Jesus and His Indispensable Parts

Once and Future Kings - "Jesus and His Indispensable Parts"

Transforming Truth: The King Comes Bearing Gifts

The universal church is made up of God fearing, Jesus honoring, Bible preaching local congregations. In every way, the local churches of Jesus Christ are built through the faith of church members. The Kingdom of God is advanced through local churches, fulfilling Jesus Christ's mission through the contributions of its people within. Just as the sacraments reorient our hearts to the attitude, love, and redeeming work of God, the gifts of the Holy Spirit empower the work so that Jesus' gospel might advance. In this section of Corinthians, Paul teaches us about Jesus as the king who has come bearing gifts.

The work of Jesus is summarized in the gospel, which is His advent through a virgin birth, His sinless life as an example to all believers, His miracle ministry and His propitiatory death on the cross, burial, and resurrection to reconcile humanity to God. As a witness of this, He left gifts of the Holy Spirit that testify to Jesus' person, power ,and present ministry.

Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Corinthians 12:1-6 NIV)

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, comprised of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit (John 14, 16). They are one, each eternal and co-equal in divinity. The second ecumenical council of the Christian church, the Council of Constantinople, held in Constantinople in AD 381, promulgated the ratified Nicene Creed and the biblically revealed divinity of the Holy Spirit.

You can remember the roles of each of the members of the Trinity as you picture the sign of the cross that many Catholics make: Vertically- the Father is above and rules over all, while the Son came to the earth to atone for our sins; horizontally- the Holy Spirit is the one who lives in us and is with us today, to minister through us utilizing gifts that the Father wants to give us.

Do Not Be Ignorant About the Gifts

How do all of these gifts connect to Jesus?

Everything points to honoring Jesus.

Any ministry that takes place by the power of the Holy Spirit will lead to Jesus being exalted as Lord. That is the purpose and aim of spiritual gifts: to see the uncreated, incarnate God, Jesus Christ made tangible and real in people's thinking and experience.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11 NIV)

You can not dismiss something based on your lack of experience. Neither fear, a lack of understanding, or negative experience have the right to dictate theology. It must be God the Father speaking by the Holy Spirit about Jesus the Son and all that comes with Him through His word.

The answer to abuse is not disuse, but proper use.

There are both benefits and challenges to the way that you came to Jesus:

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NIV)

The reality is that what was impressed upon you as you grew can shape your current perception of God.

The benefit that many who grew up in Christian homes had is that they were exposed to the reality of Jesus from an early age. They were ideally able to avoid many of the pitfalls of moral decline in our culture. They were able to have a certain biblical exposure that at least allowed them the assumption of the reality of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit could at times be the uncle that no one really knows that well, what job he has or what he does for a living. The benefit that I had in not growing up in the church is that when I did become a Christian, I had to let the Bible speak for itself, along with a Hebrew-Aramaic-Greek study lexicon and a good set of Bible commentaries to explain the cultural context of the Scripture, history, and the like.

There are continued lists of gifts of the Holy Spirit found in Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 4:7-16, and I Peter 4:10-11 that we will cover at other times. Today we will simply focus on those represented in Paul's letter to the Corinthians. With each we will see that in the New Testament, Jesus set an example for these gifts by the power of the Holy Spirit, and they were continued through the church by the same Holy Spirit to Jesus' glory. They were not limited to the twelve unique apostles of Jesus, but were distributed as God intended, to members of the church.

	Jesus' Example	Others' Examples
Wisdom	Luke 2:41-52	James in Acts 15:1-35
Knowledge	John 4:1-42	Peter in Acts 5:1-11
Faith	Luke 8:40-56	Barnabas in Acts 11:19-30
Healing	Mark 1:29-34	Phillip in Acts 8:1-8
Miraculous Powers	John 2:1-11	Stephen in Acts 6:8-7:60

The philosophy of naturalism has done much to try to squelch the supernatural gifts in the church. We have been affected without realizing it.

“Christ's miracles were not the suspension of the natural order but the restoration of the natural order. They were a reminder of what once was prior to the fall and a preview of what will eventually be a universal reality once again--a world of peace and justice, without death, disease, or conflict.” ― Timothy Keller

The naturalist environment in which we live has us daily wake up to an anti-supernaturalist atmosphere.

“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.” ― C.S. Lewis

Prophecy, Speaking in Different Kinds of Tongues, and the Interpretation of Tongues we will cover next week. (Paul, the daughters of Phillip the evangelist, Agabus, and others were examples of those operating in these gifts.)

	Jesus' Example	Others' Examples
Distinguishing Between Spirits	Mark 9:14-32; Luke 13:10-17	Paul in Acts 16:16-40

There are two main ways that you can figure out how you're gifted:

1) Prophetic messages and impartations

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. (1 Timothy 4:14 NIV)

2) Try different areas of service to see whether or not you have an ability to minister effectively in that area resulting in people experiencing the grace of God through your service to them through the use of that gift. If people regularly seek you out for a certain type of service or encourage you in a particular trait, you should not assume that all people have such gifting and should instead embrace it to use that natural talent or spiritual gift to build up the church.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIV)

The great tragedy of the Christian community is when we feel like one gift is more valuable or exciting than another. The truth is that each person and each gift is indispensable for the advance of Jesus' kingdom as people have the gospel shared with them, are taught the Scripture, are loved, served through the church, prayed for, discipled, shown hospitality, and trained to be leaders to help shape society to the glory of God. We need to stop making comparisons and instead be complements to one another as we work toward the common goal of seeing the multitudes in this city and the nations come to Christ.

Are you fulfilling your role so that more and more people might be reached with the gospel of Jesus?

If you don't yet see something in the church that you are passionate about, or an area in which God has talented/gifted you, talk to us. You are the very person being added to help plant, water, and build that area that God will cause to grow for the saving of many lives and for His glory. (Genesis 50)

And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:28-31 NIV)

	Jesus' Example	Others' Examples
Apostles	Hebrews 3:1	Timothy + Silas in 1 Thess. 1:1-2:8
Teachers	John 1:36-39	Priscilla and Aquila in Acts 18:24-26
Helps	John 13	Tabitha in Acts 9:32-43; Mark in II Tim. 4:11
Guidance/Administration	Luke 9:10-17	The deacons in Acts 6:1-7

How do these gifts work together for the sake of the gospel?

The Body of Christ, the church, is to be a people that continually exalt the person of Jesus through the preaching of the totality of Scripture and administration of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. As a result, we are to see many people reconciled to God through Christ.

Take-Home Truth:

1) Pray for a way within or through the church through which you can serve.

Second City Church- Once and Future Kings Sermon Series 2013

Jesus and Communion

Once and Future Kings - "Jesus and Communion"

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Transforming Truth: The King Comes To Forgive

As we begin the advent season, we remember the fact that Jesus was the king who was born to die. By the time Paul was writing to the Corinthians, Jesus had come, lived, died in payment for our sins, and was resurrected to bring new life to those who would believe. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians was delivered about twenty years after the culmination of these events. Paul passes on sacred rhythms for the church to maintain the preeminence of Jesus' coming and his reconciling work as king. As we look into the Scriptures, we will see both the purpose of communion and how to participate in the sacrament in a worthy manner.

The Purpose of Communion

On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’ ” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:17-30 NIV)

Communion, like the Passover meal which Jesus used to commence the practice, had an element of looking behind and looking ahead. The Passover looked behind to the deliverance from Egypt in the Exodus. This is now symbolic of our freedom that Jesus purchased on the cross for us through the giving of His body and shed blood. We embrace this initially through the sacrament of baptism. We commemorate it through communion. There was, in the Passover, also a looking ahead to the future redemption of Israel, while communion also celebrates this looking forward to Jesus' return.

Communion in a Worthy Manner

In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter! For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world. So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions. (1 Corinthians 11:17-34 NIV)

The Corinthian society had festive meals where the elite and poor were separated, and served meals of corresponding quality. The early church met in the homes of wealthy patrons that could seat between 40 and 50 people. They emulated this divisive practice to the dishonor of the gospel. Divisions in the community between married couples and singles, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, hipsters and traditionalists are to be continually broken through communion.

Are you allowing the sacrament to center your life in gospel living?

The sacraments are the great levelers of men since all must come to Jesus in the same way. Through communion, we are to be unified in our remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, celebrating it in a manner where the haves and have nots are thrown out the door. It is as we leave this table that the leveling in our hearts should continue to produce charitable affection and action towards one another and the world in which we live. Baptism is the same as we remember the death that Jesus had to endure for all of our sin. It is only as we enter into His death through baptism that our obedience is made complete and the pledge of a good conscience toward God sets us on course to new living, with a circumcision done by the hand of God rather than men. Those uncircumcised in the old covenant were cut off from the people. It is an outward sign of an inward work.

Life will not become less busy or have less responsibility in the call of God. Part of communion is remembering the joy that is to be found in remembering the fact that we are called to be servants like Christ, laying down our lives for God and others. You are frustrated when you move out of that place of contented love. The sacraments return the joy of our salvation and our daily service to us because we again remember Jesus and His sacrifice, a total life lived for the honor of the Father and the redemption of others.

Communion is a place where we are to judge ourselves and come to repentance so that we will not fall under the judgement of God. It is a place where we take an evaluation of our actual walk with Jesus, to see if we are living wholeheartedly in obedience to His commands or simply playing church. It is an act of kindness that He continually calls us to this place so that we might once again experience His grace.

“No one should be surprised at the difficulty of faith, if there is some part of his life where he is consciously resisting or disobeying the commandment of Jesus. Is there some part of your life which you are refusing to surrender at his behest, some sinful passion, maybe, or some animosity, some hope, perhaps your ambition or your reason? ... How can you hope to enter into communion with him when at some point in your life you are running away from him?” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

The Biblical term "falling asleep" was utilized for those waiting for death until the final judgment of Jesus and the subsequent resurrection from the dead. When Paul says that there are those who are sick and fall asleep because of their lack of esteem for communion, it is because they are making a mockery of the body of Jesus that was broken and the blood of Jesus that was spilled for them in sacrifice. You are to continually return to a place of thankfulness through communion as you remember the price that Jesus paid to demonstrate His love for the Father, for you, and His desire to see you reconciled.

