“SALT AND LIGHT” MARCH 13, 2011

MATTHEW 5:13-16
MARCH 13, 2011


A Sunday School teacher had been teaching her class about Jesus and all of his wonderful qualities when he lived here on earth. She asked, “Where does Jesus live now?” She was expecting to hear one of the children say, “in heaven”. She was surprised to hear a little girl respond, “He lives down our street!” She asked more questions until she understood that someone who lived in her neighborhood was living like Jesus. Can people see Jesus in us: in how we treat others, in what we do and say? Can a child see the love of Jesus in us? If not, then Houston, we have a problem?
Jesus in his sermon on the mount has been teaching how the lives of his followers will be changed. In fact, he emphasizes how even our attitudes will change. Jesus was not a salesman, but one who spoke the truth, delivering the story straight from God. He says follow me and you will be persecuted! Being a Christian means being changed to the extent that the life of a believer will be noticed as being different than those who surround them. Jesus then gives a pronouncement! Matthew 5:13 (NIV)“¹³ "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Salt was indispensable in the ancient world. There was no refrigeration and so salt was primarily used as a preservative so that meats would not spoil as easily and be kept for longer periods. Salt is also necessary for people to have balanced diets. In our society one of our problems is that there is too much salt in our diet. Salt was also used in small quantities as fertilizer for certain types of soil. Jesus most likely had in mind all of these use’s. Christians, who live their faith- there can be no other kind, will be an influence wherever they live. We preserve what is good, we bring balance to a world that tends to be greatly skewed toward what is bad and evil, and we enrich our communities. A supposed Christian whose life has not changed; is not a Christian. (If you disagree, prove me wrong from scripture!)
This scripture does raise the question how can salt lose its saltiness? Salt is a stable compound. Jesus may have been referring to how the Jews gathered and used salt, as there were no businesses to process and package the salt. [1] Salt could be found in Palestine in rock formations that contained deposits of sodium chloride (salt). People would use these rock formations to hold their meat and fish, like storage shelves. Over a period of time the salt would be leached out of the rocks, and the rocks would then be worthless and would be thrown out.
[2] Salt was also gathered from deposits at the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea deposits contain many minerals. Salt and gypsum are often found together and both being of the same color and texture were often confused. This impure mixture of salt and gypsum was worthless and could not be used as a preservative or as a seasoning. [3] Arab bakers used salt blocks to line the floors of their ovens. The intense heat would eventually cause the salt blocks to crystallize and become unusable and would then be thrown out. [4] There was a widespread rhetorical quote of Rabbi Joshua ben Haninia that he used in replying to an argument. “Can salt lose its favor?” “Does a mule bear young?” (mules are sterile and cannot produce offspring) A modern proverb equivalent, which might help you to understand how the phrase was used; “Is the pope Catholic?”
A true disciple cannot lose what makes them a disciple, because they have been inwardly changed. However, impostors show only outward changes as they are never really a disciple in the first place. An impostor is no different than the world around them, because they were never a true follower of Jesus Christ. (much of this material came from the NIV Application Commentary) People are very adept at spotting hypocrites; at identifying those whose words and actions never match.
Jesus is emphatic in his statement, being crystal clear. ¹⁴ "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. As disciples of Jesus we are not only salt but we are light. Darkness and light are often contrasted in scripture. In Proverbs 4:18-19 (NIV), “¹⁸ The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. ¹⁹ But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” Remember the prophecy that Jesus fulfilled from Isaiah and is mentioned in Matthew 4:16 (NIV) “¹⁶ the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." Jesus is the Light and as his followers we too are light. A city on a hill is visible to everyone. There were no Klingons, from Star Trek, cloaking their cities. A city on the top of a mountain can not be hidden. One can see Denver, CO from a long distance away while driving on the plains. In the same way a Christian can be identified by their attitude and in how they live. One can never truly hide what they are most passionate about.
Most houses in Palestine were one room dwellings. The lamp that was most commonly used was a small container of olive oil with two openings. One was for the adding of the olive oil and a much smaller opening that held a wick of flax or cotton. This lamp produced only modest light and would most often be placed in the center of the room on a stand so that it would provide the greatest illumination possible. It was common practice to extinguish the light by placing the mixing bowl over the lamp which cut off the oxygen and the light would then go out. A light by its very nature shines out in the darkness. Light captures the attention of all who notice the light. “¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” This ability to shine in the darkness and to be salt does not originate from within us naturally. If the light was ours we would then have something to brag about. However, the light is a reflection of Jesus Christ. We are either shining or we are dark – there is no in between.
In the book World Horizons, Cole D. Robinson relates the following incident in the life of Benjamin Franklin. While living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Mr. Franklin hung a lantern on the end of a large bracket attached to the front of his home. He kept the glass brightly polished, and carefully lit the wick each evening at dusk. Anyone walking on the dark street could see this light from a long way off and came under its warm glow. It seemed to say to everyone, “Come along, my friend! Here is a safe place to walk. See that cobblestone sticking up? Don’t stumble over it. And remember, I’ll be here each night if you should come this way.” It wasn’t long before Franklin’s neighbors began placing lamps outside their homes. Soon the entire city realized the value of street lights and followed his example.
As individuals and as a church we are called to reflect the light of Christ so that all may see and be drawn to our Heavenly Father. Peter, John and Paul each referred to believers as bearing the light of Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) “⁹ But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 John 2:9-10 (NIV) “⁹ Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. ¹⁰ Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.” Ephesians 5:8 (NIV) “⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Being a light bearer is not an option. Is Jesus shining through us? Is Jesus shining through you? If the answer is no, then why not?
Let us pray.

