Category: Sermon

We Cannot be Sinning Christians

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Imagine a convicted felon who has received a pardon, and the court has expunged his record. That person is no longer identified by his or her past crimes. If someone asks if they have ever been arrested, they can say “No.” And they can say this without being a liar because the record of their arrest and conviction has been expunged. What they CANNOT DO is choose to continue to engage in criminal activity. If they refuse to accept their new found position in society as a law abiding, free citizen, and instead choose to commit criminal acts, their continuing crimes will cause them to be arrested and convicted. And although their past crimes have previously been expunged, the prosecutor can use those past crimes to show a pattern of continuing behavior, and to ask the judge to enhance their sentence after conviction. That’s exactly what Satan wants to do to us.

1) Introduction

We live in a world where even those who claim to follow Christ have forgotten God’s command to “Be holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) Many churches have allowed the culture around us to dictate what is acceptable, instead of allowing God’s word and the Holy Spirit to guide.

To be honest, God’s people have always struggled with this in some way. Jesus recognized it among the Jewish religious leaders. Paul had to deal with it in his day, particularly in the Corinthian church. It has been this way throughout Christian history, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Church needs to address it today.

2) Following Jesus is more than saying a prayer

Not all who claim to follow Jesus are Christians. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus gives a very somber warning; that on judgement day there will be many who call out, “Lord! Lord! Look at all that we did in YOUR name!” Jesus’s response will simply be “Go away. I have no idea who you are.” Good works, even when supposedly done in the name of Jesus, are not a guarantee that we are following Him, especially when we have refused to obey his commands.

Matthew 13:24-30 warns that even among the righteous there will be those who claim to belong to Christ, yet in the end they will be uprooted, separated from the righteous, bound and thrown into the fire. Why?

3) Do you want to be defined by your sin, or by Jesus

What do you choose to define you? Your desires or Jesus? It’s pretty simple, those who do wrong will NOT inherit God’s kingdom. (1 Corinthians 6:9)

If we allow our sin to continue to define us, then have we truly repented? Too many people who claim to be Christians have accepted the lies of Satan under the fallacy that, “God created me this way, therefore I can’t (or don’t need to) change.” If I’m honest, I have to admit that I have tried to hide behind this lie. We mostly hear this argument from those in the LGBT lifestyle. However, before we condemn them, let’s take a look at 1 Corinthians 6:8-10.

“Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers. Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” (NLT)

Paul mentions several sinful behaviors here. Paul also mentions those who worship idols, thieves, the greedy, drunkards (we’d probably also include the drug users), abusers, and those who cheat people. Let’s make one thing clear, sexual sin is sexual sin. Too often I have witnessed Christians condemn LGBT, then in the very next breath they’re lusting after a member of the opposite sex. Many times these people are married. It’s still SIN.

How many times have we gotten angry and attempted to justify our lashing out at someone? Or maybe we’ve attempted to justify cheating others, or the government. Many attempt to justify greed by saying things like “God wants to bless us.” Thieves often claim they deserve what they’re stealing, because it’s owed to them. In Romans, Paul includes gossip in a similar list. How often have we participated in gossip, claiming that we’re “just sharing a prayer request”, or “passing on information.”

For every sin, we can create a multitude of excuses. While we all may have a tendency toward certain behaviors that God calls sin, we always have a choice. We can choose to lean into those tendencies, or we can lean into Christ.

Accepting the excuse that “I was born this way” to justify sin denies the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Let me say that again, justifying any sin with the excuse that “this is just who I am,” or “God made me this way,” denies the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us.

4) God has called us to be HOLY

After going through this list of sinful behaviors, Paul continues in verse 11 reminding the Corinthians that some of them were once guilty of one of more of these sins. But now they are clean. Their records have been expunged. They have been made HOLY. They have been made right with God.

If we go down to verse 20, Paul reminds them that we were bought with a high price. That price was Christ’s death on a cross. So we must honor God with our bodies.

I go back to the example of the convicted felon who has been pardoned. He has a choice. And you and I have a choice. So I ask again, what defines you? Your sin? Or Jesus

5) Invitation

By His grace we can choose to ask for and accept His forgiveness, and receive the pardon that He is so eager to give us. We can choose to be identified as a child of God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can reject our tendencies toward sin and allow Him to guide us into a new identify in Christ Jesus.

YOU are invited to accept Jesus, and begin your relationship with Him. And you don’t have to wait for a church service. You can do it right now, wherever you are.

There are no magic words, or special prayer required. It’s simply acknowledging to God that we have sinned, asking for, and accepting, His forgiveness. Accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, and to change you.

We Remember

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I would love to give proper credit for this picture.

Where were you 21 years ago today?

As we remember the horrific scenes, and as we mourn the lives lost, from the attacks on our nation 21 years ago, can we also remember that in the days that followed we didn’t identify as White, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, male, female, straight, gay, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, rich, poor, Republican, Democrat, and whatever other ways we have become divided. No, in spite of our differences, we came together as Americans.

Can we do that again? Can we tell the politicians, the media, and the rest who continue to work to divide us, to take a long walk off a short pier? Can we once again reach out to our neighbors, look past our differences and work together?
Can we admit that just maybe it begins with each of us. Maybe it begins with me.

Lately I have been continually reminded of 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)
Then if my people who are called by my name will HUMBLE THEMSELVES and PRAY and SEEK MY FACE and TURN FROM their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

This is just one verse of a longer passage where the Israelites have been warned of the cost of turning away from God. May I be so bold as to point out that it doesn’t say that everyone should pray. It doesn’t call on politicians to turn away from their wicked ways. This is a command for GOD’S PEOPLE, those of us who profess to believe in and worship the living God. WE are called to humble ourselves. WE are commanded to pray. WE are commanded to seek the face of our Creator. WE are commanded to turn from our wickedness.

It starts with us. It starts with me.

Gospel Shoes

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Link to watch

Ephesians 6:15 (NLT) For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. (Or For shoes, put on the readiness to preach the Good News of peace with God.)

How many of you all run around bare foot, or maybe you just wear flip-flops? There’s nothing wrong with that, but I can’t stand them. I also hate not having shoes on. About 19 years ago I was introduced to a website called Fly Lady. She helps encourage Sidetracked Home Executives, or SHEs. Typically this may be a mom, but can also be a dad. One of the baby steps is getting dressed to your shoes. Why? Because when you have your shoes on, and tied, you’re more likely to do the chores around the house that need to be done. I have found this to be true for myself. Not wearing shoes makes it easier to put off getting things done, (household chores, run errands, even taking a walk).

Today’s Bottom Line is: Get dressed to your shoes.

1) Find peace with God

Romans 10:9-10 tells us that “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (NLT)

We have to have this peace with God before we can do anything. It should be one the most important things we hold onto. If we don’t have peace with God, it is unlikely that we will have true peace with anyone.

I came across a person on tiktok who goes by the name “theformerthings”. This man’s testimony is awesome. He came out of a lifestyle that was totally against God’s will; A lifestyle where he allowed sin to define him. In one of his recent videos he shared his struggle and temptations. But he ended by saying that his peace with God was so much more important than anything else. We should all have this kind of commitment to our relationship with God.

Let’s try to get a mental picture of the Roman military caliga. It was a vital part of the Roman soldier’s equipment. It was an open toed, light sandal that went partway up the soldier’s leg. How high up it went depended on the soldier’s rank. The higher up the leg it went the higher the rank. These shoes also had to be thick enough to protect the soldiers’ feet as they marched over rough terrain. The bottoms were embedded with spikes to ensure a good grip even on slippery ground. These shoes protected the soldiers’ feet, and shins, and the spikes helped to ensure that the soldier was able to keep a solid footing, and stay standing upright.

2) Stand against the enemy

The Roman soldier wasn’t responsible for the entire battleground. He was only responsible to defend his position; the square where he was standing. The same thing goes for us. We have to hold our position. And the enemy is always ready to attack. He may bring up our past, bring financial difficulties, he’ll interfere in our relationships. But our task is to stand firm in the battle.

Romans 16:20 reads, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (NLT)

Remember those spikes on the Roman soldiers’ shoes? They had another very important use. As the soldier marched across the battlefield, they would stomp on enemy soldiers who had fallen down, pretty much ensuring their deaths. Do your shoes have spikes in them to crush the enemy, and to stand firm in the battle?

3) Share Jesus

Are you ready to share the Good News of Jesus Christ? l have two verses I want to share for this point.

The first verse is Romans 1:16 (NLT) “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”

Paul wasn’t afraid to share the Gospel. The guy on tiktok isn’t ashamed to share the Gospel. How about you? Are you looking for opportunities to share?

