House Building -Matt 7:24-29

Sermon Nuggets Mon Aug 15

Verses

Matt 7:24-29

24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,

29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

(NIV)

House building

In 1174 the Italian architect Bonnano Pisano began work bell tower for a Cathedral the tower was to be eight-stories and 185-foot-tall tall. There was just one "little" problem: builders quickly discovered that the soil was much softer than they had anticipated, and the foundation was far too shallow to adequately hold the structure! And sure enough, before long the whole structure had begun to tilt... and it continued to tilt... until finally the architect and the builders realized that nothing could be done to make the Leaning Tower of Pisa straight again. It took 176 years to build the Tower of Pisa and during that time many things were done to try and compensate for the "tilt. Foundation was shored up; the upper levels were even built at an angle to try to make the top of the tower look straight. Nothing worked. The tower has stood for over 800 years, but it leans 18 feet away from where it should be. One day, experts say, it will fall and all because it wasn’t built on the right foundation.

Jesus gives us an illustration of a wise man and foolish man. The conclusion all related to the foundation upon which they build their houses. Jesus knew houses. He was a carpenter. No doubt he had seen storms cause houses to fall due to their poor foundation.

As is common he takes an earthly story and brings out a heavenly meaning, which is how one person defined a parable. Jesus laid down instructions on kingdom living. It is impossible to live up to. But with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we can see better the heart of God and the attitudes within that Jesus demonstrated in living to the glory of His Father who is in heaven.

Now here comes the conclusion of Jesus’ sermon. Are you going to hear only, or are your going to do something about what you’ve listened to? Those who listen politely are contrasted with those who decide to go with God completely. There is a cost and there are alternatives. Which shall it be for you?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Aug 16

Notice the Similarities.

The parable of the wise and foolish man indicates some similarities between the two. Jesus compared them to people who hear his message. It is easy to nod in agreement with the Sermon on the Mount but there is powerful stuff there, most of which gets ignored.

Each man saw the need of a house and built one. There are quality made homes and those which are quickly put together. They might look the same from the outside. So what might be the same is the outward appearance.

The implication is both the wise and the foolish hear the message. Being a hearer is better than not listening at all. There are people we are told in the Bible that are not even hearers. Some have no opportunity because we haven’t obeyed the Lord and evangelized our world. Some have no one to tell them and we must promote missions and evangelism. The call to missions and evangelism it to give everyone a chance to hear.

I think we have many church attenders that hear the message of Jesus repeatedly. They may be part of the church, part of a congregation, part of the fellowship. They may read their Bibles, pray, buy Christian literature, and books. From outward appearances you cannot any difference just like you can’t tell a house that is well built and one that is on a strong foundation without further investigation. One that is quickly slapped together and on sand will fall. On the outside you cannot tell a difference.

That is how it is with people looking for religion. They may think it is all the same. But everyone needs a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. All other beliefs and practices are counterfeit.

There are other similarities. The floods came and smote the house. Here in a very literal sense there came rains. Indeed the adjectives are plan The rain came down, the streams rose and the winds blew and beat against the house. Each description builds on the previous one. Both experiences are similar. I am reminded of the verse. “the Lord causes the sun to sun and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust” There is no religious discrimination. It rains and streams rise winds blow and houses are put under stress.

Jesus is not telling us how to find a safe, comfortable setting or an ideal atmosphere where life remains non-threatening and where the climate is wonderfully calm and supportive. What he is telling us that we must face reality, that life is difficult, we will have to face the storms and accept the pain and discomfort and the heartaches.

Many storms bring violence, tragedies. But there are more difficulties in our fallen world which affect us all. We witness all types of catastrophes sickness, illness, disease, misfortune, and the unexpected death in each and everyone’s life. I wish I could tell you to be a Christian is to have no more problems. but I hear many a preacher speak the opposite. I still hear so many people asking, “Why did this happen to me?” meaning that I am a believer in Jesus I should be given special treatment from circumstances here on earth? Regardless of faith, color, or creed, size or money you will have sunshine and rain, some will have floods and tornados. some more than others. Things that will affect the country, the county, the state will affect all citizens in it, but it was brought to their very homes. The stream and river broke again that very house. What they built was being threatened personally and individually. Hard times came. The storm did not by-pass either home.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Aug 17

Verses- Luke 6:48-49

48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

Notice the Differences.

Luke 6:47,48 fills us in a little more the details of this parable concerning a well built house. Most of the difference comes with the wise man. He was a doer, not just a hearer. Three verbs used to describe the situation- dug, down, deep and laid the foundation on the rock. The other built on the sand.

It is not so much that the foolish man actually believes that sand is a better foundation to build on. It’s just that he simply gives no thought to the importance of a good foundation. In his view, it is the house which is important and not the foundation.

We might apply the parable to our choice of a life long mate. Shall we choose the exciting, popular person even though she/he is arrogant, proud and somewhat flighty or shall we choose the decent, quite and godly person?
The one who digs must make plans for his house. He studies the blueprints and measures out the dimensions carefully. It takes planning. It takes labor; it takes toil and effort to do it right the first time.

I think about the words “dug deep”. Deep digging is contrasted with shallow work. The deeper you go, the less likely something will fall over. To dig is to toil; to deepen is to carry on that toil but more. The deeper you go the more difficult it becomes and the harder ground. To deepen is more than just breaking the surface. It is to be willing to discover more and more.

Then there is the laying of the foundation. Everything depends, not on the construction, but the object upon which the foundation is laid. The foolish man laid his foundation on the sand, the wise man on the rock. That makes all the difference. Sand implies the things which pass away. The foolish man is impatient wanting it done now, quickly and inexpensive. The wise man thinks ahead and makes plans.

Gregory Elder tells a story when he was a kid growing up on the Atlantic Coast. He spent long hours working on intricate sand castles; whole cities would appear beneath his hands. One year, for several days in a row, he was accosted by bullies who smashed his creations. Finally he tried an experiment: He placed cinder blocks, rocks, and chunks of concrete in the base of my castles. Then he built the sand kingdoms on top of the rocks. When the local toughs appeared (while he watched from a distance), their bare feet suddenly met their match. There might be other implications for building on rocks.

Many people see the church in grave peril from a variety of dangers: secularism, politics, heresies, or plain old sin. They forget that the church is built upon a Rock (Mt. 16:16), over which the gates of hell itself shall not prevail.”

