Pastor Grant's Sermons

Sermon: The Time has Come

2012-01-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

Intro

What did Jesus really say when he preached to repent and believe the Gospel?

Goal

Uncover some of the negativity associated with the word repentance and lead us to the positive truth.

Sermon Plan

We will look at the meaning of “the time has come,” the “reign of God,” repentance and religion.

The Time has Come

In Mark’s version of Jesus’ ministry, the first public words out of his mouth were, “The time has come!” (Mark 1:14-20) Some translations render that as the time is fulfilled or simply put, “Time’s up!” (the Message). This goes against the idea that the kingdom of heaven is entirely future, after this life is over. The fact is that the time for God’s rule is both now and in the future. Parables such as the mustard seed and leaven indicate a reign of God that grows. If it grows, it exists now as well as in the future. The words repent and believe are said in a sense that something is present with us now, not to come over 2,000 years later. In response to that kingdom call, the disciples immediately left their nets. The time has come!

The Reign of God

In Mark 1:14-20 Jesus said that the kingdom of God has come near. The word reign is sometimes preferred to kingdom, not just to bow to gender sensitivities or other possibly suspect motives, but for good reasons. The word kingdom carries with it connotations of a small elite class that abuses and makes capital of the majority. Such “royalty” is totally foreign to the sovereignty of God. Words like reign or dominion help us understand that the kingdom of God is not necessarily understood by this world’s political terms. Others prefer to use the original Greek word basileia but using specialized jargon is useless for helping the average person understand God’s government. We enter that reign of God when we do God’s will (Matthew 7:21). It grows as more people submit to God’s dominion now and for eternity.

Repentance not Penance

Jesus preached repentance (Mark 1:14-20). Louw and Nida define it as the “result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness.” Friberg explains that it means to “change ones mind.” UBS calls it a “change of heart.” Repentance is not penance. Penance is restitution. A desire to set things right is good but no deeds can pay for our sins. The word penance and modern definitions of repentance which have been derived from it such as claiming that repentance is a “change of direction” do injustice to the concept of grace. Even John the baptizer recognized that any such change of life was not repentance itself but rather fruits of it (Matthew 3:8). We don’t perform to earn grace, but we do good deeds in gratitude for grace freely given by God. (Louw-Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. 1988. United Bible Societies.)(Friberg. Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament. 2005. Trafford Publishing.)(Newman, Barclay. UBS Greek New Testament. 1966. United Bible Societies.)(http://www.metanoiaministries.org/Historical.html)

Repentance, an Afterthought

Is repentance negative or positive? Jesus did not use it in the negative sense of turning away from sin or changing our ways, but positively in turning to the Gospel. Nowhere in the entire New Testament are the words repent and sin together in the same thought. Repentance comes from two Greek words, “meta” meaning after or beyond or even outside, and “nous” meaning thought or reason. So “metanoia” or repentance is a life-changing afterthought, rethinking after we have sinned. Thinking outside the box and thinking outside of one’s self are akin to repentance. What did Jesus ask us to think about? He did not say “repent of sins.” Rather, he asked us to “REPENT AND BELIEVE” the Gospel, to change our minds and think in a positive direction. That positive direction is belief in the Gospel (Mark 1:14-20).

Thoughtfully Believe the Gospel

Jesus encouraged people to believe (Mark 1:14-20). Some bigots think that is mindless belief. In the original language belief is not a mindless activity engaged in by intellectually inferior, uneducated people. It is an intellectual evaluation. It means to be persuaded of and have confidence in the Gospel. It is a religious faith. It is a saving faith. It is not divorced from intellect. Contrary to many prejudices against those who believe in Jesus, his Great Commandment includes loving God with our minds. Belief can be either unthinking or thoughtful. The kind of belief that Jesus encouraged was to be thought through deeply not just rushed into without using the mind. Because none of us has access to all knowledge, all human belief is faith based upon best available knowledge. Belief in the Gospel is a reasonable, intellectual conclusion. (Friberg. Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament. 2005. Trafford Publishing.) (http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/belief/)

Redefining Religion

A fad today claims that religion and Jesus’ teachings are two different things. It defines religion differently than the Bible does (James 1:26-27) where it is simply a translation of a word meaning worship or ceremony. It is a neutral word which needs more explanation in a sentence to separate good from bad religion. Defining all religion as against Jesus is ignorance of the word’s meaning. It is part of a modern fad of interpreting the Bible by human whim rather than serious study, blaming the Holy Spirit for fanciful modern inspiration and ignoring his inspiration throughout Christian history. When Jesus announced that the reign of God is at hand (Mark 1:14-20), he was not speaking of a kingdom of this world, but ‘the nature of true religion, here termed by our Lord, "the kingdom of God."’ (Wesley, John. ed. by Thomas Jackson.Sermons on Several Occasions, The Way to the Kingdom, Sermon 7. 1872. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library)

The Religion of Jesus Christ

Religion and Jesus’ teachings are not two different things as some falsely claim. The religion of Jesus Christ and that taught by human tradition may sometimes be two different things (Galatians 1:13-14). Jesus taught “true religion,” not “mere outside religion” but “religion of the heart.” His religion is a “participation of the divine nature.” That is where repentance finds its root, in a change of heart which results in outward good works. When hearts are void of repentance, then any ceremonies become empty religion. Ceremonies are not wrong. Jesus instituted the bread and wine, which are very important ceremonies of his religion. However, even that is empty religion if not accompanied by a change of heart. That is why the first words from Jesus in regard to the realm of God were for people to repent (Mark 1:14-20). (Wesley, John. ed. by Thomas Jackson. Sermons on Several Occasions, Preface, First Series, Consisting of Fifty-Three Discourses and Sermon 3, Awake, Thou That Sleepest. 1872. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library)

Outro

The time has come. The realm of God is already here in the church. Now is not the time for negative focus on our own sins or those of others, but a positive change of heart oriented towards the reign of God.

Sermon: Come and See Jesus

2012-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

Intro

How do we invite people to church? It can be scary and daunting, yet it is easier than we may think. We don’t need to take classes in evangelism methods. We don’t need special training. We just need to make an open-ended and simple invitation for people to come see for themselves.

Goal

The goal is to help us realize that the way we invite people to come to Christ ought to consider examples from the Bible more than fads and other inventions of mere men.

Sermon Plan

Let’s take a look at Nathanael’s epiphany and how he found Jesus, and how he was found by Jesus. Let’s also look at how some do not find Jesus. The invitation is to come and see Jesus. Let’s also look at how this non-threatening invitation, totally unlike an altar call is a model for how we should invite others to come and see Jesus.

Nathaniel's Epiphany

When Philip invited Nathaniel to come and see Jesus (John 1:43-51), his encounter was a life-changing epiphany. Jesus revealed something simple about his previous activity and immediately Nathaniel realized that he was talking to the Son of God, the king of Israel. Those illuminating moments of the divine are magnificent. Many people encounter God in everyday events, but quickly pick themselves up, dust themselves off and move on as if nothing happened. However, epiphanies are important moments not to be so easily dismissed. It is precisely at those times that we realize what are the deeper, important things of life, and the nature of reality beyond what our physical senses perceive. An epiphany is like when the background noise of this world’s distractions suddenly fades to nothing and the only sound left is the still, quiet voice of God.