The second verse is Romans 10:15 (NLT) “And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'”

Consider yourselves sent. We have all been sent to share the Gospel.

The shoes of the Gospel enable us to be ready to stand firm, hold our ground, and also be ready to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Bottom Line: Are you Dressed to your shoes? Are you dressed to the Gospel?

 

We are God’s Crown Jewels

/ CD Hamman / Leave a comment

Click here to watch video

Summer of Psalms
Psalm 8

We are continuing our Summer of Psalms series. Something I like about the Psalms is there is a psalm for every emotion. The Psalms cover joy, praise, sadness, sorrow, anger, wonder, awe, victory, defeat, and everything in between. You name it there is pretty much a psalm that deals with it.

I want to share why this Psalm is special to me. It’s my Grandma Staten’s fault. I don’t remember exactly what year, but somewhere between 2nd and 5th, Grandma was in charge of vacation bible school. The theme song that year was This is My Father’s World, and creation was the overall theme. For the VBS program at the end of the week, Grandma wanted me to memorize and recite Psalm 8:3-9. I figured I could just read it. No one would know. The pulpit was large, and no one could see what was on it except the person standing there. Grandma and I argued even up to Sunday afternoon. Let me be clear, Grandma won the argument.

This is the first Bible verse I recall memorizing, other than John 3:16, or John 11:35 (Jesus wept).

Psalm 8 is a psalm of David. Depending on the Bible version the introduction to Psalms 8, 81, and 84 says that it is to be played on the gittith, which is derived from the Hebrew word “Gath”. Gath may refer to where the giant, Goliath was from, or a type of stringed instrument from Gath. Gath also signified a winepress in Hebrew. The psalms mentioning the gittith called for an animated music.

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! (NLT)

Psalm 8 is often used to remind us of our duty to care for the earth, and all of God’s creation. Psalm 8 is one of several creation Psalms, including 19, 29, and 104. Bonheoffer says that Psalm 8 praises God’s name, and his gracious act to humans as the crown of His work. Today I want to focus on verses 3-5, and remind us that we are God’s crown jewel in His creation.

Bottom Line: We are the crown of God’s creation.

1) God created the entire universe.

Genesis chapters 1 and 2 tell us the story of creation. God created everything. The sun, moon, stars, plants, animals, fish, everything from the simplest element, and single celled organism, to the most complex molecules, and the most complex life. And at each stage, as He spoke each thing into existence, God called it good. The light was good. Land and seas were good. Plants were good. The sun, the moon, and the stars were declared good. Fish and birds were good. Finally, he created the animals and called it good.

There is a video on YouTube that helps explain the relative size of things in the universe. Click here to watch just the first 5 minutes. (Or watch the entire video, if you like.)

Do you feel insignificant now that you’ve watched the first five minutes of that video? Have you ever looked up at the night sky, and wondered what is out there? Does it ever make you feel small, and insignificant? I will admit to being just a little bit of a science fiction geek. And I sometimes wonder, did God create life on some distant planet, in another galaxy? Does it matter, though?

2) Even in our apparent insignificance, God has crowned us and given us authority.

The very last thing God created was humans. Genesis 1:26 tells us that God said “Let us make human beings in our image….” Only after creating humans, did God look at everything and call it very good. (Genesis 1:31) And the verses in between 26 to 31 tell us that He gave us authority. We have the authority to use the resources of His creation.

Verse 6 of this Psalm reminds us that He has put everything under our authority. That means ALL of creation. We are still exploring, and learning about just planet earth. And we have barely begun to explore just outside our own planet, and our galaxy.

Invitation:

Hebrews 2:6-8 refers back to Psalm 8:4-6.
And furthermore, it is not angels who will control the future world we are talking about. For in one place the Scriptures say,
“What are mere mortals that you should think about them,
or a son of man that you should care for him?
Yet for a little while you made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You gave them authority over all things.” (Hebrews 2:5-8a)

This is also a Christological Psalm, because it also refers to Christ, the Messiah. Hebrews 2 continues, beginning in the second part of verse 8 that we don’t yet see everything under our authority. But what we do see is Jesus Christ, who was briefly made a little lower that the angels, suffered and died for us, and he is now crowned with glory and honor.

We are so important to God, that even after we have sinned, deserving death, and permanent separation from God, He still made a way to redeem us, and He still calls us to Him today.

We truly are the crown jewel of His creation.

Do you know Him?

Journey to Justice – the woman accused of adultery

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What comes to mind when you hear the word, “justice”?
We keep hearing the word “justice” thrown around, “social justice,” “criminal justice,” people demand “justice.” Usually what we really want is justice for everyone else, but mercy for ourselves.

What if I told you that God’s justice doesn’t always look like OUR justice?
Some quick background for our passage: The day before, the Pharisees and priests had sent the Temple guards to arrest Jesus, but they came back empty. The Pharisees and leading priests were angry. They are looking for anything, any way to trap Jesus.

Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.
“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”
They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. (John 8:1-6, NLT)

I wonder what Jesus wrote. He knew what they were scheming. Maybe He was writing, “Where’s George?” After all, IF she really was caught in the act, it takes two people to commit adultery. Where is the guy?

Let’s continue. After all, our lawyers and Pharisees are getting impatient now.

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. (John 8:7-9, NLT)

Again, what was Jesus writing? Maybe He listed their names, starting with the oldest: Samuel, David, Jeremiah, Joshua…. Then next to their names, maybe He began listing their sins:
Samuel: lust, greed, lying
David: stealing, pornography
Jeremiah: adultery, gluttony
Joshua: drunk, gossip, fornication
And on down the list.

Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”
“No, Lord,” she said.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11, NLT)

Motive of the accusers

These religious lawyers and Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus. If Jesus had declared the woman innocent, the Pharisees could claim that Jesus didn’t really care about following the Law. If He declared that she was guilty, and pronounced the death penalty, or stoning, they could claim that Jesus was undermining Roman rule. They didn’t care how they did it, they just wanted to trap Jesus, because they didn’t like what he said.

They were so intent on trapping Jesus, they were willing to twist what the Law said. It’s also quite possible they were lying about catching the woman in the act.

What can we learn from this today? Even today we see people who are ready, eager even, to accuse someone of some heinous act. Politicians, and the media, have been calling out other politicians for years. Sometimes the accusations are factual, often not so much, or they are without context. We have seen this happen in the workplace, and sometimes even in our courts. Sometimes, even among fellow Believers. Before we make an accusation against someone, we need to be aware of our own true motives. Are we really seeking justice, or revenge?

What did the Law say?

Leviticus 20:10 reads: If a man commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, both the man and the woman who have committed adultery must be put to death. (NLT)

And in Deuteronomy 22:22 we read: If a man is discovered committing adultery, both he and the woman must die. In this way, you will purge Israel of such evil. (NLT)

Notice first that BOTH guilty parties are to be put to death. Not just the woman. Also, stoning is not even mentioned here. Stoning is mentioned for very specific instances, but not in the case of adultery.

But twisting the Law, and God’s Word to suit one’s own agenda is really nothing new. It shouldn’t even come as a surprise. In Genesis 2:16 God had told Adam that he could eat the fruit of every tree in the garden, except one: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But when satan showed up as a snake, to tempt Eve, the first thing he did was to twist God’s words. In 3:1 the snake asks if God really said that they couldn’t eat the fruit of ANY of the trees in the garden.

It is definitely NOT God’s justice we are seeking when we twist the law, or God’s words, or twist facts.

Jesus’s response

To the accusers – Jesus knew what was in their hearts. He had absolutely no desire to participate in their nasty scheme. I am pretty certain that His response was not what anyone expected. It almost looks like Jesus gives the Pharisees what they want. After all, the law only required that the facts be established by two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). He even appeared to accept their stated method of punishment. BUT, He threw a curveball into their scheme. He said that the first stone must be thrown by someone who had never sinned. Even the accusers knew that they couldn’t claim to be sinless. And one by one they left. They were looking only to condemn. I doubt that mercy was even a consideration for them.

To the accused woman – This woman seems to have been a minor part of the story. I am almost certain that to her, she was, or should have been, the central character. After all, she was the one accused, and facing death by stoning. She wasn’t even given a chance to declare her innocence; or if she was guilty, to plead for mercy.

FINALLY, Jesus looks at her, stands up, and asks “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” And she says, “No, Lord.” Jesus replies that He also will not condemn her. And He tells her to go, and don’t sin anymore. Jesus knew her heart as well as He knew the hearts of her accusers.

God’s justice is tempered with mercy.

Now, what comes to mind when you hear the word, “justice”?

