I have spent the past few days in areas where Christmas shopping was in full bloom. Ironically enough I had no Christmas shopping to be done (not that I am overly prepared. I just didn't have to buy for anyone due to my sweet wife). In the middle of crowded parking lots, slow traffic lights, people cutting others off and receiving the "Merry Christmas Middle Finger"; I couldn't help but have ample amounts to time to process through my dysfunction of hating the season while loving the reason for the season.
The true meaning of Christmas can get lost in the mix of so many wrong perspectives; the presents, the parties, the travels, the relatives, the recovery, etc. Christmas is really all about two reasons:
1. We needed a Savior.
2. God loves us so much to send us a Savior in Jesus.
In our very best of days we still fall eternally short in having a right relationship with God. You see, our sin creates a major barrier between us and Him. However, in His great love for us, He provides a sacrifice that provides us abundant life. What an incredible miracle.
What I learned over the past few days while dealing with the crowds, the traffic jams and the occasional "Christmas Finger" is the same Savior that died for my sins also died for theirs. My role in this equation is simple...to be a reflection of the love my Savior has rescued me through.
What if for only the next 24-36 hours we made much of Emanuel (God literally with us) and keep His love as the desires of our hearts? I don't know...if we really did I think this year may be the most special Christmas to date.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
One Reason I Love Merge...
I love the church I get to serve at. Primarily for the facts that so many Merger's love Jesus, the Gospel, and are committed to at this point be a small church striving to make a big difference in Lake Worth. These past two years have been an amazing adventure as God called us to start something from nothing. As we continue down the road we are starting to see God open up even more doors where we can reach out and show His love to people who may not know Him yet.
We have been able to (by the grace of God) offering some relief to families that just needed a little lift as they try to keep them self afloat. This doesn't happen without a group effort. I say this quite a bit at Merge and feel it is worth repeating here: when our efforts are united we go from addition to multiplication. The impact that is felt is a great one.
One great measuring stick for a churches impact in her community is by asking a simple question I heard Rob Bell ask, "If this afternoon you boarded up the doors of the church and never met again...WOULD ANYONE IN THE COMMUNITY NOTICE?)
I believe that we have even greater things and a greater impact to come in the next few chapters. But it does my heart well to think of what God is allowing us to do and smile because it is something really special.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
We have been able to (by the grace of God) offering some relief to families that just needed a little lift as they try to keep them self afloat. This doesn't happen without a group effort. I say this quite a bit at Merge and feel it is worth repeating here: when our efforts are united we go from addition to multiplication. The impact that is felt is a great one.
One great measuring stick for a churches impact in her community is by asking a simple question I heard Rob Bell ask, "If this afternoon you boarded up the doors of the church and never met again...WOULD ANYONE IN THE COMMUNITY NOTICE?)
I believe that we have even greater things and a greater impact to come in the next few chapters. But it does my heart well to think of what God is allowing us to do and smile because it is something really special.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sunday Recap On a Tuesday...
On Tuesday's I hope to post some thoughts from the lesson that was previously taught at Merge the Sunday before...
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: The Secret Assassin Of The Church...Worry
Text: Matthew 6:19-34
Some Thoughts:
---There is a secret assassin that plagues the hearts of almost every believer. This assassin debilitates people causing them to suffer, hoard, live as a fraction of the people they are called to be. This assassin has been attacking the church relentlessly for thousands and thousands of years. It has ended marriages, ruined friendships, even caused murder. If we don't get a handle on this and lean hard into the liberating Word of God then this one issue may very well lead to your demise. For some revealing this assassin will come as a surprise because it lurks in the shadows almost undetected. For others this assassin has been with them so long they consider it a part of them. This assassin that is so dangerous...WORRY.
---What if I told you that worry is only a symptom to a much deeper issue? What if I told you that you don't have as much of a worry issue as you do a faith one?
---Starting in verse 19, Jesus begins with a series of decisions we make that when pulled back and seen from a distance reveal how worry is the only emotional response we are leaving ourselves and the peace we are praying for is available by making different choices.
OVERALL STATEMENT OF VERSES 19-34:
The things you are most devoted too, fuel the things you worry about the most.
v.19-20
---We are not talking about having a savings account or a 401k (in fact, there is a biblical mandate for saving for the proverbial winters in life). Storing treasures on earth is taking the things that are supposed to be an aid in your life and making them the ultimate pursuit of your life.
---Choose to invest you energies into things that will have an eternal impact.
v.22-23
---The point being that what we choose to look at will either cleanse or distort the light of God's revelation into our hearts.
---Choose to gaze upon things which promote healthy and Holy living.
v.24
---I love the line in the sand Jesus just drew. He says, "Don't play games, you can't serve two masters because what they are calling from you conflict with the other master."
---Choose wisely the master you serve.
v.25
---One of the major problems that come when we worry is that it creates a false reality. You spend more time reacting to "what may happen" and it never leads to you anywhere except towards DOOMSDAY scenarios.
---Never will our worrisome thoughts lead us to rainbows and kittens.
v.25
---Jesus is pulling us back and asking: Is not life more important than your job? Does your life = your job?
v.26
---Birds don't even try and God feeds them. Do you believe that God loves you more than the BIRDS??
v.27
---Can worrying in this now bring certainty in the next now? Can your worry today bring certainty into the next day? Jesus says if it can't then look at the birds of the air and settle in on this revolutionary thought that God loves you more than them.
v.28-30
---At the end of verse 30 Jesus connects the dots: The reason it is difficult for you to pull away and trust God with the uncertainty of tomorrow, the reason you are so devoted to and emotionally distraught about the issues of life is because you lack trust in God taking care of you.
---Maybe you get stuck on the same spot I get stuck: "I know God can save the world, but what about my groceries, my bills, my ____________."
v.31-34
---To beat worry we must choose a path which is God-centered, not self-centered. Because when our world is all about us, worry will beat peace every-time.
3 take-aways:
1. Worry is not just a waste of time. It's a waste of life.
2. We are to do what we can do, then trust God to do the rest.
3. What I am most devoted too, will be the object of my worry.
---My prayer for you is that you will start to see your worry as a great slap in the face of a perfect God. That we will start to quickly identify worry and leave it at the cross of Jesus because if you don't you will never be able to experience the life to the fullest He came to make available to you.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: The Secret Assassin Of The Church...Worry
Text: Matthew 6:19-34
Some Thoughts:
---There is a secret assassin that plagues the hearts of almost every believer. This assassin debilitates people causing them to suffer, hoard, live as a fraction of the people they are called to be. This assassin has been attacking the church relentlessly for thousands and thousands of years. It has ended marriages, ruined friendships, even caused murder. If we don't get a handle on this and lean hard into the liberating Word of God then this one issue may very well lead to your demise. For some revealing this assassin will come as a surprise because it lurks in the shadows almost undetected. For others this assassin has been with them so long they consider it a part of them. This assassin that is so dangerous...WORRY.
---What if I told you that worry is only a symptom to a much deeper issue? What if I told you that you don't have as much of a worry issue as you do a faith one?
---Starting in verse 19, Jesus begins with a series of decisions we make that when pulled back and seen from a distance reveal how worry is the only emotional response we are leaving ourselves and the peace we are praying for is available by making different choices.
OVERALL STATEMENT OF VERSES 19-34:
The things you are most devoted too, fuel the things you worry about the most.
v.19-20
---We are not talking about having a savings account or a 401k (in fact, there is a biblical mandate for saving for the proverbial winters in life). Storing treasures on earth is taking the things that are supposed to be an aid in your life and making them the ultimate pursuit of your life.
---Choose to invest you energies into things that will have an eternal impact.
v.22-23
---The point being that what we choose to look at will either cleanse or distort the light of God's revelation into our hearts.