Finding Jesus

When Philip told Nathaniel that they had found the one Moses wrote about in the law (John 1:43-51), Nathaniel’s initial reaction was disbelief. We may react in similar fashion today. Can anything good come out of Mexico, Maine or Mumbai? Our prejudices blind us to finding Jesus. It may not be geographical prejudice. It may be linguistic, someone with a different accent or grammar. It may be racial, someone of a different ethnic group or skin color. It may be denominational, someone of a different church background. It may be educational, someone of a different educational level or field. Bigotry is not logical, but it is built within all of us, and it prevents us from finding Jesus. Mother Teresa once said that the dying, the cripple, the mental, the unwanted, the unloved they are Jesus in disguise. (http://www.servelec.net/mothertheresa.htm)

Found by Jesus

When Jesus found Philip he had a simple message (John 1:43-51), “Follow me!” That is the same message that Jesus gives to us today. The Christian journey is filled with mixed messages: “Follow a man! Follow a woman! Follow the rules! Follow the traditions! Follow the discipline! Follow the confession! Follow the whims! Follow the fads!” Yet none of those things defines Christianity. When we find Jesus, we are not satisfied with following him. So, we invent rules that neither Jesus nor the Apostles did and we ignore the things that Jesus taught. We follow our egos and worship our own ideas instead of the Christianity of Jesus. This passage contains one of the simplest and most profound definitions of what Christianity is all about. Let’s remember those important words that Jesus said when he found Philip, “Follow me!”

Not Finding Jesus

When Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, God was very angry with them (Numbers 12:1-9). Blinded by their criticisms, they failed to find God behind his servant. When David had the opportunity to avenge himself against Saul’s persecution, he refused because he found God in the picture. He said that he would not lift his hand against God’s anointed (1 Samuel 26:22-24). When Ananias and Sapphira lied to church leaders about their offering, they only saw people (Acts 5:1-10). They did not find Jesus in the picture. When people killed Jesus and the prophets, they did not acknowledge the presence of God (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). Philip found Jesus (John 1:43-51) and became a true disciple. Like Nathanial, have we found the Son of God, the king of Israel, or have we only found faulty people?

Come and See Jesus

When Philip found Jesus (John 1:43-51) he told Nathanael who initially scoffed. Philip then invited him to come and see. When we tell people about our faith they sometimes scoff. Philip set a good example. He did not try to argue with Nathanael, but simply invited him to come and see for himself. That’s a great way to handle scoffers. Ultimately people must see Jesus to come to faith. Our local church has strengths. We are a praying, compassionate and giving church. We put on great pot luck meals. But, ultimately unless people find Jesus among us, they have not found the purpose behind it all. Like Nathanael, when people come and see Jesus in our midst, then they find faith. That’s the same invitation that Jesus also made to two disciples of John the baptizer, come and see.

A Non-Threatening Invitation

The invitation to come and see (John 1:43-51) is non-threatening. It is not an argument. It is not applying pressure or any kind of manipulation. Why are so many of us afraid to offer such a simple invitation? When people are tired of this world and its false advertising, let’s invite them to come and see Jesus. When people are weary and heavily laden with the consequences of wrong decisions, let’s invite them to come and see Jesus. When people are beset with every kind of worry and anxiety, let’s invite them to come and see Jesus. When people are tired of false religion, let’s invite them to come and see Jesus. Not once did Jesus’ disciples ask if others had given their heart to the Lord or where they would spend eternity. They simply made a non-threatening invitation.

No Altar Calls Made

Jesus and his disciples did not make altar calls. Charles Finney popularized them in the 1800’s. In Defense of the Altar Call Steve Deneff quoted Charles Spurgeon, who did not use altar calls. He criticized churches which no longer have altar calls as watering down the Gospel. Such rebuke promotes human techniques and also criticizes Jesus? Deneff claims that altar calls build an accountable community via testimony and confession. Are we more righteous than Jesus? Why not follow Jesus’ example? Altar calls are not a condition of salvation. They can cause false confessions manipulated by hype. They can be misused to promote a preacher more than Jesus. They are something seen, but faith is the evidence of things not seen. What did Jesus' disciples do? They often issued a simple invitation to come and see Jesus (John 1:43-51).

Outro

Inviting people to church can be scary and daunting, yet it is easier than we may think. We don’t need to take classes in evangelism methods. We don’t need special training. We just need to make an open-ended and simple invitation for people to come see for themselves exactly what this Jesus thing is all about. Let’s each invite someone soon.

Sermon: God Invades Earth

2012-01-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

Intro

What is an epiphany? Is it a big vision with smoke and thunder and loads of drama, or is it something quiet and off in a corner. The epiphany of Jesus was not a great and dramatic thing like the crossing of the Red Sea, but it was a revelation of God nonetheless.

God has invaded earth to bring world peace. The world scoffed. The power brokers tried to destroy it, but God came down anyway as a harmless child. The people of God ignored it, but pagans did not. Let’s take a look at that invasion today and see what it means for us. Let’s see if we can catch the epiphany.

Goal

The goal is to make us aware of which side we are on, God’s or worldly politics.

Sermon Plan

We will take a look at Matthew 2, the Magi, the Herods, the gifts, the worship and the politics. Why is it that non-Christians sometimes seem to have more faith than we do?

The Magi

Ever since we were children we have heard of the visit of the Magi after Jesus was born (Matthew 2:1-12). Who were they? The Greek term is magoi. Friberg defines this as wise men of the Magian religion, magicians or sorcerers. Louw and Nida prefer “men of wisdom who studied the stars.” An ancient historian, Herodotus of Halicarnassus called them interpreters of omens and dreams who perhaps still sacrificed to Persian gods. They were possibly baptized into the church many years later by the apostle Thomas while on his way to plant churches in India. Why did pagans show more belief than followers of God? Herod had access through the Jews who had even easier access, but most of them chose not to be interested. What is our reaction to the birth of Jesus?

The Herods

In Matthew 2:1-12 we are introduced to Herod. The name applied to a dynasty of foreign Edomite (i. e. Idumean) kings. As clients of Rome their rule included Galilee and Judea during the time of Christ. They were known for military expertise, cruelty and being lovers of luxury. As subcontractors to the Roman Emperor, they enforced Roman rule, took taxes in the form of money, food and merchandise, and kept order. While taking taxes for Rome, they were also free to take for themselves. The excessive tax burdens led to unbearable poverty which, along with the imposition of emperor worship, led to frequent revolts by zealots. It was a precarious position with threats all around. So, the kingdom of God, while not of this world, was understood as a political force by the disciples, Jewish leaders and the Romans.

The Gifts

The gifts given to Jesus in Matthew 2:1-12 were gold, frankincense and myrrh. The number of the wise men is taken from the three gifts, but they could have been as many as twelve people according to eastern tradition. Gold was a gift for royalty. Frankincense and myrrh are aromatic herbs with healing properties [1]. Frankincense comes from the sap of Boswellia trees and used for incense, perfume and anointing oil (Exodus 30:32-34). As a gift it possibly symbolized Jesus' high priestly office. Myrrh comes from the sap of Commiphora trees, is bitter and another ingredient of anointing oil. As a preservative is was used to anoint the dead and thus foretold Jesus’ death on the cross. The gifts may have been seen as prophetic and symbolic of Christ as king, high priest and suffering savior.