“SALT AND LIGHT”

“THE ABILITY TO SEE GOD!” MARCH 6, 2011

MATTHEW 5:7-12
MARCH 6, 2011


I read a story about a man who gave his wife a list of duties and responsibilities that she was to fulfill. As you can imagine the list became a source of great irritation. In the course of time the man died and the widow later remarried. The new husband loved his wife and did not make any demands of his bride. One day the woman was cleaning out a box of old items and came across the list of duties and responsibilities which her first husband had insisted she fulfill. She was greatly surprised to discover that she was doing every item on the list for her new husband, who loved her as she was. The greatest motivator and incentive of change is being loved and giving love.
Down through the ages, the church has often lifted up the beatitudes as a list of duties and responsibilities that every believer was expected to fulfill. We still have many people who think that being a Christian simply means doing more good than bad. The focus is exclusively on what a person does, on what can be seen. In so doing the church has fallen into the same trap for which the Pharisees and Sadducees were condemned by Jesus. The goal of the Pharisees and Sadducees was a commendable goal. They sought to honor and please God by being obedient to every law given by God. Yet Jesus condemned them, why? They focused exclusively on the external demands of the law and overlooked the inner call to love God. Matthew 23:27-28 (NIV) ²⁷ "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. ²⁸ In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”The beatitudes serve as a description of what a Christian is to become by the grace of God. The beatitudes reflect a change of our attitudes as we are transformed by the love of God. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) “¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 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.” In Christ our motivation changes from a sense of duty to responding in love. We seek to do what is right because we desire to show God how much we love Him and that we are seeking to honor and please Him.
“⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” I heard a North Carolina Superior Court judge explain that often when victims ask him for justice, at times they really want revenge. And when a defendant asks for fairness, they really want mercy. Each of us is a sinner saved by God’s grace and mercy. All of us are guilty. For those of us who have accepted God’s mercy, we are called to extend that same mercy and grace to others. The religious leaders in the first century in Israel had no sympathy for anyone who failed to live by the expectations of the law. These religious leaders thought they were so good because of what they did, that they had no need for mercy. In John 8, you might recall they were ready to stone a woman for committing adultery, yet Jesus called on all those who were without sin to cast the first stone. The Pharisees and Sadducees had forgotten the meaning of Micah 6:8 (NIV) “⁸ He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” We are blessed as we extend mercy and grace to all those we meet.

“⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” What does it mean to be pure? What does it mean to be impure? Most answers reflect a view that being pure is something that we do or we don’t do. The focus is shifted away from who we are in Christ, to a lifestyle that is dependent on human effort. I had a member of the community tell me last week that if I went into a restaurant that served alcohol that I would be promoting sin. Psalm 51:10 (NIV) “¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) “²³ Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” What Jesus understood and taught was that purity is one who has undivided loyalty to God. We are blessed as we continue to put Jesus first in our lives.