What better way is there to show appreciation during this Christmas season, than to partake of the sacrament of communion where we remember the body and blood of Jesus Christ, shed for our sins?

“We who have turned our lives over to Christ need to know how very much he longs to eat with us, to commune with us. He desires a perpetual Eucharistic feast in the inner sanctuary of the heart.” ― Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth

Second City Church- Once and Future Kings Sermon Series 2013

Jesus and a Restored Dignity

Tough Questions - "Jesus and a Restored Dignity"

Transforming Question: Are you allowing Jesus to define your identity and give you dignity as He does?

Paul was writing to the Corinthian church that was at the intersection of several worlds. There was the Greek population to which many attributed their ethnic heritage, the Roman society from which several derived their citizenship, and the newfound Christianity which defined their faith. Each of these were cultures that had within them manners in which the Corinthians were learning to identify themselves and interact. In this section, Paul begins to give the Corinthians, and us, anchors for the soul by helping to restore dignity to the sexes as we focus on the person of Jesus.

Much like the importance of counteracting the push towards an androgynous society today, Paul sees the need to address the Corinthians' fear of definition.

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God. (1 Corinthians 11:1-16 NIV)

This is an important discussion, because what you think about God's attitude toward the dignity of the genders will ultimately affect your relationships in the home, in the workplace, your relationship with Jesus Himself, and ultimately your potential kingdom activity.

In some modern scholarship, Paul, Christianity, and Jesus are presented as misogynistic. However, when you understand the context of the Scripture, you see that nothing could be farther from the truth. The truth is that in Greek culture, Aristotelian viewpoints had a foothold that the gospel was coming to untie.

In her detailed book, The Concept of Woman: The Aristotelian Revolution 750 Bc-Ad 1250 (1997), Prudence Allen lays out for us some of the groundwork to explain the pendulum swings between chauvinism and extreme feminism within Western civilization.

1. The male is separated from the female, since it is something better and more divine in that it is the principle of movement for generated things, while the female serves as their matter. 2. A woman is as it were an infertile male. 3. The female is as it were a deformed male. 4. The male is by nature superior, and the female inferior; and the one rules, and the other is ruled.

In these statements the superior valuation of man over woman is explicitly stated. However, it is also present in the theory of contraries and in other aspects of Aristotle’s thought about sex identity. Aristotle stands out from his predecessors in that he gave a complete rationale for his theory of sex polarity. He developed reasons and arguments for the philosophically significant differentiation of the sexes and for the superiority of man over woman. Therefore, he is correctly identified as the founder of the sex polarity position. (page 121)

As opposed to male chauvinism and the understandable response of extreme feminism, the biblical model is a response that is properly identified as complimentarianism based on the ontological order of God and the two-sided example of Jesus Christ.

Paul is here answering questions posed by the Corinthian church, within their context, to which we are not privy. Regardless, by working with the totality of Scripture, we can extract certain principles from this text for which we should be thankful as we once again center on the person of Jesus.

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV)

The whole point is, whether male or female, you are to follow the example of servant leadership and perfect submission found in Christ. The issue is how to wield and how to yield to authority.

But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3 NIV)

The word "man" can also be translated "husband," and the word "woman" can also be translated "wife."

It is important that we note this, because I have had to make some crazy clarifications. For example: In a dating relationship, a girlfriend is not obligated to submit to her boyfriend. This is also not saying that every man is to be the head of every woman in the workplace.

The point is for both men and women to be like Jesus in proper relationship to authority. Men are to lead their families according to the precepts of the Bible. Women are to be like Jesus following the biblical lead of their husbands. God the Father is the ultimate authority. Jesus, though co-equal, submits to His authority. As the man submits to Jesus, and, in a marriage, the woman submits to her husband. The Father never abuses His authority with the Son; nor is the husband to abuse it with his wife.

In a marriage, a husband is not an ultimate authority, but has responsibility in his home to lead. This is what Adam abdicated in the beginning (Genesis 3:6-12). What this means is that as Jesus was with the Father, the husband and wife are to be unified in their purpose toward gospel ends. This is a difficult case where in many scenarios, the women have been those who pursue Jesus while the husband is passive or pagan. In this manner, a wife is only to submit to the authority of her husband as the husband himself is submitted to Christ. This is where the protection comes from.

The man is under the authority of Christ and is to lead his family as a delegated authority in that place. As seen by other instruction (Ephesians 5:21-33), the husband is to provide his love, provision (I Timothy 5:7,8), protection, and covering as he lays down his life for his wife to lead like Jesus. The wife is in this context empowered to fulfill her role as a co-heir of the kingdom (I Peter 3:1-7) with her husband, in unity and submission, as Jesus is unified with and submitted to the Father. Jesus is the reference point for both- empowering, dignifying, and leading in each scenario.

Headship does not promote or sanction abuse, as Paul said:

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (Colossians 3:19-21 NIV)

Peter also made this abundantly clear when he exposed God's heart to men's delegated leadership:

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (1 Peter 3:7 NIV)

When we think that either men or women are not esteemed enough, it is because we lack proper esteem for Jesus Himself who is the model for both the sexes.

In our culture, the discussion of sex speaks of biology, while gender speaks of roles based on that biology. The culture wars that exist are a product of sin. We do not need to go back to societal structures but God's design in creation to get our right bearings.

This is a discussion of ontological order.

As in Corinth, there are attacks on both masculinity and femininity in our culture today, but both must be esteemed as good and beautiful. Men are told that they need to act more like women in the church, and women are pressured to feel like they need to act more like men to get ahead in the marketplace or society. These things are not God's design. Both were made in the image of God and have unique expressions that are to be complementary rather than contentious, competing, or at odds with one another.

Jesus is the perfect example of submission while being co-equal with and empowered by the Father.

Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. (1 Corinthians 11:4 NIV)

In Corinthian culture, those who wore headdresses were the elite of society who participated in their cult worship and used it as a means to communicate their place in society. The focus was on their status rather than Jesus, and, thus, they were dishonoring their head.

Men have crazy qualifications for the things that are to make them men today, as parodied in our advertising:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4zmG0hhl0Q

A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. (1 Corinthians 11:7 NIV)

Men are not idiots as modern media portrays, but are to assume their roles as the glory of God. It is the fear of God, taking responsibility and living in a holy manner, that is pleasing to Jesus that makes you a man.

But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. (1 Corinthians 11:5, 6 NIV)

In antiquity, women's hair was a common object of lust, and in much of the Mediterranean, women were expected to cover their hair. Failing to do so was thought to provoke male lust as bathing suits are thought to in some cultures today. There was a clash of cultures as Jewish women covered their heads striving for propriety, and upper-class women of the Roman social elite were eager to set trends and show off their fashion. The point is propriety within the culture, and this does not transcend to every culture. In Corinthian society, women who were married wore head coverings. Those who did not were considered unchaste.

Paul uses an ancient rhetorical skill, reductio ad absurdum, reducing their insistance on bald heads to the absurd, saying why not shave a woman's head if that is the greatest shame for a woman within that culture. In essence, Paul says don't reject authority, and don't be unchaste.

The issue of authority will always be an important one. All relationships and civilization are built on a measure of it. For positive forward movement and unity to exist simultaneously, there must be headship in family relationships, between spouses, between parents and children, bosses and employees, in the church, and within the Trinity itself.

Women are esteemed by Paul in being given roles of both public prayers and prophecy within the church, which were strides forward in the cultural context. Appealing in verse 7 to the creation account makes it obvious that God's design was that both men and women were made in the image of God, and were to be respected as such.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UFpe3Up9T_g

We have had to work with one of our daughters toward a reorientation of what actually is a princess. In Genesis 2:18, the phrase translated "helper suitable" was one praising the women's strength. It was an esteeming, rather than a demeaning nomenclature to induce subservience. The word helper was used more often of God the Holy Spirit than anyone else in the Old Testament, as God was helping the Israelites win wars, etc. "Suitable" means "corresponding" or "appropriate to" as an equal, as opposed to the animals who were being ruled over. Women were given as a complementing gift for their strength, not their subjected service.

Everything is to be a reflection of the Trinitarian relationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are one God, three persons, equal in value, different in function. The Holy Spirit is called the Helper of Israel, though He is equal in essence to God the Father. The ecumenical councils sought to establish this point.

Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. (1 Corinthians 11:11, 12 NIV)

The issue was the respect for God-given identity, women acting as women and men acting as men. The answer was to avoid one extreme or the other - either the unchaste rebellion toward authority or the subservient mentality that Christ came to liberate the cultures from (Galatians 3:26-29).

We are to be thankful that there is interdependence in Jesus. There is no room for violence, dominance, or abuse, but love, honor and respect from both sides with eyes focused on honoring our ultimate head, God the Father, through the Son Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. (1 Corinthians 11:14, 15 NIV)

Finally, Paul uses the modus operadi of the Stoic philosophers making appeals to nature. Paul is well aware of the fact that barbarians, philosophers, the heroes of the epic past, as well as the Jewish Nazirites maintained long hair, even as a means to honor God. Here he is simply using the argument that men should not try to appear as women, nor be effeminate as men. Instead, men should take responsibility, be full of strength, and ready to lead. Paul is saying that we should be thankful that though culture would attempt to reduce men to blundering idiots, God has a place of dignity and esteem that he returns to them through Jesus.

The answer to abuse is not revisionism, but repentance. This repentance takes place regularly as we enter into ongoing fellowship with Jesus through communion, which we will cover in further detail next week.

Second City Church- Tough Questions Sermon Series 2013

Jesus and the Sacrifices That We Make

Tough Questions: Jesus and the Sacrifices That We Make

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Transforming Question: Is Jesus authoring and receiving the glory from the sacrifices that you are making?

Life is ultimately an act, a dance, if you will, of worship. The irony is that not everyone knows that they are worshiping or what they are worshiping. Beyond just music or song, worship was biblically defined as service to someone or something. Worship includes sacrifice. The key is to be able to recognize what you are sacrificing and question whether Jesus is authoring that sacrifice, being honored in the midst of it. Paul asks questions in this segment to highlight for the Corinthians what and who they are actually worshiping. To do so, he exposes the nature of deceptive religion, helps to identify the root of the sacrifices that we make, and finally helps us to understand the value in doing all things for the glory of God.