The Worship

When the Magi inquired about Jesus in Matthew 2:1-12 they said that they had come to worship him. This upset Herod who plotted to kill Jesus. These wise men of the east did not come merely to honor Jesus, but to worship him. When Jesus was tempted by Satan he was told to bow down and worship the devil. But Jesus replied that worship is something reserved only for God (Matthew 4:10), and he told the devil to leave. In Greek, the same wording is used for when a leper, a synagogue leader, the disciples, a gentile woman and Zebedee’s wife also worshiped Jesus (Matthew 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; 28:9, 17). Although it is popular for people to think of Jesus as merely a good man, he was God with us.

The Politics

When the wise men from Babylon or Persia inquired about Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12) they had no idea of the politics involved. They only wanted to worship the Messiah and seem to have naively believed that others would too. However, there were a lot of power plays threatened by this news. Israel was ruled by a brutal foreign king, Herod, who was a client of the Roman Emperor. Herod was vulnerable. He had encountered trouble with Rome and Jewish zealots before and had brutally murdered many other potential rivals. Jewish leaders had made an uneasy peace with the devil by cooperating with Rome and its puppet king Herod. They had profited by this compromise and zealots rising up to free Judea were a threat to their arrangement. The kingdom of heaven and its Messiah were a political threat all around.

The Application

God is everywhere. We don’t need to look far. When we get our eyes on our things, we miss seeing God. Let’s take time to look.

Outro

Sermon: The Holy Name of Jesus

2012-01-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Intro

I once worked in a factory making typewriter ribbons. Wemade regular spools which retailed for 25 cents each. The same spools were wrappedin gold foil, placed in a gold box and sold for $2.50. People bought the name,a name which meant nothing. It was a deception. The same is true of many productson the market, we think that a name means something but it may be deception. The whole world is filled with such deceit,both in the private and public sectors. We learn not to trust one name and moveon to another seeking a name that we can trust. Eventually, we learn that thereis only one name that we can trust, and it’s not a name in politics or in themarket.

Goal

We must learn how important and blessed the name of Jesusis. It means saved from all our troubles, help when there is no help, rescuewhen there is none, real liberation when all the false liberation promised bythis world fails. It means real freedom that no other can provide, freedom fromthe consequences of all our collective wrongdoing, and it means freedom fromdeath. No other name deserves such honor and respect.

Sermon Plan

My plan is to show how only the name of Jesus is the one wecan put our trust in, how two Joshua’s in the Old Testament gave us clues toJesus’ mission, and how his circumcision relates to our circumcision of heart.Only he can save us from the terrible consequences of our collective baddecisions, why we should honor the holy name of Jesus.

1. In the Name of Jesus

Jesus was named as an infant (Luke 2:15-21).So what does it mean when we pray, “in the name of Jesus?” There is no singleaccount of a prayer in the New Testament using that phrase in a prayer. We canpray in the name of Jesus without a rote phrase. Saying the phrase is notwrong, but it can lose its meaning, degenerating to a mere signal that a prayeris over. How then can we pray in Jesus’ name as he said (John 16:22-27)? Theword for name also means reputation, authorization, power behind the name, inhonor of and even for the sake of the person named. When we pray in Jesus’name, we are praying in honor of the most sacred name, with his full approvaland in awe of his most wonderful reputation. (Reference: Friberg, Timothy, Barbara Friberg, and Neva F.Miller. Analytical Lexicon to the Greek New Testament. Baker'sGreek New Testament Library. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000. BibleWorks, v. 3.5.)

2. Jesus & Joshua

Jesus (Iesous) is from Greek forJoshua (Jeshua, Jehoshua). There were two men named Joshua whose lives were forerunnersof Jesus Christ. It was under Joshua the sonof Nun that Israelconquered 31 cities in the land of Canaan beginning around 1400 BC. Jesus (Luke 2:15-21) wasgiven a name which means “God saves” because he was born to save each one of us(Matthew 1:20-23). We cannot save ourselves from death, but Jesus can if we lethim. Joshua leading Israel into the Promised Land is symbolic of Jesus leadingthe saved into eternal life. A lesser known Joshua in the Bible, Joshua the sonof Jozadak was the first person named as high priest after Israel returned fromnational captivity in Babylon (Haggai 1). Jesus is our high priest who offeredhimself (Hebrews 8:3-5). (References: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen; The OxfordHistory of the Biblical World. 1998. Oxford University Press;http://www.biblearchaeology.org; http://www.orthodoxytoday.org)

3. Circumcision of Jesus

Like most Jewish boys, Jesus wascircumcised on the eighth day (Luke 2:15-21). We may think of it as a bloodypractice and that opinion is not new. Over three thousand years ago, Zipporahaccused her husband Moses of being a bloody man because of their son’scircumcision (Exodus 4:24-26). Some may even believe that it is a primitivepractice that society should outgrow. Yet, modern scientific and medicalresearch continues to show how far advanced the ancients were in this regard. TheWorld Journal of Urology [1] concluded that positive benefits includedecreased risk of HIV infection. Web MD [2] suggests thatcircumcision provides a 50% reduction in HIV transmission, threefold reductionin HPV infections which can cause cervical cancer, reduced syphilis andchlamydia, about 10 times less infant urinary tract infections, and virtualelimination of serious penile cancers. ([1] WorldJournal of Urology, Male circumcision and HIV infection risk, John N.Krieger, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Washington,Seattle, WA 98195, USA, Springer-Verlag 2011; [2]http://men.webmd.com/guide/circumcision-decision-weighing-risks-benefits)

4. Circumcision of the Heart

Although Jesus was circumcised asan infant (Luke 2:15-21) he gave no command for Christians to be circumcised inthe flesh. Yet, the Old Testament spoke of a circumcision of the heart (Deuteronomy10:15-17; 30:5-7; Jeremiah 4:3-5) which applies to bothold and new covenants. God uses outward things for a lesson about moreimportant inner things. What happens when someone is circumcised in the heart?Physical circumcision pictured what God really wants, a change in heart andsoul, a different attitude (Romans 2:28-29). This is a focus on the things ofthe Spirit, not the letter of the law. We look to praise from God and not humanbeings. Belonging to a church or a special ethnic group does not impress God asmuch as a heart that loves him and our fellow humans.

5. Saved from Terrible Consequences

Jesus (Luke 2:15-21) was so namedbecause he would save people from sin (Matthew 1:20-23). Wrongdoing hasconsequences both now and forever. Having false gods causes us to rely onthings that cannot rescue us from calamity. Idolatry causes people to look inthe wrong direction for help. Misusing the name of the Lord causes us to takethe only one who can help lightly. Not taking a day of rest causes stress andearly death. Dishonoring our parents causes broken families, poverty and crime.Murder destroys families and neighborhoods. Adultery breaks marriages andfamilies, and spreads distrust and disease. Theft takes away the peace andsecurity of our neighborhoods. Bearing false witness fills the land with falseadvertising and distrust. Coveting causes crime and war. Only Jesus can rescueus from the consequences of our bad decisions.

