to life. (2 Kings 4). It was talked about of course, for years afterward.
This lady was approached some time later by Elisha and told to go to Philistines because there was to be a severe famine for 7 years. She obeyed and as continued to be protected and blessed of God. God cares for individuals and protects his own in different ways.
But after the 7 years she returned home and found that her property was somehow confiscated. She decided to go to the King to beg for her property back. At just that time the King was talking to Gehazi, remember him? This was Elisha’s servant who had contacted leprosy. They were conversing about the boy that was raised to life by the miracle worked through Elisha.
Gehazi looked at the lady introduced her to the King. The King was so impressed that he ordered an official to see to it that she had her property returned. It was exciting for the King to see one upon whom the miracle rested.
When people talked about Elisha he had a reputation for his good works. They remembered what God did through him, works done by and for the Lord. It was the same reputation of the Christians that soon became of the talk of the community in those first century days. The disciples were preaching the good news but also healing, and touching those in need. They were known for their good works.
We are told Eph. 2:8-10 that we are created unto good works. It is glorifying to God if someone is able to see Christ in the actions of his followers. I am not talking about if people go to the church all the time, pray consistently, or carry their Bible around. More than likely people are impressed when Christians have a reputation for Godly works. They are kind people, People with compassion. They are people who do what they do because they love dearly Jesus Christ and want to please Him and serve Him.
I am proud to be associated with the reputation of Stanchfield Baptist Church. I got a call from Isanti County Public Health Services recently requesting help in a particular matter because of the positive reputation of our church. We had also gotten referrals for our food shelf from other government official and I asked why they sent them here instead of another closer agency. I was told because if they really needed immediate help you are there, they are not. That made me feel good. As one lady coming from some distance said, she called three places and they all said they couldn't help, but try Stanchfield.
Now I have to say we certainly are not perfect. You will find those around who have been hurt or offended about something and are upset with the church. Sometimes it is because what is said or done doesn't always reflect the attitude of Christ. But sometimes it is because people don't get their way or wants. Many were also upset with Elisha. It is not a matter of being popular.
I've heard from a few community people they don't want anything do with this church because we oppose the sale of Sunday liquor in our community and the opposition to gambling. I attending a County meeting to restrict adult porn businesses within certain distances from schools and churches. So our reputation follows us for criticism as well. I just wish people could realize the sad effects on homes and people that such compulsive vices really produce.
How a person lives has more impact that what a person says. There was a write up on a man named John Fling of Columbia, South Carolina. He was a bachelor who wrote around on a bicycle. He would look out for the elderly in his neighborhood. He befriended the blind, the retarded, the eccentric, the forgotten. He would bring people food when their refrigerators were empty. He would provide rent money to some when eviction was threatened. He would give away most of the small salary he made delivering auto parts for Chevy dealership and forgoing the requisite pleasures of the American life. He did not have a phone no TV, and no car. He worked 40 hours a week in extra tasks for those around him. Why?, the news reporter asked. He stated because he was God fearing and believed God said, "Love thy neighbor as thyself."
Elisha had a reputation for Godly works, how about you?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds June 23, 2010
Verses- 2 Kings 8: 4 The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, "Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done."
2 Kings 8: 7 Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram was ill. When the king was told, "The man of God has come all the way up here,"
Reputation for a Godly Witness 8:4,7,11
One’s reputation can be passed on as people talk with people. Certainly in the land of Israel Elisha was a topic of conversation among many, as well as in the country of Aram. He was given the reputation for being a “man of God.”
There are many reasons someone might be referred to as a man, or woman, of God, but it is typical that there are godly characteristics. Elisha is one who has been consistently acknowledged as having the ear of God. He is one through whom God works. He is one who demonstrates godly qualities.
Here is an interesting story again of the King of Aram Ben-Hada. He realized the reputation of Elisha as being a man of God. That is a very worthy title. He told his assistant, Hazael, to take gifts to Elisha to have him consult the Lord about the kings illness. Would he get better or not. Hazael sought the counsel of Elisha and Elisha stared at Hazael until the assistant felt ashamed. Elisha wept. He saw the harm that was to come upon Israelites though Hazael: including fire, death, violence upon little children, and ripping up women who are pregnant.
(Incidentally people are doing similar things today to pregnant women and they do not call that sin, they call that freedom of choice.)