---Choose to gaze upon things which promote healthy and Holy living.
v.24
---I love the line in the sand Jesus just drew. He says, "Don't play games, you can't serve two masters because what they are calling from you conflict with the other master."
---Choose wisely the master you serve.
v.25
---One of the major problems that come when we worry is that it creates a false reality. You spend more time reacting to "what may happen" and it never leads to you anywhere except towards DOOMSDAY scenarios.
---Never will our worrisome thoughts lead us to rainbows and kittens.
v.25
---Jesus is pulling us back and asking: Is not life more important than your job? Does your life = your job?
v.26
---Birds don't even try and God feeds them. Do you believe that God loves you more than the BIRDS??
v.27
---Can worrying in this now bring certainty in the next now? Can your worry today bring certainty into the next day? Jesus says if it can't then look at the birds of the air and settle in on this revolutionary thought that God loves you more than them.
v.28-30
---At the end of verse 30 Jesus connects the dots: The reason it is difficult for you to pull away and trust God with the uncertainty of tomorrow, the reason you are so devoted to and emotionally distraught about the issues of life is because you lack trust in God taking care of you.
---Maybe you get stuck on the same spot I get stuck: "I know God can save the world, but what about my groceries, my bills, my ____________."
v.31-34
---To beat worry we must choose a path which is God-centered, not self-centered. Because when our world is all about us, worry will beat peace every-time.
3 take-aways:
1. Worry is not just a waste of time. It's a waste of life.
2. We are to do what we can do, then trust God to do the rest.
3. What I am most devoted too, will be the object of my worry.
---My prayer for you is that you will start to see your worry as a great slap in the face of a perfect God. That we will start to quickly identify worry and leave it at the cross of Jesus because if you don't you will never be able to experience the life to the fullest He came to make available to you.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sunday Recap On A Tuesday...
On Tuesday's I hope to post some thoughts from the lesson that was previously taught at Merge the Sunday before...
Lesson: A Thankful Church
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
Some Thoughts:
---Big Thought For This Morning:
A thankful CHURCH
is filled with thankful PEOPLE
who have thankful HEARTS
5 things I am THANKFUL for @ Merge:
1. Misty's willingness to work hard in a full time job so I can serve Merge full time. When we left to plant Merge both of us changed employers (since we were working for the same church). A major question we asked was rather or not I would become a bi-vocational pastor or devote all of my efforts at Merge. Misty was a big proponent for me being able to only have one job. So much to the point where she directs a Day School and carries a lot of responsibility so my energies can be focused on serving at Merge. For that I am grateful.
2. For what God is doing and the relationships being built in the body at Merge. God is doing some incredible things as fellow Merger's are on great adventures, receiving healing, and most importantly drawing closer to God. This is an exciting time for us as we see how big our God is.
3. For the continued influence we are developing at M.J. Miller Elementary School. We are being allowed to make a great difference in our community through our acts of service. People are experiencing the love of God through an avenue few churches pursue. For the continued difference I am grateful.
4. That God have been faithful to meet the needs of the church. It is an interesting endeavor anytime a group of people try to create something from nothing. A church is no exception. Over the past nearly two years there have been many moments praying for God's provision financially. Every time He has been faithful and abundant. We believe all of our resources (especially as a church) is a stewardship provided by God. For this reason we work hard at saving, giving and spending at Merge. I think that as we do this well in the early stages, as God grows us we will have even greater opportunities to serve Him with our finances.
5. Thankful for Jesus. His life and death brings us forgiveness of sin and life abundantly. His willingness to be obedient to the Father by laying His life down as a ransom for many is the greatest love story imaginable. God loves us, so much to send us Jesus. For Jesus, I am thankful.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Lesson: A Thankful Church
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
Some Thoughts:
---Big Thought For This Morning:
A thankful CHURCH
is filled with thankful PEOPLE
who have thankful HEARTS
5 things I am THANKFUL for @ Merge:
1. Misty's willingness to work hard in a full time job so I can serve Merge full time. When we left to plant Merge both of us changed employers (since we were working for the same church). A major question we asked was rather or not I would become a bi-vocational pastor or devote all of my efforts at Merge. Misty was a big proponent for me being able to only have one job. So much to the point where she directs a Day School and carries a lot of responsibility so my energies can be focused on serving at Merge. For that I am grateful.
2. For what God is doing and the relationships being built in the body at Merge. God is doing some incredible things as fellow Merger's are on great adventures, receiving healing, and most importantly drawing closer to God. This is an exciting time for us as we see how big our God is.
3. For the continued influence we are developing at M.J. Miller Elementary School. We are being allowed to make a great difference in our community through our acts of service. People are experiencing the love of God through an avenue few churches pursue. For the continued difference I am grateful.
4. That God have been faithful to meet the needs of the church. It is an interesting endeavor anytime a group of people try to create something from nothing. A church is no exception. Over the past nearly two years there have been many moments praying for God's provision financially. Every time He has been faithful and abundant. We believe all of our resources (especially as a church) is a stewardship provided by God. For this reason we work hard at saving, giving and spending at Merge. I think that as we do this well in the early stages, as God grows us we will have even greater opportunities to serve Him with our finances.
5. Thankful for Jesus. His life and death brings us forgiveness of sin and life abundantly. His willingness to be obedient to the Father by laying His life down as a ransom for many is the greatest love story imaginable. God loves us, so much to send us Jesus. For Jesus, I am thankful.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday Recap On A Tuesday...
On Tuesday's I hope to post some thoughts from the lesson that was previously taught at Merge the Sunday before...
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: The Hypocrite (part two)
Text: Matthew 6:9-18
Some Thoughts:
---Last week Jesus opened an area confronting our tendency to want to put our spirituality on display for all the wrong reasons. As He goes after our hearts, He is profoundly and simply stating that it is entirely possible to do good things in deceptive motives. He is confronting our willingness for doing things for the applause of men, rather than for the applause of God.
--- This is a touchy subject because for so many of us we have spent years, even decades, searching for the approval of a parent, a spouse, a child, a boss, an associate or a friend. When we do receive that approval it can become intoxicating to the point where it can become a dangerous pursuit of our lives.
v.1
---If your "acts" are done for the applause of men, don't be surprised when that is the only applause you receive.
---There are few greater compliments a Christian can receive than through your "acts" people proclaim that God has done something amazing and used you to do it.
---What Jesus is saying: GIVE anonymously, PRAY secretly, FAST quietly
PRAYER:
---the true aim of prayer is not to tune God's ear to our request; rather prayer is aimed to tune our hearts to His.
v.5-8
---So don't let you prayer frequency be dictated by the size of the crowd, don't babble thinking that the more words you use the better your chances are of being heard. Instead make prayer intimate, private an a heart thing more than a vocal thing.
v.9
---"This is HOW your should pray" not "This is WHAT you should pray". What Jesus is teaching us is essence not mechanics. Meaning, He will give us an umbrella to pray under, not a box to pray in.
v.10
---One prayer I have been praying in regards to verse 10 is "Help me become increasingly passionate about what you are doing and decreasingly passionate about my desire to attempt to steer my own ship."
v.11
---Our daily bread is a miracle from God. There was a time in the history of Israel when they were in a barren desert and God would provide Manna and Quail for them to eat. Every morning was a visual reminder of God's provision. You know what happened? What was a miracle on Monday because a complaint on Thursday!!!
---Do you realize that God is smarter than you? Do you realize that He knows what you need before you do and has promised to take care of all of your needs? STOP!!! Because you nod with your heads but your hearts and worries tell a completely different story.
---Your car isn't daily bread, it's the icing on the cake.
v.13
---The best protection from sin and temptation is pre-deciding to do life God's Way and turning to Him as you depend on His direction.
v.12,14-15
---Our forgiveness of others effects our relationship with God.
