Solomon's Sermon Eccl 1:1-11

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Sermon Nuggets Week of Jan 19, 2009

Sermon Nuggets Mon Jan 19

Theme- Solomon's Sermon

Verses Eccl 1:1-11
3 What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?

Understanding the Sermon
This week I will begin with a new devotional study taken from the book of Ecclesiastes. I confess that lately I’ve felt like a skeptic. Most of the outlines are from a series of sermons I preached in 1993. But my concern in 2009 is it seems the nation literally crumbling before my very eyes, and the religious movements in America is changing so drastically in doctrine and truth that once was foundational beliefs are discarded. The American church is falling apart with more movement to the truth of Paul’s warnings to Timothy 2 Tim 4:3-4 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

I realize more each day that we really don't have much time left. I don’t know who will call the nation to repentance and see the truth to present to lost people, but the Jesus many proclaim is a recreation of what we want Him to be.

This book is not so much a call to repentance as it is the revelation of the futility of the things of this world. Hold on to Jesus tight. He is your only strength and hope in these final days. The wisdom of Solomon in his day may allow us to continue our new years self examinations.

On the third day of the Feast of the Tabernacle in Jewish synagogues the book of Ecclesiastes is read. Some are surprised about that for so much of this book seems to be written by a discouraged skeptic. Instead of finding it uplifted and inspirational, many Christians question whether this should be even in the Bible. But I think many have missed the marvelous message as it is written from someone who saw that the promise of this life is vain.

Jeff MacNelly, creator of the comic strip, "Shoe" has skewered politics with just such distrust. He got the jaded view from a childhood experience with T.V. Howdy Doody show. "You have to be very cynical to be a cartoonist," MacNelly said, "In my case when I was 5, Clarabell the clown was my greatest hero. One day, low and behold, my father got a ticket for me to be in the Peanut Gallery at the Howdy Doody show. On Saturday I jumped into my sailor suit and went over there and Buffalo Bob. his voice still rises in wonder, selected me to help go look for Dally's uncle. We had to walk up to this machine that made snow. I stopped to look and on coast to coast TV, I started asking questions all about this snow machine. All of a sudden a big hand reaches out, pulls me out of the camera and says, "Now shut up kid" It was Clarabell. That planted the seed. That's how it works."

Someone said, that a realist is an idealist who has gone through the fire and has been purified. A skeptic is an idealist who has gone through the fire and has been burned. There is a difference. I believe that many experiences can make us better people and those same experience can make some bitter people. Which are you an idealist, a realist, or a skeptic?

The book of Ecclesiastes is written for all people and asks some of the most basic questions of life. He asks the question what is life all about really. It seems the writer has been completely disillusioned with it and concludes that life is just a great big nothing. Ecclesiastes is not a skeptical book at all in my opinion.

I believe it is a realistic book. I believe that Solomon was an idealist who had gone through the fire and has been purified. I believe this preacher/teacher is not one who is speaking from a natural man's point of view. I believe if we understand that message within the context of Solomon's life and situation it is as authoritative and inspired as the rest of the Bible. As we begin this study we have a greater understanding of life even as we evaluate some important things.
This search for meaning becomes the basis of this autobiographical presentation by the wisest man on earth at the time. (Before Jesus). Maybe it is wise to do self evaluation and ask ourselves what value is gained in this thing called life? There is amazing beauty all around us, but when we are at the center of it all it seems to come and go so quickly. We need that stable anchor in unsettled times. It’s good to remind ourselves that it will not be found in Washington even though we want to pray regular for our new president and elected officials.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Jan 20

Verses Eccl 1:1-2
1 The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem:
2 "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."

Understanding Solomon's Situation
Ecclesiastes is an interesting book and far different than most of other Scriptures. The author identifies himself, declares his theme and introduces the question addressed in this book. Aw we get an overview of the sermon from Solomon, Son of David, it is helpful to look at his situation. 1:1 The name Ecclesiastes is the Greek equivalent of Qoheleth - Hebrew word which means a convener of an assembly.
The church is sometimes called in Greek, Ecclesia, or the assembly, or called out ones, or the gathering. That is the same word as Ecclesiastes only this is the one that does the calling or the convening or the teaching of the assembly. Sometimes the word is translated the preacher or the teacher or the convener and that's how the book got its name.

There is no one who could be a Son of David as he is identified and have as much experience other than the King. He is the wealthiest, and the most powerful. He is the Preacher, the son of David, King in Jerusalem (v 12). There are three books he wrote, each in an entirely different style because I think he wrote them at different periods in his life. The Song of Solomon was written as a young man deeply in love. In his middle years many of his proverbs, and wisdom that came from God were complied into the book of the proverbs. But the book of Ecclesiastes was written, in my opinion, when he was old. I believe he strayed from some of his own wisdom he taught and came back to tell his story to all who will listen for their own good.