In Exodus 33:18-20 (NIV) “¹⁸ Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." ¹⁹ And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence… ²⁰ But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." I would have liked to have been with Moses when he saw the glory of God. Yet in this life we can not see the face of God. Yet for those of us who remain loyal to God, we will one day see the face of God without fear. In Revelation 22:4 (NIV) “⁴ They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” Blessed are those who have received mercy and then continue to extend mercy for they will see God.
^{“9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
“10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” If the beatitudes were a list of requirements meant to be fulfilled, then this would seem to be a call to become a martyr. Yet Christ does not call us to become suicide bombers as a way to gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven. Instead Jesus comforts those who suffer under persecution. Jesus was persecuted by religious leaders who supposedly were promoting living for God. Jesus comforts those who are physically or verbally abused because of living for him. John 15:20-21 (NIV) “20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.” This blessing is in the present tense. When we are being persecuted for believing and living for Jesus, may we be comforted with the knowledge that we belong to the King of Kings and we are a part of his kingdom. We belong to the kingdom right now.}Jesus now shifts to addressing the disciples directly by using the word “you”. ¹¹ "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. We should not be surprised when our living for Christ provokes a hostile reaction. We stand for the truth that is found only in knowing Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 15:22-23 (NIV) “²² If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. ²³ He who hates me hates my Father as well.”
A Christian magazine carried the story of a Christian fisherman who heard a loud splash one night as he lay in his boat. He knew the man in the yacht nearby had been drinking heavily. Without hesitation, the fisherman jumped overboard into the cold water and with great effort pulled the half-drowned man back on board. He gave him artificial respiration, and then put him in his own berth. Having done everything to make him comfortable, he swam back to his own boat. The next morning he returned to the yacht to see how he was doing. “It’s none of your business”, the man said defensively. The fisherman reminded him that he had risked his own life to save him. But instead of gratitude, the man cursed him. As the Christian rowed away, tears filled his eyes. Looking up to heaven, he prayed, “When I think of how men have treated you, dear Lord, I’m filled with sorrow. Now I can begin to understand just a little how you must feel.”
Being rejected and ridiculed is not fun. Yet we are called to rejoice for we will receive our reward in heaven. From the Message, “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. This persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. Not only that – count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens- give a cheer, even! – for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.” Allow Jesus to change your heart and your mind, then our actions will then be changed as well. In living for Christ, we are truly blessed!
Let us pray. Shalom is the Jewish word for peace. Shalom means being complete and whole in every way. Jesus came to make us complete and whole in every way. The best way to promote peace is to introduce people to Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. We are blessed when we direct people to the Prince of Peace, our brother. Our culture, with Satan’s help, has warped the definition of a peacemaker from what Jesus meant. Jesus was more concerned with helping people make peace with God. We will have lasting peace only when every knee has bowed, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Blessed are those who share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then you are a true peacemaker.

“THE ABILITY TO SEE GOD!”

“A SPIRITUAL CHECKUP!” FEBRUARY 27, 2011

MATTHEW 5:1-6
 FEBRUARY 27, 2011

“A SPIRITUAL CHECKUP!”

Most people are aware that it is advisable for each person to get an annual physical checkup by a physician. Yet many individuals procrastinate as it can be a hassle to even get an appointment. This reluctance is aided by the ever increasing scrutiny of insurance companies seeking to deny coverage. On top of these reasons one can add a lack of enthusiasm because we would rather not be forced to make any changes to our lifestyle which might include diet and exercise, or quitting one of our cherished habits. Is it any wonder that the health of the average American is declining? The Sermon on the Mount can be seen as a spiritual checkup. Do not be surprised when the words of Jesus make us squirm, challenging us to mend our ways.