6. Holy Name of Jesus

Jesus was named when he was an infant (Luke 2:15-21). Itmeans “Jehovah [God] is salvation.” Salvation is liberation or help from God. Jesus would save his peoplefrom their sins (Matthew 1:20-23). His name would be the hope of the wholeworld (Matthew 12:15-21). The disciples complained about those who healed inJesus’ name without authority, but Jesus said not to stop them. Anyone doing amiracle in his powerful name is on our side (Mark 9:38-40). The Catholic Societyof the Holy Name is afraternity that prays for those who blaspheme the name Jesus. In Greek Jesus’name is Ἰησοῦς [capitalized ΙΗΣΟΥΣ] pronounced yay-soos. The first three letterscapitalized in Greek were a common abbreviation for Jesus ΙΗΣ. In our Englishalphabet, those letters are written IHS, letters used to decorate churcheseverywhere.

Outro

Let us learn to appreciate, honor and revere the holy nameof Jesus and let us teach others to do the same. There is only one name that wecan trust, and it’s not a name in politics or in the market. No name other thanthe name of Jesus deserves to be treated with such honor and respect.

Sermon: Change of Light

2011-12-10T12:19:00.001-08:00

Intro

The Bible is a book of change. Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden. Abraham left his country when he was 75 years old. Israel became a nation of slaves in Egypt and after hundreds of years was set free. John the Baptist came to announce yet another change in the relationship between God and humans. God walked with human beings, not like he walked with Abraham, but as a man and this time he came to die for all. Things have also changed dramatically throughout 2,000 years of Christian history. Some of it has been good. Some of it has been bad. Good change is necessary. What do we need to change?

Goal

This sermon is an encouragement for us to step out on faith and be willing to change for the good.

Sermon Plan

Let’s have a look at John the Baptist as an announcer of change. The change that was to come was a change of light. Not all change is good; some is a wrong change. Change in worship styles is often a good change. Finally, let’s look at the consequences of not changing and ask the question, what does God want us to change?

1. John the Announcer of Change

Change is scary for people. We tend to demonize those who change things. Even in the church when the bishop announces the need for change some suspect him of a hidden agenda. Changes made by mere human beings can be scary because we tend not to trust them. Even if it is God making the changes, we still tend to be wary. In John 1:6-8, 19-28 we read of John announcing an upcoming change in the way things were done. However, he announced that the agent of change would be none other than the Light. When asked if he was the Messiah, or Elijah or that prophet, he stated clearly that he was not. He said simply that his purpose was to be a voice admonishing people to make the way straight for the one who would institute change.

2. Change of Light

John came to point people to the Light (John 1:6-8, 19-28). He was not the Light but a witness of the Light. Imagine people living in almost total darkness, who have never seen light believing that they live in the light. Those who live in the true light can see the difference, but those who have never seen it are fooled by their lack of experience into believing they have the best of everything. So it is with this world. Let us not be fooled by the politics, the advertising, the fashions and the deceit of this world into trading in the Light of Christ for the darkness of empty ideas. Light has come into the world and it is that Light that we celebrate at Christmas. Like John, the church is not that Light. Jesus is that Light.

3. A Wrong Change

God sent John to testify about the Light that was about to come into the world (John 1:6-8, 19-28). The Jewish leaders sent delegates to ask him some questions. When a religious leader speaks it is important to ask ourselves by whom the person was sent. Is it merely a human ministry or divine? That is not always an easy question to answer, but there are clues in the message given as to the sending authority. John did not claim his own authority, but pointed others to the true authority. It is only human to want to wield authority and be recognized for being somebody. Bishops, pastors and preachers do not have authority to change the Gospel into something other than that taught by Jesus. Humble servants of Jesus Christ know that their job is to point to him.

4. Worship Changes

Change in worship styles is unavoidable. We can approach change in peace. The Hegelian model for change of thesis, antithesis and synthesis suggests that conflict is inevitable. It does not have to be. The Hegelian model implies that a thesis or proposal for change is made. An example would be John announcing messianic changes in John 1:6-8, 19-28. Conflict came from those in opposition or antithesis to Jesus. Eventually cooler heads prevailed and a synthesis of the old and new was possible. Circumcised Jew and uncircumcised Greek worshiped together. The law was not discarded but fulfilled in the new law of love for God and neighbor. Those entrenched in the old system found change difficult, while others readily dropped their nets and moved forward. We can face the challenge of traditional and contemporary worship styles in peace and love.

5. Refusing to Change

What happens if we refuse to change? Remember the vacuum tube? The electronics revolution of the 20th century possibly began with the vacuum tube. The first general-purpose computer, the Eniac was built in 1946 with 17,000 vacuum tubes. It took 1800 square feet of floor space and consumed 150 kW of power. Although there is still a niche market for vacuum tubes, the industry has largely died. You can still buy them from a small company in Memphis, but they no longer dominate the market and companies that refused to change died. How dangerous is refusing to change? In John 1:6-8, 19-28 John prepared the way for massive changes in God’s covenant relationship with humanity. Throughout church history change has always been difficult. The Gospel does not change, but the culture does and churches must adapt or die.

Outro

We looked at John the Baptist as an announcer of change. The change that was to come was a change of light. We also saw that not all change is good; some is a wrong change. Yet, change in worship styles is often a good change. The consequences of not changing can be death of a good thing. What does God want you and me to change?

Sermon: Baptisms

2011-12-04T18:00:00.000-08:00

Intro

Why are churches divided over the issue of baptism? Must we be literally immersed as some people claim? What about infant baptism? Is it just wrong? Are those who are baptized by the wrong method shut out from his kingdom?

Goal

Some churches have attacked those of us who baptize by sprinkling or pouring as being heretical, apostate, and shut out of the kingdom. This sermon will correct their error.

Sermon Plan

In this sermon, we will look at 1) different baptisms that are described in the Bible, 2) whether or not immersion was always the case and the only style for Christians, 3) how baptism by fire was on the head and an immersion, and then 4) we will look at whether or not infant baptism is biblically sound.

1. How Many Baptisms

How many baptisms are there in the Bible? Mark 1:1-8 mentions a baptism of repentance, a baptism in the Jordan and a baptism of the Holy Spirit. Elsewhere we read of a baptism of fire, the baptism of water, the baptism of repentance also called the baptism of John, baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is also like a washing (Acts 22:16) and a death (Romans 6:3-4). Jesus’ death on the cross is referred to as a baptism (Mark 10:38). It is tied in with spiritual circumcision (Colossians 2:11-15). Israel was baptized into Moses (1 Corinthians 10:2-5). Even though we find so many baptisms described, Paul reminded the Ephesians that there is essentially only one baptism (Ephesians 4:6). All Christians are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27).

2. Baptism is not Immersion ONLY

When people say that the word baptism means only immersion, they are ignorant of the whole truth from the Bible. The Holy Scriptures use the word in other senses. It was used to mean wash in several places (Mark 7:4; Luke 11:38; Acts 22:16) and it described the passage of Israel through the Red Sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-4). Not all washing is a dipping, though that could be argued. However, the Israelites were not literally immersed in the Red Sea, but figuratively. According to the historic account they walked through with dry feet. They were baptized into Moses without being literally dipped or immersed in the water. So, biblical use of the word baptism reveals that it can be either immersion or some other use of water such as washing or a symbolic passage via water.

