The Prayer of Prayers: Exploring Jesus' Model, the Lord's Prayer PART I
Dr. Timothy Keller
28 September 2014
Galatians 3:26-29; 4:1-7
26So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
1What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. 4But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6Becuase you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba Father," 7So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Prayer is the key to everything you need to do or be
KNOWING WHO YOU ARE
--v5; gift of adoption as we are sons of Jesus through a gift.
--Heirs of the glory through his sonship.
--Adoption is a legal inheritance.
--An heir of God glorified and infused with his beauty and excellence.
--Access to God as father and his unconditional comittment to us.
--New freeing identity
KNOWING HIM PERSONALLY
--Our Father--what is a Father?
--v.4-5; Jesus always calls God a Father except when on the cross because that was the time of abandonment.
--Humble posture as He owes us nothing.
--Confident belief that God cares more about our good than we do.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Open Your Eyes and Look
Open Your Eyes and Look
Rev. Jeff White
21 September 2014
John 4: 27-38
27Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"
28Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29"Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" 30They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
31Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbit, eat something." 32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." 33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Don't you have a saying, 'It's four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
To be astonished and surprised by Jesus is to love regularly.
Share it with others.
Jesus sitting with a Samaritan woman was a surprise.
Biblical spirituality is meant to be done in community.
Rev. Jeff White
21 September 2014
John 4: 27-38
27Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"
28Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29"Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" 30They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
31Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbit, eat something." 32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." 33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Don't you have a saying, 'It's four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
To be astonished and surprised by Jesus is to love regularly.
Share it with others.
Jesus sitting with a Samaritan woman was a surprise.
Biblical spirituality is meant to be done in community.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
The Great Promise: Rest for Your Soul
Matthew 11: The One Who Gives You Rest PART II
Dr. Timothy Keller
14 September 2014
Matthew 11:25-30
25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
NEED FOR REST FOR THE SOUL
--Realization is that what you enjoy is perishable.
--Physical rest is required.
--Spiritual rest is required.
--2005 NY Times article (Bring back the Sabbath) - eternal murmur of self reproach.
CHARACTER OF REST FOR THE SOUL
--"Take my yoke" - JC determines our lives.
--Myth that we control our lives.
--Some mistakenly preach that we earn our salvation.
HOW TO GET IT
--Conversion metaphor of children
--Kids are helpless.
--Kids are confident of love.
--Gentle and humble in heart - Jesus displayed weakness.
--God saves us through his work, not ours.
The Great Question
Matthew 11: The One Who Gives you Rest PART I
Rev. Leo Schuster
07 September 2014
Matthew 11: 1-6
1After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach on the town of Galilee.
2When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3to ask him, "are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"
4Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me."
What questions come to us when life gets difficult?
--Take them to Jesus, as John the Baptist did.
Jesus's miracles are previews of things to come
--They are a partnership with us as we weave a Christian life.
Struggle to believe
--Don't stumble to unbelief and don't allow it to keep you away from Jesus Christ.
Keller mp3
v.6 - Blessed is the one who doesn't get offended by me--Jesus is offensive because it implies that we can't make our own decisions and only Jesus can save us--we need a master and a Lord.
JOHN'S CONDITION
--v.2 in prison
JOHN'S QUESTION (DOUBT)
--v.3 Expressing Doubt-Are you the one?
--Jesus has said nobody is greater than John the Baptist--which implies that anyone can doubt.
--Jesus not offended by doubters.
JESUS' CREDENTIALS
--How can you be the Messiah when we are surrounded by Jesus.
--v.5-6 references Isiah 35 which was good news for the poor.
--Jesus cares for the poor--literally and the poor in spirit.
--Jesus came in weakness to bear judgement.
--Messianic salvation has flowed from the weak in Elijah and Elisha
God's grace only comes to those who aren't satisfied in their weakness.
Big view of our sin allows us to see the beauty of what He did for us.
Rev. Leo Schuster
07 September 2014
Matthew 11: 1-6
1After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach on the town of Galilee.
2When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3to ask him, "are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"
4Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me."
What questions come to us when life gets difficult?
--Take them to Jesus, as John the Baptist did.
Jesus's miracles are previews of things to come
--They are a partnership with us as we weave a Christian life.
Struggle to believe
--Don't stumble to unbelief and don't allow it to keep you away from Jesus Christ.
Keller mp3
v.6 - Blessed is the one who doesn't get offended by me--Jesus is offensive because it implies that we can't make our own decisions and only Jesus can save us--we need a master and a Lord.
JOHN'S CONDITION
--v.2 in prison
JOHN'S QUESTION (DOUBT)
--v.3 Expressing Doubt-Are you the one?
--Jesus has said nobody is greater than John the Baptist--which implies that anyone can doubt.
--Jesus not offended by doubters.
JESUS' CREDENTIALS
--How can you be the Messiah when we are surrounded by Jesus.
--v.5-6 references Isiah 35 which was good news for the poor.
--Jesus cares for the poor--literally and the poor in spirit.
--Jesus came in weakness to bear judgement.
--Messianic salvation has flowed from the weak in Elijah and Elisha
God's grace only comes to those who aren't satisfied in their weakness.
Big view of our sin allows us to see the beauty of what He did for us.
Prayer
Growth in the Spirit PART VIII
Rev. David Plant
31 August 2014
Psalm 1: 1-6
1Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers.
2But whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither--
whatever they do prospers.
4Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5Therefore the wicked will not stand in judgement,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
--Leads to inadequacy (am I happy enough?)