Deceptive Religion

People can think they are living for Jesus when they really are not.

Paul ended the previous section of the letter giving an analogy of how a Christian must run their race in Christ in such a way as not to be "disqualified for the prize." It is here that he develops that thought exposing the ways that the norms of the pagan culture can impact the Christian.

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:1-13 NIV)

You are first given clues in Paul's appeal as to how to read your Bible.

The Gentile Corinthians would have been unaware of the Jewish history to which Paul was making reference, so he makes it a point here to clarify that the God who brought the Israelites out of Egypt in the Old Testament is the same God that they now serve in Jesus. This connection between the Old and New Testament is one that we must continue to esteem today. In this sense, Paul presents Christian heritage as encamped in Jewish history, where the patriarchs and matriarchs of faith are to be honored as our forefathers and mothers. Most importantly, there are not two different Gods, but one between the two covenants. All of human history is God's unveiling of one continuous redemptive story through the person of Jesus. When references are made to previous events in Scripture, it is important for you to cross-reference the source, so that you can understand the full extent of the analogy being made in its original context, and then the applied context.

They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:2-4 NIV)

The first sacrifice that we are to make where we come to Jesus in real submission is through a believer's baptism. Each of the Israelites who passed through the Red Sea had to actively put their faith in God to deliver them from their bondage in Egypt and bring them into the freedom of a new life. Many people as a part of a religious family were dedicated to the Lord as a child, but have never chosen to take their own "walk through the sea" as an outward sign of their personal trust in Jesus. You can not ride on the coattails of your family forever. Have you had a believer's baptism, one of repentance? When you do this, you are personally choosing to give the totality of your life to Jesus. You are uniting with Him in His death on the cross for your sins that had you bound, and putting your trust in the power of God that raised Jesus from the dead, so that you may too come out of that water to live a new life.

“Everything has been figured out, except how to live.” ―Jean-Paul Sartre

Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. (1 Corinthians 10:5 NIV)

The fear of the Lord needs to be upon us as we recognize that "most of them" in that generation fell in the desert, because they did not obey God's commands, but instead chased their idols, the things that they wanted most in life above God.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. (1 Corinthians 10:6 NIV)

Worship and the sacrifices that you make for it begins with where your set your heart. Biblically, your heart refers to your affections, your emotions, and desires. Sin surfaces when you sacrifice setting your heart on the best thing, otherwise known as the blessed thing, for immediate gratification. It is in this place that things always seem to fall apart because you encounter the resistance of God. This is essentially what a curse is. The things on which we set our hearts today are similar in root to those of the Israelites coming out of Egypt.

Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” (1 Corinthians 10:7 NIV)

Idolatry and Pagan Revelry - This is the idea when you say, "God you owe me. My life deserves to be a rip-roaring good time, and I am not going to have you constrain me." If you live solely for comfort and pleasures, you will be an idolator. In this scenario, the people of Israel were tired of waiting for Moses to come down with direction from the mountain, so in the meantime, made their own false god through which they could satisfy their carnal desires. There is having a drink, and there is drunkenness. There is eating, and there is gluttony. There is having a good time dancing, and there is turn down the lights club grinding. Don't indulge in the latter.

We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. (1 Corinthians 10:8 NIV)

Sexual immorality - This is the idea when you say, "God, you owe me. As a sexual being, I deserve to have all of my sexual desires fulfilled." This is why dating someone whose heart is not set on the Lord's purposes is so detrimental. The natural flow of relationships is to yearn for physical intimacy, which is to a blessed thing in the commitments of marriage. However, at Shittim (Numbers 25:1-3), the seduction of the Moabite women led the Israelites to the worship of pagan gods. The Israelites were, thus, derailed in their devotion to and pursuit of the one true God. As with the Levites, there had to be a line drawn in the sand.

We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. (1 Corinthians 10:9 NIV)

They tested Christ. This is the idea when you say, "God you owe me. I deserve to have the baby, the spouse, the job, the position, and the income I want exactly when I think I am worthy of it." The Israelites began to disdain the manna that He was feeding them. Some of you might equally have abandoned feeding on the unchanging gospel of Jesus found in the Scriptures and found that you are withering in your souls. You begin to test and see if there are other philosophies, religions, or practices that can sustain you just as well, but the result is catastrophic. The snake, the deceiver, will always begin to bite, injecting you with his poison. The good news is that because of God's mercy, you can once again look to Jesus lifted up, and He will forgive you. Testing Jesus also refers to times when you see how long you think you can get away with a particular sin without repercussion. The sad truth is many people only wake up once they are faced with the consequences of their actions. Don't be that person, but if it is you, you can turn to Jesus for healing today (John 3:14,15).

And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. (1 Corinthians 10:10 NIV)

Grumbling - This is the idea when you say, "If things did not turn out as I expected them to be, You are not doing your job, because really God, aren't You here to serve me?" This is the common theme in Christian culture of charging God with wrongdoing and "being mad at God." We feel like we have the right to accuse God, our leaders, and His people when we are "just getting things off of your chest." It's not like you really dislike Jesus, you're just venting for relief. This was most often in response to what the Israelites felt like they left behind in Egypt, what they felt like they were missing. What they forgot, and what we forget today is the bondage and the treacherously hard labor that came with it. God put an end to that himself.

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” ― G.K. Chesterton, What's Wrong with the World

The good news is that in all that we do as a church, Jesus chooses to continue to walk with us in powerful ways. He was there in the Exodus, leading His people in the cloud. He was also satisfying their thirst in a dry and weary place supernaturally through the rock. He does the same for you today as you walk with His people and come to Him.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:12, 13 NIV)

The Sacrifices that We Make

You make sacrifices everyday. Whether it is to get ahead in life or simply a decision about what you will do with your time, you are always sacrificing one thing for another. When your life is not centered in Jesus, the sacrifices are often in pursuit of your idol, the thing that you love more than Jesus.

Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he? (1 Corinthians 10:14-22 NIV)

Paul re-references idols because you, like the Corinthians, have to know how to deal with those that are public, as well as those that are private. In I Corinthians 8, Paul refers to public sacrifices, those that one was invited to participate in as a part of civic life. Here, he makes the point that there are also private invitations to participate in idolatry, in this case in a home, over a meal. The reality about idols and the nature of the beast is that they always find a way to try to creep back in. Satan left Jesus after his temptation in the desert until an opportune time. You need to constantly press the reset button.

Paul exhorts you to flee from idolatry because worship outside of the person and cause of Jesus always leads to dissatisfaction, frustration, and disappointment. Even in false religions, people think that they are serving one entity, but really they are sacrificing to destructive demons. Knowing that you are in the pleasure and will of God brings you peace that is health to your whole body, mind and soul. The truth is that you fall into idolatrous sacrifices when you make good things become ruling things in your life. You know that they rule you because you are aware that if they were taken away, your sense of stability or happiness would leave with them. This is the root of misplaced identity, and Jesus wants to deliver you from that by exposing the motivation behind and the recipient of the sacrifices that you are making.

The yearning for the approval of people other than Jesus and the desire to control certain elements of your life can often drive ungodly sacrifices.

How do people make sacrifices?

Are you making sacrifices in your workplace at the expense of biblical convictions and kingdom pursuits?

Are you making sacrifices in your purity pushing boundaries for a romantic relationship that you hope to keep?

Are you sacrificing your family in exchange for an exalted perception of success in your career?

Are you sacrificing your godly relationships because you find it more comfortable to hide in your offenses or pain?

Are you sacrificing intimacy with God for the sake of entertainment or a few more moments of sleep that really do not rejuvenate you?

Are you sacrificing what God says gives you value and worth for the things that the culture esteems?

We are often blind to the things that are destroying our lives.

Certain personalities lean towards certain things. For instance, my mind locks onto something, and I'm like a dog on a bone until it is accomplished. My wife continually speaks of the gravitation that I have towards the phone and technology, always being at work, always feeling like I need to connect with the next person. I am asking God to help me set boundaries lest it damage what is most important in my family. Some would say that this is obsessive or compulsive. If left without the intervention of God, though these personality types can lead to high achievement, it can also lead to addictions and control. For many, the fear of losing control has led to abuse of various types, drug or alcohol addiction, rampant sexual activity as a vie for power, acceptance or numbing of the pain of a violation. Others are passive or passive aggressive because of disappointments or discouragements. Jesus comes to set us free from our bondages.

In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis clearly exemplifies how subtle and imperceptible our sacrifices can be, and their penultimate results.

In the following quote, you have this designation of characters:

The speaker: Screwtape, a devil The recipient: Wormwood, another devil The Enemy: God The man: a Christian The Light: the life following Jesus

"...Nothing is very strong: strong enough to steal away a man's best years not in sweet sins but in a dreary flickering of the mind over it knows not what and knows not why, in the gratification of curiosities so feeble that the man is only half aware of them,...which once chance and association has started them, the creature is too weak and fuddled to shake off. You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young tempters, you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy. It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.." -C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters - Letter 12

The world says:

“Self-sacrifice? But it is precisely the self that cannot and must not be sacrificed.” ― Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead

However, God's relationship with us is foundationally built on His self-sacrificial nature. Have you ever been in a relationship where it seemed that you were the only one making all of the sacrifices to make the relationship work, while the other party merely took advantage of your kindness? Relationships cannot endure this forever. Jealousy can be both good and bad. If it is controlling and domineering, it the type of the sinful nature which is destructive and God says to leave behind. If the jealousy is relational and based on the loving care, it is for the protection and good of the object of that jealousy. The latter is the type of jealousy that God has in His heart toward His people and is based on a longing for deep, life-giving intimacy.

The good news of the gospel is that Jesus established His covenant with you through the cross by being both the one who set the terms and the sacrifice that fulfilled the demands of that relationship with God. In response to His grace, He now requires a radical reorientation of our lives with acute attention to the detail as to whom your sacrifices are being made. This is a question of both motivation and orientation. The motivation reveals why you are making the sacrifices that you are. The orientation shows you the result of those sacrifices. They must both be submitted to God as not to arouse His loving jealousy.