Jesus is making the point of the difference is between hearing and doing. Doing implies commitment to build well and on the right foundation that will not shake and fall. What is missing? The work, the toil, the planning, and the preparation, the time, the energy, the money, the total commitment to what makes a good house.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Aug 18

Verses Matt 7: 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Luke 6:49b The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

The Consequences

Then came the storm, the flood, and the danger. I guess the difference between the doer and the hearer comes at the end. It says the stream could not shake the house that was built on the rock, because it had been well built. Of the other we read, “And immediately it fell and the ruin of that house was great.” That makes all the difference in the world. One house stood as protection as the fortress as a shelter, the other collapsed into nothing, and all was lost because there was no foundation.

Note the description of the fall: "And great was the fall of it." It is great because it will fall forever. It is great because there is no remedy for the fall. Once your eternal house has fallen you are doomed forever

Do you want to know something significant? As an outward observer you probably couldn’t tell much difference between the two houses, or the two men. As they lived and were on display you probably couldn’t tell much difference one thinking he might be smarter because he saved money and got the job done quicker. the one way one person came out as a doer was after the storm. He withstood it, and the other was lost.

It doesn’t matter how elegant the living room, appears how functional the kitchen is, or where we have the remote control garage door openers and entertainment center and Jacuzzis, everything depends on whether the whole structure will withstand the storm.

Jesus is not talking about how to build a house he is fully and clearly talking about building lives by faith on Jesus Christ, himself. Many hear but do not obey.

Don’t just be impressed with words, but what you’ve heard put into action. Be doers of all of this or it will not do you one bit of good. Then you are a wise man, when you walk in his ways, wisdom gives sensibility to one who knows, and security to one who has the power and stability in the circumstance that throw so many, but salvation is for all eternity for we are house builders. What kind of house are you building? “Isn’t it strange That prince and kings and clown that caper in sawdust rings, and common people like you and me are builders for eternity?”

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Aug 19

Verses- Matt 7: 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

The Message

Today concludes the series on the Sermon on the Mount. But Jesus wasn’t just interested in people being impressed with His sermon. He just preached the greatest sermon ever. It still is. When he was done I wonder if people lined up and said, “Jesus that was a real inspiration, thank you so much. We all needed to hear that. Thanks Jesus that was the best sermon I ever heard.”

They did say he spoke with authority and to like the other teachers. The crowd was impressed with the speaker. Because he taught as one who had authority. He said several times, “I tell you”. He could do so only as the Son of the Living God. But hearing the message was not enough. Learning does not take place until it is put into action. Jesus said it first. “Do not be hearers only but doers.”

From the beginning Jesus describes the people of the kingdom, they are people who are poor in spirit, they mourn over their sin, they are meek, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, their merciful, pure in heart, they are peacemakers, and for all that they are persecuted people. Then he goes on to tell the influence followers of Jesus must have. We must be like salt to a world that is decaying holding back ungodliness and unrighteousness.

We will get upset bloggers and responses when we say no to abortion and no to pornography, no to gambling and drug and alcohol and tobacco abuses, and we will get people calling us narrow minded and prudish when we say there is sin that affects us all and we cannot watch it happen without doing something. We must be lights to those around us not only showing corruption in the world, but what righteousness is, not self righteousness, but there is a life in Jesus Christ that is worth living for and worth dying for.

Then Jesus talks about the standard of Scripture for which he fulfills, and in order to enter the kingdom we must have a righteousness that even surpasses the righteousness of the Scribes and the Pharisees. To put it bluntly they have outward form of religious activities, you must have a heart change that affects your minds, your thoughts, your motives, your attitudes. Scripture is our standard, the Holy Spirit becomes the change agent in our hearts to make us born again and sanctify us to live and think like Jesus. We not only do not take lives, we learn to control anger and the sins of resentments that tear down others. We not only guard against adultery, but no longer treat other sexes for our own selfish lusting desires. It makes a difference what we read and watch. Jesus people are honest in word and deed, and long suffering even with their enemies.

Following Jesus affects religious activities so when you fast and give and pray, it is from the heart, Not for show, but for right relationships with God. Then he says our secular responsibilities also portray a different attitude than what the world has. Our interests in money and how we spend and use it affects where our hearts really lie. Do we think we are going to live here forever, or in heaven forever. That makes a difference in attitude toward our positions and our priorities. Do we worry about things, or leave those worries to God. Do we turn over our needs to the Lord and trust him to work it out, or to we make the meeting of our needs the prime focus of our existing on this world? We must apply the principles of righteousness to our everyday life.

When it comes to relating to others don’t be judging and being harsh, critical with one another without self evaluation. Then having laid down the application of a changed life. Jesus shows us the provision for having achieved all these by asking, seeking and knocking. If you say the standard is too high and you can’t reach it, then ask and do not stop asking, If you want to grow in your Christian character then Lord will answer if you seek it with you heart. If you want to live in God’s will then knock and keep on knocking and I will assure you, you will discover his will if your heart really want it. That type of praying is far different than the request lists you hear in most praying.

Now in the conclusion of the sermon he tells us to treat others the way we want to be treated. How do you want to be treated? Then treat others that same way. The reason is that this is God’s will.

In conclusion listen to what Jesus is telling us. Take it or leave it. You cannot be a follower of Jesus and live according to the selfish pursuits of life and the worldly manners of the people around you. Which is it going to be? The narrow way or the broad way, for most will not follow, most will look righteous and good and holy, but there is no real fruit, most will claim to know the Lord, but only a few actually are followers. In what are you placing your faith? In your good life, or religious activity? Or is it in faith in the works of Jesus Christ and coming poor, broken, sinner asking for God’s healing in your life? For that is the only way that you will be saved? The path of Jesus is to way to eternal life. Are you willing to follow or not.

The greatest decision you will make in this life does not concern this life at all. It concerns the life to come. Many will never make a decision concerning Jesus and their life because they do not think it all that important. To them money is important, fun and friends is important, having a fine car and nice house is important. These things are the building material of their life but they are unwise because they have no foundation but sand. The storm is coming and many of you will find you have built in vain.

Pastor Dale

The Narrow Way Matt 7:13-23

Sermon Nuggets Mon Aug 8 The Narrow Way

Verses Matt 7:13-23

13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

The Narrow Way

In High School I studied Robert Frost’s poem “A Road Not Traveled” It wrote:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood. And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear, Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay, In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I marked the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh, Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference

We talked and studied the poem in English class referring, of course, to more than a walk in the wood But as poems are mean to discuss life. Some choose paths that the crowds do not choose. It makes a difference. In fact, to follow the crowd in most cases generally proves disappointing. Yet, we are all deeply affected by other people and what they think of us.

