Sermon Nuggets Mon Dec 7
Theme Christian Clothes
Verses Col 3:12,17
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Christian Clothes
Previously we have been talking about our old nature and our new nature. In Christ we have been given a new nature that allows us to respond differently than being controlled by our old and sinful nature. We have options now we have not had before. Before we were sinners before Christ came into our lives. Now we are saints who struggle with sinful habits. Sinfulness is our old nature, but now we have the Spirit of Christ dwelling within and new things begin to take over.
The over riding theme of Paul’s message is his summary statement in verse 17. “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
There was an ad on TV that wants to convince us that clothes make that man (or woman). People see us from the outside. How we dress reflects who we are.
Jesus also says we should not judge others based on their outward appearance. The clothing industry seeks to combine comfortable clothes that are attractive for different aspects of our lives. This Christmas many will receive clothing for warmth, for fashion, and for comfort.
The figure of putting on new clothes captures Paul's thought when we have "put on Jesus Christ." It isn't something that we take off. It isn't something we use to impress others when we have had no inside heart change.
The fact that we are bearing the name of Jesus Christ as people who seek to follow Him by faith also means that we want to live in honor of the name we possess, “Christian”. What we believe affects what we do. We by grace have been given a new nature, now we are to wear new clothing in keeping with our position in Jesus. Notice three things mentioned that came from God. We are chosen, we are made holy and we are dearly loved.
First, we have been chosen by God. We are hand picked as one of his favorites. God didn't wait for us to take the first step toward him. He took the first step toward us.
We had no time for God he chose us. God took the initative. He is for us. He loves, cares, listens, and accepts us. But He cares more about us to wants us to stay that way we are. To develop a walk with the Lord may require some changes.
And secondly He not only chose us He made us holy. We are made whole by the blood of Jesus Christ, not because of our good works. We are different people because our sins are gone. God looks upon us as he looked upon his sinless son. We are made right because of his actions.
From the Old Testament God chose a people to demonstrate his glory. The Jewish nation became a special nation to show us God. Why did he choose them? Was it because of obedience? No we see that clearly in the Old Testament, they were often rebellious and hard headed. Did he chose them because they were better than there neighbors? Hardly! Sometimes the neighbors acted with more compassion.
God chose them because He loved them. Of all the nations of the people in the world He chose them and called them to be his own.
Those same words are used to describe the church. You and I were chosen by God. God's spirit spoke to your heart and convinced you of your sin your need for Himself. Most of you responded by repentance and inviting the Lord to come into your lives. He sent certain people your way, or by his grace allowed you to be born into a Christian family or church going family.
Did you ever wonder where you would be if you did not know the Lord today? Some of you haven't made that decision yet. God has been knocking on the door of your heart. Will you give it to Him?
Some of you have accepted Jesus at camp, or in Sunday school or VBS or kids club, or with a pastor, or Christian friend, or at an evangelistic rally, or TV program. Whatever your experience is the Lord is the one who directed you to that appointment with Himself.
None of us can say God picked me because I am so lovable. But we can say with humility God picked me even when I was not lovable, but because He is good.
So now he wants us to act differently when we bear the name of Jesus. The attitude that we are to demonstrate is described- compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
This is the nature of God. We see Him in Christ how he responds to us in compassion. We see Him live out his life on earth with kindness. Jesus humbled himself to be a servant of Father in Heaven and one another. He characterized gentleness and patience.
The world we live in needs to see Jesus in us. We need to wear the new clothes we have been given. We need today to let Jesus shine in the words we use and in the actions and activities before us.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 8
Verse Col 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Put on the Fabric of Forgiveness
Let God's Forgiveness toward you affect your forgiveness toward others. The Lord forgave us all our sins. That is hard to understand. Having put on Christ is putting on forgiveness for our sin and the willingness to forgive others their sins against us.
It is common that families hurt one another, sometimes intentionally. It is common that while at work or school or community people will offend you and do something wrong toward you. But it is also true that some of the deepest hurts come from within the church body. People still lie, gossip, provide power plays to get their way in prideful and hurtful manners. It is hard to not hold resentments when those you expect to act different in fact do not. They should know better. We expect better.
Peter had a hard time grasping that. He asked the Lord, "How many times should I forgive someone- 7 times?" "No 7 X 70", was Jesus’ response. But that question was asked before the cross. Peter thought back to the time, when he denied the Lord. Three times he said he didn't know Jesus. But the joy of having another chance, the release of guilt, shame and pride, made him realize that he is always a debtor to God and therefore he should forgive others.
We are able to bear others up and put up with others who do us wrong even if they say thing about us that are unkind, even if they seek to do us harm because God forgave you and for the sake of the unity in the body of Christ forgiveness is the step of the spiritual one who realized his debt to God. I am so glad God's doesn't treat me the way I sometimes treat others.
It is hard understanding people that hold grudges toward others in the church, sometimes for years and years. Some family members hold bitterness against other family members that only affects them and hardens their own spirit. Some people may walk about with an invisible sign around their neck that says, "Fragile Feelings Handle with Care."
Matt 18:15-35 is our instruction that if you are or have been offended you who are spiritual go to the brother or sister and talk to them about it. It will never get resolved any other way. If it does not get resolved then bring a witness if not then, bring it to the church because unity is important in God's Kingdom. It is not unity when you talk to everyone else about the problem except the person you should be talking to. Many problems we face are the result of good old fashion misunderstandings. Feelings get in the way and some make mountains out of molehills.
We all make mistakes, mistakes cause divorce, heartache, wars, but it is more than mistakes when we wear the garment of grudges and resentment toward another. Forgiveness is the decision to take off that garment and put on the fabric of forgiveness given to us by our Lord.
Some psychologist will tell us that there is a direct proportion to being forgiven and forgiving. The biggest reason many people are unwilling to forgive is that they are harboring things in their lives that God has not forgiven them. They are unwilling to face Him with asking for forgiveness for their faults. We all need to ask that important question. "Is there something in me that needs the Lord's forgiveness? Are there others that I need to forgive that down deep is causing me to feel crummy this Christmas?
Humility is focusing on the works of God which puts us and others in proper perspective. All of us are created of God. We are not to have low esteem, but a servant like attitude. Romans 12:3 "For by the grace giving me I say to everyone of you, Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Your attitude toward others is to be with humility. That is a quality that is essential for forgiveness. We give ourselves to the Lord to do the healing He wants to do in our relationship to others.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Dec 9
Verse- Col 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Put on the Clothes of Compassion
The qualities in verse 12 begin with compassion and expanded upon in verse 14. Compassion reminds me of helping the needy and the less fortunate. Love is expanded beyond to desire not just kindness, but unity. There is a greater commitment to unity than just helping another. Unity comes with a commitment to a relationship when we know that there is still disagreements and outlooks that are not always the same. It is identifying the more important things for which we agree and decided there are lesser things that we can overlook, or endure. We do so because of love.
Love is the essential ingredient that allows forgiveness. Does that describe your response to others? Tender and compassionate?
In that ancient time the people did not have kind hearts. There was abuse of the world toward Christian. People did not treat animals very well. They abused slaves and tortured women. They would willing, personally involve themselves in stoning, hangings and murder of people. They would do whatever it took for personal profit. They made no provision for aged or handicapped or the ill if they did not have family to take care of them.
In the Roman world life was cheep. Entertainment wasn't going to the movies or watching tv. They would gather at the coliseums and watch people kill each other. Not actors with laser guns that are playing make believe, they would cheer when a hungry lion viciously attacked men women and children. They would laugh when someone running from a spear was cut in two. The simple minded were considered inhuman.
Christianity has changed our world whether the critics like it or not. Kindness motivated by believers has started hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages, food lines, treatment for the insane, and clothing for those without. Christians made prisons more humane, and stopped slavery. The attitude that God has for us needs to be passed on to others.
There are attitudes that we as Christian need to work on, why? Because God chose us, loved us and set us apart to be holy people in an unholy world. He gave us clothes of compassion to put on so people can see how attractive that is and want it for their lives as well. Most clothes that are attractive draw attention to the person wearing them, but that is not the case with these clothes. The attention is on God and others. They are recipients of godly love.
The Greek word is “agape,” one-way love. In other words, you love me, even if I don’t love you back. You love me, even though there is nothing good about me. It’s a strange kind of love, the kind of love that God has shown to the world. Even though the world didn’t love God, God loved the world, and sent his son. We celebrate that on Christmas. Even though you didn’t ask for it, Jesus loved you and died for your sins on the cross. God loves us, even though there isn’t anything good about us to love.
Love and Unity go “hand-in-hand” without Love there will be no Unity. Unity points to more extending love than just one person. Let’s face it. We need others to show us love too. We need to have others forgive us also. That inter-relational experience makes each one stronger. But that love also comes from God not ourselves. It is focusing on Him and not on our desires and wants. It is not so inclusive as to give up truth, but inclusive to take in those who do not have their act together. It is not accepting sin, but the sinner, as Jesus did.
I John 3:18-19 “My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. This, then, is how we will know that we belong to the truth; this is how we will be confident in God’s presence.”
Frequently in the wedding service we have the ceremony of lighting the unity candle by the bride and groom. Symbolically the two candles represent them as individuals, until they take their candle together and light the center one, symbolizing unity. Most often they take their own candles after that and blow out the flame. On some occasions the couple leaves their candles lit. They want to say that while unified they each have their individuality that is not lost in marriage.
At a recent wedding, the bride and groom put the individual candles back into their holders with the flames burning. Then the bride, with an impish gleam in her eye, bent over and blew out her husband’s candle. The congregation burst into laughter. Later, one fellow commented: “During the marriage ceremony two become one --- on the honeymoon they discover which one.”
I wonder how many seek unity by blowing out the candle of the other and protecting their own?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Dec 10
Verse- Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Put on the Apparel of Peace
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Peace doesn't really happen unless love is displayed. George Marshall the military genius said, "If man does find the solution for world peace it will be the most revolutionary reversal of this record we have ever known."
Billy Graham illustrates it by the storm raging sea beating against the rocks in high, dashing waves. Lightening flashing, and thunder roaring, the wind blowing but the little bird was sound asleep in the crevice of the rock. It's head tucked serenely under its wing. That is peace- to be able to sleep in the storm.
In Christ we can be relaxed and at peace even in the midst of the confusion around us. The storm rages, but our hearts are rested. We have found peace at last."
The word "rule" is like an umpire. He rules and makes the final decisions in a game. When we are tempted to say things which create turmoil in our inner being, the peace of Christ allows us to focus on His power and His wisdom with the realization we are in His hands. We are secure. Nothing can befall us outside of His will. His desire is to make peace with one another in Christ. Because he was willing to submit his will to the Father so we are to submit our wills to Him.
The problem is that many have not experienced the peace of God by realizing that He is in full control.
Someone described the church as a bunch of porcupines in winter. They get close enough to each other to keep warm, but when they get too close there’s a problem. We need to keep getting close to one another to experience the body of Christ but then there are quills that each of us have that soon begin to prick and poke and make it uncomfortable.
Lloyd Ogilvie asks us some important question to achieve this kind of peace. 1) What does the Lord want us to do? 2) If we did it, would it be in keeping with His life message and guidance? 3) Would the anticipated actions or program glorify Christ? Would he do it if he were in charge, for we often forget he really is? 4) Is it in keeping with Scripture and doctrine? 5) Will it bring us closer to one another?
Part of this peace is shown in thankfulness to God and to one another. When you realize your need for each other there is no longer competition and comparison and seeking to out do each other or compete. But a working together for His glory with a thankful and loving attitude, so often the worldly nature makes us unthankful for what we have. We became envious of the good fortunes of others or their gifts and talents and we are depressed with ourselves and jealous of others and lose the joy of the peace of Christ. Our churches would be more effective without the individual desires for recognition, reputation, or popularity. Putting on the apparel of peace is putting on Christ’s attitude of glorifying the Father.
What a difference in attitude and joy with those who were thankful for things and those who were ungrateful. To those who are complaining continually. Ingratitude too often leads to selfishness. People start to think they are deserving of special treatment above everyone else. Yet they are never inwardly satisfied. The thankful people see everything coming out of God's goodness. They are aware of the work of God even in difficult circumstances.
I remember one lady in the nursing home with such a spirit of peace. "How my heart would be blessed as I experience people who know God is so good. I'm so lucky and thankful to him. Why they change my room every 3 months so I get to look out different windows and see the change of seasons. The food is warm and light is good. People bathe me and take care of me. Isn't that good?"
She knows the peace of God instead of grumbling, "Why did this happen to me? I will curse God because I am in here instead of my own home."
When some unsettled things happen in your day, remember who is in charge and draw upon that comfort and peace He makes available. Extend that attitude toward others.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Dec 11
Verses Col 3:16-17 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Put on the Wardrobe of the Word
Christ's Word makes us want to teach and admonish with spirit wisdom and sing praises together to God. Not only do we have the Bible as the word of God, but Jesus is the logos, the Word. He is the word incarnate. And as we understand Scriptures and follow Jesus, His spirit brings truth to our hearts, to our responsibilities, and is seen by others.
Paul is addressing a worship service that flows from knowing and having an intimate relationship with Him and with each other. We praise and sing teach and give. That is what we do in worship. When the Word of God dwells in us, it changes our character. We together want to praise and honor the Lord with fellow believers.
I went to the Guthrie Theater a number of years ago to see a one an show called entitled "the Gospel according to St. Mark." Erick Booth was the actor. The only script was the gospel of Mark. I read an article about his changed life. He was raised in a Dutch Reformed church. As he was memorizing this drama, he became aware of the fact that he was integrating the word of God into his personal belief system and it took on a new power for him. He was feeling personally inadequate and on the wrong track. He felt his personality and ego were inappropriate to the word he was to speak. He wrote, "I began a process of trying to eliminate my own ego." His wife noticed a change in him. She found him kinder and more understanding. "Much as I would like to I can escape what the text says. There are hard facts and truths that are inescapably direct and confronting me. Repeating it 3 times a week was sifting down into my bones."
God wants us to get together to worship him. He wants us to learn the word together, to encourage one another in good works and truth. He calls us into a fellowship called the church and wants the local congregation to lift its voice and heart in joyful response to the grace of our Almighty God.
The two weeks have been a challenge to put off our old nature and put on our new. IT reminds me of a story from Youth Specialties illustrations called the Beggars rags-
A beggar lived near the king’s palace. One day he saw a proclamation posted outside the palace gate. The king was giving a great dinner. Anyone dressed in royal garments was invited to the party. He looked at the rags he was wearing and sighed. Surely only kings and their families wore royal robes, he thought.
Slowly an idea crept into his mind. The audacity of it made him tremble. Would he dare? He approached the guard at the gate of the palace. “Please, sire, I would like to speak to the king.”
“Wait here,” the guard replied. In a few minutes he returned. “His majesty will see you,” he said, and led the beggar in.
“You wished to see me?” asked the king.
“Yes, your majesty. I want so much to attend the banquet, but I have no royal robes to wear. Please, sir, if I may be so bold, may I have one of your old garments so that I, too, may come to the banquet?”
The beggar shook so hard that he could not see the faint smile that was on the king’s face. “You have been wise in coming to me,” the king said. He called to his son, the young prince. “Take this man to your room and array him in some of your clothes.”
The prince did as he was told and soon the beggar was standing before a mirror, clothed in garments that he had never dared hope for.
“You are now eligible to attend the king’s banquet tomorrow night,” said the prince. “But even more important, you will never need any other clothes. These garments will last forever.”
The beggar dropped to his knees. “Oh, thank you,” he cried. But as he started to leave, he looked back at his pile of dirty rags on the floor. He hesitated. What if the prince was wrong? What if he would need his old clothes again? Quickly he gathered them up.
The banquet was far greater than he had ever imagined, but he could not enjoy himself as he should. He had made a small bundle of his old rags and it kept falling off his lap. The food was passed quickly and the beggar missed some of the greatest delicacies.
Time proved that the prince was right. The clothes lasted forever. Still the poor beggar grew fonder and fonder of his old rags. As time passed people seemed to forget the royal robes he was wearing. They saw only the little bundle of filthy rags that he clung to wherever he went. They even spoke of him as the old man with the rags.
One day as he lay dying, the king visited him. The beggar saw the sad look on the king’s face when he looked at the small bundle of rags by the bed. Suddenly the beggar remembered the prince’s words and he realized that his bundle of rags had cost him a lifetime of true royalty. He wept bitterly at his folly.
And the king wept with him.”
That’s the picture here, these things are what we used to be, but now we have so much more, don’t settle for rags when the wealth of God’s kingdom is in your hands. Put on your Christian clothes and leave the rags for Him to dispose.
Pastor Dale
Friday, December 11, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Nurturing your Nature Col 3:1-11
Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 30
Theme- Nurturing Your Nature
Verses- Col 3:1-11
Col 3:10 Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Nurturing Your Nature
There was an old story of an Indian converted to Christ. He explained there was a battle going on inside. He compared it to two dogs fighting. One represented the good, the other bad temptations.
He was asked, "Which one wins?"
He replied, "Whichever one I feed the most."