Bottom Line: Because of Christ, we can trust God’s justice.

I Miss My Time With You

/ CD Hamman / Leave a comment

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10-38-42, NLT)

Martha was distracted. She was distracted with preparing dinner for her guests. If she was around today, she might also be distracted by social media, and TV. In any case, she was not focused on what was most important. Now what she was doing, preparing dinner, and presumably wanting it to be special for everyone, isn’t wrong. But she was missing the fellowship and the joy of visiting with her guests.

How many of us today, are distracted? Do we even realize it? Are we allowing all the duties and distractions of the day to interfere with our spending time, and fellowshipping with God?

Pastor Mark Wilson, in his book Filled Up, Poured Out, writes, “Their prayer saturated lives reveal this important truth: You cannot live well unless you pray well. Godliness is the fruit of deep, frequent and fervent praying. He was commenting on the biographies on the biographies of some more modern heroes of the faith, like Corrie ten Boom, David Brainerd, and others.

And in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, which started out as just a tiny church with barely any members, said, “We are not New Testament Christians if we don’t have a prayer life.”

I shared these previous two paragraphs a few years ago. I have to confess, I have not done well at living out what I am about to preach. I have not been who I have appeared to be. I have not been the man who God has called me to be because I have fallen short of the time I spend with Him. In fact, it is partly because of this that I have felt led to bring this message. Like Martha, I have frequently been so distracted by everything around me that I have forgotten what is really important; Fellowship with, and learning from, my Lord.

I took my title from a song by Larnelle Harris:

There he was just waiting, In our old familiar place
an empty spot beside him, where once I used to wait
To be filled with strength and wisdom, for the battles of the day
I would have passed him by again, If I didn’t hear him say

I miss my time with you, Those moments together
I need to be with you each day, and it hurts me when you say
you’re too busy, busy trying to serve me
but how can you serve me, When your spirit’s empty
there’s a longing in my heart, wanting more than just a part of you
it’s true, I miss my time with you

As I look at the Church in general, and those of us who call ourselves Christians, I see far too many who are Christians in name only. Too many are unable to discern the truth from the lie because we are not spending time with God, and that includes spending time studying His Word, as well as in prayer.

Spending time with God is how we learn Truth.

We need to become like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men. (Acts 17:11-12, NLT). They verified what Paul and Silas were telling them was true.

We must study the scriptures diligently. We must be certain that what is being preached is in harmony with God’s Word.
I also see far too many so called pastors and teachers who are spreading false gospels, and twisting God’s word to say whatever supports their particular view, or desire.

I see and hear two primary false gospels today: There is the prosperity gospel, which has twisted God’s word into some sort of God owes you riches, and if you send us money, God will make you rich, scheme. And the so called progressive Christianity which completely twists God’s Word and reinterprets the Bible so that even what God calls sin is suddenly not sin.

In both cases, the falsehoods are often so subtle that if we are not familiar with God’s Word, it almost makes sense. Satan is great at twisting God’s Words. He has been doing it since the Garden.

If we look back at Genesis 3:1, right off the bat he twists God’s command to Adam and Eve, about what trees they are allowed to eat the fruit from. God Had told them that they could eat the fruit from any tree except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Satan approaches Eve and asks “Did God really say you can’t eat the fruit of any of the trees?” And he has been doing it ever since.

Here is one way to be able to tell if a statement is true or false. If a statement is only partly true, then the whole statement is false.

To be able to do spiritual battle, we must be so familiar with God’s word that we recognize attempts to twist it.

Spending time with God recharges us.

Elijah had just won a great victory over the prophets of baal, yet in 1 Kings 19 we find the prophet of God depressed, and even fearful. He is told to stand on the mountain before the Lord. A great wind came, but the Lord wasn’t in the wind. This was followed by an earthquake, then by a fire. God was not in those either. But then, Elijah heard a gentle whisper, and he went out and stood at the entrance, and heard a voice saying “What are you doing here, Elijah.” We must regularly spend time with God so that we won’t miss it when He whispers.

Even Jesus had to get away, and spend time in prayer, talking to the Father. In Mark 1:35 we read that even before daybreak one day Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Again in Mark 6:44, we find Jesus going up into the hills by himself to pray. Even the Messiah needed to recharge. How much more so do we need to spend time alone with the Lord?

Spending time with God is how we do Spiritual Battle.

In Daniel 10, Daniel is describing a vision he had. This man Daniel saw in his vision speaks to him and in tells him, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.” (13, NLT)

In Mark 9:14-29 we are told about a man bringing his son to Jeus to be released from a demon. The disciples had already tried to free the boy, but without any success. After Jesus casts out the demon, and he and the disciples are alone, they ask Him, why they weren’t able to successfully cast out the demon. And in verse 29, Jesus tells them that that kind of demon can only be cast out by prayer.

The final verse I want to share is Revelation 3:20. Jesus is giving John a message to the church at Loadicea. They had become stale. They thought they had it all. But in fact they had become like a lukewarm drink, which would cause a person to vomit. After his warnings, Jesus gives this invitation: “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will share a meal together as friends.”

This invitation is for everyone. It’s for those who are still seeking, those who are new believers, those who have been with Jesus Christ for years. And everyone in between.

I want to do something different for an invitation. I want to read the second verse and the chorus to the song…

What do I have to offer, how can I truly care
my efforts have no meaning, when your presence isn’t there
but you will provide the power, if I take time to pray
I’ll stay right here beside You, and you will never have to say…

I miss my time with you, Those moments together
I need to be with you each day, and it hurts me when you say
you’re too busy, busy trying to serve me
but how can you serve me, When your spirit’s empty
there’s a longing in my heart, wanting more than just a part of you
it’s true, I miss my time with you

I leave you with this challenge: Let’s finish 2020, and begin 2021 in daily fellowship with God. And let’s make 2021 the year that we grow spiritually more than we ever have.

Am I Really Dead to Sin?

/ CD Hamman

Romans 5:20-6:18
Something has been running over and over in my mind that I have found disturbing. Even more disturbing was that, upon reflection, I found myself somewhat in agreement with this particular thinking. It is often used to make someone feel less guilty about sin, almost like a way to excuse the sin, and it goes something like this: Well, God knows how I am, and that I can’t help it. Besides, He’ll forgive me. He always does.
Let that sink in a minute… We just flippantly expect God to accept our excuses for sin, even when we intentionally sin.
I have applied to have my felony record expunged. In speaking with my attorney a few weeks ago, I found out that specific signatures must be obtained in order for the judge to consider expunging my record, including the DA, and the local police department who arrested me. Even if all required signatures are received, the Judge can refuse to expunge the record if he feels it best serves the interest of justice, or public safety.
Bottom Line: Am I dead to sin?
1) The Law EXPOSES our sin (5:20a)
God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. (NLT)
If there is no law written down, then there is no crime. For something to be considered illegal, the specific act must be written down, and the elements of the crime must be described. For a drug to be illegal, its chemical composition must be specified in the law as being illegal. Rapidly changing technology has made things very difficult in some cases, as those who seek to do harm seek out new ways to avoid detection.
Before God gave a law, there was no sin. However, once He told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from a specific tree, there was a law. Once they violated that, sin entered the world, and it rapidly became anything goes, so long as my wants and needs are met.
God’s law allows us to see just how sinful we are. If you haven’t dealt with the criminal justice system, when you hear the word “conviction,” you may think of it in terms of what you might have heard in church. “She’s under conviction,” meaning that the Holy Spirit is dealing with her, and calling her to repentance. But it is so much more than that. In legal terms, a person under conviction refers to someone who has been convicted of violating the law. It’s the same with the person in church who is under conviction. God has found them guilty of violating His law.
2) Grace COVERS our sin (5:20b-21)
But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful kindness became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful kindness rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (NLT)
Now that our sin has been exposed, what are we to do? Even while we were still sinning, God the Son, Jesus, came, and fulfilled the law, paid the penalty for sin with His own life, and breaking the hold that sin had on us. Through His resurrection, He broke the hold that death had over us.
Back to this word, “conviction:” in an earthly court, upon a person being convicted, the court imposes punishment. However, when we are convicted before God, in His undeserved grace, He calls us to repent, and accept His grace and forgiveness, because He does not want us to be separated from Him. He wants us to spend eternity in fellowship with Him. If we accept His grace, because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have a right standing, and a right relationship with God.
Before I was eligible to request a pardon from the governor, I had to complete the punishment that had been imposed on me by the court. Then, I had to also prove, through my behavior, and obedience to the law, that I might deserve forgiveness. And even then, the Pardon and Parole Board could have denied me. Even after they recommended me to the governor, the governor could have rejected my plea, and denied my request. Then I have to request the court to expunge my record.
Compare that to God. Even while we are still sinning, God reaches out to us, and offers to forgive us, and to expunge the record.
3) Holiness REPLACES our sin (chapter 6)
Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more kindness and forgiveness? Of course not! Since we have died to sin how can we continue to live in it? (vv 1-2, NLT)
So since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does this mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? (15-16) Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness. (18)
I received my pardon last March. And this past Friday, my attorney called me to let me know that the judge had signed the order to expunge my record. Two acts of grace from the state that I am so very thankful for. And I know without a doubt that God was at work, and made it happen.
Now, imagine that I commit another crime, even after the grace and forgiveness that the state has granted. As I am standing before the court, I look at the judge, and I say, “Your Honor, I couldn’t help it. It is just the way I am wired. You know how it is. I just wasn’t able to resist my desires. But I know you’ll forgive me again.” How do you think the judge is going to respond to that? Then after being convicted, I apply for another pardon. How do you think the members of the Pardon and Parole Board will respond? Likely, the request wouldn’t even make it to the governor.
And yet, so often, we act in ways that are flagrant violations of God’s law, and we make those same excuses. “Well, God, I just couldn’t help it.” “I know I shouldn’t have cussed that person out, but you know how my temper is.” I know I shouldn’t be gossiping, but, well God, it started out as a just a prayer request for someone, and I just had to get all the details.”
Remember, God forgives us even while we are in sin. In the Bible, Jesus always met people right where they were. He met their need, healed them, and then told them to stop sinning. Today, the Holy Spirit still meets us right where we are. God calls us from our sin, and He still tells us to sin no more. We are called to holiness. He doesn‘t tell us to try to be holy. He tells us to be holy, because He is holy. But he doesn’t leave us alone to figure it out. The Holy Spirit is always with us, always calling, always guiding us; IF we listen. Too many times we pray “lead us not into temptation,” as we continue to walk right into it, knowing full well what is going to happen. We are no longer slaves to sin. We are dead to sin. The old lifestyle no longer fits us.
We need to ask ourselves, “Am I just playing at being a child of God? Or am I truly dead to sin, and alive in Christ?
Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death, but that God’s free gift is eternal life through Christ Jesus.