The Sermon on the Mount provides a manual for the life of a follower of Jesus Christ. The Beatitudes are some of the most well known scriptures. Today we will look at the first four. It is helpful to understand to whom Jesus is addressing. “¹ Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.” It is interesting that in seeing the crowds Jesus went up the side of a mountain. How many of you want to go climb up the side of a mountain? Jesus went up the mountainside with a definite purpose in mind. He went up and sat down indicating that he was going to start teaching his disciples. The crowds were given a choice: if you want to follow Jesus then climb up and listen, if you want something else from him, you will have to wait. The term disciples included not only the Twelve (later to be known as apostles) but all those who believed in Him and desired to learn from him. So Jesus is teaching “kingdom class 101”.
The beatitudes though being well known are often misunderstood. The term “blessed” is sometimes translated as “happy”. Happiness is an emotion. We know that we will not always be happy. The word Jesus used has a deeper meaning. To be blessed is a state of “being”, of being in a relationship with God. Because of our relationship with God we are always blessed. We continue to be blessed even when we experience negative feelings, an absence of feelings, or simply being in a lousy situation. Despite our circumstances we have joy because of our relationship with Jesus Christ, and with the Father. Our salvation rests in Jesus Christ and for that alone we are blessed.
The Beatitudes begin and end with the present benefit of what we have right now. ³ "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The last blessing in verse ten ends with the same phrase, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The present tense is used in verses three and ten. The future tense is used in the other six verses. Being in relationship with God involves both the present and the future. We have blessings from God right now and we will have even more blessings in the future.
^{3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”}
“⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. When we are parched with thirst, and our stomachs are growling with hunger; our only concern is in meeting that need. It is good to feel good about ourselves. Yet is better to know when we have done what is right in the sight of God. The Pharisees were experts in obeying the external requirements of the Law. Yet they failed to see that obedience must come not by our own efforts, but from the love of God that will first be found in our own heart.
The key to understanding and living by the truths found in the beatitudes can be uncovered in the words of Jesus in John 15:5-11 (NIV) “⁵ "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. ⁸ This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. ⁹ "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Being a disciple of Jesus Christ means being a follower of Jesus by accepting his love and forgiveness. It is being in Christ, being filled by his love, so that our lives will overflow with love. We are truly blessed in Christ, as we yield to the Master. We have his kingdom blessings right now and in the life to come. Find joy by following the Master, and we will truly be blessed.
Let us pray. This beatitude is most likely the most misunderstood and often ignored as being a blessing. Children are often dismayed when confronted with the harsh reality of those who push to get their own way. The world is full of people who seek to dominate others and establish their own kingdom. Psalm 37:7-11 (NIV) “⁷ Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. ⁸ Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil. ⁹ For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. ¹⁰ A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. ¹¹ But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.” Being meek is being humble and submitting to God. Being meek is being gentle and allowing God to work in each and every situation. God is our defender; we are not to force others to do our will. It is a hard fact of life that we can not force anyone to do something they do not want to do. Only God can change the human heart. Jesus is our example. It takes great strength, given only by the Holy Spirit, to wait on God to bring about change. Meekness is having strength and trust in God. I grew up in a time when crying by a man or boy was a sign of weakness. I remember vividly seeing my father cry for the first time in my life when his older brother died of a sudden heart attack. I used to have a hard time showing emotion. However, the death of our youngest child broke me. Yet in that loss I learned that nothing in this life is certain, except the love of God. When we lose those things that we highly value, we begin to learn that the attitude that “nothing can touch me” can creep into the human psyche and sometimes manifest itself in pride. Jesus came to save his people from their sins and that only in him do we find comfort. And the promise of the future in Revelation 7:17 (NIV) “17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." It is a hard fact of life that we come into this world with nothing (no possessions) and that we will leave this life with nothing (no possessions). We, as believers are to build up treasures in heaven. In this life we will mourn over many things: oppression, injustice, persecution, as well as loss. Yet we also know that these evils will not last, for we know the end of the story. In our society we often measure success by looking at the bottom line of bank accounts and by the number of toys and possessions. Jesus turned everything upside down by proclaiming the exact opposite. The phrase “poor in spirit” includes being financially poor, as well as being spiritually and emotionally impoverished. It is only when we realize that nothing that we can produce will ultimately provide what we really need. The psalmist cries out in Psalm 40:17 (NIV) “17 Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.” It is humbling to admit that we are powerless and incapable of providing what we truly need in life. Yet we are truly blessed when we learn to fully depend on God, and not on our own feeble efforts.

