A Great High Priest
Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10
Have you ever had information overload? Where you sit down to study and as you peel off the top layer, there is just SO much there that you don’t exactly know what to do with it? Sometimes, for me, it can be due to not completely understanding all the information available. The wording may be difficult. The sequence may be out of order, things like that. Other times I do understand what it is saying, but can’t understand how the conclusion was drawn up. It makes no sense to me. Don’t jump from A to F and back to C on your way to X. But sometimes, as we discussed our last time in Hebrews, the Word of God proves itself to living and active and you begin to study and look at and pray over a subject or passage of Scripture, and you find it inexhaustible. It is very much like searching the unsearchable riches of Christ. This is where I have been this week as we deal with Christ as our Great High Priest. The more I read and studies, the more I thought to myself “I need to rein it in a bit.”, which of course, I didn’t. We’ve spent several weeks discussing how Christ is better. Better than the fathers, the prophets, the angels, the apostles, Moses, Joshua, and better than the earthly high priests that the people were accustomed to. But as we’ve been going along through Hebrews and as I studied this week, one thing became apparent to me. We have not really stopped to define how Christ is our Great High Priest. We’ve mentioned it many times that Jesus is our High Priest. It’s almost like it I have assumed that each of us has a working definitive knowledge of what that means. Fortunately, the text has now allowed us to define what this means.
We know that the author of Hebrews is writing to people who are steeped in temple law. They know what the inner workings of the temple are. They know what the duties and responsibilities of the High Priest would be. These recipients would know the qualifications of the High Priest. However, we do not live in a time period where temple life is simply the norm. I am of the opinion that the knowledge of these rites and rituals are beneficial to the believer. If we are to say that all Scripture is inspired of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, then we are saying that even Old Testament customs are profitable for us. There is great insight to what Christ has done for us and what Christ is doing for us as our Great High Priest by studying the Old Testament priesthood.
The High Priest found in the Bible was to be descended from the tribe of Levi, the first being Aaron the brother of Moses. He was to be absolutely “blameless”. Leviticus 21 gives a rather detailed account of what the qualifications of the High Priest were. They were;
- not touch the dead except for immediate family
- make bald patches on their head or cut the edges of their beards
- cut their body
- only marry a virgin, not a prostitute or immoral, or divorced woman – Hosea
- have no blemishes
o blindness
o lame
o mutilated face
o too long of limbs
o injured foot or hand
o hunchbacked
o dwarf
o sight defects
o itching diseases
o scabs
The High Priest was to wear particular clothing. Exodus 28 is where we find these requirements of the Priestly clothing. Two of the requirements are very interesting and give us a very good answer as to what the duty of the High Priest was. The first article of clothing was the ephod. On the ephod were two stones. On these stones were engraved the names of the “sons of Israel”. The second article of clothing was the Breastplate of Judgment. On this breastplate were twelve stones. On each stone was the name of one of the “sons of Israel”. Exodus 28:29 explains the symbolism and duty like this,
“So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment of his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord.”
What a beautiful picture. When I think of this I can’t help but see how the stones upon the priest shoulders are the weight of a people. How those stones are their sins, grievances, shortcomings, and at the same time they represent the good things that have happened in accordance to the promise of God found in the covenant he made with Abraham. How one man is to carry that weight as a reminder before the Lord! When that priest went before the Lord it was not on his own accord or for his own benefit but rather for the benefit of all of Israel. But at the same time, those same names were written on stones that covered the priest heart. This Breastplate of Judgment was to remind the priest to intercede on the people’s behalf because of that sin, to be compassionate and understanding, not prideful because of position. This priest is chosen from among men to act on men’s behalf in relation to God. This priest is to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward because as a man, he himself is sinful and beset with weakness. This is where Hebrews has taken us now. This High Priest was not sufficient. He was flawed. He had to offer sacrifice for his own sins. Even this sacrifice was flawed. It had to be offered each and every year. Over and over and over again these sacrifices had to be done in order to meet the requirements.
However, Jesus Christ, even though he was tempted and suffered in every way as
we are, remained with out sin and offered the greatest sacrifice of all, himself. This sacrifice does not need to be offered year after year. This sacrifice was once and for all. It was finished. But I do not want to necessarily focus on the sacrifice today. I want us to look at Jesus Christ as out Great High Priest. How is He interceding for you? How is Christ demonstrating gentleness and sympathy to you in relation to God? That is the question that begs to be answered here this morning. According to Scripture, the answer depends on your identity.
Scripture clearly teaches that there are three types of men, or people, as they relate to God. I Corinthians 2:14-3:4 teach that there is a natural man, an infant in Christ or a carnal man if you have a KJV, and the spiritual man. In light of the last message from Hebrews, we know that there are several people who should be mature and spiritual by now that are not. Infants who think they are mature. The problem with this state of spirituality is that these create divisions with in the church as we find in I Corinthians. You see, in this church division broke out over who was better. This sounds like a common argument of many people today doesn’t it? Some were saying “Paul” was better while others were saying “Apollos” was better. At the same there were still other who were fighting for “Peter” to be recognized all the while there was the “”Super Christians” who took the very religious and self-righteous stance of “None of them are good. We, only follow Christ!” The Apostle Paul, in addressing this situation, describes these three states of humanness.