The Hope of Christmas

/ CD Hamman

Video here

Isaiah 9:6-7 & Acts 1:9-11

I am really starting to think that the NFL is scripted, just like WWE, and other “reality” television shows. Every year, Cleveland Browns fans believe this could be the year we finally go to the Super Bowl. We have talented players, and a couple years ago, we got Baker Mayfield. We are anxiously waiting to see the Browns flag planted on the 50 yard line in Pittsburgh. And every year, we are met with disappointment. I suppose that may be how Michigan fans feel against Ohio State each year. Or Oklahoma State most years after Bedlam. But at the beginning of the season, we all have one thing in common: HOPE.

What is “hope?” Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary gives these definitions:

A. Desire accompanied by expectation of, or belief in fulfillment. (Hope for a cure.)

B. Someone or something on which hopes are centered. (Mayfield is the Browns hope for a Superbowl championship.)

C. To cherish a desire with anticipation. (hope for a promotion)

D. To desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment. (I hope Messiah comes soon)

Bottom Line: Are we staring, or are we striving?

Do we have just a little bit of hope, and we’re standing still, just staring off into space, looking for Jesus? Or is our hope so deep that we KNOW He is coming back, so we are working to live a life that honors Him, and that lets us share Him with the world around us?

1. There was hope in the beginning.

Most of us know the creation story. God created the world, and everything in it. Then, finally He created man and woman. They could eat from any tree, except one, the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And He warned them that if they eat that one fruit, just one little bite, they will die. And what happened? The devil came in the form of a snake and tempted Eve, by twisting God’s words. She fell for it, hook, line and sinker. Then the first thing she does is gives Adam the forbidden fruit. And now they realize what they have done.

After the fall, God first pronounces judgment, and a curse on the serpent. And even before pronouncing judgment and punishment on Adam & Eve, God pronounces the first Gospel promise.

Genesis 3:15 reads “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” (NLT)

This is the very first glimpse of the promise of Messiah. There will be one who will come and strike Satan’s head, and crush him.

Another example of early hope is found when God called Abram, in Genesis 12:1-3. The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

And there are still more examples of the hope of the coming Messiah, throughout the Old Testament, including God’s promise to David that his descendant would always be on the throne.

2. Hope is fulfilled in Jesus part 1

Isaiah 9:6-7 reads “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (NLT)

Israel longed for the coming Messiah. The prophets had been promising a Messiah. The people were looking for One who would make things right. When Jesus was born, he fullfiled that promise. His birth, His life, His death and resurrection, was the fulfillment of the prophesies. Sadly, not all have recognized that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. He did not come in the way that they thought the Messiah should come. Indeed, there had even been others who had claimed to be Messiah, who were great disappointments. And some who should have recognized Jesus as Messiah, the religious leaders, refused to accept Him.

But God knew what was going to happen. Jesus knew it too. It was necessary for Jesus to die on the cross, taking our guilt upon himself, and paying the price for our sin. His death paid our penalty. His resurrection, that dealt the final blow to death, and satan. That first Gospel promise was fulfilled.

3. Hope will be finalized in Jesus part 2

I want to read Acts 1:6-8, to kind of set the scene: So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8, NLT)

I noticed something funny as I read this account of Jesus’ ascension. In Acts 1:6 we are told that when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking Him when He was going to free Israel and restore their kingdom. They are still looking for an earthly kingdom. Of course Jesus tells them that only the Father has the authority to set those times, and they are not for the apostles to know.

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:9-11, NLT)

I get it. They have just spent all this time traveling with, and learning from, Jesus. They have witnessed His execution, and His resurrection. They think they have Him back. But, He just left them again. Even weirder, He just was taken up into a cloud. I think I’d be looking up, straining to see Him, and trying to explain it, myself.

But as they are standing there, straining to see Him, two guys dressed in white robes appear and give them the promise that all hope, will be finally realized when Jesus comes back. Wait, so He’s coming back? Oh yes. And this time, we know what to look for. This time he will be coming back on a cloud. And this is confirmed throughout the New Testament.

And when He returns, all will be made right. We who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior will be with Him forever. The peace that we so desperately hope for will be finally realized. And we will again have full fellowship with God.

But, while we are waiting for His second advent, we should be striving to live according to His commands. Not to be saved, but because He has already saved us. We are also to spread the Gospel, the Good News, of Jesus Christ.

Even as we strive to grow in our relationship with Christ, are we sharing the Good news with our neighbors? Are we sharing Jesus with those we meet?

Bottom Line: Are you staring or sharing?

Even as we look forward to the future fulfillment of our Hope, our hope is also realized here and now, in the work of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. What is the source of your hope, this Christmas?

There is an old hymn, written in 1834, by Edward Mote, The Solid Rock. The first verse states: My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus’ name.

The last verse reads: When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found. Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.

Will you be able to stand before His throne? Will your family, friends, and neighbors?

When Life Sucks Count Your Blessings

/ CD Hamman

Video here.

Do you ever get so frustrated and discouraged that you are ready to explode? And you just can’t seem to see any way out. Maybe you feel like God has abandoned you, and you have no hope left. And then along comes some well meaning but obviously clueless person who has the audacity to tell you that “All things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). Of course this time of year they feel compelled to quote 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “No matter what, always be thankful.” While I do believe that, how in the world can I be expected to be thankful when I am so spiritually or emotionally wounded that I’m ready to give up?

I think the song “Count Your Blessings” had some pretty solid advice.

1) Acknowledge the hurts, the unfairness, the trials and tribulations.

Acknowledge it to yourself, as well as to God. Be honest, and even blunt about what what you’re feeling. So often we try to hide, even from ourselves, exactly what we’re feeling and thinking. We have this strange notion that we have to tiptoe around God. Like we have to only say certain words, and we can’t tell him how we really feel. Look God already knows what we’re feeling and thinking. Stop trying to lie to God. He’s a pretty big, and I promise, he CAN handle the truth.

2) Listen, to the Holy Spirit, and to yourself.

Listen to your rants, and your feelings, and your thoughts. But also listen for the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit as He reminds you of the blessings that God has given.

Slowly, you’ll find yourself moving from crying out about all the wrongs, to recounting each blessing.

3) Counting our blessings doesn’t change the circumstances; but it does change us.

Our outlook will change from feeling that life sucks, to finding our hope in Christ. We remember who were belong to. God restores our strength.

