God wants to heal part 2

Job interview question
The anointed disciples heals the sick
Look at the gospels and you see Jesus healing, but the power and the authority came from the Father, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ ministry only began with his baptism and the dove resting upon him.
Dr Luke, in his gospel and in the book of the acts of the apostles, very interested in healing. It is pretty clear it is the Holy Spirit that healed, first through Jesus and then through the disciples. If it was the Holy Spirit that healed, then the disciples would heal in the same way that Jesus did
The disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit Jesus’ followers told to wait until Jesus sends the Holy Spirit, he told them they would do all he did and more! With Jesus at the Father’s side, the power and authority was with Jesus.
On the day of Pentecost it happened, they were filled and the healing of a man crippled soon followed. The acts of the apostles is actually the acts of the Holy Spirit.
The disciples heal the sick in the name of Jesus Peter explains what is happening, Jesus has been given power and authority so he can send/pour/baptise the Spirit, this is a fulfilment of the prophecy of John the Baptist and Jesus. Peter then goes on to heal, in John 14 Jesus predicted Peter would heal the sick, in Jesus name when the Holy Spirit came upon him.
The healed man was not yet a believer
The Spirit does signs, wonders and miracles through the believers
Tongues, prophecies visions, dreams, speak the word of God boldly, reveals liars, see heaven while facing death with courage, visibly shows with the laying on of hands, guides, transports, gives knowledge, predict a famine, blindness.
Throughout acts it is clear the Holy Spirit is God, Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit, you lied to God, Spirit is called the spirit of Jesus, Acts is a description of what happened, the trinity is clearly there at work. The Holy Spirit is doing the healing.
The acts of the apostle see healings as signs, wonders and miracles As Jesus’ healings were signs, so were Peter’s when he was filled with the Spirit, they were miracles, wonders! Philip, Paul, Barnabas. Interestingly healing is found in other places, symptoms alleviated, but soon the person who submitted to this sort of healing begins to appear like a person under oppression, who belongs to another, reminds us that if we enter into the new covenant, the Father only has good gifts for us.
Authority and power Jesus had the authority given to him, but he passed it on to the disciples, Matt 28, and the power too Luke 24, Acts 1, Jesus has the authority now, he sends the Spirit, Jesus on earth received the Spirit because he was righteous, we receive the spirit because his death makes us righteous, to practice healing, we need the authority and the power Jesus has, which comes when we have the Holy Spirit within us, without it we are frauds! Interestingly, the healings do not all follow the same path, it is not a formula Aeneas, Tabitha, but we need the authority and power, this only comes through the Holy Spirit, best example is the recovery of Paul’s after his conversion, Power and authority
The cross and the new covenant in Acts The cross is vital in all of this, because it gives the forgiveness of sins, which lets the Holy Spirit in. So our aim in seeking the healing of God is to repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and ask him to fill us with the Holy Spirit, again and again and again, and the Holy Spirit is the one who heals, but may not bring the healing you expect
Application So what does all this mean for us? It means we have to believe in the God of miracles!, most of us for most of the time, do not have an expectancy about what God can do and what he is willing to do, hope yes, but expectancy?
Key difference between the false Gods and the true God is that God acts and speaks. Elijah lived in a time of unfaithfulness, but he expected! He didn’t preach, or pray for people, he took them to see the power of the living God
This is what so many of us long for, what many on the fringes of church long for, for those out there on the streets long for “THE LORD HE IS GOD!”
Does the fire still come down? Is he still showing his power? He was in this place last Sunday night, if we get serious about the healing God gives, churches all across the land will explode! We will have to bar the doors.
We need the model of Jesus, he taught, he preached, he healed, Matt 10 heal the sick, he never took that back, it still applies today.
We need to be truly expectant today, mustard seed size, but when we expect amazing things happen, when we move in expectancy heaven explodes, all those who call upon the Lord will be saved and we will know that we have planted seeds and help reap the harvest.
Mark 16v 15-18- expectancy comes with acceptance that the Son of God has given us authority and he is the one who sends us!

Secrets of the Vine 4

- Eternal Abiding 240-year-old vine still growing in Hampton Court. It is the oldest and largest living vine in the world with a root two feet in diameter. Planted in 1768 by Lancelot Brown, the fruit of this vine was intended for royalty. 500 to 700 bunches of grapes a year that weigh 220 to 320 kg The largest recorded crops of grapes from the Vine were 1,800 bunches in 1798 and 2,245 bunches in 1807. some of the smaller branches are 200 feet from the main stem, they still bear the sweet and delicious fruit because they are connected to the vine. Life flows from that single root and through out the vine bringing nourishment and strength to each of the branches.
Review of Previous Messages Week 1- Eternal Fruit- Getting a Vision of Eternity Week 2- Eternal Discipline- Getting Rid of the Mud Week 3- Eternal Pruning- Establishing Essentials Final Message- Eternal Abiding- Staying Connected Your place is to remain.
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”- John 15:4-5 Nothing is strong language. Isn’t that a little extreme? Why is abiding or remaining in Christ so critical to bearing fruit? “Imagine a grape branch, severed from the trunk and lying in the dust. For that severed branch to produce one new leaf, flower, or grape would be impossible.” “Picture the place where ancient trunk meets vigorous branch… Here is the connection where life-giving nutrients in the sap flow through to the developing fruit. The only limitation on the amount of sap that goes to the fruit is the circumference of the branch where it meets the vine.” The only limitation we have to bearing much eternal fruit in our lives is a lack of connection with God. 1st rule, 2nd rule 3rd rule of the vine, If your life bears a lot of fruit, God will linvite you to abide more deeply with him Abiding, remaining is a command, we must act! My father constantly tells me, “You only get out what you put in!” The reality is that if I do not stay connected to God, all I have to offer others is myself… and my wife, children, church, and community need so much more than just me. Here is a reality we must all understand if we truly want to be a blessing to others, “You can only do so much.” When we are connected to the God that is good, there is a constant flow of goodness in and through our lives… not just temporary acts, or human-driven, human-limited goodness. Abiding in God opens the door to God’s resources of love, wisdom, passion, patience, power, grace, and generosity to flow through our lives. God will only nudge your so long. Drift Happens I once went to the beach and lied down on a lilo. If the current was stronger or if there was a sudden wave, I would have probably opened my eyes and paddled back… but the subtlety of the water kept me oblivious to the realization of my drift.
I think this is a good analogy of what happens with us and God many times. If we are not aware, the current of our culture can slowly take us away. Things seem good, calm, and we don’t even notice a current, but the next thing we know, we’ve drifted. If you go on a treadmill and put the speed to .5 mph, it seems so slow… almost like standing still. The effort it takes to keep up is almost negligable. However, if we do nothing and allow ourselves to drift at .5 mph in one day (16 hrs.), we would drift 8 miles. “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” What’s scary about all this is that we can drift from God even when we’re doing work for God. We can get so caught up in working for God that we forget to spend time with God. We can get so caught up producing results for God that we forget our own relationship with God. Friendship! We believe God loves us, but do we think God likes us? Jesus is saying sit down, stay a while “The ultimate key to bearing much fruit is not doing more for God, but being more with God.”
Yes, God would love to see more of us get involved in serving. Yes, God would love for those us serving to give our absolute best… but God is reminding all of us today that we must stay in constant connection with Him if we truly want to bear fruit for God and His glory.
If that’s our real goal, not building our own kingdom, or serving just so we can feel good about ourselves… if we really want to glorify God and help others, we must stay intimately connected to real Source of Life.
Eternal Fruit does not equal what we can produce. Eternal Fruit = Staying connected to the True Vine.
Bringing It Home If you were to draw an honest picture showing what your connection or relationship with God is like today, what would the picture look like? Close, tight, intimate…. or hanging on by a thread or disconnected? “If you have been feeling distant from God, guess who moved?”
The good news is that no matter far we feel from God, God is calling us to “open our eyes” and start “paddling back”. It’s never too late. Principle 1: to Abide you must deepen the quality of my devoted time with God
- set apart quality time to be with God
- Savour God’s words to you
- Talk and listen to a person
- Keep a daily written record of what God is doing in your life
Principle 2: To break through to abiding, my devoted time must change into an all day attentiveness to his presence, brother andrew
Spiritual Disciplines- of Abstinence Solitude: Silence: Fasting: Frugality: Chastity: Secrecy: Sacrifice:
Disciplines of Engagement Study: Worship: Celebration: Service: Prayer: Fellowship: Confession: Submission:
Abiding not based on feelings, we need to obey
Maths- work less + spend more time with him = More fruit?
- helps us sense the leading of God
- taps us into the spiritual riches of God
- Gives us rest for need to bear a greater yield
- Gives us the promise of answered prayer
- Nothing gives God greater pleasure than when we ask for what he wants to give
As the fruit grows in you, you will be amazed by the abundance, but you will know you had nothing to do with it! As we close this sermon series, the biggest question we must wrestle with is this, “What do we really want?” Do we really want the eternal, abundant life God desires for us? Do we really want God? What do we really long for?
Conclusion John 21, Peter taking the leap! Leaving all doubt behind, abundnace then flowed We need to take the leap, Do you hear the Lord calling? I hope you jump

“Faith to Become a Migrant”