The Lord taught about the broad and narrow gates. The narrow gate being the road less traveled and the broad gate being the way of most people go and it makes all the difference.

When we discuss as important an issue as where you will spend eternity it is important to know what Jesus says.

Recently I heard some preacher talk about salvation by death. What meant was that more often than not he would hear everyone was going to heaven. Every funeral he went do assured the grieving that their loved one awaits them in heaven and has gone to a better place. The criteria for heaven was just to die. This is a far different teaching that what we will look at this week.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Aug 9

Verses- Matt 7: 13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.

Salvation is for the Few

Christ followers are in the minority. Most of the people you go to school with and you work with and who live around you are spiritually lost and going to Hell. Because of that, many will look down on those who take Christ seriously.

When I was in public school I was better prepared for teasing because I was expecting it since I held different values than most of my school friends. I've been made fun of for going to church, for not drinking, for smoking, and partying, for not having sex and being a virgin. I've been teased for doing what I believed honored the Lord.

If you are saved you will be made fun of or disliked by some people. Count on it. I have letters in my file this year from people angry with me because of Christian principles and opinions that I do not keep to myself. People want to mold you in their thinking; Jesus wants to mold you in His thinking. You will have to make a decision who you are going to please. The broad road is easy the narrow one is hard.

I remember the shock I had when I was 9 and 10 years old and went to Christian camp. I was far from perfect, and still am far from perfect, but I knew the difference between right and wrong. I knew that I failed many times, but I also know a number of other boys in Jr. Boys Camp who went to my church and were active in youth clubs. When they stole, swore, lied, bullied others around, when they acted one way in front of the minister and counselor and rebellious when they were not around they didn't even try to live up to what Jesus taught. It was a good lesson for me in Jr. Boys' camp, because I found that same things to be true in all of the rest of my life. There are many who say they are Christians but do not act like it. Some give great testimonies but away from church act completely different. Not just falling in to sin, but living it boldly and openly. Church attendance, Baptism, communion, confirmation and coming forward at camp to pray a sinner’s prayer does not save anyone.

Jesus taught there are two gates a narrow gate and a broad one. There are two roads, a narrow road and a broad one. There are two groups of people, a large crowd and the few in number. Which shall it be for you?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Aug 9

Verses- Matt 7: 13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

Salvation is for the Faithful

Jesus said, “I am the door, if any man enter by me he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” Jn. 14 "I am the way the truth and the life, no many cometh unto the Father but by me.” There is no salvation apart from trusting in Jesus Christ for your salvation. Jesus said “I came to seek and save that which is lost.” All of us are sinners. We are all lost. We are unholy and yet the love of God sent His only Son to die for the penalty of your sin and provide the way to know God. However there are only a few that by faith enter through the narrow gate to received Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Most do not.

According to National and International Religion Report said, "Fewer than 10% of Americans are deeply committed Christians. These people are a breed apart. They are more tolerant of people of diverse background. They are more involved in charitable activities. They are more involved in practical Christianity. They are absolutely committed to prayer... Also they are far, far happier than the rest of the population."

He continued to report, that most Americans who profess Christianity don't know the basic teaching of the faith and they don't act significantly different from non-Christians in their daily lives. He added, the Sunday school and religious-education system in this country is not working." Not being grounded in the faith these professing believers are open for anything that comes along. The churched are just as likely as the unchurched to engage in unethical behavior. Studies also show a growing percentage of Christians who say they can sustain their faith without attending church.

You get the impression that just about everyone is going to heaven because he is really a nice fellow, or great to his kids, or never cheated in his business dealings. In fact, I have hardly met anyone who doesn't think they will eventually make it to heaven, regardless of their life. Some believe souls will suffer for a period of time to pay for sin and then go to heaven. There are many false teachings that are promoted at a rapid rate through internet, and popular media, through songs, and books, and the New Age movement and Emergent church movement for growth. Universalism is gaining ground and the elimination of hell as recently popularized by Rob Bell is creeping into evangelical circles. There are teachers who conclude, “How can a loving God send anyone to Hell? Since Jesus died for the sins of the world then the whole world will be saved.

Increasingly people believe portions of the Bibl and grossly ignore other portions. When I and others around me raised up verses from the Bible that contradicted that view he responded, "Well, you can't believe the whole Bible you know." How can a loving God send anyone to Hell. Well, apparently Jesus was a liar, or as he would say, they people that wrote the Bible did not get it straight. If you don't like what it says, then pick and choose what you like and throw out the rest. That's the ticket, lets make our own religion and believe what we want

Many who knew Jesus rejected him. The crowd wanted to praise and honor Jesus with palm branches because faith in Jesus brought food, and health and love and affirmation for the poor, and hope for a better life, but when Jesus taught about commitment of salvation, people were forced to look at Him and his righteousness and rather than follow the one they wanted him to be, he called them to suffer for their faith and only a few responded. He was slaughtered and suffered because of our sins. He was the sacrifice taking our place on the cross. Those who do not put their faith in Jesus will go to Hell.

Some like to look at Jesus full of love and ignore his teaching on Hell. Jesus taught more about the reality of hell than any of the other portions of the Bible. Hell is eternal punishment and suffering apart from God's presence eternally. We are all Hell bound until we go through the narrow gate and trust in Christ, crying out to him for forgiveness and salvation.

Most people would never want to be rejected by friends, or laughed at for being religious, or give up activities they think make them acceptable. Most like popular religion so we must present it in a way as to not offend anyone. Only a few will ever enter the kingdom of heaven, all the rest will be in Hell.

Due to finding teachers who appeal to the people, most want to accept Jesus on their terms and not his. Most want to be popular and be accepted by others more than by God. Until we are willing to denounce ourselves we can never enter the narrow gate. The road to greatness is never easy it is always a lot of difficulty.

There are only two roads the broad road requires no discipline, no do's and don'ts everyone can go there regardless their views. It is not hard, it is easy. It is not lonely. It offers fun, pleasure, sensuality. But it leads to destruction. Sin always does. Men can chose to violate the laws of God but it has a consequence. It leads. When you crash there is no one to pick you up.