FASTING:
v.16-18
---The purpose of the fast since Jesus is basically to gain greater clarity in life or intimacy with God by drawing closer to Him by gong without food (or something) in order to devote more time in prayer or the Word.
---The object of the fast should be something that you quite possibly are placing a higher value on than your relationship with God.
---Some great reasons to fast:
1. An important decision
2. Fighting a particular sin
3. Developing a deeper dependence on God.
4. Training in self-discipline
---Jesus says fasting (like giving and prayer) has less to do with an audience and more to do with you and God.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: The Hypocrite (part two)
Text: Matthew 6:9-18
Some Thoughts:
---Last week Jesus opened an area confronting our tendency to want to put our spirituality on display for all the wrong reasons. As He goes after our hearts, He is profoundly and simply stating that it is entirely possible to do good things in deceptive motives. He is confronting our willingness for doing things for the applause of men, rather than for the applause of God.
--- This is a touchy subject because for so many of us we have spent years, even decades, searching for the approval of a parent, a spouse, a child, a boss, an associate or a friend. When we do receive that approval it can become intoxicating to the point where it can become a dangerous pursuit of our lives.
v.1
---If your "acts" are done for the applause of men, don't be surprised when that is the only applause you receive.
---There are few greater compliments a Christian can receive than through your "acts" people proclaim that God has done something amazing and used you to do it.
---What Jesus is saying: GIVE anonymously, PRAY secretly, FAST quietly
PRAYER:
---the true aim of prayer is not to tune God's ear to our request; rather prayer is aimed to tune our hearts to His.
v.5-8
---So don't let you prayer frequency be dictated by the size of the crowd, don't babble thinking that the more words you use the better your chances are of being heard. Instead make prayer intimate, private an a heart thing more than a vocal thing.
v.9
---"This is HOW your should pray" not "This is WHAT you should pray". What Jesus is teaching us is essence not mechanics. Meaning, He will give us an umbrella to pray under, not a box to pray in.
v.10
---One prayer I have been praying in regards to verse 10 is "Help me become increasingly passionate about what you are doing and decreasingly passionate about my desire to attempt to steer my own ship."
v.11
---Our daily bread is a miracle from God. There was a time in the history of Israel when they were in a barren desert and God would provide Manna and Quail for them to eat. Every morning was a visual reminder of God's provision. You know what happened? What was a miracle on Monday because a complaint on Thursday!!!
---Do you realize that God is smarter than you? Do you realize that He knows what you need before you do and has promised to take care of all of your needs? STOP!!! Because you nod with your heads but your hearts and worries tell a completely different story.
---Your car isn't daily bread, it's the icing on the cake.
v.13
---The best protection from sin and temptation is pre-deciding to do life God's Way and turning to Him as you depend on His direction.
v.12,14-15
---Our forgiveness of others effects our relationship with God.
FASTING:
v.16-18
---The purpose of the fast since Jesus is basically to gain greater clarity in life or intimacy with God by drawing closer to Him by gong without food (or something) in order to devote more time in prayer or the Word.
---The object of the fast should be something that you quite possibly are placing a higher value on than your relationship with God.
---Some great reasons to fast:
1. An important decision
2. Fighting a particular sin
3. Developing a deeper dependence on God.
4. Training in self-discipline
---Jesus says fasting (like giving and prayer) has less to do with an audience and more to do with you and God.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday Recap On A Tuesday...
On Tuesday's I hope to post some thoughts from the lesson that was previously taught at Merge the Sunday before...
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: The Hypocrite (part one)
Text: Matthew 6:1-8
Some Thoughts:
---We are traveling through Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount. Last week Jesus spoke truth into our lives as He went after many areas that plague our hearts. This morning Jesus will continue to refine our hearts when it comes to our spirituality which is on display for all to see.
---There is a very real danger of a spirituality that is one thing externally and another internally.
---It is entirely possible for do good things for the wrong reasons.
v.1
---Jesus is saying that there is a line where our acts go from being God-glorifying to being self-promoting. There are a lot of things we do under the guise of "IN THE NAME OF GOD" that are really desperate attempts to seek the approval of men. To this unfortunate truth Jesus gives us all a great warning.
Big Thought:
If your 'acts' are done for the applause of men, don't be surprised when that is the only applause you receive.
v.2
---Before we cast judgment on the hypocrites let us ask ourselves:
Have you ever given a gift to someone only to remind them that you are the one who gave it? Have you ever tried to bring attention to your 'selfless' act of giving? Have you ever tooted your own horn when it comes to giving? This is the problem Jesus is talking about.
---A hypocrite was originally a Greek actor who wore different masks to play various roles. Jesus criticize the religious leaders for a particular form of hypocrisy: doing the right things for the wrong reasons.
---"To stand with a penny in one hand and a trumpet in the other is the posture of hypocrisy."
v.3
---A great question you can ask to test your motives in giving is: "Would I still do this if no one ever knew it was me?"
Three quick thoughts on giving:
1. True giving comes from a hearts that has first been surrendered to God.
---We will not be able to give "God's Way" if we are not committed to live "God's Way".
2. When we are giving "God's Way" we are promised a reward by God.
3. The credit for giving "God's Way" should point to God...not us.
v.5
---The essence of prayer is not public style but private communication with God.
---The best way to be seen as living a Holy life is by striving to live a Holy life.
v.6
---Make no mistake here, Jesus was certainly not discouraging prayer any more than He was discouraging giving earlier. What He spoke against was playing the role of a hypocrite when going though the motions of prayer.
v.7-8
---The greatest prayer ever uttered are those prayed from a pure heart in the moment of great desperation. "SAVE ME JESUS" carries more weight theologically as some of the Thanksgiving prayers we will hear in the coming weeks.
---Our hearts make the difference in prayer, not our words.
3 Quick Thoughts On Prayer:
1. Be careful with your prayers are dictated by the size of the crowd.
2. When you don't know what to pray about, sit in the silence and listen.
3. The aim of prayer is not to tune God's ear to ours; rather prayer is aimed to tune our hearts to His.
---"Show when you are tempted to hide and hide when you are tempted to show." A.B. Bruce
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: The Hypocrite (part one)
Text: Matthew 6:1-8
Some Thoughts:
---We are traveling through Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount. Last week Jesus spoke truth into our lives as He went after many areas that plague our hearts. This morning Jesus will continue to refine our hearts when it comes to our spirituality which is on display for all to see.
---There is a very real danger of a spirituality that is one thing externally and another internally.
---It is entirely possible for do good things for the wrong reasons.
v.1
---Jesus is saying that there is a line where our acts go from being God-glorifying to being self-promoting. There are a lot of things we do under the guise of "IN THE NAME OF GOD" that are really desperate attempts to seek the approval of men. To this unfortunate truth Jesus gives us all a great warning.
Big Thought:
If your 'acts' are done for the applause of men, don't be surprised when that is the only applause you receive.
v.2
---Before we cast judgment on the hypocrites let us ask ourselves:
Have you ever given a gift to someone only to remind them that you are the one who gave it? Have you ever tried to bring attention to your 'selfless' act of giving? Have you ever tooted your own horn when it comes to giving? This is the problem Jesus is talking about.
---A hypocrite was originally a Greek actor who wore different masks to play various roles. Jesus criticize the religious leaders for a particular form of hypocrisy: doing the right things for the wrong reasons.
---"To stand with a penny in one hand and a trumpet in the other is the posture of hypocrisy."
v.3
---A great question you can ask to test your motives in giving is: "Would I still do this if no one ever knew it was me?"
Three quick thoughts on giving:
1. True giving comes from a hearts that has first been surrendered to God.
---We will not be able to give "God's Way" if we are not committed to live "God's Way".