“FOLLOW ME” FEBRUARY 20, 2011

MATTHEW 4:12-25
FEBRUARY 20, 2011


There are times when authors in an attempt to be brief will leave out certain details that it would have been helpful to know. Last week we examined how Jesus was tested in the desert in a confrontation with Satan and the lesson that can be learned. What is left unreported is that there was an interval of time of over a year before Matthew again picks up the story in verse twelve. This passage provides us with an introduction to the start of Jesus ministry giving us an overview before Matthew begins with the Sermon on the Mount.
The four gospels taken together provide the church with a good understanding of the ministry of Jesus, which took place over a period of three years. We know Jesus ministry lasted three years due to the Gospel of John as he told of three different Passover celebrations. Each Gospel provides details when combined together provide us with a greater understanding than if we only had one account. Matthew does not record the first year of Jesus ministry as it picks up after John the Baptist was put in prison by King Herod. If you want to fill in the gap then read John 1:26 through chapter four. This includes Jesus preaching in his hometown of Nazareth, the wedding of Cana, the cleansing of the Temple, the conversations with Nicodemus and then with the Samaritan woman.
Jesus left his hometown of Nazareth, where his homeboys had trouble accepting him as a preacher and teacher. Jesus chose Capernaum as his home base. Matthew 4:13-17 (NIV) “¹³ Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- ¹⁴ to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: ¹⁵ "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-- ¹⁶ the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." ¹⁷ From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
It is important to understand a little geography at this point. Galilee was considered to be way out in the country, and away from the center of Jewish life, which was Jerusalem with the Temple. Galilee is the region that encompassed the ancestral homeland of Zebulon and Naphtali. Zebulon and Naphtali were two of the sons of Jacob and their land was the northern most boundary of Israel. Galilee was surrounded by non-Jews, as the Assyrians, Greeks and other nationalities surrounded Galilee. This region had a major highway, the Via Maris, the road to the Sea. This road was a major thoroughfare through the region. Matthew provided these details so we would understand how Jesus fulfilled prophecy.
The people of this region had often turned away from God to worship other gods. They were much farther away from the Temple and it handicapped their devotion and worship. Thus most Jews had a low opinion of the country bumpkins, who tolerated living among so many pagans (non-Jews). Yet this was exactly the place where Jesus began his ministry. “Listen, lands of Zebulun and Naphtali, lands along the road to the sea and east of the Jordan! Although your people live in darkness, they will see a bright light. Although they live in the shadow of death, a light will shine on them.” (CEV, Matthew 4:15-16) Jesus preached the same message as John the Baptist. ¹⁷ From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." The Jews in Galilee were influenced by the thinking and the customs of the non-Jews who lived around them. In much the same way we live in the midst of a culture that seeks to drown out the Christian message by enticing us away from what we know to be true. We too live in a land of darkness and we need to come to the light of Christ.
The message of Jesus is the same, yet Jesus proclaims it as the promised Messiah. It is very easy for people to misunderstand one another as we may use the same language but we may have a different understanding of what the words mean. The Kingdom of heaven was now at hand as Jesus was there. Yet Jews understood the kingdom to mean a kingdom here on earth, not a kingdom of heaven. Remember it was the people who chose to have Jesus crucified because he was not the messiah they wanted. Jesus came to deliver the message that God wanted them to hear. So may we hear the message that God has sent us.
Matthew relates the story of the calling of the first disciples; Andrew, Peter, James, & John, as if this were the first time they had seen and heard Jesus. We know from the other gospels that Jesus had known them for over a year. They had already seen and heard Jesus many times. They traveled with him and had seen several miracles and knew Jesus to be the one that John the Baptist had predicted. What we do not know is that for some reason, these four men had returned to their life work as fishermen. Jesus did not follow the pattern of any rabbi that was known. It was the custom for anyone wishing to learn more about the scriptures to ask a rabbi if they would teach them. Jesus did not wait for them to ask to become disciples, he asked them.
God shines the light into the darkness and invites people to come to him. Matthew 4:18-22 (NIV) “¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed him. ²¹ Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ²² and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” The more we know and understand about Jesus, the greater is the demand for us to commit our lives to following Him. You may not have understood until now, as the light of Christ has dispelled more and more of the darkness in our minds that prevented us from responding. Jesus approached Andrew, Peter, James, & John, and called them to follow. We either choose to obey and follow, or we will return to our lives unchanged. A student stayed with his teacher until he was ready to take on his own students. Yet Jesus calls us to follow Him forever. We will always be his disciples who call others, not to follow us, but to join us in following Jesus
Matthew then provides us with a summary of the ministry of Jesus. Matthew 4:23-25 (NIV) “²³ Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. ²⁴ News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. ²⁵ Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.” Jesus taught in the local synagogues on the Sabbath to people who already understood that God had called them to worship Him. His message was to help them understand that the scriptures had foretold of his coming. During the week he preached to all who came, even those who would never enter a synagogue to worship. Jesus revealed himself as one who had the power to heal every disease. These miracles, along with the preaching and teaching would present one with the evidence that the messiah had appeared, and that he is God. Matthew presents us with this same information so that we too can respond and hear Jesus calling us to follow him.
When we choose to follow Jesus we are choosing to take Jesus with us everywhere we go. And wherever we go we are to live for Christ, inviting others to join us by accepting the Good news of God’s love and forgiveness. Will you follow the Master? Have you allowed Jesus to bring light and truth to your darkened life, or have you closed your eyes and ears to following Him?
Let us pray.
　

“FOLLOW ME”

“WHEN WE ARE TESTED” FEBRUARY 13, 2011

MATTHEW 4:1-11
FEBRUARY 13, 2011

“WHEN WE ARE TESTED”