We cannot change the message in order to please our own egos and think we get more people saved under our ministry than some other preacher. If a person needs to be pressured into making a decision for

Christ he'll probably change his mind later. If we can talk you into it, then someone can talk you out of it. We want to see people saved so we adapt the message to get a commitment but that is not what Jesus does. If you are wiling to give up all you have and all you are and turn it over to Jesus then you follow Him. That is the narrow path and only a few find it. Only a few want to. Only a few understand.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Aug 11

Verses- Matt 7: 15-20 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Salvation Results in Fruit

Jesus warns against false prophets that will try to pervert the faith. People can appear harmless and sound like Christians, but in fact are dangerous twisting important doctrine and teaching salvation other than by faith in Christ. Cults of all kinds come quickly to mind. Many live very strict lives and some of the nicest people you'll ever want to know. Some cults show more love and acceptance of others than lots of Christian churches. Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, Christian Science has been around for a long time. Other false teachers can be in traditional churches or new churches which emphasize salvation by works, or signs instead of faith.

Jesus uses the illustration of fruit trees. If you see a tree full of rich, ripe apples you know it is a good tree. Good trees produce fruit, Bad tress produce no fruit, or bad fruit. By their fruits ye shall know them. The key to fruit-bearing is our relationship with Jesus Christ and letting His Spirit have his way in our lives. When you don't see any spiritual growth something is wrong. Sometimes the tree is immature. Transplanting a tree may take three years before it bears fruit. It needs consistent watering, feeding and care. Those who are young in the faith usually don't display all the attitudes and actions of mature believers, nor can you expect them to.

Sometimes a tree doesn't produce fruit because it is malnourished. Poor soil and dry weather can destroy a tree's fruit. Christians who are deprived of regular nourishment soon lose their commitment to Christ. Prayer, Scripture, and church involvement are essential to growth.

But you will never find an elm tree producing produce. From a distance you may not be able to identify a tree, but with closer examination you may not have a fruit tree. A person may look like a Christian, talk like a Christ, and act like a Christian, that can be all outside appearances.

The false prophet is concerned for himself cares for self more than Jesus or the flock or others. The bad fruit is seen in gluttony and greedy, looking for personal gain, teaching for profit and what he can get out of it rather than what he can put into it.

I am always suspicious of people that are getting rich out of the ministry. Now that isn't the same thing as rich people or rich ministers if they are also good business men and investors with the money God has given them. But if money is central in their minds and they are getting wealthy because of marketing their ministry skills beware, something is wrong. If a person is building a following of people around himself instead of Jesus and the Bible is only used as a spring board to declare his own doctrine, beware. When people start claiming they have some religious revelations and visions from God revealing added truth, or corrective truth, then something is not right. If a preacher is the only one who is right and discourages you from studying yourself in the Bible then you have a problem.

Galatians 5 speaks of the fruit of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit. Something is wrong if we are not fruitful. I John says it, "If we walk in darkness and say that we are in the light we lie and the truth is not in us." Fruit of the spirit is the realization that we were created not to be blessed by God, but to bless Him and serve Him according to the strength from the wisdom and power he has given to us.

Having salvation produces fruit. No branch can bear fruit by itself Jesus told His disciples a branch must remain in the vine. “Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (Jn. 15:4,5) You see the point isn't so much on the fact that we are producing fruit as it is that we are building a growing healthy relationship with God who bears the fruit in us.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Aug 12

Verses- Matt 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'

23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Salvation Results in Followers

The follower of Jesus takes his commitment to Christ seriously. He and she desires to please the Lord. Few there are that will enter the gate. When one does it results in changed a life and perspective. If not then one must question if a person was saved.

We know we are not saved by works, yet there will be works in the life of a Christian. Many think they are saved by their works. This is certainly not so. To call on the Lord is to recognize the commitment to follow and obey. And when we have that desire we are surprised when Jesus calls us friends, for that is what we become. Not on an equal footing, but in a relationship that is loving and more intimate.

I know preachers, and teachers that do not know the Lord, although they knew all about him. Some are very intellectual, some are very emotions. Some never miss church on Sunday and give more than their tithe. Some are kind to people and serve the poor and fight injustice but they have not given their hearts to Christ. It is a good self made religion. True faith centers on the works of Christ, trusting him resulting in the desire to give up sin and the desire to obey him.

The Scriptures go so far as to indicate even bold claims or miraculous deeds do not guarantee they are true servants of the Lord. When the evidence of questionable shows they are greedy wolves feeding on the flock of God. We should be discerning enough to recognize them for what they are, false teachers. The garbage speaks for itself. Doing religious deeds is not the same as following Jesus as Lord.

For Jesus obedience was motivation enough to come from glory to serve mankind. It was motivation enough to be obedient to his father to suffer the cross and sacrifice His life. Obedience is expression of relationship to the Lord regardless of what others demand, ask, or do. People can walk down at alter calls, turn in many pledge cards, be baptized and preach sermons, be missionaries, study in Christian school be a S.S. teacher and church officers, and even perform spiritual miracles of healing and exorcism, but without being true followers. The problem with the presentation of the gospel in our culture is a Me centered selfishness. One is encouraged to accept Christ you will get joy, accept the Lord and you will have peace, without realizing it we need to plead that instead of judgment God gives us grace to save us from condemnation. Then repentance occurs.

Keith Green, who was untimely killed in a plane accident, made a strong but startling statement. "Jesus never had a follow up program. He never had an alter call, he never pressured people into making decisions for Him. It was Jesus habit of letting people follow him. If they want life then they will have to give up that which keeps them from obedience and follow. We preach a man made gospel we get people to come forward to the altar by bringing forced pressures that has nothing to do with God. We lead them in a prayer, then they are not yet convinced what they need to say, and then to top it off, we give them counseling telling them it is a sin to doubt their salvation."

It is a narrow gate. It is for those who love the Lord to the point of being serious about following Him- and then letting Him lead.

Pastor Dale

Ask, Seek, Knock Matt 7:7-12

Sermon NuggetsMon. August 1, - ASK, SEEK, KNOCK

Verses Matt 7:7-12

7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Ask, Seek, and Knock

This week many in our nation are praying for our leaders and our country as decisions and lack of them may affect the economy of the world. We also know by prophecy there will be economic meltdown in our world before the coming of Christ. Is this the time? Letting God know our concerns thoughts and praises is all part of prayer. Of course, many Christians in our nation pray every day. Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people."

We would do well as a nation to seek the wisdom and will of God and interceded for our president. Of course we would do well as a church to pray that same prayer, seeking the will of the Lord. Certainly His will is also what we desire in our personal lives to be blessed through eternity.

When Jesus speaking what we have called this sermon on the Mount he had already addressed the issue of prayer and called his followers to a heart felt conversation with God not based on repetitious babbling or pretence to be seen by others. He wanted a personal, private, intimate time with each one of us. That makes a significant difference.