Hazael’s response was, "How could I, a dog, do such a thing?" Well Hazael was more than a dog, he was a devil in his actions and indeed Ben-Hadad was not to die of his illness, as Elisha said. It was not a terminal illness, but he did die as a result of murder by his assistant. The next day Hazael suffocated his boss by putting a wet washcloth over his face and by violence took the throne. As we read the horrible time of Israel’s history this is indeed what happened to them when Hazael became King over Aram.
I think of the similar scene of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem because he foresees the destruction. When people realize the consequences of certain actions and realize there is nothing or very little they can do, it is quite sad.
If you had an epitaph on your gravestone could it say, “Man of God” or “Woman of God”. As I think about that one’s identity is known to be on who walks and talks with the Lord. I think of it as one who is set apart from sin (thou not sinless). I think of one who desires the things above more than the things below.
When such a person has that reputation folks will come to get council to be prayed for, to listen and learn. It is not a title one seeks for themselves it is a description that one gives to another because something is seen in their person that connects them as one of God’s special representatives.
Have you been at work or in the neighborhood when people feel awkward cursing or telling off colored jokes around you? You may not be a minister or clergy person, but you have been identified as one who does not appreciate that type of talk, and some feel guilty around you sharing unclean jokes or cursing and gossip.
Elisha has a reputation of a Godly Witness both among those who are the people of God as well as those pagans living around Israel.
How about you? Others may be watching more than you know.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thur June 24, 2010
Verses- 2 Kings 8: 7 Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram was ill. When the king was told, "The man of God has come all the way up here,"
8 he said to Hazael, "Take a gift with you and go to meet the man of God. Consult the LORD through him; ask him, 'Will I recover from this illness?'"
9 Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him as a gift forty camel-loads of all the finest wares of Damascus. He went in and stood before him, and said, "Your son Ben-Hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, 'Will I recover from this illness?'"
10 Elisha answered, "Go and say to him, 'You will certainly recover'; but the LORD has revealed to me that he will in fact die."
11 He stared at him with a fixed gaze until Hazael felt ashamed. Then the man of God began to weep.
12 "Why is my lord weeping?" asked Hazael. "Because I know the harm you will do to the Israelites," he answered. "You will set fire to their fortified places, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little children to the ground, and rip open their pregnant women."
13 Hazael said, "How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?" "The LORD has shown me that you will become king of Aram," answered Elisha.
Reputation for Godly Wisdom
As we look at the reputation of Elisha kings would approach him seeking godly advice and word from the Lord. They knew he was a man that would give a word from God, not his own opinion. That is godly wisdom.
In this matter the King of Aram wanted his assistant to consult with Elisha to see if he will get better from his illness. No one can give that answer. Medical physicians might examine the body and assist with medicine but the king wants godly wisdom from above.
Although we can discuss how it is Elisha’s comments fell short of the desire of the king. He tells him he will recover from the illness but at the same time speaks a conflicting prophecy that he will die at the hand of his assistant, Hazael who wants to overtake the king by violence.
That last part didn’t get reported, only the first part. It was half of the message.
There are also interesting phrases Jesus uses in his teaching. “Those who have ears to hear let him hear.” “Those who have eyes to see let him see.” Those who are open to God will understand things others are blind to. Sometimes truth is not always received based on the heart of the person. And unfortunately, many Christians will only tell half the story. God is a God who blesses. But He is also a God of judgment. The judgment of God was to fall on the king and later on Hazael. The time for repentance was over. Elisha's prophecy revealed the evil of Hazael’s heart. God knows our hearts and our desires.
It is important to seek the Lord’s will. It must first be decided if one is really wanting to know Gods' will. Often we only want our will confirmed not confronted.
As a chaplain student at Hennipen County Medical Hospital I was taught a counseling philosophy made popular by Carl Rogers. It is non-directive counseling. He claims you support others by listen to them allowing the counselees to draw their own conclusions and help them explore other options while they make their choices.
Listening is so vitally important. However, many people cannot solve their own problem because they lack truth. From a Biblical perspective our own wisdom is limited. God is all knowing. We are sinful. He is holy. We are short sighted. He has a perspective worth trusting. Talking can help get relief of emotions and may help us see options to our decisions but what does God's word say about it? What principles may apply to different situations?
Unfortunately, people do not really want to do what the Bible says. They do not really want God's will for their lives; they want to continue in their own ways and wants and have a clergy confirm that what they are doing is ok, or at least not so bad.