No. You’re not going to find the phrase “Count your blessings” in the Bible. But we see it at work throughout the Bible. The Psalms are some of the most obvious. Psalm 103:2 reads “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” (NLT) The ESV reads “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

Throughout the psalms we see raw emotion, and yet even in the pain and anger, the writers find praise, and remember God’s blessings, either on themselves, or on Israel.

Bottom Line: Even when life sucks, count your blessings.

When the storms are raging, when everything bad seems to hit at once, when it seems as though others are blessed and Good has forgotten you, and you have reached the point you’re ready to give up, count your blessings.

Bring Them to Jesus

/ CD Hamman

Video here.

Matthew 11:28-30

The world, our world, is in chaos. Everyone around us is dealing with something: sickness, death, homework, dating issues, rape, not being notices, depression, suicide, feeling inadequate, and feeling lost. In a word, they’re weary. We live in a world that is burdened. As I was substitute teaching this week, I spent Thursday subbing for a high school drama teacher. In the course of the day, I was privileged to get to watch the students rehearse their one act play for a drama competition. This play served as inspiration. You see, it’s not even just sickness, then homework, then depression… It’s sickness AND homework, AND depression, AND dating, AND…. And people are looking for an escape; and rest. And sometimes even WE, who call ourselves Christians, or believers, are burdened, and weary, and maybe even worn down. What is the answer to all of this? It is NOT found in our cell phones, that we seem to keep our faces buried in.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)

JESUS is the answer. He was the answer 2,000 years ago, and He is still the answer today. So, if Jesus is the answer, why don’t more people know Him? Maybe we aren’t doing our job and telling them. Are we sharing our stories? We need to take our testimonies outside of the church, and share them with the world.

But how do we share Jesus with a world that doesn’t know, or maybe even doesn’t want to know, they need Him? Some people have been deeply hurt by church. Some have never been in a church. Many see the Church as just another example of organized religion run amok. Some blame God for the problems in the world. And yet, these people are still empty inside, and they are trying anything to fill that void. Sometimes, they recognize that a spiritual world does exist, and they seek to fill that emptiness with ghost-hunting, the occult, or attempts to communicate with the dead. Others turn to drugs or alcohol, dangerous activities (for an adrenaline rush or to feel fear, just to feel something). Some turn to sex. And most frightening, most personal, to me is that some, when the emptiness and the pain, become so overwhelming, nothing else has worked, and the depression kicks in to high gear, some seek suicide. The answer, Jesus Christ, is so close, and they don’t know all they have to do is call His name. What do we do? How do we introduce the people around us to the ONE who can save them? How do we introduce the ONE who’s yoke is easy, burden is light, and who provides rest?

We have to earn that privilege. And it is a privilege, and a responsibility, to share Jesus with those around us. I am going to use an acronym to help us. Back in February, during our evangelism series, one of our sermons was on being salt and light. In Matthew 5:13 Jesus says “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” (NLT). You might remember the qualities about salt that were mentioned: it operates internally, it is necessary for life, it has a distinct taste, it is a preservative, and it creates thirst. You might have guessed, I am using the acronym, S.A.L.T. (By the way, I got the idea for using the SALT acronymn from the drama teacher).

1) Start a conversation
Take time in the checkout line to say, “Hi.” Look for opportunities to reach out, and talk to someone.

2) Ask questions
Ask someone how their day is going. Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to talk. Ask questions to find out what interests you may share.

3) Listen
Listen to what they are saying. Listen for clues that may provide insight. Listen to their joys, their triumphs, and their concerns. Listen to get to know them, not simply to respond. Listen to their story.

4) Tell your story
Share your testimony. Remember your two minute testimony. Tell them what Jesus has done for you. Share how Jesus has eased your burdens, and helped you to find rest in Him.

So be SALTy. It may open the door to new friendships. Or help current friendships grow. As we have learned before, it may take some time for someone to respond to the Gospel message. The church is not supposed to simply exist. We have been commanded to be salt, and light, and to take the Good News to the ends of the earth. For some of us, that may be right next door, across the street, or across the country, or around the world. But the bottom line is the same: If not us, who will tell our weary, troubled, over-burdened world where they can find the rest that they desperately long for?

Do you know Jesus Christ? Do you know the one who provides rest? Are you sharing Him with others, especially your friends? Who do you know who needs to find rest in Jesus? Who can you invite friend day?

Stewardship: Touch – What About the Least of These?

/ CD Hamman / Leave a comment

Video is available here.

Matthew 25:40

While doing some training this week, I met with a deputy who has worked there at the county jail since I had. As we were talking, our discussion inevitably turned to one of today’s issues and concerns, violence and mental health. The deputy shared a story from his time as a firefighter, before joining the sheriff’s office. The fire department had been called out to respond to an older man who fallen and split his head open. When they arrived, they found a mobile home that was not in good shape. Upon entering the home, they observed that the floor had rotted away to the point that the cabinets had fallen through, and there was a “walkway” made up of a couple pieces of 2×4. Much of the home was covered with trash that was piled up, almost to the ceiling. And their patient was refusing treatment, in spite of his head being split open. What they discovered was that this man lived alone, he didn’t go anywhere, and no one came really came by. He spent his time drinking, and basically just gave up hope.

Shortly after this call, my friend and another firefighter began to regularly visit this older man. As they did, they noticed that things slowly began to change. The man started to drink less. He began to slowly clean up the trash inside, and get rid of it. He also began to fashion new cabinets, and do what repairs he could to the floor. Basically, He needed human contact. He needed to know that he matters.

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25:40 NLT)

Through the use of technology, we are more connected today than at any time in human history. And yet, in many ways, we are much more alone, and disconnected from each other than at any time in human history. I consider myself blessed to have friends, across the country, who I can call upon to talk to, and even pray with me. And they know that they can reach out to me at any time, to talk or pray. But because of the distance between us there is one thing missing; that is the ability to actually touch each other, through a hug, or a handshake. So we try to improvise with “virtual hugs.”

And, they do help to convey that someone cares. They do bring some comfort. But, sometimes, we just need to feel that embrace. We need to feel that hand upon our shoulder, and hear someone remind us that we are not alone. Of course, I am also fortunate that I have friends right here who I can call upon to talk to, pray with, and fulfill that need for a hug, or a handshake, even just a quick pat on the shoulder to remind me that I am not alone. And they know, at least I hope they do, that they can reach out to me.

Studies have shown us that people need touch. One early, controversial, study involved the use of rhesus monkeys. The baby monkeys were separated from the mother at birth, and given the option of two inanimate surrogates. One was covered in cloth, and the other was simply wire and wood. Even when the only one with a bottle of milk was the one of wire and wood, the baby monkeys preferred the embrace of the cloth surrogate. Touch is as necessary for emotional and physical well being as are food and water.

Imagine going through each day with limited human contact. That is the reality for many in our society today. Some who may deal with this include inmates, especially those who are held in solitary confinement, and the only human contact they have is when the officer passes their food tray, or when they are handcuffed to be moved; truck drivers who are often out on the road for weeks, or months at a time, separated from their family so that we have food, gas, cars, and other material things; the elderly, and the sick, who may be unable to get out; and I would even include the homeless, who we often don’t even look at as we drive down the road. I would venture to say that there are also others, who may nbot fit in any of these categories, but who for whatever reasons, feel alone, and forgotten.

Bottom Line: How can I touch others?

The answer I am going to give is found in Matthew 25:35-40.

1) Food and water (verse 35)

This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, or expensive. It could be as simple as a sandwich, or a bottle of water.

2) Hospitality / Fellowship (verse 35)

This doesn’t always mean bringing a stranger into your home, though it might. That word that we translate as stranger, can also be translated as immigrant, or traveler. How are we at welcoming the stranger, or the immigrant into our church? Maybe instead of simply handing someone a sandwich, you could invite them in and share a meal with them. Talk with them.

3) Clothing (verse 36)

Look, it is unlikely that you will encounter someone running down the street naked. But, do you have any clothes that you could donate to a homeless shelter, or bring some here for our give and take table? But don’t just stop at donating. Offer to take someone who needs clothes to get them. If you can, volunteer at a place that helps to provide clothes

4) Visit (verse 36)

Find someone to spend a little bit of time with. Maybe it will be someone in a nursing home. It might be a person in jail, or prison. Maybe you know someone who is homebound.

Bottom Line: Who can you touch today?

Of course, don’t forget a hug, or a handshake; or at least a pat on the shoulder, just to remind them that they are not alone. Something that all of these ideas have in common is that they also require your time. I didn’t dwell on that this morning. But time is another resource that God has given us, that we are supposed to be stewards of. What better way to spend some of that than by actually showing Jesus’ love to others.