--Biblical happiness is a gift (blessed)
--Happiness is a by product of a relationship with God.
--v1 (walk, stand, sit) are part of the path towards Biblical happiness.
PROMISE OF PRAYER
--Happiness is possible and can be learned.
--Deep foundation--an existence that can't be touched.
Rev. David Plant
31 August 2014
Psalm 1: 1-6
1Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers.
2But whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither--
whatever they do prospers.
4Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5Therefore the wicked will not stand in judgement,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
--Leads to inadequacy (am I happy enough?)
--Biblical happiness is a gift (blessed)
--Happiness is a by product of a relationship with God.
--v1 (walk, stand, sit) are part of the path towards Biblical happiness.
PROMISE OF PRAYER
--Happiness is possible and can be learned.
--Deep foundation--an existence that can't be touched.
Goodness
Growth in the Spirit PART VII
Dr. Timothy Keller
24 August 2014
Micah 6:6-8
6With what shall I come before the Lord
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with a calves a year old?
7Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
THE QUESTION
--v.6 - an exalted God that is distanced from us.
--Bridge the chasm with God.
--How do we have a relationship with God.
--v.7 - Nothing really merits a relationship with God.
CONTEXT (v.8)
--Old testament sin must be atoned for.
--We can't atone for it on our merits.
--We can't just obey him, but must love him.
--v.7 Offering first born is from Moses's law that first born forfeits sins of the family.
--First born is the hope of the family.
--Why doesn't God take Abraham's son? Because he took his own son.
DOING JUSTICE
--Caring for the poor, widows, and vulnerable people.
--Loving mercy; to live the way God lives and not to give up on folks.
--Walk with God means to be exposed and accountable before him.
--Befriended and loved in a prayer life.
Dr. Timothy Keller
24 August 2014
Micah 6:6-8
6With what shall I come before the Lord
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with a calves a year old?
7Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
THE QUESTION
--v.6 - an exalted God that is distanced from us.
--Bridge the chasm with God.
--How do we have a relationship with God.
--v.7 - Nothing really merits a relationship with God.
CONTEXT (v.8)
--Old testament sin must be atoned for.
--We can't atone for it on our merits.
--We can't just obey him, but must love him.
--v.7 Offering first born is from Moses's law that first born forfeits sins of the family.
--First born is the hope of the family.
--Why doesn't God take Abraham's son? Because he took his own son.
DOING JUSTICE
--Caring for the poor, widows, and vulnerable people.
--Loving mercy; to live the way God lives and not to give up on folks.
--Walk with God means to be exposed and accountable before him.
--Befriended and loved in a prayer life.
Patience
Growth in the Spirit PART VI
Dr. Timothy Keller
17 August 2014
James 5: 7-12
7Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
12Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple "Yes" or "No". Otherwise you will be condemned.
James was the biological brother of Jesus and led the church in Jerusalem.
WHAT IS PATIENCE
--Farmer and Job as comparison.
--Patience can be long suffering
--Grumbling is a lack of patience; sign of resentment and negativity.
--Grumbling means you've given up on people.
--Lack of patience is a lack of love.
--Job experienced tragic circumstances.
--Patience can be perseverance
--Patience is responding with courage and trust in difficult circumstances.
--Patience with people is a sign of humility.
--Self pity feeds on itself and can become someone's eternal autobiography.
HOW TO GET PATIENCE
--Look to the past in Job
--Look to the future in Jesus
--Not my will, but thine will be done.
--Psalm 77 - meditating on God's will
--Jesus's patience atones for our impatience so God can be infinitely patient with us.
--Knowing the end helps you handle the middle (life).
Dr. Timothy Keller
17 August 2014
James 5: 7-12
7Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
12Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple "Yes" or "No". Otherwise you will be condemned.
James was the biological brother of Jesus and led the church in Jerusalem.
WHAT IS PATIENCE
--Farmer and Job as comparison.
--Patience can be long suffering
--Grumbling is a lack of patience; sign of resentment and negativity.
--Grumbling means you've given up on people.
--Lack of patience is a lack of love.
--Job experienced tragic circumstances.
--Patience can be perseverance
--Patience is responding with courage and trust in difficult circumstances.
--Patience with people is a sign of humility.
--Self pity feeds on itself and can become someone's eternal autobiography.
HOW TO GET PATIENCE
--Look to the past in Job
--Look to the future in Jesus
--Not my will, but thine will be done.
--Psalm 77 - meditating on God's will
--Jesus's patience atones for our impatience so God can be infinitely patient with us.
--Knowing the end helps you handle the middle (life).
Self Control
Growth in the Spirit PART V
Rev Michael Keller
10 August 2014
1 Corinthians 9:23-27
23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in it's blessings. 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we doe it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Genesis 3:1-6
1Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
2The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'"
4"You will not certainly die," the serpent said to the woman. 5"For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be open, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
6When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for granting wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was wit her and ate it.
Lack of self control is doing something that we want to stop doing but can't, for some reason.
Western society--happiness comes from the pursuit of self interest.
v.25 Self control requires strict training.
SAYING NO TO SAY YES
--Difficulty of us saying no comes from disordered and false beliefs.
--Our hearts don't serve God at face value.
--Serpent questions God's goodness.
--Say no to the lie beneath the behavior (no to greed, no to lust....)
SAYING YES TO SAY NO
--We can rationalize anything.
--Orient towards God will put other "loves" in check.