Do you really want to know God's will? Are you willing to obey His teaching? Are you willing to be in sincere prayer about it? If you are, I believe God will lead you and direct you in his time.
"Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. One who seeks God about all matters and not builds up himself
is a truly wise man.” (Prov. 5:6,7).
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri June 25, 2010
Verses 2 Kings 9:
1 The prophet Elisha summoned a man from the company of the prophets and said to him, "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take this flask of oil with you and go to Ramoth Gilead.
2 When you get there, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go to him, get him away from his companions and take him into an inner room.
3 Then take the flask and pour the oil on his head and declare, 'This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.' Then open the door and run; don't delay!"
Reputation for a Godly Word
This Biblical story goes on to reveal more of the lessons of the kings, but I want to concentrate on Elisha's part. He had a word to share and picked one of the company of prophets to carry it out by proclaiming that word to Jehu. The Lord tells Elisha to do something and he sees to it that it is done.
There are a number of things I wish to point out when we consider the reputation one with a Godly word. It is first obedience to the Word of God and that is seen throughout Elisha life. There isn't arguing. There is obedience. It is the true desire of our hearts to do and to speak what God wants.
Secondly he has a desire to tell others. Part of that, of course, related to obedience. A good vessel of God is one who receives from the Lord and passes it on. It is not enough to be personally fed and comforted by God. It is his desire to affect others with a passion and holiness for God. He is not concerned for his own glory or prestige, but like Paine Webber, when he speaks people listen because he has a reputation for Godly words.
Another thing is Elisha uses a student who actually does the anointing for the new king and proclaims the prophetic word to Jehu. Elisha is willing to train another and let others share in the ministry. It is later in Elisha’s life and perhaps he is physically unable to get around like he did before. It also indicates He doesn't have to be the one to do the anointing or speaking for God to do his work. Another can do it as well as he is sent and trained. He his is directing the younger one, just as Elijah the Tishbite did for him.
Jehu is anointed and is one of the most zealous Kings for getting rid of Baal worship and false idols.
Sharing God's word is important. Emphasizing that for others is significant. Elisha meditated on the law of God and was able to educate others in it. God had given him his law to the nation and all were under it. All could study it, all could delight in it, but blessed is the one who does it.
One cannot know the word of God unless they heard the Word of God. How can they hear unless someone tells them? One cannot speak it unless that relationship is real and one desires a special closeness with their Savior.
When we talk about reputation of a Godly person, we are talking about a person’s character and integrity. One has confidence in another because of their consistent walk. It wasn't one miracle that brings a certain reputation. It is a life-style. Typically the people that we admire in their faith are folks that are older and have proven through problems and struggle of life that God is faithful and they trust him completely.
Jay Kesler was feeling like he could never match the super-saint status of people who had great reputations. His director shared something profound. "Did you ever realize what would happen if the Lord insisted on perfect men and women to carry out His work? Nothing would ever get done, because none of us would ever measure up. We are all flawed instruments. Isn't it wonderful that Jesus Christ can use us in spite of our imperfections? If we wait to be good enough to serve Him, we will never serve Him."
The reputation Elisha received was only one willing to follow where God led.
Pastor Dale
Theme- A Godly Reputation
Verses 2 Kings 8, 9
Reputation
Elizabeth Miles shared a story about her parents who live on a farm. They sort their garbage into categories- things that get burned, things that go to the dump, scraps for the dogs, and scraps for the cats. In addition her mother is an organic gardener, so she has a special pail for leftover goodies for her worm bed where she makes her own organic fertilizer.
She was explaining all the procedures very carefully to a new housekeeper Noni. "This bowl is for meat scraps for the dogs, this one for cats, and this pail is for vegetable leftovers for the worms."
At this last instruction, Noni looked at her in great admiration and explained, "Ma'am, you're the most Christian woman in the whole world."
The Bible says to have a good reputation among all people. When people observe you, what do they think? Do they know that you are a Christian? What type of reputation follows you?
Sometimes a person will come to me upset about some gossip that is false but spread about them. It is impossible to stop gossip. I try to encourage them to make it right with the individual who has offended them and then live a life so as to show to others that the story is incorrect, or they will not possibly believe it because they know your character.
I Timothy 3:7 "He must have a good reputation with outsiders so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap." Now the reputation of some people in this world is a disgrace. It is not our goal to please people, but God. But that speaks an important message to others as well, even if they agree with you are not. A person of conviction does what he does whether nobody is looking or everyone is looking. But such conviction does have an effect on society.