2. When we are giving "God's Way" we are promised a reward by God.
3. The credit for giving "God's Way" should point to God...not us.
v.5
---The essence of prayer is not public style but private communication with God.
---The best way to be seen as living a Holy life is by striving to live a Holy life.
v.6
---Make no mistake here, Jesus was certainly not discouraging prayer any more than He was discouraging giving earlier. What He spoke against was playing the role of a hypocrite when going though the motions of prayer.
v.7-8
---The greatest prayer ever uttered are those prayed from a pure heart in the moment of great desperation. "SAVE ME JESUS" carries more weight theologically as some of the Thanksgiving prayers we will hear in the coming weeks.
---Our hearts make the difference in prayer, not our words.
3 Quick Thoughts On Prayer:
1. Be careful with your prayers are dictated by the size of the crowd.
2. When you don't know what to pray about, sit in the silence and listen.
3. The aim of prayer is not to tune God's ear to ours; rather prayer is aimed to tune our hearts to His.
---"Show when you are tempted to hide and hide when you are tempted to show." A.B. Bruce
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sunday Recap On A Tuesday...
On Tuesday's I hope to post some thoughts from the lesson that was previously taught at Merge the Sunday before...
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: "But I Tell You"
Text: Matthew 5:21-48
Some Thoughts:
---We are traveling through Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount. Last week Jesus introduced Himself in how He relates to the Law of God. This gives us context for where we are heading so let's to a quick recap:
1. The Law is the STANDARD that must be kept to have ETERNAL LIFE with God.
2. Because it is IMPOSSIBLE for us to fully keep THE LAW; Jesus came to FULFILL it.
3. When it comes to The Law, it is the deep ATTITUDES of the heart that need to be dealt with...not just the VISIBLE BEHAVIORS.
***The Pharisees and Scribes were creating a system of treating the symptoms of sin without ever going to the heart of the matter. They were trying to cure cancer with Tylenol thinking that because their head ache was gone, then all should be all right. Here is what we know: if you treat the symptoms you will find temporarily relief. But if you treat the issue,you will find transformation and health. ***
4. Jesus isn't REDEFINING the Law; He is CLARIFYING it.
---"We believe only as much of the Bible as we put into practice" Warren Weirsbe
---As we wrestle with these words we must realize that "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Meaning the sins we are carrying from our past and the ones we are currently wrestling with should be nailed to the Cross. This should bring us both great hope and motivation to doing life God's way.
v. 21-48 (Jesus teaches about Anger and Lust)
---The Pharisees read this law and, not having literally murdered anyone, felt righteous. Yet it would be their anger with Jesus that would soon plot His death, though they would not do the dirty work themselves Jesus is exposing the deeper of Murder...Anger.
1. If you don't manage your ANGER it will control you.
2. Anger MANAGEMENT and relationship reconciliation are a high priority than WORSHIP.
---Anger and strife conflict with our greatest commandment to live lives of love. We are hypocrites if we claim to love God while we hate others. Our attitudes toward others reflect our relationship with God.
vs. 27-30 (Jesus teaches about Adultery and Lust)
---Lust is always a major factor in peoples decision to commit adultery.
1. Lust is a problem that must be dealt with in the HEAD, not just the BED.
---Think we don't have a lust problem in our nation:
17+billions dollars is made in the porn industry every year (that is more than NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL combined).
11,000 adult movies are made a year (20 times Hollywood's production rate)
55% of all movies rented in hotels are pornography (average length viewed...12 minutes)
1 in 5 Blackberry and IPHONE users have viewed porn on their screens.
---Need a little more??? Let's talk about kids and porn:
Average age of first internet exposure to pornography...11
Percentage of 15-17 year olds having multiple hard-core exposures...80%
Percentage of 8-16 years olds having viewed porn online...90%
---if you think this issue has escaped the church you are sadly mistaken. Jesus is saying that this is a serious issue that must be dealt with in drastic measures. He is saying that it is better to experience the pain of the removal of the sin than to bring judgment and condemnation and self-destruction into your life.
2. Be willing to take DRASTIC ACTION to deal with your WEAKNESS.
vs. 31-32 (Jesus teaches on Divorce)
---The greatest attack on the sanctity of marriage in my opinion is not the Homosexual Marriage debate going on in our nation today. The greatest attack on the sanctity of marriage is that far to many Christians are making commitments between them, God and their spouse; then walking away from that commitment for reasons other than what God gives permission for.
1. Instead of looking for a way to JUSTIFY your SEPARATION, look for a way to STRENGTHEN your relationship.
vs. 33-37 (Jesus teaches about Vows)
1. Don't let your WORD be so WEAK that it needs to be PROPPED UP.
vs. 38-42 (Jesus teaches about Retaliation)
---Jesus steps right up and clarifies our role when it comes to out very real desire to seek revenge. We don't really like this and it's apparent because so few of us actually live this out. But if we are going to be serious about doing life in a way that is more God-glorifying and less Self-gratifying we desperately need to carry the essence of this law into every area of our lives.
1. Go out of your way to defuse CONFLICT, avoid RETALIATION and go the EXTRA MILE to do a good thing.
vs. 43-48 (Jesus teaches about Loving Enemies)
1. Avoid the desire to take matters of REVENGE into your own hands.
2. When wronged, let your actions and reactions make it OBVIOUS that you are GOD'S CHILD.
WRAPPING IT UP...
---What if we because less concerned with patting ourselves on the back for not punching that person in the face and more concerned with understanding what is going on to lead us to those feelings in the first place.
---I believe if this were the case we would look more like Jesus to people who desperately need to see more of Him and we will experience a greater fulfillment than what this world can offer.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: "But I Tell You"
Text: Matthew 5:21-48
Some Thoughts:
---We are traveling through Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount. Last week Jesus introduced Himself in how He relates to the Law of God. This gives us context for where we are heading so let's to a quick recap:
1. The Law is the STANDARD that must be kept to have ETERNAL LIFE with God.
2. Because it is IMPOSSIBLE for us to fully keep THE LAW; Jesus came to FULFILL it.
3. When it comes to The Law, it is the deep ATTITUDES of the heart that need to be dealt with...not just the VISIBLE BEHAVIORS.
***The Pharisees and Scribes were creating a system of treating the symptoms of sin without ever going to the heart of the matter. They were trying to cure cancer with Tylenol thinking that because their head ache was gone, then all should be all right. Here is what we know: if you treat the symptoms you will find temporarily relief. But if you treat the issue,you will find transformation and health. ***
4. Jesus isn't REDEFINING the Law; He is CLARIFYING it.
---"We believe only as much of the Bible as we put into practice" Warren Weirsbe
---As we wrestle with these words we must realize that "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Meaning the sins we are carrying from our past and the ones we are currently wrestling with should be nailed to the Cross. This should bring us both great hope and motivation to doing life God's way.
v. 21-48 (Jesus teaches about Anger and Lust)
---The Pharisees read this law and, not having literally murdered anyone, felt righteous. Yet it would be their anger with Jesus that would soon plot His death, though they would not do the dirty work themselves Jesus is exposing the deeper of Murder...Anger.
1. If you don't manage your ANGER it will control you.
2. Anger MANAGEMENT and relationship reconciliation are a high priority than WORSHIP.
---Anger and strife conflict with our greatest commandment to live lives of love. We are hypocrites if we claim to love God while we hate others. Our attitudes toward others reflect our relationship with God.
vs. 27-30 (Jesus teaches about Adultery and Lust)
---Lust is always a major factor in peoples decision to commit adultery.
1. Lust is a problem that must be dealt with in the HEAD, not just the BED.
---Think we don't have a lust problem in our nation:
17+billions dollars is made in the porn industry every year (that is more than NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL combined).
11,000 adult movies are made a year (20 times Hollywood's production rate)
55% of all movies rented in hotels are pornography (average length viewed...12 minutes)
1 in 5 Blackberry and IPHONE users have viewed porn on their screens.