The Natural Man
1 Corinthians 2:14 “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
The natural man does not accept the things of God. Spiritual matters are folly, a joke, ridiculous, or maybe just plain stupid. He is in rebellion to God. His heart is hard. Reflecting on the Breastplate of Judgment, I have to wonder if God also wasn’t saying that the hearts of men were stone, that part of the symbolism was that men’s hearts re wicked and deceitful above all things. Not only can the natural man not accept these things, he is unable to understand them. Only when God intervenes and regenerates a person’s heart can they begin to taste and see that the Lord is good. The book of Ezekiel puts it like this, “I will remove your heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh.” Isn’t it wonderful to have a God who cares enough to intervene in our lives on our behalf? This is the work of Christ as the Great High Priest in relation to the natural man. As a man once said “I was on my way to hell but God interrupted me.” To know and comprehend that Jesus is interceding out of mercy and love for those that are lost is good news indeed. And it is according to a promise “that no one comes to Christ unless the Father draws them. And they are given to Christ by the Father, and of those given, Christ does not lose a single one. Nothing can pluck them from His hand.”
Friend, it is a great responsibility for us to carry out our duty as spiritual people. If Christ is our Great High Priest and we are the priesthood of the believer, pray for those that do not yet have Christ as their Lord and Savior. Carry out your duty to intercede on their behalf also before the Throne of Grace. Do so boldly because he has shown you mercy and grace. Do so because for the natural man, their way is folly because they do not fear the Lord. The original High Priest wore the Breastplate of Judgment in accordance to the Law. That very Law is designed to point a man’s sins. Without the atoning sacrifice of Christ and the justification of the heart, that very same Law is what will judge this man. This Law is what will ultimately condemn this man in his sins.
The Carnal Man
The carnal man, or infant in Christ, poses a problem for me. I understand fully how discipleship takes place and what it is intended for. That once a person is born again, we as a church are to take them in and teach them and come along side them and journey with them as we all press on together. However, as we’ve studied in Hebrews, there is an alarming number of believers who ought to be far more advanced in spiritual years than they are. There are many people who have spent decades in the pew, but still wear spiritual diapers. I struggle with this concept because trees produce fruit. Is it possible for a person to be a Christian for 50 years and produce no fruit? Perhaps my struggle comes from the myth that many churches teach in the name of “not rocking the boat” that this is true. Perhaps it is from the fact that Christian appearances can be faked, at least outwardly. Maybe my biggest struggle is that those within the church are often too quick to consider someone as saved, because we all know we shouldn’t judge and salvation is only between an individual and the Lord. OR maybe the biggest reason I struggle with this is because I actually hold to the promises found in the Bible. Promises such as, “I am confident that He who began the work in you will complete that work” tell me God does not abandon what He begins. He finishes them. Yet Paul is writing about people who are in fact regenerated born again believers. They simply battle the flesh. Whether it is jealousy, strife, drunkenness, these believers struggle and it causes problems. How does our Great High Priest act on the carnal man’s behalf? If the natural man is to be judged according to his heart of stone, then the carnal man is given mercy and grace as a baby should because he is in fact a new creation with a new heart of flesh. Jesus intercedes sympathetically and mercifully because he himself was tempted in similar fashion. The Book of Titus tells us that we are taught by grace. That when we follow Jesus, He has placed His Spirit within us and His Spirit teaches us to turn away from worldliness and to turn to Godliness. For some of us, this just takes a little bit longer to pick up on than others. His Spirit within us also teaches us to pray as we ought to, so when times of trouble do come, which they will, we know we can approach the throne of grace with confidence because it is His Spirit at work in us. This is what Hebrews is writing about in 5:2. Jesus can and does deal gently with the ignorant and wayward.
The Spiritual Man
“I do not consider myself to have obtained the goal. Yet, I press on towards it.” I hesitate discussing what it means to be a “spiritual man”. By no means do I consider myself an expert on spiritual matters of this sort. But, I do realize that there is a difference between a spiritually mature person and one who is either completely lost or a babe and it is found in how they see their identity. The natural man is identified in self. The carnal person struggles with righteousness. However, the spiritual person finds his/her identity in the righteousness of Christ. You see, there was a small but very important and significant change in the apparel of the priest when Jesus made that perfect sacrifice as our Great High Priest. The old priesthood wore a breastplate of judgment. Christ clothes us in a breastplate of righteousness. Isaiah 59:16-17, Ephesians 6:14, and 1 Thessalonians 5:8 talk about the breastplate of righteousness. Thessalonians calls it a breastplate of faith and love. The righteous live by faith and walk in love, amen? The spiritual man not only acknowledges this but does it. He is not simply a hearer of the law but a doer. Romans 3 say that it is not those who hear that are righteous but those who do that are justified.
Friend, let me ask you this morning, “What is your identity in Christ?” In what is it found? Is it found in your self? OR is it found in the precious blood of the Lamb? Jesus, as our Great High Priest, is acting on your behalf this morning. Either he is calling you to repentance and salvation, or He is calling you to deeper holiness. None-the-less, He is calling you. When I think of the work that Christ is doing in not only my life, but also the lives of others, I am reminded of a quote from a prayer of John Newton. It is perhaps my favorite quote of his. I close with this today;
“I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I wish to be. I am not what I hope to be. Yet I can truly say, I am not what I once was. By the grace of God, I am what I am.”