Everything To the Glory of God

The decisions that you have to make on a daily basis will all become easier if you are continually asking the question, "Will Jesus be glorified through this sacrifice?".

It is easy to identify detrimental sacrifices that other people are making in their lives; it is much harder to see your own. This is the value of Christ-centered relationships that can be a mirror to you. There is no way that you can have a clear read on whether or not your sacrifices are pleasing to Jesus without the revelation of His Word. Where there are questionable matters, prayer and godly counsel are combined with the Word to give you specific insight into the heart of God. As we see with the propensity toward deceptive religion, counsel must reflect God's Word. It is not simply because someone is in the church that you should emulate their standards in regard to relationships, speech, finances, family, career, or entertainment.

“It wasn't necessary to win for the story to be great, it was only necessary to sacrifice everything.” ― Donald Miller, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life

“A man who does not have something for which he is willing to die is not fit to live." ― Martin Luther King Jr.

Everyone wants to live with this type of resolve in their lives, to know that their days and contribution to the world count. The question is, how do you get there?

Paul is giving instruction to properly direct the Corinthians', and our, worship.

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:23-33 NIV)

The question when you belong to someone else is not, "Is this best for me?" The motivating question is, "Is what I am about to do best for Jesus, His reputation, His people and my relationships with them as I serve the world.

God is good and cares for His people as an all-wise, loving Father. It does not mean that you will get exactly what you want, when you want all of the time. It does mean that by His determination, when we make the right sacrifices, with Jesus at the center, He promises this:

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you. (Psalm 84:11, 12 NIV)

Take-Home Truth:

1) Begin to filter all of your life decisions through the aim of giving Jesus glory.

Second City Church- Tough Questions Sermon Series 2013

Jesus and a Generous Heart

Tough Questions: Jesus and a Generous Heart

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“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ― Winston Churchill

Transforming Question: Are you allowing Jesus to make you a radically generous person?

As Chicago is presently, the city of Corinth was one of the wealthiest cities in the world in Paul's day. Paul was writing, however, to a people who were not generous in heart. Their lives were not centered around the gospel, so living generously became an inconvenience to them rather than a joyful thank offering to God. In this section of Corinthians, Paul poses his own set of questions to the church so that they might become generous in heart, like Jesus. In doing so, he helps us understand how our generosity shapes the church and how our generosity should impact our ministry to the world.

How Generosity Shapes the Church

God is radically generous. The gospel begins like this:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)

When God's generosity is present in a church, souls are saved, lives are restored, families are built, the hungry are fed, people are healed and cities are changed to the glory of God. God makes us like Himself when He calls us to give that His gospel might advance. (Pastor Rollan referenced the Love in a Box outreach weekend.)

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk? Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast. For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:1-18 NIV)

Paul was not just another Corinthian sophist coming through town expecting an honorarium for his oratory display. He was a commissioned agent of Jesus whose primary goal was to see people reconciled to God in Christ. Despite their lack of esteem for Paul or the gospel, Paul continued to model a heart of generosity. He said that though God intended that he be paid by the church for his service to them (v. 3-12), he'd rather work as a tentmaker and preach to them free of charge than have them focus on the wrong thing. This he did until resources became available, after which time he devoted himself exclusively to preaching (Acts 18:1-6).

“The price is certainly high for people who don’t know Christ and who live in a world where Christians shrink back from self-denying faith and settle into self-indulging faith. While Christians choose to spend their lives fulfilling the American dream instead of giving their lives to proclaiming the kingdom of God, literally billions in need of the Gospel remain in the dark.” ― David Platt

Without a doubt, generosity is a gospel issue.

As certainly as we are all missionaries for Jesus in the city, there are also appointed individuals who God calls into occupational ministry as opposed to marketplace ministry. In the New Testament, this was exemplified by Jesus (Luke 8:1-3), as well as the leaders of the early church. Their full-time responsibility was prayer, the ministry of the word of God (Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:27-32; Acts 6:1-7), and the running of the church, which was synonymous to Paul's reference to those who minister at the altar (I Corinthians 9:13,14). Ministry takes time, attention, and resources. Just as you are paid for your marketplace work, God designates generosity in the church to pay for the care of His house and advancement of His gospel.

This is how Jesus practically builds His church, mobilizing the resources to forever fund its work.

Your salvation is based on God's generosity to us in giving His first and His best, Jesus Christ, so that you could be reconciled to God. When we think of giving in the church, the tithe is our first reference point.

“ ‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. (Leviticus 27:30 NIV)

A tithe literally meant a tenth, and through it God is going after your heart. God went on to say,

“Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God." (Exodus 34:26a NIV)

This is really the issue. As God did for you, you need to ask yourself if you are giving Jesus your first and your best in everything. Are you doing it not only with your finances, but with your thoughts, in the workplace, in your relationships, how you serve, and in the way that you utilize your time?

We can see the attitude of radical generosity that Jesus esteems in the gospel of Mark:

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44 NIV)

Just as Jesus gave his entire life for the sin of the world, we are called to be "all in" with our giving.

“But then I realize there is never going to be a day when I stand before God and He looks at me and says, 'I wish you would have kept more for yourself.' I'm confident that God will take care of me.” ― David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

You think that when you are a student or do not have much that your generosity is not a big deal, but it is a pleasing offering to the Lord. That is why you do it, and your heart is shaped through it. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21 NIV)

It is through the tangible act of giving that your trust is placed in God rather than your paycheck, and your heart is molded to become like Christ.

No matter how large or small, your giving counts. Jesus takes your faithful offering and multiplies it to feed the multitudes who are starving for life in their souls as He did with the two fish and five loaves.

As opposed to the Corinthians, I am so thankful that for such a young church, we have seen such a wonderful group of people who are both generous and sacrificial.

Since our launch this Easter 2013, we have already been able to give away nearly $5000 as a church towards church planting and ministry in America, Europe, and the Middle East. In addition, hundreds of books, Bibles, Bible studies, and apologetic materials have been distributed to seekers throughout Chicago, and equipment has been sent to India to serve unreached people groups with the gospel throughout that nation. Over 4000 invitations to church have been passed out in the city where people have gotten connected to our website to hear the good news of Jesus. Thousands of dollars have been spent in food, meeting spaces, and hospitality so that those who come can be connected to the community of Jesus. Through this, many people have found their church home and are growing in their love and devotion to the Lord.

This is what your generosity has accomplished thus far; and you should be exceedingly glad, because this is only the beginning.

How Generosity Shapes our Ministry

“It is true that God may have called you to be exactly where you are. But, it is absolutely vital to grasp that he didn’t call you there so you could settle in and live your life in comfort and superficial peace.” ― Francis Chan, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit

Once we partner in our roles as missionaries to the city and resources flow as we cultivate a generous heart, we only have to learn the keys to effective ministry to see Jesus transform the city. Generosity of heart deals not only with what we give financially, but the way that we inconvenience ourselves for the benefit of others.

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV)

There is a misconception that to reach people with the gospel you have to do exactly what they do. "When in Rome," many say, "you must do as the Romans do." This is not what Paul is advocating here. Instead, what Paul is saying is that to serve those in need of the gospel, you need to work to understand their mentalities and mindsets so that you might have a bridge of communication. As you do this, you are able to love people where they are presently. Then you should look for opportunities to testify to them about the life of Jesus.

It is a general pride of heart and laziness of spirit to think that people need to come to you on your terms. In such a scenario, we begin making excuses for all the reasons why we are unfruitful. Jesus called us to be fishers of men. If the fisherman lives like this, without making adjustments, he will soon go out of business. As seen in the life of Jesus, God humbles Himself to meet people where they are, in terms that they can understand, to bring them to the truth.

Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly. (Proverbs 26:12-16 NIV)

When we are generous in heart towards those who do not yet know Jesus, we are not simply looking for a platform on which to speak. We often think too much about ourselves, our preferences, and how we think things should be done. What matters is that we are serving people, the Bible is being taught, and that people are learning how to practically walk with Jesus. If you have no relationships that lead to effective ministry in the lives of those who are needy, you are too wise in your own eyes and are actually a sluggard who will remain unfruitful until you make generous adjustments.

“We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves.” ― David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

Do 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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, 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. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV)

Finally, Paul is also saying that preaching to someone does not give a Christian immunity in their personal responsibility to holiness. Instead, Paul says that to win the prize of making practical connections with people so that individuals, communities, and cities might be saved, you must have the mentality of a professional athlete who goes into training. To be effective as a minister, you must first prioritize your own love for and growth in God.

“If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” ― Zig Ziglar

As a Christian, this means you need to have practical goals of how you will grow in your personal walk with God, the cultivation of a generous heart, and your ministry to others.

In conclusion, it is not a matter of whether this type of generous living is on God's heart, but whether you will align yourself with Jesus for effective ministry. When everyone embraces the truth that their full contribution as partners in the gospel and cultivating a generous heart are necessary for the kingdom of God to advance, the move of God for which we are praying in Chicago will be absolutely imminent.

Take Home Truth:

1) This week, prayerfully set practical goals for how you will grow in your walk with Jesus, your generosity, and your ministry to others.

Second City Church- Tough Questions Sermon Series 2013

Jesus and the City

Tough Questions: Jesus and the City

[powerpress] Transforming Question: Are you allowing Jesus to make you a shaper of the city, or are the idols of the city shaping you?

Much like Chicago is to America today, during the first century, Corinth was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. It had a massive population for the time (100,000), many of whom were freedmen who were former slaves working their way up in the world. Corinth's patron deity was the Greek goddess Aphrodite (the Roman equivalent of Venus). She was the goddess of beauty, fertility, and sexual love, and was often described as the daughter of Zeus. There was a major sanctuary of Poseidon in the vicinity where people regularly sacrificed, as Poseidon was believed to control the fortunes of the port cities with their maritime trade.

It was in this city accustomed to pagan idolatry that Paul was seeing people become followers of Jesus. Because the Corinthians were susceptible to the idols that filled the city, Paul here continues to instruct the Corinthians, and us, how to live in the love of Christ in such an environment. To escape the trappings of the ruling influences within your culture, you must identify the idols that shape your city, reject both legalistic and licentious living, and determine to actively shape your city for Jesus.