---Need a little more??? Let's talk about kids and porn:
Average age of first internet exposure to pornography...11
Percentage of 15-17 year olds having multiple hard-core exposures...80%
Percentage of 8-16 years olds having viewed porn online...90%
---if you think this issue has escaped the church you are sadly mistaken. Jesus is saying that this is a serious issue that must be dealt with in drastic measures. He is saying that it is better to experience the pain of the removal of the sin than to bring judgment and condemnation and self-destruction into your life.
2. Be willing to take DRASTIC ACTION to deal with your WEAKNESS.
vs. 31-32 (Jesus teaches on Divorce)
---The greatest attack on the sanctity of marriage in my opinion is not the Homosexual Marriage debate going on in our nation today. The greatest attack on the sanctity of marriage is that far to many Christians are making commitments between them, God and their spouse; then walking away from that commitment for reasons other than what God gives permission for.
1. Instead of looking for a way to JUSTIFY your SEPARATION, look for a way to STRENGTHEN your relationship.
vs. 33-37 (Jesus teaches about Vows)
1. Don't let your WORD be so WEAK that it needs to be PROPPED UP.
vs. 38-42 (Jesus teaches about Retaliation)
---Jesus steps right up and clarifies our role when it comes to out very real desire to seek revenge. We don't really like this and it's apparent because so few of us actually live this out. But if we are going to be serious about doing life in a way that is more God-glorifying and less Self-gratifying we desperately need to carry the essence of this law into every area of our lives.
1. Go out of your way to defuse CONFLICT, avoid RETALIATION and go the EXTRA MILE to do a good thing.
vs. 43-48 (Jesus teaches about Loving Enemies)
1. Avoid the desire to take matters of REVENGE into your own hands.
2. When wronged, let your actions and reactions make it OBVIOUS that you are GOD'S CHILD.
WRAPPING IT UP...
---What if we because less concerned with patting ourselves on the back for not punching that person in the face and more concerned with understanding what is going on to lead us to those feelings in the first place.
---I believe if this were the case we would look more like Jesus to people who desperately need to see more of Him and we will experience a greater fulfillment than what this world can offer.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday Thoughts
It's Friday and I find myself in a rare occasion having my lesson for Sunday typed, the talk notes printed and am now in study mode. I love the church I get to lead. God is doing some really special things at Merge and I believe we are still just scratching the surface of what this will end up looking like. I don't have much to complain about...I get to work with one of my best friends, my wife is my greatest counselor and the Elder's I work for believe the best in me.
It is an interesting adventure to be on when God calls you to start something from nothing. What I am learning is although there may be many "How To" books on the subject, rarely will you find Cookie-Cutter Church Planting.
I am thankful that Mr. Mclaine, Mr. Young and Mrs. Smith at M.J. Miller Elementary School are willing to let us be a small church trying to make a big difference in their school. I can't wait to see what is in store for us there over these coming years.
Sunday is going to be incredible. I am excited and challenged b the text we will be wrestling with. If you don't have a place to go, you should consider swinging by.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
It is an interesting adventure to be on when God calls you to start something from nothing. What I am learning is although there may be many "How To" books on the subject, rarely will you find Cookie-Cutter Church Planting.
I am thankful that Mr. Mclaine, Mr. Young and Mrs. Smith at M.J. Miller Elementary School are willing to let us be a small church trying to make a big difference in their school. I can't wait to see what is in store for us there over these coming years.
Sunday is going to be incredible. I am excited and challenged b the text we will be wrestling with. If you don't have a place to go, you should consider swinging by.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sunday Reacap On A Tuesday...
On Tuesday's I hope to post some thoughts from the lesson that was previously taught at Merge the Sunday before...
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: Jesus, The Law and You
Text: Matthew 5:17-20
Some Thoughts:
---In verses 3-16 Jesus has spoken of a Christian's character, and of the influence he will have in the world if he exhibits this character. He is now going to further define His love in the development of our lives in terms of a righteousness that only He can provide.
v.17
---Jesus has just addressed His relationship in regards to the Law of God. He tells them that He has no desire to defeat the Law, rather He is going to fulfill all of them.
Truths about The Law:
1. The Law is the STANDARD that must be kept to earn ETERNAL LIFE with the Heavenly Father.
---One of our major issues when it comes to the Law and a right standing with God is that we somehow started to think that good should be good enough.
2. It is impossible for any human to COMPLETELY KEEP The Law.
---Romans 5:12
---So Jesus says don't think that I have come to destroy the Law because that wouldn't save you. Rather, He says that He has come to fulfill it and in so doing brings us hope.
v.18
---Jesus wanted to reveal the full depth of the meaning the law was intended to hold in our lives.
---"The Old Testament is the Gospel in the bud, the New Testament is the Gospel in full flower." ---Bishop Ryle
v.19
Jesus wanted people to understand their COMPLETE INABILITY to keep the law. (this idea is so important I wanted us to engage it twice.)
---Because we can't do this life in perfection we need a worthy sacrifice. In the system God gives us to deal with sin, from the very beginning we see a process of Law and Sacrifice. When the law was given, the lamb was also given. When Moses was chosen as a lawgiver, God also set apart Aaron as a high priest.
---Old Testament sacrifices were signpost that pointed to Jesus.
v.20
---The condition the Pharisees developed was that they were concerned greatly about having clean hands but their hearts were filthy. The issue with this is that clean hands is more behavioral modification and less authentic living.
---What we need most from Jesus isn't a new robe, it's a new heart.
2 Observations about the religious leaders of the first century:
1. The religious leaders of the first century REDEFINED and ADJUSTED the Law to JUDGE others and JUSTIFY themselves.
---The were prided on their ability to keep the law but in a closer look they would make some law's demands less demanding and some law's permissions more permissive resulting in a very dangerous spirituality.
2. The religious leaders of the first century valued their own INTERPRETATIONS of the law more than God HIMSELF.
---Matt. 15:1-9
--- The spirituality that was created is a very dangerous on we call Human Righteousness
4 issues created from Human Righteousness:
1. Human Righteousness is more concerned with the clean hands and ignores the heart.
---While we tend to evaluate on the externals, it is God's nature to look at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
2. Human Righteousness will water down the STANDARDS of the Law.
---Tell me if you have never tried this one. You know where the line is in regards to sin (sexually, professionally, relationally) and instead of fleeing from it you creep closer and closer to the line claiming that you have done nothing wrong...yet.
---The essence of the Law is not to see how close you can get to it without breaking it. Jesus wants to show us how far from the standard we fall while realizing that He has fulfilled the obligation the law held over us.
3. Human righteousness is always SELF-GRATIFYING instead of GOD-GLORIFYING.
---If you want people to be impressed by you then by all means live as a Pharisee. If you want to see people who are far from God find the life that is available in Christ then you must concerned yourself with both clean hands and a pure heart.
4. Human righteousness is not the kind of righteousness God REQUIRES.
---You can pile human goodness upon human goodness; you can refine and perfect it, and polish it, but no matter how hard you try you fall short of God's standard because human righteousness is qualitatively different from the righteousness of God.
---Romans 3:21-26
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: Jesus, The Law and You
Text: Matthew 5:17-20
Some Thoughts:
---In verses 3-16 Jesus has spoken of a Christian's character, and of the influence he will have in the world if he exhibits this character. He is now going to further define His love in the development of our lives in terms of a righteousness that only He can provide.
v.17
---Jesus has just addressed His relationship in regards to the Law of God. He tells them that He has no desire to defeat the Law, rather He is going to fulfill all of them.
Truths about The Law:
1. The Law is the STANDARD that must be kept to earn ETERNAL LIFE with the Heavenly Father.
---One of our major issues when it comes to the Law and a right standing with God is that we somehow started to think that good should be good enough.