WHERE DO YOU GET THE ABILITY AND POWER
--Career success helps order things like laziness and productivity.
--When it breaks down, so do the other problems surface.
--Hebrews 12:1-3 - Reorient towards Jesus
Rev Michael Keller
10 August 2014
1 Corinthians 9:23-27
23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in it's blessings. 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we doe it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Genesis 3:1-6
1Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
2The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'"
4"You will not certainly die," the serpent said to the woman. 5"For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be open, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
6When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for granting wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was wit her and ate it.
Lack of self control is doing something that we want to stop doing but can't, for some reason.
Western society--happiness comes from the pursuit of self interest.
v.25 Self control requires strict training.
SAYING NO TO SAY YES
--Difficulty of us saying no comes from disordered and false beliefs.
--Our hearts don't serve God at face value.
--Serpent questions God's goodness.
--Say no to the lie beneath the behavior (no to greed, no to lust....)
SAYING YES TO SAY NO
--We can rationalize anything.
--Orient towards God will put other "loves" in check.
WHERE DO YOU GET THE ABILITY AND POWER
--Career success helps order things like laziness and productivity.
--When it breaks down, so do the other problems surface.
--Hebrews 12:1-3 - Reorient towards Jesus
Joy - Growth in the Spirit
Growth in the Spirit PART III
Rev Edward Sirya
27 July 2014
John 16: 16-24
16Jesus went on to say, In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."
17And this, some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" 18They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying."
19Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, "In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? 20Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
Joy - Permanent and lasting
Happiness - Based on circumstances
Half of John is a farewell discourse to the last days of Jesus
PROBLEMS OF JOY
--Happiness is mistaken for joy.
--Things we pursue for happiness ultimately fails us.
--CS Lewis - We too easily settle for false joys.
PROMISE OF JOY
--v.22 - It's permanent and can't be taken away.
--Confidence and assurance of the future.
--Given to us by Jesus Christ.
PRACTICE OF JOY
--v.24 - Go to Jesus in prayer.
--Method of identifying with him
Living by the Spirit
Growth in the Spirit PART I
Rev. Michael Keller
13 July 2014
Galatians 5:13-24
13You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
WHY IS VIRTUE IMPORTANT?
--For good of society
--External coercion for behavioral controls. (means to and end)
--Determined by behavior and will
--Changed heart is intrinsically important.
WHAT DOES VIRTUE LOOK LIKE?
--v.22 (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)
--these virtues hinge on one another
--v.23 Laws only address the symptoms (we steal because we're greedy)
--It's about motivation, not action.
--Virtue is gradual and hard won.
--v.17 shows that desires and changed heart are in conflict with one another.
--Why do we do the things we do?
HOW DO I GET VIRTUE
--v.24 Why we do things for Christ
--Rejoice while you repent.
--1John 3:16 - laying down our lives for one another.
--v.18 (led by the Spirit) Spirit comes from God and is leading us back to Him.
Rev. Michael Keller
13 July 2014
Galatians 5:13-24
13You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
WHY IS VIRTUE IMPORTANT?
--For good of society
--External coercion for behavioral controls. (means to and end)
--Determined by behavior and will
--Changed heart is intrinsically important.
WHAT DOES VIRTUE LOOK LIKE?
--v.22 (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)
--these virtues hinge on one another
--v.23 Laws only address the symptoms (we steal because we're greedy)
--It's about motivation, not action.
--Virtue is gradual and hard won.
--v.17 shows that desires and changed heart are in conflict with one another.
--Why do we do the things we do?
HOW DO I GET VIRTUE
--v.24 Why we do things for Christ
--Rejoice while you repent.
--1John 3:16 - laying down our lives for one another.
--v.18 (led by the Spirit) Spirit comes from God and is leading us back to Him.
Our Vocation - Lay Ministry
Following Jesus PART X
Rev Leo Schuster
29 June 2014
1Peter 2:4-10
4As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him--5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering scriptural sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame."
7Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
"The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,"
8and,
"A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall."
They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for.
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
BASIS OF THE CHURCH
--Living stones
--We are the church...not just a building.
--God's people are the raw materials of the church.
--We are priests too.
--Serving should reorient our lives.
--All are vocations are sacred and serving God.
--Church people don't consume, but are servants.
BARRIERS OF THE CHURCH
--v.8
--Church can be disillusioning, but we should stick to the ideal.
--Sometimes we edit Jesus to fit us--but the full Jesus is our cornerstone.
--Our hearts and desires can distance us from JC.
BUILDING A CHURCH
--Coming to Him to make us alive is to build His church.
--Trusting in Jesus.
--Allowing mercy of God to change us.
--We can love the church because Jesus did and gave his life for it.
Rev Leo Schuster
29 June 2014
1Peter 2:4-10
4As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him--5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering scriptural sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame."
7Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
"The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,"
8and,
"A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall."
They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for.
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
BASIS OF THE CHURCH
--Living stones
--We are the church...not just a building.
--God's people are the raw materials of the church.
--We are priests too.
--Serving should reorient our lives.
--All are vocations are sacred and serving God.
--Church people don't consume, but are servants.
BARRIERS OF THE CHURCH
--v.8
--Church can be disillusioning, but we should stick to the ideal.
--Sometimes we edit Jesus to fit us--but the full Jesus is our cornerstone.
--Our hearts and desires can distance us from JC.
BUILDING A CHURCH
--Coming to Him to make us alive is to build His church.
--Trusting in Jesus.