But it isn’t long in the Christian walk when people start wondering,

‘Why aren’t my prayers answered?” I already talked about the style and form of prayer as we reviewed the Lord’s prayer, but this addresses some significant presuppositions on prayer.

There was a movie made from a book entitled, on Gods and Generals. It captured the theme of faith of Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, and Andrew Jackson. Each were praying and seeking the will of God while fighting in a war they felt was right before God. It is so easy to make the enemy all bad and ourselves all good, but what do you do with people who are praying for their side to win out of faith and some type of commitment to God. For the leaders of the south it seemed (at least according to the book) that the issue was more freedom than slavery.

I remember questioning in High School what happens if I pray for my football team asking God to make them win, and someone else is praying the same thing for the opposing team. Certainly that happens in things more significant than football games. It is common in war, each praying to God for victory. How about when a farmer prays for rain and another church person prays that it will not rain for they are planning a picnic that day.

Too often prayers tell more about the one praying than the One to whom we pray. Jesus is giving another lesson on prayer. You’ll remember that in 6^th chapter Jesus criticizes the attitude of praying to impress other people. He taught it was to be personal conversation with our creator in a private manner. We are to give God praise, and seek wisdom, make Biblical requests, seek forgiveness, seek his protection and we are to act on our own prayers in righteousness obedience and openness. So we have already talked a great deal about proper and improper praying, and incidentally there are many other passages that further guide us in Scriptures. It’s hard to build a particular theology around any one passage alone. It must be looked at in connection with other teachings.

Jesus was talking to his followers, to those who are kingdom people and who they are to live and act under the Lordship of Jesus. In the context of this passage we already have learned not to be concerned with the things of this world compared to things that matter for the kingdom of God. God knows what you need, but seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things- be they food clothes, daily needs- will be given to you as well.

In James we are corrected when he writes We have not because we ask not, or we ask wrongly seeking to fulfill our own lusts. Americans seem to be the very best in selfish egocentric praying. Gemme, gemme, gemme is much more prevalent than ask, seek, and knock. Don’t be so fast to judge others, come clean before God in repentance and seeking personal forgiveness. Do you really want God’s will and guidance in your life?

Then Ask, Seek and Knock and it will be answered. Lets look at Jesus’s lessons on prayer from that perspective.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Aug 2

Verses- Matt 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Consider the Privilege of Prayer

Jesus warned not to be hypocritical in prayer, but real and open in communication what is on your heart and mind. Ask, and Seek and Knock he says, and it will be done. Jesus wants us to go before God confidently and boldly as his child comes before his or her parent. For it is a tremendous privilege that is granted to the righteous.

James 5:16 says, “The fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much. “ The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Now that already presupposes the knowledge of God’s will and seeking first His Kingdom, not ours. We have a tremendous power that is most often untapped. We have not because we ask not. John 14:13 And whatever you ask in my name that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If we as anything in my name I will do it.”

Pam Broughton related a story in a Christian magazine. She was a pastor’s wife having ugly unadorned walls, after 3 years she decided to pray since she had little money to change things. Her son ,Randy, that prayed, “Dear God, could you please also get me a warm-up suit before we go on vacation.”

She said, “Now Addison, you know that sometimes God says, “no “ to our prayers.” Oh sure, Mom, be He knows I really want a warm-up suit. Night.”

She wondered if God was concerned about warm-up suits and wall paper. Sure He cares about life’s big problems like food shelter, spiritual health, world evangelism, but is He too busy to be bothered with selfish wants? Some treat God like Aladdin’s lamp. If you use the right formula in God’s name , then rub it and just right He is required to obey our wants and wishes.

Friends that is heresy and we hear it all the time! Never is God our magical genie. Never is He our servant. But He loves us and has given to us a marvelous privilege. We have the privilege of making our requests known to him and asking seeking and knocking.

Mrs. Broughton wanted to teach Addison that we can ask God for the desires of our hearts, but the important thing is to realize God’s gracious love. They didn’t have money so they could not buy luxuries even though their needs were met.

As she was doing laundry there was a gurgling noise in the water and soap suds were pouring out from the bathroom door. She called the plumber who told them they would have to leave, it was a big job.

Friends of theirs asked to have them come over and when they came through the door, she said, “Addison, I just remembered I keep forgetting to give you this warm-up suit. I hope you like it. We’ve had this suit for months and bought it for our son without having him try it on and He only wore it once before it was too small.”

Their mouths dropped open. Why would she think of it now after months? They praised and honored God for his favor to them. When they returned home the insurance company called about the plumbing disaster. “I am afraid Mr. Broughton, you’ll have to pay the $100 deductible plus the cost of the plumbing repair. Your insurance policy will only repair the damage resulted from the water. Now, what kind of wall paper do you want in the living room and hall? She cried. This was just topping on the pudding that God answered when we seek him and it was a privilege that he granted to his children.

If you want to live God’s will and be the people of the Kingdom you can with assurance- Ask, seek, and knock and God will answer. The more self confidence you have the less you pray. The less self-confidence you have the more you have to pray. Prayer isn’t anything, but humbly desire to see God glorified. And as a child confidence in his love make your requests known to Him and trust Him. Then wait and watch what happens. It seems God loves to surprise us often in ways we do not expect. It is a privilege he grants to his children.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Aug 3

Verses- Matt 7: 7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Consider the Persistence in Prayers

My temptation in dealing with prayer is try to address all the theology behind unanswered prayers. The emphasis on this passage is on persistence on the part of the one who prays. The Greek verb tense give emphasis on continual action on asking, seeking and knocking. It might be paraphrased, “Ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking. That isn’t past tense, but imperfect, which clearly implies persistence in one’s prayers. When you think of the progression of thought there is also persistence in how the requests are presented.

We do not have to go to lengths to get God’s attention. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. But we might need to do some evaluation on our part to be in God’s will and place where He can speak to us. Does God seem close? If not, who moved?

When it comes to prayer ask what you will. If it isn’t answered then keep on asking. If the request isn’t answered, then we must seek. For me seeking includes searching more of the Bible and more in my life. It involves more thought regarding my motives, God’s will in my life, sin, and patience.

Unfortunately some will use unanswered prayers to judge God. I think of the illustration of electricity. We have all the power possible that we need in a plug for our common appliances. If we plug in the lamp and turn on the switch-nothing happens what do we do? Do we go around and rant and rave and tell people there is no such thing as electricity. That doesn’t prove anything of the sort. In most situations what it means is that we need to persist in trying it again and see if we can find the cause of the problem. Maybe it is circuit breaker, maybe the plug not working, or burned out light bulb, or faulty wiring. In the spiritual life if I am not living in obedience with God and His word I need some re-evaluation. I am not talking about works based negotiations. For I do not deserve any of my prayers to be answered. Anything I receive is by grace. But it can b an important step to change in my spiritual life or understanding in my faith walk.