Last week we wrote about "Games Christian's play". Paul saw the Gnostics trying to force the new Colossian believers to play religious games of legalism. People love to judge one another by rules. They like to judge themselves by rules to see who is better. There were legalistic rules from the Old Testament that have nothing to do with righteousness. There were spiritual revelations that people had which Paul said were not from God. He warned them against the falsehood of emotional experiences that kept Jesus from being the center of our focus. There were also religious restrictions that folks liked to have to judge their performance. "Don't eat this", "don't do this on this day", and so forth."
God looks at the heart. But it is hard for us to look at the heart so we look at outward actions. But does that mean our actions do not matter?
Paul introduced the idea of two natures. There is confusion and a struggle that goes on in lives of believers. We are dead to sin in Christ, but we still sin. We know that Christ calls us to live a different life as a believer than we lived before. God does not judge us according to our deeds, but our faith. So what difference does it make how to live?
I was talking to someone who felt he had to give up all his sins before he could accept Jesus as his savior. Christ came for sinners to save them. If we did not sin we would not need a savior. All have sinned and all come short of the glory of God and the price of sin is death and separation from God. The Bible tells us that all our righteous acts are as filthy rags before God, but to “all who come unto me,” Jesus said, “I will in no wise cast out.”
It is grace that saves us through faith when our heart cry is, "Here I am, now you take over". We repent of our sins and desire for him to make us a new person. If we do not have that desire then God is not allowed to work in our lives.
When you open up your life to His Holy Spirit He does the changing. You then have been given a new nature. As II Cor 5:17 says, "Old things have passed away, behold all things become as new. Your old nature is dead. But we still feel the affects of sin and temptations and the draw upon our lives to go our own way instead of Christ way.
Jesus said that you must take up your cross daily and follow him. Like in the Indian parable this is a matter of which nature you are going to nourish. In Christ we have been made free. But in the flesh we think we are still in prison and not taking advantage of what is ours. In Christ we are given a new Nature, Which one are you nurturing?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 1
Verses Col 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Raise to Life your New Nature by Refocusing your Heart
Do not live according to the dictates of others people and do not be bound by the temptations of earthly sin. When the world saw Christians living a different standard in a godless society they took notice.
Recent reports of the birth of a 15 pound 6 ounce baby reminded me of another special birth. A few years ago Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey became parents to 7 babies. Their church provided an excellent witness of their faith in Christ. They were advised by various medical personnel to have an abortion, but fully convinced God was sovereign they refused. The threat even on the life of Bobbi was not a deterrent to their convictions. Even Time magazine article stated their faith was rewarded. "Repeated references to God and miracles by Doctors as well as relative may seem old fashioned, even corny but in the face of such passion and tenderness, it was hard for even the most cynical onlooker to remain unmoved."
As devout Baptists, Bobbi and Kenny feel that a relationship with God is central to ensuring that their eight offspring become caring adults. Now several years later they are active and healthy but some children experience neurological problems. Kenny states, "Right now our children attend church and believe in the Bible because we do….When all of that is actually theirs, it will hopefully have a positive effect on them during their teen years."
The real testimony of their love for God made a difference in their decisions, even when experts of the community gave different advice. They were and still are willing to leave the consequences up to the Lord, for ultimate we all belong to Him and it is all about Him.
Making Jesus Christ Lord of our lives makes a difference how we are to live, not according to man’s laws, but according to God's laws.
To live our new nature is to have a new love commitment. Where is your heart?
Interestingly Jesus taught, “Where your treasure is there is your heart also.” Although this is not a devotional on giving it is a good barometer on the love of our lives. Beyond the basics of food and housing needs what captures our heart? Entertainment? Glamour? Latest style of cars? Hobbies? Or does the Lord have our hearts first? How is your giving? Is it a act of faith or of guilt? What does it reveal about yourself?
How we live is really a love question. The greatest struggle for most is the love of self. The throne belongs to us and our wants and our decisions, and our priorities. Paul saw life differently when God captured his heart and passion. “For me to live is Christ. To die is gain.” He said. Phil 3:13-14 “.. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
His new nature was enlivened as he now had a new purpose and new love.
Jesus spoke often about the heart. In Matthew 15 he tells how the heart affects our speech. Good and evil come from the heart. IT not only affects our words but our actions, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Evil actions reveal the heart of a person.
He told his disciples that many are religious, but they cannot see the truth because of their “hardness of heart”. The heart is close to the will. It is the commitment that we control instead of giving that will over to the Lord. IT is only then He has our hearts.
Jesus honored the prayer of the man with doubts when he prayed, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” He is asking for a new heart.
The greatest of the commands is to love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
When He is the focus of our heart our lives will change. When Christ is only a portion of our life not much different will happen. We can try to change by our own efforts, but the heart of the matter is the heart of our attention.
We work for wages. He must attend to the needs of family, health, and protection. But how would your life be different if you took seriously the instruction of our Lord who said, “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”
Faith is first a refocusing of our heart. It enlivens our new nature.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon nuggets Tues Dec 2
Verses- Col 3:2-4
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Raise to Life your New Nature by Renewing your Mind
In addition to refocusing one’s heart, Paul says “set your minds on things above..” Renew your minds on godly things not on earthly things.
Many people think that it is impossible to change our past. Not so with God, all things are possible.
I had an independent class in Seminary with a psychiatrist. I was able to visit his patients in the psych ward. One of the common problems with Christian was unresolved guilt. They would ask forgiveness but never felt forgiven. Or they feared they committed the unforgivable sin.
The good news is if you gave the Lord your life He had taken away all the sins you've every committed and treats you as if they never occurred. We no longer have any evil past which convicts us. It is one thing the resurrection does. You stand before God confessing all those horrible things that your memory won't let you forget. He opens the books and looks and says, "There isn't any record of that here. Oh there used to be such a person, but he is dead. You were born on that day you accepted Jesus Christ as your savior. My record of your life begins then. God gives you a new identity and new name that we need not be ashamed of the past because he has taken care of it.” Renewing our minds on the truth gives us freedom and forgiveness.
In baptism we symbolize what has already happened in our hearts. We are dead to sin and buried and now become alive in Jesus Christ. We identify with the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. We have died to our old nature, and are raised to a new life in the Holy Spirit. Now let God dwell in your richly.
Our life is hidden with Christ in God. Because we have been raised with a new nature- Christ is in us living out His will through you and me.
Handly Page was a pioneer in aviation. Before take off one day, unknown to him a huge rat was attracted by the smell of food and managed to get instead his plane. After a while in the air Page heard the sickening sound of gnawing. He visualized the serious damage that could be done to a fragile mechanism that controlled the craft. He couldn't land. He realized this could be a dangerous situation.
Then the thought struck him, a rat cannot survive at high altitudes. So he pulled back on the stick, the airplane climbed higher and higher until Page found it difficult to breathe. He listened intently, and then sighed with relief. The gnawing had stopped. When he arrived at his destination he found the rat laying dead behind the cockpit.
Many of us are plagued by gnawing lusts of the flesh simply because we are living on a low spiritual level. As we keep our attention on Christ above, the allurement and danger of this world and its temptations lose their power. Like the hymn says, “the things of this world grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”
I am excited when I see how Christ changes lives. But Satan keeps so many bound because their minds our on themselves, sin, and circumstances instead of concentrating on the truths from the Lord. We need to reset our thinking based on the Word of God not on our feelings.
Paul exhorts us to set our minds on things above because our life will be fully revealed when he comes again. There is ultimate victory at His return. This motivation is based upon what is promised for the future. I can sit with older folks at their death bed with a certain sense of peace and security because they know their future is not ending but beginning. There is hope.
Rom 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
When we think differently we live differently. The closer we get to the Lord the more we change and enlivene our new nature.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Thurs Dec 3
Verses- Col 3: 5-7 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
Put to Death your Old Nature by Identifying your Passions
Have you heard people excuse their behavior by saying, "After all its just human nature"? This excuse doesn't work any longer for the Christian. Christ is your new nature. The choice we have is whether or not to let Him reign in your life. The Bible says put to death this nature.
In addition to enliven your new nature in Christ there is also the command to identify your passions and temptations so they call be killed.
When the immigrants came to Minnesota they had the hard job of cutting down the trees and clearing the land of rocks in order to get some of the crops. A far more difficult job was clearing out the roots. If roots were not removed the grain would be quickly covered with a second growth of weeds.
There are roots of passion that once the tree has been removed, keep growing underneath that also needs to be identified. Paul knows the problem of our passions. God ordained sexuality as part of the plan for husband and wife to live together in the love and freedom to nurture children. We know the importance of commitment over emotional and sexual attractions for temptations abound around us.
The relationship between sexes is something so precious that indiscriminate use of it eventually destroys relationships. Our world follows a different morality. We see all around us, “If it feels good do it. If there is someone else who excites me then follow your lusts or new love.” What is seen on TV and movies and books and internet makes sexual passion an idol.
Advertisers know full well sex sells. People too often have their lusts control actions instead of commitment controlling lusts.
Impurity is another temptation. The word stands for uncleanness. It refers to that we would call perverted forms of lusts, homosexuality, child abuse, prostitution, pornography erotic passions are aroused and people feed their minds on illusions that like a vice gripe us into wanting more
Evil desires are closely associated with lust. It is mental impurity. It wants what is not yours. But it does not have to sexual. Evil desires can be inappropriate ways to get rich by cheating others, or exploiting, or underhanded business dealings. It can be manipulative ways to gain power or advancement through deceit. Greed is a good way to describe this. Greed wants more. Pretty soon our passions control us and we are led like a fish whose bit the bait. Satan has us hooks and we are the worse for it, suffering consequences that destroy character and witness.
Last night I heard testimony of the jury which convicted Tom Peters and his Ponzi schemes. It seemed like he started in an innocent manner and with good intensions and after a while got increasingly caught up in the lusts, deceit, lies and couldn’t get out of it.
Look at vs. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming.
Is God's Word directed to non Christians or to Christians? It is directed to Christians. God will judge evil. It is the way a Holy God reacts to a civilization or individual who turns his back on God's moral laws. You may think that nothing happens when you allow yourself to fall into immoral practices, but something is happening. God has not lost his power. He will allow it to have its day, but not without consequences. I think the horrible break up of our society begins by uncontrolled passions. Christ has a better idea.
Before you fall back into old habits identify your passions and lusts and give them to the Lord to weed out immediately. Follow a different path with the strength of others to help.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Dec 4
Verses- Col 3: 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Put to Death your Old Nature by Examining your Patterns
Old habits die hard. We have programmed ourselves to follow habits, some good and some bad. If a habit is eating a certain way with certain foods it is hard to break that pattern without more careful examination. If it is smoking, folks automatically reach for a cigarette without thinking about it. More time and attention needs to be given to changing our patterns of how we used to live and what we used to practice.
Now that someone has become a Christian he is no longer what he once was. Romans 6:14 "Sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law but under grace." You have a new resource, a new power, a new life. You can say No to old habits and patterns of living.
Pastor De Drew told of a man who said, "I have such an awful tempter, but I got it from my father. He had a very short fuse too, and I'm just like him." His pastor asked, "Have you been born again?
"Yes"
“Were you born of God?"
“Sure"
"Is God your Father?"
"Of Course"
"Well what kind of temper did you get when you were born again?"
He who is born of God would grow to be more like his Father and that is the nature potential in all of us who are born again. Anger and rage are uncontrolled emotions that are not from the Spirit.
As we continue to look at other habits, malice is an attitude of ill will toward another. We are sad when that person succeeds. Malice delights when something unfortunate happen to that individual. Malice is a seeking of revenge instead of seeking reconciliation. It is the desire to get back at someone instead of seeking peace.
Slander is like blasphemy. It tears others down others by the sins of one's tongue. Gossip can be part of this. If you have a deep seated ill will toward a person, you will use every opportunity to say something bad about her.
Filthy communication includes foul speech, coarse humor, obscene language and should not be part of a Christian's vocabulary. One fellow was sharing how he was converted. He used to have a foul mouth. Now he was convicted without ever being told that something wasn't right about the words he used.
I was working with street kids in New York while in College. I heard swearing all the time. Low and behold at the end of the summer I heard some of those words coming out of my mouth. When one nature was being nourished it affected me. When I concentrated on feeding the other nature, Christ was given the victory. Which nature are you nurturing?
He also mentions lying. Satan is the father of lies while the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. Any lie misrepresents the truth. Even if the words are accurate the tone of voice the look on the face, the gesture of the hand can alter the meaning of a sentence as is the motive of the heart. Lying involve the intent to deceive for the purpose of personal gain. Perhaps you secretly agree with the little boy who was asked what a lie was and replied, "A lie is an abomination to the Lord, but a very present help in time of trouble."
But we pay a worse price when lies come from our mouths. You lose trust and respect, and integrity.
Lastly our old patterns can include prejudice. But as we look at verse 11 " If you detached that form its context is sounds like a great statement of One of the body of Christ which of course is true. But in this context he is dealing with putting off the expressions of the old life and saying we can also no longer excuse wrong behavior based on class, race, or ethnic distinctions.
Prejudice is part of the old nature. We judge others based on education, race, wealth, degrees all of which is wrong in God's eyes. Maybe some people say, I am a Stubborn German, or Swede as if that is an excuse for misbehavior. Not to God. Maybe some will direct their prejudices toward others, saying such things as “what do you expect from Indians, blacks, Jews…”
As believers there are no national barriers, no cultural barriers, no social barriers, or racial barriers. We are of a new nature.
How do we change? There are two ways; First, starve them. Don't feed them with trash. Secondly crowd sin out with positive graces. Pour into your mind the Word of God and things good and right. Verse 10 is the key. The new nature is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator. That is how we nurture the nature. By knowing more and more of Jesus Christ so we can be like him. Looking, praying and gaining our strength from Christ. If we want, sincerely want Him to have control that whole question of living for Him opens us to new habits.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Nurturing Your Nature
Verses- Col 3:1-11
Col 3:10 Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Nurturing Your Nature
There was an old story of an Indian converted to Christ. He explained there was a battle going on inside. He compared it to two dogs fighting. One represented the good, the other bad temptations.
He was asked, "Which one wins?"
He replied, "Whichever one I feed the most."
Last week we wrote about "Games Christian's play". Paul saw the Gnostics trying to force the new Colossian believers to play religious games of legalism. People love to judge one another by rules. They like to judge themselves by rules to see who is better. There were legalistic rules from the Old Testament that have nothing to do with righteousness. There were spiritual revelations that people had which Paul said were not from God. He warned them against the falsehood of emotional experiences that kept Jesus from being the center of our focus. There were also religious restrictions that folks liked to have to judge their performance. "Don't eat this", "don't do this on this day", and so forth."
God looks at the heart. But it is hard for us to look at the heart so we look at outward actions. But does that mean our actions do not matter?
Paul introduced the idea of two natures. There is confusion and a struggle that goes on in lives of believers. We are dead to sin in Christ, but we still sin. We know that Christ calls us to live a different life as a believer than we lived before. God does not judge us according to our deeds, but our faith. So what difference does it make how to live?
I was talking to someone who felt he had to give up all his sins before he could accept Jesus as his savior. Christ came for sinners to save them. If we did not sin we would not need a savior. All have sinned and all come short of the glory of God and the price of sin is death and separation from God. The Bible tells us that all our righteous acts are as filthy rags before God, but to “all who come unto me,” Jesus said, “I will in no wise cast out.”
It is grace that saves us through faith when our heart cry is, "Here I am, now you take over". We repent of our sins and desire for him to make us a new person. If we do not have that desire then God is not allowed to work in our lives.
When you open up your life to His Holy Spirit He does the changing. You then have been given a new nature. As II Cor 5:17 says, "Old things have passed away, behold all things become as new. Your old nature is dead. But we still feel the affects of sin and temptations and the draw upon our lives to go our own way instead of Christ way.
Jesus said that you must take up your cross daily and follow him. Like in the Indian parable this is a matter of which nature you are going to nourish. In Christ we have been made free. But in the flesh we think we are still in prison and not taking advantage of what is ours. In Christ we are given a new Nature, Which one are you nurturing?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 1
Verses Col 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Raise to Life your New Nature by Refocusing your Heart
Do not live according to the dictates of others people and do not be bound by the temptations of earthly sin. When the world saw Christians living a different standard in a godless society they took notice.
Recent reports of the birth of a 15 pound 6 ounce baby reminded me of another special birth. A few years ago Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey became parents to 7 babies. Their church provided an excellent witness of their faith in Christ. They were advised by various medical personnel to have an abortion, but fully convinced God was sovereign they refused. The threat even on the life of Bobbi was not a deterrent to their convictions. Even Time magazine article stated their faith was rewarded. "Repeated references to God and miracles by Doctors as well as relative may seem old fashioned, even corny but in the face of such passion and tenderness, it was hard for even the most cynical onlooker to remain unmoved."
As devout Baptists, Bobbi and Kenny feel that a relationship with God is central to ensuring that their eight offspring become caring adults. Now several years later they are active and healthy but some children experience neurological problems. Kenny states, "Right now our children attend church and believe in the Bible because we do….When all of that is actually theirs, it will hopefully have a positive effect on them during their teen years."