Praise God! We realize that each and everyday we are being conformed more and more to the image of Jesus Christ, by Jesus Christ!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
To the Graduates Sunday's Sermon
As I sat and wondered what to preach to our graduates, many different things came to mind. Some things were cute and catchy. Others deep and profound. All Christ centered and beneficial, at least in my mind. I decided on practical. For many, summer turns into such a busy time. We get sidetracked with summer jobs. It's our last chance to really spend time with our closest and dearest, lifelong childhood friends. The family tries to have their say in what you do and where you go because they will no longer see you everyday. Planning and preparation for college seem neverending and take up more time than we realize. So today, I hope to give you some eternal words to live by. As your pastor, I hope and pray that in our short time together, you have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ plainly and accurately. That you have been given the opportunity to follow Christ. That I have somehow, someway demonstrated a Christlike example for you to imitate. If not, I hope and pray that I will have your attention today and God will be glorified. These are not only words for those who will be leaving us shortly, but also for those who have already left, for those who may leave, and even for us who are staying. There are five requests that I make of you today.
1. Be Born Again
We talk often on this subject. One must be born again, saved, justified, converted, all used interchangeably. It is the most basic command found in all the Sacred Scriptures. You must be born again. There is not other topic I enjoy more. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how we can enter the kingdom of God through faith and the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross ought to bring infinite, sovreign joy to any believers heart. But how does one be "born again"? What is this Gospel of Jesus Christ?
We must begin by understanding that we as humans are sinful. We all fall short of the glory of God. Not one of us is righteous in and of ourselves, that our very best offerings with out Christ are as filthy rags before God. We are sinners in need of a savior.
God, on the other hand, is holy and just. The wages of our sin is death and eternal seperation from Him in a very real place called hell. However, the good news of Jesus is how God made it possible for us to be with Him once again.
A. God has been reconciling mankind to himself through Christ
Salvation is found in no other name. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by him. Salvation is found no other way. It is not in works, nor goodness, nor family, nor the church, nor traditions, but is found solely in the atoning sacrifice of a sinless savior who even though He knew no sin, He became sin so that we may become the righteousness of God. God sent Jesus on a rescue mission to save that which was lost.
B. He was tempted and suffered, yet remained sinless
Because of this, He is sympathetic to our own weakness. As a husband is to love his wife and bear her weaknesses, Christ loves his bride and bears her weaknesses. He understands the source of temptations and the effects of temptations. Yet, by remaining sinless, He is merciful and intercedes on our behalf as our mediatior before God's throne of grace. He looks past our sin and claims our souls as the redemtion of His blood shed on Calvary.
C. His blood shed on the cross was the perfect atoning sacrifice.
No more does man have to offer up yearly sacrifices to appease God. His sacrifice as the spotless lamb, satisfied a wrathful God who hates evil, wickedness, and sin. He became our propitiation, our covering, our robe of righteousness so that God now looks at mankind through blood soaked lenses. He sees us in the righteousness of Christ. Are you covered by that blood? Forgivenss of sins once and for all was made possible because Christ became your sin and mine.
D. Jesus was resurrected from the dead.
By the power of God, Christ was resurrected from the dead to break the chains of sin and the slavery that it brings. He sets us free as justified heirs with Him. As the song says,
"Living He loved me, dying He saved me,
Buried He carried, my sins far away,
Rising He justified, freely forever,
One day He's coming, Oh Glorious Day!"
E. He will return.
This is our hope and security. That faith in Christ, our salvation, a Godly life are not in vain, because one day He's coming back to claim that which is His. His brothers and sisters. His bride the church. Eternal life in the presence of our Holy and Majestic Lord, who took it upon Himself to save us who do not deserve this grace.
That, my friends is the glorious Gospel of Jesus. However, by simply believing this to be true or fact does not save. Mere knowledge of facts falls short. Remember that even the demons believe these things to be true. One must be born again. One must be regenerated and justified. One must be converted! To put it simply this morning, new birth, salvation, justification, conversion take place when...
We hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and by the aid of the Holy Spirit, we believe and repent, and we are turned from our sins and turned to God in FAITH through Jesus Christ.
There is a life change that takes place. The old man is gone and you are a new creation. It does not mean that we are perfect but it does mean we are forgiven. We endeavor to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness by loving Him above all other objects or people. We demonstrate this love by crucifying ourselves and our wants and desires to see others come to know Him. The acts of kindness and love do not bring our salvation but are proof of our salvation. Friends have you been born again?
2. Guard not only your purity and integrity, but stand firm in the faith!
In a world that invents new ways to do old sins, where good is called evil and evil is called good, where people approve not just of those who practice evil but the evil itself, I beg you this morning "Do not give the devil an opportunity!" He is prowling, seeking, searching for the weak in order to devour them. And not just the weak or young, but also the careless and unattentive. Friends, no one can put on the armor of God for you. YOU must gird up your own loins and stand firm in the faith, putting on the whole armor of God in order to withstand the schemes of the devil. Put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. Put on the sandals for readiness of the Gospel of Peace and the shield of faith. Wear the helmet of salvation and carry the sword of the Spirit.