Seek and keep on seeking implies for me not only a re-evaluation of my motives and desires, but a deeper study into the Word of God. This often brings me to discover things about God or His truths, or faith that I might have missed if I was not motivated to do some deeper pondering.

Knocking implies not just words, but speaks more of my inner desire for answers or needs met. Knocking implies a strong desire to being in the presence of God. It highlights the importance of something in prayer. It is not demanding our rights as it is to re-evaluate my priorities. So many times we quit praying much too early. We don’t have the inkling of the spiritual battle that is going on around us. We forget there is an adversary that is trying to break the relationship with God. We forget how impatient we are.

Missionary Ed Murphy did not come from a Christian home. Someone witnessed to him on the conviction of sin and need of a savior brought him to place his trust and faith in the works of Jesus Christ on the cross. As he finished High School he believed God was calling him to missions. His Mother was outraged that he would not stay in the denomination of the family tradition.

As he entered a Christian college to prepare for missions He prayed that God would met his needs financially. His mother would not support him or his studies. He prayed again and no money came in. He had a job, but not enough to pay for tuition which had to be paid by the examination time. It turned out that with all his asking, seeking and knocking he finally used his last resource. He called his mother. She wrote back with a note saying that if His God was so powerful and good then he didn’t need his mothers’ help. She would be in L.A. and if he had to drop out Bible school, then she’d pick him up and he was to forget this religious foolishness.

He was discouraged when the day of the exams came he checked his P.O. and nothing was there. He went back to the room packed his bags and started to leave when the Dean of the School called him into his office. The statement shows you have $40 credit. When he looked into it he realized that morning anonymous gift was paid toward his bill. Just in time for the exam. When he visited his mother she asked him if he was now done with his faith. He told her what happened she turned and left. Two years later she called and wanted to know God in this personal way and accepted Jesus. There was more important things on Gods’ game plan than just immediately provide finances for school. He used that delay to draw attention to His glory and others who helped in ways unknown to Ed.

I should also add there are some who have dropped out of school for lack of funds even after fervent praying as it was not Gods’ will they continue in that avenue of study. Or a test of faith revealed a heart more attracted to their wants than their relationship with a living God.

I don’t know why God sometimes waits until the last. I don’t know why sometimes the prayers are not answered in the way we want them to be, but in Murphy’s case the asking and seeking and knocking was within God will and ultimately brought about the change in his mother, and humble dependency of himself on God. You see prayer isn’t just to get answers; it is to grow our faith and glorify God.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Aug 4

Verses- Matt 7: 9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Consider the Provisions from Prayer

God loves his children. If evil parents know how to give good gifts what about God who is much better than evil parents? Will not his gifts also be something he wants us to have because of his greater love and understanding? We are limited in understanding. When we make decisions we do not know all the ramification of those decisions. We cannot see into the future. Many times you and I can say, “If I had it to do over again, I would do things differently.” We say that with child rearing too. But God does know what we don’t and foresees things we cannot. Trust and faith admits that after we put ourselves in his hands He knows best what is good for us. I will accept that.

He who spared not his own son on the cross, will he not also give us all things? That verse is in the context of Christian suffering. The provisions include our material needs, but more importantly our spiritual needs that will never die, be lost or fade away. If a child asks for something wholesome he will receive it, not something unwholesome like a rock, or even harmful like a snake. What we receive from God will be for our best good. Luke 11:13 it is translated how much more will God give his Holy Spirit to him who asks. In that context Jesus isn’t talking about material blessing but spiritual blessing forgiveness, deliverance, from evil, peace, increases of faith, hope, love, cleansing, and most of all, that we might received Himself and His fullness. That greatest gifts anyone can ever gift is a gift of Himself. At marriage the greatest gift of commitment is that of a man to a woman and a woman to a man for their remaining life on earth. I was impressed at marriage of receiving and giving not rings but ourselves, another human being. What better gift is there than God?

There is a song “If I could wish you anything I would wish you Jesus. For all other things fade and pass away, Jesus remains and with Jesus you have everything.” If a child were to ask for a stone or a snake a good father would not give that child what would be damaging for him. Not everyone would receive the same things. Any other more mature child may get a rifle for his enjoyment, a younger immature boy would not be considered because it could be a deadly weapon in his hands. Another a car is not a toy. Many gifts we desire we are not spiritually mature to handle and a good Father will not honor that requested. We may be hurt spiritually, or others may be damaged in some way unperceived by us. Or the reverse, we may be blessed in a different way that we can imagine, or indeed another may be blessed or some how God is carrying out something for his will and glory.

Some people may have been given the gifts of wealth, that is different than saying some people are wealthy. Some know that handling of wealth and being a steward is for the Lord. I can handle so much, but if I received much more that is beyond my spiritual health right now, I’d squander, waste and dishonor the Lord if he gave me wealth. So I’m content with what God thinks he wants to provide.

St. Augustine was a very wicked youth and his mother was praying mother who continually prayed for her son. When she found that he was going to Italy, she just felt in her heart that terrible things would happen and evil would progress, for Rome indeed was a wicked city. She prayed earnestly that God would prevent her child from going to Italy. The boy went to Italy. Only what she didn’t realize is that is where he came face to face with God and was tremendously converted and affected million for Christ with his life and writings. God did not answer her special request in order to answer her life long request. Isn’t God good?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri August 5

Verse Matt 7: 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Consider the Product from Prayer

This is the golden rule. You’ve heard it from childhood, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

I wondered how that fit this passage on prayer. I think it is because the product of prayer is our changed life. When we meet with God in prayer we seek the good of others. Prayer isn’t getting man’s will done in heaven, it is getting God’s will done on earth and through our life as a witness and doing good to others. Prayer involves responsibility and that is a life of love.

Others state this from the negative view. Don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want done to yourself. But that teaches us to refrain from doing evil. Jesus command is more than that. It is to do good. A hermit and recluse can follow the negative command of not doing evil to another, but we must be involved with people to follow what is the product of a prayer life. We should treat our fellow man not as the law allows, but as love demands- to forgive, to praise, to understand, to listen to help. Only through God’s spirit, can that ever be accomplished. I must go out of my way in kindness toward others as I would wish them to be toward me.