--Allowing mercy of God to change us.
--We can love the church because Jesus did and gave his life for it.
Our Walk: The Freedom of Submission
Following Jesus PART IX
Dr. Timothy Keller
22 June 2014
1Peter 2:13-17; 4:1-5; 5-5-11
13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. 17Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
4:1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They are surprised that you do not join the, in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
5:5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because,
"God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble."
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while will himself restore and make your strong, firm, and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
WHAT IS FREEDOM
--v.16-Free people, but God's slaves.
--Romans 6 says everyone is a slave to something; no one is truly free.
--Freedom is getting the right restrictions.
--Restrictions that are liberating.
--Thy will be done.
WHAT DOES FREEDOM LOOK LIKE
--Free from uncontrolled and enslaving emotions.
--v5:7-Free from anxiety from bad circumstances.
--We have anxieties, but it's not crushing or paralyzing.
--Anything in this world that you trust will let you down.
--v2:16-17--Living free, but as God's slaves, we serve others.
--Modern definition of freedom is basic selfishness and eliminates love.
HOW DOES CHRISTIAN FREEDOM GROW
--Don't be afraid to make promises (membership)
--Gets rid of selfishness which is ultimately liberating
--v4:1 Look to Christ for behavior.
Dr. Timothy Keller
22 June 2014
1Peter 2:13-17; 4:1-5; 5-5-11
13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. 17Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
4:1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They are surprised that you do not join the, in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
5:5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because,
"God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble."
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while will himself restore and make your strong, firm, and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
WHAT IS FREEDOM
--v.16-Free people, but God's slaves.
--Romans 6 says everyone is a slave to something; no one is truly free.
--Freedom is getting the right restrictions.
--Restrictions that are liberating.
--Thy will be done.
WHAT DOES FREEDOM LOOK LIKE
--Free from uncontrolled and enslaving emotions.
--v5:7-Free from anxiety from bad circumstances.
--We have anxieties, but it's not crushing or paralyzing.
--Anything in this world that you trust will let you down.
--v2:16-17--Living free, but as God's slaves, we serve others.
--Modern definition of freedom is basic selfishness and eliminates love.
HOW DOES CHRISTIAN FREEDOM GROW
--Don't be afraid to make promises (membership)
--Gets rid of selfishness which is ultimately liberating
--v4:1 Look to Christ for behavior.
Our Family, The New Community
Following Jesus PART VIII
Rev Aaron Bjerke
15 June 2014
1 Peter 2:1-10
1Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him--5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame."
7Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
"The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone," 8and,
"A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall."
They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for.
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
NATURE OF THE CHURCH
--v.9-"out of the darkness into his wonderful light" echoes Creation
--Applies God's act of Creation with those that follow Jesus Christ.
--Vices don't belong in our new nature; not just about doing better, but getting rid of them.
--Embracing a new nature
PRESENCE OF THE CHURCH
--V.5 Typically, God's presence was at a temple--but each of us is a temple.
--God's presence dwells within the community of Christians
--Ignoring the Christian community ignores what Christ deems as important.
FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH
--Jesus
Rev Aaron Bjerke
15 June 2014
1 Peter 2:1-10
1Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him--5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame."
7Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
"The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone," 8and,
"A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall."
They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for.
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
NATURE OF THE CHURCH
--v.9-"out of the darkness into his wonderful light" echoes Creation
--Applies God's act of Creation with those that follow Jesus Christ.
--Vices don't belong in our new nature; not just about doing better, but getting rid of them.
--Embracing a new nature
PRESENCE OF THE CHURCH
--V.5 Typically, God's presence was at a temple--but each of us is a temple.
--God's presence dwells within the community of Christians
--Ignoring the Christian community ignores what Christ deems as important.
FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH
--Jesus
Our Power - Spirit Filled Living
Follow Jesus PART VII
Rev Leo Schuster
08 June 2014
2Peter 1:3-11
3His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
REASONS FOR TAKING THE CALLING SERIOUSLY
--v.8 Being unproductive in knowing God and Jesus is offensive
--v.4 Holy Spirit inhabits us and what we do with our body impacts Him.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS CALLING
--Begins with Faith and ends in Love.
--Letting people into my life and giving sacrificially.
--Goodness is moral excellence - Resembling God, not just being a good person.
--Perseverance--assumes a life of suffering.
--Growth is essential as well as growing in Christ.
--Christian growth is a process and can be glacial.
--Christian growth is a process that grows inside out.
RESOURCES FOR THIS CALLING
--Power and promis of God.
--Growing in godliness by admitting we need help and are unsuccessful on our own.
Rev Leo Schuster
08 June 2014
2Peter 1:3-11
3His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
REASONS FOR TAKING THE CALLING SERIOUSLY
--v.8 Being unproductive in knowing God and Jesus is offensive
--v.4 Holy Spirit inhabits us and what we do with our body impacts Him.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS CALLING
--Begins with Faith and ends in Love.
--Letting people into my life and giving sacrificially.
--Goodness is moral excellence - Resembling God, not just being a good person.
--Perseverance--assumes a life of suffering.
--Growth is essential as well as growing in Christ.
--Christian growth is a process and can be glacial.
--Christian growth is a process that grows inside out.
RESOURCES FOR THIS CALLING
--Power and promis of God.
--Growing in godliness by admitting we need help and are unsuccessful on our own.
Our Call: Holy Living
Following Jesus PART IV
18 May 2014
Dr. Timothy Keller
1 Peter 1: 13-17
13Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who callled you is holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy holy, because I am holy."
17Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
WHAT IS HOLINESS
--Morality (10 Commandments, but much more than that)
--V.16 quotes Leviticus, which speaks of holy things.
--Holiness is something separate or set apart
--Holiness is something belonging to God or meant to worship God.
--Holiness is belonging to God as opposed to living for yourself.
HOW DOES HOLINESS DEVELOP
--Philipians 4:7 - Mind, will, and heart
--Think on these truths as a means towards action.
--V.14 - engages the will
--Do things that bring joy to God; don't qualify and over evaluate.
--Do things out of delight
HOLINESS ENGAGES THE HEART
--1 Peter 18-19 - Affected by the blood of Christ
--John 17: 13-19 - Sanctified for the sake of others.
--As Christ did things for us, so should we.
18 May 2014
Dr. Timothy Keller
1 Peter 1: 13-17
13Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who callled you is holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy holy, because I am holy."
17Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
WHAT IS HOLINESS
--Morality (10 Commandments, but much more than that)
--V.16 quotes Leviticus, which speaks of holy things.
--Holiness is something separate or set apart
--Holiness is something belonging to God or meant to worship God.
--Holiness is belonging to God as opposed to living for yourself.
HOW DOES HOLINESS DEVELOP
--Philipians 4:7 - Mind, will, and heart
--Think on these truths as a means towards action.
--V.14 - engages the will
--Do things that bring joy to God; don't qualify and over evaluate.
--Do things out of delight
HOLINESS ENGAGES THE HEART
--1 Peter 18-19 - Affected by the blood of Christ
--John 17: 13-19 - Sanctified for the sake of others.
--As Christ did things for us, so should we.
Our Identity: Joyful Exiles
Following Jesus PART III
11 May 2014
Rev. Leo Schuster
1 Peter 1:1-2
1Peter and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
1 Peter 2:9-12
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
WHO WE ARE
--Scattered exiles and God's chosen possession.
--Roots us in who we are in contrast to the world's message.
--Yet we are special in God's eye.
--Reorients us to our ultimate, true home.
--Reference Jeremiah 29 as exiles.
WHY WE ARE HERE
--Made and sent to worship.
--Built to serve--bridging the presence of God to the rest of the world.
HOW WE LIVE
--V.11-12
--We fight and internal war with our innately sinful desires.
--Our weapon is the gift of grace as given to us by Jesus's blood.
--Humility in our lives as we reflect on His Glory.
11 May 2014
Rev. Leo Schuster
1 Peter 1:1-2
1Peter and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
1 Peter 2:9-12
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
WHO WE ARE
--Scattered exiles and God's chosen possession.
--Roots us in who we are in contrast to the world's message.
--Yet we are special in God's eye.
--Reorients us to our ultimate, true home.
--Reference Jeremiah 29 as exiles.
WHY WE ARE HERE
--Made and sent to worship.
--Built to serve--bridging the presence of God to the rest of the world.
HOW WE LIVE
--V.11-12
--We fight and internal war with our innately sinful desires.
--Our weapon is the gift of grace as given to us by Jesus's blood.
--Humility in our lives as we reflect on His Glory.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Encountering the Risen Jesus
Following Jesus PART I
Rev. Aaron Bjerke
27 April 2014
Mark 14:27-31
27You will all fall away, "Jesus told them, "for it is written:
"I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered
28But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."
30"Truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "today--yes, tonight--before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times
31But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all others said the same.
John 21:15-25
15When they finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord, he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep, 18Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God, Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
22Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." 23Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"
24This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
25Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
FOLLOWING JESUS IS HISTORICALLY SOUND
Disciples scattered quickly after Jesus was arrested
Numbers from thousands dwindled to twelve to eleven to one...to none
Like most messiah stories, people left after their messiah died
What made them come back?
He came back
FOLLOWING JESUS IS EMOTIONALLY HEALING
--Jesus engaged Peter's brokenness
--Passages from John wasn't about forgiveness.
--Jesus addresses Peter's guilt and lingering unfaithfulness.
--Providing grace for sin and guilt
--it's time to move on
FOLLOWING JESUS IS REDIRECTING
--Share in his mission
--Recall Paul's conversion.
Rev. Aaron Bjerke
27 April 2014
Mark 14:27-31
27You will all fall away, "Jesus told them, "for it is written:
"I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered
28But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."
30"Truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "today--yes, tonight--before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times
31But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all others said the same.
John 21:15-25
15When they finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord, he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep, 18Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God, Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
22Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." 23Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"
24This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
25Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
FOLLOWING JESUS IS HISTORICALLY SOUND
Disciples scattered quickly after Jesus was arrested
Numbers from thousands dwindled to twelve to eleven to one...to none
Like most messiah stories, people left after their messiah died
What made them come back?
He came back
FOLLOWING JESUS IS EMOTIONALLY HEALING
--Jesus engaged Peter's brokenness
--Passages from John wasn't about forgiveness.
--Jesus addresses Peter's guilt and lingering unfaithfulness.
--Providing grace for sin and guilt
--it's time to move on
FOLLOWING JESUS IS REDIRECTING
--Share in his mission
--Recall Paul's conversion.
Generosity
Knowing Jesus PART IV
Rev Aaron Bjerke
30 March 2014
Luke 12:13-21; 32-34
13Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
14Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or and arbiter between you?" 15Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
16And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'
18"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grains. 19And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.'"