To remind ourselves of Solomon’s situation he started on the right foot. I Kings 3:5- 15 explain that Solomon started with a commendable attitude. "Lord help me."
If you had that opportunity to have any wish you could have, what would it be? The whole movie "Alladin" is the story of the magical lamp that could give anyone wishes. The conflict of good and evil continues because of the greed and wickedness of selfish hearts. God certainly knows the desires of men's hearts. Solomon was appointed as king and what he wanted more than anything else was the desire to be wise. He asked for wisdom. "I'm just a little child. I don't know how to take all the responsibilities that are needed to judge and rule over these people. Lord this job is more than I can handle I need you to help me and give me wisdom."

God said, "Solomon you could have asked for many things, you are a man who has asked rightly not for yourself as much as for the people you serve. Therefore Solomon, I will grant your request, but as an added measure and blessing I will also give you wealth and long life and honor and fame You will be the greatest of Kings if you walk in the ways and obey my statues and commands as David had done."

He had been given the gift-now it was up to him to do his part. What gifts has God given you? Your talents are also gifts from God, musical ability, money, management, hospitality, love, children, mechanical abilities, academic prowess, leader, friendly? They are given to you so you can walk in the ways of God in obedience and in love and commitment unto Him.

We see what Solomon did. I King 10:1-9 Queen of Sheba could not believe all the stories of this man's wisdom and wealth and greatness so she had to see for herself. She found it was even greater than the stories she heard.

A noted illustration was how he decided to find the true mother of two women claiming each the baby their theirs. He decided to have the baby divided into two. But the real mother protested to let the other woman have it. Solomon easily knew she was the real mother.

Solomon built fortresses and achieved great accomplishments; he was the king of peace in Israel. He built the temple of the Lord and there has been no time in history that temple matched the greatness of Solomon's temple. He loved and served the Lord in truth and obedience.

But beware, Solomon. You are so gifted that with time most people stumble and fall. After receiving so much for so long it is easy think you can do it on your own.
The gifts abilities and accomplishments of your life can also be the temptations for pride, self sufficiency and independence. Today offer thanks for the gifts your have received and give them for God to use.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Jan 23

Verses Eccl. 1:4- 8 What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?
Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.

All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.

Understanding Solomon’s Subject
This theme certainly captures out attention. The King declares everything to be meaningless and vain. The question that is to be answered is “What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?” After all Solomon received from the Lord with wealth and fame and power and love he isn't enjoying the excitement of life anymore. He wanted to gather the people around and as the assembly convener gives them a message which we will be looking at for the next several months and we look at different topics in the book. But the subject of his sermon is before us in these opening verses.

The subject of his sermon is what is the meaning and purpose of life? What is it all about? Solomon started as an idealist, seeing the glory of fame, the blessings of riches, the honor of wisdom, but now that God has shown him the folly of his way that doesn't appear to be as exciting anymore. Life has lost its luster. He is learning a very hard lesson and he want to warn his people. Vanity of vanity all is vanity.

Dr. Dan Block used to teach at Bethel. I remember him speaking on this book. He used the term soap bubbles, soap bubbles, all are soap bubbles. That's what life is. A soap bubble that appear and pop is gone is the explanation of the unfulfilled life. There is no substance in it.

Vanity means a vapor. It is here very quickly. Life is so fast and then gone. All things that men think are so important aren't without God. The important questions of life are not why type of car we drive or which neighborhood is the best to live in. But questions-Who is man? Why am I here? What happens after death? How can we know what is real? Solomon's subject is that things of this earth are really vanity, they are nothing.

Life is labor, work, toil. Those who work all their lives to make something of themselves soon discover it did not bring the happiness that they thought. People come and go and whether we work hard or don't really doesn't matter in the long run. There seems to be a monotonous routine that leads to nowhere and little excitement after awhile. A housewife’s routine can seem to leads to nowhere and making beds only to be messed up again, cleaning dishes only to do it the next day. Mopping floors are only to be muddied, vacuum dust over and over again. A man's work is from sun to sun; a woman's work is never done.

One man fished and rested and hunted. Others were telling him he was lazy. He asked why work was so important. "So you can earn more money. "Why?" To make a living, “for what purpose." To save for retirement, "Why?" so you can fish and hunt and rest. What do we have to show at the end of all our labors?