3. Baptized on the Head by Fire

Bishops wear a miter hat remembering the tongues of fire resting on people’s heads at Pentecost (Acts 2). Some church fathers and John of Damascus described this as the baptism of fire predicted by John the Baptist in Matthew 3:1-12. That is why some churches also recognize a baptism of water on the head. If we accept that the children of Israel were baptized into Moses in a non-literal sense because they walked through dry shod, then the door is open for the word baptism to also have a non-literal meaning. Other baptisms with fire are perhaps an immersion experience. Early Christians suffered great persecution, which we call a trial by fire or baptism of fire. Also the unrepentant who choose hell over heaven will sadly be cast into a lake of fire possibly resulting in their total immersion.

4. Infant Baptism is Biblical

Does Acts 2:38 demand that only someone old enough to believe can be baptized? Are churches that baptize infants wrong? An honest look at the very next verse would reveal that children are included in the promise that accompanies baptism. Another case study is much clearer about children being included in baptism. The entire families of ancient Israel were baptized into Moses in the Red Sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-4). On three separate occasions in the New Testament whole households were baptized (1 Corinthians 1:16; Acts 11:13-14; Acts 16:15, 31, 33). Logic dictates a high probability that at least one of those households contained a child. Baptism also pictures circumcision (Colossians 2:11-12) a ritual performed on infants and adults. Churches that include infant baptism with confirmation of faith later in life have reasonable biblical precedent.

Outro

There is no reason for division between churches over the issue of baptism. While the word baptism literally means immerse, it is not always used literally, even in the Bible. And as far as infant baptism is concerned, there is plenty of precedence for it in adults and children being baptized to Moses, circumcision (which pictures baptism) performed on adults and children and at least three cases in the New Testament where whole households were baptized. God is big enough to allow people baptized by immersion, sprinkling or pouring into his kingdom. If we are unnecessarily divided over the issue of baptism, how many other issues that divide us are just plain silly? Many!

Sermon: Keep Awake

2011-11-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Intro

In times of trouble what are the most important things for aChristian to do?

Goal

Today I want to encourage us to follow Jesus’ advice to keepawake.

Sermon Plan

We will first read Mark 13:24-37. Thenwe will discuss what the solution to all our troubles is, to ask what we woulddo if today was our last day, discuss a man who outgrew God, the hopelessnessof human government, that all states are failed states, that in Christ even badnews is good news, to ask the question where is salvation, what Christmas hasto do with that, and why in troubled times we need to keep awake.

There is a Solution

Adventis a time of hope for the world. It is not the next election, or the next greatpolitical movement, the next great religious movement or even our favoritesports team winning the season. Passages such as Mark 13:24-37reveal that the end of all human systems, even our own, is failure. It alsoreveals that ultimate justice for the downtrodden is not the occupy movement.It also reveals that ultimate form of government is not found in the tea partymovement. It is not the political left or right. It is not in any of theleaders of this world. The great achievements of our time, whether in science,technology, space, medicine, engineering, transportation, communications or theInternet have not solved our most urgent human problems. In Christ’s adventthere is a solution to all humanity’s problems.

If Today was your Last Day

Every generation of thechurch has predicted the second coming in their lifetimes. Even though they gotthe dates wrong, they were right in a way because Jesus will return someday.The problem with predictions is that we are clearly told in the Bible thatnobody knows the day or hour (Mark13:24-37).But, what if Jesus returned tonight, how different would our day be? That isthe essence of the passage, to treat each day as if it were our last, becauseone day we will be right. Who would we speak to? Who would we give one last hugto? Who would we apologize to? What would we set right? What have we leftundone? What kinds of prayers would we say? What would no longer have anyimportance and what would suddenly take on great importance?

The Man Who Outgrew God

An acquaintance once toldme that since childhood he “outgrew God.” Do we no longer need God to sustainour lives? He is not absent. Perhaps at Advent we remember Christ’s first andsecond comings, but forget his presence, thinking that he is absent and that weno longer need his daily providence. Places like Mark 13:24-37 speak of his second coming in clouds with great power and glory.But, Jesus came, comes and is coming. How? Advent celebrates Jesus firstcoming, his birth as God with us. But it also celebrates his present coming,his mysterious presence with us in communion and his gracious daily maintenanceof our lives. And it also celebrates his final coming as judge, at death and atthe end of the age. Is Christ absent? He is as close as our every heartbeat.

Hopeless Human Government

According to some experts,the Gospel of Mark was compiled immediately after the Jewish War of 66-70 AD.The temple was destroyed and Jewish patriots were crushed. Though the prophecyin Mark 13:24-37 was made prior to theJewish War, Mark was possibly influenced in his emphasis by the recent abusesof a human government. After such a national tragedy hope was needed. Jesus isin charge of the cosmos, not the brutal Roman rulers. This prophecy is notabout any hopes for a kinder human government. There is no such hope in anyhuman government. The prophecy is about the only real hope for all ourproblems, God establishing his government through Christ in a new age. Jesusgave a foretaste of it by healing, teaching and caring for the poor. That’s whywe pray thy kingdom come.

Failed States

There is a lot of talktoday about failed states, usually meaning either the historic failure ofCommunism or in more recent times, countries which have failed economically.But, if the truth be known all countries are failed states. That’s why in thedemocratic world we regularly fire our leaders and elect new ones. If previousleaders had not failed we would have passed laws to keep them in office. But,all human states have failed. We have failed to curb greed, stop crime, solvepoverty, steady inflation, cure diseases, prevent child abuse and reverseclimate change. According to Mark13:24-37, beforethe second coming states will fail to prevent worldwide catastrophe. At thesame time, it is good news, because at the second coming, Jesus will bring anend to all failed states and introduce peace at last.

When Bad News is Good News

There is so much bad newsabout today that many people simply refuse to keep up with the world news. Wefear terrorism, economic collapse, political change, crime, governmentinterference in our freedoms, the weather, climate change, and a host of other things.Have we ever thought that all this bad news is good news? I’m crazy, right? YetMark 13:24-37 seems to indicate thatthe good news of coming world peace is preceded by bad news. Just like birthpangs quickly give way to great joy, so too will the bad times just prior toChrist’s return immediately give way to the best news of human history. How dowe prepare for that? Like a soldier preparing for battle, we must be ready.That time will take faith. Let’s draw near to God now while we have time.

Where is Salvation?

Where is salvation? If welisten to the deception of television advertising too long we may be inclinedto believe that salvation is in the latest fashion fad, pharmaceutical drug,diet or other product that is over-hyped and under-delivers. If we listen tocertain televangelists, we may believe that salvation is available in falsepromises of health and wealth for sending “seed money” to them. If we listen tothe entertainment industry too long, we may believe that salvation is to befound in easy sex, big cars, and aberrant lifestyles. If we listen to thedeception of politics we may believe that salvation is either on the left orthe right. In the end, it all leads to great calamities like those mentioned inMark 13:24-37, but the next chapter ofhuman history reveal true salvation in Jesus.

What is Christmas

What is Christmas? It is agreat variety of things. It is about stress, gift-giving, sentimental moments,family time, a holiday with pagan origins, materialism, Santa Claus and retailsales. Early in Christian history, the Church saw in this time an opportunityfor spreading the good news of the coming of Christ. Ever since then in thenoise surrounding this time of year, that message still manages to get through.Even in Shinto Japan, department stores play music containing words of thegospel. In the midst of our Christmas frivolity is a serious message. Mark 13:24-37 points out how seriousthat message is. We need world peace. One of the main messages of Christmas isthat he who came once will also come again in great power and glory to gatherhis chosen ones. He alone can bring peace.