The Idols that Shape Your City

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God. So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. (1 Corinthians 8:1-8 NIV)

In the Scripture, the term "gods" (Greek word: Theos) referred to not only deities, but earthly rulers and judges. An idol is in effect a false god; someone or something that rules your life in place of the one true God found in the person of Jesus Christ. An idol is that which you allow to ascribe ultimate value and worth to your life outside of the judgments of Jesus. Worship is how you serve these gods based on this.

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31 NIV)

The first strain of potential idols can be seen as Paul transitions from his instruction on marriage and singleness. These matters are clearly the things which can most drive your daily experience, including your romantic relationships, your pains, the pursuit of pleasure, and your possessions that can fall into the ditch of either materialism or hobbies which shape your identity rather than Jesus.

The categories of idols extends to the carrots that are continually placed at the end of the stick in our culture to define success in our eyes.

http://youtu.be/331dJSUHsR4

It's the fame, having or being the hot girl or smokin' man, the life filled with popular friends and powerful people, the admiration of the masses, the fast and adrenaline filled life free from real responsibility, the confidence to be who you always thought you were, the adoration of strangers as you pass on the streets and the testosterone filled dominance in your workplace and career that are this generation's idols. Everyone wants to be "the most interesting man or woman in the world" (i.e. Dos Equis commercials).

"There are more idols in the world than there are realities." -Friedrich Nietzche, Twilight of the Idols

Idolatry brings you into the realm of distorted fantasy, where you begin to chase ideals that are both destructive and false. This matters because idolaters do not submit to the will of God. They will be judged and will not inherit Christ's Kingdom (Ephesians 5:5-7; Revelation 21:6-8). As the Creator, Jesus knows both what is most productive and fulfilling. He gives you value based solely on your possession of Him, the giver of righteousness, forgiveness, and the ability to serve others in His love. As a follower of Jesus, you are to reject idolatry, and live a life of purpose based on the things that He deems most significant.

Legalistic and Licentious Living

In the effort to reject idolatry, you can gravitate to the extremes of either legalistic or licentious living. Both of these must be rejected if you are to find rest in Jesus Christ.

The legalist is the one who hopes to obtain approval from God by his or her right behavior, a self-righteousness that has them see no need for the cross or grace of Jesus. This is that for which the Pharisees, rich in knowledge but poor in relationship with God, were guilty. It is this person who is the perfectionist, who finds it difficult to pray or remain in the community of Jesus if they have had a bad day, made a mistake, or feel in any way vulnerable. Jesus wants to free you of this.

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (Galatians 2:21 NIV)

The licentious person lives somewhat of a dual life, taking their "freedoms" in Jesus to the extreme, being concerned solely about their own pleasures and gratifications. Because they misunderstand the purpose of the grace of God, they are prone to live in two worlds, never really fully walking with Jesus in either. We must make a choice to have an undivided life. This is exemplified by the following quote:

In the following quote, you have this designation of characters:

The speaker: Screwtape, a devil The recipient: Wormwood, another devil The Enemy: God The patient: a Christian The friends: co-workers, associates, and friends the Christian meets in the world

"Sooner or later, however, the real nature of his new friends must become clear to him, and then your tactics must depend on the patient's intelligence. If he is a big enough fool, you can get him to realise the character of the friends only while they are absent; their presence can be made to sweep away all criticism. If this succeeds, he can be induced to live, as I have known many humans live, for quite long periods, two parallel lives; he will not only appear to be, but actually be, a different man in each of the circles he frequents. Failing this, there is a subtler and more entertaining method. He can be made to take a positive pleasure in the perception that the two sides of his life are inconsistent. This is done by exploiting his vanity. He can be taught to enjoy kneeling beside the grocer on Sunday just because he remembers that the grocer could not possibly understand the urbane and mocking world which he inhabited on Saturday evening; and contrariwise, to enjoy the bawdy and blasphemy over the coffee with these admirable friends all the more because he is aware of a 'deeper', 'spiritual' world within him which they cannot understand. You see the idea - the worldly friends touch him on one side and the grocer on the other, and he is the complete, balanced, complex man who sees round them all. Thus, while being permanently treacherous to at least two sets of people, he will feel, instead of shame, a continual undercurrent of self-satisfaction. Finally, if all else fails, you can persuade him, in defiance of conscience, to continue the new acquaintance on the ground that he is, in some unspecified way, doing these people 'good' by the mere fact of drinking their cocktails and laughing at their jokes, and that to cease to do so would be 'priggish', 'intolerant', and (of course) 'Puritanical'. -C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (Letter 10)

Shaping Your City for Jesus

The truth is that either you will allow Jesus to use you to help disciple the city, or the city and its flow will disciple you.

Being made in the image of God, you have a sense of conscience that allows and disallows certain activities before God alone. However, it goes beyond your personal faith. What you choose to participate in can help shape the city by emboldening or dissuading the worship of idols.

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall. (1 Corinthians 8:9-13 NIV)

There are essentials to the Christian faith that are non-negotiable. These include things found in the historic creeds of the church, including the deity of Jesus, His incarnation through the virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles and good deeds, His death on the cross as a substitute for your sin and His bodily resurrection from the dead prior to His ascension. The Bible is not only a biography of Jesus and His people, but also a clear communication of things that are pleasing to Him and those that are not. For instance, drunkenness, sexual immorality, thievery, rape, murder, and slander are never to be condoned. Where the Bible does not clearly express God's commands about particular subject matters, there is flexibility and freedom for the Christian to make decisions based on their conscience.

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. (Romans 14:19-23 NIV)

When Paul refers to the weak conscience, he is referring to those who have a great sensitivity to a particular form of idolatry based on their histories, giftings, and callings. We all have certain strengths in God, and we all have certain weaknesses. The key is to be mindful of your own weaknesses to cut off those things that lead you into things that are clearly stated in the Bible as sin. Jesus said:

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, (Mark 9:42, 43, 45, 47 NIV)

The second thing to be mindful of is the company that you keep. If your friend, especially your Christian friend, is going to be emboldened to participate in a form of idolatry because of the expression of your freedom, you should also refrain from that activity in their presence. You need to have self-imposed limits out of love for your brothers and sisters. For example, if someone that is a part of your community group is a recovering alcoholic, or regularly crosses the line of holiness because of too many drinks, you don't need to go to a bar together to have a good time. This would only put them in a compromising situation and embolden them to return to the sin from which Jesus is delivering them.

Standards regarding smoking, piercings, tattoos, drinking alcohol, what type of music you listen to, and whether or not you can watch certain movies are all issues where Christians have diversity in regard to their convictions. The question is not whether or not things can be done, but what is beneficial for the individual and the community of which they are a part. Issues like fooling around as you date, being stingy with your resources rather than being generous for the cause of Jesus, and cussing can easily be settled when you look at Scriptures like the following:

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:3, 4 NIV)

or

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (Colossians 3:5-10 NIV)

The truth is that we need to have the values of "Christ, Community and Culture" always at the forefront of our minds. It is only as we do this, that we can forgo being shaped by the idols of our city, and, instead, allow Jesus to make us a shaper of it. We then become ambassadors of Jesus Christ. This motivation and the gospel was most clearly expressed when Paul wrote this, in his second letter to the Corinthian church:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV)

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. (2 Corinthians 6:1-10 NIV)

Take-Home Truth

1) Join a community group to continue to build relationships mutually edifying in Jesus. 2) Make an appeal as to why life in Jesus is better than the idols of the age with a friend in need this week.

Second City Church: Tough Questions Sermon Series 2013

Jesus, Singleness and Marriage

The Real World: Corinth - "Jesus, Singleness and Marriage"

[powerpress] Transforming Truth: God has great fulfillment in both seasons of singleness and marriage which can only be realized as you center your life around Jesus.

As Paul was writing his first letter to the Corinthians, much of it was in response to questions raised by the church members in a previous letter written to Paul. The questions that the Corinthians posed are similar to questions with which we wrestle today and about which we are to look to Jesus for guidance. In the rest of the letter to the Corinthians, these matters include marriage (7:1), singleness (7:25), sacrifices to idols (8:1), spiritual gifts (12:1), and the collection of offerings for God's people (16:1).

The sexuality that we spoke of last week is a perfect segue into this week's topic of Jesus, singleness, and marriage. This is not meant to be an exhaustive commentary on the subject, merely an address to the particular issues that were raised by the Corinthians and with which we wrestle. These topics will be discussed in greater detail and depth in forthcoming series. We will speak today of singleness and marriage in terms of the gospel and sex, "that in between place," and trusted paths in our singleness and marriage.

The Gospel and Sex

Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. I say this as a concession, not as a command. I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1 Corinthians 7:1-9 NIV)

Sex and sexuality are celebrated in the highest of terms in the Bible. Finding the right venue and terms for such a relationship is the issue. As this section begins, Paul acknowledges the abundance of sexual temptation that exists in the Corinthian, as well as our, culture. This is true for both men and women, with the realities of natural desire within dating relationships, pornography, sexual addictions, illicit attractions, and clandestine relationships always at our doorstep. Both men and women need to be free to come into the light about these issues, having secrecy and shame removed at the cross of Jesus Christ. There is both grace for repentance and forgiveness for the wayward at the throne of Jesus. The church is to be a safe place where issues involving illicit relationships, violations, and secret sins can be brought into the light, healing received, and strength in God restored. The relationships formed in community groups are a perfect tool for this. As things are being stirred in your heart this morning, please know that community groups are a place in addition to Sunday where you can build relationships to receive ongoing prayer, support, and ministry.

As a concession, Paul says very plainly that it is better to have sexual desires fulfilled in the blessed covenant of monogamous marriage than to burn with passion. Marriage is superior to the alternatives of condemnation-ridden hook-ups and the devaluation of pre-marital relations without the security of life-long commitment. Though there has been a decline in the percentage of American adults who are married (http://stateofourunions.org/2012/social_indicators.php#marriage), we need to discuss marriage, since at least half of the population will be married at some point.

In marriage, sex is to be enjoyed regularly and fully, where neither the man nor the woman treats their bodies as their own, but that which belongs to their spouse.