Jesus asked the question concerning labor, "What does it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your own soul" John 6:27,29 "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval. Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires? Jesus answered, "the work of God is this: To believe in the one he has sent." Ah, the work and labor find meaning when labor isn't an end unto itself or an end to money, but a means to glorify God and be doing his ultimate will.

Verses 4-8 discuss elements of creation. The wind blows round and round, streams flow back and forth, and sun rises and sets, and over and over again without stopping. Everything is restless until he finds his joy in God. You see if nature glorifies God like the psalmist teaches then it is a means to an end. But when we are in a proper relationship to God by Jesus Christ, then nature is not monotonous it is marvelous. When we see we are in the plan, purpose and have a connection with the Almighty then He is glorified not in what we do, but as His children. IT is not in the responsibilities that God delights, but in our relationships. And in that relationship the preacher has something he want everyone to hear. It is his testimony.

Pastor Dale

Sermon nuggets Thurs Jan 22

Verses Eccl 1:9-11 What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.
11 There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.

Understanding Solomon’s Searching
From time to time I see God's blessing and my heart swells with gratitude. I remember the day I came to Stanchfield. That first week I thought I had no right to be here. The job is beyond me. I am not able to handle the situation and staff it is beyond human wisdom. Lord, please help me and guide me for you have called me beyond my capabilities. Through the years the prayers get shorter and there are less tears. As soon as I am tempted to say "I can handle it." boom something falls into my lap that is overwhelming. We are not as smart as we think. God keeps humbling us to make us continually dependent upon Him. Forgiveness and repentance and recommitment is a pattern needed in our Christian growth. Some people never re evaluate their life by God's standards. Only when things go badly do they cry unto God in humility and seek his wisdom and when things go well they don't bother him. That is the way we are. That's why we must daily come to Christ and commit to him all our ways, then he shall direct our paths. I hope that is part of your regular habit. As believers there is no other way.

Vs. 9-10 History doesn't even come up with anything new. Nothing is new under the sun. Everything is the same. Perhaps we see in our day change happening so fast, we can easily say the Old Testament skeptic hadn't lived in a day like ours, but after years one begins to ask so what? So what that telephones are coming in when you take them on your cell phone. Isaac, our youth/music pastor, was introducing me to the 21st century last Friday with a cell phone that does everything electronically, internet, emails, calendars, word processing and accounting program, music, games, and can even call people, text them or tell you where you should be going (GPS). Our world has the star war capabilities of blowing up the world several times with the touch of a computer button. But mortality rate is still 100%. You may change the pawns around the chess board of life a little longer but they are the same moves and the same outcome. We lose if this earthly life is all there is.

Saul didn't want to be king with all that responsibility. God choose him and saw his potential but after awhile it went to his head and his heart changed. He began serving himself and being disobedient to God. David was a man after God' own heart. But like humans before him he too had weaknesses when he failed to keep his eyes on his Shepherd and needed to learn over again that the power of the kingdom was not in his hands but in God's. Now King Solomon is on the throne the wisest of men, richly honored.

Solomon's lusts got the best of him. The Lord realized his heart is not true though wise, yet his wisdom was beginning to be self centered and not God centered. Solomon was departing from the close and needed commitment he desired early in his youth. Solomon could have the desires of his heart; what he wanted was wisdom of God for his people, now however, his heart was following false Gods and women. He was spending money to evil ends. It is in that context that we find an older Solomon preaching now. He had now lost the enjoyment of life.

vs11 When we are dead who remember us? Aren't there just few, very few who gain ancient notoriety and even today some one must be very important and special to be famous. Though not many can name the president 80 years ago unless we look him up and then we have to think even very hard who some of the vice presidents were in your own lifetime. How many can remember the names of their great grandparents on both sides, or even few the great-great grandparents? So 75 years from now Dale Cope will only be a picture on the wall of the church which will no longer be here if God tarries. Indeed, if Stanchfield is still in existence, then it will probably be remodeled again and pictures will be laid aside in some historical nook and cranny.
Then Solomon talked about subjects we'll respond to in the days to come, As Solomon set out to study wisdom and get education, to pursue pleasure, wine, women, song. As he lived the hedonist dream, he concluded it is all empty soap bubbles. Friends if there is one message I went away from in nursing home work, it is from their lips that taught me that lesson. What good is money in later years? Or work or fame, or all the earthly things we sought after? For those who had hope in God there is something to look forward to; Outside of God there was nothing but vanity.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri . Jan 23

Verses Eccl 12:13-14 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Understanding Solomon’s Summary
People tell me that times have changed. We don't have to live by the old standards anymore. We live in a new day of morality, a new day of individual interpretation and understanding, a world where we have eliminated hell and punishment and judgment. But there is one who tried immorality, and pleasures, and work, and study and found himself completely empty.