Deborah

/ CD Hamman / Leave a comment

Judges 4-5

After being led into the promise land, the Israelites had a pattern to life. Now, to be honest, they followed this pattern when they were in the wilderness with Moses. But after Joshua finally led them into the promise land, and died, they became complacent. They would obey God for a time, and live according to His ways, then, in their complacency, they would forget about Him, and begin to follow the God’s of the nations around them. In response to their disobedience, God would allow them to be oppressed and tormented by wicked people, rulers. After about 20 years, give or take, the people would tire of being oppressed, and finally cry out to God in repentance. God would raise up a person to save them from their oppressors, and themselves. And they would live in peace again, for time. Wash, rinse, repeat. To be honest, I don’t think the Church has learned her lesson. The Church has won some great victories. We have reached peoples who had never before heard the Gospel, even though sometimes we have to be led kicking and screaming. Eventually, though, the Church comes to her senses, and cries out to God for forgiveness, and God sends revival. One thing we know from this cycle is this:

Bottom Line: When God’s people cry out to Him, and repent, He will save them.

We are introduced to Deborah at a time when the Israelites are under the rule of King Jabin of Hazor, a Caananite king. The commander of Jabin’s army was Sisera, and he had been ruthlessly tormenting and oppressing the Israelites for about 20 years. And the Israelites have finaly had enough of the torment, and oppression, and have finally cried out to God.

Deborah was either married to a torch maker, made torches, or both. Verse 4 says that she was the wife of Lappidoth. Lappidoth is the Hebrew word for torch, and it was a very unusual name. It could also be translated that she was a woman of torches. AKA “Torch lady.” It is said that she convinced her husband to supply the lamps for the temple at Shiloh, and that they burned bright like torches. Her own name was a play on the Hebrew word for “she spoke.” And her name meant “a bee.”

1) God uses whomever He desires; Even people we don’t think He should.

In a culture that often treated women as second class citizens, God chose a woman named Deborah to lead and judge His people. When she spoke, the people listened. She held court under the Palm of Deborah, in the hill country of Ephraim, between Ramah and Bethel.

One would have expected that God would use Barak to lead his people. And God did use Barak, in a mighty way. But to me, Barak is a supporting character in all of this. When Deborah told Barak that God had commanded him to meet Sisera in Battle, Barak agreed, but added his own terms and conditions. He would only go if Deborah went too.

God also used Jael. He used her to both destroy Israel’s enemy, and also to take the glory that normally would have been gone to Barak.

2) Don’t hesitate when God commands. Be ready to act when the time comes.

In some translations, verse 6 and 7 is Deborah asking Barak a question. And the way it reads makes me wonder if they hadn’t had this conversation before. Deborah says to Barak, “Hey! Didn’t God tell you gather your men together at Mount Tabor, to prepare to meet Sisera and Jabin’s army by the Kishon River, so I can deliver them into your hands?” Barak hesitates. His response was classic. “Sure. Tell you what, I will only go if you go with me.” Typical person. God tells him to do something, to rescue his people, and he puts conditions on God. Deborah agrees, but warns that since she is going, Barak will not get the glory; A woman will get credit for Sisera’s defeat.

Sure enough, when Sisera, who had been tormenting the Israelites heard that Barak had gathered his troops at Mount Tabor, he gathered his own troops, and chariots and went out to meet Barak in battle. And Deborah gave the order to Barak, “Get up. Today the Lord will give Sisera into your hand.” As the two armies met in battle, it began to rain, and Sisera’s chariots became lodged in the mud, and his men didn’t know what to do. Barak and his men had a decisive victory. And Sisera, fearing for his own life, and with Barak in pursuit, left his chariot and fled to the home of someone he thought was a friend.

Jael’s husband, Heber, had pitched his tents near Kedesh. He and his family were on friendly terms with King Jabin. So Sisera runs into Jael’s tent. Jael invited him in, and covered him with a blanket. That’s some pretty good hospitality from your friend’s wife. Then, when he asks for some water because he is thirsty, she gives him some milk, and covers him again. And he tells her that if anyone comes looking she is to say that no one else is there. The Bible doesn’t say why, but as soon as Sisera was asleep, Jael creeps over with a tent peg and a hammer. I can only speculate that there was some reason, but to do what she did next I think would require some serious anger, and emotion. Jael takes the tent peg, and using the hammer, drives peg through his temple and into the ground. We can only speculate as to what all had taken place, either at that time, or previously, but that sounds pretty personal to me. And when Barak came by, Jael says, “Hey. Come here. I’ll take you to the man you are looking for.” And Barak finds Sisera in Jael’s tent, dead, with a tent peg driven through his temple, and into the ground. And from that day, Jabin’s grip over Israel was broken, until they finally destroyed him.

Barak hesitated. And he added his own terms and conditions to God’s command. And although he had led his army to a decisive victory, with the Lord’s help, he did not defeat Sisera.

Jael, saw her opportunity to act. The time had come for her to take action, and she did. Remember Deborah’s prophesy? Since she had to lead Barak, the glory that would have been his went to a woman.

3) Give God the glory.

The final verses of chapter 4 gives the ultimate praise and glory to God.

So on that day Israel saw God defeat Jabin, the Canaanite king. And from that time on Israel became stronger and stronger against King Jabin until they finally destroyed him. (Judges 4:23-24, NLT)

Deborah’s song, in chapter 5 gives the glory for the victory to God. In it the deeds When God delivers us, we are to give Him the glory. We might have the wisdom and ability to judge, and to hear God when He speaks, like Deborah. We might have skill, and cunning for battle, like Barak. We may have the courage to act in the moment, like Jael did. But who gave each of them the ability, and the strength? Who sends the rains at just the right time to route the enemy? We might be able to solve the toughest math problems, or win the hardest fought legal battles. We may even know the answers to some of life’s greatest mysteries. But, how did we get those abilities? Where did the knowledge and skill come from? Sure, hard work and determination on our part; but ultimately who gave us the ability to train, and to learn? Who sends us help at just the right moment? When others may be praising us, we need to make sure that we are directing all the praise to God.

Bottom Line: When God’s people call on Him, He will save.

The Christian’s Relationship to Government

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A society without government is anarchy. There is no law, everyone is free to do as he or she sees fit. In such a society no one is safe. The stronger are free to take what they want from the weaker. If you have something that I want, I am free to take it from you. Of course you are free to try to prevent me from taking it, but, the golden rule in such a society is do unto others before they do unto you. So, God, in His wisdom, set up a system of authority. The family unit is the most basic system of authority. Of course societies are made up of many family units. And whether by geography, ethnicity, or beliefs, these family units have become grouped into clans, people groups, and eventually nations. And every step of the way a system of authority and rule has been set up.

We frequently hear people demanding their rights. And, especially here in the United States, we are a nation that has prided itself on individual rights. To be sure, our nation has committed it’s share of sins throughout our history, and those should be acknowledged, repented of, and lessons learned. And then we look to the future.

In his address to congress on January 8, 1790, President George Washington said “Knowledge is in every Country the surest basis of public happiness. In one, in which the measures of Government recieve (sic) their impression so immediately from the sense of the Community as in our’s, it is proportionably essential. To the security of a free Constitution it contributes in various ways: By convincing those, who are entrusted with the public administration, that every valuable end of Government is best answered by the enlightened confidence of the people: And by teaching the people themselves to know and to value their own rights; to discern and provide against invasions of them; to distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise of lawful authority; between burthens proceeding from a disregard to their convenience and those resulting from the inevitable exigencies of Society; to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that of licentiousness, cherishing the first, avoiding the last, and uniting a speedy, but temperate vigilence against encroachments, with an inviolable respect to the laws.” -George Washington, to the United States Senate and House of Representative, 8 January 1790 (https://founders.archives.gov/docu…/Washington/05-04-02-0361)

I want to focus on our relationship to government. I think that this can be applied no matter where you live, but of course, my only real experience is living here, in the United States. I keep seeing, and hearing people demand their rights. We have people who take a camera, or their phone, and they literally go looking for a fight with government officials. They may call themselves First Amendment, or Second Amendment, Auditors. They go out with the intent to draw attention to themselves, and demand their right to do say what they want, or to carry any firearm how they want and where they want. And then they cry “That’s not fair” when they are targeted as being suspicious. But then they will also probably be the first ones who will wonder how something bad happened, why someone didn’t say anything when someone else actually commits a heinous crime. Of course this happens with many political and social issues. People are so focused on their rights, that they have forgotten about their own duty to be responsible. We are witnessing in our society an attitude of I want my rights, but I don’t care about my responsibilities.
The Bottom Line: Demanding the free exercise of our rights also demands that we exercise our responsibilities.