20"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'
21"This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.
32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
CONTEXT OF GREED
--Rich man identifies himself with wealth.
--Greed can be found in the ordinary moments of our lives.
NATURE OF GREED
--v18-19
--Generosity is an issue of what your heart wants the most.
STEP AWAY FROM GREED
--Knowledge leads to habit transformation
--Adopt a bodily posture of what we're trying to be.
--God gave is his Son, so of course, he would take care of us.
Rev Aaron Bjerke
30 March 2014
Luke 12:13-21; 32-34
13Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
14Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or and arbiter between you?" 15Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
16And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'
18"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grains. 19And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.'"
20"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'
21"This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.
32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
CONTEXT OF GREED
--Rich man identifies himself with wealth.
--Greed can be found in the ordinary moments of our lives.
NATURE OF GREED
--v18-19
--Generosity is an issue of what your heart wants the most.
STEP AWAY FROM GREED
--Knowledge leads to habit transformation
--Adopt a bodily posture of what we're trying to be.
--God gave is his Son, so of course, he would take care of us.
Prayer
Knowing Jesus PART III
Rev. David Plant
23 March 2014
Luke 11:1-13
1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, on of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
2He said to them, "When you pray, say:
"'Father, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
3Give us each day our daily bread.
4Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.'"
5Then Jesus said to them, Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.' 7And suppose the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of your fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will you Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
LORD's PRAYER
--back to basics
--Prayer will be heard; hearts and minds will be changed
--God gives us more than we ask
PRINCIPLE OF PRAYER
--Lord's Prayer recognizes that God's already blessed us.
--Motivation of our prayers shouldn't be just the stuff we want.
--Come boldly before God.
--Ask, seek, and you shall find.
--You might have to pursue the details of what you've prayed for.
--God's answer might not be clear to us.
WHAT VISION OF THE FUTURE POSSESSES MY THOUGHTS
--Desire and joy beyond the self.
--Gratitude over discontentment
--Humility over self importance.
GOD GIVES US HIMSELF THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Rev. David Plant
23 March 2014
Luke 11:1-13
1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, on of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
2He said to them, "When you pray, say:
"'Father, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
3Give us each day our daily bread.
4Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.'"
5Then Jesus said to them, Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.' 7And suppose the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of your fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will you Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
LORD's PRAYER
--back to basics
--Prayer will be heard; hearts and minds will be changed
--God gives us more than we ask
PRINCIPLE OF PRAYER
--Lord's Prayer recognizes that God's already blessed us.
--Motivation of our prayers shouldn't be just the stuff we want.
--Come boldly before God.
--Ask, seek, and you shall find.
--You might have to pursue the details of what you've prayed for.
--God's answer might not be clear to us.
WHAT VISION OF THE FUTURE POSSESSES MY THOUGHTS
--Desire and joy beyond the self.
--Gratitude over discontentment
--Humility over self importance.
GOD GIVES US HIMSELF THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Mission
Knowing Jesus PART II
Rev Leo Schuster
16 March 2014
Luke 5:4-25
4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
12While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him. "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." 13Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.
14Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sickenesses. 16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
17One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. 18Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
20When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." 21The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
22Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 24But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 25Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.
WHAT IS OUR MISSION?
--Fish for people (extending line of mercy and compassion to others)
--Leave everything to follow Jesus (Christianity isn't an accessory)
--Reordering priority.
--Peter had trouble submitting to Jesus because he considered himself and expert fisherman.
--Leper didn't allow his shame to distance himself from God.
RESOURCES TO EXECUTE MISSION
--Jesus was ostracized and mocked
--We're flawed, like his disciples.
--Our strength is in our desperation and weakness, as this is when we are most prone to surrendering to Jesus.
Rev Leo Schuster
16 March 2014
Luke 5:4-25
4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
12While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him. "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." 13Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.
14Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sickenesses. 16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
17One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. 18Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
20When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." 21The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
22Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 24But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 25Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.
WHAT IS OUR MISSION?
--Fish for people (extending line of mercy and compassion to others)
--Leave everything to follow Jesus (Christianity isn't an accessory)
--Reordering priority.
--Peter had trouble submitting to Jesus because he considered himself and expert fisherman.
--Leper didn't allow his shame to distance himself from God.
RESOURCES TO EXECUTE MISSION
--Jesus was ostracized and mocked
--We're flawed, like his disciples.
--Our strength is in our desperation and weakness, as this is when we are most prone to surrendering to Jesus.
Scripture
Knowing Jesus PART I
Dr. Timothy Keller
09 March 2014
Luke 4:1-13
1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit,left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone.'"
5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7If you worship me, it will all be yours."
8Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"
9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written:
"He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully; 11they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
12Jesus answered, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
DEPTH AND COMPLEXITY OF EVIL
--Evil that is beyond social and psychological
--Luke 22: 3 Satan enters Judas
--Devil uses physical temptation and psychological factors.
--Holding a grudge--Satan can enter us when we don't let go of anger Ephesians 4:26-27
--1Timothy 3:6 - watch the arrogance that comes from new believers.
STRATEGY OF EVIL
--Temptations are all good things being held up to Jesus.
--Jesus only uses his power to serve.
--Any good thing that is more important than God to you will become demonic.
--Satan's weapons are temptation and accusation.
--Temptations come from overconfidence and downplaying of God's importance.
--Accusations come from looking down on yourself.
DETECT SATAN THROUGH MEANS AND MESSAGE OF SCRIPTURE
--Deut 6-8
--Psalm 31:5 Trust in God
--Scripture was coming out of JC's mouth on the cross.