2. It is impossible for any human to COMPLETELY KEEP The Law.
---Romans 5:12
---So Jesus says don't think that I have come to destroy the Law because that wouldn't save you. Rather, He says that He has come to fulfill it and in so doing brings us hope.
v.18
---Jesus wanted to reveal the full depth of the meaning the law was intended to hold in our lives.
---"The Old Testament is the Gospel in the bud, the New Testament is the Gospel in full flower." ---Bishop Ryle
v.19
Jesus wanted people to understand their COMPLETE INABILITY to keep the law. (this idea is so important I wanted us to engage it twice.)
---Because we can't do this life in perfection we need a worthy sacrifice. In the system God gives us to deal with sin, from the very beginning we see a process of Law and Sacrifice. When the law was given, the lamb was also given. When Moses was chosen as a lawgiver, God also set apart Aaron as a high priest.
---Old Testament sacrifices were signpost that pointed to Jesus.
v.20
---The condition the Pharisees developed was that they were concerned greatly about having clean hands but their hearts were filthy. The issue with this is that clean hands is more behavioral modification and less authentic living.
---What we need most from Jesus isn't a new robe, it's a new heart.
2 Observations about the religious leaders of the first century:
1. The religious leaders of the first century REDEFINED and ADJUSTED the Law to JUDGE others and JUSTIFY themselves.
---The were prided on their ability to keep the law but in a closer look they would make some law's demands less demanding and some law's permissions more permissive resulting in a very dangerous spirituality.
2. The religious leaders of the first century valued their own INTERPRETATIONS of the law more than God HIMSELF.
---Matt. 15:1-9
--- The spirituality that was created is a very dangerous on we call Human Righteousness
4 issues created from Human Righteousness:
1. Human Righteousness is more concerned with the clean hands and ignores the heart.
---While we tend to evaluate on the externals, it is God's nature to look at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
2. Human Righteousness will water down the STANDARDS of the Law.
---Tell me if you have never tried this one. You know where the line is in regards to sin (sexually, professionally, relationally) and instead of fleeing from it you creep closer and closer to the line claiming that you have done nothing wrong...yet.
---The essence of the Law is not to see how close you can get to it without breaking it. Jesus wants to show us how far from the standard we fall while realizing that He has fulfilled the obligation the law held over us.
3. Human righteousness is always SELF-GRATIFYING instead of GOD-GLORIFYING.
---If you want people to be impressed by you then by all means live as a Pharisee. If you want to see people who are far from God find the life that is available in Christ then you must concerned yourself with both clean hands and a pure heart.
4. Human righteousness is not the kind of righteousness God REQUIRES.
---You can pile human goodness upon human goodness; you can refine and perfect it, and polish it, but no matter how hard you try you fall short of God's standard because human righteousness is qualitatively different from the righteousness of God.
---Romans 3:21-26
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sunday Recap On A Tuesday...
On Tuesday's I hope to post some thoughts from the lesson that was previously taught at Merge the Sunday before...
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: Salt and Light
Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Some Thoughts:
---The past two weeks we have been focusing on a section of the sermon entitled "The Beatitudes" which are a collection of promises made to those who choose to pursue God's way of living.
---In this lesson we will be wrestling with one of the most famous sections in this sermon and quite possibly one of the most recognizable things Jesus says about us. He is going to teach that the character produced by living the Beatitudes will have an effect in the influence and responsibility we have with others.
v.13
---The main use for salt in Jesus' day was as a preserver to keep meat from going bad as quickly.
---To better understand our role as salt we must be honest with ourselves when it comes to the world around us. As much as it may pain us to say it, this world is decaying because of sin. (see Ephesians 2:1-3)
---Jesus says, YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH, meaning that you (as salt) are to arrest or at least hinder the process of the decay going on around you. For this to happen we have to be active in this world. As one commentator puts it, "We have no business hiding in the salt cellars of the church."
---I find it interesting when society does go bad, we Christians tend to throw up our hands in disgust and complain about the world for acting like the world; but shouldn't we more accurately complain about ourselves for not doing what we have been created to do? One can hardly blame unsalted meat for going bad. That is what it is designed to do. It can't do anything else without a miracle. The real question is: where is the salt?
---Salt is a very stable compound but it's effectiveness is conditional, meaning it can become tasteless when it is contaminated by dirt, sand and other impurities.
Two common errors we make in regards to salt:
1. We think the world can eventually become good and maybe even perfect if it will just act more Christian.
---The world doesn't need Christian morals. The world needs Jesus. Our mission is to ferociously reflect Jesus in hopes others would find the hope that is only available in Him.
2. Because the world is rotten, Christians should disassociate from it.
---The salt never did any good when it was sitting on one shelf and the meat on another. To be effective, the salt has to be rubbed into the meat. In a similar way, Christian must allow God to rub them into the world.
v14-15
---The first clear implication is that that the world is in darkness where spiritual things are concerned. The tragedy of this is that scripture says that men actually prefer the darkness.
---I think men choose the darkness mainly because they know how the darkness works. I have heard it illustrated like choosing to play in mud pits when you could have an incredible vacation at sea. Or choosing to eat mud pies when you could have fajitas.
---It saddens me when I think about how dark it is in this world when so many of us Christians do little more than shine our lights for each other. We use our light as a perimeter and not a beacon keeping people out because they "mess up the group picture".
---Some ways we hid our light (from LIFE APPLICATION Study Bible)
1. Being quiet when we should speak
2. Going along with the crowd
3. Denying the light
4. Letting sin dim our light
5. Not explaining our light to others
6. Ignoring the needs of others
v.16
---Where we have a hard time doing this is because we like the idea that our good deeds will be noticed. We just prefer that it stopped there. We want the credit.
Some Light Observations:
1. We are not light generating, we are light reflecting.
***2 Corinthians 3:18
2. Our light should be visible to others.
3. Our light should be helpful to others.
4. The best place for a light is in a dark place.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: Salt and Light
Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Some Thoughts:
---The past two weeks we have been focusing on a section of the sermon entitled "The Beatitudes" which are a collection of promises made to those who choose to pursue God's way of living.
---In this lesson we will be wrestling with one of the most famous sections in this sermon and quite possibly one of the most recognizable things Jesus says about us. He is going to teach that the character produced by living the Beatitudes will have an effect in the influence and responsibility we have with others.
v.13
---The main use for salt in Jesus' day was as a preserver to keep meat from going bad as quickly.
---To better understand our role as salt we must be honest with ourselves when it comes to the world around us. As much as it may pain us to say it, this world is decaying because of sin. (see Ephesians 2:1-3)
---Jesus says, YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH, meaning that you (as salt) are to arrest or at least hinder the process of the decay going on around you. For this to happen we have to be active in this world. As one commentator puts it, "We have no business hiding in the salt cellars of the church."
---I find it interesting when society does go bad, we Christians tend to throw up our hands in disgust and complain about the world for acting like the world; but shouldn't we more accurately complain about ourselves for not doing what we have been created to do? One can hardly blame unsalted meat for going bad. That is what it is designed to do. It can't do anything else without a miracle. The real question is: where is the salt?
---Salt is a very stable compound but it's effectiveness is conditional, meaning it can become tasteless when it is contaminated by dirt, sand and other impurities.
Two common errors we make in regards to salt:
1. We think the world can eventually become good and maybe even perfect if it will just act more Christian.
---The world doesn't need Christian morals. The world needs Jesus. Our mission is to ferociously reflect Jesus in hopes others would find the hope that is only available in Him.