This first seek of looking at Ecclesiastes I want to look at the conclusion to his sermon. It becomes the lens by which all other things are compared. After all the matter is heard, "Fear God and obey him." When Solomon tried to make sense out of life, tried to learn the lessons in life, after all is said and done there is only God who give us any meaning in life. The revelation is through his word and we have learned with the resurrection Lord Jesus Christ there is hope.
I would like to put Solomon's Summary in three important lessons of life. 1) Earthly pursuits are futile. Solomon has tried them all and they do not satisfy. All that you work for, that you seek in this life is indeed a lie. It is fruitless. It blocks your growth in God. Satan will seek to have you get off the path of real joy for temporary pleasure and in the end there is nothing. You have lost reward, lost meaning, lost purpose, lost reason for living. One only exists. He should know. He tried everything imaginable. Earthly pursuits are futile. All is soap bubbles, vanity, worthless.

2) The joy of the things of this earth come only when they are in proper perspective. At the end of most sections the teacher demonstrates I think a message that is often missed. 2:24-26 All that exists comes from the hand of God for without him who can eat or find enjoyment? " In other words all that exists was created by God for us, but we can only find enjoyment in all of it if we are in the right relationship with God. Remember the creator in the days of your youth and not when you are old and most of your life is gone. To the man who pleases him, God give wisdom knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner these gift of God are not enjoyed for only vapor, they are here and gone again.

This summary of Solomon in the context of the total message of his book is God is the only one that brings eternity to our temporary life. With Him nothing else really matters, where we work or what we do with our lives. Solomon’s message was this – “I in my youth humbly served God and sought wisdom, riches, and women and pleasure and all that life had to offer, but in my personal pursuits I left God behind. Now and see that since I've moved from his grace and goodness I had made a horrible mistake. Nothing is worth it without God and in God everything was made finds worth. Eat, drink and enjoyment are gifts from God but there is something else that is a gift form God-it is the enjoyment of his world. Sin may have its fleeting pleasure, but it is so short lived and it is vanity, a vapor, quickly passes.”

3) The third part of his summary is this. Remember that our ultimate accountability is to God. We must answer for what you do as a Christian and as a non Christian. I heard people rationalizing away disobedience. I have heard people try to convince me they don’t have to follow legalistic laws. I have heard people convince me why they don’t need church, or marry a Christian, or give money into the offering plate. There are lots of religious rituals that mean nothing to them. Why pretend? I agree. Only God knows the heart. But don't tell me, tell God. No one has to answer to me, but don't deceive yourself. The works of God is to believe in Jesus Christ and love God with all your heart and your mind and your soul. If God comes first then he gives you other things to enjoy, but if you lose them, no sweat- for God is in control. If however he is not the love of your life and you lose them then you have lost the love of your life.

Christian's worldview is to be built on biblical framework; it is learning to look at all of life with its science or art, or music, or literature, or T.V through the lenses colored by that which is eternal and true. I ask again what do those who do not know Christ do in situation of tragedy? Where is hope if life is nothing more than struggle to keep alive as long as you can have children to carry on name and leave wealth to? If God is the God of eternity and He has a life everlasting with him then everything finds meaning and purpose in seeking to glorify and honor God. Take it from one who knows. The old king had hard lesson to learn because he had left God. He discovered without Him, life is tasteless. With Him there is meaning. That message is what we will explore in the next few months.

George Beverly Shea wrote a hymn, “I'd rather have Jesus then silver or gold, I'd rather be His than have riches untold; I'd rather have Jesus than house or lands; I'd rather be led by His nail pierced hand that to be king of a vast domain or be held in sins' dread sway. I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today. I'd rather have Jesus than men's' applause, I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause; I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame, I'd rather be true to His holy name." Is that you desire?

Pastor Dale

Culmination of Service John 21:23-25

Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 16

Theme Called to Service

Verses- John 21:23-25 Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"
This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

The Culmination of Service
Today ends our year long devotions from the Gospel of John. He has been the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was probably he youngest of the disciples. His call to service led him down a different path than Peter’s path. Each was called to follow the Lord.

Why am I on a bed of ease compared to my brothers and sisters in other parts of the world whose daily lives are threatened with persecution, torture or death because of their commitment to Jesus Christ? Why has Stanchfield Baptist Church survived 143 years of peace without authorities closing us down?

Unlike my experience in Detroit, the ministerial association here has some place in our community and although not all leaders may be active Christians most are church goers and respectful of faith matters. Long before the debate of prayers in the schools I could never identify with the controversy in the 60s because that was never part of my school life. My pastor and church told us clearly that Christians are in the minority and there will be opposition to the truth of Jesus Christ and most people around us are not saved. I always felt different because hardly any of my classmates went to church.