Maybe you've missed the common thread through these items. Each involves the Word of God. In order to stand firm and be on guard, pray, read, study, believe and DO what the Bible says. Make it the most essential part of your life. This is the reason I give Bibles to our graduates. Years from now they most likely will not rememeber a single sermon they heard me preach or any other preacher preach. But the Word of God will be in your hands. Use it! Memorize it! Write it's words upon your heart that you might not sin against God! Declare that as for you and your household, you will serve the Lord. Teach these things to your children and talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. Write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates. By doing so, you will find such infinite sovreign joy that is unspeakable! Words cannot express what the Word of God will mean to you.
3. Surround yourselves with good, Godly people
Bad company ruins good morals. 1 Corinthians 15:33
Oh how many verses deal with the company we keep. Whether we sit with scoffers or stand with the righteous. Iron sharpens iron. The quality of friend is far more important than the quantity of friends. This is a key component in guarding ourselves. Friends, you do not throw a clean white t-shirt into a mud puddle and expect the puddle to come clean. No what happens is the shirt gets dirty. I have painfully had to have many conversations with both students and parents about friendships. It is very true that if you show me your friends today, I will show you, your son or daughter or even yourself, tomorrow. You become who you hang out with. Sometimes, I've even had to point out that "Maybe it isn't that Johnny is such a good kid and his friends are to blame but that Johnny is just like them because he IS just like them."
Christians, surround yourselves with friends and people who are moving in God's direction. Take note of their life and faith, and imitate it. Partner with them, and bless them as they bless you.
4. Join a Christ centered, Bible teaching church.
I fully expect our graduates, and anyone else who ever leaves, to join a church shortly after leaving. Scripture says do not forsake the gathering of the saints. That means "GO TO CHURCH!!!" Here are my reasons for joining a church.
A. Faith not only comes from but faith GROWS from hearing the Word of God.
You only grow when you go and sit under solid Biblical teaching and preaching. I know so many say they can grow just by reading their Bible or watching it on TV. But that is not God's plan for His church. We are commanded to gather together, live life together, grow together, serve together.
B. We find encouragement in the body of believers.
Moving or any other change produces fear, anxiety, confusion. We need the warmth and comfort of our brothers and sisters in Christ at these times. For graduates, I know you have it figured out, but let me give a piece of advice, rely on the wisdom and love of those who have gone before you. Do not lean on your own understanding. Far too often it produces fruit that is not fit. The heart is above all things deceptive and wicked. Do not trust it. I know that is against everything we are taught in culture today. Follow your heart. Trust your heart. Do not buy the lie of Satan. He always knows. He is not called the great deceiver and father of lies for nothing. Christianity cannot exist outside the confines of the local church. We need each other in order to run the race well and complete that race.
C. Joining a church brings you into a relationship of accountability.
It is wonderful to know that others have my back. That if I stumble, they will be there to pick me up. If I am sinning and do not know it, they will point it out in love and gentleness. It also allows me to do the same for my brother and sister.
D. Because you have been gifted for service.
When one has been born again, they have been given certain gifts that are for the benefit of others. That church needs you literally.
E. It sets the example for others.
It demonstrates to your church back home that what they are doing is both good and right. They have taught the importance of a Christian life. Nothing encourages me more than to see former students and members growing and serving God in their new homes and churches.
F. The worship of God's people, gathered together, is a beautiful thing. This alone is worth joining a church.
5. Please call your mother and grandmother weekly
For my sake. Help me out here. I can't answer them when they come to my office as to why you haven't called. I can guess as to why and I don't want to guess. Please, just call and let them know you are ok.
May God richly bless all of you graduates.
1. Be Born Again
We talk often on this subject. One must be born again, saved, justified, converted, all used interchangeably. It is the most basic command found in all the Sacred Scriptures. You must be born again. There is not other topic I enjoy more. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how we can enter the kingdom of God through faith and the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross ought to bring infinite, sovreign joy to any believers heart. But how does one be "born again"? What is this Gospel of Jesus Christ?
We must begin by understanding that we as humans are sinful. We all fall short of the glory of God. Not one of us is righteous in and of ourselves, that our very best offerings with out Christ are as filthy rags before God. We are sinners in need of a savior.
God, on the other hand, is holy and just. The wages of our sin is death and eternal seperation from Him in a very real place called hell. However, the good news of Jesus is how God made it possible for us to be with Him once again.
A. God has been reconciling mankind to himself through Christ
Salvation is found in no other name. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by him. Salvation is found no other way. It is not in works, nor goodness, nor family, nor the church, nor traditions, but is found solely in the atoning sacrifice of a sinless savior who even though He knew no sin, He became sin so that we may become the righteousness of God. God sent Jesus on a rescue mission to save that which was lost.
B. He was tempted and suffered, yet remained sinless
Because of this, He is sympathetic to our own weakness. As a husband is to love his wife and bear her weaknesses, Christ loves his bride and bears her weaknesses. He understands the source of temptations and the effects of temptations. Yet, by remaining sinless, He is merciful and intercedes on our behalf as our mediatior before God's throne of grace. He looks past our sin and claims our souls as the redemtion of His blood shed on Calvary.