However, I must stress that your body does not belong to another until marriage, and until then you are responsible to protect your purity. When married, it is to be the husband's mindset that the wife's fulfillment is to be honored over that of the husband, and, likewise, the wife's mindset that the husband's fulfillment is to be honored over the fulfillment of the wife. It is a mutual submission. The adage of our culture that says that we have the right to do with our own bodies what we want is not a biblical one. Being in the mood is not a prerequisite for intimacy. A life centered in selfless gospel living where we are looking to the interests of others over our own, in this case our spouses, is the key.

That In Between Place

To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? (1 Corinthians 7:10-16 NIV)

The trap from which people are trying to escape today is summarized in this statement:

"You can be single and lonely or married and bored." - Chris Rock

In doing so, young people especially are trying to find a middle ground of co-habitation, sexual liberty, and prolonged engagement that they believe will leave them satisfied while avoiding the disappointments introduced through a culture of divorce. Unfortunately, the statistics reveal results to the contrary:

In a study entitled, The State of Our Unions: 2002 - Why Men Won't Commit conducted by the National Marriage Project, people who cohabit before marriage end up getting divorced at higher rates than those who do not cohabit before the nuptials. Additionally, a 2010 Pew Center report entitled, "The Decline of Marriage," also concluded that 84% of married people surveyed were highly satisfied with their family lives, as opposed to 71% of those living with a partner, 66% of those remaining single, and 50% of those who are divorced or separated.

What the results imply is that you can be driven by an unwarranted fear of commitment. Additionally, the themes of "falling in and out of love," propagated by our culture, gives unreasonable expectations for mature, fulfilling progress in our relationships.

In the following quote from C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, you have this designation of characters:

The speaker: Screwtape, a devil The recipient: Wormwood, another devil The Enemy: God Our Father: Satan

"The Enemy's demand on humans takes the form of a dilemma; either complete abstinence or unmitigated monogamy. Ever since our Father's first great victory, we have rendered the former very difficult to them. The latter, for the last few centuries, we have been closing up as a way of escape. We have done this through the poets and novelists by persuading the humans that a curious, and usually shortlived, experience which they call 'being in love' is the only respectable ground for marriage; that marriage can, and ought to, render this excitement permanent; and that a marriage which does not do so is no longer binding...."

As an example, not found in The Screwtape Letters:

“The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself.” ― Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

"In the first place, humans who have not the gift of continence can be deterred from seeking marriage as a solution because they do not find themselves 'in love', and, thanks to us, the idea of marrying with any other motive seems to them low and cynical. Yes, they think that. They regard the intention of loyalty to a partnership for mutual help, for the preservation of chastity, and for the transmission of life, as something lower than a storm of emotion...In the second place, any sexual infatuation whatever, so long as it intends marriage, will be regarded as 'love', and 'love' will be held to excuse a man from all the guilt, and to protect him from all the consequences, of marrying a heathen, a fool, or a wanton." -C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters - Letter 18

There are two modern mentalities that are incorrect when it comes to singleness and marriage:

1) I, not God, am to define the value and terms of marriage.

Marriage was God's creation and His first institution that He blessed. It is God who introduced the idea of companionship, and He knows its best goals, manners, orientations, and boundaries. God said that it is not good for man to be alone. Out of His goodness and wisdom His desire is that, as we reflect his Trinitarian relationship, which includes trust and submission to His design, the joy of individuals, as well as the flourishing and continuation of all healthy societies, will result.

Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. (Genesis 2:19-25 NIV)

Biblical, Christian, God-endorsed marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman for their pleasure, protection, procreation, pruning, and fulfillment of the purposes of God.

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. (Proverbs 18:22 NIV)

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. (Proverbs 19:14 NIV)

When you are building your singleness and future marriage on the gospel of grace and forgiveness, no-fault divorce ceases to be an option. God's commitment to you as another flawed individual in Christ is the standard, and you are to work on your marriage relationship. It is only when someone refuses to repent, to change, or to work on things that Christ allows someone to go their own way. There are biblical means for divorce, including abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, sexual infidelity and the like; however, not getting along is not an acceptable reason. If there are unfortunate circumstances that lead to divorce, there is still hope in the gospel that shows you how to live in this new season of your life.

The truth is, at some point in your life, you will be single. Some balk at this, count it a curse, and run as quickly and far away from it as they can. Some people know no peace unless they are identified as having a boyfriend, girlfriend, or significant other because they find their value in the human they belong to rather than in God who can make them whole. Loneliness overtakes us when we balk at God's community, the church, not realizing that it was His design for singles and married couples to live a happy life. It is in church community where Jesus puts the lonely in families and through which you fulfill your God-ordained purpose.

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. (Psalm 68:5, 6 NIV)

You must recognize that in the Bible, singleness is described as a gift, though it would have been outside of the norm of Roman culture. It is less of an anomoly today, but is it for the right reasons?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/opinion/sunday/why-do-people-still-bother-to-marry.html?_r=0

2) Marriage will hinder you from fulfilling your life potential or purpose.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV)

Your years of singleness should be those in which you are fully devoted to Jesus where you are using your extra time, resources, and energy to advance the kingdom of God. You do this in church community, and, through your singleness, you should not be molded by, but be an active shaper of your friends, co-workers, city, and culture.

As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan. (1 Timothy 5:11-15 NIV)

The question then becomes, how are you to live during this period of your life? Jesus was single during his earthly ministry and showed that there can be a happy, fruitful, meaningful life as a Christian, free from sin, stigmas, and despair. He had great community within what would become the church, the family of believers who loved God and shared in His mission on the earth. If you are single, you are to do likewise. If you are married, you are also to do the same, not allowing your family to be cloistered away and an idol unto itself.

Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. (1 Corinthians 7:17-24 NIV)

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Marriage is a sanctifying agent that brings joy and fulfillment. Singleness is just as holy of a calling where you are set apart during that time to undivided focus on the Lord's kingdom advance.

Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better. A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 7:25-40 NIV)

The first thing that we must understand is that there is a context for this passage and the circumstances to which Paul is writing. It is found in v. 26 where Paul talks about the "present crisis." This may have referred to a number of things, including a food shortage of that time that was recorded by the Roman historian Tacitus. These food shortages could often induce social unrest and riots. Regardless, when considering whether to remain single or to get married, there are circumstances that you want to consider.

For example:

1) Is there some sort of mortal threat to your life, that if married and you had children, would leave your children without a parent?

2) Is there a suitable spouse for you- one that belongs to Jesus, loves Him passionately, not nominally, and will be a partner to you in pursuing His purposes together?

In the following quote, you have this designation of characters:

The speaker: Screwtape, a devil The recipient: Wormwood, another devil The great masters: other devils

"It is the business of these great masters to produce in every age a general misdirection of what may be called 'sexual taste'. This they do by working through the small circle of popular artists, dressmakers, actresses and advertisers who determine the fashionable type. The aim is to guide each sex away from those members of the other with whom spiritually helpful, happy, and fertile marriages are most likely....It is all fake, of course; the figures in the popular art are falsely drawn; the real women in bathing suits or tights are actually pinched in and propped up to make them appear firmer and more slender and more boyish than nature allows a full-grown woman to be. Yet at the same time, the modern world is taught to believe that it is being 'frank' and 'healthy' and getting back to nature. As a result we are more and more directing the desires of men to something which does not exist - making the role of the eye in sexuality more and more important and at the same time making its demands more and more impossible. What follows you can easily forecast." -C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters - Letter 20

Every time that we come together for church services, we are setting a stake in the ground for the worship of and honor of Jesus Christ. We are saying, in fact declaring, that it is not just about our personal faith or endeavors, but about the corporate purposes of God and His pleasure found in the advance of His kingdom in the earth. Part of those purposes are revealed and established both through seasons of singleness and marriage.

Trusted Paths in Our Singleness and Marriage

The trusted path in your singleness is understanding God's purpose in your singleness. It is not to live selfishly, wasting your time, talent, and resources on whatever you want to do. It is so that you can live in undivided devotion to the Lord Jesus, His gospel and kingdom purposes. This is true for as long as you are single, whether for a season or as a lifelong call. Do not deceive yourself to live beneath this or otherwise.

I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. (1 Corinthians 7:32, 35 NIV)

The conclusion for finding and committing to an acceptable spouse is this:

1) If you are a Christian, your potential spouse must belong to Jesus and show evidence of following Him wholeheartedly.

2) Prayerfully acknowledge the Lord Jesus, and see what He thinks about your potential spouse (Proverbs 3:5-8).

3) You are to follow the biblical pattern of seeking godly counsel from your parents, leaders in your church community, and peers who also love Jesus. They can many times give you a broader, objective view about your romantic decisions. It is for our protection that we are open to and submit to Christ-appointed relationships in our lives.

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22 NIV)

This is the same community with which you are to grow in love and godliness in both your singleness and marriage. It is a gift to have those who know you, your strengths and weaknesses, that will support you in seeing your relationships become all that God intended them to be.

4) Having done these things, you may marry whoever you want, as long as they belong to Jesus!

All of this is really a metaphor for selfless living exemplified by Jesus for us in the gospel. He came not to simply have His needs met, but to enter into relationship with you, satisfying all of your deficiencies in His life, death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead. You can only be fully reconciled to God and satisfied in your soul through Jesus. Once you are, you have the ability to live unselfishly in service to the one with whom you are looking to build a life to the glory of God. The summary is found in the fact that whether you are single or married, live wholeheartedly for Jesus and His gospel purposes in the season in which you find yourself!

Take-home Truths

1) Allow God to define the non-negotiables of your relationships.

2) If you are presently married, prayerfully and with godly counsel, determine how to treat your spouse in an honorable fashion.

3) If you are presently in a romantic relationship other than marriage, pursue godly, accountable relationships through which you can make sure that the romantic relationship is centered around Jesus and His purposes.

4) Further learn how to center your life around the purposes of God, whether in singleness or in marriage, by participation in a community group.

Second City Church: The Real World- Corinth Sermon Series 2013

Jesus and Christians

The Real World: Corinth - "Jesus and Christians"

[powerpress] Transforming Truth: Your identity in Jesus alone must define who you are and what you do.