2. Because the world is rotten, Christians should disassociate from it.
---The salt never did any good when it was sitting on one shelf and the meat on another. To be effective, the salt has to be rubbed into the meat. In a similar way, Christian must allow God to rub them into the world.
v14-15
---The first clear implication is that that the world is in darkness where spiritual things are concerned. The tragedy of this is that scripture says that men actually prefer the darkness.
---I think men choose the darkness mainly because they know how the darkness works. I have heard it illustrated like choosing to play in mud pits when you could have an incredible vacation at sea. Or choosing to eat mud pies when you could have fajitas.
---It saddens me when I think about how dark it is in this world when so many of us Christians do little more than shine our lights for each other. We use our light as a perimeter and not a beacon keeping people out because they "mess up the group picture".
---Some ways we hid our light (from LIFE APPLICATION Study Bible)
1. Being quiet when we should speak
2. Going along with the crowd
3. Denying the light
4. Letting sin dim our light
5. Not explaining our light to others
6. Ignoring the needs of others
v.16
---Where we have a hard time doing this is because we like the idea that our good deeds will be noticed. We just prefer that it stopped there. We want the credit.
Some Light Observations:
1. We are not light generating, we are light reflecting.
***2 Corinthians 3:18
2. Our light should be visible to others.
3. Our light should be helpful to others.
4. The best place for a light is in a dark place.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Maybe My New Favorite Song Of All Time (Or At Least Today)...
There is a song we have been singing the past few weeks at Merge that is by no means new and by no means have I never heard it before. One of the groups I listen to (Shane and Shane) did a rendition of it on an album of theirs and I always liked it.
But over these past two weeks I have been able to engage with these words in worship. There is power in being able to read words on a screen as you sing them to your Creator. At times seeing the words can be refreshing, challenging, convicting, or in this case liberating.
It is an old hymn "Before the Throne Of God Above" written in 1863 by Charitie L. Bancroft. You should slow down and read the promise of these lyrics:
But over these past two weeks I have been able to engage with these words in worship. There is power in being able to read words on a screen as you sing them to your Creator. At times seeing the words can be refreshing, challenging, convicting, or in this case liberating.
It is an old hymn "Before the Throne Of God Above" written in 1863 by Charitie L. Bancroft. You should slow down and read the promise of these lyrics:
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!
One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!
One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sunday Morning Recap On A Tuesday...
On Tuesday's I hope to post some thoughts from the lesson that was previously taught at Merge the Sunday before...
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: The Beatitudes (Part Two)
Text: Matthew 5:7-12
Some Thoughts:
---Jesus tells us, "You want to see a revolution in your life, let me show you how to live!!!"
---There is an interesting balance in these Beatitudes. The first four deal with how we relate to God then the last four will address how we are to relate with each other in this world. But we don't see two separate lists, or a pick your favorite and ignore the ones you don't like. Instead these beatitudes support one another and build on one another as we get to see a snapshot of living Holy Lives because of Jesus.
---If the promises of the first four beatitudes are true then it is safe to assume that our relationship with God WILL have an effect on how we relate to one another.
v.7
---Jesus is very serious about our need to live in relational forgiveness with one another through mercy. To the point that He says when we refuse to forgive, it is an if we never understood the great forgiveness of our Heavenly Father to the point that we may not even have it.
---Essentially, when we act in mercy we are acting in love. Anytime we act out in love...we reflect Christ. Anytime we reflect Christ...we draw closer to God. Which make us even more loving people.
v.8
---"the pure in heart are the single-minded, who are free from the tyranny of a divided self" R.V.G. Tasker
---It is not possible to live as the pure in heart and continue to compartmentalize your life. Jesus isn't just Lord on Sunday and when you are around church people. There should be no "work" you and "home" you and "church" you.
v.9
---There is a way to promote peace without looking wimpy or spineless.
v.10-11
---Jesus is very clear about the blessing that comes in persecution for the right reasons. There is no blessing for those who are simply the creepy, judgmental, condescending Christian that no one wants to have anything to do with.
---We must have an accurate view of what persecution is. You are not being persecuted because one of your co-workers asks you to turn down your KLTY. You are not being persecuted is the greeter at Wal-Mart wishes you Happy Holiday's instead of Merry Christmas. You are not being persecuted if your school district won't mandate prayer time in the school.
---What does it mean to be persecuted for "righteousness" sake? Simply put, it means to be persecuted for being like Jesus Christ Himself.
---Could it be true that our Christianity in this country does more blending than shining? Could that be the reason we don't experience persecution like they do in other parts of the world? Has the world become tolerant of us because they can't see the difference that lives in us?
---IS THE REASON I DON'T FACE MORE PERSECUTION IN MY LIFE BECAUSE JESUS ISN'T RECOGNIZABLE ENOUGH IN HOW I LIVE????
---Our role in God's story is to (in love) help people see not how ill-advised sin is but how deadly it is and how Jesus has come to take the punishment of that sin on our behalf. We have been shown love and we have been scarred by it.
---People are still literally putting their lives on the line for the Gospel; but I fear our greatest obstacle is that we prefer comfort more than the revolution. We only want to speak half truths about Jesus (not enough to ruffle feathers, but enough to appease our guilt).
v.12
---2 Reasons we can rejoice and be glad in the mix of persecution:
1. Persecution because of righteousness is evidence that we are united to Jesus.
2. If we are perescuted because of righteousness, we can be certain that the Holy Spirit has been at work in our hearts, turning us from our sin towards Jesus' way.
---John Stott writes:
"The beatitudes paint a comprehensive portrait of a Christian disciple. We see Him first alone on his knees before God, acknowledging his spiritual poverty and mourning over it. This makes him meek or gentle in all his relationships, since honesty compels him to allow others to think of him what before God he confesses himself to be. Yet he is far from giving in to his sinfulness, for he hungers and thirsts after righteousness, longing to grow in grace and goodness.
We see him next with other, out in human community. His relationship with God does not cause him to withdraw from society, for he is not insulated from the world's pain. On the contrary, he is in the thick of it, showing mercy to those battered by adversity and sin. He is transparently sincere in all his dealings and seek to pray a constructive role as a peacemaker. Yet he is not thanked for his efforts, but rather opposed, slandered, insulted and persecuted on account of the righteousness for which he stands and the Christ with whom he is identified.
Such is the man of woman who is "blessed", that is, who has the approval of God and finds fulfillment as a human being."
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: The Beatitudes (Part Two)
Text: Matthew 5:7-12
Some Thoughts:
---Jesus tells us, "You want to see a revolution in your life, let me show you how to live!!!"
---There is an interesting balance in these Beatitudes. The first four deal with how we relate to God then the last four will address how we are to relate with each other in this world. But we don't see two separate lists, or a pick your favorite and ignore the ones you don't like. Instead these beatitudes support one another and build on one another as we get to see a snapshot of living Holy Lives because of Jesus.
---If the promises of the first four beatitudes are true then it is safe to assume that our relationship with God WILL have an effect on how we relate to one another.
v.7
---Jesus is very serious about our need to live in relational forgiveness with one another through mercy. To the point that He says when we refuse to forgive, it is an if we never understood the great forgiveness of our Heavenly Father to the point that we may not even have it.
---Essentially, when we act in mercy we are acting in love. Anytime we act out in love...we reflect Christ. Anytime we reflect Christ...we draw closer to God. Which make us even more loving people.
v.8
---"the pure in heart are the single-minded, who are free from the tyranny of a divided self" R.V.G. Tasker
---It is not possible to live as the pure in heart and continue to compartmentalize your life. Jesus isn't just Lord on Sunday and when you are around church people. There should be no "work" you and "home" you and "church" you.
v.9
---There is a way to promote peace without looking wimpy or spineless.
v.10-11
---Jesus is very clear about the blessing that comes in persecution for the right reasons. There is no blessing for those who are simply the creepy, judgmental, condescending Christian that no one wants to have anything to do with.