C. His blood shed on the cross was the perfect atoning sacrifice.
No more does man have to offer up yearly sacrifices to appease God. His sacrifice as the spotless lamb, satisfied a wrathful God who hates evil, wickedness, and sin. He became our propitiation, our covering, our robe of righteousness so that God now looks at mankind through blood soaked lenses. He sees us in the righteousness of Christ. Are you covered by that blood? Forgivenss of sins once and for all was made possible because Christ became your sin and mine.
D. Jesus was resurrected from the dead.
By the power of God, Christ was resurrected from the dead to break the chains of sin and the slavery that it brings. He sets us free as justified heirs with Him. As the song says,
"Living He loved me, dying He saved me,
Buried He carried, my sins far away,
Rising He justified, freely forever,
One day He's coming, Oh Glorious Day!"
E. He will return.
This is our hope and security. That faith in Christ, our salvation, a Godly life are not in vain, because one day He's coming back to claim that which is His. His brothers and sisters. His bride the church. Eternal life in the presence of our Holy and Majestic Lord, who took it upon Himself to save us who do not deserve this grace.
That, my friends is the glorious Gospel of Jesus. However, by simply believing this to be true or fact does not save. Mere knowledge of facts falls short. Remember that even the demons believe these things to be true. One must be born again. One must be regenerated and justified. One must be converted! To put it simply this morning, new birth, salvation, justification, conversion take place when...
We hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and by the aid of the Holy Spirit, we believe and repent, and we are turned from our sins and turned to God in FAITH through Jesus Christ.
There is a life change that takes place. The old man is gone and you are a new creation. It does not mean that we are perfect but it does mean we are forgiven. We endeavor to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness by loving Him above all other objects or people. We demonstrate this love by crucifying ourselves and our wants and desires to see others come to know Him. The acts of kindness and love do not bring our salvation but are proof of our salvation. Friends have you been born again?
2. Guard not only your purity and integrity, but stand firm in the faith!
In a world that invents new ways to do old sins, where good is called evil and evil is called good, where people approve not just of those who practice evil but the evil itself, I beg you this morning "Do not give the devil an opportunity!" He is prowling, seeking, searching for the weak in order to devour them. And not just the weak or young, but also the careless and unattentive. Friends, no one can put on the armor of God for you. YOU must gird up your own loins and stand firm in the faith, putting on the whole armor of God in order to withstand the schemes of the devil. Put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. Put on the sandals for readiness of the Gospel of Peace and the shield of faith. Wear the helmet of salvation and carry the sword of the Spirit.
Maybe you've missed the common thread through these items. Each involves the Word of God. In order to stand firm and be on guard, pray, read, study, believe and DO what the Bible says. Make it the most essential part of your life. This is the reason I give Bibles to our graduates. Years from now they most likely will not rememeber a single sermon they heard me preach or any other preacher preach. But the Word of God will be in your hands. Use it! Memorize it! Write it's words upon your heart that you might not sin against God! Declare that as for you and your household, you will serve the Lord. Teach these things to your children and talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. Write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates. By doing so, you will find such infinite sovreign joy that is unspeakable! Words cannot express what the Word of God will mean to you.
3. Surround yourselves with good, Godly people
Bad company ruins good morals. 1 Corinthians 15:33
Oh how many verses deal with the company we keep. Whether we sit with scoffers or stand with the righteous. Iron sharpens iron. The quality of friend is far more important than the quantity of friends. This is a key component in guarding ourselves. Friends, you do not throw a clean white t-shirt into a mud puddle and expect the puddle to come clean. No what happens is the shirt gets dirty. I have painfully had to have many conversations with both students and parents about friendships. It is very true that if you show me your friends today, I will show you, your son or daughter or even yourself, tomorrow. You become who you hang out with. Sometimes, I've even had to point out that "Maybe it isn't that Johnny is such a good kid and his friends are to blame but that Johnny is just like them because he IS just like them."
Christians, surround yourselves with friends and people who are moving in God's direction. Take note of their life and faith, and imitate it. Partner with them, and bless them as they bless you.
4. Join a Christ centered, Bible teaching church.
I fully expect our graduates, and anyone else who ever leaves, to join a church shortly after leaving. Scripture says do not forsake the gathering of the saints. That means "GO TO CHURCH!!!" Here are my reasons for joining a church.
A. Faith not only comes from but faith GROWS from hearing the Word of God.
You only grow when you go and sit under solid Biblical teaching and preaching. I know so many say they can grow just by reading their Bible or watching it on TV. But that is not God's plan for His church. We are commanded to gather together, live life together, grow together, serve together.
B. We find encouragement in the body of believers.
Moving or any other change produces fear, anxiety, confusion. We need the warmth and comfort of our brothers and sisters in Christ at these times. For graduates, I know you have it figured out, but let me give a piece of advice, rely on the wisdom and love of those who have gone before you. Do not lean on your own understanding. Far too often it produces fruit that is not fit. The heart is above all things deceptive and wicked. Do not trust it. I know that is against everything we are taught in culture today. Follow your heart. Trust your heart. Do not buy the lie of Satan. He always knows. He is not called the great deceiver and father of lies for nothing. Christianity cannot exist outside the confines of the local church. We need each other in order to run the race well and complete that race.
C. Joining a church brings you into a relationship of accountability.
It is wonderful to know that others have my back. That if I stumble, they will be there to pick me up. If I am sinning and do not know it, they will point it out in love and gentleness. It also allows me to do the same for my brother and sister.