Remember when Paul wrote this passage to Timothy he was seeking no affirmation from the world, but he had developed quite a reputation. Paul had a reputation as a killer and persecutor of Christians, before he became one. His bad reputation followed him so that the apostles did not want anything to do with him, until Barnabas intervened. Now, Paul has changed that reputation as one how is devoted to Jesus Christ.
Elisha was such a man devoted to serving His God whether people liked it or not. He is not trying to impress others, but by so living a consistent dedicated life he does impress others whether they agree with him or not.
What type of reputation would you wish to have before others? Is that the reputation that brings glory to God?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues June 22, 2010 – Godly Works
Verses: 2 Kings 8:1-6 Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, "Go away with your family and stay for a while wherever you can, because the LORD has decreed a famine in the land that will last seven years."
2 The woman proceeded to do as the man of God said. She and her family went away and stayed in the land of the Philistines seven years.
3 At the end of the seven years she came back from the land of the Philistines and went to the king to beg for her house and land.
4 The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, "Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done."
5 Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to beg the king for her house and land. Gehazi said, "This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life."
6 The king asked the woman about it, and she told him. Then he assigned an official to her case and said to him, "Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now."
REPUTATION OF GODLY WORKS
A few weeks back we talked about when Elisha was used of God to raise the Shunamite woman's son back to life. (2 Kings 4). It was talked about of course, for years afterward.
This lady was approached some time later by Elisha and told to go to Philistines because there was to be a severe famine for 7 years. She obeyed and as continued to be protected and blessed of God. God cares for individuals and protects his own in different ways.
But after the 7 years she returned home and found that her property was somehow confiscated. She decided to go to the King to beg for her property back. At just that time the King was talking to Gehazi, remember him? This was Elisha’s servant who had contacted leprosy. They were conversing about the boy that was raised to life by the miracle worked through Elisha.
Gehazi looked at the lady introduced her to the King. The King was so impressed that he ordered an official to see to it that she had her property returned. It was exciting for the King to see one upon whom the miracle rested.
When people talked about Elisha he had a reputation for his good works. They remembered what God did through him, works done by and for the Lord. It was the same reputation of the Christians that soon became of the talk of the community in those first century days. The disciples were preaching the good news but also healing, and touching those in need. They were known for their good works.
We are told Eph. 2:8-10 that we are created unto good works. It is glorifying to God if someone is able to see Christ in the actions of his followers. I am not talking about if people go to the church all the time, pray consistently, or carry their Bible around. More than likely people are impressed when Christians have a reputation for Godly works. They are kind people, People with compassion. They are people who do what they do because they love dearly Jesus Christ and want to please Him and serve Him.
I am proud to be associated with the reputation of Stanchfield Baptist Church. I got a call from Isanti County Public Health Services recently requesting help in a particular matter because of the positive reputation of our church. We had also gotten referrals for our food shelf from other government official and I asked why they sent them here instead of another closer agency. I was told because if they really needed immediate help you are there, they are not. That made me feel good. As one lady coming from some distance said, she called three places and they all said they couldn't help, but try Stanchfield.
Now I have to say we certainly are not perfect. You will find those around who have been hurt or offended about something and are upset with the church. Sometimes it is because what is said or done doesn't always reflect the attitude of Christ. But sometimes it is because people don't get their way or wants. Many were also upset with Elisha. It is not a matter of being popular.
I've heard from a few community people they don't want anything do with this church because we oppose the sale of Sunday liquor in our community and the opposition to gambling. I attending a County meeting to restrict adult porn businesses within certain distances from schools and churches. So our reputation follows us for criticism as well. I just wish people could realize the sad effects on homes and people that such compulsive vices really produce.
How a person lives has more impact that what a person says. There was a write up on a man named John Fling of Columbia, South Carolina. He was a bachelor who wrote around on a bicycle. He would look out for the elderly in his neighborhood. He befriended the blind, the retarded, the eccentric, the forgotten. He would bring people food when their refrigerators were empty. He would provide rent money to some when eviction was threatened. He would give away most of the small salary he made delivering auto parts for Chevy dealership and forgoing the requisite pleasures of the American life. He did not have a phone no TV, and no car. He worked 40 hours a week in extra tasks for those around him. Why?, the news reporter asked. He stated because he was God fearing and believed God said, "Love thy neighbor as thyself."