Keep Awake

In Mark 13:24-37 we are told to keepawake, to stay alert. As we think of Advent, the coming of Christ in the flesh,it is also good to remember that he will come again. Every generation ofChristians has generated its false prophets who claim to know the day or hourof Christ’s return, but they have all proven wrong. Few of them have admittedit. Our duty to God is not in prediction, but in being ready, because we don’tknow when Jesus will return. Rather than getting caught up in propheticspeculation our job it to stay awake. What must we do to be ready for hisreturn? What would we change if we knew he would come tomorrow? Ought not ourreadiness be the same as if he were coming tomorrow, because someday he will?

Outro

Today we discussed what the solution to all our troubles is,what we might do if today was our last day, that a man cannot outgrow God, thehopelessness of human government, that all states are failed states, that inChrist even bad news is good news, that salvation is only in Jesus, whatChristmas has to do with that. Let’s not allow this word and its deception lullus to sleep, but keep awake!

Sermon: Does Jesus Know You (Part 2)?

2011-11-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

Intro

At the beginning of the Matthew 25, Jesus told the foolishvirgins that he did not know them. Do we ever recognize Jesus in thedowntrodden and destitute around us? Do the poor and marginalized know us or dowe avoid them?

Goal

Today, I want to encourage us to recognize Jesus in the needy.I want Jesus to know us, because we have visited him.

Sermon Plan

Read the text Judging the Nations (Matthew 25:31-46).Discuss the gospel that evangelicals miss, what some call the social gospel, theproblem of poverty, loving God in our neighbor, how characteristics of sheepand goats fit the discussion, how God will judge the nations, what is a livingfaith and seeing Jesus in the poor.

Sermon Body:

The Gospel Evangelicals Miss (2)

An acquaintance of minewas involved in church relief in Florida after a destructive hurricane. Henoticed how some evangelical churches also had large crews to repair theirchurch buildings. Once they had repaired those buildings they packed up andleft. My friend and his team stayed on to look after the needs of people. Thisis a part of the Gospel that evangelicals often miss. It is described in Matthew 25:31-46. Repairing churchbuildings while people outside are hungry, thirsty, in need of clothing, inneed of hospitality, sick, and in need of a visit is a woeful example of ourChristian calling. Is it time for some of us to repent? Is it time to get outof our holy places and live the Gospel on our streets by clothing and feedingJesus Christ in the needy?

The Social Gospel isthe Gospel

Evangelicals oftencriticize the idea of a social gospel as an excuse for liberalism. Butthat is not completely true. Social responsibility is a part of the wholepackage of the Gospel. Probably one of the best places to go to understand thatis Matthew 25:31-46. This important passagedeepens Jesus’ descriptions of being a light in Matthew 5:13-16 where he described it as good works, and Matthew 25:1-13 where he described theneed to have oil to light our lamps. Good works certainly entail pious deedssuch as prayer. However, good works also involve deeds of charity such asfeeding and clothing the poor. This side of good works is what some term the socialgospel. When a social gospel is spurned as liberal it becomes anexcuse for not obeying Jesus Christ in social responsibility.

Problem, Cause, Solution

In Matthew25:31-46 Jesus described ongoing problems in oursociety such as poverty and sickness. What are some of the causes? Poverty iscaused by overpopulation, inadequate distribution methods, rising costs,inadequate education, unemployment and under-employment, environmentaldegradation, individual responsibilities, medical costs, sickness, greed, thecost and devastation of war, natural disasters, industrial changes, recessions,discrimination, pregnancy out of wedlock, disability, crime and unjust incarceration,immigrant status, gang presence, etc. How do we as Christians address thoseproblems? Do we address the short-term need of feeding the poor, or do weaddress the political and economic issues that cause poverty? Some Christiansaddress the direct need by activity in a soup kitchen. Others address theunderlying causes by involvement in politics. Both address the problem, butJesus only demanded that we at least start by giving the hungry food.

Loving God in ourNeighbor

At advent we tend to focuson Jesus’ first and second comings. What we often miss is his resurrectedpresence with us today. Where can we find Jesus today? Can we find him byworshiping in a church service or in other acts of religious piety like prayer,fasting, tithes and offerings? Yes. In Matthew25:31-46Jesus described another important place. During his ministry on earth he waspossibly more often among our most needy neighbors, those who would beconsidered the least by many people. Jesus came to the poor and needy. He wasborn in the most impoverished circumstances, lived an itinerant life withoutfixed abode and served the sick and poor. We are called to join him in hisministry to the hungry and needy. If we want to find him that is where he is.

Sheep and Goats

What is it about sheep andgoats that Jesus used them in Matthew25:31-46 as aparable for those who would be saved and those not? Sheep farming requiresintensive animal husbandry. They require continual work. On the other hand, sheepare easy to work with because they are gentle and quiet. Goats on the otherhand, are more independent and don’t require so much intensive animalhusbandry. They are not as easily herded as sheep and they stink. When togetherin a flock, goats will domineer over the sheep and often butt them out of theway to reach food. However, they are not harmful predators like wolves, so theycan stay with the flock to be separated out later. That is exactly what Jesuswill do at the judgment. The selfish and independent can stay for now.

How God Judges Nations

How will people who havenever heard the name Jesus be judged? Are they automatically assigned to hellwithout a chance? What of those who perhaps heard the name Jesus but weretaught lies? Would God just assign them to hell without mercy? Matthew 25:31-46 gives some clues as tohow Jesus will judge the world? Whether or not people know the name Jesus, theymay have served him by serving the poor. It is a major area where, even manywho believe in Jesus fail. Could it just well be that some who believe in thename of Jesus will be judged more harshly than those who have never even heardthe name? Could it be that some who do not even know Jesus by name will beblessed because they already love him by serving the needy?

Living Faith

What kind of faith saves deador living faith? In James2 we readthat faith is accompanied by works, not works of the law, but good deeds or itis dead. Must we do good works to earn salvation? We are saved by faith, andPaul said of faith, hope and love that love is the greatest (1 Corinthians 13:13). How can we have faiththat saves without showing love to our neighbors? Does a closer look at Matthew 25:31-46 reveal that good worksare evidence of those who are blessed by God? These “righteous” did not evenknow how they had fed and clothed Jesus. Could it be that their motive was lovefor God and their neighbor and not earning salvation by works? Could it be thatsuch good works are evidence of living faith?

Do we See Jesus

Do we see Jesus? Perhapsyou think I’m crazy for suggesting it. Some people claim to have seen Jesus invisions but that is not what I am asking. Have we seen Jesus in the manner thatMatthew 25:31-46 indicates? Some peopleavoid hungry and thirsty people and perhaps have never noticed them, but if wewere to be invited to see Jesus, would we go to see him? If we have never seenstrangers or those without clothing would we take the effort to go and seethem? When we see a sick or imprisoned person, let’s take a closer look. Do wesee Jesus? No? Take another look. Look past their faces and deep into theirsouls. Do we see the suffering, anxiety, pain, rejection, loneliness anddepression? Do we see in them the suffering of Jesus?