As the apostle Paul ministered in the city of Corinth, he went directly into a society that was mainly Italian in culture, spoke Latin as the official language, and lived by standards altogether different than the Judeo-Christian ethic.  Those who came to the cosmopolitan city of Corinth were individuals from the province of Achaia (like America's Mid-West) with aspirations.  Arriving in a new environment, it became fashionable for the people to adopt Roman culture with all of its habits, beliefs, and social mores.  As the values of status and personal ambition were embraced, things like dress were utilized to make statements about positions in society ,and there became a clear divide between the wealthy patrons of the city and the "common man."  Even Paul's authority and role as an apostle was judged by the educated elite in light of the expectation that he fit their standards of a good public orator as found in the lecture halls surrounding them.

If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:1-11 NIV)

How did Jesus deal with people who professed faith?

When it comes to legal matters in the church, we absolutely submit to and abide by the laws of the land that are themselves submitted to the Law of God (Romans 13). What this means is that confidentiality in the church only goes so far as things are civil, not criminal cases.  We love and work with anyone, from any type of background, believing that Jesus will both forgive and liberate lives.  However, we must report things when crimes are committed or there are circumstances that put others in danger (i.e. - sexual or physical abuse).  This is where the courts and justice system of the land are employed.  This also applies to things like contractual matters, business counsel, and cases between a Christian and a non-Christian.

The appeal that Paul is making in the midst of a culture that is filled with people who are quick to bring suits against another is that we must look to work out civil matters between Christians within the church.  There are many here that are being trained and are are even now qualified to help in matters of counsel so that the name of Jesus is honored when there are issues to be worked out.  If we are going to be a family, we need to live like one, without dysfunction.

This decision is an issue of identity.  Will you allow the norms of our culture to define your interactions, or will you allow Christ to actively shape you into a person who thinks and lives differently?  The question to ask is this: Who will you believe?  Will you trust the One who made you, loves you and died to redeem you, or a destructive culture struggling in the dark looking for hope and meaning?

“Leave it all in the Hands that were wounded for you” ― Elisabeth Elliot, Keep a Quiet Heart

All of Scripture says God loves you, He is patient with you, and, through your faith in Jesus and repentance from sins, He brings you into His plan and purpose for your life.  Paul sites a list of sins representative of the common way of life in the Corinthian culture as an appeal to put off the old behavior and to put on the new, true life found in Jesus.  He summarizes this in his letter to the Colossians:

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. (Colossians 3:9-11 NIV)

The new life in Jesus is an issue of how you identify yourself.  Everyone, as long as you are in the tent of this body, is going to be tempted.  Jesus was tempted in every way, just as you are, yet was without sin.  He lived, and you should live, out of His identity as the Son of God.  This is what defines us.  This is sanctification.

“Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them: but Love cannot cease to will their removal.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

When Paul speaks of being washed, it refers to baptism upon your repentance.  If you have not been, you should be baptized into the death and burial of Jesus, dying to your old way of life, that you might rise with Him by faith into new life.  Sanctification (Greek: Hagiazo) refers to being holy, sacred and devoted to God, with the fundamental idea of separation from common or ordinary usage for devotion to divine service.

Sanctification is an identity and relationship issue.  When Jesus relates with His people, it is the first thing that He addresses, at times changing people's names (Abraham, Sarah, Peter, Paul, etc.), vocations, and, always, their lifestyles.  Our names, talents, vocations, and orientations are the things that we cling to, that we feel like define who we are and why we do what we do.  When we come to trust in the love of Jesus and the truth of His gospel, we humbly submit to allowing God to remake us in His image.  Our fallen state is redeemed, and we are reshaped into the original, flourishing design that He had for us before our separation from Him.  It begins when we are born again and will culminate when we see Jesus face to face.

If this is true, how did the world end up in the state that it's in today?

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 opened, 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 gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:1-9 NIV)

The nature of temptation and the scheme of Satan, the accuser, is to always question trust in God's Word.  When this is embraced in a society separated from God long enough, lies become the norm.

“No matter how big the lie; repeat it often enough and the masses will regard it as the truth.”  ―John F. Kennedy

The commands of God can seem foreign to you if, like me, you did not grow up in a church environment, or, as a Christian, you live unaware of the naturalistic malaise that is the atmosphere of Chicago.

17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:17-28 NIV)

28Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32 NIV)

It is a deceptive hum that lulls the church to sleep thinking that this is a good city and that everything is fine.  It is an effort to remember that God is important, heaven, hell, and eternity are real, and there are invisible forces at work driving life as we know it on a daily basis.  What we see in front of us is not all that there is.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)

Even in the church, the Bible instructs us that there will be and are false teachers, false apostles, false prophets and false teachers, as there have always been, and that we must be aware and on our guard.  Humanistic rationalism has led to many distortions of the Word of God and heresies within the church.

For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NIV)

Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked. (Proverbs 25:26 NIV)

One of the primary functions of the Old Testament prophets was to call the people back to the Law of God that they might be blessed.  This is what the crux of real revival looks like - beginning with the restoration of the holy standards of God amongst His people that we might turn away from wickedness and that God might heal our land.  This is to what Paul calls the Corinthians, and, in effect, all Christians through the cross.

When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: “Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord ’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.” (2 Kings 22:11-13 NIV)

You forfeit the pleasure of God when you lose Biblical truth.  When you dismiss the Word of God, the motivation for Christian living begins to be merely a tool toward a better marriage, better job, better life, way to fulfill your dreams, to fulfill our duties as a social organization, or various other goals, rather than being a people set apart to Jesus as the focus.  Jesus becomes a means to an end rather than the end itself.

In the following quote, you have this designation of characters: The speaker: Screwtape, a devil The recipient: Wormwood, another devil The Enemy: God

"The thing to do is to get a man at first to value social justice as a thing which the Enemy demands, and then work him on to the stage at which he values Christianity because it may produce social justice.  For the Enemy will not be used as a convenience.  Men or nations who think they can revive the Faith in order to make a good society might just as well think they can use the stairs of Heaven as a short cut to the nearest chemist's shop.  Fortunately it is quite easy to coax humans round this little corner.  Only today I have found a passage in a Christian writer where he recommends his own version of Christianity on the ground that 'only such a faith can outlast the death of old cultures and the birth of new civilizations'.  You see the little rift?  'Believe this, not because it is true, but for some other reason.'  That's the game."- C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters - Letter 23

This is when your morality before God gets blurred and begins to adapt to the standards of the world around you, because pleasing God is not the ultimate objective.

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:9, 10 NIV)

What replaces love for Jesus is the idolatry of your self-aggrandized human duty and dignity, which evokes pride and causes you to miss the target.  The human spirit is glorified rather than the one that gave it breath.

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 7:13-15 NIV)

You are called as a part of Jesus' church to love those in the world, being in the world but not of it.

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. (John 17:13-19 NIV)

Tolerance is not God's highest value.  He commands those in the world to repent of rebellion and sin.

“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:29-31 NIV)

It is not a human rights, civil rights, or equality issue.  It is an issue of reconciliation with the one true God, and conforming to His loving, liberating design for human flourishing.  All of us were born fallen and into sin in various capacities. That is why Jesus said you must be born again to see or enter the kingdom of God (John 3).  Thereafter, you are supernaturally sanctified by His Word and Spirit the rest of your life until you see Him face to face.

“Yes, if truth is not undergirded by love, it makes the possessor of that truth obnoxious and the truth repulsive.” ―Ravi Zacharias

The rest of this chapter speaks of sexuality and Jesus who comes to shape this vital, primal area of our lives.

Sex and sexuality are celebrated in the highest of terms in the Bible. Finding the right venue and terms for the relationship is the issue.

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:12-20 NIV)

The struggle in Christian living is over the rights that people think that they have or attempt to maintain though they belong to Jesus. For those in Corinth, and for many in our culture, the issue is sexuality.  Paul further addresses the issue in terms of prostitution, being renumerated for your sexual activity.  This is prevalent in Chicago as it was in Corinth. The command is to flee from sexual immorality.  Because the Corinthians were looking for loopholes as we do, Paul chose two words to define the sexual sin.  Sexual immorality is biblically defined as sexual activity before marriage. Adultery is sexual activity outside the covenant of marriage.

The reason that this is important is because you are to be a temple of the Holy Spirit.  Paul's first mention of the temple to the Corinthians was a reference to the church, the collective body of believers:

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 NIV)

We must honor, esteem, and protect it, not simply for what it is presently, but for what it is destined to become in Jesus.  The second mention of the temple is that of the individual.  Both references indicate that you need community to help clean you so that we can together become houses of worship.

Why?  Because You are not your own.  You were bought by Jesus at the price of His own life.

The question is: Who does Jesus say that you are when you belong to Him? You are male or female, called, elect, a new creation, where the old has gone and the new has come, part of a chosen people, a royal priesthood, adopted as sons and daughters of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, royals (refer to song), Predestined Justified Righteous in Jesus Glorified Holy Free from blemish, accusation or blame in Jesus More than a conqueror through Jesus who loves you To be the head and not the tail To be at the top and never at the bottom To lend to many nations and borrow from none Unified Anointed Loving Joyful Patient Kind Peaceful Graceful Gentle Self-controlled The apple of God's eye Favored Strong in the Lord Able to teach and competent to instruct one another Forgiven and forgiving Wise Bold as a lion A co-heir with Christ as we participate in His sufferings (including the process of overcoming temptation).  And the list goes on...

How then do we begin to live the sanctified life? You begin by falling out of agreement (repentance) of the old way of life and adopt a new confession that will transform your heart, environments, capacities, and world.  The words that come off of your mouth shape your identity more than you know.

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. (Proverbs 18:2 NIV)

The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives. (Proverbs 18:7 NIV)

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:13-15 NIV)

Jesus uses your words to shape your affections, your thoughts, your workplace, your friendships, your families, your church and everywhere that we will head together.  Make sure that you live as if your life is not your own.  Allow Jesus to define your life and your community, not by where you have been, but where He is taking you and this church by His love and grace.  Let these things be the word of faith that you hold to in your heart and on your lips.

Take-Home Truth: 1) Come to Jesus in repentance and faith.  Be born again in Christ. 2) Join a community group to continue to learn how to find your identity in Jesus alone. 3) Begin to discipline your tongue to speak about not where you have been, but where Jesus wants to take you and this church.  Make a list.