Those days are approaching us in this era. Whether popular or not, whether people are respectful or not, the call of the believer is to live a life devoted to Jesus Christ that is different than the world. Unfortunately most of the polls report it makes no difference between how church attendees and unbelievers live anymore.

Jesus is coming again. The disciples were debating at John’s writing which ones would die for their faith and which one’s might live until Jesus comes back. Does anyone have that question any more in the USA? John states that Jesus didn’t say he wouldn’t die a martyr’s death only that it was none of Peter’s business the path to which Jesus called John to follow.

Our service for the Lord will continue throughout eternity. But it will be a far different service. Our work on earth will be over. Either when we die or when Jesus comes again our witness will be completed and it will be worth it all. There is no purgatory when we will pay off the debt of our sins. There will be no chance to change our minds. What we have done will be the basis of rewards beyond salvation. Faithfulness to the call will be whether we have been good and faithful servants.

A faithful Sunday School teacher who loves and prayers for her children will be completing her devotion as well as Billy Graham who sought to do what the Lord wanted to do in his life. The widow who gave her two mites was praised far more than the high priest in the temple with all his religious power and influence. As one song says, “What we do for Christ will soon be past, only what we do for Christ will last.

Paul could say, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. Henceforth there is now laid up for me a crown of righteousness.”

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. He is coming again. John is doing all he can to be that witness to the world. “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Jon 20:31. These are the events of Jesus while on earth. This is the way it happened as he knew the Lord intimately. But there is so much more that he could have written about Jesus. There is so much more we do not know about Him. The world could not contain all the books that could be written about him. But what is written is what is important for us to know. He wins. He is coming again. There is blessing evermore. It is worth our lives, our money, our family, our devotion and our service. What else can he say to convince us this is true?

Loving God and loving others is the call to service. John was faithful until the Lord took him home. When he could travel no more, he was exiled on the island of Patmos and wrote the experience of his revelation. He saw Jesus no longer as the baby born of Bethlehem, nor the wandering rabbi of the hills of Palestine. He was more than the miracle worker for the masses. He was no longer the beaten body put on the cross and laid in the tomb. John witnessed His resurrection and all the mystery that surrounds it. He saw him speak, eat, comfort, go through walls, and give his final instructions.

But for John those were not Jesus final words to him. He saw what none of the other disciples saw when the Lord opened his eyes to the unseen world. He saw someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. Rev 1:13-19

Jesus was the culmination of his service. I’m glad he finished his earthly assignment and wrote what Jesus told him to write.

Pastor Dale

Clarity of Service John 21:20-22

Sermon nuggets Thurs Jan 15

Theme- Called to Service

Verses- John 21:20-22 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?")
21 When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
22 Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."

Clarity of Service
Peter had been told that he would die a martyr. Peter sees his fellow disciple, John, and asks Jesus about what will happen to him. Jesus responds with hard but true words. Basically he is saying “that is none of your business. You are to follow me with the call and plan I have for you.” He couldn’t be clearer, could He?

Don’t pay attention to what others are doing, only do what God is asking of you. Each call is independent and individual. We all are called to follow Jesus. But that path may lead in entirely different directions and circumstances. No doubt most will be tested and there is hardly a path that doesn’t have rocks, ruts, and barriers on them.

We like to judge our work and our acts based on what others are doing. I sure do. I feel the most discouraged when I see the ways others serve the Lord and I feel so inferior to their gifts, abilities, zeal, and successes. Such introspection has often tempted me to quit and get out of the way so someone more talented and effective can take my place in the service of the Lord. I too often am like Peter wanting to look at the call of others and compare and contrast them with mine.

Israel looked at the wealth and strength of others nations and they envied a king. That was not Gods will for them. Simon the sorcerer looked at the disciples and wanted that same ability to touch others who then would speak in tongues. He was rebuked for his heart was not right. Too often we can look around and see what other churches are doing and envy their programs and think that is our answer. Churches copy one another since they seem to be blessed. We want to be like them. But what difference does that make if one is obedient to the call of God? God does not want all works to be the same, all churches to do the same thing, nor each Christian to look alike.

Certainly we can learn from others. There is no sense in trying to reinvent the wheel. Looking at the call and re-evaluating the methods can be healthy but the temptation is that God is doing the work His way in and through us, it is not our doing. The clarity of service is following Jesus alone and letting Him lead.