Elisha had a reputation for Godly works, how about you?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds June 23, 2010
Verses- 2 Kings 8: 4 The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, "Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done."
2 Kings 8: 7 Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram was ill. When the king was told, "The man of God has come all the way up here,"
Reputation for a Godly Witness 8:4,7,11
One’s reputation can be passed on as people talk with people. Certainly in the land of Israel Elisha was a topic of conversation among many, as well as in the country of Aram. He was given the reputation for being a “man of God.”
There are many reasons someone might be referred to as a man, or woman, of God, but it is typical that there are godly characteristics. Elisha is one who has been consistently acknowledged as having the ear of God. He is one through whom God works. He is one who demonstrates godly qualities.
Here is an interesting story again of the King of Aram Ben-Hada. He realized the reputation of Elisha as being a man of God. That is a very worthy title. He told his assistant, Hazael, to take gifts to Elisha to have him consult the Lord about the kings illness. Would he get better or not. Hazael sought the counsel of Elisha and Elisha stared at Hazael until the assistant felt ashamed. Elisha wept. He saw the harm that was to come upon Israelites though Hazael: including fire, death, violence upon little children, and ripping up women who are pregnant.
(Incidentally people are doing similar things today to pregnant women and they do not call that sin, they call that freedom of choice.)
Hazael’s response was, "How could I, a dog, do such a thing?" Well Hazael was more than a dog, he was a devil in his actions and indeed Ben-Hadad was not to die of his illness, as Elisha said. It was not a terminal illness, but he did die as a result of murder by his assistant. The next day Hazael suffocated his boss by putting a wet washcloth over his face and by violence took the throne. As we read the horrible time of Israel’s history this is indeed what happened to them when Hazael became King over Aram.
I think of the similar scene of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem because he foresees the destruction. When people realize the consequences of certain actions and realize there is nothing or very little they can do, it is quite sad.
If you had an epitaph on your gravestone could it say, “Man of God” or “Woman of God”. As I think about that one’s identity is known to be on who walks and talks with the Lord. I think of it as one who is set apart from sin (thou not sinless). I think of one who desires the things above more than the things below.
When such a person has that reputation folks will come to get council to be prayed for, to listen and learn. It is not a title one seeks for themselves it is a description that one gives to another because something is seen in their person that connects them as one of God’s special representatives.
Have you been at work or in the neighborhood when people feel awkward cursing or telling off colored jokes around you? You may not be a minister or clergy person, but you have been identified as one who does not appreciate that type of talk, and some feel guilty around you sharing unclean jokes or cursing and gossip.
Elisha has a reputation of a Godly Witness both among those who are the people of God as well as those pagans living around Israel.
How about you? Others may be watching more than you know.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thur June 24, 2010
Verses- 2 Kings 8: 7 Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram was ill. When the king was told, "The man of God has come all the way up here,"
8 he said to Hazael, "Take a gift with you and go to meet the man of God. Consult the LORD through him; ask him, 'Will I recover from this illness?'"
9 Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him as a gift forty camel-loads of all the finest wares of Damascus. He went in and stood before him, and said, "Your son Ben-Hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, 'Will I recover from this illness?'"
10 Elisha answered, "Go and say to him, 'You will certainly recover'; but the LORD has revealed to me that he will in fact die."
11 He stared at him with a fixed gaze until Hazael felt ashamed. Then the man of God began to weep.
12 "Why is my lord weeping?" asked Hazael. "Because I know the harm you will do to the Israelites," he answered. "You will set fire to their fortified places, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little children to the ground, and rip open their pregnant women."
13 Hazael said, "How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?" "The LORD has shown me that you will become king of Aram," answered Elisha.
Reputation for Godly Wisdom
As we look at the reputation of Elisha kings would approach him seeking godly advice and word from the Lord. They knew he was a man that would give a word from God, not his own opinion. That is godly wisdom.
In this matter the King of Aram wanted his assistant to consult with Elisha to see if he will get better from his illness. No one can give that answer. Medical physicians might examine the body and assist with medicine but the king wants godly wisdom from above.
Although we can discuss how it is Elisha’s comments fell short of the desire of the king. He tells him he will recover from the illness but at the same time speaks a conflicting prophecy that he will die at the hand of his assistant, Hazael who wants to overtake the king by violence.
That last part didn’t get reported, only the first part. It was half of the message.