---We must have an accurate view of what persecution is. You are not being persecuted because one of your co-workers asks you to turn down your KLTY. You are not being persecuted is the greeter at Wal-Mart wishes you Happy Holiday's instead of Merry Christmas. You are not being persecuted if your school district won't mandate prayer time in the school.
---What does it mean to be persecuted for "righteousness" sake? Simply put, it means to be persecuted for being like Jesus Christ Himself.
---Could it be true that our Christianity in this country does more blending than shining? Could that be the reason we don't experience persecution like they do in other parts of the world? Has the world become tolerant of us because they can't see the difference that lives in us?
---IS THE REASON I DON'T FACE MORE PERSECUTION IN MY LIFE BECAUSE JESUS ISN'T RECOGNIZABLE ENOUGH IN HOW I LIVE????
---Our role in God's story is to (in love) help people see not how ill-advised sin is but how deadly it is and how Jesus has come to take the punishment of that sin on our behalf. We have been shown love and we have been scarred by it.
---People are still literally putting their lives on the line for the Gospel; but I fear our greatest obstacle is that we prefer comfort more than the revolution. We only want to speak half truths about Jesus (not enough to ruffle feathers, but enough to appease our guilt).
v.12
---2 Reasons we can rejoice and be glad in the mix of persecution:
1. Persecution because of righteousness is evidence that we are united to Jesus.
2. If we are perescuted because of righteousness, we can be certain that the Holy Spirit has been at work in our hearts, turning us from our sin towards Jesus' way.
---John Stott writes:
"The beatitudes paint a comprehensive portrait of a Christian disciple. We see Him first alone on his knees before God, acknowledging his spiritual poverty and mourning over it. This makes him meek or gentle in all his relationships, since honesty compels him to allow others to think of him what before God he confesses himself to be. Yet he is far from giving in to his sinfulness, for he hungers and thirsts after righteousness, longing to grow in grace and goodness.
We see him next with other, out in human community. His relationship with God does not cause him to withdraw from society, for he is not insulated from the world's pain. On the contrary, he is in the thick of it, showing mercy to those battered by adversity and sin. He is transparently sincere in all his dealings and seek to pray a constructive role as a peacemaker. Yet he is not thanked for his efforts, but rather opposed, slandered, insulted and persecuted on account of the righteousness for which he stands and the Christ with whom he is identified.
Such is the man of woman who is "blessed", that is, who has the approval of God and finds fulfillment as a human being."
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sunday Recap On Tuesday...
On Tuesday's I hope to post some thoughts from the lesson that was previously taught at Merge the Sunday before...
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: The Beatitudes (Part One)
Text: Matthew 5:1-6
Some Thoughts:
---One of the greatest misunderstandings people had about Jesus was in how He was bringing the Kingdom of God to Earth. They looked at Him as if He were a conquering King (which He is) but they thought the revolution He would lead to break free from Roman rule would come as an invading army with great force.
---People were crying out for a revolution and Jesus multiple times would say, "You want a revolution in your family? In your city? In your nation? Let me show you how to live!!!"
---If we want to see a different world, we have to stand up and be different people! In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives us specific instruction in how to live differently on purpose.
***Matthew 5:1-6
---Jesus will continually through these words, step into our lives and raise the bar in how we are to do life His way. Jesus will not offer feel-good theology here.
---"Most critics who are offended at the things Jesus says are offended precisely because He does not utter safe platitudes." G.K. Chesterson
v.3
---Poor in Spirit are those who realize they are spiritually bankrupt in the presence of Holy God. They have nothing of merit to barter with the King Eternal.
---It is interesting that the first principle for understanding the Sermon on the Mount is that we cannot fulfill the standards of the Sermon by ourselves.
v.4
--- Once we realize we are spiritually bankrupt, we better see why that is (our sin being the issue). So we mourn over sin and despise it. We see sin the way God sees it and seek to treat it the way He does.
v.5
---The church of today has taken this thought of meekness and stripped it of all testosterone resulting in a lot of wimpy looking and living Christians. If we are modeling after Jesus I dare you to find a place in scripture where He comes off wimpy or lacking a backbone. Surely, our definition of meekness is wrong!!!
---"The meek are 'the gentle', those who do not assert themselves over others in order to further their own agendas in their own strength, but who will nonetheless inherit the earth because they trust in God to direct the outcome of events." ESV Study Bible Notes
---"If you are serious about walking by faith...try gentleness. Allow your Lord room to be just that--- the Sovereign Lord in full control, capable of fighting for you and conquering whatever territory you need to inherit." Charles Swindoll
v.6
---Verse 6 reflects true spiritual passion, and insatiable hunger to know God intimately, to model His ways personally.
Wrapping it up...
"The beatitudes paint a comprehensive portrait of a Christian disciple. We see him first alone on his knees before God, acknowledging his spiritual poverty and mourning over it. This makes him meek or gentle in all his relationships, since honesty compels him to allow others to think of him what before God he confesses himself to be. Yet he is far from giving in to his sinfulness, for he hungers and thirsts after righteousness, longing to grow in grace and in goodness." John Stott
---Bottom line: The first four beatitudes should most definitely bring us to a bigger view of who God is.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Series: You Say You Want A Revolution
Lesson: The Beatitudes (Part One)
Text: Matthew 5:1-6
Some Thoughts:
---One of the greatest misunderstandings people had about Jesus was in how He was bringing the Kingdom of God to Earth. They looked at Him as if He were a conquering King (which He is) but they thought the revolution He would lead to break free from Roman rule would come as an invading army with great force.
---People were crying out for a revolution and Jesus multiple times would say, "You want a revolution in your family? In your city? In your nation? Let me show you how to live!!!"
---If we want to see a different world, we have to stand up and be different people! In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives us specific instruction in how to live differently on purpose.
***Matthew 5:1-6
---Jesus will continually through these words, step into our lives and raise the bar in how we are to do life His way. Jesus will not offer feel-good theology here.
---"Most critics who are offended at the things Jesus says are offended precisely because He does not utter safe platitudes." G.K. Chesterson
v.3
---Poor in Spirit are those who realize they are spiritually bankrupt in the presence of Holy God. They have nothing of merit to barter with the King Eternal.
---It is interesting that the first principle for understanding the Sermon on the Mount is that we cannot fulfill the standards of the Sermon by ourselves.
v.4
--- Once we realize we are spiritually bankrupt, we better see why that is (our sin being the issue). So we mourn over sin and despise it. We see sin the way God sees it and seek to treat it the way He does.
v.5
---The church of today has taken this thought of meekness and stripped it of all testosterone resulting in a lot of wimpy looking and living Christians. If we are modeling after Jesus I dare you to find a place in scripture where He comes off wimpy or lacking a backbone. Surely, our definition of meekness is wrong!!!
---"The meek are 'the gentle', those who do not assert themselves over others in order to further their own agendas in their own strength, but who will nonetheless inherit the earth because they trust in God to direct the outcome of events." ESV Study Bible Notes
---"If you are serious about walking by faith...try gentleness. Allow your Lord room to be just that--- the Sovereign Lord in full control, capable of fighting for you and conquering whatever territory you need to inherit." Charles Swindoll
v.6
---Verse 6 reflects true spiritual passion, and insatiable hunger to know God intimately, to model His ways personally.
Wrapping it up...
"The beatitudes paint a comprehensive portrait of a Christian disciple. We see him first alone on his knees before God, acknowledging his spiritual poverty and mourning over it. This makes him meek or gentle in all his relationships, since honesty compels him to allow others to think of him what before God he confesses himself to be. Yet he is far from giving in to his sinfulness, for he hungers and thirsts after righteousness, longing to grow in grace and in goodness." John Stott
---Bottom line: The first four beatitudes should most definitely bring us to a bigger view of who God is.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
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