Romans 13:1-7 (NLT)
Respect for Authority
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

We have a duty to submit to government authority
It seems that it has become common today to disrespect authority. We see it far too often: people who refuse to obey anyone in authority. Children who disrespect teachers, adults who refuse to respect government, government officials who refuse to respect the law. If you want examples, just watch the evening news. Or check out some of the videos you find on facebook, and youtube. But this is certainly not how we, who proclaim to be followers of Jesus Christ, are to behave. Indeed, Paul admonishes us, in no uncertain terms to submit to government authority. In fact, by refusing to be obedient to authority, we are in fact refusing to obey God. Paul makes this quite clear in verse 2. Rebelling against authority is rebelling against God.

Now please, do not misunderstand me. There certainly is nothing wrong with the people holding their government officials accountable. But we are responsible to do so in a way that honors God.

Government officials are to be God’s servants for the good of those governed
This point is directed at government officials, as well as to “we the people.” We have a system of government in order to avoid the lawlessness of anarchy. Every nation has a government that is in place to protect their citizens, and all who reside within their borders, from lawlessness. If I am doing what is right, and behaving in a manner that does not harm others, or my country, then I can reasonably expect that, for the most part, the government will not bother me.
But, if I choose to behave in a manner that may be harmful to others, if I decide to ignore the law, then I can reasonably expect to be punished. It is the government’s job to punish those who do evil. So we are commanded to be obedient, not simply to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clean conscience.

Government officials deserve their pay
We hate to pay taxes, don’t we. In fact some people hate paying taxes so much that they make it their mission to find ways to cheat the government. We get our first job, and we’re excited for that first check, and when we get it, right away we realize that something isn’t right. Some of our money is missing. And as we examine or check stub closely, we see that some of our money has gone to the state, and the federal government got its cut too. In some places, the city gets a share directly out of your paycheck. Well, don’t government officials deserve to be paid for their work, too. Now look, this isn’t about debating how much we should be paying in taxes; I am simply pointing out, as Paul does, in verses 6 and 7, that government workers deserve to be compensated for their work.

However, Paul isn’t referring only to paying our taxes and fees. He goes a step further, and also tells us that we are responsible to pay honor and respect to those who are in authority. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Quick, someone needs to point this verse out to many of our government leaders.” And, I agree with you. So many of them seem to be more focused on tearing down each other, and anyone who doesn’t agree with them, that they are not getting anything accomplished. But, before I go there, I need to ask you, what is YOUR attitude toward those in government positions? Wait; I need to ask myself that same question: “What is MY attitude toward our government leaders, and workers?” Do I show respect to those in authority. Do I behave in a way that, if they are not already a Christ follower, would make them want to be one, or at least gives them reason to respect me? Or am I a Christian in name only?

Maybe, just maybe, there is a reason that our government, and our society, seems to be so out of control. When was the last time that you complained about government workers, and government leaders. Now, when was the last time that you prayed for them? Just maybe, we bear some of the responsibility for some of the problems. Lets look at 1 Timothy for just a minute.

N1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NLT)
Instructions about Worship
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior,

We are to pray for our government officials
I like how the NLT titles this section: Instructions about worship. Too often, we think of worship as what we are doing right now. It’s just for Sunday morning. We come to church, sing a few songs, say a prayer or two, and listen to a preacher say something that is hopefully inspirational. And if we are really lucky, the message lets us feel good about ourselves. But that is not worship.

Worship is not just about going to church, and playing a part. Worship is a lifestyle. And a part of that lifestyle is praying for others. Interceding, speaking with God, on their behalf, including government workers, and officials; maybe ESPECIALLY, them. Why? So that we can live peaceful lives, that display godliness, and dignity. I love the way the NIV says it best. Instead of dignity it uses the word holiness. We pray for others, and especially our government so that we can live lives that are marked by godliness, and HOLINESS.

Bottom Line: We do have rights, however, being free to exercise those rights demands that we recognize, and honor, our responsibilities.

Faithful Daddies Lead by Example

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Sermon for Fathers Day 2019

Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 4:2-4

Before I dig in, I feel like I need to start by acknowledging that not everyone has, or had, a good father, or father figure, for many different reasons. Sadly, this is the result of a fallen, sinful world. To those who did not have a good example of a Godly father, I want to encourage you. Psalm 68 4-6 tells us that God is the father to the fatherless. And that He places the lonely in families. Seek His heart. Because I also want to challenge you men to be ready to be fathers to your own children, or to fill that role for someone who needs you to be that father.

As I address fathers today, I am not talking to only those men who have had children by blood or adoption. I am talking to anyone who fills that role of a father figure: Dads, Step-Dads, foster Dads, Grand-Dads, Uncles, and any man who has stepped up and mentored children or young adults. You see, I know first hand how important these men are, when Dad can’t be there.

Men, we have a job to do. And it is NOT for the faint of heart. We are instructed to raise our children, to disciple them, in the ways of God. In the passages in Ephesians and Colassians we readily read that wives are to obey their husbands, and we have no problem reminding our children that God wants them to obey their parents. But, for some reason we want to ignore those verses after those others. You know, the verse that tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, and then the one that tells us dads not to provoke, exasperate, or discourage our children.

Why do I mention husbands loving your wives? Because that is part of teaching our children. How we men treat the lady we have promised to love sets the standard. We teach our sons how they are to treat a lady by how we treat our wives, or girlfriend (in the case of single dads), and our mothers. By this we also teach our daughters how they should expect to be treated by a guy.

Finally, we must set the standard in our walk with God. Men, do we know Jesus, or do we only know of Him? Have we met the LIVING Christ, the Saviour? Or have we just heard of Him, but think eh, he was a good teacher? Are we faithful in our commitment to God, and to our relationship with Christ? Do we obey when the Holy Spirit speaks, or do we insist on our own way? Do your children see or hear you pray? Do you ever pray with your children. Do they see you pray with your wife? Guys, if you’re single and dating, do you pray with your girlfriend? Are you setting the standard for your children? Do our children find us faithful?

Dads, please allow me speak to one more thing. We have all failed at times. Some worse than others. At least that is often how we see it through our human eyes. And we often find it easier to ask for forgiveness from God, and maybe even our children. We may even have forgiven our fathers for their mistakes and shortcomings. But, we have refused to forgive ourselves. It’s time to forgive. Whether it’s a hurt from your own father, or another father figure, or if it is yourself, it is time to forgive. Forgiving doesn’t mean that the wrong was ok. But it does mean that you are letting go. Letting go of the hurt, and the pain, and you are releasing whatever the wrong was to God, so that He can dispose of it. And when satan tries to remind you, and he will, because he is like a crooked attorney, but when he does, remind him that the Judge, the Chief executive has pardoned you, and that you have asked, and allowed Him to pardon the wrongs done to you. It is the only way to be free. And it is yet another way that we set the standard for our children.

If you don’t already know my Jesus, I invite you to let me introduce you to Him.

Barabbas

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I preached this sermon today.

In Matthew 21 we read about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowds spread palm branches, and their coats, on the road in front of Him. They shouted, “HOSANNA! HOSANNA! Blessed is the King who comes in the Name of the Lord!” The week is off to a great start.

But, as we know today, the religious leaders, Sadducees and Pharisees, hated Jesus, and had been looking for some way to get rid of Him, even murder. And Judas just happens to come along and offers to betray Jesus.

Let’s fast forward to Jesus standing before Pilate.

During Passover the governor always freed a prisoner chosen by the people. At that time a well-known terrorist named Jesus Barabbas was in jail. So when the crowd came together, Pilate asked them, “Which prisoner do you want me to set free? Do you want Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate knew that the leaders had brought Jesus to him because they were jealous. While Pilate was judging the case, his wife sent him a message. It said, “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man. I have had nightmares because of him.”
But the chief priests and the leaders convinced the crowds to ask for Barabbas to be set free and for Jesus to be killed. Pilate asked the crowd again, “Which of these two men do you want me to set free?”
“Barabbas!” they replied.
Pilate asked them, “What am I to do with Jesus, who is called the Messiah?”
They all yelled, “Nail him to a cross!”
Pilate answered, “But what crime has he done?”
“Nail him to a cross!” they yelled even louder.
Pilate saw that there was nothing he could do and that the people were starting to riot. So he took some water and washed his hands in front of them and said, “I won’t have anything to do with killing this man. You are the ones doing it!”
Everyone answered, “We and our own families will take the blame for his death!”
Pilate set Barabbas free. Then he ordered his soldiers to beat Jesus with a whip and nail him to a cross. Matthew 27:15-26 (CEV)

Now, Pilate was not stupid. It was obvious to him that the Jewish leaders were trying to kill an innocent man. So he tried to give the people an out. But the Jewish leaders, when offered Barabbas, they knew exactly what they were doing as they stirred up the crowd. Jesus was actually a common name at the name. Barabbas was no more a proper surname than Christ was. So the choice given to the people was “Jesus, called ‘Son of the Father,’” or “Jesus, called ‘the Messiah.’” We know that ultimately Barabbas was released, and The Messiah took his place on the cross.