--Jesus needed scripture, so why wouldn't we?
Dr. Timothy Keller
09 March 2014
Luke 4:1-13
1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit,left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone.'"
5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7If you worship me, it will all be yours."
8Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"
9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written:
"He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully; 11they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
12Jesus answered, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
DEPTH AND COMPLEXITY OF EVIL
--Evil that is beyond social and psychological
--Luke 22: 3 Satan enters Judas
--Devil uses physical temptation and psychological factors.
--Holding a grudge--Satan can enter us when we don't let go of anger Ephesians 4:26-27
--1Timothy 3:6 - watch the arrogance that comes from new believers.
STRATEGY OF EVIL
--Temptations are all good things being held up to Jesus.
--Jesus only uses his power to serve.
--Any good thing that is more important than God to you will become demonic.
--Satan's weapons are temptation and accusation.
--Temptations come from overconfidence and downplaying of God's importance.
--Accusations come from looking down on yourself.
DETECT SATAN THROUGH MEANS AND MESSAGE OF SCRIPTURE
--Deut 6-8
--Psalm 31:5 Trust in God
--Scripture was coming out of JC's mouth on the cross.
--Jesus needed scripture, so why wouldn't we?
The Man Born Blind
Seeing Jesus PART VIII
Dr. Timothy Keller
23 February 2014
John 9:1-7, 35-38
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
6After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
36Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
DISCIPLES PAIN AND SUFFERING
--"Who" sinned? someone must have done something to deserve the suffering.
--Luke 13: 1-8 Jesus talks of others questioning if they are worse sinners.
--The world was created without suffering.
--We're in the world we deserve, yet God is still at work.
PHARISEES SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
--v.9 Seeing the reality of sin.
--v39-41 Blind will see and those that see will become blind
--More successful people might be disadvantaged in salvation.
--Requires admitting and knowing we are spiritually blind.
HEALING SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
--Worshiping the wrong thing is part of spiritual blindness.
--Love for God is the measure of our worth.
--Jesus was plunged into spiritual darkness while on the cross.
Dr. Timothy Keller
23 February 2014
John 9:1-7, 35-38
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
6After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
36Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
DISCIPLES PAIN AND SUFFERING
--"Who" sinned? someone must have done something to deserve the suffering.
--Luke 13: 1-8 Jesus talks of others questioning if they are worse sinners.
--The world was created without suffering.
--We're in the world we deserve, yet God is still at work.
PHARISEES SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
--v.9 Seeing the reality of sin.
--v39-41 Blind will see and those that see will become blind
--More successful people might be disadvantaged in salvation.
--Requires admitting and knowing we are spiritually blind.
HEALING SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
--Worshiping the wrong thing is part of spiritual blindness.
--Love for God is the measure of our worth.
--Jesus was plunged into spiritual darkness while on the cross.
The Crossing
Seeing Jesus PART VII
Dr. Timothy Keller
16 February 2014
John 6: 16-25
16When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." 21Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
22The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23Then some boats from Tiebrias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. 25When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
UNCONTROLLABLE FORCE
--Jesus didn't come to solve social and economic issues.
--Jesus came to conquer sin and death.
--Came to solve our most profound needs.
--Earning salvation is trying to control God.
--Jesus was strolling through a hurricane.
--Uncontrollable waters - Psalms 77
--Can't identify Jesus with a political agenda - John 18:36
WONDERFUL COUNSELOR
--Miracles aren't displays of power, but a way of ministering to people
--Jesus gets rid of the storm or takes you through it.
COSTLY SALVATION
--It is I is more like it is "I am" who sent you Exodus 3: 13-15
--I alone am my own cause.
--When God reveals "I am", it was meant to strike fear in your heart.
--When Jesus, said, "It is I", it was a call to not be afraid.
--Jesus won't abandon is in our own personal storms.
Dr. Timothy Keller
16 February 2014
John 6: 16-25
16When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." 21Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
22The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23Then some boats from Tiebrias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. 25When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
UNCONTROLLABLE FORCE
--Jesus didn't come to solve social and economic issues.
--Jesus came to conquer sin and death.
--Came to solve our most profound needs.
--Earning salvation is trying to control God.
--Jesus was strolling through a hurricane.
--Uncontrollable waters - Psalms 77
--Can't identify Jesus with a political agenda - John 18:36
WONDERFUL COUNSELOR
--Miracles aren't displays of power, but a way of ministering to people
--Jesus gets rid of the storm or takes you through it.
COSTLY SALVATION
--It is I is more like it is "I am" who sent you Exodus 3: 13-15
--I alone am my own cause.
--When God reveals "I am", it was meant to strike fear in your heart.
--When Jesus, said, "It is I", it was a call to not be afraid.
--Jesus won't abandon is in our own personal storms.
The Healing
Seeing Jesus PART IV
Dr. Timothy Keller
26 January 2014
John 4:46-54
46Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.
48"Unless you people see signs and wonders," Jesus told him, you will never believe."
49The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies."
50"Go," Jesus replied, "your son will live."
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him."
53Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and his whole household believed.
54Ths was the second sing Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.
Life Giving Faith - Non Christians often view it as a temperment or talent.
REASON
--Miracles often serve as evidnece for faith. v.48
TRUST
--Jeusus said his son would be ok--didn't go to see his son, but the royal official believed him and went home.
--Believing about Jesus vs Believing Jesus.