The real testimony of their love for God made a difference in their decisions, even when experts of the community gave different advice. They were and still are willing to leave the consequences up to the Lord, for ultimate we all belong to Him and it is all about Him.
Making Jesus Christ Lord of our lives makes a difference how we are to live, not according to man’s laws, but according to God's laws.
To live our new nature is to have a new love commitment. Where is your heart?
Interestingly Jesus taught, “Where your treasure is there is your heart also.” Although this is not a devotional on giving it is a good barometer on the love of our lives. Beyond the basics of food and housing needs what captures our heart? Entertainment? Glamour? Latest style of cars? Hobbies? Or does the Lord have our hearts first? How is your giving? Is it a act of faith or of guilt? What does it reveal about yourself?
How we live is really a love question. The greatest struggle for most is the love of self. The throne belongs to us and our wants and our decisions, and our priorities. Paul saw life differently when God captured his heart and passion. “For me to live is Christ. To die is gain.” He said. Phil 3:13-14 “.. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
His new nature was enlivened as he now had a new purpose and new love.
Jesus spoke often about the heart. In Matthew 15 he tells how the heart affects our speech. Good and evil come from the heart. IT not only affects our words but our actions, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Evil actions reveal the heart of a person.
He told his disciples that many are religious, but they cannot see the truth because of their “hardness of heart”. The heart is close to the will. It is the commitment that we control instead of giving that will over to the Lord. IT is only then He has our hearts.
Jesus honored the prayer of the man with doubts when he prayed, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” He is asking for a new heart.
The greatest of the commands is to love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
When He is the focus of our heart our lives will change. When Christ is only a portion of our life not much different will happen. We can try to change by our own efforts, but the heart of the matter is the heart of our attention.
We work for wages. He must attend to the needs of family, health, and protection. But how would your life be different if you took seriously the instruction of our Lord who said, “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”
Faith is first a refocusing of our heart. It enlivens our new nature.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon nuggets Tues Dec 2
Verses- Col 3:2-4
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Raise to Life your New Nature by Renewing your Mind
In addition to refocusing one’s heart, Paul says “set your minds on things above..” Renew your minds on godly things not on earthly things.
Many people think that it is impossible to change our past. Not so with God, all things are possible.
I had an independent class in Seminary with a psychiatrist. I was able to visit his patients in the psych ward. One of the common problems with Christian was unresolved guilt. They would ask forgiveness but never felt forgiven. Or they feared they committed the unforgivable sin.
The good news is if you gave the Lord your life He had taken away all the sins you've every committed and treats you as if they never occurred. We no longer have any evil past which convicts us. It is one thing the resurrection does. You stand before God confessing all those horrible things that your memory won't let you forget. He opens the books and looks and says, "There isn't any record of that here. Oh there used to be such a person, but he is dead. You were born on that day you accepted Jesus Christ as your savior. My record of your life begins then. God gives you a new identity and new name that we need not be ashamed of the past because he has taken care of it.” Renewing our minds on the truth gives us freedom and forgiveness.
In baptism we symbolize what has already happened in our hearts. We are dead to sin and buried and now become alive in Jesus Christ. We identify with the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. We have died to our old nature, and are raised to a new life in the Holy Spirit. Now let God dwell in your richly.
Our life is hidden with Christ in God. Because we have been raised with a new nature- Christ is in us living out His will through you and me.
Handly Page was a pioneer in aviation. Before take off one day, unknown to him a huge rat was attracted by the smell of food and managed to get instead his plane. After a while in the air Page heard the sickening sound of gnawing. He visualized the serious damage that could be done to a fragile mechanism that controlled the craft. He couldn't land. He realized this could be a dangerous situation.
Then the thought struck him, a rat cannot survive at high altitudes. So he pulled back on the stick, the airplane climbed higher and higher until Page found it difficult to breathe. He listened intently, and then sighed with relief. The gnawing had stopped. When he arrived at his destination he found the rat laying dead behind the cockpit.
Many of us are plagued by gnawing lusts of the flesh simply because we are living on a low spiritual level. As we keep our attention on Christ above, the allurement and danger of this world and its temptations lose their power. Like the hymn says, “the things of this world grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”
I am excited when I see how Christ changes lives. But Satan keeps so many bound because their minds our on themselves, sin, and circumstances instead of concentrating on the truths from the Lord. We need to reset our thinking based on the Word of God not on our feelings.
Paul exhorts us to set our minds on things above because our life will be fully revealed when he comes again. There is ultimate victory at His return. This motivation is based upon what is promised for the future. I can sit with older folks at their death bed with a certain sense of peace and security because they know their future is not ending but beginning. There is hope.
Rom 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
When we think differently we live differently. The closer we get to the Lord the more we change and enlivene our new nature.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Thurs Dec 3
Verses- Col 3: 5-7 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
Put to Death your Old Nature by Identifying your Passions
Have you heard people excuse their behavior by saying, "After all its just human nature"? This excuse doesn't work any longer for the Christian. Christ is your new nature. The choice we have is whether or not to let Him reign in your life. The Bible says put to death this nature.
In addition to enliven your new nature in Christ there is also the command to identify your passions and temptations so they call be killed.
When the immigrants came to Minnesota they had the hard job of cutting down the trees and clearing the land of rocks in order to get some of the crops. A far more difficult job was clearing out the roots. If roots were not removed the grain would be quickly covered with a second growth of weeds.
There are roots of passion that once the tree has been removed, keep growing underneath that also needs to be identified. Paul knows the problem of our passions. God ordained sexuality as part of the plan for husband and wife to live together in the love and freedom to nurture children. We know the importance of commitment over emotional and sexual attractions for temptations abound around us.
The relationship between sexes is something so precious that indiscriminate use of it eventually destroys relationships. Our world follows a different morality. We see all around us, “If it feels good do it. If there is someone else who excites me then follow your lusts or new love.” What is seen on TV and movies and books and internet makes sexual passion an idol.
Advertisers know full well sex sells. People too often have their lusts control actions instead of commitment controlling lusts.
Impurity is another temptation. The word stands for uncleanness. It refers to that we would call perverted forms of lusts, homosexuality, child abuse, prostitution, pornography erotic passions are aroused and people feed their minds on illusions that like a vice gripe us into wanting more
Evil desires are closely associated with lust. It is mental impurity. It wants what is not yours. But it does not have to sexual. Evil desires can be inappropriate ways to get rich by cheating others, or exploiting, or underhanded business dealings. It can be manipulative ways to gain power or advancement through deceit. Greed is a good way to describe this. Greed wants more. Pretty soon our passions control us and we are led like a fish whose bit the bait. Satan has us hooks and we are the worse for it, suffering consequences that destroy character and witness.
Last night I heard testimony of the jury which convicted Tom Peters and his Ponzi schemes. It seemed like he started in an innocent manner and with good intensions and after a while got increasingly caught up in the lusts, deceit, lies and couldn’t get out of it.
Look at vs. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming.
Is God's Word directed to non Christians or to Christians? It is directed to Christians. God will judge evil. It is the way a Holy God reacts to a civilization or individual who turns his back on God's moral laws. You may think that nothing happens when you allow yourself to fall into immoral practices, but something is happening. God has not lost his power. He will allow it to have its day, but not without consequences. I think the horrible break up of our society begins by uncontrolled passions. Christ has a better idea.
Before you fall back into old habits identify your passions and lusts and give them to the Lord to weed out immediately. Follow a different path with the strength of others to help.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Dec 4
Verses- Col 3: 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Put to Death your Old Nature by Examining your Patterns
Old habits die hard. We have programmed ourselves to follow habits, some good and some bad. If a habit is eating a certain way with certain foods it is hard to break that pattern without more careful examination. If it is smoking, folks automatically reach for a cigarette without thinking about it. More time and attention needs to be given to changing our patterns of how we used to live and what we used to practice.
Now that someone has become a Christian he is no longer what he once was. Romans 6:14 "Sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law but under grace." You have a new resource, a new power, a new life. You can say No to old habits and patterns of living.
Pastor De Drew told of a man who said, "I have such an awful tempter, but I got it from my father. He had a very short fuse too, and I'm just like him." His pastor asked, "Have you been born again?
"Yes"
“Were you born of God?"
“Sure"
"Is God your Father?"
"Of Course"
"Well what kind of temper did you get when you were born again?"
He who is born of God would grow to be more like his Father and that is the nature potential in all of us who are born again. Anger and rage are uncontrolled emotions that are not from the Spirit.
As we continue to look at other habits, malice is an attitude of ill will toward another. We are sad when that person succeeds. Malice delights when something unfortunate happen to that individual. Malice is a seeking of revenge instead of seeking reconciliation. It is the desire to get back at someone instead of seeking peace.
Slander is like blasphemy. It tears others down others by the sins of one's tongue. Gossip can be part of this. If you have a deep seated ill will toward a person, you will use every opportunity to say something bad about her.
Filthy communication includes foul speech, coarse humor, obscene language and should not be part of a Christian's vocabulary. One fellow was sharing how he was converted. He used to have a foul mouth. Now he was convicted without ever being told that something wasn't right about the words he used.
I was working with street kids in New York while in College. I heard swearing all the time. Low and behold at the end of the summer I heard some of those words coming out of my mouth. When one nature was being nourished it affected me. When I concentrated on feeding the other nature, Christ was given the victory. Which nature are you nurturing?
He also mentions lying. Satan is the father of lies while the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. Any lie misrepresents the truth. Even if the words are accurate the tone of voice the look on the face, the gesture of the hand can alter the meaning of a sentence as is the motive of the heart. Lying involve the intent to deceive for the purpose of personal gain. Perhaps you secretly agree with the little boy who was asked what a lie was and replied, "A lie is an abomination to the Lord, but a very present help in time of trouble."
But we pay a worse price when lies come from our mouths. You lose trust and respect, and integrity.
Lastly our old patterns can include prejudice. But as we look at verse 11 " If you detached that form its context is sounds like a great statement of One of the body of Christ which of course is true. But in this context he is dealing with putting off the expressions of the old life and saying we can also no longer excuse wrong behavior based on class, race, or ethnic distinctions.
Prejudice is part of the old nature. We judge others based on education, race, wealth, degrees all of which is wrong in God's eyes. Maybe some people say, I am a Stubborn German, or Swede as if that is an excuse for misbehavior. Not to God. Maybe some will direct their prejudices toward others, saying such things as “what do you expect from Indians, blacks, Jews…”
As believers there are no national barriers, no cultural barriers, no social barriers, or racial barriers. We are of a new nature.
How do we change? There are two ways; First, starve them. Don't feed them with trash. Secondly crowd sin out with positive graces. Pour into your mind the Word of God and things good and right. Verse 10 is the key. The new nature is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator. That is how we nurture the nature. By knowing more and more of Jesus Christ so we can be like him. Looking, praying and gaining our strength from Christ. If we want, sincerely want Him to have control that whole question of living for Him opens us to new habits.
Pastor Dale
Friday, November 27, 2009
Lethal Laws Col 2:16-23
Sermon Nuggets week of Nov 23 2009
Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 23
Theme Lethal Laws
Verses-
Col 2:16-23
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.
19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:
21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"?
22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.
23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Lethal Laws
One of the books required to read in my college psychology class was written by Eric Berne entitled, "Games People Play". He describes ways many people mask or seek to cover up their feelings. It is quite threatening being open and honest so people often substitute psychological games in place of living in intimacy and vulnerability. A typical example of one game he identifies is "Why don't you?...Yes, But"
In order to play this game you must have a problem with a friend, teacher, employers, or spouse. Several other people will try to give you suggestions how to solve your problem. That's the "Why don't you.." part. But each time they suggest something you say, "Yes, but.." then you shoot down that suggestion with as many reasons you can think of why it won't work for you. Of course the person really doesn't want help. She just wants to play the game for attention or sympathy. Finally the person feels the winner because nobody else can think of any more solutions for her vexing and most complicated problem. Therefore she doesn't have to work on a solution.
I bought a similar book called, "Games Christians Play" written by Judi Culbertson and Patti Bard. In a humorous and satirical way they show how some Christians play religious games which keep them from a vital real relationship with Christ or other Christians. Again the goal is seeking attention, finding excuses, or wanting sympathy. Let me give you an example.
Mary Verily wanted to be spiritual and she would too except for her husband. He was an atheist and flatly forbade her to darken the sanctuary door. Sunday morning while he listened to some rock tune, he set out mow the lawn. She would sit on her chair and sulk. "If it weren't for you.. I could be a real Christian. "If it weren't for him" she would tell her sympathetic Christian friends, "I'd bake cakes for the church socials. I'd teach Sunday school, or sing in the choir", and so forth.
One day it happened. Mary Verily's husband had been converted and worse yet he wanted to work in the church with her. But she really didn't want to at all. The prospect of standing up before anyone to teach or sing made her break out in hives. Other work in the church she felt was just a waste of time.
Another illustration is “My Bible is more underlined than yours.” One only needs colored pencils or a pen and underline more passages in his Bible and conveniently show his neighbor how holy he is by the outward impression of study. It didn’t make any difference how much he learned, but that he looked the part of a Bible student and compared himself to others so he can be in his mind, “the winner”.
Now the Paul used to be very good at those religious games. Before his own conversion he out did most people to show he was more holy. Maybe that was why he recognized it so quickly when the Gnostics were trying to get the church plant of Colossae to play some of these religious games along with false doctrine. Paul warned them against it. I dare say we need to look at ourselves closely lest we become Christian game players when it comes to our relationship with the Lord and others.
There are lots of games religious people can play to make them appear as if they are winning in spiritual pride. That is the subject of this week’s devotionals from the above passage.
Do you recognize religious games in others? Can you recognize it in yourself when you are trying to excuse or impress others with your piety?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 24
Verses- 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Judging based on Religious Rituals
In almost every letter Paul condemns legalism which threatens to cut the heart out of The Christian gospel. It seems that the Gnostics had as one of their games “I can follow more Jewish laws as a Christian than you can.” There were rituals that were ingrained in their religious culture. They were instructed by God to observe Holy days as well as the Sabbath. They had rituals as to how to dress, how to eat, who to eat with, how to worship and more. They heard about faith in Jesus Christ, but since you can’t judge one another based on what was going on inside, it was much easier to see piety based on the religious rituals if they were followed or not.
The rituals practiced on certain days and how you observed certain feasts could be observed if you are a really spiritual Christian. In fact legalistic rules are the means to judge yourself and others. Without those rituals we cannot compete very well in this game.
Part of these rituals came from their misguided belief that anything related to your body or material world was evil. Whatever is righteous is derived from good works.
Are rituals bad? I have a ritual every morning of having devotions and sharing devotions on the internet. I have a ritual of going to church every Sunday. Something is missing inside if I don’t practice worship. (of course it helps to be paid to come to church as the pastor.)
I was visiting a church where the pastor was guilting his people in coming to prayer meeting on Christmas day which happened to fall on a Wednesday night. The ritual was to have prayer as a church on Wednesdays. Rather than offer a different day or time he went on for a number of minutes telling them how coming to that meeting divided the good Christians from the carnal Christians. What better way to judge your spiritual life than come to a prayer meeting according to the rituals of Wednesday night prayer? People would cancel plans to be with family from out of town in order to please their pastor.
There was a couple visiting us from out of town. Their home church practiced door to door witnessing every Thursday night for one hour. When 7 pm came they asked to be excused and went in our area door to door witnessing. Is there anything wrong with that activity? No. But the ritual was to be reported when they returned home. This becomes a man made religious ritual.
But what about my practice of going to worship wherever I am on a Sunday morning? Is that different? There are some who are upset that the times of worship have been changed because it doesn’t follow their ritual? To whom do I have to report or show my piety if I am in church or not on a particular Sunday? God? Family? Other Christians? When does a ritual encourage my walk with the Lord and when does it take on pride that I have accomplished some rule?
Who are the self appointed judges? How do we determine what is of God and what isn't?
Someone might ask, "Aren't some of these observances given to us by God to remind us of truth? Isn't there some value to mental or physical health to be gained by following them?"
Paul gives us answer in v. 17 These rituals he declares are a mere shadow of the things that were to come, the reality however is found din Christ. Once the reality has been realized shadows are of no value whatsoever. Shadows are like pictures, given in advance, designed to prepare us for something. But if you have found Christ, you do not need the shadow any more.
According to the Old Testament, God had established festivals and laws in order that people might realize their need for a redeemer who can save them from their own unholy and sinful hearts. The law was given to prepare the way for Christ and his grace. Much of what happened years previous were types. The Gnostics looked at the shadows of performance. Jesus looks at the heart.
Many honest seekers do not go to church today because they could not keep up with the rituals expected of them.
Next week from chapter 3 we are going to talk about sinful natures and ways we yield to temptations that destroy us and keep us bound. I do not believe Paul is saying break the laws of God, but do not think that man made rituals are going to save you or give you are better standing with God. The grace of the Lord has nothing to do with the works of man.