In Hebrews 11—we have been looking at faith stories
-men and women who lived out faith’s definition
-NOW FAITH IS HOPE RECEIVED—THAT IS AS GOOD AS
SOMETHING OWNED
-THE UNSEEN THAT IS AS CERTAIN AS THE SEEN
Stories that have this intent—to increase our faith!!
-ABRAHAM is one of them
-the undisputed hero—the paragon of faith
-who receives more space than any other person in Hebrews 11
What was it about Abraham?
-what makes a hero of faith?
His story is found in Genesis 12
-and the first thing you notice is that it is set within the context of Genesis
11 and the Tower of Babel
-when the world determined to make a city with a tower that would reach
the heavens—“so that we may make a name for ourselves”
-it was their statement to God—their determination to make something in
their own strength, for their own glory
-this has always been our temptation—to build our kingdoms, our cities
-to prove our adequacy, declare our independence, build something for
our name
-but God scattered their plans—as he occasionally scatter ours—and
scattered the world
-and Genesis 12 is God’s way of saying—
-I am going to make My own nation, My own “tower”, My own city
-that will be for My name—by My power—for My glory
And whenever God chooses to do something extraordinary—He always looks for
a man, a woman
And here’s the amazing thing—God often does it through the most unlikely
-like Abraham-a man with seemingly no potential to be the father of a
nation
-in his mid-70’s
-married to a woman who was barren
But then--God does not depend on any potentiality in the one addressed
-I know that is true—just look at us!!
-the power of the summoning word is all that is necessary!
-“the Lord said” are the most powerful words in the universe
-they will have their way over barrenness, weakness, seeming
impossibilities
-it’s nothing to God to call into existence the things that do not exist!!
-and so the Lord spoke these words (read Gen 12:1-4a)
Abraham was called to leave—not just his land—but his family, his roots, this
chapter of his life
-called to leave everything he had known, held dear for 75 years
And Abraham, by faith, when called to go—went
It is this —according to Hebrews 11:8—that was Abraham’s first act of faith
-what makes a hero of faith?
1. SOMEONE WILLING TO GO
-Abraham obeyed—the tense implying an immediate response
-lit “as he was being called, Abraham obeyed”
-suggesting Abraham was already abandoned to God--ready to follow
Him—move with God on His adventure
-knowing that to stay in the security of Haran was to remain barren
-knowing that to postpone might miss the moment
-knowing that moments with God come and go, and the opportunities that
lie within them leave with them
-but there’s more to becoming a hero of faith--
2. SOMEONE WILLING TO GO INTO THE UNKNOWN (read 8b)
-Abraham traveled without knowing where he was going
-out into a vast unknown—an uncertain future with no map
-like all the others in Hebrews 11
-Abraham headed out “with closed eyes”
Larry Crabb in his Connecting talks about urges to be killed
-one of them is “fire lighting”
-our need to see the way—reduce the mystery
-we want to be in control—we require certainty, guaranteed outcomes, lit
paths
-BUT IT IS AN URGE THAT NEEDS TO DIE!
For God often insists that we step into the dark—if only to insure that we grasp
the hand of the only one who can see in the dark
The same words are spoken out of Isaiah 50:10
“Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord
and rely on His God”
Abraham was willing to step into the unknown—this is part of what made him a
hero of faith
-there’s more to becoming a hero of faith—
3. SOMEONE WILLING TO GO INTO THE UNKNOWN AS AN ALIEN (read
12:9)
By faith—Abraham migrated to a land of promise
-“as a foreigner in a tent”
-living out of a suitcase—living desettled-which kept Abraham trusting
-kept him from becoming too attached to “secondary goods”
-putting down roots too deep
-and in this he was willing to experience a certain dissonance with the
world
-incur the stigma of stranger, migrant
-never really at home
-a monotheist amongst polytheists
-that those after him—Jacob, Isaac—lived in the same way underscores
that he did not receive the things promised in his life span—but welcomed
them from the distance-verse 13
-home remained elusive
-Canaan was not the final promise—but the preparation for it
What explains heroic faith? The passage makes one thing else clear—
4. SOMEONE WHO TAKES GOD AT HIS WORD (read 11:10)
-Abraham left home, stepped out in the unknown, took on the stigma of
alien
-pressed on—even if the promises stretched over to the other side
-for he was “looking forward”, continually expecting that his hope would be
as good as owned
-so he went hard after the promises given—
-the promise of an expanded life-I will make you into a great nation
-the promise of a fruitful life-I will bless you and make your name great
-the promise of an impacting life-the peoples of this earth will be blessed
through you
-and beyond all of this—something even more permanent-the promise of
an unshakable home
APP
I believe God is still looking for Abrahamic faith
-with the same willingness…
1. TO LEAVE
-to step out in faith
-and leave our country, our clan, our “nets” and follow Him
-and fully embrace God’s call
-maybe it is not a literal uprooting like Abraham
-but nonetheless coming to Christ
-giving our lives to the One who paid the price for our failures
-leaving the world we were once attached to
-with some of its disordered ambitions, affections
-that are out of tune with God’s ultimate intention
-every believer has to abandon his/her past
2. A WILLINGNESS TO HEAD INTO THE UNKNOWN
-for this is part of the journey of faith—out into this uncertainty--often
without any map
-headed out when all we have is faith
-but it is a step in the dark—it is a faith step
-and all I can say is—I am convinced we are doing the right thing
3. A WILLINGNESS TO BECOME ALIENS
-willing to experience some dissonance with the world
-I Peter 2 refers to those who give their lives to Christ as aliens and
strangers-nomads
-for like those at Pentecost—the Spirit never allows us to settle down this
side of eternity
-anymore than the early believers could remain settled in Jerusalem
-this is why they were referred to in Scripture as people of The Way, rather
than The Place
-we are a movement—not an institution!!
-like Abraham—we travel through this wilderness
-careful of becoming too attached
-where desires are refined
-and we work at getting rid of excessive baggage
-where we have occasional garage sales of the soul (Barnes)
-living in this in-between—between the already and not yet—heaven and
earth, present and future, CITY W/O FOUNDATIONS, CITY WITH
FOUNDATIONS
4. A WILLINGNESS TO TRUST IN GOD
-that God has made a similar promise
-to make of us an enlarged life, a blessed life
-has promised to remove our barrenness and replace it with a life that
bears fruit
-a life that becomes what God intended
-a life that impacts others

Living under the secateurs!

Stories from the vineyard pt 3
John 15 v 1-17
Introduction Tickin sandwich Remember what is the first rule of the vine? If you bear no fruit then God will intervene to discipline. Chatting to person with vine in the greenhouse, the more you pruned the branches, the more fruit you get. More you cut, the more you get!
Love or shear madness?
God intervenes when the branch is bare, bare because of sin, but what does he do when our lives are doing ok, even pretty good?
Jesus in the vineyard, the big branch with little fruit
“every branch that bears fruit, he prunes that it may bear more fruit” John 15 v 2
This is God’s strategy- to get you to bear more fruit, he will thin, reduce, cut away, not like it! But it is good for us!
Gardener’s plan is less is more!
It is a troubling truth, but if we can get it, it will help us face the trials the world throws at us, and will help us in our growth for God.
Second rule of the vine IF YOUR LIFE BEARS SOME FRUIT, GOD WILL INTERVENE AND PRUNE YOU!
Cut away commitments and priorities that get in the way, and make more room for God, this all leads to maturity, something a lot of us do not have!
My job is to point you to the bible; it is all there.
Pictures of plenty
Disciples knew what Jesus was saying, to get more you have to go against the branch’s natural tendencies, they grow so quick the choke out the sunlight. Result? From a distance the branch looks great, but in reality stunted in growth.
Sound familiar? Are you looked great but stunted in your Christian walk?
The gardener knows, that is why he cuts back so much
We grow in the natural ways of humanity, which doesn’t lead to much. Good things, which become God things which is a bad thing (Idolatry)
Without pruning, our natural tendency to worship is diverted away from God, and we worship elsewhere, kids, job, possession, church, even our own ministries!
Are your prayers all about keeping your comfort and convenience? Or are you asking for God to bless you abundantly by making you more like Jesus?
If it is the latter you are asking for the secateurs!
4 reasons for pruning
Remove dead or dying material, 2. Get the sunlight into the fruit bearing branches, 3. Increase the size and quality of the fruit, 4. encourage more fruit to grow
Has to prune away the wasteful, relationships, prune away the things in life that suck the sunlight, which is usually yourself! Golf, tv, football, phone! He prunes to help you work our what is important, what needs less time so bible gets more time. New fruit? What could you do that would drag you out of your comfort zone? Short term mission, fostering? Helping at the toddler group or Richmond’s hope with a smile on your face?
No matter our age, we can still bear fruit! No matter how busy we are we can still bear fruit, no matter how selfish we are we can still bear fruit, if we let him prune!
Disciplining is all about getting rid of sin
Pruning is all about letting the good that is growing get more space to grow!
Misunderstanding God’s methods.
We may think we have done wrong, but actually we are doing good and we are being treated so we grow more!
Discipline stops when you get out of sin
Pruning stops when God stops, in this you need to let Go and let God, let God do his work in you!
Father and child relationship, grieve, apologise?
Flourishing under the shears?
The more mature the branch, the more pruning it needs!
As you begin to grow, the pruning is about priorities and commitments, the more mature you are, the pruning is about identity and values
Too often we never get this far, the cost is too high, Jesus said many would turn away, but the ones who remained, they changed the world.
The testing of your faith
Every trial is a time to trust, pruning is not taking away, but making room, James 1 v 3-4, testing of faith results in a perfect work
Pruning is to make you like Jesus.
Not a salvation issue, but a growth issue, too many of us stunted, or apathetic, we need to surrender to God’s work and purpose
Refining of us, like gold or silver
Often a push past the last test
C.S. Lewis, God whispers through pleasure and shouts through pain
No season of pruning lasts forever
Consider trials of Paul, he stills bears fruit today!
Tell me where it hurts!
Mum, concentrate there! David, pride, nabal, Abigail, trust in God= greatest king of Israel, submit, lead, endure, trust.
Prime points of pruning
People you love the most 2. Your right to know why 3. Your love of money and possessions 4. The sources of your significance
Grace expectations
Paul veteran of pruning Phil 3 v 7-8, our prayer should be “ Lord let me make a difference for you that is utterly disproportionate to who I am”
Your response is everything
My goal is to show you what is already happening, your job is to co-operate with God, when he prunes you, let him work, don’t rebel, don’t let it go to waste. If you let God prune, you can experience joy, comfort and rest knowing he is in control and you will bear much more fruit.
Read ! peter 1 v 6-8, bearing much fruit leads to abiding in him, the best thing there can be!

The best good news (you didn’t want to hear!)

Stories from the vineyard pt 2 John 15 v 1-17 Introduction R u you on speaking terms with God? Caught in a net? Feel pain, feel like a failure, where is the significance, wondering why? R U one of these? Jesus is talking to you in the vineyard Today look at barren branches/empty baskets, and see how God responds to them, not a lovely cosy message, but one that turns the barren into the bountiful The barren branch John 15 v 2, every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit he breaks off If you bear no fruit you are not a Christian? No evidence of your salvation you lose it? The key is the phrase “in me”, to be in Christ means to be a believer (I Cor 1 v 30, 2 Cor 5 v 17, Eph 2 v 10, Phil 3v9) Not a salvation issue, it is how we grow, how we get through the barren seasons, you know yourself when you are not bearing fruit. Puzzling bit is v 3, “already clean”, what does cleanliness have to do with fruit? 2 part answer! Clearer translation of the Greek word airo is not break off rather, take up or lift up, 5000 baskets, Simon bearing cross, Jesus taking away sins of the world. Airo never means break off, much better lift up, brings picture of a gardener lifting up the branch. 2nd part, have you ever spoken to a owner of a vineyard? New branches tend to trail down, left untouched, they get muddy and mouldy, branch becomes sick and useless, barren, what do you do? Break it off, chuck it? No! Branch is too valuable for that, gardener goes through with a bucket of water, lifts them up, washes them, ties them to the trellis, and pretty soon the branch is flourishing So can you see what Jesus is saying? He says the father will tend to us, and make us flourish, but he has to work on us! Lift up, clean, John 15 looks totally different, for Christians, sin is the dirt, air and light can’t get in, it is a barren branch that results How does the gardener tend to us? First rule of the vine- IF YOUR LIFE CONSISTENTLY BEARS NO FRUIT, GOD WILL INTERVENE AND DISCIPLINE YOU The Good Hurt discipline, it is when Father intervenes to save us from destruction -discipline feel good? Nope, not for the child or the dad, but discipline comes because of committed love. Heb 12 v 5-6, God the source of discipline, all believers, out of love God does all that is necessary as a gardener does to a wayward branch! Why would God do this? To get our attention, to change a life, Heb 12 v 11, not fun but will bring fruit Parents know how it works, Christopher road, God is a loving Father, he disciplines for our own good, God wants to nudge you, to be all he wants you to be, all that you cant do on your own! It is all up to you! Discipline only lasts as long as you stay in sin, the gardener wants a full harvest, he will do what is needed, until fruit is growing! Naughty step, mother sorted you out she never stopped loving you, Satan would love you to think God hated you, if you don’t get discipline then you should worry! Hard realities Are you a sick branch? Don’t be shocked when God intervenes, you may think the trials you are in is because God is punishing you, God doesn’t work that way, he may be tending to you, so that you will change your life. An empty basket = misery, let God Love by degrees Power of an eyebrow, Sometimes God just this, if you ignore the eyebrow what happens? Can you look back and see where God has led you? If so you are growing, if not you may have an empty basket and God is disciplining you! (same root for disciple) Three degrees of intervention Heb 12 v 5&6, rebuke, correction, punish (scourge) C.S Lewis, God whispers through pleasure, but shouts through pain, 1 cor 11 v 30, sick, weak, dead, not OT thing, but NT too! Some cautions- God doesn’t hurt innocent because sin of an other, God disciplines out of love, and he always offers a chance to respond What stops good people from cleaning up their act? Convenience, various excuses, God is love, I am just weak, I enjoy it this way, cant help myself, can’t all be Billy Graham or Mother Teresa, it is how I am made What you are saying is that sin has no consequences, I like it too much to quit, what is your sin? (Opposite of the fruits of the spirit). You stay in sin, the greater the discipline! The Joyful turning REPENTANCE, one day I hope you look back and see the dirt that has fallen from your life, only when we respond to the Father’s discipline will we escape the cycle of sin, not only that we will grow in Maturity Repentance is not a one time act, it is a lifestyle, a commitment, a daily invitation to God to let him train and grow us so we bear fruit, to experience his pleasure, we move from no fruit to fruit, next week we see how we move from fruit to more fruit! May you….