Notice that Jesus acknowledges His sovereign control over the disciples. “If I want John to remain awhile what is that to you?” He has the power to make John remain if that is Jesus’ will. He is the designer of our plans. He is God. Our paths have been prepared for us as well as our death. Peter was to be the shepherd of Israel; Paul was to be the missionary to the Gentiles; John was to be His witness, an author and reveal his heavenly vision to pass on the churches.

A few are called to die and others may suffer physically, emotionally or socially because of their commitment to Christ. Yet some will experience financial hardship for being a Christian. If this cause us to envy others because God is giving them what seems to be a less costly ride, we need to listen carefully to Jesus word to Peter. “What is that to you? You follow me.”

Most of the disciples were led the path of martyrdom. Most others were not. Some live very quiet lives and raise families and are faithful to their jobs, churches and communities. If that is your call do it with faithfulness and bless the Lord. But be open to change if that path is placed before you.

Come and follow was the command to the rich young ruler and he went away very sorrowful for he had many riches and unless he repented of them those riches went him to hell. What is Jesus asking of you?

Pastor Dale

Commitment of Service John 21:18-19

Sermon nuggets Weds Jan 14

Theme Called to Service

Verses- John 21:18-19 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

Commitment of Service
Jesus told Peter commitment to service would require his life. What are you wiling to give up for Christ? Where is the limit or the line that will not be crossed when it comes to commitment?

In another setting Jesus taught in order to gain life one must lose it. There is no one whose love for Jesus isn’t rewarded many fold. The rewards may not happen in this life. Thomas aKempis wrote, “For he who loves God with his whole heart fears neither death or punishment, nor judgment, nor hell, because perfect love gives sure access to God.”

Peter was faithful in his commitment to service. Tradition tells us that Peter was led away in Rome and was crucified like our Lord on a cross only he requested to be crucified upside down since he was not worthy to die like Jesus.

The commitment to service is to follow where He leads us individually. Each person’s path is different. Most are not called to martyrdom. Most are called to be the light in the place we live with the jobs and responsibilities that we have. But the commitment to give our lives daily in service is no different than Peter’s commitment. It is not to follow Peter, or follow our heroes of the faith. It is to follow Jesus in character and faith and believe that He will lead us in ways that are not always of our plans or dreams. It is to watch the one who goes before us and brings victory through hard times.

It is an American perversion of the Bible to indicate that obedience will gain all the blessings of this life or never have trouble, or be healed of all infirmities. He tells us to take up your cross daily and follow Him. Some are martyred. Some are rejected by their families. Some have to decide between their spouse or Jesus Christ. Some may have to lose their job if they are consistent with their believers.

In the classic book, Imitations of Christ, Thomas A Kempis writes, “It is good for us that at times we have sorrows and adversities because they often make a man realize in heart that he is an exile, and puts not his hope in any world things. It is good that we at times endure opposition and that we are evilly and untruly judged, when our actions and intentions are good. Often such experiences promote humility and protect us from vain glory. For then we seek God’s witness in the heart when we are accounted cheap around men and evil is believed of us.”

We may ask during such times of testing if this can be God’s will. Yet we see that failure can shut a path which you were pursuing too eagerly and give us greater appetite for that which is unseen and eternal.

Dennis DeHaan tells a story in Our Daily Bread of when North Korea fell to the communists and all the Christians in one village were gathered into their church. The building was plain and simple and had a picture of Jesus on the wall. When the soldiers walked in, they took down the picture and put it on the floor. All who did not want to be shot had to come forward and spit on the picture. The first four people were set free. Next came a young girl. She bent down and wiped the spittle from the picture, then embraced it tenderly and said, “Jesus, I love you.” She was taken outside and shots were heard.

We may never have to make that kind of decision. Yet we have other choices where the issues are the same. Jesus said to his disciples if you love me, keep my commands. Following Jesus is the commitment of service even unto death if that is where His path leads. But it does not stop there.

Matt 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Pastor Dale

Core of Service John 21:15-17

Sermon nuggets Tues Jan 13

Theme- Called to Service

Verses- John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.”

The Core of Service
Yesterday we looked at the criteria to service was love. Some will note, as I have preached, that in the Greek there are four types of love- self satisfying love, family love, friendship love, and self sacrificing love. The Bible uses these last two words. Why is it that Jesus used the stronger term the first two times, Agapao, and Peter’s love response was Phileo? The third time Jesus asks the question using Phileo. It is possible Jesus is asking for the self sacrificing love since the context then explains later Peter will die for his faith. It may have been to point on the need for self sacrificing type of love, the deepest type for our love to the Lord. But in many places in the book of John both terms are used for Jesus love for man and His love for his Father in heaven. Was this ways to use the same idea with two different words? Are they used interchangeably or not? Many think so.