It is easy to time how long your prayers are in public and if you use the right words, but have no way to judge if your heart is really talking to God. So it is easy to see if you are practicing the festivals, saying grace before meals and how much money you give, than if you love the Lord with all your heart. The motive behind legalism is judging one another. God wants your heart not your performance.
God told Peter “What I have made clean is clean.” Don't play the game of judging one another by our religious rituals. That is God’s job. Only He knows the heart.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 25
Verses: Col 2:18,19 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.
19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Judging based on Religious Revelations
A couple of weeks ago we talked about how Paul warned the Colossians against emotional experiences. Part of the problem was special revelations and messages they claimed came from angelic visitors. With the popularity of New Age influences many in our society are very interested in spirit guides and angels. The paranormal has often been the focus of mystery, intrigue and attraction. There are many books on angels from various perspectives.
The Gnostics were all excited about angels. They believed since the physical and material was evil we had to go through emanations or spiritual visions like angels to get to God. That is why they felt Christ couldn't be God. He was probably one of the higher angels.
Because they couldn't believe He could be holy and in a human body at the same time, they did not possibly believe he could be God in human form. But as Paul observes this view is also false humility. Here is the reasoning "I am not good enough to come directly to God, so I will start with one of the angels." That is idolatry too.
Idolatry is when anything at all takes the place of God or the worship of God. God wants us to come to him alone. You cannot go through a minister, your parents, your church, a saint who has died, Mary, angels, or another other living or dead being.
The Bible says 1 Tim 2:5-6 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave himself as a ransom for all... "
Many people claim to have special spiritual revelations making them seem as if they have inside information on what God is saying. The result is a new set of laws and rules that must be obeyed, followed, or adhered to. Such revelations are the very thing that grows cults. Some claim to have received a special message by an angel.
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormons, claimed the angel Moroni visited him with a special message and gave him this book and told him he could interpret it with two seer stones as eye glasses, the Urim and Thummim. Assuming a new divine authority people follow his teachings. They have a new set of laws.
The game of Spiritual revelations is "I know something you don't" therefore I am more spiritual than you. It gives the feeling that those who don't have theses special messages from God are inferior in the faith. Therefore we should follow the leader who has special divine revelations.
Once again we read a clear directive from the New Testament. Heb 1:1-2 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe." or Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!"
We need to be warned about spiritual revelations. Are they of God? Are they Biblical? Is someone trying to gain a following by setting himself up as an authority?
I was reading a news article how 1,000s were leaving Jehovah Witnesses because of over 30 different predictions were given as to when Christ was to return to earth. Of course, they have all proved false. The leaders spoke from special revelations.
Many will credit the Holy Spirit to be their guide and come up with bizarre and unusual visions that are not of God. John 16:13-14 says, "When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it unto you." The job of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son, Jesus Christ, not himself. However if one is talking about Jesus and the Scriptures, be assured it is of God. If not, then beware for even revelations can be given for the wrong reason.
2 Cor 11:13-15 says; "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workman, masquerading as apostles of Christ and no wonder for Satan himself masquerade as an angel of light. It is not surprising then if his servant masquerade as servants of righteousness. There end will be what their actions deserve."
People will always seek more revelations and mystical experiences. They are never at rest. The more one seeks to find some supernatural experience, the more they find empty disappointment.
Do you remember Oral Roberts vision of a 900 foot vision of Jesus who told him to build a hospital in Tulsa Oklahoma? Unless people send him four and half million dollars he was going to die. Now this vision of God is no longer in operation. It has lost more than 10 million a year before it closed. It turned many people away form Christian truth.
These things are fascinating but not satisfying. As exciting as visions and dramatic as revelations are stick with what you know, and who you know, in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 25
Verses Col 2:20-23 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:
21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"?
22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.
23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Judging on Religious Restrictions.
Since the Gnostics viewed the body and physical world as evil they also taught a form of asceticism. This is the view that you deny yourself many of the common desires that God has given to you. Do not eat, do not touch. Don't get married. People who followed this to an extreme were monks. Shakers lived like this too. They tried to live a life of denial.
I once visited a monastery which had formerly housed people who lived under strict religious rules to gain favor with God. They slept no more than four hours at a time. Their beds were planks of wood without pillows. They also had very thin blankets so as not to get comfortable. They had required two hour prayer times in the middle of their night. They would live on a vegetarian diet. They had long periods of fasting and remained silent on special days.
1 Tim 6:17 "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
We have Christians today who would not practice extreme separatism as the monastery, but greatly restrict any activity or social contact outside their religious group. To be separate from the world is interpreted to have as little contact and possible with anyone who does not believe like they do.
The Bible tells us God created everything and made it good. Man misuses it. You can make a piece of steel and construct in such a way to be a sharp knife that exercises cancerous tumors under the guidance of a skillful surgeon. You can take the same steel knife and in the hands of a murderer to slit someone's throat.
You can have a relationship between a husband and a wife and God gave the expression of intimate and loving physical relationship from which a child can be conceived. The miracle of birth gives glory to God according to his plan. But you can take that act of sex and turn it into a lustful dirty and sinful act of shame and impurity.
Jesus often broke the traditions of man, yet without sin. Jesus was often confronted by the Pharisees regarding the laws and prayers, and ceremonies and traditions.
Do you ever feel like you can never measure up?
Beware of all false religious practices that have nothing to do with real faith or commitment to Jesus Christ. Beware of any church, pastor, or spiritual leader than imposes man made rules, ritual restrictions and revelations and makes you follow them to have greater grace of God than what is already given to us in his Christ.
When Paul met Christ he found the inner peace he was looking for. He found freedom. He found faith. He found salvation based on grace. As we will see next week, he sought to live to honor the Lord, not impress others.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Nov 27
Verses- Col 2:17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Col 3:1-4
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Judging on a Real Relationship
It was in the real living relationship, not with religion, that Paul found freedom from guilt, joy, life more abundant. He no longer had to worry about how many steps he walked on Saturday lest he offend God. That was no longer important. He didn't worry about if hair covered his ears, or how many inches from the knee the women’s dresses were.
He didn't have to concerning himself about eating a pork chop in Colossae, or if he would eat with a Gentile, for Paul was free in his love relationship enjoying the person presence of Jesus Christ. His actions came from a heart of love not a fear of doing something wrong.
That caused him to reject those rules, regulations, revelations and restrictions. He didn't worry about what others said he needed to do to be acceptable before God once he knew Jesus Christ. True religion begins with a personal relationship. He found he didn't need to add more rules to his life, he needed a heart change and nothing he could do could accomplish that. But when he let Jesus in to take over his life, Christ did the rest making him free from the consequence of all sin. Christ can do that for you today.
When I was growing up in Detroit the neighborhood kids would often gather in the street or parkway of our block. It wasn't long before some game was invented, or passed down by older brothers or sisters. It might be war, or kick the can, or hide and seek, or freeze tag, or goose and fox, or blind man's bluff. When the code is complete and the sides are chosen woe to the child who breaks the rules of the new game. There are cries. "You can't do that. It is against the rules." If something happened that most of us didn't like we'd create a new rule and say from now on that is against the rule. Rules of those games allowed us to compete fairly and have fun in a needed organized manner.
We govern our land by rules. We buy and sell products according to rules. We drive cars according to rules. We succeed in business by applying various rules of success. Although it is increasingly unpopular churches need to have business meetings according to the rules of the constitution to function properly and orderly. Is it any wonder then to think we must come up with rules to better serve God? We must look at God's rules and stop imposing stuff on ourselves and one another than are man made.
For you see when we are in a loving relationship with Jesus we want to obey not perform. Performance is for ourselves and for others, Obedience is for God. One is based on relationship the other on religion. How can you know the difference?
Susan Maycinik gives some ideas: Obedience is seeking God with your whole heart. Performance is having devotions because you'll feel guilty if you don't. Obedience is finding ways to let the Word of God dwell in your richly. Performance is quickly scanning a passage for you can check it off your Daily Bible reading plan. Obedience is inviting guest to your home for dinner. Performance is feeling anxious about if every detail of the meal will be perfect. Obedience is doing your best. Performance wants to be the best. Obedience is saying yes to whatever God asks of you. Performance is saying yes to whatever other people ask of you.
Living in religion is performance. It will wear you down until you want to quit. Living in a relationship is rewarding and enriching. It will spur you one to love God more and others.
With a renewal to God this season recommit yourself to the one who loves you the most and will sustain you when others will judge wrongly. He alone knows your heart and by the Word of God and power of the Holy Spirit will help you grow in love and less in performance.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 23
Theme Lethal Laws
Verses-
Col 2:16-23
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.
19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:
21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"?
22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.
23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Lethal Laws
One of the books required to read in my college psychology class was written by Eric Berne entitled, "Games People Play". He describes ways many people mask or seek to cover up their feelings. It is quite threatening being open and honest so people often substitute psychological games in place of living in intimacy and vulnerability. A typical example of one game he identifies is "Why don't you?...Yes, But"
In order to play this game you must have a problem with a friend, teacher, employers, or spouse. Several other people will try to give you suggestions how to solve your problem. That's the "Why don't you.." part. But each time they suggest something you say, "Yes, but.." then you shoot down that suggestion with as many reasons you can think of why it won't work for you. Of course the person really doesn't want help. She just wants to play the game for attention or sympathy. Finally the person feels the winner because nobody else can think of any more solutions for her vexing and most complicated problem. Therefore she doesn't have to work on a solution.
I bought a similar book called, "Games Christians Play" written by Judi Culbertson and Patti Bard. In a humorous and satirical way they show how some Christians play religious games which keep them from a vital real relationship with Christ or other Christians. Again the goal is seeking attention, finding excuses, or wanting sympathy. Let me give you an example.
Mary Verily wanted to be spiritual and she would too except for her husband. He was an atheist and flatly forbade her to darken the sanctuary door. Sunday morning while he listened to some rock tune, he set out mow the lawn. She would sit on her chair and sulk. "If it weren't for you.. I could be a real Christian. "If it weren't for him" she would tell her sympathetic Christian friends, "I'd bake cakes for the church socials. I'd teach Sunday school, or sing in the choir", and so forth.
One day it happened. Mary Verily's husband had been converted and worse yet he wanted to work in the church with her. But she really didn't want to at all. The prospect of standing up before anyone to teach or sing made her break out in hives. Other work in the church she felt was just a waste of time.
Another illustration is “My Bible is more underlined than yours.” One only needs colored pencils or a pen and underline more passages in his Bible and conveniently show his neighbor how holy he is by the outward impression of study. It didn’t make any difference how much he learned, but that he looked the part of a Bible student and compared himself to others so he can be in his mind, “the winner”.
Now the Paul used to be very good at those religious games. Before his own conversion he out did most people to show he was more holy. Maybe that was why he recognized it so quickly when the Gnostics were trying to get the church plant of Colossae to play some of these religious games along with false doctrine. Paul warned them against it. I dare say we need to look at ourselves closely lest we become Christian game players when it comes to our relationship with the Lord and others.
There are lots of games religious people can play to make them appear as if they are winning in spiritual pride. That is the subject of this week’s devotionals from the above passage.
Do you recognize religious games in others? Can you recognize it in yourself when you are trying to excuse or impress others with your piety?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 24
Verses- 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Judging based on Religious Rituals
In almost every letter Paul condemns legalism which threatens to cut the heart out of The Christian gospel. It seems that the Gnostics had as one of their games “I can follow more Jewish laws as a Christian than you can.” There were rituals that were ingrained in their religious culture. They were instructed by God to observe Holy days as well as the Sabbath. They had rituals as to how to dress, how to eat, who to eat with, how to worship and more. They heard about faith in Jesus Christ, but since you can’t judge one another based on what was going on inside, it was much easier to see piety based on the religious rituals if they were followed or not.
The rituals practiced on certain days and how you observed certain feasts could be observed if you are a really spiritual Christian. In fact legalistic rules are the means to judge yourself and others. Without those rituals we cannot compete very well in this game.
Part of these rituals came from their misguided belief that anything related to your body or material world was evil. Whatever is righteous is derived from good works.
Are rituals bad? I have a ritual every morning of having devotions and sharing devotions on the internet. I have a ritual of going to church every Sunday. Something is missing inside if I don’t practice worship. (of course it helps to be paid to come to church as the pastor.)
I was visiting a church where the pastor was guilting his people in coming to prayer meeting on Christmas day which happened to fall on a Wednesday night. The ritual was to have prayer as a church on Wednesdays. Rather than offer a different day or time he went on for a number of minutes telling them how coming to that meeting divided the good Christians from the carnal Christians. What better way to judge your spiritual life than come to a prayer meeting according to the rituals of Wednesday night prayer? People would cancel plans to be with family from out of town in order to please their pastor.
There was a couple visiting us from out of town. Their home church practiced door to door witnessing every Thursday night for one hour. When 7 pm came they asked to be excused and went in our area door to door witnessing. Is there anything wrong with that activity? No. But the ritual was to be reported when they returned home. This becomes a man made religious ritual.
But what about my practice of going to worship wherever I am on a Sunday morning? Is that different? There are some who are upset that the times of worship have been changed because it doesn’t follow their ritual? To whom do I have to report or show my piety if I am in church or not on a particular Sunday? God? Family? Other Christians? When does a ritual encourage my walk with the Lord and when does it take on pride that I have accomplished some rule?
Who are the self appointed judges? How do we determine what is of God and what isn't?
Someone might ask, "Aren't some of these observances given to us by God to remind us of truth? Isn't there some value to mental or physical health to be gained by following them?"
Paul gives us answer in v. 17 These rituals he declares are a mere shadow of the things that were to come, the reality however is found din Christ. Once the reality has been realized shadows are of no value whatsoever. Shadows are like pictures, given in advance, designed to prepare us for something. But if you have found Christ, you do not need the shadow any more.
According to the Old Testament, God had established festivals and laws in order that people might realize their need for a redeemer who can save them from their own unholy and sinful hearts. The law was given to prepare the way for Christ and his grace. Much of what happened years previous were types. The Gnostics looked at the shadows of performance. Jesus looks at the heart.
Many honest seekers do not go to church today because they could not keep up with the rituals expected of them.
Next week from chapter 3 we are going to talk about sinful natures and ways we yield to temptations that destroy us and keep us bound. I do not believe Paul is saying break the laws of God, but do not think that man made rituals are going to save you or give you are better standing with God. The grace of the Lord has nothing to do with the works of man.
It is easy to time how long your prayers are in public and if you use the right words, but have no way to judge if your heart is really talking to God. So it is easy to see if you are practicing the festivals, saying grace before meals and how much money you give, than if you love the Lord with all your heart. The motive behind legalism is judging one another. God wants your heart not your performance.
God told Peter “What I have made clean is clean.” Don't play the game of judging one another by our religious rituals. That is God’s job. Only He knows the heart.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 25
Verses: Col 2:18,19 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.
19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Judging based on Religious Revelations
A couple of weeks ago we talked about how Paul warned the Colossians against emotional experiences. Part of the problem was special revelations and messages they claimed came from angelic visitors. With the popularity of New Age influences many in our society are very interested in spirit guides and angels. The paranormal has often been the focus of mystery, intrigue and attraction. There are many books on angels from various perspectives.
The Gnostics were all excited about angels. They believed since the physical and material was evil we had to go through emanations or spiritual visions like angels to get to God. That is why they felt Christ couldn't be God. He was probably one of the higher angels.
Because they couldn't believe He could be holy and in a human body at the same time, they did not possibly believe he could be God in human form. But as Paul observes this view is also false humility. Here is the reasoning "I am not good enough to come directly to God, so I will start with one of the angels." That is idolatry too.
Idolatry is when anything at all takes the place of God or the worship of God. God wants us to come to him alone. You cannot go through a minister, your parents, your church, a saint who has died, Mary, angels, or another other living or dead being.
The Bible says 1 Tim 2:5-6 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave himself as a ransom for all... "
Many people claim to have special spiritual revelations making them seem as if they have inside information on what God is saying. The result is a new set of laws and rules that must be obeyed, followed, or adhered to. Such revelations are the very thing that grows cults. Some claim to have received a special message by an angel.
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormons, claimed the angel Moroni visited him with a special message and gave him this book and told him he could interpret it with two seer stones as eye glasses, the Urim and Thummim. Assuming a new divine authority people follow his teachings. They have a new set of laws.
The game of Spiritual revelations is "I know something you don't" therefore I am more spiritual than you. It gives the feeling that those who don't have theses special messages from God are inferior in the faith. Therefore we should follow the leader who has special divine revelations.
Once again we read a clear directive from the New Testament. Heb 1:1-2 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe." or Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!"
We need to be warned about spiritual revelations. Are they of God? Are they Biblical? Is someone trying to gain a following by setting himself up as an authority?
I was reading a news article how 1,000s were leaving Jehovah Witnesses because of over 30 different predictions were given as to when Christ was to return to earth. Of course, they have all proved false. The leaders spoke from special revelations.
Many will credit the Holy Spirit to be their guide and come up with bizarre and unusual visions that are not of God. John 16:13-14 says, "When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it unto you." The job of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son, Jesus Christ, not himself. However if one is talking about Jesus and the Scriptures, be assured it is of God. If not, then beware for even revelations can be given for the wrong reason.