Conclusion

Today’s text is not just for the church, but explainscriteria by which God will judge all the nations. It is the gospel that evangelicalsmiss, what some call the social gospel. We all have a responsibility towards theproblem of poverty, to loving God in our neighbor. We also saw how somecharacteristics of sheep and goats fit the discussion. Salvation is by faith,but not a dead faith, a living faith.

Finally, let us not be unknown to Jesus, but recognize Jesusin the needy. Let us allow Jesus to know us because the poor and marginalizedknow us.

Sermon: God’s Investment in Us

2011-11-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

by Ian Grant Spong (November 13, 2011)
Intro

If salvation is a free gift does that mean that we can just sit back and be lazy Christians?

Goal
To discover what the Parable of the Talents has to say about this question.
Sermon Plan

Read the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Answer the question, what is a talent? Discover some important spiritual lessons. Examine the spiritual value of risk, the spiritual responsibility of wealth and look at some unanswered questions.

1. What is a Talent

What is a talent in the Parable of the Talents? It is a unit of money for gold or silver. The Greek talent from Athens or Attic talent was equal to 26 kilogram (57 pounds) weight of silver. At the time of writing the spot price of silver was about $35 an ounce, giving a value of about $32,000 for a talent of silver. That value is somewhat helpful, but is a comparison for our time using today’s silver values. Another way to measure a talent was used anciently. It was a value equivalent to nine year’s wages. If the current average wage is about $42,000 that would result in a talent being worth about $378,000. Whichever way we calculate it, it contradicts the criticism of the lazy servant. The master was very generous.

2. The Greatest Talent

The Parable of the Talents could be interpreted to justify bonuses for those who sell bad products and cheat their neighbors merely because they profited. It could also be used to justify selfish businesses which don’t share profits and pay lowest wages with few benefits. But, the parable is about the kingdom of heaven, not this world or its business practices. So the talents are spiritual and the bonus is given to those who produce the most spiritual profit. It is easy to deceive ourselves that we have greater value than others and thus overcharge our neighbors and underpay our workers. It is more logical that the parable pictures someone who produced the most in loving God and neighbor and thus would be rewarded the most, because in heaven the greatest talent is the capacity to love.

3. Some Important Spiritual Lessons

The Parable of the Talents highlights some important spiritual lessons. 1) We are servants of the master of our destiny, not masters of our destiny. 2) The kingdom of heaven is not an egalitarian society. We are not equal in ability or opportunity. 3) Those who produce are sometimes good and faithful. Those who do not produce are sometimes evil and lazy. 4) The safe route can be the riskiest of all and lead to failure. 5) Faithfulness in small things can lead to great things. Unfaithfulness in the smallest things can lead to complete failure. 6) Don’t waste time criticizing the boss as too hard, just get on with the job. 7) Successful people get straight to work. Fear can produce failure. 8) Those who produce more deserve more but not excessively so.

4. Same Salvation Different Rewards

The fight for equality among feminists, the occupy movement, trade unions, homosexuals and ethnic minorities is often in the headlines. Equality seems to be an unreachable ideal where greed, prejudice and poverty are at war. Even Christianity’s great advocates for social justice realize that total equality is not always just, nor realistic. The Parable of the Talents indicates that rewarding people according to their works is fair. The question is then how much is fair compensation and how much is greedy excess? The parable gives a ten or twenty percent raise to the one who produced much. That is a far cry from the hundred or thousand-fold pay that some think they deserve. Many Christians realize that the great equalizer is not in this life but in eternity, where the solution will be: same salvation, different rewards.

5. Risky Christianity

Is our personal spiritual journey one where we play it safe or are we willing to take risks? It is a risk to mention the Gospel to others. They may hate us, or dismiss us as nut cases, or they may believe and be saved. Many Christians take their faith and bury it, but Christianity is meant to spread. In the Parable of the Talents Jesus likened the path that he would prefer a Christian to take to making business investments. A common practice in ancient times, before banking became common, was to bury money in the ground. It was the safe route. But Jesus does not want us to take the safe route with the spiritual investments that he has left us. He wants us to take risks and grow his investment. People are his treasure.

6. Grace is a Risk

Rather than take a risk that people may abuse privileges, the legalistic solution is to ban them. We try to be more righteous than Jesus, ignoring many Bible passages which reveal such things as blessings from God if used rightly. Legalistic lists of things banned down through the ages include sex, dancing, alcohol, and card-playing. Grace is a risk. Legalism is not. Matthew 25:14-30 encourages us to take the risk of grace. Yet we seek the safe route, put all our blessings in a napkin and bury them in the ground. Let’s not live life as if we just sucked on a sour lemon. Legalism seems safe but it is not. It is a prison. Jesus did not obey such silly Pharisaic taboos. Instead he took giant risks, dying on a cross so that some might be saved.

7. A Gamble vs the Safe Route

Some Christians are totally against gambling, meaning all games of chance. Those same Christians rarely criticize farmers, commuters or business people for taking a gamble. The truth is there are stupid gambles where the odds are terrible, like state lotteries, most games at a Casino and starting a business with inadequate backing. There are also calculated gambles, like playing penny ante poker, having car insurance or planting a crop of potatoes. In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus staked a group of people and he asked them to take a gamble with his money. He did not ask them to take any foolish risks, but to take a chance never-the-less. Sometimes in life we simply need to step out and take a gamble. Remember, it was the person who took the safe route who was criticized in the Parable of the Talents.

8. Kingdom Capitalism

Private capitalism in the hands of greedy people causes gross inequities and class warfare. In the hands of people who love God and neighbor it is a blessing. That reality may help us to understand what The Parable of the Talents is all about. The honorable means to wealth is hard work, but for Jews under Roman occupation the means to wealth was by corruption and oppressing the poor. Wealth today can also be gotten by good and evil means and also be used for loving or selfish purposes. Why does the parable reward those who produce more spiritually for the kingdom of God? Well, the parable is not about greedy capitalism, but kingdom capitalism. God knows that those who produce more spiritually will love him and their neighbors most, and be the most willing to share.

9. What God Requires of the Wealthy

As class warfare threatens, a question needs to be asked: What does God require of the wealthy? Wealth can be gained by good or evil means. Wealthy people also have a greater capacity for good or evil. Wealth does bring a greater responsibility for doing good in the world. In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus went on to illustrate how those who have been given much can do so much more for God. In Luke 12:41-48 he reminded us that to whom much is given much is required. Warren Buffett has been preaching that the wealthy need to pay a greater share of taxes, but that is only a small part of the story. Wealthy people have far more capacity to show love to their neighbors in practical ways than the average person. Love for neighbor is what God requires.

10. Unanswered Questions

The Parable of the Talents does not seem to cover all possible scenarios. For instance, what if a servant was given an endowment and lost it all to bad investments? This parable is not talking about worldly money but spiritual capital. Heaven’s silver cannot fail because it is the currency of a kingdom which cannot fail. The only way to our personal failure is to do nothing, to bury the gift of God in the ground. If used, it will produce fruit. What if a servant was given a large sum and decided to steal it and run? Again, we are not talking about a worldly master here but God and his kingdom. There simply is nowhere to run. The only thing that we can do with spiritual gifts received is either use them or bury them.