What God wants

Stories from the vineyard pt 1 John ch 15 v 1-10 Introduction Deathbed conversation, you never forget a word, Jesus was away to die, this is what he left his disciples, this is what he has left us, in this chapter there are real insights for our Christian walk that perhaps we have missed. At the end the parables and stories were passed this is as clear as it gets! Thursday night upstairs You know all about the upper room, the night before Passover, the prediction that the messiah will come, the disciples know the messiah is here, a nice lovely night chatting, predicting the overthrow of the roman empire, where they will sit in the new kingdom The unravelling John 13 v 2-5, the messiah to be acts as the menial servant, the slave, and washes their feet, it gets worse, one of you will betray me, before sunrise, you Peter will deny me three times, the wheels are coming off, this is of course what Jesus has been telling them along, a cross not a throne, but the disciples heard what they wanted to hear. Jesus says, the world will see me no more, but you will see me, the ruler of this world is coming means Jesus is not ruler, not king. Three years with him, it is unravelling, listen to the words, but see their faces, Little children, I have loved you, let your hearts not be troubled, I will not leave you as orphans Light in the vineyard Lets go from here (Jn 14:31) a garden on the Mount of Olives, not a word spoken? Away from all the Passover parties, sombre, through the kidron valley, through the ancient vineyards, through the rows of grapes, heading for Gethsemane, but here Jesus stops holds up a grape branch, he starts “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener” Jesus reveals their destiny The curtains of heaven Too many of us are standing in the shadows of that vineyard, too often we have discovered that we are following a Jesus that turns out to be totally different to what we expected, we may feel confused, disillusioned even betrayed by God. Your spiritual crisis, or perhaps spiritual apathy is because you have heard the words of Jesus in the vineyard but not understood them. Too often we have settled for spiritual experience that includes disappointment, doubt even anger, too often we think that God will help us on our terms, win our battles for us, too often we have failed to lean in and listen. But these words in the vineyard, they still speak today, it brings freedom and joy, what God wants from you and me is this “ a fruitful harvest for him”, this is what he is at work at in you, in me! Will you listen to what he says, at this crucial time? He is pulling back the curtains of heaven, giving us a glimpse, I think he was thinking of us as he spoke to cautious Thomas, reckless Peter, guileless Nathaniel, he saw and loved you too, and I think he led you here today to hear from him, He wants us to flourish, to follow him into an abundant life. What God wants look to see what Jesus does not have in his hand, not money, not a map for invasion, not a letter home, I am the true vine, the father is the gardener, every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit he takes away, every branch that bears fruit he prunes that it may bear more, I am the vine you are the branches, he who abides in me and I in him, bears much fruit, by this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit. John 15 : 1-2, 5-8 are you getting the picture? Smell, feel the grapes? Jesus’ last message is not about angels descending, not about heaven or hell, not parables, but all about fruit! An old vineyard, a new perspective Picture of vineyard, Jesus gives us a picture to see how we are to bear fruit Jesus is the vine. Not the long trailing limb, the vine is the trunk that grows out of the ground, usually kept to waist height, 3-4 feet, the branches grow from this trunk Father is the gardener, the keeper of the vineyard, his job is simple, to let his plants grow as much good grapes as possible, a well maintained healthy vineyard means a bigger harvest. You and I are the branches, they are the focus of the gardener, tied to a trellis, or propped up to let air circulate, get the most sunshine, get full access for tending, the gardener lovingly cultivates each branch so that it will bear as much fruit as possible Lovely picture, but hours before death why did Jesus talk in such detail about grapes? Jesus knew now was the time to let the disciples see things in a new way, from a eternal perspective What is fruit? Often we think this is just about letting people meet with Jesus, and it is, but is also so much more, fruit and good works are used almost interchangeably throughout the bible Titus 3:14, for the disciples would know that fruit symbolized the best in life, the sweetest prize, Psalm 1:3. Fruit then represents a changed life and changed lives around you, thought, attitude, action that brings glory to God, the fruit of your life is how you bring glory to God and give him all the honour. Father is glorified when you bear much fruit. Inner fruit, the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22 Outward fruit, when you allow God to work through you, sharing faith (apostles), but also every area of life, Paul tells us in 2 cor, to abound in God’s grace in every good work, shopping for a elderly neighbour, or a life in the jungle as a missionary, outward fruit appears when your motive is to give God all the glory. How important is fruit bearing then? Jesus tells us that he chose us so that we bear fruit and that fruit remains, it is a permanent deposit, it is the riches that do not rust or fade, it is the reason we are made! Jesus has not redeemed us to whisk us away; he has set us here for a purpose, to bring him much glory as we bear much fruit! Not automatic, all branches don’t react in the same way to the gardener, each branch is unique, each brings a different harvest! In fact there is 4 distinct levels of yield! Baskets of glory Imagine the baskets under the vines, 1st basket, not a grape! Every branch in me that bears no fruit. 2nd basket, some there! Branches that bears fruit 3rd basket, half full, branches bears more fruit 4th basket, overflowing, branches that bear much fruit we are all on the spectrum! From no fruit to too much fruit, and we go through seasons, but there is a time when the harvest will be gathered. The Father wants much fruit from us, so not only that he gets the glory but because we grow and stretch when we give him the glory in all things More is always possible! That is why he tends us, so we keep moving further up and further in, we were created to bear much fruit. How much fruit do you see in your life today? Created for abundance If I was to ask you to describe the level of fruit in your life today, more than half would say little or no fruit, a small percentage would bear much fruit. Part of that is false humility, part of that is that you are not sure what that fruit looks like, but part of that is that you are in a place where either you are struggling with your faith, with your church or with your life, you are built fit for purpose, but too often you feel like a square peg in a round hole. Bearing fruit is not reserved for the super Christian (they don’t actually exist), it is the destiny of every believer. Jesus expects abundance in our lives, we can’t find fulfilment in a half empty basket, as we look through this chapter over the next month in the run up to Easter, we will unlock 3 key points to how God will bear much fruit in you. Conclusion When you realise that God is at work in you, you will see that you do bear fruit, but God wants to bear much more in you. Will you let him in, will you let the Father tend to you? To work in you, to grow you, even when it feels like a stretch and it is painful? You have a choice, let God grow you, or be cut from the vine and thrown on the rubbish heap, I know what I want, I want to give God the glory in all areas, I can only do that with him working in and through me. May you…….

Renewal

Isaiah 40 v 31
Introduction, long distance from Cairo, son on donkey grandmother brush with the law
Are you tired? Bored? Fed up? Are you knackered? Do you feel like you are running on empty? Our strength will eventually run out! Our enthusiasm, our energy, our delight, our excitement with life, will someday fall away. Good news huh? We are called to run the race, for God with God-to-God, how are we getting on? 7 year switch, spiritually we need to be renewed too!
I. The need for renewal
A. Some have quit running
1. They may still be around the race course
2. They may even still be standing among the runners
B. Some are tired of running
1. The race has been long and the course is difficult
2. These are people who are thinking about quitting
C. Some are tired in running
1. They are still plodding on
2. They are tired and thus less effective in running.
D. Just about everyone needs periodic renewal, if you are not there today, you maybe there tomorrow
II. The source of renewal
A. Resolution will not do
1. It is good to make resolutions
2. Resolution alone will not solve this problem
B. Self help Methods will not do
1. This is the big stress today, you can do whatever you set out to do, you can do it!
2. Many are finding that the race is too tough for this
C. Only spiritual renewal will do
1. The difficulties we face today all have a spiritual dimension
2. Only a spiritual change will help
D. The Lord is the source of our strength














III. The manner of renewal: “wait on the Lord”
A. It requires submission to his will
1. We wait as a servant waits for instruction
2. Only a submitted will waits
B. It requires listening to his word
1. There is no sure way to hear his voice outside of his word
2. There is no sure way to wait on him without listening for his voice
C. It requires obedience to his commands
1. Submission settles the issue
2. Continual commitment is required
D. it is only as we wait on the Lord that we will find strength
IV. The results of renewal
A. Help for the day to day
1. They shall walk and not faint
2. The day to day, the usual is the hardest of all
B. Strength for the extra demands
1. They shall run and not grow weary
2. Your call, your ministry is extra demanding! A lot of work for few people, a lot of need for a few givers, but if you step up, God steps in.
C. Ability for the exceptional opportunity
1. They shall mount up with wings as eagles
2. There is always an opportunity, we have to have the eyes of eagles to seem them sometimes, but when we do God will lift us, we will soar with him
3. Don’t you want to soar?
Conclusion
Wait on the Lord, A church that is waiting on the Lord always knows where it’s strength lies, namely in God. The same goes for the tired, the depressed, the overworked the miserable as well as the happy, content and peaceful, if you wait on God, you receive his renewal, his joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength. Born to fly, May you………………..

Dog-eared

Proverbs 26:17
Introduction story of the American president Lyndon, holding his dogs by the ears. Many Christians become involved in something similar! It is the result of interfering in the affairs of others, this verse describes the situation and how we can apply practical biblical teaching to our lives and really see the benefits!
Proverbs 26 v 17 Getting involved in an argument that is none of your business is like going down the street and grabbing a dog by it’s ears
What is this verse talking about? Meddling!
I. what is meddling?
A. the verse is self explanatory
1. Meddle comes from the Latin to mix thoroughly
2. if you meddle, you are itching to get in there, something is winding you up, you are getting agitated
3. it is an argument, so you want to get involved in a ding dong!
4. GN back to front, it is not going down the street to grab a dog’s ears, rather you are a passer by to the argument, so you don’t even know what the argument is even about
5. It is none of your business though! There is no personal stake for the meddler in what is going on!
B. Meddling can be expressed in various ways
1. Someone who sticks his nose in where it is not wanted
2. Giving your tuppence worth
3. Or as the Greeks put it in a proverb, “strive not in a matter that concerns you not”
II. What are the results of meddling?
A. It is like grabbing a dog by the ears
1. Not a wise way to handle dogs
2. the verse seems to be suggesting the idea of a stray dog
3. you grab a dog by it’s lugs, you will incur it’s rage and you will at the very least get a nip, if not a right good bite!
B. A meddler exposes himself to danger
1. If you enter an argument between two people, you will either take one side and upset the other, or no side and upset both
2. Once we are in an argument that is not ours, it is very difficult to get out of it!
3. Involvement in arguments and fights of others, almost always results in hurt
4. Uninvited involvement is rarely appreciated!