D. Because you have been gifted for service.
When one has been born again, they have been given certain gifts that are for the benefit of others. That church needs you literally.
E. It sets the example for others.
It demonstrates to your church back home that what they are doing is both good and right. They have taught the importance of a Christian life. Nothing encourages me more than to see former students and members growing and serving God in their new homes and churches.
F. The worship of God's people, gathered together, is a beautiful thing. This alone is worth joining a church.
5. Please call your mother and grandmother weekly
For my sake. Help me out here. I can't answer them when they come to my office as to why you haven't called. I can guess as to why and I don't want to guess. Please, just call and let them know you are ok.
May God richly bless all of you graduates.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Free Will or God Moved
On the heels of tonight's Bible study, I have been pondering something that is going to come up in the next couple of weeks.
If salvation is based on the idea or presupposition that it is man's choice to accept the gift of God, and God can not interfere in that decision, then why pray for the salvation of our friends, family, or any other person? What is the point of praying for salvation? If God can't interfere, by praying, you are asking for God to interfere. I've been thinking through this, and here are some of my conclusions.
1)Praying to God for the salvation of someone is at the deepest root, admitting that the salvation process begins with God. That He and He alone, begins and moves people towards salvation. To not admit this is to be double minded. God can't interfere but we need Him to interfere in order that my brother or sister get saved. The effectual call upon the believer will bring them to repentance. Does not God finish the work He begins as Philippians says? That He who began the work will complete that work?
2) Praying to God for the salvation of a person is admitting that man can not do it himself. The disciples asked Jesus "Who then can be saved?" when the rich young ruler walked away. His answer was simple. "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
3) Praying to God for the salvation of a person is admitting that even you, can not lead someone to salvation on your own intellect or presentation. It takes a supernatural, divine help from God through the Holy Spirit for us to even present the Gospel so that someone may come to repentance.
Here is the most common objection to these points and this question; "You can lead a horse to water but not make them drink." In other words, God may set the stage, but won't "force" someone to follow. I present Rebekah.
This is often the most common example from scripture that I have heard used to argue this point. That, even though Eleazar prayed and God set the pieces in motion, Rebekah still had the "right" to say no. Now I have to ask this question, "If God, who called Abram out of his fathers house and made his promise and covenant with him without Abram's consent, if God, who told Abraham that the inequity of the Amorites was not complete (which was four generations away), if God, who closed the wombs of Abimelech's wife and maidservants on account of Sarah, if God did all these years in advance for the good of His chosen servants, how can He be powerless in our decision to believe and follow Christ and accept salvation?" It's like saying that God is powerful enough to set up all the dominoes but not to knock one over.
But there is just one slight problem. Rebekah said yes. And it was done exactly as Eleazar prayed for it to happen. He prayed to the God of his master Abraham, and Abraham's God answered that prayer. Why? Because even Abraham's servant was able to pray in accordance to God's good and perfect will. So the question to me is this, "Why did Eleazar pray as such?" I see the answer to be because God moved him to pray as such in order to demonstrate His goodness, kindness and mercy to Abraham as a sign to Eleazar. This was done to bring about and grow faith in Eleazar.
So what you may be saying is that God can lead people to water but not make them drink. The fact is that God can make them drink. YOU are the one who can not make people drink. I unfortunately do mean to bust your bubble. I heard a quote the other day where the pastor said that "our job is to set the sail, not make the wind blow." Our job is to present the gospel to people and let the wind of of the Holy Spirit blow and regenerate their hearts. Just envision the Valley of the Dry Bones. Can you imagine the Spirit blowing over those old, sun-bleached bones and then they coming to life? Can blind men see? Can lame men walk? Can dead men breathe? Only when God heals them. Did not Jonah try to escape God? But he still went where God wanted him to go. Did Jeremiah not try to not speak for the Lord and did not the words burn in his mouth? Did God not tell him it would be that way? What about the disciples? Did Jesus not tell them that they did not choose him but rather Jesus chose them? Did Lazarus sit and ponder the possibilities when Christ called him fromt he tomb?
We pray because we know God IS involved from start to finish in the entire salvation process. We pray because salvation belongs to the Lord.
If salvation is based on the idea or presupposition that it is man's choice to accept the gift of God, and God can not interfere in that decision, then why pray for the salvation of our friends, family, or any other person? What is the point of praying for salvation? If God can't interfere, by praying, you are asking for God to interfere. I've been thinking through this, and here are some of my conclusions.
1)Praying to God for the salvation of someone is at the deepest root, admitting that the salvation process begins with God. That He and He alone, begins and moves people towards salvation. To not admit this is to be double minded. God can't interfere but we need Him to interfere in order that my brother or sister get saved. The effectual call upon the believer will bring them to repentance. Does not God finish the work He begins as Philippians says? That He who began the work will complete that work?
2) Praying to God for the salvation of a person is admitting that man can not do it himself. The disciples asked Jesus "Who then can be saved?" when the rich young ruler walked away. His answer was simple. "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
3) Praying to God for the salvation of a person is admitting that even you, can not lead someone to salvation on your own intellect or presentation. It takes a supernatural, divine help from God through the Holy Spirit for us to even present the Gospel so that someone may come to repentance.