We don’t know read anymore of Barabbas, after he was released. And we are left to wonder what happened to him? Did he stick around, and watch from a distance? Did he wonder why he was being set free? Did he ever realize the significance of Jesus, the Messiah, taking his place on the cross?

What was the significance of Barabbas, in the account of the crucifixion?

1) Barabbas represents evil.
The people were given a choice between the evil of Barabbas, and the goodness of the Messiah. They chose evil over good.

Which son of the Father will we choose to be like? The fake, who is a son of the Father in name only? Or the real Messiah, who does the will of the Father, even knowing that it would lead to an agonizing, brutal death?

2) Barabbas represents each one of us.
Barabbas was guilty of murder. He was a criminal who had been sentenced to death. We are guilty of sin. Our sin condemns us to death (Genesis 3:17-19, 22-24).

3) Christ took Barabbas’ place on the cross.
There were three men sentenced to die. It would appear that the plans for a triple execution had already begun. Why not simply add a fourth cross? I don’t believe that the crucifixion would have the same meaning in that case. By Jesus, the Messiah, taking the place of Barabbas, it shows that He died in place of, Barabbas. He died for Barabbas.

What did Barabbas do? I’ll ask it again, “Did Barabbas ever realize the significance of the Messiah taking his place on the cross that day?” What did Barabbas do with his undeserved pardon?

4) Christ took MY place on the cross.
More than just taking the place of Barabbas, Jesus Christ took your place on that cross. He took MY place on that cross. He died for you. He died for me. He paid the penalty for my sin. Say it with me: “Jesus died for MY sin.”
Do YOU understand the significance of Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, dying in your place; taking YOUR place in death?

What will YOU do with Your pardon?

Evangelism Requires Neighboring

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Picture it, 2017, Anytown, USA. Jesus is teaching the crowd, and suddenly a religion professor interrupts, asking, “Lord, how can I be certain I’m going to heaven?” Jesus replies, “You have read the Scriptures and what do they teach?” The professor replied, “Of course. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength. You must also love your neighbor.” Jesus says, “That is correct.” Trying to justify himself, the professor replies, “Well, exactly who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replies, “There was a man who decided to take a trip. As he was driving through downtown he was carjacked, beaten, stripped, and left for dead in the gutter; as a lay pastor stood just out of sight recording the incident on his phone. Shortly afterward, a local pastor happened by on his way home to get ready for board meeting. He saw the man, shook his head and muttered “These people just never learn. Drugs and alcohol aren’t the answer,” and he hurried on his way so he wouldn’t be late for his meeting.

After some time, a Sunday school teacher passed by on her way to a Sunday school party. Upon seeing the man’s condition, and lack of clothing, she became indignant, complained, “Well. I’ve never seen such a vulgar sight,” and she quickly turned onto a side street, and continued on her way.

Eventually, a gay atheist, who was also an undocumented immigrant, passed by on his way to a protest march in Washington, DC. Upon seeing the victim lying in the gutter the man stopped his car, got out and called 911. While waiting for EMS, the man took the dress shirt he was wearing and used it to fashion bandages and began to bandage the victim’s wounds. When EMS arrived, the man followed them to the hospital, and made sure the victim was being well cared for before continuing his own journey.”

Jesus then asked the crowd, “Which person was a neighbor to the man who was carjacked?” The religion professor replied, “The man who stopped to help.” Jesus said, “Now, go, and be a neighbor.”

Luke 10:29-37

We’re all probably familiar with the State Farm jingle. State Farm: Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. It implies that for their customers, no matter what happens, State Farm has your back.

So What: Neighboring requires action.

This parable ends in much the same way that Jesus ends the Great Commission (found in Matthew 28 and Mark 16); Jesus gives the commands to “Go,” and “Do.” There is a saying that “Talk is cheap.” We can talk all day long about how much Jesus loves us, and how much we love Jesus. We can’t really reach others until we SHOW them Jesus.

A neighbor is willing to be inconvenienced.

We Christians often come down pretty harsh on the priest and the Levite in this parable. What most of us don’t understand, however, is that in order to serve in the temple, the priests and Levites were to remain ceremonially clean. According to Levitical law, if they became unclean, then they had to go through a process to become ceremonially clean again. This was often a time consuming process, and until they were again ceremonially clean they were forbidden from serving in the temple. This meant that they also received no pay during this time. They were certainly mindful of their duty to love God. And they may have even had pity on the man. But to actually try to help him may have greatly inconvenienced them.

Simply having pity on people does nothing to show them the love of the Savior. We have to serve in the moment. Often times that is all we can do. Carpe diem, seize the day. We need to seize the moment. We may not see any immediate results, or even have an opportunity to verbally witness. But by serving in the moment, we share Jesus.

If someone asks for prayer, it is easy to say “I’ll pray for you.” But how often do we really remember to do so? How about next time, instead of simply saying that you will pray for someone, actually take a moment to stop and pray. Even if they are not physically there, you can pray with them in that moment.

A neighbor is willing to cross cultural boundaries.

If Jesus actually did tell the parable today, who might He use in place instead of the Samaritan? Maybe an atheist, or a homosexual, or an undocumented immigrant, like in my modernized version? What about a prostitute, or a convicted felon, or maybe a homeless person? Maybe even a Muslim? The point isn’t necessarily who Jesus showed as the good neighbor. The point is that being a neighbor requires us to step outside of our nice neat comfort zones. We have to be willing to reach out to those who do not look like us, or think like us. Maybe they don’t even act like us.

It was a shock for Jesus’ listeners to hear a Samaritan be made to be the good guy. Samaritans and Jews hated each other. They did some truly awful things to each other, all in the name of “serving God.” We do the same thing today. We pass judgment on individuals and groups because they are not like us. I know homosexuals and atheists who are extremely generous people. And they would help anyone in need, no questions asked. Sadly, I also know people who claim to be be Christians who are so busy passing judgement on others that they miss opportunities to share Jesus.

The Samaritan didn’t ask the victim if he was a Samaritan or a Jew. He simply met the immediate need of a fellow human being. Likewise, in my modernized retelling, the good neighbor didn’t concern himself with the victim’s beliefs or ideology. He served in the moment. Jesus Himself is our example here. He met people’s needs in the moment. He crossed cultural boundaries, with the Samaritan woman at the well (Luke 4), and the Canaanite woman’s daughter he healed (Matthew 15), and healing the centurion’s servant (Luke 7).

So What: Witnessing and neighboring require action.

We have to be good neighbors if we want to be good witnesses.

The Best Christmas Gift Ever

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For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17, NLT)

What is the best Christmas gift you ever received? Two of my favorites were a puppy and a train set. Sometimes we take for granted the practical gifts that we receive. For example, when I was a boy, often my gifts would include sox, or clothes. Really?! That’s supposed to be a Christmas gift? Well, yes. But often, especially as children we just want the flashy toys, the cool things, the dolls that really drink and potty. Or we want the latest in technology. We don’t appreciate the importance of the practical gifts; the things that we need.

We don’t always realize it, but the biggest need we have is our need for a Savior. Ever since Adam & Eve sinned in the Garden, humans were cut off from the fellowship with God that we were created for. Animal sacrifices were only a temporary solution. Hebrews 10, we read that animal sacrifices didn’t provide perfect cleansing from sin; they had to be repeated over and over again. But God had a plan. He was waiting for the right time to send His special gift. In His time, He sent us his only son, Jesus.  But, Jesus birth was only the beginning of the story. We must remember Jesus’ death on the cross. By His blood we are cleansed from sin. As our high priest, Jesus offered himself as the final perfect sacrifice.

The story, and the gift, doesn’t stop there. Through His resurrection we have eternal life. We need all three pieces of God’s gift. By Jesus’ birth, God came down and took on the form of man, and lived as a perfect human, setting us an example. And it is by HIS death and blood that our sins are forgiven, once and for all. And His resurrection, and the empty tomb, testifies to our hope of eternal live with God.

 That, in a nutshell, is the Gospel, and the absolute best gift ever.