There are also interesting phrases Jesus uses in his teaching. “Those who have ears to hear let him hear.” “Those who have eyes to see let him see.” Those who are open to God will understand things others are blind to. Sometimes truth is not always received based on the heart of the person. And unfortunately, many Christians will only tell half the story. God is a God who blesses. But He is also a God of judgment. The judgment of God was to fall on the king and later on Hazael. The time for repentance was over. Elisha's prophecy revealed the evil of Hazael’s heart. God knows our hearts and our desires.
It is important to seek the Lord’s will. It must first be decided if one is really wanting to know Gods' will. Often we only want our will confirmed not confronted.
As a chaplain student at Hennipen County Medical Hospital I was taught a counseling philosophy made popular by Carl Rogers. It is non-directive counseling. He claims you support others by listen to them allowing the counselees to draw their own conclusions and help them explore other options while they make their choices.
Listening is so vitally important. However, many people cannot solve their own problem because they lack truth. From a Biblical perspective our own wisdom is limited. God is all knowing. We are sinful. He is holy. We are short sighted. He has a perspective worth trusting. Talking can help get relief of emotions and may help us see options to our decisions but what does God's word say about it? What principles may apply to different situations?
Unfortunately, people do not really want to do what the Bible says. They do not really want God's will for their lives; they want to continue in their own ways and wants and have a clergy confirm that what they are doing is ok, or at least not so bad.
Do you really want to know God's will? Are you willing to obey His teaching? Are you willing to be in sincere prayer about it? If you are, I believe God will lead you and direct you in his time.
"Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. One who seeks God about all matters and not builds up himself
is a truly wise man.” (Prov. 5:6,7).
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri June 25, 2010
Verses 2 Kings 9:
1 The prophet Elisha summoned a man from the company of the prophets and said to him, "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take this flask of oil with you and go to Ramoth Gilead.
2 When you get there, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go to him, get him away from his companions and take him into an inner room.
3 Then take the flask and pour the oil on his head and declare, 'This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.' Then open the door and run; don't delay!"
Reputation for a Godly Word
This Biblical story goes on to reveal more of the lessons of the kings, but I want to concentrate on Elisha's part. He had a word to share and picked one of the company of prophets to carry it out by proclaiming that word to Jehu. The Lord tells Elisha to do something and he sees to it that it is done.
There are a number of things I wish to point out when we consider the reputation one with a Godly word. It is first obedience to the Word of God and that is seen throughout Elisha life. There isn't arguing. There is obedience. It is the true desire of our hearts to do and to speak what God wants.
Secondly he has a desire to tell others. Part of that, of course, related to obedience. A good vessel of God is one who receives from the Lord and passes it on. It is not enough to be personally fed and comforted by God. It is his desire to affect others with a passion and holiness for God. He is not concerned for his own glory or prestige, but like Paine Webber, when he speaks people listen because he has a reputation for Godly words.
Another thing is Elisha uses a student who actually does the anointing for the new king and proclaims the prophetic word to Jehu. Elisha is willing to train another and let others share in the ministry. It is later in Elisha’s life and perhaps he is physically unable to get around like he did before. It also indicates He doesn't have to be the one to do the anointing or speaking for God to do his work. Another can do it as well as he is sent and trained. He his is directing the younger one, just as Elijah the Tishbite did for him.
Jehu is anointed and is one of the most zealous Kings for getting rid of Baal worship and false idols.
Sharing God's word is important. Emphasizing that for others is significant. Elisha meditated on the law of God and was able to educate others in it. God had given him his law to the nation and all were under it. All could study it, all could delight in it, but blessed is the one who does it.
One cannot know the word of God unless they heard the Word of God. How can they hear unless someone tells them? One cannot speak it unless that relationship is real and one desires a special closeness with their Savior.
When we talk about reputation of a Godly person, we are talking about a person’s character and integrity. One has confidence in another because of their consistent walk. It wasn't one miracle that brings a certain reputation. It is a life-style. Typically the people that we admire in their faith are folks that are older and have proven through problems and struggle of life that God is faithful and they trust him completely.
Jay Kesler was feeling like he could never match the super-saint status of people who had great reputations. His director shared something profound. "Did you ever realize what would happen if the Lord insisted on perfect men and women to carry out His work? Nothing would ever get done, because none of us would ever measure up. We are all flawed instruments. Isn't it wonderful that Jesus Christ can use us in spite of our imperfections? If we wait to be good enough to serve Him, we will never serve Him."
The reputation Elisha received was only one willing to follow where God led.
Pastor Dale
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