Notice, there was no involvement with the father when the prodigal Son wanted his inheritance. He wanted his money now, not when dad died. He left and squandered it on riotous living. A renewed relationship came with the prayer, “Father make me thy servant for I am no more worthy to be called your son.” It wasn’t in getting but in giving he found blessing. Therein he was found, then he was the product of prayer and God’s desire for all of us.

The product or results of spending time with God gives glory to God through men and women to present to a world the purpose and meaning found in being a member of God’s kingdom. It affects our attitudes, our priority, our hearts, and our souls. How can that happen? Through prayer that asks, seeks and knocks for God’s best and if that is your persistent prayer, be assured it will be answered. That’s mature Christ minded praying.

Pastor Dale

Judging others Matthew 7:1-6

Sermon Nuggets Mon July 25 Judging

Verses-

Matt 7:1-6

1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Judging One Another

I should learn that when the title of the Reader' Digest article is That's Outrageous! I should not read it, for I get angry. I get angry when I see gross injustice. Such as the cases of Charles Hollom, a cab driver in San Francisco who saw a man take a purse from a Japanese tourist. The cabbie decided to chase the mugger for several blocks and pinned him against a building, breaking the leg of Ocie McClure the robber in the process. McClure negotiated a plea of guilty to second-degree robbery. However he has filed a $5 million suit against the cabdriver for injuries. Apparently crime does pay.

I suppose my opinion of such legalities does not improve any when I read of the Iowa Men's Reformatory protesting that there was no pornography in the prison library. Tough you might think? Federal District Chief Judge Harold Vietor ruled that the prisoners should be entitled to the same magazines available to other Iowans. So at public expense the government buys pornographic material so prisoners many of who are sexual offenders can arouse their passions.

Our society has developed a number of rules and laws under which we judge others. Sometimes it is hard to determine who is the victim and who is the criminal. What is right and what is wrong. On what basis do we make judgments in our society against others?

Jesus speaks to that issue also as a spiritual issue. The emphasis is far difference than what we might expect. "Judge not, lest you be judged." Some commentators believe that Jesus is saying that Christian should never participate in judging others, even in a court of law. Some think that a Christian nation has one judge and that is God and He will bring about justice and restitutions his own way. That is a rather extreme position. Jesus judges sin and Pauline epistles instruct us to make judgments continually against false teachers, sin, and those who pervert the gospel. When someone is caught in an incestuous relationship in the Corinth Church he rebukes the church for not confronting the man and disciplining him.

I am told of a church where the chairman was having an affair with the S.S. superintendent and nothing was being done because they didn't want to be judgmental. What does it mean when Jesus says judge not, lest you be judged? As we look at this passage this week I would like to point out prevalent attitudes implied when we think of judgment.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues July 26

Verses Matt 7:1-2 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Jesus speaks of a Critical Attitude.

The critical attitude is more than being discerning over what is right and wrong, good or bad, better or best. The attitude Jesus addresses is the attitude of criticism against another with the intent to tear down the person and their behavior. Many succeed very well in fault finding. In fact, some are so good at criticizing others in church it keeps some people from coming to worship.

Jesus is talking about how the Pharisees were so quick to judge and condemn other people for even the littlest infraction of the law set up by traditions of men. This attitude is looking for things that are wrong in the lives and actions of others.

Have you met people with very negative attitudes? Nothing is ever right. Whatever you do they find something wrong with it. Some parents are that way toward their children. They are sure quick to criticize and find what is wrong, but never tell them what they have done well and good and it can be discouraging.

I've been in some churches that I couldn't wait to get out because the whole meeting was centering on what they didn't like about other church groups and other people. I am not talking about those things in the Bible that we need to warn people about, but judgments against other Christians over lifestyle issues. I've met people I don't care to talk to, because I know their going to raise up something negative and are proud and happy to do so. It is the critical attitude that tears down others.

Jesus warns that we shall be judged in that same way. Jesus told the story of a man who owed a king lot of money. The man pleaded for forgiveness because he could not pay. The king took care of the bill. But when he went out he found nothing man who owed him a little amount and throw him into jail because he wasn't paid. When the king heard that, he used the same punishment on the fellow that he applied to his debtor. The man was harsh and critical even though mercy was shown unto him.

Many seek to be vocal in criticism but absent from working on the problem or helping others. Some think if I can knock someone else down, I am building myself up in comparison. When our hearts are on competition and pride, we can become critical of form, dress, and style. When our hearts are on the relationship we are concerned with faith in God and love toward others.

One poet put it this way-

A little seed lay in the ground, And soon began to sprout.

“Now which of all the flowers around”, It mused, “Shall I come out?"

The lily's face is fair, and proud, But just a trifle cold;

The rose, I think is rather loud, and then, its fashion's old.

The violet is all very well, But not a flower I'd choose,

Nor yet the Canterbury bell, I ne’er cared for blues."

And so it criticized each flower This supercilious seed,

Until it work one summer hour, And found itself a weed.!

Watch your words and what you say about others. Ask the Lord to reveal your attitude and see it is isn’t a critical spirit.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds July 27

Verses- Matt 7:2-4 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

Jesus Speaks of Self Examination

Jesus tells his hearers do not be critical of other people while you have so many faults that need to be dealt with yourself. We need to look at the first area of responsibility, and ask ourselves, are we living to please the Lord? Surely we can say as Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." We are we so quick pick up the stones of rebuke that we fail to realize that stone should be thrown on us for our sinful ways.

Pastor George Truett told about some hyper-critical individuals who accused a sister believer of a minor infraction of the Church covenant. With an air of self righteousness, they suggested that his name be removed from the membership rolls. The poor woman admitted she had made a mistake and asked forgiven, and promised to do better, but they showed her no mercy. Disturbed by their attitude, Truett decided to show them that they too had faults. He got the treasurer’s record which revealed what they had given, and the report of their meager contributions and left them shamefaced. He said, “On the same harsh basis of judgment you applied to your fellow member, I suppose we should also vote to crop everyone here who has violated God's law against covetousness." The self examining attitude says before I can look at the speck in my bother's eye, I need to get things straightened out with God in my own life.

In marriage counseling often one spouse cites the cruel and unfair treatment the mate has done. Seldom does someone come and tell how they have failed in the marriage. How some people can carry grudges and bitterness for years makes me think they better be faultless, which the Bible says they are not, for all of us have sinned and all of us need to be forgiven and forgive. There is nothing within the power of any individual that we ourselves are not incapable of doing.