I saw an article this week with the catchy title, “The unknown Enemy”. The enemy most often overlooked is not Al Qaeda, or the Taliban, or China, nor the drug cartels, or organized crime. The real enemy is Satan. Satan is pure evil and seeks to capture our hearts and minds. Jesus began his ministry not by immediately starting to preach. Jesus went into the desert being led by the Spirit into a confrontation with the devil. In this passage there are “two competing kingdoms who are seeking to claim the hearts and souls of men and women.” (NIV Application Commentary, Michael Wilkins) Most people focus exclusively on the confrontation with Satan and fail to appreciate the forty days that Jesus took to commune with God, his Father.
Jesus prepared for the confrontation by spending time in prayer with his Father. This passage holds the key to understanding how to confront our real adversary.
Satan did not make a frontal attack on Jesus. Jesus was hungry after forty days of fasting. One of the key words in this passage can be either translated as “tempted” or “tested”. A temptation is when a person is enticed to do something that is contrary to God’s will. A test is the opportunity for a person to prove himself or herself faithful in doing the will of God. James 1:2-4 (NIV) “² Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴ Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Temptation and Testing are the two sides of the same coin. Satan intends us to fail the temptation while God intends us to be strong and faithful in resisting the temptation and pass the test.
Matthew 4:3 (NIV)
The scripture Jesus used was from Deuteronomy 8 where the children of Israel failed the tests in their forty years in the desert. Deuteronomy 8:2-3 (NIV) “² Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. ³ He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” Satan was attempting to cast doubts on the trust that Jesus has for his Father. Is God really there? Can I trust God to take care of me 24/7? Satan wants us to doubt that God is always there for us. Lucifer want us to think we are alone, with no one to help us.
In the second temptation Satan quotes scripture from Psalm 91. ⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" If Jesus had thrown himself off of the Temple wall, then the angels would have intervened to catch him; this would provide Jesus with a spectacular entrance before those in the Temple. This display of power would have instantly gained Jesus a following and revealed him as definitely having the blessing of God. Jesus was being challenged to proof his relationship before the people, yet in a way that would have been displeasing to God. ⁷ Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Jesus had already heard the words of the Father when he was baptized. Matthew 3:17 (NIV) “¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." God had his own plan for His Son. Jesus trusted God, his Father, and was going to follow the way the Spirit had revealed to him.
Satan twisted the scriptures for his own purpose. Psalm 91 is a hymn of praise of those who trust in God. Satan seeks to cast doubt so that we will not believe and trust the Word of God. Satan seeks to make us trust only ourselves. Jesus was led by the Spirit and he showed his trust in God’s word as seen in his quoting the scripture from Deuteronomy 6:16 where the children of Israel had tested God in the desert at Massah. ⁷ Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”Satan made a third attempt to trip Jesus. " ⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹ "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." The devil offered Jesus a short cut to bring the nations to bow before Jesus. This shortcut did not involve a cross but bowing before Satan. Our desires, which are not necessarily bad, tempt us to take short cuts to fulfill them. Yet we should ask ourselves if the shortcut will be pleasing to God. ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" The devil is powerful, yet he fled at the command of Jesus. James 4:7 (NIV) “⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) “¹² For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” We must take our stand on the truth of scripture.
When Satan fled at the command of Jesus, then his needs were taken care of. “¹¹ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.” Jesus provides us a pattern of how to fight Satan, our real enemy. [1] Resist the devil. James 4:7 (NIV) “⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Ephesians 6:12-13 (NIV) “¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” When tempted, we should just say, “NO”. [2] Our strength and power comes from the Holy Spirit, not from our own feeble strength.” Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength.” [3] The Word of God is our guide. John 8:31-32 (NIV) “³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Psalm 119:11 (NIV) “¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”A mother went to be early one evening, but was unable to sleep. She sometimes liked a snack during the night so she kept bowl of fruit on her nightstand. As she lay there with her eyes closed, she heard the footsteps of her young daughter. The little girl thought her mom was asleep and tiptoed into the bedroom and she took a large bunch of grapes from the bowl and then crept back to her own room. The mother lay there quietly and was disappointed with her daughter in stealing the fruit. A few minutes passed and the child crept back into the room and replaced all of the fruit in the bowl. As the little girl left, the mother overheard her whisper. “This time I beat you Mr. Devil. Now go away!”
May we follow in the footsteps of the little girl. “This time I beat you Mr. Devil. Now go away!”
Let us pray. “³ The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Satan was not trying to get Jesus to doubt himself being the Son of God. The devil was attempting to get Jesus to prove himself by misusing his powers. It sounds like a boy saying “I double dog dare you”. Jesus was confident in the love of His Father, which gave him the strength to resist the dare. Jesus responded by using scripture. ⁴ Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Jesus was hungry, but there are more important things than food. Yes, it is true.

“GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION” FEBRUARY 6, 2011

MATTHEW 3:1-17
FEBRUARY 6, 2011

“GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION”