2 Cor 11:13-15 says; "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workman, masquerading as apostles of Christ and no wonder for Satan himself masquerade as an angel of light. It is not surprising then if his servant masquerade as servants of righteousness. There end will be what their actions deserve."
People will always seek more revelations and mystical experiences. They are never at rest. The more one seeks to find some supernatural experience, the more they find empty disappointment.
Do you remember Oral Roberts vision of a 900 foot vision of Jesus who told him to build a hospital in Tulsa Oklahoma? Unless people send him four and half million dollars he was going to die. Now this vision of God is no longer in operation. It has lost more than 10 million a year before it closed. It turned many people away form Christian truth.
These things are fascinating but not satisfying. As exciting as visions and dramatic as revelations are stick with what you know, and who you know, in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 25
Verses Col 2:20-23 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:
21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"?
22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.
23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Judging on Religious Restrictions.
Since the Gnostics viewed the body and physical world as evil they also taught a form of asceticism. This is the view that you deny yourself many of the common desires that God has given to you. Do not eat, do not touch. Don't get married. People who followed this to an extreme were monks. Shakers lived like this too. They tried to live a life of denial.
I once visited a monastery which had formerly housed people who lived under strict religious rules to gain favor with God. They slept no more than four hours at a time. Their beds were planks of wood without pillows. They also had very thin blankets so as not to get comfortable. They had required two hour prayer times in the middle of their night. They would live on a vegetarian diet. They had long periods of fasting and remained silent on special days.
1 Tim 6:17 "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
We have Christians today who would not practice extreme separatism as the monastery, but greatly restrict any activity or social contact outside their religious group. To be separate from the world is interpreted to have as little contact and possible with anyone who does not believe like they do.
The Bible tells us God created everything and made it good. Man misuses it. You can make a piece of steel and construct in such a way to be a sharp knife that exercises cancerous tumors under the guidance of a skillful surgeon. You can take the same steel knife and in the hands of a murderer to slit someone's throat.
You can have a relationship between a husband and a wife and God gave the expression of intimate and loving physical relationship from which a child can be conceived. The miracle of birth gives glory to God according to his plan. But you can take that act of sex and turn it into a lustful dirty and sinful act of shame and impurity.
Jesus often broke the traditions of man, yet without sin. Jesus was often confronted by the Pharisees regarding the laws and prayers, and ceremonies and traditions.
Do you ever feel like you can never measure up?
Beware of all false religious practices that have nothing to do with real faith or commitment to Jesus Christ. Beware of any church, pastor, or spiritual leader than imposes man made rules, ritual restrictions and revelations and makes you follow them to have greater grace of God than what is already given to us in his Christ.
When Paul met Christ he found the inner peace he was looking for. He found freedom. He found faith. He found salvation based on grace. As we will see next week, he sought to live to honor the Lord, not impress others.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Nov 27
Verses- Col 2:17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Col 3:1-4
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Judging on a Real Relationship
It was in the real living relationship, not with religion, that Paul found freedom from guilt, joy, life more abundant. He no longer had to worry about how many steps he walked on Saturday lest he offend God. That was no longer important. He didn't worry about if hair covered his ears, or how many inches from the knee the women’s dresses were.
He didn't have to concerning himself about eating a pork chop in Colossae, or if he would eat with a Gentile, for Paul was free in his love relationship enjoying the person presence of Jesus Christ. His actions came from a heart of love not a fear of doing something wrong.
That caused him to reject those rules, regulations, revelations and restrictions. He didn't worry about what others said he needed to do to be acceptable before God once he knew Jesus Christ. True religion begins with a personal relationship. He found he didn't need to add more rules to his life, he needed a heart change and nothing he could do could accomplish that. But when he let Jesus in to take over his life, Christ did the rest making him free from the consequence of all sin. Christ can do that for you today.
When I was growing up in Detroit the neighborhood kids would often gather in the street or parkway of our block. It wasn't long before some game was invented, or passed down by older brothers or sisters. It might be war, or kick the can, or hide and seek, or freeze tag, or goose and fox, or blind man's bluff. When the code is complete and the sides are chosen woe to the child who breaks the rules of the new game. There are cries. "You can't do that. It is against the rules." If something happened that most of us didn't like we'd create a new rule and say from now on that is against the rule. Rules of those games allowed us to compete fairly and have fun in a needed organized manner.
We govern our land by rules. We buy and sell products according to rules. We drive cars according to rules. We succeed in business by applying various rules of success. Although it is increasingly unpopular churches need to have business meetings according to the rules of the constitution to function properly and orderly. Is it any wonder then to think we must come up with rules to better serve God? We must look at God's rules and stop imposing stuff on ourselves and one another than are man made.
For you see when we are in a loving relationship with Jesus we want to obey not perform. Performance is for ourselves and for others, Obedience is for God. One is based on relationship the other on religion. How can you know the difference?
Susan Maycinik gives some ideas: Obedience is seeking God with your whole heart. Performance is having devotions because you'll feel guilty if you don't. Obedience is finding ways to let the Word of God dwell in your richly. Performance is quickly scanning a passage for you can check it off your Daily Bible reading plan. Obedience is inviting guest to your home for dinner. Performance is feeling anxious about if every detail of the meal will be perfect. Obedience is doing your best. Performance wants to be the best. Obedience is saying yes to whatever God asks of you. Performance is saying yes to whatever other people ask of you.
Living in religion is performance. It will wear you down until you want to quit. Living in a relationship is rewarding and enriching. It will spur you one to love God more and others.
With a renewal to God this season recommit yourself to the one who loves you the most and will sustain you when others will judge wrongly. He alone knows your heart and by the Word of God and power of the Holy Spirit will help you grow in love and less in performance.
Pastor Dale
Friday, November 20, 2009
Complete in Christ Colossians 2:8-15
Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 16
Theme -Complete in Christ
Verses Col 2:8-15
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
Complete in Christ
I had to admit I was surprised when I went into a friend’s house and saw in one of their rooms the poster of the signs of the zodiac. Although my friend was a Christian she would faithfully read her horoscope and take some precautions based on what the statement said.
When I first set up my computer to automatically open to personalized home page a few years ago I could pick some personal data and interests so Yahoo would open with some national, world and local new headline news. I found out how to click one button and get the latest Cambridge weather, Minnesota professional ball team scores but it automatically included other information for your-health news, and generally how the stock market was doing and a horoscope. After a long time I figured out how to eliminate some stuff I didn’t want.
Although it is right in front of me I have never once read my daily horoscope on the internet. There are people who guide their decisions based on what celestial sign they were born under. Some people date others they think their signs are compatible. To read one's horoscope out of curiosity and amusement may be innocent to some. But there are far more that get their guidance for life from the stars. Star gazing is nothing new. In fact it permeated the cultures surrounding Israel and when the Gentiles started coming to faith in Jesus Christ some of them carried over old pagan customs.
Part of the theme of Colossians is to tell the truth from falsehood and making believers beware of how other teachings can mislead them and shipwreck their faith in Christ.
Last week we were talking about the problem of cults and authority in life. We looked at this passage of Scripture and throughout this chapter Paul warns them about making emotional experiences their authority, He warns them about making liberalism or humanism or personal intellect the ultimate authority in life. He cautions them against traditions. Jesus Christ and his word is the only reliable authority for truth. As cults are going around us there are many voices that call us to determine our decisions and use as our direction a variety of sources.
Paul wanted to meet this problem head on in the church. He already made his position clear in his hymn on the supremacy of Christ 1:15-20. Now he applies this truth to details of the false teaching in Colossae. We confronted with evil teaching, most of us attack it and try to point out what is wrong with it, but here the apostle does not do that. He reviews for the Colossian Christians what they already have in Jesus. He calls them back to the truth and sets it before them.
We do well remembering the important truth that we are Complete in Christ.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 17
Verses Col 2:8-11
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ,
Christ is Complete in Truth
As we remind ourselves of the fullness of Christ, Paul pointed out how Christ more than supplied their needs. Not only could Christians find fullness of life in Christ but Christ also made sacramental rites obsolete and swept away all legalistic demands and took on all the spiritual forces of the enemy. We don’t need other things from us to complete the work of Jesus.
The Christians were in danger then and in danger now when false doctrine creeps into our thinking. Too many groups will seek salvation from Jesus AND something else. It usually includes some legalist requirement to add to the works or words of Jesus.
It is in horror that we are reading and hearing about a young child named Shaniya Davis who was allegedly kidnapped and used for child sex trafficking in North Carolina. People she trusted abuse her and left her for dead.
Much less publicity is given of spiritual kidnappers who take innocent people and lead them to false doctrines and beliefs which keep them in spiritual death. There are many spiritual kidnappers out there taking the unprotected and enslaving them in spiritual bondage and blindness and in the end leave them dead to the Lord. Many uninformed believers fall into falsehood. Many Christians are led astray looking for something more exciting too their faith,
Some of the Spiritual cults make people think something is missing and the Jesus isn't enough. Certainly we want to grow in our understanding of truth revealed in the Bible. We want to experience a closer walk with the Lord. But there is no new truth that we don’t already have, it may be seeking to understand it better. Many teach a different gospel or looking for an inner experience to add to faith in Christ. Dissatisfaction with our spiritual lives causes folks to add to their beliefs and seek things that are new. When someone says there are secrets to ultimate happiness who doesn't want to know the secrets?
A general belief in Paul’s time was that spiritual beings frequently associated with planet and stars -controlled every man's future. This ancient astrology, along with the ideas that secret knowledge enabled man to control the power of these things seemed to creep into false teaching of the Gnostics in Colossae. You don't need the stars when you know the maker of the stars.
Paul shows us that all fullness dwells in Christ. Christ is complete. When you have Jesus you have all of God. We have all of the Holy Spirit. He may not have all of you, but what more do you need? What more can anybody add to that? What new experience, what other additional divine person can you receive than what you have already received when you have Jesus? It may be that we need to discover more of what it means to have Christ in our hearts. That is a lifelong process. We shall always be growing in appreciation and understanding of what it means to have Christ, but the point is -You do not need anything more than you already have in Him. You merely need to understand more of what you have received.
I preached a sermon once entitled “more of Jesus and less of me”. Trying make one point, I was confusing the doctrine that we are complete in Christ. We take too often the me centered faith instead of the Christ centered faith. We do need to take up our cross daily and follow him. We need to give to him our sin and remove those barriers to spiritual intimacy. We may need maturity, but we have been given all things in Christ.
Jesus is complete in truth. There is not more truth spiritually that you need. The Philosophies of this world, the elementary principles are false compared to the truth that is found in Jesus.
When Jesus said "I am the truth." He could say that because He was God. He was the creator. John 2 say in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. vs. 24 the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld the glory, glory as of the only begotten of the father, full of grace and truth. Because Christ is the creator and upon all power and principles rest there is nothing else that serves as our authority.
Dr. V. Elving Anderson on the nations leading geneticists from the University of Minnesota. and on the board of regents for Bethel for many years, had written a few articles. Many people of the past worshiped the sun, moon or stars, but the Bible teaches that only God is worthy of worship. Pagan worshipers sought "supernatural" explanations for phenomena such as weather, but the Bible demythologizes nature. In our sophisticated age there is still a temptation to indulge in nature worship. Silence about God in nature will end in the deification of nature, and pseudo-religion under the disguise of science which will take the place of religion."
He is making the distinction between science (the discovering of God's world), and scientism, (the faith that says all that exists is natural.) Many make science their religion to explain not how things work, but why they work as well."
Don't be captive by hollow and deceptive philosophy. Paul said it. Dr. Russell Arndt, a retired Chemistry professor at St. Cloud University, said in his writing on Creation and evolution "The evidence clearly points to a creator. Philosophies that exclude Christ are vain and empty. True wisdom must begin with God at the center of the world and explanation stem from Him."
Don’t let the popular New Age phenomena or empty religious fads be something that must be ADDED to your faith. There is completeness in the truth of Jesus through the Bible.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 18
Verses Col 2: 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
Christ is Complete in Character
Not only is Christ complete in truth as we mentioned yesterday, He is complete also in character. He is the fullness of all deity. I've heard it said by Jehovah Witnesses that nowhere in the Bible does it say that Christ is God, nor does He make any such personal claims. That shows they do not study the Bible. Either they are trying to deceive knowingly or they are ignorant of the many places the divinity of Jesus is stated and implied.
Most versions translate verse 9 “all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form”. Some translate fullness of Godhead which is the same thing. Jesus could not be just a good teacher without accepting Him as the Son of God. He used that term of Himself. To make those claims as C.S. Lewis suggested, would make Jesus a liar or crazy. Who would consider a liar or crazy man a great teacher?
Jesus claimed “I am the son of God”, he said, “before Abraham was born I am" not "I was" or "I will be." but "I am" meaning there never was a time when I ceased to exist.
God said, "this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." Other statements Jesus said of Himself were these: "I have the power to lay down life and I have the power to raise it up again." Jesus said "He who glorifies me glorifies my father," "He that hates me, hates my father. He that loves me, loves my father. I am my Father are one." "He that has seen me has seen my father, he that rejects me rejects my father." "I am the only way to God." "I have all power and authority in heaven and on earth," No human has all authority on earth, not to mention heaven. But He has all power in heaven and on earth. He is the fullness of deity in bodily form.
As the sinless son of God He is complete in character. All the claims God made of himself in the Old Testament are made of Christ in the New Testament: the good shepherd, the way the truth the light; why else did the demons shutter in fear when they were in the presence of Jesus? Fullness means the sum total of all that God is and all His being and all His attributes.
If you want to find one main area with which cults differ from us it is in the understanding of who Jesus Christ is. Most will deny his deity. Most will argue that others are equal or superior authorities. Most will take his view and incorporate other views with them.
Protection against false teaching begins with a realization Jesus Christ is all in all. Christ is complete for salvation. We don't need anything else to have a right relationship with the Father. Jesus conquered all evil on the cross. When we identify with Jesus in his death and burial and resurrection we are completely clean before God. He disarmed Satan and the demons and made a public spectacle of them exposing their deceit and vileness. He triumphed over them and disgraced and defeated them v. 15.
There is nothing else you can add to your salvation. It is not Jesus and something else. It is Jesus alone. It is not Jesus and the church, Jesus and baptism, Jesus and performance. It is not Jesus and a special revelation. It is Jesus alone who saves and believe in his works is enough to save you. All fullness is in Christ.
There is nothing else you need. Christ is complete in truth complete in character and complete in salvation.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 19
Verses- Col 2:11-14
11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ,
12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
Christ is Complete in Forgiveness
When Gods' Spirit comes into our lives we are made complete the way God intended us to be. We were dead to the Lord and now by faith in the works of Jesus Christ we are made alive. All our sins have been forgiven. We are complete in him because he dwells in us and has that power to bring us spiritual life.
Christ is complete in forgiveness. We are forgiven from all the past. Because of that, we are complete in Christ.
The Gnostic legalists said that Jewish laws could help the believers become more spiritual if they were circumcised and follow certain days and practices- they would be part of the Holy Elite. Paul uses the illustration of circumcision to point to the past.
Circumcision in the Old Testament is when the Jews had the foreskins from the male organ delicately removed. It was an early sign of belonging to God. Paul explains this was a sign of putting off the sinful nature and being in the family of God by means of the covenant.
Thus when our Lord was crucified the sin that he assumed on our behalf was removed. That is the point. The foreskin of the flesh is a symbol of the fallen nature, the flesh, within us. When we become a Christian the past works of the flesh are revealed for what it is, worthless in God's sight. So the figure of uncircumcision represented sin. Uncircumisized lips meant unholy and vile words and lies, gossip, slander. Uncircumcised heart was sinful and corrupt hearts. A circumcised heart was a heart that was seeking Gods' righteousness and holiness not man's fleshly way of doing things.
In a symbolic manner, Christ is the one that circumcises us. He uses some contrasts with a priest when it comes to the past. The Jews had an external surgery. Believers have an internal surgery of their hearts. the Jews had part of their bodies affected, the believers have their whole body of sin removed; the Jewish was done by hands, the believer’s baptism is by Christ through the Holy Spirit. The Jew found no spiritual help in conquering sin; but spiritual circumcision overcomes sin. Christ circumcises us by putting off our sinful nature. He cuts off our fleshly way, or our human way, of doing things.
Sin is no longer an issue in our relationships with God. It may affect our fellowship, but not our relationship. He has fully dealt with it. Our sins have been nailed to the cross so they no longer condemn us. We are freed from the power of evil.
There are many cults and teachings that you have to pay for your sins, or do penance. Some folks never have that assurance of freedom from guilt. But all our sins have been forgiven because our lives have been holy before God in Christ Jesus
The Bible also uses the figure of baptism to symbolize our new life with God. Baptism is that physical and visible form of identifying with Christ and his people. There are similarities of the two symbols. Just as circumcision was outward this didn’t necessarily affect the inward life, so baptism can be an outward action that may not necessarily affect your inward life. Baptism was the sign of knowingly and deliberately leaving one's way of life and beliefs for another. It was a voluntary conscious and deliberate act of the will. But what is points to is the work of the Spirit of God in given us new life from above.