Here is the most common objection to these points and this question; "You can lead a horse to water but not make them drink." In other words, God may set the stage, but won't "force" someone to follow. I present Rebekah.
This is often the most common example from scripture that I have heard used to argue this point. That, even though Eleazar prayed and God set the pieces in motion, Rebekah still had the "right" to say no. Now I have to ask this question, "If God, who called Abram out of his fathers house and made his promise and covenant with him without Abram's consent, if God, who told Abraham that the inequity of the Amorites was not complete (which was four generations away), if God, who closed the wombs of Abimelech's wife and maidservants on account of Sarah, if God did all these years in advance for the good of His chosen servants, how can He be powerless in our decision to believe and follow Christ and accept salvation?" It's like saying that God is powerful enough to set up all the dominoes but not to knock one over.
But there is just one slight problem. Rebekah said yes. And it was done exactly as Eleazar prayed for it to happen. He prayed to the God of his master Abraham, and Abraham's God answered that prayer. Why? Because even Abraham's servant was able to pray in accordance to God's good and perfect will. So the question to me is this, "Why did Eleazar pray as such?" I see the answer to be because God moved him to pray as such in order to demonstrate His goodness, kindness and mercy to Abraham as a sign to Eleazar. This was done to bring about and grow faith in Eleazar.
So what you may be saying is that God can lead people to water but not make them drink. The fact is that God can make them drink. YOU are the one who can not make people drink. I unfortunately do mean to bust your bubble. I heard a quote the other day where the pastor said that "our job is to set the sail, not make the wind blow." Our job is to present the gospel to people and let the wind of of the Holy Spirit blow and regenerate their hearts. Just envision the Valley of the Dry Bones. Can you imagine the Spirit blowing over those old, sun-bleached bones and then they coming to life? Can blind men see? Can lame men walk? Can dead men breathe? Only when God heals them. Did not Jonah try to escape God? But he still went where God wanted him to go. Did Jeremiah not try to not speak for the Lord and did not the words burn in his mouth? Did God not tell him it would be that way? What about the disciples? Did Jesus not tell them that they did not choose him but rather Jesus chose them? Did Lazarus sit and ponder the possibilities when Christ called him fromt he tomb?
We pray because we know God IS involved from start to finish in the entire salvation process. We pray because salvation belongs to the Lord.
Wednesday Night Study - Abraham and Abimelech
Genesis 20
We find Abraham once again, afraid of men, not trusting God. We often ask "Didn't he learn from the episode with Pharoah?" I ask "Isn't Sarah 90 years old?" I get the cultural differences but Abimelech was already married. I understand that Sarah was doing what Abraham asked her to do. I know all the comments and arguments to excuse this situation and blame the particular people in the situation. But I also want to put into perspective the umbrella hanging over this event. The promise of God.
In chapter 18 God visits Abraham and Sarah to let them know that by this time NEXT YEAR, you will have a son. Chapter 19 God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah for wickedness. Chapter 20 Abraham is afraid of people who have no fear of God. I just want to scream sometimes at the Bible "Wake up!!!!!!Abraham!!!! Did you not just witness the destruction of evil? Did you not just listen to what God told you? Why are you afraid?!?!?! God has even labeled you a prophet and has shown you time and time again his goodness, mercy, might, and wrath. Has he not proved faithful to those who follow him?"
But then I have to stop and admit, "I am more like Abraham than I would like to admit. I have to give this advice to myself as much as you friends, "Do not forget the promise that is over every believer. He is faithful. He is working good even when we don't realize it. When it doesn't look like anything is good, God is working. Do not fall away. Do not fear. Stand firm. Learn from Abraham."
We find Abraham once again, afraid of men, not trusting God. We often ask "Didn't he learn from the episode with Pharoah?" I ask "Isn't Sarah 90 years old?" I get the cultural differences but Abimelech was already married. I understand that Sarah was doing what Abraham asked her to do. I know all the comments and arguments to excuse this situation and blame the particular people in the situation. But I also want to put into perspective the umbrella hanging over this event. The promise of God.
In chapter 18 God visits Abraham and Sarah to let them know that by this time NEXT YEAR, you will have a son. Chapter 19 God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah for wickedness. Chapter 20 Abraham is afraid of people who have no fear of God. I just want to scream sometimes at the Bible "Wake up!!!!!!Abraham!!!! Did you not just witness the destruction of evil? Did you not just listen to what God told you? Why are you afraid?!?!?! God has even labeled you a prophet and has shown you time and time again his goodness, mercy, might, and wrath. Has he not proved faithful to those who follow him?"
But then I have to stop and admit, "I am more like Abraham than I would like to admit. I have to give this advice to myself as much as you friends, "Do not forget the promise that is over every believer. He is faithful. He is working good even when we don't realize it. When it doesn't look like anything is good, God is working. Do not fall away. Do not fear. Stand firm. Learn from Abraham."