Conclusion

God is master of our destiny and he expects us to do good works which show love to him and love to our neighbor. Lazy Christianity is not Christianity at all. The safe, do-nothing route is the riskiest of all. God expects us to take reasonable risks and produce fruit. Let’s get straight to work without fear because the kingdom of heaven and its investments cannot fail. All our efforts in God are profitable.

Sermon: Does Jesus Know You (Part 1)?

2011-11-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

by Ian Grant Spong (November 6, 2011)

Intro

How prepared are we for Christ’s return? Will he say to uson that day, I know you?

Goal

To discover what the parable of the Ten Virgins can tell usabout being prepared for Christ’s return and how it relates to God knowing us.

Sermon Plan

Read the text, the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and then pick out some discussion points alongthe way. Discussed will be olive oil, changing the Great Commandments, God knowing us, the idea of orthpraxy, and preparedness.

Sermon Body:

1. Olive Oil

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is partly about olive oil(Matthew 25:1-13). It was the oil used to light lamps. It was used by Jacob tosanctify a pillar and later used to consecrate priests and kings for office andthe tabernacle for holy use. Olive oil was an offering and the fuel for acontinual light in the tabernacle and the temple. It was used in the baking ofholy bread and the main ingredient in holy anointing oil. Olive oil was used innumerous sacrifices. It was used for the healing of the sick and symbolizes theHoly Spirit. When the five foolish virgins took no oil, they were neglectingsome major spiritual ingredients, giving an inferior offering, with no fuel fortheir Christian light, not living consecrated lives and neglecting to care forthe sick.

2. Changing the Great Commandments

Rich Warren changed the Great Commandments into worship andministry. Which is better, love for God or worship and love for neighbor orministry? Warren’s changes watered down the original. His substitute wordingformed two of five points in a whole discipleship program. John Wesley did thesame thing, changing the Great Commandments. Love for God became acts of pietyand love for neighbor became acts of mercy. But those substitutes also weakenthe original. Piety is not the whole of love for God and mercy is not the wholeof love for neighbor. The Church is built on the teachings of Jesus Christ notsubstitute concepts. Substitutes cheapen God’s way. In Matthew 25:1-13 Jesus begana much superior discussion, expanding the Great Commandments. Love for God isgreater than piety and begs the question, does God know us?

3. I Know You Not

In Matthew 25:1-13 Jesus told the lazy bridesmaids, “I knowyou not.” Shocking! If Jesus does not know us what can we do? People get toknow each other by spending time with each other. Do we make every effort toknow God and allow him to know us? What are some ways that we can “buy oil” andallow God to get to know us? When people spend time together, they talk, listenand do things together. Prayer can be a selfish monologue where we just barkrequests at God, or it can be a conversation with God. Bible reading can be aconversation with God. Silent meditation can be listening to God. Asking Godwhere he is and accepting an invitation to do things with him is another way ofallowing God to get to know us.

4. Orthodoxy without Orthopraxy is Hypocrisy

Can we teach an authentic Christian gospel without living anauthentic Christian life? In theological terms must not orthodoxy (rightteaching) include orthopraxy (right living)? In Matthew 25:1-13 Jesusencouraged us to DO something, to buy oil for our lamps rather than just sitaround waiting for a heavenly oil delivery. What does it mean to buy thisspiritual oil? Jesus divided what Christians DO (orthopraxy) into two areas:loving God and loving our neighbor. In practice, love for God is incompletewithout love for neighbor. Acts of piety like weekly worship and daily prayersare one way to actively love God. Acts of mercy like feeding the poor are oneway to actively love our neighbors. Can right teaching and right practice beseparated? Jesus told the Pharisees that their orthodoxy without orthopraxy washypocrisy (Matthew 23:1-12).

5. While we Wait

Part of Christianity is a waiting game. We are waiting forJesus to return. While we wait, what should we be doing? Matthew 25:1-13 beginsto address this question. The two imperatives for us in this text are that weshould make sure that we have enough oil and that Jesus knows us. What is theoil? The passage does not say and so interpreters have a field day. Some injectthe definition from other contexts into this one by saying that oil is the HolySpirit, but that may not be what this particular context means. Luther believedit pictures faith. Others say that the end of the chapter provides an answer inworks of charity, which seems to be more likely. In another similar context thelight of Christian life is also good works (Matthew 5:13-16).

6. Prediction or Preparation

Which science is more important in surviving an earthquake,prediction or preparation? If we were able to predict with certainty that anearthquake would come to Los Angeles, California mid afternoon tomorrow, howmany lives might be saved? Perhaps a number would evacuate the city, but manywould not. On the other hand, if we were able to construct buildings, utilitiesand distribution methods that could withstand the strongest earthquakes, manymore could be saved? Of course we cannot yet predict earthquakes and neithercan we predict the day or the hour of Christ’s return. Many false prophets havepredicted the date of his return perhaps every generation for the past 2,000years. Few have admitted their error. They failed to understand the Bible. Manyscriptures including Matthew 25:1-13 teach that prediction is fruitless butpreparation is vital.

7. Not Left Behind but Left Out

What an offense is the the Parable of the Bridesmaids inMatthew 25:1-13! People are left out of the wedding because they did not haveany oil. To make matters worse, the bridegroom even tells the latecomers thathe does not know them. Perhaps the offense is there because we don’t understandthe intent of the parable. Spiritual preparedness is not something that can bedelegated to someone else, just as the empty bridesmaids could not simplyborrow oil from another. We can only prepare for ourselves. We cannot evenprepare for those we love the most. We can encourage them and set them anexample, but they are responsible for their own relationship with Christ, forhim knowing them. How many of us are not spiritually prepared but have beenthinking we could borrow oil from someone else?

8. Preparedness

Emergency preparedness is vital if in the case of a realcalamity, we are to survive. In earthquake zones it means building structuresthat are suited. In tornado zones it means either building tornado proofstructures or underground household shelters. In hurricane zones it meansstronger building codes, evacuation procedures and efficient response teams. Inwildfire zones it means evacuation procedures, homes that are fire resistantand/or contain fireproof shelters. We need preparedness for other things aswell. Financial preparedness means being ready for health crises, unemploymentand old age. Educational preparedness means that we are ready for the needs ofthe job market so that we can feed our families. In Matthew 25:1-13 Jesus alsoaddressed the idea of preparedness. He will return in power and when he doesonly those who are ready will be welcomed.

9. The Clock is Ticking

In the Parable of the Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13) there isa two-fold time problem. On the one hand we don’t know when Jesus will return,but on the other hand the clock is ticking. How do we deal with an expected Jesuswhile we do not know when he will return? A particular Rabbi was known forsaying that we should repent the day before we die. When his students objectedthat we don’t know when that day would be, he would simply reply, “All the morereasons to repent today, lest you die tomorrow.” How long will we put offnecessary spiritual preparations for the kingdom of heaven? How long will wepersist in unrepentant sins, hoping to repent later? How long before we actupon the Gospel message by approaching the throne of mercy in heartfeltgratitude?

Outro

Are we spiritually prepared for Christ’s return? Are ourcontainers filled with spiritual olive oil? Does God know us? Let’s be prepared,so that on that day he may say to us, I know you.