III. How does meddling differ from peacemaking?
A. There is a clear difference
1. Peacemaking is about bringing people together
2. Meddling is often about taking one side and looking for a victory
B. Two guidelines
1. Peacemaking is best done reluctantly and hesitantly
2. We should be very sure of our call to act before we do so!
IV. Are there biblical illustrations regarding meddling?
A. The story of Jehoshaphat in 1 Kings 22
1. Jehoshaphat is in a battle that is not his concern
2. He escapes but very nearly lost his life for his trouble
B. Incident in Luke 12 v 13-14
1. Jesus confronted a man who wanted him to become involved in an argument
2. Jesus perfectly practices prov 26 v 17
3. We would do well to follow the example of Jesus and avoid arguments and feuds, that do not concern us
V. What are the lessons to be learned from meddling?
I think it is daft to argue/fight about things we really care about, it is really idiotic to become involved in things that are none of our business, just think about what can happen if you get involved an issue such as who gets the inheritance, or if you try to help a couple that are having real relationship issues? Minefield
If we are not to be quick to sort out our own problems, why should be trying to sort out other people’s lives? Jesus I am sure said something about logs and specks in people’s eyes, do you remember, or to put it another way people in glass houses, shouldn’t throw stones
When we do intervene as a peacemaker, we must do so only after much prayer, with good reason and with solid biblical support
Think about the witness to Jesus you give by meddling or peacemaking.
VI. What is the answer to meddling?
A. recognise we love to do it!
B. Accept biblical cautions against it (I peter 4 v 15-16)
C. Hear the words of Paul I thess 4 :11, make it your ambition to mind your own business, so you win the respect of others! You are little Christ’s, you bring Jesus to everyone you meet! Think about how Jesus is seen in you!
Conclusion
We have too often forgotten that God can handle many things we want to handle, let’s not go out grabbing the ears of those around us! We will not only get bitten, we will cause great hurt, lets remember we are the face of Jesus to all we meet!

A penny for your thoughts

Proverbs 4 v 23
Introduction
Often said when someone is deep in thought, a penny for your thoughts! But your thoughts are worth so much more than a penny! In fact your thoughts are among some of your most precious treasures. Solomon said “as he thinks in his heart, so he is” (prov 23v 7), Solomon was known as the wisest man to have ever lived, he probably knew more about this subject than we do, so lets just unpack on verse, Prov 4 v 23
I. What we should do: guard your thoughts!
A. Any meaningful consideration of your thoughts must examine your heart also
1. There is more to us than our brains, but our brains and our thoughts are what make the inner man meaningful
2. Your thinking is what you really are
B. Keeping your heart involves 2 things
1. What you allow to enter it
2. What you allow to go on in it
II. How we are to do it: carefully!
A. With extreme care
1. Not only carefully, but with all diligence
2. Another translation tells us to exercise the utmost care over our thoughts
B. How careful are you?
1. If you kept your body like you keep your mind……
2. If you kept your house like you keep your mind…..
3. If you kept your friends like you keep your mind…..
4. If you kept your finances like you keep your mind….
III. Why we are to do it: because they are the source of true life
A. Because our minds don’t turn naturally toward God
1. It is deceitful (Jer 17:9, Prov 28 v 26)
2. It’s desires are determined by pride (Rom 12: 3)
B. Because the mind determines what we are (prov 23 v 7 again!)
1. The real nature of you and me is in our thoughts
2. This is why a brain transplant is impossible!!!!!!
C. Because the mind determines what we do
1. Jesus is very clear on this (Matt 12: 35)
2. This works in both directions (Dan 5:6)
D. Because we can sin with our thoughts
1. Jesus taught us this (Matt 5: 28)
2. If you think about it (!) there is more mental sin than physical stuff! Both bad!
E. Because the mind it the communication point with temptation
1. Clearly taught in James 1 v 14
2. This is the reason for Jesus suggestion prayer in Mark 14 v 38
F. Because uncontrolled thoughts lead to problems
1. A controlled life is necessary to positive Christian living (2 Cor 10:5)
2. Uncontrolled thoughts can impact others (Heb 12:15)
G. Because our desires arise out of our thoughts
1. The “fruits of our thoughts” (Jer 6:19)
2. very few sins are unplanned!
Conclusion
What you think is so important, bitterness, lust, hate, discontent, pride, lies. The ways you think are also incredibly important, negativity, worry, fantasies, self pity, distrust, unhappiness. Never take a penny for your thoughts, as they are worth so much more than that, they are in fact priceless! They can make you or break you, in this world and for the world to come!

Patience and courage

Psalm 27 v 13-14
Introduction
Bear in cave “Spurgeon said, “The Christian life is no child’s play. All who have gone on pilgrimage to the celestial city have found a tough road, sloughs of despondency and hills of difficulty, giants to fight and tempters to shun”
I Typical trials
A. We are not sure at what time in David’s life this psalm was written
1. Clearly it refers to trials or was written during time of trial
2. David went through many- this may be a typical one
3. This may be recoded in 1 Samuel 21 v 1-10 or 1 Samuel 22 v 6-23
B. What were some of the things typical of David’s trials?
1. Danger- Saul wanted to kill him
2. Distress- anguish over the death of the priests
3. Discomfort- his whole personal life was torn up
4. Despair- He had little idea of the future
II. Timeless teaching
A. The encouragement of Expectation (v13)
1. He yet expected to see the goodness of the Lord
2. He expected to see it in the “land of the living” refers to this life here on earth
B. The power of patience- “wait on the Lord” – The hardest thing to do is nothing “ sometimes the servant will have to wait in absolute inaction and this is not always to the taste of energetic minds”
1. Look to him as your source- nothing comes other than from him
2. Stand before him in submission
3. Be patient for his timing- this is at the heart of so much!
4. Stay in constant communion with him.
5. Hold on to the things you believe “Don’t doubt in the dark what God has given you in the light”
C. The character of courage, “be of good courage” (courage is a state o mind which results from a decision on the will
1. continue waiting on the Lord
2. keep on facing life
3. stay involved in service
4. Keep doing right
5. remain faithful in prayer
D. The enhancement of experience “again I say”
1. David adds his own experience here
2. No matter when this was written, he had already been through more than most of us will ever face
III. Timely truth
Things that are not promised
He will remove your trials
He will remove you from trials
He will make your life easy
The thing that is promised: He will strengthen your heart
He will keep you in the trial
He will keep you through the trial
He will be a refuge in the trial
He will use the trial
Conclusion
Emperor moth. Wait on the Lord. Stick around, be what you should be, do what you should do. As you do it, he will enable you to do it. Ultimately there will be a solution. “hands of there and leave it with the most high”

Dealing with discouragement

I Kings 19 v 1-19
Introduction
The Blind date! Most of us are not strangers to discouragement. Most of us have known times when our discouragement actually tuned into despair. “The main trouble with despair is that it is self fulfilling. People who fear the worst tend to invite it”. Elijah went through a period of discouragement, despair and depression. There is much we can learn from him.

I The causes of discouragement
Emotional stress
He had just been through incredible confrontation
He was facing continuing problems
Physical exhaustion
1.He had ran from Jezebel (v3)
2. He had gone even beyond that (v4)
Personal opposition
1.Jezebel had made threats (v2)
2. He was actually in danger
Significant achievement (18:42-45)
He had just seen a great victory
Discouragement often comes after triumph
Basic fear (v2)
He was afraid of what Jezebel could/would do to him
Fear is a powerful emotion and it is usually negative
Simplistic thinking
He evidently thought that a victory would take care of everything
This made him vulnerable to despair’s cousin disillusionment
Heavy responsibility (v10)
The situation was clouded by his own misconceptions
He saw himself as incredibly responsible
II. The process of discouragement
Flight- he ran away from the trials
Negative thinking- his words drip with negativity each time he speaks, (v 4, 10)
Withdrawal- he withdrew from everyone, (v 4, 9) and appears to be withdrawing from God
Blame shifting (v10)- He laid the problem on the people of Israel, he saw hi problem as that of someone else.
Improper comparisons (v4, 10), I am no better than them
III. The results of discouragement
Personal isolation- through all of this he is alone
Loss of perspective (v10)- “I am the only one left”- he wasn’t
Self pity- “self pity is a drug that leaves its addicts wasted and derelict”
Suicidal tendencies (v4)- he really didn’t want to die, if he did he could have stayed where he was, Jezebel would have taken care of it!
IV. The cure for discouragement
Get up- physically (v5, 7)- this was only after rest was granted, sometimes spiritually the best thing you can do is take a nap!
Look up- Spiritually v 11-14)- God came and spoke to him and gave him a message of hope.
Link up- emotionally v 16, 19a- God gave him Elisha to strengthen him
Gird up- practically v 15-17)- God gave him a job to do- it is easier to do your way into feeling than it is to feel your way into doing
Shape up- preferentially (v14) Elijah still complains after seeing God’s glory, but God laid tasks before him, the choice was his
Conclusion
Sparky the Loser. “Despair is not handled by giving it. It is handled best by giving out something of yourself to others. By giving out a person has no time for despair and so it departs. God calls us to serve, out of love, let his love in and flow through you.

A new way

Joshua ch 3 v 1-17
Series “living out faith day by day” pt1
Introduction what uncertain things are you facing? The turtle picnic all about trust Israel faced an unknown situation in this chapter; here are several pointers for facing uncertainty
I. Face it calmly
A. Israel didn’t know the direction- they had to take things ones step at a time
B. We can be sure of certain things that produce calm in our lives
1. When we are heading in the right direction
2. we have survived up to this point!
3. Any fear, panic worry will not change the future!
II. Face it submissively
A. The way Israel was travelling was chosen by God
B. If you are a child of God, the way you are travelling is chosen by God
1.change what you are reasonably able to change
2. Accept as from him the things you can’t change
3. Stop trying to earn the love of God, you can’t do it, he loves you more than you can ever know, or achieve, rest in the love of God
III. Face it compliantly
A. This chapter is filled with commandments as was the entire conquest
B. Hearing and listening are two ways of facing the unknown
1. We have all the instruction we could possibly need
2. We must resolve to hear the word of the Lord and to do it!
IV. Face it expectantly
A. God has good things in store for Israel
B. God has good things in store for you!
1. you are going to experience a greater presence of the Lord
2. the greater the trials the greater the working of the Lord
3. Even if there are new trials, they will likely end the old trials!
4. Sometimes God calms the storm, sometimes God calms you to face the storm
V. Face it confidently
A. Israel had the assurance of God’s presence and power (shekinah!)
1. Note the role of the ark
2. Note the new arrangement with the ark first- God didn’t need them to protect him; he was committed to protecting them
B. Some things to remember
1. The way is new to you, but not to God- past, present, future, all human words!
2. The way is new to you, but others have faced what you have faced
3. The presence of God goes surely with you, as he has with the saints of old (biographies)
VI. Face it aggressively
A. Israel was facing enormous changes at this point
1. They were not a warlike people, they had been slaves, and then wanderers
2. They should have been doing conquest rather than wanderings
B. Your way- if it involves growth- requires change
1. Whatever will come is ordered by the Lord for your growth
2. Take the way one step at a time, trusting the lord
3. Do not fear, step out in the strength of the Lord!
VII. Face it cheerfully
A. Israel didn’t manage this
1. they should have been delighted to get out of the wilderness
2. They should have been glad to get on with conquest
B. Face this year with some assurances
1. Your difficulties will all be overcome or
2. You will be given strength to handle trials
3. remember that “this is the day (way) that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it
Conclusion
Israel’s command was to consecrate themselves, make holy, and separate themselves, for God will do amazing things! Take that promise, set yourself apart from God and let him do amazing things with your future. The best way we can approach uncertainty is not panic, fear or worry, but by recommitting ourselves to God and his word. Bible in a year. Prince of grenada May you…..