A preacher told his congregation that he was going to preach on honesty the next Sunday and he asked everyone to read Joshua 25. The next Sunday arrived and the preacher asked how many had read it? Half the hands in church were raised. The preacher said, “Great! Now you’re the ones I want to talk to. Joshua has only 24 chapters, and I am especially concerned about you.” In our culture lying has become an art form. What is most troubling is when people lie to themselves and will refuse to face the truth even when the truth will save them.
God called John the Baptist to preach a message of repentance to the nation of Israel. John did not open up his ministry in a big town but in the desert south of Jerusalem. Matthew 3:1-3 (NIV) John’s message was not new but followed the pattern of all of the prophets that God sent to awaken the people to the truth they needed to hear.^{1 “}In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea ² and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." ³ This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"
The message of repentance is sometimes confused with being remorseful or sorry for what the person has done. This is only part of repentance. True repentance calls people to a change in attitude toward God, which then impacts one’s actions and overall direction in life. “External signs of repentance included confession of sin, prayers of remorse, and abandonment of sin.” (NIV Application Commentary, Michael Wilkins) Repentance is a radical change of behavior. If there is no change in behavior then being sorry for one’s sins is only regret, which implies that a person is being dishonest with themselves. They are not facing the truth of their sinfulness and making a change in their behavior. John was calling the people to clear away any obstacles in their lives that hinder them from responding to God. He told them to prepare their heart and their life so they would be ready for the kingdom of heaven. A person who is not truly repentant is not ready to respond to the forgiveness that Christ offers. When we choose to follow Christ we will be headed in a new direction.
Matthew records the clothing of John, but for what purpose? Matthew 3:4-6 (NIV) “⁴ John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. ⁵ People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. ⁶ Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.”
It sounds like John was extremely weird! Matthew was providing us with this information so that we would understand that John was very poor. Poor people used the hair of goats and camels, which when woven provided a thick, dark cloth that was almost waterproof. It would be worn like a cloak or poncho with a leather belt around the waist. John was not a snazzy dresser wearing the finest silks or Egyptian cotton. His food sounds gross. Yet even today in many parts of the world grasshoppers are dried and then ground into a flour. This meal is very nutritious as it contains protein and fat and with the wild honey provides a balanced diet. Yet it is food that only the poor choose to eat. I’m sure that type of meal did not attract a lot of drop in company. “Is not life more important than food?” said Jesus. John lived what he taught. John was more concerned with turning people back to God than in enriching his own life.
John’s ministry attracted a lot of attention as it was close to Jerusalem. The Pharisees and the Sadducees traveled down to check John out. The Pharisees were lay people involved in the local synagogues and were very committed to the oral traditions of the law. The Sadducees were from the priestly families involved with the Temple. These two groups were often opposed to each other. Yet they both came down to observe. Matthew 3:7-10 (NIV) “⁷ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? ⁸ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. ⁹ And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. ¹⁰ The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” John called both groups a “brood of vipers”. Vipers are a small poisonous snake that are usually born in groups of twelve or more and are noted for subtle attacks, as was the serpent in the Garden of Eden. John accuses them of having ulterior motives instead of coming to get right with God. Both groups were very prideful and thought well of themselves. They thought that simply being born a Jew gave them the upper hand in dealing with God. Even today many people brag about their heritage. It is not unusual for someone to boast of descending from a long line of Christians. Yet John states that their parent’s beliefs will not save a person. God can raise up children from rocks if He chooses to do so. Judgment day is coming to everyone who does not live by what they say they believe. John called the religious leaders to repent. Talk is cheap and hypocrisy is real. John called them to be honest with themselves and to see their need to open their hearts to God.
John tells the people whom he has baptized to get ready for the coming Messiah. Matthew 3:11-12 (NIV) “¹¹ "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. ¹² His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." The Messiah was to come both with pronouncing judgment and to bring healing by the Holy Spirit. The Gospel is both good news and bad news. Notice that there is no indication of a middle ground. We will either be wheat or chaff!
It is at this time that Jesus appears before John. John recognizes Jesus as being the promised Messiah and is surprised that Jesus desires to be baptized. John did not understand because Jesus did not need to be baptized. So why did Jesus ask to be baptized? Jesus was beginning his ministry and wanted to be identified with his people in their need. Jesus came to save us from the consequences of our sins, which was death. Remember that Joseph was told about the child to be born to Mary. Matthew 1:21 (NIV) “²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." ²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." Jesus, the Son of God, came to be with us sinners.
Jesus began his ministry by identifying with the lost. Matthew 3:16-17 (NIV) “¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." In this scene we see the Trinity revealed as God reveals his approval of His Son, “Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." The Spirit descended as a dove. John the Baptist later spoke of this time. John 1:32-34 (NIV) “³² Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. ³³ I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' ³⁴ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."
What we need to understand is that becoming a Christian involves being completely honest with ourselves. Without Christ, we are lost and will remain hardened to the truth of our utter sinfulness. Every time we feel repulsed by the sins of someone else we should be aware that our own sins repulsed a Holy God. It is only by the sacrificial death of Jesus, who took on our sins that we are able to stand clean before our God. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV) “¹⁰ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” The walk of faith always begins with repentance. Without repentance there is no faith and no salvation. Proverbs 28:13 (NIV) “¹³ He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” I invite you to be honest with yourself. If you have not been honest and think that your goodness wins you a place in heaven then you have deceived your self. Ephesians 2:7-9 (NIV) “⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.” Christ stretches out His Hand to us and asks us to acknowledge our utter sinfulness and then accept the gift of his grace, the forgiveness of our sins. If you have never asked Christ to do this for you I invite you to do so now.
Let us pray.