In each way Peter answers yes to Jesus questioning. And asks why he is asking the same commitment three times.

In addition to the criteria of love He gives him the cause and core for his service- feed my sheep. In Luke 10:27 Jesus summed up the laws of Moses with "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" If you love Christ love must be demonstrated toward others. We are to think of the needs of others. Jesus brought value to the place of women and children, but also the poor, the sinner, the rejected, the disadvantaged. All are capable of receiving saving grace.

The sheep and the lambs belong to Jesus, not to Peter. Many pastors forget that as the under-shepherds. We have a pastoral responsibility to take care of God’s sheep by giving them food. I have shared my testimony how God used this passage of Scripture to call me into full time ministry and the core of my call to service. If love is the mission, the strategy is feeding on the Word of God. It is telling people the truth.

There are many demands on the life of the pastor. I enjoy visiting, and seeing people grow in the Lord. I enjoy evangelism, and the fellowship of the believers. We are able to help those in need and be with the sick and dying. But that is the call to all believers as we carry out the gifts together. We are ministers one to another.

But the primary call on my life, the core of the call is to feed sheep by preaching and teaching the word of God. I can’t be everything to everyone just like the apostles needed others to carry on the care of the body of Christ. Deacons were established. That is God’s plan. Women were involved in compassion and ministering as well. Truth is shared from one to another in an effect way by the power of the Holy Spirit.

My objection to accepting my first pastorate was I was young and many of the believers were Christians before I was born. What could I teach them they didn’t already know? How could I minister in my immaturity to mature believers for the most part? I could see working with youth, baby Christians and the unsaved, but how could I be a pastor to those who experienced a walk with Jesus for decades and knew the Bible?

My answer came from these words, ”Feed my lambs” “Tend my sheep” “Feed my sheep”. The message the Lord spoke was, it doesn’t make any difference how old sheep are they still need food. It doesn’t matter why type of delicious food they received, they still need food. The core of my call was simply serve the Lord by taking the word of God and telling people what it says and God will do the rest. Would I be willing to do that? My answer was “Lord use me.” Sometimes that word is instruction. Sometimes it is correction or rebuke. Sometimes it is training in righteousness. But it is what gives us growth and maturity. Keep feeding on the truth of God.

Pastor Dale.

Criteria for Service John 21:14-17

Sermon nuggets Mon Jan 12

Theme- Called to Service


Verses- John 21:14-17 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.”

The Criteria for Service

This week we will conclude our devotionals from the book of John begun in 2008. John’s purpose in writing was that people might believe that Jesus is the Christ and believing, they might have life in His name. Jesus’ story is to be told from generation to generation. By the prompting of the Holy Spirit, people are called to follow Him in each country, tongue, nation and people group.

The story is a story of love. John recorded the words that are most often quoted about the love of God that gave His Son that whoever believes might have eternal life. He did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Jesus concluded His earthly mission of love. It was His love that took us in our shame of sin and resurrected us to become royalty, the bride of Christ. Until Jesus returns for us we have been given a mission. Peter’s mission was perhaps a bit different but as the team of servants Christ is working to redeem the world and calls us to be part of that team.

The criteria for service is love. We continue to grow in love when we follow Him.

Jesus realized Peter was a different person after his denial. He was more humble. But some things still needed to be completed in his life. He needed the reaffirmation of Jesus’ love and realize his past is forgiven and dealt with. He didn’t have to continue in defeat of failure any more. Isn’t it tremendous to know the Lord calls us all regardless of our past and our background to love him? That is the criteria required for service for our Lord. He asked Peter, Simon, Son of John, do you truly love me more than these?

Commentaries like to make something of the “more than these” phrase. They disagree. Some think it refers to Peter’s career, meaning “do you love me more than all these fish. Do you love me more than the nets, the boat, the sea, and the occupation of fishing?” They refer to the earlier call on Peter to move from being a fisherman to fish for men. So why did Peter return to his old occupation?

Others think the phrase is asking if Peter loves him more than he loves the other disciples. “Do I have first place in your heart for devotion more than friends, family, and other loved ones? “

I agree with those who think since Jesus posed the question three times it is related to the three times Peter denied the Lord. Before the group left that upper room to go to the garden of Gethsemane, Peter said his commitment was greater than the others for even if they all denied the Lord, Peter claimed he never would do so. He would die first. The question of love even more than all these others points to his inability to follow through on his commitments. He was weak. So are we all. That commitment was based on the personal desire and personal strength but in temptation for his life, he fell.

Peter answered “Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you.” He is no longer making comparisons with the others but recognizing Jesus sovereignty for Himself. When He experienced the Lord and recognized His forgiveness and power Peter’s desire was a humble life in service out of love.