If you have been saved baptism is a matter of public testimony of your new faith in Christ. We are complete in Jesus because of the present relationship we have. We walk with God. Jesus is with us wherever we go. We don't go to church to find him, he is within us. He does not leave us comfortless. We have what we need in this personal and close relationship with the living Lord. This is the abiding with Christ that makes our life an adventure.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 20
Verses- Col 2:11-15 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.(NIV)
Christ is Complete in Victory
Because in Christ there is complete forgiveness we have hope in the complete victory of Christ over Satan.
Our culture has changed dramatically in the last few years. With many other cultures coming in there are many non Christian religions-Buddhist, Muslims, Hindus, as well as influences of New Age beliefs. The thing that is lacking in non Christian religions is eternal hope. All other religions are mans' way of getting to God. The Bible shows that salvation comes through Christ’s works on the cross as God comes down to man to seek and save the lost. It is not by our striving, but faith in accepting the gift provided by our Lord.
All groups hope they will go to a happy place after death, but do not know for sure. They believe some cosmic force or god will determine if their works were good enough.
Paul gives us confident hope because Jesus took on the very battle against Satan himself. He went to the cross in order that our sins can be canceled and forgiven. Jesus took the worse thing that Satan could throw his way- suffering and death. That is all he can do. But by the power of the Almighty Jesus was able to have Satan play right into his hands. For the grave could not hold him, now no grave of a believer can hold him. That is hope we have at funeral services.
Jesus striped Satan of his power over our lives. v. 15 He disarmed them. We have the power of God to withstand the fiery darts of the evil one. If we understand who we are in Christ and what we have in him, there is no need to be weak, faltering, or failing. The true Christian has been made complete in what Christ has done for us. He has a whole new basis of living.
Paul was not afraid of the truth. But the greatest truth is Jesus Christ. When people are saying you need something more to add to your faith in Christ, beware.
This hope is explained an this passage in three ways. First it is a resurrection from the dead. A dead person cannot help himself. Christ comes and makes one alive. They are now alive to God.
The second figurative expression is canceling the written code. It is paying the debt, or eliminating the IOU. It is paying the price of our bill.
If someone walked into the bank and gave the money for your mortgage the house now is yours free and clear. You owe nothing more. By nailing our debt to the cross we have been purchased by our Lord. We are free from the bondage that Satan had upon us.
The third picture of salvation is like a military victory or triumph over the enemy. Jesus sees His death and resurrection a triumph over the enemy of evil, Satan and all his demons. He won the war over our soul and over Satan's power over us. After a great conquest in that day the king would ride back into his city with his army and behind them bound would be the parade of prisoners on display as defeated for all to see. This is the disarming of the powers and authority and made public spectacle of them.
Christ is complete in his victory and that hope is available to all who believe and receive Jesus is their Lord and Savior. We are complete in Christ.
Pastor Dale
Theme -Complete in Christ
Verses Col 2:8-15
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
Complete in Christ
I had to admit I was surprised when I went into a friend’s house and saw in one of their rooms the poster of the signs of the zodiac. Although my friend was a Christian she would faithfully read her horoscope and take some precautions based on what the statement said.
When I first set up my computer to automatically open to personalized home page a few years ago I could pick some personal data and interests so Yahoo would open with some national, world and local new headline news. I found out how to click one button and get the latest Cambridge weather, Minnesota professional ball team scores but it automatically included other information for your-health news, and generally how the stock market was doing and a horoscope. After a long time I figured out how to eliminate some stuff I didn’t want.
Although it is right in front of me I have never once read my daily horoscope on the internet. There are people who guide their decisions based on what celestial sign they were born under. Some people date others they think their signs are compatible. To read one's horoscope out of curiosity and amusement may be innocent to some. But there are far more that get their guidance for life from the stars. Star gazing is nothing new. In fact it permeated the cultures surrounding Israel and when the Gentiles started coming to faith in Jesus Christ some of them carried over old pagan customs.
Part of the theme of Colossians is to tell the truth from falsehood and making believers beware of how other teachings can mislead them and shipwreck their faith in Christ.
Last week we were talking about the problem of cults and authority in life. We looked at this passage of Scripture and throughout this chapter Paul warns them about making emotional experiences their authority, He warns them about making liberalism or humanism or personal intellect the ultimate authority in life. He cautions them against traditions. Jesus Christ and his word is the only reliable authority for truth. As cults are going around us there are many voices that call us to determine our decisions and use as our direction a variety of sources.
Paul wanted to meet this problem head on in the church. He already made his position clear in his hymn on the supremacy of Christ 1:15-20. Now he applies this truth to details of the false teaching in Colossae. We confronted with evil teaching, most of us attack it and try to point out what is wrong with it, but here the apostle does not do that. He reviews for the Colossian Christians what they already have in Jesus. He calls them back to the truth and sets it before them.
We do well remembering the important truth that we are Complete in Christ.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 17
Verses Col 2:8-11
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ,
Christ is Complete in Truth
As we remind ourselves of the fullness of Christ, Paul pointed out how Christ more than supplied their needs. Not only could Christians find fullness of life in Christ but Christ also made sacramental rites obsolete and swept away all legalistic demands and took on all the spiritual forces of the enemy. We don’t need other things from us to complete the work of Jesus.
The Christians were in danger then and in danger now when false doctrine creeps into our thinking. Too many groups will seek salvation from Jesus AND something else. It usually includes some legalist requirement to add to the works or words of Jesus.
It is in horror that we are reading and hearing about a young child named Shaniya Davis who was allegedly kidnapped and used for child sex trafficking in North Carolina. People she trusted abuse her and left her for dead.
Much less publicity is given of spiritual kidnappers who take innocent people and lead them to false doctrines and beliefs which keep them in spiritual death. There are many spiritual kidnappers out there taking the unprotected and enslaving them in spiritual bondage and blindness and in the end leave them dead to the Lord. Many uninformed believers fall into falsehood. Many Christians are led astray looking for something more exciting too their faith,
Some of the Spiritual cults make people think something is missing and the Jesus isn't enough. Certainly we want to grow in our understanding of truth revealed in the Bible. We want to experience a closer walk with the Lord. But there is no new truth that we don’t already have, it may be seeking to understand it better. Many teach a different gospel or looking for an inner experience to add to faith in Christ. Dissatisfaction with our spiritual lives causes folks to add to their beliefs and seek things that are new. When someone says there are secrets to ultimate happiness who doesn't want to know the secrets?
A general belief in Paul’s time was that spiritual beings frequently associated with planet and stars -controlled every man's future. This ancient astrology, along with the ideas that secret knowledge enabled man to control the power of these things seemed to creep into false teaching of the Gnostics in Colossae. You don't need the stars when you know the maker of the stars.
Paul shows us that all fullness dwells in Christ. Christ is complete. When you have Jesus you have all of God. We have all of the Holy Spirit. He may not have all of you, but what more do you need? What more can anybody add to that? What new experience, what other additional divine person can you receive than what you have already received when you have Jesus? It may be that we need to discover more of what it means to have Christ in our hearts. That is a lifelong process. We shall always be growing in appreciation and understanding of what it means to have Christ, but the point is -You do not need anything more than you already have in Him. You merely need to understand more of what you have received.
I preached a sermon once entitled “more of Jesus and less of me”. Trying make one point, I was confusing the doctrine that we are complete in Christ. We take too often the me centered faith instead of the Christ centered faith. We do need to take up our cross daily and follow him. We need to give to him our sin and remove those barriers to spiritual intimacy. We may need maturity, but we have been given all things in Christ.
Jesus is complete in truth. There is not more truth spiritually that you need. The Philosophies of this world, the elementary principles are false compared to the truth that is found in Jesus.
When Jesus said "I am the truth." He could say that because He was God. He was the creator. John 2 say in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. vs. 24 the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld the glory, glory as of the only begotten of the father, full of grace and truth. Because Christ is the creator and upon all power and principles rest there is nothing else that serves as our authority.
Dr. V. Elving Anderson on the nations leading geneticists from the University of Minnesota. and on the board of regents for Bethel for many years, had written a few articles. Many people of the past worshiped the sun, moon or stars, but the Bible teaches that only God is worthy of worship. Pagan worshipers sought "supernatural" explanations for phenomena such as weather, but the Bible demythologizes nature. In our sophisticated age there is still a temptation to indulge in nature worship. Silence about God in nature will end in the deification of nature, and pseudo-religion under the disguise of science which will take the place of religion."
He is making the distinction between science (the discovering of God's world), and scientism, (the faith that says all that exists is natural.) Many make science their religion to explain not how things work, but why they work as well."
Don't be captive by hollow and deceptive philosophy. Paul said it. Dr. Russell Arndt, a retired Chemistry professor at St. Cloud University, said in his writing on Creation and evolution "The evidence clearly points to a creator. Philosophies that exclude Christ are vain and empty. True wisdom must begin with God at the center of the world and explanation stem from Him."
Don’t let the popular New Age phenomena or empty religious fads be something that must be ADDED to your faith. There is completeness in the truth of Jesus through the Bible.
Pastor Dale.
Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 18
Verses Col 2: 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
Christ is Complete in Character
Not only is Christ complete in truth as we mentioned yesterday, He is complete also in character. He is the fullness of all deity. I've heard it said by Jehovah Witnesses that nowhere in the Bible does it say that Christ is God, nor does He make any such personal claims. That shows they do not study the Bible. Either they are trying to deceive knowingly or they are ignorant of the many places the divinity of Jesus is stated and implied.
Most versions translate verse 9 “all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form”. Some translate fullness of Godhead which is the same thing. Jesus could not be just a good teacher without accepting Him as the Son of God. He used that term of Himself. To make those claims as C.S. Lewis suggested, would make Jesus a liar or crazy. Who would consider a liar or crazy man a great teacher?
Jesus claimed “I am the son of God”, he said, “before Abraham was born I am" not "I was" or "I will be." but "I am" meaning there never was a time when I ceased to exist.
God said, "this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." Other statements Jesus said of Himself were these: "I have the power to lay down life and I have the power to raise it up again." Jesus said "He who glorifies me glorifies my father," "He that hates me, hates my father. He that loves me, loves my father. I am my Father are one." "He that has seen me has seen my father, he that rejects me rejects my father." "I am the only way to God." "I have all power and authority in heaven and on earth," No human has all authority on earth, not to mention heaven. But He has all power in heaven and on earth. He is the fullness of deity in bodily form.
As the sinless son of God He is complete in character. All the claims God made of himself in the Old Testament are made of Christ in the New Testament: the good shepherd, the way the truth the light; why else did the demons shutter in fear when they were in the presence of Jesus? Fullness means the sum total of all that God is and all His being and all His attributes.
If you want to find one main area with which cults differ from us it is in the understanding of who Jesus Christ is. Most will deny his deity. Most will argue that others are equal or superior authorities. Most will take his view and incorporate other views with them.
Protection against false teaching begins with a realization Jesus Christ is all in all. Christ is complete for salvation. We don't need anything else to have a right relationship with the Father. Jesus conquered all evil on the cross. When we identify with Jesus in his death and burial and resurrection we are completely clean before God. He disarmed Satan and the demons and made a public spectacle of them exposing their deceit and vileness. He triumphed over them and disgraced and defeated them v. 15.
There is nothing else you can add to your salvation. It is not Jesus and something else. It is Jesus alone. It is not Jesus and the church, Jesus and baptism, Jesus and performance. It is not Jesus and a special revelation. It is Jesus alone who saves and believe in his works is enough to save you. All fullness is in Christ.
There is nothing else you need. Christ is complete in truth complete in character and complete in salvation.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 19
Verses- Col 2:11-14
11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ,
12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
Christ is Complete in Forgiveness
When Gods' Spirit comes into our lives we are made complete the way God intended us to be. We were dead to the Lord and now by faith in the works of Jesus Christ we are made alive. All our sins have been forgiven. We are complete in him because he dwells in us and has that power to bring us spiritual life.
Christ is complete in forgiveness. We are forgiven from all the past. Because of that, we are complete in Christ.
The Gnostic legalists said that Jewish laws could help the believers become more spiritual if they were circumcised and follow certain days and practices- they would be part of the Holy Elite. Paul uses the illustration of circumcision to point to the past.
Circumcision in the Old Testament is when the Jews had the foreskins from the male organ delicately removed. It was an early sign of belonging to God. Paul explains this was a sign of putting off the sinful nature and being in the family of God by means of the covenant.
Thus when our Lord was crucified the sin that he assumed on our behalf was removed. That is the point. The foreskin of the flesh is a symbol of the fallen nature, the flesh, within us. When we become a Christian the past works of the flesh are revealed for what it is, worthless in God's sight. So the figure of uncircumcision represented sin. Uncircumisized lips meant unholy and vile words and lies, gossip, slander. Uncircumcised heart was sinful and corrupt hearts. A circumcised heart was a heart that was seeking Gods' righteousness and holiness not man's fleshly way of doing things.
In a symbolic manner, Christ is the one that circumcises us. He uses some contrasts with a priest when it comes to the past. The Jews had an external surgery. Believers have an internal surgery of their hearts. the Jews had part of their bodies affected, the believers have their whole body of sin removed; the Jewish was done by hands, the believer’s baptism is by Christ through the Holy Spirit. The Jew found no spiritual help in conquering sin; but spiritual circumcision overcomes sin. Christ circumcises us by putting off our sinful nature. He cuts off our fleshly way, or our human way, of doing things.
Sin is no longer an issue in our relationships with God. It may affect our fellowship, but not our relationship. He has fully dealt with it. Our sins have been nailed to the cross so they no longer condemn us. We are freed from the power of evil.
There are many cults and teachings that you have to pay for your sins, or do penance. Some folks never have that assurance of freedom from guilt. But all our sins have been forgiven because our lives have been holy before God in Christ Jesus
The Bible also uses the figure of baptism to symbolize our new life with God. Baptism is that physical and visible form of identifying with Christ and his people. There are similarities of the two symbols. Just as circumcision was outward this didn’t necessarily affect the inward life, so baptism can be an outward action that may not necessarily affect your inward life. Baptism was the sign of knowingly and deliberately leaving one's way of life and beliefs for another. It was a voluntary conscious and deliberate act of the will. But what is points to is the work of the Spirit of God in given us new life from above.
If you have been saved baptism is a matter of public testimony of your new faith in Christ. We are complete in Jesus because of the present relationship we have. We walk with God. Jesus is with us wherever we go. We don't go to church to find him, he is within us. He does not leave us comfortless. We have what we need in this personal and close relationship with the living Lord. This is the abiding with Christ that makes our life an adventure.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 20
Verses- Col 2:11-15 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.(NIV)
Christ is Complete in Victory
Because in Christ there is complete forgiveness we have hope in the complete victory of Christ over Satan.
Our culture has changed dramatically in the last few years. With many other cultures coming in there are many non Christian religions-Buddhist, Muslims, Hindus, as well as influences of New Age beliefs. The thing that is lacking in non Christian religions is eternal hope. All other religions are mans' way of getting to God. The Bible shows that salvation comes through Christ’s works on the cross as God comes down to man to seek and save the lost. It is not by our striving, but faith in accepting the gift provided by our Lord.
All groups hope they will go to a happy place after death, but do not know for sure. They believe some cosmic force or god will determine if their works were good enough.
Paul gives us confident hope because Jesus took on the very battle against Satan himself. He went to the cross in order that our sins can be canceled and forgiven. Jesus took the worse thing that Satan could throw his way- suffering and death. That is all he can do. But by the power of the Almighty Jesus was able to have Satan play right into his hands. For the grave could not hold him, now no grave of a believer can hold him. That is hope we have at funeral services.
Jesus striped Satan of his power over our lives. v. 15 He disarmed them. We have the power of God to withstand the fiery darts of the evil one. If we understand who we are in Christ and what we have in him, there is no need to be weak, faltering, or failing. The true Christian has been made complete in what Christ has done for us. He has a whole new basis of living.
Paul was not afraid of the truth. But the greatest truth is Jesus Christ. When people are saying you need something more to add to your faith in Christ, beware.
This hope is explained an this passage in three ways. First it is a resurrection from the dead. A dead person cannot help himself. Christ comes and makes one alive. They are now alive to God.
The second figurative expression is canceling the written code. It is paying the debt, or eliminating the IOU. It is paying the price of our bill.
If someone walked into the bank and gave the money for your mortgage the house now is yours free and clear. You owe nothing more. By nailing our debt to the cross we have been purchased by our Lord. We are free from the bondage that Satan had upon us.
The third picture of salvation is like a military victory or triumph over the enemy. Jesus sees His death and resurrection a triumph over the enemy of evil, Satan and all his demons. He won the war over our soul and over Satan's power over us. After a great conquest in that day the king would ride back into his city with his army and behind them bound would be the parade of prisoners on display as defeated for all to see. This is the disarming of the powers and authority and made public spectacle of them.
Christ is complete in his victory and that hope is available to all who believe and receive Jesus is their Lord and Savior. We are complete in Christ.