“RULES FOR LIVING” JANUARY 30, 2011

COLOSSIANS 3:1-25
JANUARY 30, 2011

“RULES FOR LIVING”

I “googled” (researched) these statistics on working. The average American will live 74.1 years and of those years will work an average of 45 years. This works out to be over 90,000 plus hours on the job. As a result we will spend a tremendous amount of our lifetime at work. So what is your opinion of working? For many people, including many Christians, work is viewed as only a place to get a paycheck. Does God have anything to say about work? Some of you may be surprised to know that God has provided a significant amount of scripture on hard work and on being lazy.

Did you know that work is a gift of God? In Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (NIV) “¹² I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. ¹³ That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God.” However, our culture promotes the idea that work is a necessary evil, with the main purpose of receiving a paycheck and benefits from our employer. This view point of the world and of work ultimately leads many to a self centered focus. The individual is more concerned with what the company is going to do for “me”. In contrast God says that we should concentrate on glorifying God and that work is one of His Gifts to mankind. Again from Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 (NIV) “²⁴ A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, ²⁵ for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” It is necessary for a Christian to have the right perspective on all of life. Jesus understood His Father’s will for us. In Matthew 6:25, 33 (NIV) “²⁵ "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Life is a matter of priorities, and God comes first.

Unfortunately most people do not understand the benefits of living life according to God’s rules. When a person follows the viewpoint of being more concerned only with themselves, the result for many is to become lazy. Scripture provides many warnings about individuals who do not value hard work. Proverbs 19:15 (NIV) ¹⁵ Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry. Proverbs 20:4 (NIV) ⁴ A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. In his letter to the Thessalonians Paul warned the church in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." ¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ¹² Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.”

It is often interesting to listen to the excuses people will give for not working. The author of Proverbs lists some of the excuses given by a sluggard in his time. The dictionary defines a sluggard as a lazy person. Proverbs 22:13 (NIV) “¹³ The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!" When we make excuses for not wanting to work we will find many barriers, or anything that keep us from work. We will make up any excuse to hide the fact that we are lazy. Proverbs 15:19 (NIV) “¹⁹ The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.” I have already shared with you my struggle with self discipline. Before we jump onto “those people” who do not work for a living; we need to examine how often we love to be a couch potato at home. When we are honest with ourselves we should admit that there can be a lazy streak lurking in most of us.

When I was in college I worked one summer in Panama City Beach, FL at a construction site. I was down at the beach with several other college students participating in a Campus Crusade work project. We worked during the day and took Bible and campus leadership classes at night. One of my co-workers was a fellow believer. One day he approached me at work and shared his observation that I had begun to not work as hard. He thought I was becoming a slacker. Proverbs 18:9 (NIV) “⁹ One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.” After the initial shock of his reproach, I considered whether or not it was true. I came to the conclusion that he was correct and that I was not setting a good example for non- Christians. I have grown to appreciate my friend’s honesty and courage in speaking to me. I would like you to ponder how others may view your work habits and your attitude toward work.

What is your attitude toward work: do you always work hard or are there times when you coast and take it easy? Proverbs 14:23 (NIV) ^{23 “ Do we simply talk about working hard or is hard work a habit we have developed and maintained until it is a part of our character? Proverbs 21:5 (NIV) “5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” These troubled economic times have created a hardship for many people. Even as Christians we might be tempted to seek to live on credit for a while. We already talked last week about the problem of debt and of borrowing money. In a conversation with a person I admire she told me a hard truth that she had learned. “One can’t borrow money to get out of financial trouble, one must work your way out of your problems. It means working and saving every penny you can!”}All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

God promises that He will bless us for doing what is right. Proverbs 13:4 (NIV) “⁴ The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” When we accept Christ we are not only forgiven, but we are called to live by new rules, to have a new attitude. Colossians 3:1-2, 22-25 from The Message, “So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ- that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’’ get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.”

There was a young fellow who was helping his dad with the spring planting. He had the responsibility of planting the kernels of corn. He had started well. But one of his friends came by and invited him to go swimming. His father told him he could go when he was finished with his work. The young man sought to hurry up the planting. He dropped a few more kernels than he had been directed. He began to go faster and faster as he thought about his friends swimming. He eventually dug a hole and dropped the rest of his seed into it and covered it up. That night his father asked him if he had finished planting. He told his father that he did finish. The young man began to be more and more concerned as the days went by, but he pushed down his guilty feelings. Then one day his dad called him to the field to see his work. The first few rows were evenly spaced between the plants. Then the rows began to look more and more crowded as the plants were on top of each other. Then there was a complete jumble of plants from where he had dumped his bag. His father spoke to the boy and told him “that eventually your work will be seen for what it is”. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) “²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” May each of us hear the Spirit speaking to us?

Let us pray.