Is there a sin that we are not capable of? There but for the grace of God go I.

There is hardly anyone who has not been guilty of some grave misjudgment; there is hardly anyone who has not suffered from someone else's misjudgment, Whenever we evaluate others we should only do it with one eye on ourselves and if we see all our problems as someone else’s fault we sin, but when we see our own fault we can be merciful toward another. By dealing with our own motives and behavior we can become better able to evaluate others with righteousness and truth tempered by mercy.

The priority is to take the log out of our own eyes and then with the clarity of vision we will be able to take the speck out of another’s. Jesus is condemning the attitude that seeks to criticize others before we examine on our own sins and shortcomings.

Kenneth Roundhill tells of a missionary to India who wrote, "If there is one thing more than anything else that I believe retards the spiritual progress of the church in this country it is the almost total lack of capacity for self-criticism." How we need to learn to see ourselves as God sees us and allow him to tell us through whom he will. Instead of praying for the problems of others, our first prayer should be Psalm 139:23 "Search me, O God and know my heat; try me, and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting."

He who stand thinking he is justified by his own works condemns himself. One church member stood before a church that was struggling with critical attitude and said, "Last night I had a dream in which we all got together to plan the best way to clean up our dirty meeting house, Many suggestions were made, but no conclusion was reached, Finally one person stood to his feet and said, Friends, I think if we'd each take a broom and begin sweeping around our own seat, the place would be cleaned up very quickly."

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs July 28

Verses- Matt 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Jesus speaks of a Helping Attitude

After we have met with God and sought to live for him and confess sin, then we have a job of helping others in their growth in Jesus. Gal. 6:1 "Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." That spirit of meekness is the humble awareness that I am no better than my brothers, but my God has done work in my life and he can help you in yours. He's not done with me yet, but He is not done working with you either.

When we can clearly see spiritually, where are in a better position to help others. It is with an attitude of humility not self righteousness. It isn't loving to allow the speck to infect and cause permanent damage to his eye.

Matt. 18:15 teaches if you have something against someone or if they have something against you, you go in private and seek to make it right with them. If he listens you've gained a brother. If he hasn't, bring another witness or two then perhaps they will help with the communication process. Don't go broadcasting the problem all over. But if the problem isn't resolved the church becomes the body of reconciliation to help each see his obligations one to another. If the offender has no repentance of heart then the church action is to expel him until he or she seeks forgiveness, always with the hope of reconciliation.

There is nothing more important, more potentially harmful, nor as easily neglected as helping and loving church discipline in the attitude of love. People do not like to be confronted and most people do not want to confront. Yet when good things results it is best for the individual and the church of Christ. It is done with an honest and sincere desire to help and not hurt? Is it done not with seeking power or personal desires, but to protect?

How does one convey that? That isn't easy. It must start like the Bible says, with one who is spiritual. That doesn't mean self-righteous, but aware that they are sinners saved by grace and know that God is work in them too.

How would you want to be treated if you were doing something that would be spiritually damaging to your life? How could you respect the actions of others? What person would you want to talk to? How can that best be done? Can you be that kind of person with that kind of attitude toward another?

The Labrador spar is a crystal that looks first dull and without luster, but if it is turned around and around it will come into a position when the light strikes it in a certain way and it will sparkle with beauty and elegance. Many who we might think dull and unloving and sinful, are turned in a way to shine God's glory if we only knew them as persons. Our desire to help is know people as persons and desire God's best with a helping loving attitude.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri July 29

Verse Matt 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Jesus Speaks of a Condemning Attitude

Haddon Robinson said, “I have trouble keeping many commandments, but here is one that I could say with absolute confidence that I have never broken. I never have given pearls to swine. I have never given holy things to dogs.”

Well, Jesus isn't talking about family pets. Dogs in those days are not the lovely cuddly pets we have today but rather mongrels that are street garbage collectors. The dog is despised scavenger and ill thought of. I don't need to remind you of what Jews thought of pigs. The hog and the pig were unclean animals from a religious perspective, so when Jesus says not to give sacred things to dogs, and not give pearls to swine, he might literally be referring to meat used in sacrifice unto the Lord is never or be used to give to scavenger mongrel, dirty dogs. When we take that is prize worthy as a pearl and give it to unclean pigs would be foolish. They don't deserve it and would not know what to do with it. When they have it, it will only be our loss and you will be the fool.

When we seek to help people by taking the splinter out of their eye, even after we have done self examination and means good by helping it will often backfire on us. We too can be misguided in our motives and actions. Temptation is fun, stimulating, imagination is heightened. We like temptation but we don't like the consequences of sin. Behind the temptation is the tempter; behind the lie is the liar. Satan wants to draw us from God and when you give into temptation Satan is there to pounce on you and tear you to bits.

How does the world respond when preachers or congressmen are caught in sexual adultery? Wouldn't you think Playboy and Penthouse would come to their defense? Would you think the producers of the multitude of TV shows and movies would support that behavior since that is the core of entertainment the promote? What about Jay Leno and David Letterman with their off colored jokes and extra marital affairs? They laughed and made mockery of preachers and leaders. They took the gospel and trampled it to dirt and mocked and scorned the religious community. Sin turns its back on us and attacks us. How do you stay on guard, but keeping soul in God? Pray, ask seek, knock, which is what we talk about next week.

Spiritual sensitivity needs to be developed by growing in trust and fellowship with Christ to help us resist temptation lest we fall and further to seek discernment toward our own weaknesses and shortcoming and with and love speak to a brother or sister that we might prevent them from walking in the ways of sin.

It does no good to talk to some people. Others will take you and chew you up. The disciples were told by Jesus to go into town two by two and preach the gospel and where they are not received, they are to go outside of that town and wipe the dust off their feet as a sign of judgment upon them. Some people you cannot talk to. They are judgmental revengeful and the Spirit of God cannot work in their lives until they are ready and open and wanting him to work. Some people can never talk in spiritual depth. They will twist what you say, misunderstand your motive, turn things around so that only evil results. They are like dogs and pigs.

Prov. 9:8 "Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man and he will love you. " I Cor 5:9-11 "But now I am unto you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother, but is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolator, or a slander, or a drunkard, or a swindler, with such a man do not even eat."

We cannot please people, but we can only please God. We must be careful to judge only by Biblical principles and all else are personal matters before the Lord without criticizing others. We need to examine ourselves with prayer and then show love to others. AS you seek to help others grow in their love for the Lord and to forsake sinful ways some will accept that and others will not. In all you do in word or deed do unto the Lord.

Pastor Dale