Prayer: problem or power

transforming the world in which God has placed us, pt 6
Matthew 6 v 5-8
Introduction recap, God wants to give, not domain of super Christian!
New gorilla, sooner or later we get found out. It would seem that prayer would be the Christian’s great source of power, it is! But it can be a place of real problems. We must be careful in prayer, because our sinful nature can follow us right into the throne room; nothing is safe from our sinfulness.
I The problem of prayer
A Prayer can express selfishness
We tend to focus on the one who is praying
a. It draws attention to ourselves
b. It also reminds us that we are praying (look at me!)
We tend to focus n personal wants/needs.
It’s amazing how selfish most of our praying actually is
The Christian’s focus on others should show in prayer
We tend to define spirituality outwardly
By length /amount of prayer- but prayer should flow from a grateful heart, you pray because God is in you, not to get God in you
Spirituality is always inward
B. Prayer can focus on form
1. We get too concerned with the actual wording of prayer (Groans)
2. We tend to stress time
a. We concentrate on the length of time spent
b. We concentrate on regularity of time spent.
II. The power of prayer
A It is simply the individual approaching God
1. There is nothing mystical about prayer
2. It is communication between two persons
B. Powerful prayer involves
Exclusion
Other people- mentally not physically
Yourself
Real issue is sincerity more than secrecy
Realization
a. Who and what God really is
b. The Fatherhood of God and all the relationships, which that suggests
The ability of God to accomplish anything
Confidence
The confidence of a child with its father.
The realization that God wants to bless more than I want to be blessed (prayer involves a basket not a battering ram)
The realization that he already knows what I need
Conclusion
Tomato frog Prayer can be a problem, but the real problem lies with our sinful nature, our lack of faith. Prayer can be a source of power when we pray with reverence and confidence.

Prayer or proclamation

Transforming the world in which God has place you pt 5
Matthew 6 :5-8
Introduction recap resolutions Pepe Rodriguez, translation Public prayer is tricky, it is easy to pray in church with everyone else, it is easy to pray in front of friends when you have tried it a few times, but in all prayer, public or private it is so hard to pray from the heart, to pray with faith, without fear and to really mean it. Jesus has some teaching for us on the subject!
I. condemnation
A. Jesus condemns their method
1. They stood in the synagogue (looking for prominence)
2. They stood on the street corners (plain view)
3. Jesus does not condemn standing in general as it was a common practice
B. Jesus condemns their manner
1. Impression- that they may be seen by men”- they were concerned with an impression
2. Impersonation- they were trying to vie the impression that they were spiritual and pious
3. Intention- they were trying to make it look like they were so earnest that they couldn’t wait
C. Jesus condemns their motive
1. Design- their end in view was to have the applause of men
2. Designation- Jesus calls them hypocrites
3. Denunciation- He says that they have their reward already, thus ruling out future reward
II. Caution
A. We should be aware of similarity
1. We like to condemn the hypocrites and Pharisees
2. It is possible for us to be exactly like them
3. we must examine our own hearts in the light of the word
B. We should be aware of selfishness
1.This is a subtle problem in prayer
2. It is contrary to the communion with God
C. We should be aware of style
1. There is too much worry on what we say and how we say it before others
2. Time can also become too important for us
III. Correction
A. Jesus commends secrecy (v6)
1.Meaning- go shut out other things (including the recognition of other people)
2. The cupboard and the closed door are attitudes of the heart and mind
B. Jesus commends sincerity (vv7, 8a)
1. Prohibition- don’t be like the pagans, the religious
2. Don’t babble, ie don’t repeat yourself, don’t say things without thinking! (Lord’s prayer can be abused in this way)
3. Don’t be like them
a. either by doing what they do
b. Or by thinking you will be heard with more fancy talk
C. Jesus commends simplicity (v8b)
1. Remember the basic precondition- God knows all about your needs before you even get there, so he is much more concerned about your attitude in prayer
2. All the flashy accessories are not necessary at all
3. Prayer is a matter of friendship and fellowship between you and God
Conclusion
Nothing quite tests your spiritual life more than face to face time with God in prayer, it is a challenge and a risk to spend time alone with God, but are you up for it? How about this, 10 mins a day with god in prayer, sign up for an hour to be with God alone in the prayer room when we do our next 24 hour prayer room. Don’t let God pass by, new year, get serious with God, and you will see the world he has placed you in being transformed as he works through you. The job applicant, "morse code"may you……..

What to do with what you have got

1st tim 6 v 17-19
Introduction Fisherman or pavement? Bible has plenty to say about money. It speaks about desiring it; it speaks to those who have it, and those who don’t. Wherever you are today, don’t stop listening; there is something for you here.
I. The relativity of riches (v 17a)
A. “Rich in terms of this present age”
1.We see riches in man’s terms
2.God sees riches in entirely different terms
B. This shows us that riches are always relative
1. To be really rich is always to have slightly more than we already have
2. But we are richer than almost anyone on earth
II. Warnings for the wealthy (v 17b): to each one of us
A Don’t be snobbish
1.Don’t be proud, or “highminded”- from two words, lofty and think
2.Beware of the “pride of the purse”
B Don’t be smug
1. “Don’t fix your hopes upon something as uncertain as
money
3. Don’t find security in what you have
III. Principles of prosperity (v 17-18)
A. Fix your hope upon God
1. A matter of focus- God should be that focus
2. God is the perfect point of focus
a. He gives all things
b. He gives us all things
c. He gives us all things richly
d. He gives us all things richly to be enjoyed (it is not wrong to have things as long as the focus is right)
B. Work at doing Good
1.enjoy doing good, not a burden
2. Same word is used of God in Acts 14:17
C. Be rich in noble actions
1. excel in things that are noble
2. Make a collection of noble actions, that which is honourable, do so many that people can’t tell which is the most honourable
D. Be quick to recognise need
1. This word contains the idea of awareness of the needs of others
2. The English word “generosity” fits in well
E. Be willing to give what you have
1. Be ready and willing to share what you have with others
2. This puts the focus where it belongs
IV. The intelligence of investment (v19)
A. Provision for the future
1. a treasure for the future
2. a good foundation, in contrast to the shaky foundations provided by riches
3. For the future, when we meet Jesus on this throne, sheep and goats….
B. Performance for the present
1.so grasp the life, which is life indeed- life in Christ,
eternal life, purpose filled life
3. The idea is that the person who learns how to handle riches is the only person who really understands what life is about
Conclusion
The underlying philosophy, OT saints showed their wealth by possession, NT saints by their giving, God esp in the NT shows interest in giving not in having. Until you learn to give you haven’t learnt what life is about. Never forget that it is “God who gives us all things to richly enjoy” Examples….. “how to catch a monkey”
May you…………..

Take your burden to the Lord

Nehemiah 1 v 5-11
Introduction
Too much prayer story! Do you have a heavy burden bothering you? Would you really like to see something done about it? Nehemiah can help you! He received word of the state of affairs in Jerusalem and he was deeply moved by conditions there, and he went to the Lord with his burden. His prayer is a pattern for handling our burdens
I Focus on God (v5)
A Nehemiah gives us 5 angles on which to focus
1 “Lord”- Yahweh, self existent, immutable God
2 “God of Heaven”- dwells, reigns there and so also on earth
3 “Great God”- Infinite in all perfections, filling all with his presence, exalted above all, MAJESTY
4. “Awesome God” – dreaded by foes, revered by friends
5. “God that keeps his covenant” faithful to his obligation
B We need a fresh view of God
II Concentrate on confession (v 6-7)
Nehemiah details aggravation of Israel’s sins (v7)
It was by a favoured people
They sinned against God
They sinned against specific commandments of God
They sinned against dramatic circumstances- the showing of God’s power etc
Nehemiah identifies himself in that sin (v6)
It is not likely that he was guilty of much
A clear view of God makes us aware of sin
A readiness to face sin is a mark of Spiritual maturity
III Claim your grounds (v 8-11)
A. Notice the things he claimed
1. The names of God
2. The promises of God (v9)
3. Their relationship to God (v10a)
4. The past history of God’s working (v10b)
B. Notice the sincerity of the request
1. Others were united with him
2. The request was urgent
C. God is not dishonoured by reminders of our grounds for prayer
1. It shows that we have learned something
2.It states that we depend on his character
IV. Make your request (v 11)
A. Nehemiah knew what he wanted
1.He had already formulated a plan
2. He wanted God’s blessing on it
3. He had simple means of confirming
B. You need to be specific in your requests
Ask for what you want but in accordance with his will
When you don’t know what you want, pray for clarity
Conclusion
Sharpen your Axe! Nehemiah has a message for you whose hearts are heavily burdened. Take your burden to the Lord in prayer and see these burdens lifted! Commit to practice the pattern of Nehemiah’s prayer until the prayer is answered and the burden is lifted. May you……