Pastor Dale
Friday, November 13, 2009
Christ and the Cults - Colossains 2:1-9
Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 9
Theme CHRIST AND THE CULTS
Verses- Col 2:1-9
1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.
2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
Believer, Beware
All around us there are voices of deception. I am shocked by the ways people are mislead into believing all kinds of things under the pretence religious meaning. On national news recently was exposed the violence and coercion of the Scientology church made more popular by followers, John Travolta and Tom Cruise. Even some of the leaders have now left the organization to the threat of personal attack by the craze leader, David Miscavige.
The 50th anniversary of Rev Sun Myung Moon of the Church of Unification brought 1000s of couples in a united arranged marriage that was made public recently. He has been teaching for years he is the Messiah.
Within the Christian tradition many churches and pastors have sprung off into cult like teachings where their insights, and visions, and special interpretations lead folks away from Biblical teaching, including established groups like Jehovah Witnesses, and Mormons.
The health and wealth TV preachers who bilk 1000s out of their offerings allowing them to live lavish life styles resulted in many people reject all religion and give up on the Christian church.
Someone can might say, "What a minute, Christians believe in a man who came back from the dead. He ascended to heaven. He claimed to be the Son of God. He invites me to leave everything and even my family if necessary to follow him and join a community of believers. He invites me to take up my cross. The Lord tells us not to be surprised when people make fun of us or think we are foolish. He calls me to die so that I might live. And then he tells me he is coming back for me so I can join him in paradise the next level.”
I can ask how can so many New Age teachers and followers be so foolish? But there are people asking that of those who take the following of Jesus Christ seriously. We need to look at the differences of the claims of Christ and compare them to the claims of other voices saying there is a different way.
From the beginning of time people have been deceived from the truth. Satan did what he does best which is to lead people into lies. He takes the word of God and the relationship that people have with Him and distorts and confuses people into focusing their faith into other things than what is revealed. We have had members of our church visited by cult members who promise them personal attention and Bible study. With a certain amount of Bible twisting they are very good as taking new or uninformed Christians and winning them over to their group which denies the divinity of Jesus Christ.
The Bible even tells us in the last days there will be a multitude of deceivers who will do everything to keep people from faith in Jesus
Throughout the next three weeks as we study from chapter 2 we will be looking at many of the warnings from the Bible that cause people to be held captive with lies. Just because someone says they are teaching from the Bible do not believe it. Read it in context for yourself. I have said many time do not take my word for things, also check them out in the Bible.
This last weekend while I was at the Minnesota Baptist Conference Annual meeting in Duluth, the Hispanic church planter gave his testimony. He said some that although I didn’t like, it was true. He said, “Most people will seldom read the Bible. Instead they will find out and believe what the Bible says through their pastors.”
I frankly stopped listening to him since I spend my time pondering those words. People seek truth more through other people than through looking at the Scriptures themselves. If they follow a leaders who teachings something is from the Bible, they seldom check it out. Most do not feel confident enough to understand the Bible so leave it up to those who are better trained. But unfortunately it leads folks to follow those who are more articulate and have charismatic personalities.
Paul warns the Colossians about deceptive authority that misleads them from the truth of Christ.
Believer, Beware! If something seems fishy, check it out!
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 10
Verses- Col 2: 1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.
2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Beware of the Emotions of Experience
Paul wants his reader to be encouraged in their hearts and united in love. Those are emotional parts of our being. When we worship God we do worship Him in spirit and in truth. Many Christians are afraid of emotion. They are afraid of expressing their love or praise to God from their heart lest they be looked upon in our setting as out of control.
Our area, with strong Swedish roots, folks tend not to show much emotion. But of course that is changing as our culture changes. Our older churches and folks have a harder time showing their feelings in worship, whither by crying or laughing, or shouting, or clapping. That is not so in the South, or Latin American countries, or among some other ethnic groups. The showing of emotions can be a cultural thing.
It can also be a doctrinal thing. We are not what people call a charismatic church. Nor are we a liturgical church where every prayer and all responses are carefully scripted out before any service begins. A charismatic service generally implies lots of emotion which can include shouting, hand raising, clapping, and usually speaking in tongues. Sometimes it can include healings and anointing, fainting, dancing, visions and prophecies they say are from impressions from the Lord. Each church and pastor may handle those manifestations differently.
The fear of being emotional can also cause some people to quench the movement of the Spirit of God. There are many verses which speak of raising hands as expressions of praise to God. But you should see the looks on some faces when some people desire to raise their hands or clap with the music! True praise can exhibit itself in many forms. It can include musical instruments and also be without instruments; with organ or with drums. God wants to have people tell him they love him.
But there is also a warning that we need to take to heart. For some emotions of experiences take precedent over the revealed truth of God. He speaks about this also further v.(18-19) I will be writing on this later, but there are people who are having emotional experiences who take their trust and faith in the experience over the truth. Personal visions or tongues speaking become more important than being grounded in the Bible. Worship of angels apparently became an issue in Colossae. Their new messages based on those experiences were lead some astray.
Some people judge spiritual reality based on feelings or emotions. Some people question others salvation if they haven’t experienced tongues or some other feeling or emotion or revelation. Some people do not feel forgiven or not feel that God loves them, which goes against what the Bible says. If you are sincere in confession of your sins God is faithful and will forgive you. That is a faith based on fact not feeling. If you put your faith in Jesus Christ to save you that is fact, not feeling.
When Peter was on the Mount of Transfiguration, who wouldn't have enjoyed that experience of special revelation of Elijah and Moses and Jesus? Peter wanted to stay there all the time. "Let’s erect shelters for each and stay here" Jesus was not a made up story. The transfiguration was not a cleverly devised tale. But notice what Peter said in 2 Peter 1:19-21 he spoke of something being made “more sure”. What could be more sure than something he had witnessed in person? Nothing could be any more sure than what he personally experienced. Yet Peter said, “so we are even more confident of the message proclaimed by the prophets.”
In others words Peter was saying there is something even more trustworthy that what he saw and heard himself-namely the words written by men who were guided by the Holy Spirit of God. Then he says the Bible is not a matter of private interpretation. It is not a matter of human will. It is God breathed as men recorded it.
Apparently in Colossians some people had experiences of worshiping angels. Maybe someone met an angel and that experience is causing everyone to want to experience angels. There are supernatural things that happen beyond other explanations you know. Some want that same experience. We see crowds running all over to see a vision of the Madonna; people going to the other side of the globe to some water or some miracle rock or some woman who saw a vision. There are people wanting the experiences of speaking in tongues, or jumping in the spirit or laughing in the spirit or ecstatic behavior. Whether people worship angels, or take pride in some special revelation. There is the problem. It actually diverts one away from Christ, the rightful "Head of the body" - Co 2:19 The apostles saw it as wrong to be worshiped and so did the angels. Only God is to be worshiped. Only God is to be prayed to, not saints or angels.
There is a danger of emotional experiences that lead us away from truth to trust many spiritual leaders who claim God spoke to them in a vision, dream or even in a personal manifestation. Their faith is in the experience and not in facts of what Jesus Christ did and believing in Him.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Nov 11- Happy Veteran’s Day.
Verse- Col 2: 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
The Lures of Liberalism
Paul gives another warning again addressing man made philosophies. He warns them against fine sounding arguments. There are many who move the attention from Scriptures to use for one’s basis of authority what makes sense. I want to look at the Lure of Liberalism as one example. It is the philosophy of man, that is, man centered and filled with intellect. Whatever does not make sense according to the sciences and man’s view is simply discarded. There are many religious leaders that take the fine sounding principles that appeal to the sense of mankind but take away all the miracles, all the wonder of the eternal. Since it doesn't make sense that Jesus can be both God and man they have fine sounding arguments how he was a good prophet.
The lure of liberalism is that we recreate the Bible and the stories of Jesus to fit our preconceived ideas of what is true. We are the judges.
I was in a seminar with one well respected minister who was liberal. He presented various views how it makes sense that everyone is saved. I asked him about the Bible teachings on Hell. He simply dismissed them without any qualms as being myths. Why? He explained it doesn't fit with a loving God. When challenging him about the consistency of Paul's teaching how a loving God is also just God he simply writes Paul off as misguided Rabbi.
Many people determine to make their intellect their fine sounding human authority. Common sense becomes the final means of authority for religious beliefs. If it seems logical to me, then I will believe it.
Many love to argue the philosophies of atheism and evolution theories as if they are facts. How can anyone know there is no God? That seems to be an extreme position of pride that their wisdom and intellect is so superior it is above spiritual insight they know there is not God.
The entire history of human race is a reminder that man continually
uses poor judgment. Mankind seldom has the ability to make right decisions.
Liberal teaching may have some religious activities of helping others and working for peace and justice, but much of Scriptures are only considered an anthropological and sociological commentary on the uneducated and un-enlightened people of that day.
The Lord Jesus himself had to cope with this kind of thinking. In Mark 12 the Sadducees refused to believe in the resurrection based on reason. v. 24 Jesus analyzed their reasoning. They were wrong because they knew neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. Were they really searching for truth when they came to Jesus? No. They were asking Jesus questions so they could display their superior knowledge.
Liberals today have denied the deity of Jesus, the resurrection. They have eliminated much of Scripture as being fables and stories that cannot be believed as literally true.
Paul knew that the proclamation of Jesus would be a message that is nonsense to liberals. For what seems to be God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom and what seems to be God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
Now Christian faith that is honestly explored is definitely not anti-intellectual. Far from it. Paul had the most brilliant and highly educated minds of his century. He accused mankind not of having too much wisdom, but rather too little. He taught if they had enough wisdom they would not have crucified Jesus. If the Spirit of God understands the thoughts of God He is the only way to understand them.
Have you received the Spirit of God? It is impossible for a person to find God through his own intellect it comes down to a matter of the will.
While in Russia I read a most interesting book by Dr. Greg Boyd, Letters to a Skeptic. This was a series of letters back and forth between his father who had completely rejected Christianity, and Greg. Greg has a great mind and attended Ivy League schools and his father could not believe he could be a Christian and an intellectual. So the book was the correspondence of all the questions that his father had as to why he did not believe. Each one was answered by his son.
Finally Greg challenge his day, "It is like being in a house and someone outside house fire. You can choose to believe him or not to believe him-and you weigh the evidence carefully (do you smell smoke? Do you see flames? etc. ) You can choose to believe and risk looking foolish for running out of your house if it's a joke, or you can choose not to believe and risk being burned up. If you choose to suspend judgment you risk the same thing.”
God gave to us wisdom that is from above. To ignore it is to decide against Jesus. Satan is sly and wants to lure people into liberalism. Beware of how it moves it focus from Jesus to self.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thur Nov 12
Verses- Col 2: 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
The Trappings of Traditions.
There is a firmness in faith that delights Paul when he thinks of the church at Colossae. He gives them a further challenge to continue to live in Christ. Be rooted and built up in him. There were teachings that they needed to hang onto.
We have heard of struggles, especially recently between traditional and contemporary ways of doing things. There is cartoon where leaders of a contemporary church were discussing decisions for the following week and one objected, ”We never did it that way last week.”
One of the strengths of Stanchfield is it’s stability. When new ideas or thoughts emerge folks are not exactly going to give up what is tried and true to take on a new doctrine, teaching of spiritual fad. That is to the compliment of maturity.
Traditions based on truth of what we believe and how things are laid down orderly and firm is strength of church when it is Biblically based. The goal is developing strong roots so when opposition comes the plant or tree with strong roots is not blown away. That illustration is true for Christians. Knowing what you believe will prevent cult leaders from persuading someone to jump from doctrine to doctrine, church to church, and idea to idea.
But in verse 8 Paul warns against the hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. It is to be our warning that we need to look at what is the core of things that are of Christ and what are the things which we hang onto that need to discarded or through repeated practice start getting in the way of the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Not only do some people trust their experiences over Scripture and their own intellect with liberal leanings, Paul also warns against the traditions of men. Traditions can be very meaningful. Someone in the past decided that a particular teaching or custom or ceremony should be repeated again and again. For that person, that teaching, or custom or ceremony was extremely important. It had to be preserved. It must not be forgotten.
Often, however the deep heart-meaning of the tradition can get lost. Or it what also happens is the form becomes more important than the substance. It is observed as dead ritual and calls for no real heart commitment.
I am told of one true story of a church in Europe where for years people would come into the church and pause before a west wall. When asked why people did not know why? It was a custom, a tradition. Many people tried to reflect as to the original meaning but it was something people had done for years. When the church was to be renovated they scrapped off paint from the wall and discovered a painting of the Madonna with child. For 25 years before people would genuflect in front of the picture, but when the picture was covered with paint people still kept coming to the wall until folks forgot why.
In the Bible days there were lots of illustrations of traditions that get in the way of truth. The disciples broke traditions by failing to wash their hands in a certain customary way before eating bread. But Jesus pointed out they were ignoring a more important matter of breaking one the 10 commandments of not honoring their parents.
Man's activities cannot become the final source of truth.
As an outsider in the Russian Baptist Church it was interesting to see the richness of choir and fervency of prayer. The preaching had something to be desired. It was tradition that 3 men of the church be asked that day to speak in 10, 20 and 30 minutes sermons. With lack of preparation and trainer that tradition in my opinion weakened the effectiveness of communicating the word of God.
I was talking to one young man trained by the Americans in preaching. He tried to preach in a more understanding manner using illustrations and objects to get the Bible message across. In the privacy of his home he told me he was called before the deacon board who forbid him to do that. They said there are some privileges granted to the Bishop that is not granted to the preacher and some privileges granted to older preachers that are not granted to younger preachers and privileges granted to Americans that are not granted to Russians. Traditionalism says you must follow our custom and our style.
The songs, the style, the 2 hour service an even the way they are allowed to speak has nothing to do with effective communication, or meaningful worship. They are guided by traditions that have and will hamper the effectiveness in a society that so alienates the society from outward observations that many unsaved will not want to listen to the message. The trappings of traditions can get in the way with Gods’ movements. What we do and how we do that needs to be examined based on the Scriptures, not man’s traditions.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 13
Verses- Col 2: 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Completeness in Christ.
The false prophets of this world claim they have the answers. They have the answers in the psychic hotlines. They have the answers in alcohol and drugs. They have the answers in money and material possessions. They have the answers in illicit sex with many partners. They have the answers in empty rituals, in idols. In times of trouble, these false prophets of this world are nowhere to be found. Jesus Christ claims to be the way, the truth, the life. He claims to be God. Jesus proved His claims. They were validated by God Almighty when He rose from the dead on that glorious Sunday morning!! Know Jesus, grow in Jesus. May He be your teacher, your friend, your power, your wisdom your life.
If there is one main clear and simple way to see if most religions are on target or off target is get right their teachings about Jesus. Is salvation found only in Jesus or other ways to God? Is their teaching that Jesus is the Son of God fully human and fully divine, or do they teach he was a good prophet or teacher? Is their understanding of Jesus that he died on the cross to redeem mankind from their sins or is their other teachings of what Jesus Christ came to do and say? Do they see his works as fables or believe in the reality of his works and teachings. Are his words authoritative for faith and for practice?
I am so glad that the Bible was given to us by God to become the plumb line by which we can judge truth from falsehood. I have heard lots of arguments that people can prove whatever they want through different Bible verses. Look at all the different teachings by Christian churches. How is anyone able to know what is right?
I have found most people who say such things to me do not read the Bible or they would know better. There are major differences and minor differences. Most of the differences fall into the minor categories not the major ones. If you want to determine which camp people fall into basically ask this question. "How does one find salvation with God?" You will get basically three answers.
One it is by good works. Another is by baptism into the church; or thirdly it is because of faith that is placed in the works of Jesus Christ.
Now the Bible is again very clear about those things. Eph 2:5,6 It is by grace that you are saved through faith it is a gift of God lest anyone should boast, 1 Cor says simples if God did not call me to baptism but to preach the gospel. If salvation is found in baptism certainly God called him to baptize and not preach the gospel. But every book in the new testimony except 2 and 3rd John speak of faith, Most books in the New Testament do not say anything about baptism. You figure it out.
When you read the Bible, read it in context, what goes before what goes afterwards and what do all the verses teach when you are looking at a subject. Many times the writing of one letter or one teaching is addressing a particular point and not give you full understanding of that passage. And let the clear and plain passages help you understand the difficult ones and not the other way around. What is said repeatedly and plainly believe strongly and where there is one verse or confusing ideas form an opinion but allow for freedom of various interpretations.
Paul is saying don't look to other people for your authority, look to Jesus and His word alone. There will be people who will want you to follow emotional experiences, Beware. There are people who will want you to follow the lures of liberalism, beware, and there are people who will want you to be trapped by traditions, beware. Focus on Jesus Christ. Be firm in your faith so false authorities will not betray you. Know what you believe.
Though these "philosophies" and "traditions of men" may possess a lot of truth, it is the error in them that can lead one away from the pure and simple doctrine of Jesus Christ! We need to keep in mind that in "Jesus Christ" are found ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge - and in "Jesus Christ" is to be found the FULLNESS of the Godhead bodily - Co 2:9
Just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord continue to live in Him.