Saturday, May 15, 2010
God's Word, Doctrine, Creeds, Traditions, Foundations, Lifestyle, How and Why
Hebrews 4:12-13, 5:11-6:20
How do you view Scripture? I'm not talking about inerrancy or infallibility today. I want to know how do you view reading your Bible? Is it your roadmap? Is it your place of comfort? Is it where you find those answers to life's challenges? Is scripture what you turn to in order to get yourself out of a pickle? If you answered yes to those questions, we have a place to start. You must then at least view scripture as valuable. You must believe it has meaning and can be used in today's world. You must believe it is somehow tied to a loving and gracious God who gave it to us for our benefit. But let me ask you also, in finding comfort or answers or just time in our Bible's, have you ever been left wanting something more? Does the comfort just not quite feel complete? Are the answers not quite good enough or do you find yourself seeking second opinions? Do you end up in the same bad situations time after time after time?
As you read through these verses for the sermon, ask yourself
1. What is the purpose of Scripture?
2. What is the text saying to me about my approach to Scripture?
3. Do I resent anything I have read in these verses? Why?
4. If I change my approach, what may be the result?
5. Maybe you don't read your Bible regularly, why not?
6. Do you more often only give lip service to what the Bible says? Is it
evident in your life?
Tomorrow's sermon will deal with the fact that so many of us usually go to scripture looking for the "how's" of life instead of the "why". We can effectively state "how" to be saved, "how" to live christian, "how" to____________, well just fill in the blank. But when it comes to really getting down to the "why" we fall short. More often than not "Because the Bible says" is not a sufficient answer for ourselves let alone to someone who doesn't believe. Now, that is my belief, that the Bible says, but "why" does the Bible say so. "Why" is salvation found in no other name? "Why" is Jesus better than Moses? "Why" is his message more reliable than the prophets and angels? "Why" should we be committed? "Why"!?!?!?!?!
How will we be changed if we begin to focus more on the "why" than the "how"?
How do you view Scripture? I'm not talking about inerrancy or infallibility today. I want to know how do you view reading your Bible? Is it your roadmap? Is it your place of comfort? Is it where you find those answers to life's challenges? Is scripture what you turn to in order to get yourself out of a pickle? If you answered yes to those questions, we have a place to start. You must then at least view scripture as valuable. You must believe it has meaning and can be used in today's world. You must believe it is somehow tied to a loving and gracious God who gave it to us for our benefit. But let me ask you also, in finding comfort or answers or just time in our Bible's, have you ever been left wanting something more? Does the comfort just not quite feel complete? Are the answers not quite good enough or do you find yourself seeking second opinions? Do you end up in the same bad situations time after time after time?
As you read through these verses for the sermon, ask yourself
1. What is the purpose of Scripture?
2. What is the text saying to me about my approach to Scripture?
3. Do I resent anything I have read in these verses? Why?
4. If I change my approach, what may be the result?
5. Maybe you don't read your Bible regularly, why not?
6. Do you more often only give lip service to what the Bible says? Is it
evident in your life?
Tomorrow's sermon will deal with the fact that so many of us usually go to scripture looking for the "how's" of life instead of the "why". We can effectively state "how" to be saved, "how" to live christian, "how" to____________, well just fill in the blank. But when it comes to really getting down to the "why" we fall short. More often than not "Because the Bible says" is not a sufficient answer for ourselves let alone to someone who doesn't believe. Now, that is my belief, that the Bible says, but "why" does the Bible say so. "Why" is salvation found in no other name? "Why" is Jesus better than Moses? "Why" is his message more reliable than the prophets and angels? "Why" should we be committed? "Why"!?!?!?!?!
How will we be changed if we begin to focus more on the "why" than the "how"?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Sunday Schedule
First, thank you so much FBC ladies for all the hard work putting together the wonderful meal for the National Day of Prayer. The weather and short notice made everything difficult but as always, you all pulled it off and it was great. Your work does not go unnoticed. Thank you. We had 21 people who came and participated in the NDOP from many of our area churches. Many who came, responded that this was well worth their time to be there.
This Sunday we will have our Mother's Day Breakfast at 9:30. The regularly scheduled potluck is cancelled so you husbands can take your wives and mothers out for lunch and spend the day with them.
We are taking a break from Hebrews this week and will have a special message for mothers. There are not any sermon notes for it yet this week, but the main text is Titus 2:3-5. Being a mother does not necessarily mean you have physical offspring. You have an obligation to those who are younger also. Well I guess those are the two main points.
This Sunday we will have our Mother's Day Breakfast at 9:30. The regularly scheduled potluck is cancelled so you husbands can take your wives and mothers out for lunch and spend the day with them.
We are taking a break from Hebrews this week and will have a special message for mothers. There are not any sermon notes for it yet this week, but the main text is Titus 2:3-5. Being a mother does not necessarily mean you have physical offspring. You have an obligation to those who are younger also. Well I guess those are the two main points.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
National Day of Prayer
Tomorrow is our National Day of Prayer. The schedule is as follows. We will be meeting at the McCone County Courthouse at 12:00 pm (noon). Afterwards there will be a lunch served at First Baptist Church. If the weather does not co-operate, the meeting will be moved completely to First Baptist Church. Just a warning, there is a 90% chance of rain and snow (up to 4") tomorrow. I will try my best to have someone at the Courthouse to direct people if it is moved. If not, just go to the church.
Genesis 18
Tonight we will be studying Genesis 18. I really only have one question to ask you in preparation for tonight, "What is the importance of the conversation between the Lord and Sarah, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?" Here is a hint. It has alot to do with Sunday's sermon.
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