evening sermon

Series: Coming to Grips with Reality
Ecclesiastes 9:18- 10:1
“Sweat the Small Stuff”
INTRO
Recently, the RCA Dome in Indianapolis—which was the home of the
Indianapolis Colts—imploded
-a stadium that took two full years and 82 million dollars to build—24 years ago
-came down in 20 seconds two years ago
Sometimes—the same thing happens to people
-lives that took years to develop implode seemingly in moments—
-in the religious world, one thinks back of Todd Bentley
-more recently—in the political world—
-or people like Bernard Madoff in the financial world
-men who built their lives—but through a series of misjudgments—their worlds came apart
2009 will be a year that some of us thrive, bear fruit, attempt great things
-others will drift—settle for small lives
-while others will implode—a world will break apart, a marriage will collapse
-a reputation will be stained—dreams shattered
HOW DOES ONE AVOID THE LATTER?
-Solomon wrote these words in 10:1 to warn us, instruct us, guard us
(read 9:18-10:1)
On the surface, it’s a simple proverb
-but there is nothing really simple about biblical proverbs
-for they reflect a lot of life experience compressed into a statement
-a dissertation condensed into two lines so that they will be remembered
-maybe even change a life
Solomon gives this warning—perhaps because his own life imploded
-seduced into relationships that seemed innocent, convenient, diplomatic
-gave himself to excesses that amounted to so much chasing after the wind
-that over time turned his heart away from God to lesser gods
-and the fragrance of a God-full life was spoiled
10:1 is his contribution to God’s overall instruction about sin—something we cannot afford to be naïve about
-as Packer puts it—learning about sin is our first need of life
-here’s what the text teaches us—it tells us something about—
A. SIN’S ATTRACTION
-in the parallelism of the verse—the perfumer’s oil is a metaphor of a life of wisdom, godliness
-for holiness creates its own aroma—the knowledge of God has its own fragrance—2 Corinthians 2:14
-communities that draw together to be missional, follow hard after God— choose to be holy
-create their own powerful scent—more compelling than candles
-the problem—just as flies are drawn to ointment—so wise, godly lives attract sin
-as Richard Lovelace puts it in his book on spiritual renewal—
“All who attempt for a single day to lead a life centered on God and His kingdom will discover they have a battle on their hands”
-one thinks of men like Noah, David, Hezekiah, Uzziah—others who were eminent in their walk with God—and found sin crouching at their door, for its desire was for them—as it is for us
-this is why Solomon warned his son in Proverbs 6:26—the adulteress hunts for precious life
-and in Proverbs 9:15—folly centers her invitation to those “who are making their paths straight”
-those who have a certain fragrance
-the metaphor tells us something about—
B. SIN’S STRATEGY
-which is two fold--
1. BEGIN WITH SMALL THINGS
-the image of small insects is intentional
-Solomon is telling us that sin is a lot like flies—that can be insidious, inconspicuous, pesky
-seemingly harmless by their size
-sins we tend to overlook, minimize, make excuses for
-and over time—accept, even tolerate
-this is always sin’s great deceitfulness—to have us regard it as less dangerous than it really is
-Jerry Bridges in his newest book Respectable Sins, warns—
“We have become so preoccupied with some of the major sins of society around us that we have lost sight of the need to deal with our own more ‘refined’ or subtle sins”
What do they look like?
-here are a few of the seemingly “harmless” flies I’ve noticed buzzing around your lives and mine—
-anxiety, frustration, impatience, discontentedness, ingratitude, resentment, self pity, over-indulgence, impatience, irritability, a critical
spirit, independent spirit, sarcasm, cynicism, negativity, apathy, unwholesome language
-one can add wasting time, procrastination, moodiness, materialism, mean spiritedness
-most of us make excuses for these “acceptable sins”
-it’s just who we are
-missing the fact that it takes just a little to undo a lot of good
-that just as one sinner destroys much good (9:18)
-so one small sin can do much damage
-maybe because there are really no small sins—from God’s perspective
-sin is sin—there are no misdemeanors and felonies
-for all sin is malignant—all sin kills
-maybe this is why Jesus said a lustful thought amounts to adultery
-anger amounts to murder
-for behind the “respectable sins” are things much darker
i. anxiety is ultimately a failure to trust God—I am saying—I don’t believe
God can come through—or worse—that He doesn’t care
ii. frustration is living as though God is not involved in my circumstances
iii. discontentment is saying God does not know what is best for my life
iv. wasting time is ultimately squandering the gift of time God graciously
gives
-it’s the slow leaks—not the blow outs—you have to watch for
-Solomon is saying--it’s not so much the giants as the insidious pests
-the little sins that eventually mar the nobleness of great character
-the ounce of foolishness that is more weighty than a life of wisdom
Watch the small sins
-for here’s the second strategy--
2. SIN’S AIM IS TO TURN SMALL THINGS INTO BIG THINGS
-just as there is a progress to corruption in a vat
-unarrested—there is a progress to the deadening agent of sin
-small choices progress into attachments that progress into compulsions
that turn into addictions and eventually into idolatries
-this is why Plantinga likens sin to a plague
-to a polluted river that keeps branching and rebranching into tributaries
i. wandering eyes lead to ongoing thoughts that grow into addictive
behaviors that mushroom into adultery
ii. envy branches into resentment into anger and breaks the levy and
becomes destructive murder—Cain and Abel, Saul and David, the
brothers and Joseph
iii. complacency, indifference, apathy, lack of passion grow into
irresponsibility, into missing the moment, missing one’s role, missing
God’s calling—ending in a wasted life
Peggy Noonan, referencing books that impacted her in 2008, noted Mother
Teresa’s Secret Fire
-an account of her trip to a spiritual retreat when she had “an overwhelming experience of God”
-something more than some dry command to feed the poor
-something more monumental, more mysterious—that led her to serve the
least, the last, and the lost in the slums of Calcutta
-the pt-we all have to find our Calcutta—but you don’t have to go to India
-Calcutta (the call of God) is all around you—but you have to be listening—you have to be able to hear
-but just a small lack of passion, a bit of indifference, self absorption,
busyness—can ruin it all
-sweat the small stuff!
C. SIN’S GOAL
-RUIN THE FRAGRANCE
-what Solomon tells us here is what all of Scripture underscore—
-sin’s strategy has an intended aim--to pollute, despoil, wreck, make odious
and unusable
-and it just takes a little—
-one lit—to undo years of integrity
-one inappropriate touch to undo years of trust
-from the beginning—it has been this way
-a bit of impatience, a strike of a rock—and Moses’ well was poisoned
-like one rotten apple that eventually spoils the whole barrel
-like a little leaven that leavens the whole lump
-as dead flies ruin the vat, so sin eventually contaminates, deadens
-the wages of sin is death
Illustration—Lents-Milford—who put these damn ropes up?—ruined the
fragrance
-this is sin’s goal—to corrupt powerful human capacities—thought,
emotion, speech, act
-turn the aroma of justice into the stink of injustice
-the perfume of gratitude to the smell of ingratitude
-the fragrance of respect to the stench of disrespect
-the scent of God centeredness to the odor of self centeredness
Why? Because there is something powerful about smell
-of the five senses—smell is the only one that goes directly to the brain
-more than any other sense—it affects moods, impacts emotions, influences behavior
-no wonder Dobbies puts its fragrances at the front door—Stanford’s places its alder wood fire pit near the front door
If we are to attract the unbelieving—it will have everything to do with our fragrance
D. SIN’S DEFEAT
-the implication of the metaphor is clear
-it begins with our commitment to keep watch, guard the heart, protect the perfume
-inspect the cracks that allow flies in
-for lives do not suddenly implode—marriages do not just collapse
-lots of things were in motion for months—maybe years
-lines crossed, behaviors justified, small flies allowed in
-and then the ointment goes bad
Let’s make this our year to aim for holiness
-hate the small sins—as well as the large ones
-for there’s no sin small enough He does not grieve over
-no sin large enough He cannot forgive

MAY YOU…………………………..

Series: Ecclesiates 9v 1-12, evening service sermon

“The Reality of Time”
INTRO
Brush with death?
One cannot read Ecclesiastes without sensing he has had his brush with death
-or maybe this is a man in his older age—staring at its edge
-for death is a subject that haunts him through out the book
-haunt—because death is the great intruder
-death is the result of the Fall—the consequence of man choosing sin
-it is the painful reminder that humanity has been cut off from the tree of life
-we universally deny the thought of death—fill ourselves with a thousand distractions to avoid the subject
-affluence and comforts contribute to a sense of deferred death—even illusions of immortality
-we might even assume that if we can put it off long enough—maybe it won’t happen
-but Qoheleth won’t allow this—he confronts us head on with mortality’s reality often
-and here in chap 9—he does it again
-in the first six verses—he again declares that life is brief, fragile
-that our times are in the hand of God-vs 1
-that none of us knows what awaits us-vs 2
-but this we know for sure—we all have an appointment with the grave
vs 3-“the same destiny takes us all”
-so--better then to be a live mutt than a dead king of the jungle-vs 4
-the fact you have life means—take heart!
-for in contrast to the dead—you still have time
-and this is the point of the book!
Behind just about every theme is this realization that time passes—no matter who we are, what we do
-and it passes quickly—time slips though our fingers and escapes all efforts to manage it
-hence the use of hebel—vapor—some thirty times in the book
-life is hebel hebelim—vapor of vapors—his opening statement
-a way of saying our season on earth is less substantial than steam
-one can hear the Psalmist echoing in the background—
“As for man, his days are as grass,
-he flourishes like a flower of the field
-the wind blows over it and it is gone
-and its place remembers it no more (103:15-16)
-so how should we respond? What must we do?
-feel discouraged, morose, depressed?
-it’s actually quite the opposite (read vss 7-10a)
-this is God’s clarion call—DON’T LET TIME SLIP BY UNNOTICED!
-if we have heard this before—it’s because we have
-Solomon regularly punctuates the book with these words—this is the fifth of the carpe diem passages (2:24; 3:12; 5:18; 8:15)
-and while there are similarities—the tone here is sharper
Solomon moves to imperatives, giving urgency to the point
-there is a great commission of sorts—GO!
-take hold of the possibilities!
-embrace the good in life before it is too late—seize the moment before
death seizes you
-here again—Solomon is teaching us something many of us need to grasp
-that time is our most valuable possession, our most precious commodity
-it passes whether we choose to spend it or not
-we cannot regain what was misspent—so—
1-TAKE DELIGHT IN THE SIMPLE-vss 7-8
-in your meals—don’t consign them to mere replacement of spent fuel
-eat in gladness-drink with a pleasant heart
-put on your best clothes, your best face, your best lotions, your best fragrance
-after all—this comes from God (2:24)
-MORE--such delight is approved by God!-vs 7b
-something some of us cannot grasp
-as McManus puts it—many think spirituality is a journey toward numbness—a calling to be spiritual sourpusses
The reality is—according to Solomon—according to the whole of Scripture--joy is what demonstrates true spirituality
-it is what authenticates our faith—at times our greatest apologetic to an unbelieving world
-it is what gets us through the night
-life is brief--don’t waste the moments—don’t waste relationships
2-LOVE THOSE GOD HAS BROUGHT INTO YOUR LIFE-vs 9
-enjoy those God has invited you to love
-relationships—especially marriages--were never designed to be tolerated, endured
-for in this fleeting life—they represent our portion—our gift allotted from
God
-so take—receive—enjoy
-and when it comes to life’s endeavors—
3-GO WITH YOUR STRENGTHS-vs 10a
-live out your gifts—seize the opportunities
-don’t mark time--approach life half-heartedly
-as CS Lewis put it—
“None of us know the play—whether we are in Act I or Act V. We know a
few of the characters. The Author will have something to say to us on the
part we played—the playing it well is what matters”
In his “You’re Always in Season”, Hybels notes that it is critical we live in the season we’re in
-we may be in a season of growth—maybe a season of consolidation—transition, malaise, reinvention—whatever—grab it—change it
-give voice to the realities of that season—assign language to it, develop parameters to survive it, offer solutions to move through it
-do it with your strength—give everything to what is in front of you
-occasionally Jesus would turn to His disciples and say something like He
spoke in John 9:4-“As long as it is day, we must do God’s work”
-I have come that you might have life—and have it abundantly—LIVE IT
OUT!
Solomon wants to make sure we know why—(read vss 10b-12)
1-DEATH BRINGS TIME TO AN END
-the passing of time means the passing of certain opportunities
-Solomon is not denying a future state—life on the other side
-but he is warning us that particular earthly activities will not happen on the other side
-it’s only in this life—in time—can you do them
-enjoy your spouse—for marriage is not part of eternity
-invest in the kingdom now—for you can’t do it on the other side
-enjoy your work—for what we do on the other side will be different
-if you’re a doctor, a nurse, a pharmacist, a dentist—go for it now—you’ll be out of work on the other side
-if you’re an lawyer, a psychologist, a teacher—there will be no need for your expertise
-if you’re a pastor—you will be absolutely useless in heaven
-so—go for it now!!
-seize your moments--
2-TIME HAS ITS UNPREDICTABILITIES-vss 11-12
-life is defined by the unexpected
-it is not the clear roadmap Proverbs seems to suggest
-no matter who you are—fast, rich, powerful, clever
-your wisdom and might and talent and wealth—while they enhance the prospect of success—do not guarantee it
-for things happen that are unforeseen, beyond control
-the swift may win the race—they may not make it to the end
-skills and efforts do matter—but time and events (calamities) will rule the outcome
-and no one knows when
-the fish may swim merrily, the birds may fly effortlessly
-and be entrapped in a moment
-and it can feel that way for us!
-the words go against so much of what culture tells us
-that we can define and shape ourselves and determine our destiny
-but this is a myth
-the promise of control is a seductive one
-in a world conceited about itself and its achievements
-the reality is--success is not ours to command
-we are not gods who control events—but mortals who are desperate for
God
-it’s not in man to direct his steps-Jer 10:23
-we are swung by tidal forces we do not control
-this week has underscored this to me and my family!
-death can come unexpectedly—that puts an end to one’s ability to enjoy life, go after dreams, fulfill one’s purpose
-what we can hold on to is God’s providence
CONCLUSION
This is your moment—right now
-this is where the past and the future collide
-and moments have the possibility of being ignored—as well as the opportunities within them
-but they also have the possibility of being seized—with the potential to change life forever
-so what are you doing with them?