Pastor Dale
Theme CHRIST AND THE CULTS
Verses- Col 2:1-9
1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.
2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
Believer, Beware
All around us there are voices of deception. I am shocked by the ways people are mislead into believing all kinds of things under the pretence religious meaning. On national news recently was exposed the violence and coercion of the Scientology church made more popular by followers, John Travolta and Tom Cruise. Even some of the leaders have now left the organization to the threat of personal attack by the craze leader, David Miscavige.
The 50th anniversary of Rev Sun Myung Moon of the Church of Unification brought 1000s of couples in a united arranged marriage that was made public recently. He has been teaching for years he is the Messiah.
Within the Christian tradition many churches and pastors have sprung off into cult like teachings where their insights, and visions, and special interpretations lead folks away from Biblical teaching, including established groups like Jehovah Witnesses, and Mormons.
The health and wealth TV preachers who bilk 1000s out of their offerings allowing them to live lavish life styles resulted in many people reject all religion and give up on the Christian church.
Someone can might say, "What a minute, Christians believe in a man who came back from the dead. He ascended to heaven. He claimed to be the Son of God. He invites me to leave everything and even my family if necessary to follow him and join a community of believers. He invites me to take up my cross. The Lord tells us not to be surprised when people make fun of us or think we are foolish. He calls me to die so that I might live. And then he tells me he is coming back for me so I can join him in paradise the next level.”
I can ask how can so many New Age teachers and followers be so foolish? But there are people asking that of those who take the following of Jesus Christ seriously. We need to look at the differences of the claims of Christ and compare them to the claims of other voices saying there is a different way.
From the beginning of time people have been deceived from the truth. Satan did what he does best which is to lead people into lies. He takes the word of God and the relationship that people have with Him and distorts and confuses people into focusing their faith into other things than what is revealed. We have had members of our church visited by cult members who promise them personal attention and Bible study. With a certain amount of Bible twisting they are very good as taking new or uninformed Christians and winning them over to their group which denies the divinity of Jesus Christ.
The Bible even tells us in the last days there will be a multitude of deceivers who will do everything to keep people from faith in Jesus
Throughout the next three weeks as we study from chapter 2 we will be looking at many of the warnings from the Bible that cause people to be held captive with lies. Just because someone says they are teaching from the Bible do not believe it. Read it in context for yourself. I have said many time do not take my word for things, also check them out in the Bible.
This last weekend while I was at the Minnesota Baptist Conference Annual meeting in Duluth, the Hispanic church planter gave his testimony. He said some that although I didn’t like, it was true. He said, “Most people will seldom read the Bible. Instead they will find out and believe what the Bible says through their pastors.”
I frankly stopped listening to him since I spend my time pondering those words. People seek truth more through other people than through looking at the Scriptures themselves. If they follow a leaders who teachings something is from the Bible, they seldom check it out. Most do not feel confident enough to understand the Bible so leave it up to those who are better trained. But unfortunately it leads folks to follow those who are more articulate and have charismatic personalities.
Paul warns the Colossians about deceptive authority that misleads them from the truth of Christ.
Believer, Beware! If something seems fishy, check it out!
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 10
Verses- Col 2: 1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.
2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Beware of the Emotions of Experience
Paul wants his reader to be encouraged in their hearts and united in love. Those are emotional parts of our being. When we worship God we do worship Him in spirit and in truth. Many Christians are afraid of emotion. They are afraid of expressing their love or praise to God from their heart lest they be looked upon in our setting as out of control.
Our area, with strong Swedish roots, folks tend not to show much emotion. But of course that is changing as our culture changes. Our older churches and folks have a harder time showing their feelings in worship, whither by crying or laughing, or shouting, or clapping. That is not so in the South, or Latin American countries, or among some other ethnic groups. The showing of emotions can be a cultural thing.
It can also be a doctrinal thing. We are not what people call a charismatic church. Nor are we a liturgical church where every prayer and all responses are carefully scripted out before any service begins. A charismatic service generally implies lots of emotion which can include shouting, hand raising, clapping, and usually speaking in tongues. Sometimes it can include healings and anointing, fainting, dancing, visions and prophecies they say are from impressions from the Lord. Each church and pastor may handle those manifestations differently.
The fear of being emotional can also cause some people to quench the movement of the Spirit of God. There are many verses which speak of raising hands as expressions of praise to God. But you should see the looks on some faces when some people desire to raise their hands or clap with the music! True praise can exhibit itself in many forms. It can include musical instruments and also be without instruments; with organ or with drums. God wants to have people tell him they love him.
But there is also a warning that we need to take to heart. For some emotions of experiences take precedent over the revealed truth of God. He speaks about this also further v.(18-19) I will be writing on this later, but there are people who are having emotional experiences who take their trust and faith in the experience over the truth. Personal visions or tongues speaking become more important than being grounded in the Bible. Worship of angels apparently became an issue in Colossae. Their new messages based on those experiences were lead some astray.
Some people judge spiritual reality based on feelings or emotions. Some people question others salvation if they haven’t experienced tongues or some other feeling or emotion or revelation. Some people do not feel forgiven or not feel that God loves them, which goes against what the Bible says. If you are sincere in confession of your sins God is faithful and will forgive you. That is a faith based on fact not feeling. If you put your faith in Jesus Christ to save you that is fact, not feeling.
When Peter was on the Mount of Transfiguration, who wouldn't have enjoyed that experience of special revelation of Elijah and Moses and Jesus? Peter wanted to stay there all the time. "Let’s erect shelters for each and stay here" Jesus was not a made up story. The transfiguration was not a cleverly devised tale. But notice what Peter said in 2 Peter 1:19-21 he spoke of something being made “more sure”. What could be more sure than something he had witnessed in person? Nothing could be any more sure than what he personally experienced. Yet Peter said, “so we are even more confident of the message proclaimed by the prophets.”
In others words Peter was saying there is something even more trustworthy that what he saw and heard himself-namely the words written by men who were guided by the Holy Spirit of God. Then he says the Bible is not a matter of private interpretation. It is not a matter of human will. It is God breathed as men recorded it.
Apparently in Colossians some people had experiences of worshiping angels. Maybe someone met an angel and that experience is causing everyone to want to experience angels. There are supernatural things that happen beyond other explanations you know. Some want that same experience. We see crowds running all over to see a vision of the Madonna; people going to the other side of the globe to some water or some miracle rock or some woman who saw a vision. There are people wanting the experiences of speaking in tongues, or jumping in the spirit or laughing in the spirit or ecstatic behavior. Whether people worship angels, or take pride in some special revelation. There is the problem. It actually diverts one away from Christ, the rightful "Head of the body" - Co 2:19 The apostles saw it as wrong to be worshiped and so did the angels. Only God is to be worshiped. Only God is to be prayed to, not saints or angels.
There is a danger of emotional experiences that lead us away from truth to trust many spiritual leaders who claim God spoke to them in a vision, dream or even in a personal manifestation. Their faith is in the experience and not in facts of what Jesus Christ did and believing in Him.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Nov 11- Happy Veteran’s Day.
Verse- Col 2: 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
The Lures of Liberalism
Paul gives another warning again addressing man made philosophies. He warns them against fine sounding arguments. There are many who move the attention from Scriptures to use for one’s basis of authority what makes sense. I want to look at the Lure of Liberalism as one example. It is the philosophy of man, that is, man centered and filled with intellect. Whatever does not make sense according to the sciences and man’s view is simply discarded. There are many religious leaders that take the fine sounding principles that appeal to the sense of mankind but take away all the miracles, all the wonder of the eternal. Since it doesn't make sense that Jesus can be both God and man they have fine sounding arguments how he was a good prophet.
The lure of liberalism is that we recreate the Bible and the stories of Jesus to fit our preconceived ideas of what is true. We are the judges.
I was in a seminar with one well respected minister who was liberal. He presented various views how it makes sense that everyone is saved. I asked him about the Bible teachings on Hell. He simply dismissed them without any qualms as being myths. Why? He explained it doesn't fit with a loving God. When challenging him about the consistency of Paul's teaching how a loving God is also just God he simply writes Paul off as misguided Rabbi.
Many people determine to make their intellect their fine sounding human authority. Common sense becomes the final means of authority for religious beliefs. If it seems logical to me, then I will believe it.
Many love to argue the philosophies of atheism and evolution theories as if they are facts. How can anyone know there is no God? That seems to be an extreme position of pride that their wisdom and intellect is so superior it is above spiritual insight they know there is not God.
The entire history of human race is a reminder that man continually
uses poor judgment. Mankind seldom has the ability to make right decisions.
Liberal teaching may have some religious activities of helping others and working for peace and justice, but much of Scriptures are only considered an anthropological and sociological commentary on the uneducated and un-enlightened people of that day.
The Lord Jesus himself had to cope with this kind of thinking. In Mark 12 the Sadducees refused to believe in the resurrection based on reason. v. 24 Jesus analyzed their reasoning. They were wrong because they knew neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. Were they really searching for truth when they came to Jesus? No. They were asking Jesus questions so they could display their superior knowledge.
Liberals today have denied the deity of Jesus, the resurrection. They have eliminated much of Scripture as being fables and stories that cannot be believed as literally true.
Paul knew that the proclamation of Jesus would be a message that is nonsense to liberals. For what seems to be God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom and what seems to be God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
Now Christian faith that is honestly explored is definitely not anti-intellectual. Far from it. Paul had the most brilliant and highly educated minds of his century. He accused mankind not of having too much wisdom, but rather too little. He taught if they had enough wisdom they would not have crucified Jesus. If the Spirit of God understands the thoughts of God He is the only way to understand them.
Have you received the Spirit of God? It is impossible for a person to find God through his own intellect it comes down to a matter of the will.
While in Russia I read a most interesting book by Dr. Greg Boyd, Letters to a Skeptic. This was a series of letters back and forth between his father who had completely rejected Christianity, and Greg. Greg has a great mind and attended Ivy League schools and his father could not believe he could be a Christian and an intellectual. So the book was the correspondence of all the questions that his father had as to why he did not believe. Each one was answered by his son.
Finally Greg challenge his day, "It is like being in a house and someone outside house fire. You can choose to believe him or not to believe him-and you weigh the evidence carefully (do you smell smoke? Do you see flames? etc. ) You can choose to believe and risk looking foolish for running out of your house if it's a joke, or you can choose not to believe and risk being burned up. If you choose to suspend judgment you risk the same thing.”
God gave to us wisdom that is from above. To ignore it is to decide against Jesus. Satan is sly and wants to lure people into liberalism. Beware of how it moves it focus from Jesus to self.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thur Nov 12
Verses- Col 2: 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
The Trappings of Traditions.
There is a firmness in faith that delights Paul when he thinks of the church at Colossae. He gives them a further challenge to continue to live in Christ. Be rooted and built up in him. There were teachings that they needed to hang onto.
We have heard of struggles, especially recently between traditional and contemporary ways of doing things. There is cartoon where leaders of a contemporary church were discussing decisions for the following week and one objected, ”We never did it that way last week.”
One of the strengths of Stanchfield is it’s stability. When new ideas or thoughts emerge folks are not exactly going to give up what is tried and true to take on a new doctrine, teaching of spiritual fad. That is to the compliment of maturity.
Traditions based on truth of what we believe and how things are laid down orderly and firm is strength of church when it is Biblically based. The goal is developing strong roots so when opposition comes the plant or tree with strong roots is not blown away. That illustration is true for Christians. Knowing what you believe will prevent cult leaders from persuading someone to jump from doctrine to doctrine, church to church, and idea to idea.
But in verse 8 Paul warns against the hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. It is to be our warning that we need to look at what is the core of things that are of Christ and what are the things which we hang onto that need to discarded or through repeated practice start getting in the way of the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Not only do some people trust their experiences over Scripture and their own intellect with liberal leanings, Paul also warns against the traditions of men. Traditions can be very meaningful. Someone in the past decided that a particular teaching or custom or ceremony should be repeated again and again. For that person, that teaching, or custom or ceremony was extremely important. It had to be preserved. It must not be forgotten.
Often, however the deep heart-meaning of the tradition can get lost. Or it what also happens is the form becomes more important than the substance. It is observed as dead ritual and calls for no real heart commitment.
I am told of one true story of a church in Europe where for years people would come into the church and pause before a west wall. When asked why people did not know why? It was a custom, a tradition. Many people tried to reflect as to the original meaning but it was something people had done for years. When the church was to be renovated they scrapped off paint from the wall and discovered a painting of the Madonna with child. For 25 years before people would genuflect in front of the picture, but when the picture was covered with paint people still kept coming to the wall until folks forgot why.
In the Bible days there were lots of illustrations of traditions that get in the way of truth. The disciples broke traditions by failing to wash their hands in a certain customary way before eating bread. But Jesus pointed out they were ignoring a more important matter of breaking one the 10 commandments of not honoring their parents.
Man's activities cannot become the final source of truth.
As an outsider in the Russian Baptist Church it was interesting to see the richness of choir and fervency of prayer. The preaching had something to be desired. It was tradition that 3 men of the church be asked that day to speak in 10, 20 and 30 minutes sermons. With lack of preparation and trainer that tradition in my opinion weakened the effectiveness of communicating the word of God.
I was talking to one young man trained by the Americans in preaching. He tried to preach in a more understanding manner using illustrations and objects to get the Bible message across. In the privacy of his home he told me he was called before the deacon board who forbid him to do that. They said there are some privileges granted to the Bishop that is not granted to the preacher and some privileges granted to older preachers that are not granted to younger preachers and privileges granted to Americans that are not granted to Russians. Traditionalism says you must follow our custom and our style.
The songs, the style, the 2 hour service an even the way they are allowed to speak has nothing to do with effective communication, or meaningful worship. They are guided by traditions that have and will hamper the effectiveness in a society that so alienates the society from outward observations that many unsaved will not want to listen to the message. The trappings of traditions can get in the way with Gods’ movements. What we do and how we do that needs to be examined based on the Scriptures, not man’s traditions.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 13
Verses- Col 2: 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Completeness in Christ.
The false prophets of this world claim they have the answers. They have the answers in the psychic hotlines. They have the answers in alcohol and drugs. They have the answers in money and material possessions. They have the answers in illicit sex with many partners. They have the answers in empty rituals, in idols. In times of trouble, these false prophets of this world are nowhere to be found. Jesus Christ claims to be the way, the truth, the life. He claims to be God. Jesus proved His claims. They were validated by God Almighty when He rose from the dead on that glorious Sunday morning!! Know Jesus, grow in Jesus. May He be your teacher, your friend, your power, your wisdom your life.
If there is one main clear and simple way to see if most religions are on target or off target is get right their teachings about Jesus. Is salvation found only in Jesus or other ways to God? Is their teaching that Jesus is the Son of God fully human and fully divine, or do they teach he was a good prophet or teacher? Is their understanding of Jesus that he died on the cross to redeem mankind from their sins or is their other teachings of what Jesus Christ came to do and say? Do they see his works as fables or believe in the reality of his works and teachings. Are his words authoritative for faith and for practice?
I am so glad that the Bible was given to us by God to become the plumb line by which we can judge truth from falsehood. I have heard lots of arguments that people can prove whatever they want through different Bible verses. Look at all the different teachings by Christian churches. How is anyone able to know what is right?
I have found most people who say such things to me do not read the Bible or they would know better. There are major differences and minor differences. Most of the differences fall into the minor categories not the major ones. If you want to determine which camp people fall into basically ask this question. "How does one find salvation with God?" You will get basically three answers.
One it is by good works. Another is by baptism into the church; or thirdly it is because of faith that is placed in the works of Jesus Christ.
Now the Bible is again very clear about those things. Eph 2:5,6 It is by grace that you are saved through faith it is a gift of God lest anyone should boast, 1 Cor says simples if God did not call me to baptism but to preach the gospel. If salvation is found in baptism certainly God called him to baptize and not preach the gospel. But every book in the new testimony except 2 and 3rd John speak of faith, Most books in the New Testament do not say anything about baptism. You figure it out.
When you read the Bible, read it in context, what goes before what goes afterwards and what do all the verses teach when you are looking at a subject. Many times the writing of one letter or one teaching is addressing a particular point and not give you full understanding of that passage. And let the clear and plain passages help you understand the difficult ones and not the other way around. What is said repeatedly and plainly believe strongly and where there is one verse or confusing ideas form an opinion but allow for freedom of various interpretations.
Paul is saying don't look to other people for your authority, look to Jesus and His word alone. There will be people who will want you to follow emotional experiences, Beware. There are people who will want you to follow the lures of liberalism, beware, and there are people who will want you to be trapped by traditions, beware. Focus on Jesus Christ. Be firm in your faith so false authorities will not betray you. Know what you believe.
Though these "philosophies" and "traditions of men" may possess a lot of truth, it is the error in them that can lead one away from the pure and simple doctrine of Jesus Christ! We need to keep in mind that in "Jesus Christ" are found ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge - and in "Jesus Christ" is to be found the FULLNESS of the Godhead bodily - Co 2:9
Just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord continue to live in Him.
Pastor Dale
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