Martin Luther said, “A man whose soul is filled to overflowing with gratitude does more of his own free will than what is demanded from him.” The power of love becomes the motivation for serving Jesus Christ. That is the truth Paul shares in 1 Cor 13. If we have the power to do miracles, faith to remove mountains and even commit our bodies to be burned but have not love we have nothing. We gain nothing. The motivation that counts for God is love. It is what makes Christianity different from all the other religions. What is it that wins souls to Jesus Christ? It is not methods. It is not talents, it is not intellect, nor programs, nor eloquence, nor persuasive techniques. It is the power of God as we have become witnesses of His love and demonstrate His love in our lives to a world that has a faulty understanding of what real love is about.

Do you desire to serve Jesus? Then He asks for your love, not perfection, not sinlessness, not academic degree, only love. “If you love me, keep my commands.” If we keep his commands out of obligation, it would be a drudgery and unpleasant task. If He has our heart, it is a delight for it isn’t what we do for Him, but what He chooses to do through us. We are blessed to be His servant for eternal purposes in whatever gifts and opportunities the Holy Spirit gives.


Pastor Dale

The Living Lord Enlivens Luke 5:9-11

Sermon Nuggets Fri Jan 9

Theme- The Living Lord

Verses- Luke 5:9-11 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

The Living Lord Enlivens us.

It was earlier in their lives when these fishermen came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Luke records a similar fishing instance but with some differences. Jesus was sitting in Simon Peter’s boat teaching the people who were on the shore. They had been fishing all night without catching anything. Jesus tells them to go out again. He was in the boat with them. He tells them this time to cast out in deeper water. As they throw their nets deeper in obedience so many fish are caught they call out for their fishing companions to come out and help gather in the fish.

They were following Jesus as the Messiah, promised of God to come to establish the Kingdom in Israel. After they caught a large number of fish Jesus told them to follow him as He would make them fishers of men. Now, after the resurrection the person of Jesus and the call on their lives was far greater than they understood 3 years earlier. Now it was a kingdom that would begin now and last forever in the hearts of men and women. It would involve earthly and heavenly reign.

He connected fishing with evangelism. Perhaps the lesson He was not in the boat with them this time, but on the shore. His presence and power with them did not require His physical body but spiritual power. Also we cannot evangelize with our own methods and energy it must be done with power and the spirit of God.

God begins his work with those who admit their own inability, their own lack of power, and turn instead to the one true source of power. "I pray...," Paul writes in Ephesians 1:18-19, "that your eyes may be enlightened in order that you may know...his incomparably great power...the working of his mighty strength...."

There are indeed men who testify that in their situations the living Lord encountered their experiences in very definite and sometimes unusual ways.

John Westley was a brilliant student of the languages and of religion. He and his brother and the great American Preacher, George Whitfield were members of the Holy Club in England. But his own soul was heavy. He met Moravian missionaries on a ship who had great confidence that if the boat were to sink they would go to heaven. Wesley did not have this confidence, but admired their faith. This encounter led to his conversion at a small meeting house in Aldersgate on May 24, 1738 when he was reading Luther’s Preface to the Roamsn and 8:45 pm. He was describing his encounter with the living Lord. As he read of the importance of faith in Christ he wrote in his journal. “I felt my heart strangely warmed.” I felt I did trust in Christ. Christ alone for my salvation, an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

Before that time he was always asking what he could do for God and after that time he asked what God could do for him. He was no longer straining to win God’s favor, God’s favor was bestowed on him and he knew it.

Robin Wainwright, a former Bethel professor, tells of his encounter experience. It was when he was 22 and in personal turmoil. He was in a coffee waiting for his wife to get out of a class when an older bearded gentleman walked into the shop and began talking. He asked some insightful questions about God. Robin talked and he seemed to draw out of him, things that others he never told. The man said, “I see evidences of God working in your life.” He mentioned three or four things and said, “Well I have to go”. Robin sat there in thought, eventually enrolled in Christian school to find out more and accepted Christ in Church History class.

Do you realize that the living Lord encounters people through the Holy Spirit within life circumstances? Sometimes it is through other believers in the most interesting ways where people hear the voice, or read something in a book, or hear a word on the radio or TV that begins to make sense or begin the search. The living Lord is not confined in church buildings. Have you been open to let Jesus encounter you, or resisting any prompting of the Holy Spirit. Prov 8:17 “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” Have you had a Christ Enrichment? Then you qualify for being a fisherman or fisherwoman. Spread the word of the living savior and wait and watch what He chooses to do. He is alive.

Pastor Dale.