God is closer than you think pt5

Week 5: The People
One of the most popular kinds of books or articles in our day is the kind that offer a
diagnostic checklist to tell you if you fit into certain categories. You can check a few boxes and
find out, for example, if you’re in good health, or if you’re financially stable or teetering on the
brink of disaster, or if you’re being a good parent. It seems there are checklists for everything in
the world, including a book called How to Know If You’re a Redneck!
In case you’ve been wondering about that, I’ll give you a few indicators to help clarify
that for you.
1. If, when your front porch collapses, it kills more than three dogs, you might be a
redneck.
2. If you own a home that is mobile and five cars that are not, you might be a redneck.
3. If you’ve ever been fired from a construction job due to your appearance, you might
be a redneck.
4. If you’ve ever hollered, “Rock the house, Bubba!” during a piano recital, you might
be a redneck.
5. If you stare at a can of frozen orange juice because it says, “Concentrate …”
6. If you have to think about that last one … !
Today we’re going to look at a Bible passage and then take a ten-point diagnostic of
ourselves. So get out your paper and pen, and get ready.
These past few weeks we have been doing an intensive study and application to discover
that God is truly closer than we think.
• We’ve talked about his desire to be close to us—to be with us.
• We covered how being with him is our choice.
• The third week we learned how the Spirit of God is present within us as Christfollowers.
• Last week we learned about listening to God’s voice throughout each day.
Every one of these weeks builds on the other, and each reflects God’s great desire for a
relationship with you that is far more than a Sunday-morning experience—but is woven into the
fabric of every single day.
One of the most overlooked places to experience God’s presence is in the lives of the
people around us, particularly, but not exclusively, those who are Christ-followers.
Here’s the diagnostic question we’re going to ask ourselves today: “How do you know if
you are seeing God’s presence in and through the people around you?”
Here’s why this is important: when you and I grow in our awareness of God’s presence in
and through the people around us, we are growing in our love for people and our love for
God—and growing even more aware of his presence. This is critical to our maturing in our faith
as Christians.
If you have a Bible with you, please turn to Colossians 4:7–18, Paul’s final words to the
church in the city of Colosse. Here is what he says to this congregation:
“Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister
and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may
know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with
Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is
happening here.
“My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of
Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) _
“Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my
fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is
always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and
fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and
Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Give my greetings to
the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
“After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the
Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
“Tell Archippus: ‘See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.’
“I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.”
People who are in community together typically do two very common things. They tell
stories and they dream dreams. The longer they’ve been in community, the deeper the stories and
the richer the dreams.
Do you realize that when you’re part of a small circle of individuals, there’s a story and a
dream attached to every person? That’s part of doing life in community.
That’s what lies behind Paul’s words here. Unfortunately, this is the sort of Bible text a
lot of people tend to skip right over. But it is so rich. I want to extract everything we can from it.
Paul most likely wrote Colossians as a prisoner at Rome, probably not far from the end of
his life. In this very poignant conclusion of his letter he sends greetings from a small circle of
people—a little community that faced prison or exile—back to some of their dear friends in
Colosse, knowing that some of them would probably never be reunited. In a sense, he pulls back
the curtain and reveals his little circle of traveling companions and special people to whom he’s
writing. A handful of names are mentioned, and there’s a story behind every one of them.
What I want to do is to walk with you around this circle, look at their stories, and ask you
to reflect. From the lives of these individuals and Paul’s words about them or to them, we are
going to see various indicators which help us recognize God’s presence in and through the
people around us.
The first indicator is this:
1. If you can describe how a person’s character traits reflect God, you might be seeing God
through the people around you.
Paul starts in verse 7 by saying, “Tychicus will tell you all the news about me.” We first
met Tychicus in Acts 20:4, where we’re told he’s from a Roman province of Asia. Paul here
gives him a beautiful commendation. Look at the three phrases that describe him.
He’s a “dear brother.” We’re in relational intimacy, Paul says. He’s a “faithful minister.”
Tychicus had some task to work at. We don’t know what it was, but he was diligent in his work
for the community. He’s a “fellow servant.” He served.
I want to give you a key word, a phrase for each one of the names around this little circle.
If you’re taking notes, you can just write down a little note next to each one of these names. The
one here for Tychicus is this word “encourage” in verse 8. “I’ve sent him to you for this very
purpose,” Paul says, “so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts.”
Most New Testament scholars think that Tychicus was the representative of the church in
the province of Asia who brought money to the poor in the Jerusalem church. Imagine the
encouragement that brought to the believers in Jerusalem. Tychicus apparently was the guy who
signed up for that assignment.
Paul also wrote about Tychicus to the church at Ephesus. Take a look at what he says:
“Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you
also may know how I am and what I am doing.” (Ephesians 6:21)
When Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians, he was chained to a Roman guard. There are
certain things you don’t write about when there’s a Roman guard looking over your
shoulder—such as prison conditions or how you feel about Caesar! So he says Tychicus is going
to come so they can know for sure how things really are.
Tychicus would go to the people and reassure them: “Paul’s okay, he’s in God’s hands.
Not just that, the gospel is spreading, and the kingdom is growing!” And the people would be
encouraged, because when one human being authentically shares his or her experience of God’s
faithfulness, people get changed.
John Ortberg gives a powerful example of this truth. His wife Nancy received a note
while on staff at Willow Creek. The letter was written by Steve Bond and John tracked him
down for permission to read it. Here’s what it said:
“I’m writing this note to you knowing that you’ll share with appropriate people at
Willow. On Thursday night, last month, you baptized my father and mother. They are in their
seventies, James and Margaret Bond.”
Then, as John tells it, he digresses to point out, “James Bond got baptized here last
month. My wife baptized Bond, James Bond! In fact, when I called Steve to get permission, the
last three digits in the telephone number were 007!”
Back to Steve’s letter. “In the audience was our thirteen-year-old son. Apparently, the
service had quite an impact on my son. He told us Friday that Grandma and Grandpa looked so
happy on the stage that he knew he had some thinking and praying to do. Thursday night he
accepted Christ as his personal Savior.”
Then he writes, “My wife and I are ecstatic. My parents are walking on air.” But it’s
because a couple of people at one end of the life spectrum declared God’s faithfulness to them—
declared it was their sins that nailed Jesus to the cross—that the heart of a thirteen-year-old was
encouraged and the gospel was spread. Encouragers do that.
When you look into the life of another person and are able to declare the character traits
you see that resemble God—you are reminded of God’s close presence to you through them.
Their faithfulness is reflective of God’s faithfulness. Their trustworthiness is God’s
trustworthiness. The encouragement you see in them is God’s encouragement.
The second indicator is:
2. If you see people not for their earthly status but for their stature in Christ, you might be
seeing God through the people around you.
A writer named Denis Waitley writes about an exercise that he sometimes includes in his
public speaking. He asks eight volunteers from the audience to come upfront, and then he puts a
cardboard sign around each of their necks. On the sign is written a title to indicate their status in
life: baby, mother, astronaut, janitor, rock star, NBA basketball player, doctor, lawyer. Then they
are told to position themselves in order of their importance.
Now let me add that these volunteers are kids ages seven to eleven. What starts out as a
harmless exercise turns into Star Wars and Virginia Woolf. After the pushing and shoving stops,
they settle down to serious status seeking about who should be at the front of the line.
The astronaut heads to the front—“I am first because I am going places the rest of you
can’t go. Besides, I am going to try to find us another place to live because the earth is too
crowded.” Applause.
The rock star walks up and pushes the astronaut to second place, to a round of cheers
from the spectators. The rock star says, “I’m already in outer space. I make the most money, and
I could buy you as a pilot for my private jet.”
Next comes the NBA player. “I think that I should go first. I make as much money as the
rock star and play to a big crowd every night all season doing something physical, which is better
for you.” More cheers.
The doctor walks up to make his case. “I should go first because I fix all of you when you
are injured or sick, and I make good money.” Light applause.
The lawyer takes a try. “I’m the best because I can put you in jail or keep you out of jail,
and you have to pay all of your money to me.” Big cheers.
Up walks the mother. “I really am first because I brought all of you into the world.”
Again, just light applause.
The baby comes next. “Shouldn’t I really be first in line? All of us were babies before we
were mothers or anything else.” Nods and cheers.
Do you know who never tries to make it to the front of the line? The janitor. Those who
play the janitor role don’t even try for first because they know they will be laughed at if they do,
though it’s just a game.
That’s the way the game of life goes in this world. There is pushing and shoving to see
who is going to win, who is number one, who is most important, who is most powerful or most
successful. People go through their lives being miserable because there always seems to be
someone ahead of them, and it eats away at them.
If you are a person who can see people not for their earthly status, but for their stature in
Christ, you are more likely to see the nearness of God through the people around you. Take a
look at Colossians 4:9 where Paul writes about another name in his circle.
Paul says that Tychicus is coming with Onesimus, “our faithful and dear brother who is
one of you.” Turn to the letter of Philemon, just a few books further back in your Bible.
Onesimus was a runaway slave whom Paul had urged to return willingly to his owner,
Philemon, as a sign of his obedience to Christ. We’re about to see in a tangible way here that
what makes the new community of faith so unique is that the old divisions, boundaries, and
hostilities are just obliterated in Christ.
Beginning in verse 8, Paul writes to Philemon, “Therefore, although in Christ I could be
bold and order you to do what you ought to do”—in other words, Paul is saying, I could
command you to be reconciled and receive Onesimus back—“yet I appeal to you on the basis of
love. I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— I appeal to you for
my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.”
Look at the skill and the heart and the care with which Paul works toward reconciliation:
“Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.” A little
note here: the name Onesimus meant “useful.” So Paul is making a sort of play on words. In fact,
the name was very rare name among freed people and given almost exclusively to slaves.
“I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him
with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I
did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous
and not forced.”
Even though he could, Paul is not going to use pressure or authority. “Perhaps the reason
he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good—no
longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.”
Those were radical words in those days, friends—“He is very dear to me but even dearer
to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” That is, he would now be a brother, not a
slave, both in their earthly relationship and in the church.
“So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.” Then look at
what Paul says. When Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” you’re seeing one in action
here.
“If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing
this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do
wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.”
Onesimus could have been tracked down and killed, but Paul couldn’t bear to think of
disunity or enmity in the body. In Paul’s letter to the church at Colosse, he wrote, “Here there is
no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is
all, and is in all.” (Colossians 3:11)
Imagine how Onesimus, a runaway slave, felt knowing he had come back to his master,
Philemon, but that Philemon and the congregation at Colosse would hear these words from the
apostle Paul: “This is my faithful and dear brother.”
I’ll share a postscript with you. Several decades later, a church father named Ignatius
referred in his writings to a bishop of Ephesus named Onesimus. Now, we don’t know for sure,
but because this was a name pretty much restricted to slaves, it may well be that this same
Onesimus, a nothing, a slave in the eyes of the world, went on to become one of the great leaders
of the church.
Learn to look beyond the status or the role and see the stature of the person in their
relationship with Christ.
Then there’s Aristarchus. Paul writes just one phrase about him here in Colossians—“My
fellow prisoner”— but, along with a couple of other New Testament passages, it’s sufficient to
provide us with our third indicator:
3. If you observe Christ-followers who stick close to those who are in trouble, you might be
seeing God through the people around you.
In Acts 19:29 Paul is at Ephesus and there’s a riot, and we’re told that Aristarchus is one
of those with Paul, a loyal traveling companion who shared his trouble there.
Later, in Acts 27:1, it says, “When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and
some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the
Imperial Regiment.” And then we find out in verse 2 that they were accompanied by Aristarchus.