FURNACE
--Faith grows under fire-uncontrollable, not a tame lion.
OBJECT
--Faith saves you by the object, not the quality.
--Just enough faith to cling to Jesus--Jesus being the object.
--Questioning faith could be part of the process.
--Boy wasn't healed by father's faith, but by Jesus's power.
POINTS TO JESUS
--Go to Jesus when in trouble.
--Go on his terms, not yours.
--Tell others about it
Dr. Timothy Keller
26 January 2014
John 4:46-54
46Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.
48"Unless you people see signs and wonders," Jesus told him, you will never believe."
49The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies."
50"Go," Jesus replied, "your son will live."
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him."
53Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and his whole household believed.
54Ths was the second sing Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.
Life Giving Faith - Non Christians often view it as a temperment or talent.
REASON
--Miracles often serve as evidnece for faith. v.48
TRUST
--Jeusus said his son would be ok--didn't go to see his son, but the royal official believed him and went home.
--Believing about Jesus vs Believing Jesus.
FURNACE
--Faith grows under fire-uncontrollable, not a tame lion.
OBJECT
--Faith saves you by the object, not the quality.
--Just enough faith to cling to Jesus--Jesus being the object.
--Questioning faith could be part of the process.
--Boy wasn't healed by father's faith, but by Jesus's power.
POINTS TO JESUS
--Go to Jesus when in trouble.
--Go on his terms, not yours.
--Tell others about it
The Lamb
Seeing Jesus PART II
Rev Leo Schuster
12 January 2014
John 1:19-34
19Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jersusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ." 21They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."
22Finally they said,"Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'"
24Now some Pharisees who had been sent 25questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" 26"I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. 27He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." 28This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
32Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.
JOHN'S VIEW OF HIMSELF
--Testimony and confession; bearing witness.
--Not Elijah or Moses, the Prophet.
--Not about himself--v.23 "I am the voice.."
--V.26--Unworthy of Jesus.
--Both humility and courage.
HUMILITY
--not thinking less of yourself, BUT thinking of yourself less.
--Losing self importnace will lead you to find yourself.
--John is "lost" in the wilderness.
JOHN'S VIEW OF JESUS
--Didn't KNOW Jesus until he baptized him and witness heaven opening up.
--An epiphany.
--Jesus was sent to the wilderness after being baptized.
--Baptism is identifying with Jesus.
LAMB OF GOD
--Foreshadow of the sacrificial crucifixion.
--New person by faith in Jesus Christ; we are shaped by, not what others think of us, but what God things of us.
--New purpose of directing others out of the wilderness.
--New passion of seeing with the eyes of love.
Revelations 5:12-14
Rev Leo Schuster
12 January 2014
John 1:19-34
19Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jersusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ." 21They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."
22Finally they said,"Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'"
24Now some Pharisees who had been sent 25questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" 26"I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. 27He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." 28This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
32Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.
JOHN'S VIEW OF HIMSELF
--Testimony and confession; bearing witness.
--Not Elijah or Moses, the Prophet.
--Not about himself--v.23 "I am the voice.."
--V.26--Unworthy of Jesus.
--Both humility and courage.
HUMILITY
--not thinking less of yourself, BUT thinking of yourself less.
--Losing self importnace will lead you to find yourself.
--John is "lost" in the wilderness.
JOHN'S VIEW OF JESUS
--Didn't KNOW Jesus until he baptized him and witness heaven opening up.
--An epiphany.
--Jesus was sent to the wilderness after being baptized.
--Baptism is identifying with Jesus.
LAMB OF GOD
--Foreshadow of the sacrificial crucifixion.
--New person by faith in Jesus Christ; we are shaped by, not what others think of us, but what God things of us.
--New purpose of directing others out of the wilderness.
--New passion of seeing with the eyes of love.
Revelations 5:12-14
In the Beginning
Seeing Jesus PART I
05 January 2014
Dr Timothy Keller
John 1: 1-14
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--12children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from Father, full of grace and truth.
THE CLAIM (v1-4)
--Personal, Divine, without a beginning.
--In him was life - the source of all life.
--WORD / LOGOS - a spirtual / cosmic order.
--The WORD is a person, not just a principle.
REJECTION (v5-11)
--V.5 - The darkness has not understood it.(KJV)
--Rejection through hostility or not fully understanding it.
--Most have a strong moral feeling without a program of justice.
--Jesus was hard to understand for the moral upright, because he spent time with sinners.
ANSWERS (v.12-14)
--Not all are children of God--something that is received.
--Unconditional commitment of a father.
--As the Word becomes Flesh, Jesus became the temple.
--The story of Jesus is a non-oppressive absolute (God becomming weak).
05 January 2014
Dr Timothy Keller
John 1: 1-14
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--12children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from Father, full of grace and truth.
THE CLAIM (v1-4)
--Personal, Divine, without a beginning.
--In him was life - the source of all life.
--WORD / LOGOS - a spirtual / cosmic order.
--The WORD is a person, not just a principle.
REJECTION (v5-11)
--V.5 - The darkness has not understood it.(KJV)
--Rejection through hostility or not fully understanding it.
--Most have a strong moral feeling without a program of justice.
--Jesus was hard to understand for the moral upright, because he spent time with sinners.
ANSWERS (v.12-14)
--Not all are children of God--something that is received.
--Unconditional commitment of a father.
--As the Word becomes Flesh, Jesus became the temple.
--The story of Jesus is a non-oppressive absolute (God becomming weak).
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