It may well be, some scholars think, that Aristarchus attached himself to Paul as Paul’s slave so
that the Roman soldiers would allow him to stay close by.
Often we do well when people are in a short-term crisis. For a week or two we’ll offer
support. But what about when people have long-term needs, ongoing financial or career
problems, or an extended illness? How loyal are you within your circle in such situations?
There’s a saying in Proverbs, a piece of wisdom that goes: “A friend was born for times
of adversity.” Does that describe you? That’s Aristarchus. Paul says, “He’s my fellow prisoner.”
He was in prison with Paul, almost certainly voluntarily.
Aristarchus reflects Jesus’ promise that he will be with us “always, to the very end of the
age.” When you see people who stay close in times of trouble, you are seeing God’s presence
through them.
Then there’s Mark. Paul says, “Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does
Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you’ve received instructions.” This is
interesting—“If he comes to you, welcome him.”
In Mark’s life we find the fourth indicator:
4. If you see someone who has failed and is being restored, you might be seeing God through the
people around you.
Some of you know the story of Mark, also known as John Mark. In Acts 13:6, we’re told
that he set out along with Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey. But in verse 13, Mark quit.
He deserted them.
Then in Acts 15:36–40, we read this:
“Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the
towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.’
“Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it
wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in
the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.”
As we find out, Barnabas reclaims Mark, and over the ensuing years Mark doesn’t give
up. He returns to God and to the ministry, and proves himself faithful. In fact, Paul makes this
comment about him in 2 Timothy 4:11: “Get Mark and bring him … because he is helpful to me
in my ministry.” What a turnaround!
Eventually, Mark is called by God to be one of the writers of Scripture and the gospel of
Mark bears his name. Mark’s second chance is a picture to everyone around him of God’s
restoring grace. It certainly was powerfully evident in his life.
Maybe you’re here today and your story includes failure. You’ve tried ministry and
involvement, but it didn’t work out. Or you had a relationship or even a marriage failure, or you
lapsed in sin of one sort or another, and you’ve been feeling guilty. You’ve responded by
withdrawing from people and withdrawing from ministry.
Maybe you need some time for further healing, but if you’ve had enough time, get back
in the game. It’s been done before. Determine you will not spend the rest of your life on the
sidelines. And, if you know of somebody who’s failed, don’t give up on them either. Remember
the story of Mark. Because, through people like Mark, God’s presence is seen and experienced
by those around them.
Next Paul talks about Jesus, who was also called Justus. Justus, along with Aristarchus
and Mark, were called by Paul “the only Jews among my fellow workers.” But because they
lived among and ministered to the Gentiles it meant that they faced ostracism and being expelled
from the synagogue. Paul’s comment on Justus and the others is this: “They have proved a
comfort for me.” It’s a real tender word.
The fifth indicator to consider is:
5. If you see people who are bringing comfort to those who are hurting, you might be seeing
God through the people around you.
Paul likewise shared the fate of being ostracized, of being expelled from synagogue after
synagogue. We sometimes think of Paul as this real tough, calloused character, but he was not.
He needed to be comforted, and Justus, along with others, saw that. They brought comfort to
Paul.
Is there anybody in your small group or Sunday school class who you know needs
comfort? Is there anybody around you going through a loss of one sort or another who needs a
phone call or a note or a meal or just an embrace? Maybe there’s somebody here today who just
needs to be touched by you.
What a wonderful thing to have said about you what Paul says about Justus—“He’s a
comfort to me. I was wounded and hurt and lonely, and he brought healing to me.” It could be
part of what you bring to your little circle.
The sixth indicator is a powerful one that affects you and those around you, but is a
gateway to seeing God’s presence in and through the people around you:
6. If you pray bold prayers on behalf of the Christians you know, you might be seeing God
through the people around you.
Take a look at Colossians 4:12: “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ
Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all
the will of God, mature and fully assured.” The word Paul uses for “wrestling” is used one other
time in Colossians to describe his own struggles on behalf of the church.
It’s the Greek verb agonizomai. We get our word “agony” from it. The biblical picture of
wrestling you might best remember is the Old Testament story of Jacob in Genesis 32. Visited by
the spirit of God, the angel of the Lord, Jacob wrestles with him and says, “I will not let you go
until I have your blessing.” Transfer that particular mental image to Epaphras and you get the
idea.
Paul goes on to say of Epaphras in verse 13, “He is working hard for you,” but what’s
most interesting is, he brings that work ethic to prayer. He prays bold prayers.
When you pray bold prayers on behalf of the Christ-followers you know, God opens your
eyes to seeing them as he does. You see needs, strengths, and his hand working in ways that you
would otherwise be unable to recognize. You see God’s presence in their lives as you experience
prayers you prayed answered on their behalf.
Are you praying boldly for the faces and names around your circle? That’s what
Epaphras does. Though separated from the Christians in Colosse by so many miles, he struggles
and wrestles and agonizes for them in prayer.
The next character Paul talks about is Luke with just the phrase, “Luke, the beloved
physician.” Some of you may know about Luke being a physician. It’s the only time that he’s
called this in the New Testament. In our day, with all the feelings about HMOs and so on, it’s not
often that somebody gets called the “beloved physician”!
In Paul’s day, medicine was just emerging as its own discipline. Here’s apparently what
happened—Luke gave up a medical career to travel with Paul. Apparently, he felt God’s call to
leave the marketplace and enter ministry. Not everybody does, not everybody should, but Luke
did.
I’ll tell you an interesting theory. Paul talks in another letter about his “thorn in the
flesh.” He never specifies what that thorn is, but it may well have been a physical affliction. And
it’s very possible that the reason Luke has such a place in Paul’s affection is that Luke decided to
travel with Paul to give him medical attention.
Luke makes an incredible sacrifice for the cause of Christ and for Paul. Paul says this is
Luke, the beloved physician, who gave up his whole career. Of course, God had another career in
mind for Luke beyond missionary—that of an author. Luke went on to write the gospel of Luke
and the book of Acts.
The seventh indicator on how well we recognize the presence of God in the people
around us is:
7. When you observe people who are willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ, you might be
seeing God through the people around you.
It could be that sacrifice comes in the form of caring for someone who is homebound. Or
nurturing the youngsters in the nursery at church. Or serving Jesus in another country. Or living
on less so that they can give more. When you see sacrifice, you are seeing the character of God
through the people around you. Because God’s character is to give until it hurts—to the very
point of sacrificing his very own Son for you.
This year God is going to call some of you to sacrifice. Maybe it’s a big one. Maybe it is
a job change. Maybe you know that, and your heart’s kind of thumping right now. How are you
going to respond?
Maybe it’s a smaller sacrifice. Maybe it involves time devoted to ministry. Maybe it
involves money. Maybe it involves a difficult confrontation with somebody around your circle.
Will you do it? Will you say, “I will be like Luke and make a sacrifice. I will endure some pain
for the cause of Christ”?
Our eighth indicator to consider in this diagnostic of seeing God’s presence in the
people around us is:
8. If you observe someone whose first love is Jesus, you might be seeing God through the
people around you.
The next name is a very sad one. It’s Demas. He is the antithesis of what we are
diagnosing through this indicator. Take a look at verse 14 again, “Our dear friend Luke, the
doctor, and Demas send greetings.”
You’ll notice Demas is the one name in this whole passage with no description
surrounding it, but he has a story too.
There was a time when Demas was counted by Paul as a fellow worker. Here in Colosse,
he’s simply called Demas. The last mention of him is in 2 Timothy 4:10, where Paul writes about
him, “For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.”
Once Demas stood shoulder to shoulder with Paul. But there was a pattern of drift in his
life that went unchecked, and eventually he just drifted out of that little circle and drifted away.
We never hear of him again.
Some of you today need to do a heart check. What’s your first love? Honestly. Is it God?
Is that first love fresh? Or is the truth right now that you are drifting, perhaps consumed by a
career or financial issues or levels of achievement or comfort or security, and in the process
being pulled away from God, becoming detached from your circle?
God was not seen in Demas’s life. But God wants your life and mine to be marked by a
growing and unmistakable presence of a love for him. When you see someone drifting, step into
their life and call them back to their first love. If you ever see yourself drifting, run to God and
tell him: “I don’t want to drift. Help me to stop now.”
In verse 15, Paul says, “Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha
and the church in her house.” Nympha probably was either widowed or unmarried. Otherwise, it
wouldn’t be called her house, but the house that belonged to her husband. Her house was large
enough, apparently, to host the church. [Note: Some manuscripts translate this as the masculine,
Nymphas, but it is more likely feminine.]
Up until about the middle of the third century, the church did not have property, did not
have buildings like we have today, so it was dependent on somebody with a substantial enough
house for all the Christ-followers to meet in.
It’s through Nympha that we get our ninth diagnostic:
9. If you see men and women serving indiscriminately in the church, you might be seeing God
through the people around you.
Life in the church was different than life in the synagogue. You see, in Judaism, in order
to have a quorum for a synagogue, you needed to have at least ten men. Without that number,
you couldn’t have a synagogue. Women didn’t count. You could have a thousand women and
nine men, and no synagogue. Only men mattered.
Not in the early church. In fact, the Christ-followers chose another word to describe their
meetings. They didn’t have to. “Synagogue” was a generic Greek word that meant “gathering
place,” but is it used only once in the New Testament to describe a Christian gathering—James
2:2.
The Christians felt they needed a new word to describe their gathering, so now there is
the ecclesia, the assembly, the church. In this new community, the woman not only counts, but
here in Colosse, she’s the host. She’s like a quorum all by herself for the church.
In fact, one New Testament scholar, James Dunright, says because Nympha was the
householder and the only one named in the connection with the church in her home, she was
probably the leader of the church there. In the new community, there’s a new role for women.
Let me ask, are you part of a circle where men and women increasingly are relating as
brothers and sisters; where there are ministry opportunities and encouragement based solely on
giftedness, regardless of gender?
The tenth diagnostic is seen in the life of Archippus. Paul writes to him in verse 17: “Tell
Archippus: ‘See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.’”
The final diagnostic is:
10. If you see Christians who are faithful to finish what they begin, you might be seeing God
through the people around you.
We don’t know what Archippus’s task is, but apparently he was not following through
with something, or it looked like he might not follow through. Paul is concerned about this, so he
says, “See to it that you complete the work you have received.”
What a difference it makes in community when someone not only takes on a task, but
follows it through to completion. Many of us have lived in families where things like
procrastination or committing and not honoring the commitment were acceptable or
commonplace.
To be the person that we want to be in our little circles, some of us here need to do a heart
check on this issue and resolve, Whatever ministry I’m involved in, whatever task I have
undertaken, whatever commitments I have signed up for, I will see through to the finish. I’m not
going to let barriers or discouragements or obstacles stop me. When I promise to the community
to take on something, you can depend on me.
Friends, communities are built on this. God himself is the God of the covenant, the God
who promises and keeps his promise. Paul’s word to Archippus and to all of us is this: “See that
you complete the task that you have received. Don’t lose enthusiasm. Don’t just let it slide.”
When you see faithfulness, you are seeing God’s presence in that person. In a letter to the
church in Philippi Paul wrote about God’s faithfulness with these words: “He who began a good
work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
In his final words in Colossians 4:18, Paul says, “I, Paul, write this greeting in my own
hand.”
Most likely he dictated his letters, but here at the end he says, “This part I write with my
own hand.” This is so poignant. Paul says, “Remember my chains.”
As Paul wrote these words, it was his chains that were dragging across the letter. He
heard them every time he moved his pen. It was his chains that bound him to a Roman guard
who never left his side. But this is not a plea for sympathy.
Paul didn’t even bother to ask people to pray that he be released from his chains, because
his chains—a sign of disgrace and weakness in that world—had become for him a symbol of the
power of the gospel. They were part of his story.
What’s amazing here is that Paul doesn’t say, “Remember my brilliant words; remember
that I am an apostle; remember my leadership; remember my amazing spiritual maturity.” He
says, “Remember my chains. It’s because of those chains that the gospel is being spread to Rome
itself. They could chain me, but couldn’t chain the gospel.”
Paul in effect says, “Remember my chains, for I do not write as one who doesn’t know
the cost of following Christ. I, too, have my own little cross to bear, for my story is not a story
about a title or a position or a diploma or glory.”
Paul was in chains because he wanted people to know the nearness of God to them
through a relationship with Jesus Christ. God shows you through the people around you his
nearness, his presence, his character, and his love. And, if you live out these ten diagnostics in
your life, you may be helping other people see that God is closer than they think as well.