Second City Church- The Real World: Corinth Sermon Series 2013

Jesus and Non-Christians

The Real World: Corinth - "Jesus and Non-Christians"

[powerpress] One of the great imperatives of the Christian faith is to learn how to interact with a world that does not share the same beliefs, convictions, or values.  The Bible speaks of two categories of people in the world: those who belong to Jesus and those who do not.  In the next two chapters of Corinthians, Paul specifically addresses how to interact with each.  This week, we will discover how Jesus relates to those who are not His followers, and how the church is to follow suit.

What follows is an excerpt from the apostle Paul's letter to the Corinthian church:

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:1-13 NIV)

Paul came to Corinth ministering to a community and a culture in flux.  What we see immediately is that the church is not an institution where you merely come to receive a set of lifeless doctrines, but it is a family (I Corinthians 4:14-17) that encourages and facilitates your dynamic walk with God.  It is a community together fulfilling the purposes of God within cities around the world.  In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he responds to the specific issues with which the Corinthian church finds itself dealing.  Here in the epistles, you see people's changing times and circumstances being addressed with the unchanging nature of God.  This is the same confidence that we have today - that our times' are changing, but God's Word is forever active, immutable, and applicable.

Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless. (Psalm 119:89-96 NIV)

People throughout history have been proud of and run quickly to rally behind things that God calls sin.  It is not enough to have mere sincerity in your devotion to God.  He expects sincerity and truth.

“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:21-24 NIV)

People in our culture, like the pluralistic Corinthians, want to be spiritual, but not commit to any one doctrine or truth.  Jesus said that because what we examine as metaphysics is ultimately about a relationship with the one God who has lived eternally, walked among us historically, and proved His authority by His life, miracles, death, burial, and resurrection, truth is an imperative.  He is a singular entity with likes and dislikes, things that He will and will not tolerate, based on His character and design.

What we see is that before God is concerned about how we are relating to the world around us, He is first concerned about the way that we are relating to Him and one another.

Excommunication was prescribed by God and enforced in the church because the habits of the few rebellious that are ignored or overlooked can embolden the sin in the hearts of the many in the community when left unchecked.  Forgiveness is offered to the repentant.

If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:5-11 NIV)

The point of excommunication is that if you are going to continue to live like a non-Christian, thus encouraging people to continue in or return to their bondage, you need to be separated from the group so that it is not infected.  Your repentance is your re-entry card to the fellowship.

The Passover description is found in Exodus 12. The summary of the Passover is that God will punish the world for its evil and rebellion but will deliver His people out of their slavery into a life full of His promises.  God provides salvation through the sacrifice of our Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty of death for our sins.  This is what makes way for our forgiveness.

Here is the point: God will judge those outside of the church.

How did Jesus deal with people who were not yet His followers?  He loved them, calling them to faith and repentance.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:16-18 NIV)

This is true, because both Christian and non-Christian alike are guilty of breaking God's laws, His commands that He gives for order and the flourishing of the world.  It is the Christian who has submitted to the grace given through Jesus' necessary substitutionary sacrifice as the Passover Lamb that we might go free.   Without that substitute, we are all held responsible and guilty for our wrongdoing and will be self-condemned by our own actions.

We see the same heart of God reflected in the Exodus account following the Passover:

Many other people went up with them, and also large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. With the dough the Israelites had brought from Egypt, they baked loaves of unleavened bread. The dough was without yeast because they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves. (Exodus 12:38, 39 NIV)

In the church, we are to hold one another accountable to the love, humility, forgiveness upon repentance, and holy living which Jesus himself displayed.

The things toward which we need to be intolerant as Christians are the habits within ourselves that would bring defamation to the name of Jesus.  Let us not participate in the very activities that the Bible calls sin while holding out a condemning word to non-Christians who are trapped in their rebellion. Let us instead, as Jesus exhorted us, come fully to the repentance to remove the planks in our eyes, that we might see clearly to help someone who may have sawdust in their own.  In this way, the cross of Jesus which we preach will become a place of second chances, life, and freedom as we turn away from lifestyles that come to steal our time, kill our consciences, and inevitably destroy our relationships with God and His people.

At the heart of the Christian’s view of spiritual reality is a man who gave his life in sacrifice for people who did not believe in him, a man who died asking for forgiveness for the people who were killing him. Therefore, Christianity is an exclusive claim, but it is the most inclusive exclusive claim because it wants you to exclusively believe in this man who died for his enemies, and asks you to love and care for yours.

So, does the message that Jesus is the only way to God necessarily lead to intolerance? Christians can only become intolerant to the degree that  they misunderstand the heart of the gospel – namely, the good news that Almighty God himself came to serve us and die for us, so we could be saved not because of our right beliefs and behavior, but by the gift of his unmerited grace. That message, rightly grasped, cannot lead to coercion or intolerance. The gospel has within it deep resources for humility and respect. It is up to Christians to prove this assertion with their lives. -Timothy Keller, The Reason For God

When not steeped in immorality, what is the church supposed to spend its time and energy doing?

You must have a long-term vision to plant roots and be a blessing to this city - to Christians and non-Christians alike (Jeremiah 29:4-7 NIV)  

When the prophet Isaiah spoke about true spirituality, including humbling ourselves with fasting and prayer in hopes of God moving amongst the people of our cities, he spoke about it in these terms:

“Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins. For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them. ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord ? “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord ’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 58:1-14 NIV)

The community that was the church was a sign and a wonder to behold, even amongst the Roman community.

32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:32-37, NIV)

Why do we not observe that it is their [the Christians'] benevolence to strangers, their care for the graves of the dead, and the pretended holiness of their lives that have done most to increase atheism [unbelief of the pagan gods]?  For it is disgraceful that, when no Jew ever has to beg, and the impious Galileans [Christians] support not only their own poor but ours as well, all men see that our people lack aid from us. Teach those of the Hellenic faith to contribute to public service of this sort. - Emperor Julian

 “The Roman Emperor Julian, writing in the fourth century, regretted the progress of Christianity because it pulled people away from the Roman gods. He said, 'Atheism [I.e. the Christian faith!] has been specially advanced through the loving service rendered to strangers, and through their care for the burial of the dead. It is a scandal that there is not a single Jew who is a beggar, and that the godless Galileans care not only for their own poor but for ours as well; while those who belong to us look in vain for the help that we should render them.” ― John Piper, A Godward Life: Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life

Make no doubt about it.  Sin steals your life, your strength, and weathers you like a rag.  Think of the people that you know who've aged rapidly while living wildly sinful lives.   They often seem worn and abused as a result of the decisions that they make and the consequences that ensue.  God calls you to something different.  Many Christians treat the world that does not believe in Jesus or the gospel of God as enemies.  You are called, however, as a Christian and in this church to love, serve, and be a blessing to the entirety of our city and all who are in it.  You are to promote the well-being of our city and make ways for it to prosper and flourish in every sphere of society, including business, government, law, entertainment, medicine, academics, and the family unit, all while preaching the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ, believing for thousands upon thousands to come into saving relationship with Him.

Practicals: 1) Come to Jesus in faith and repentance if you do not know Him. 2) Join a community group with which you can grow if you do. 3) Begin to serve the city in and through the church as you grow.

Second City Church- The Real World: Corinth Sermon Series 2013

Come To Me

"Come to Me"- Guest Speaker Pastor Reggie Roberson, October 6, 2013

[powerpress] (Pastor Roberson gave an introduction to knowing and serving with Pastor Rollan and B Fisher.)

Like Rollan and B, I've had the privilege to travel around the world and see various church movements.  I believe there is a unique destiny on this church.  If you pay careful attention to and embrace what I am about to tell you, there will be steady growth in your own life and in the lives of those around you.

As I was praying for you, God reminded me about the fire that burned down Chicago.  He told me that the fire is still present and continues to burn homes, individuals, and businesses- morally, socially, and spiritually.  While the Bible speaks of a life giving fire that God gives us, in Jude it talks about this destructive fire, saying:

save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. (Jude 1:23 ESV)

This fire that I am talking about is a mixture of dark forces of the generational type; dark ideas about God, people, and life; self-centered pursuits and demonic beings that are burning up lives.  What are we to do in order to be free from this fire burning our lives up or down? How do we rise above the resistance morally, socially, and spiritually in this city?

Three Simple Words: "Come to Me"

We understand "Come."  That usually requires a reorientation or rerouting of our direction and course. "To" is directive and definitive. But who is the "Me?"  This is most important.  "Me" is not impersonal like success or money, prestige, or empty ideologies which will stab you in the back.  "Me" is not joy or peace either; those are simply by products of "Me."  "Me" is Jesus Christ who is infinitely attentive, full of wisdom, and possesses tangible power, joy, and peace.  "Me" is Jesus is also reflected in His body of believers.

The main thought is that, if you are going to overcome the moral, social, and spiritual resistance that will try to burn up your life, you must reorient or reroute your entire life toward Jesus and His body of believers.

There are three Scriptures I want us to pay careful attention to that express this thought of coming to Jesus. Before I do that, let me give you the back story of how I received them.

I was supposed to be here with you on March 15th-18th; however, I was hit with sickness for almost two weeks straight. I hardly slept at night (not just me, but all of my family members).  No matter how bad I felt, I wanted to make this trip. So I started praying for a message to share with you all, and I heard nothing from God. (I regularly and quickly hear from God.) As I sat in pain, I closed my eyes and heard God say, "Come to Me." I realized that He was talking to me about current situations. It was more than a message.  From that point on, He corrected me for going, going, going and not coming to Him.  God wants us to go, as said many times in Scripture, but that is, after we have come to Him.  Then He said that this is the issue with those in Chicago;  there is a tendency to be going, going, going and not coming to "Me."

I have three passages that God spoke to me for you. I am going to relate all of these passages to putting on clothes to help us understand them better. In Colossians 3:9-10, the Bible uses clothes as a metaphor to putting on either your old or new life or way.  As we come to Christ, He dresses us with the clothes or life we were designed to live.

1. Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Jesus said “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

These people start off with clothes that are too awkward for him or her.

This is a person weary and burdened, because they have taken on a situation, a vocation, an ideology, a philosophy, or a lifestyle that they were not designed by God to bear. Jesus is saying, "When you come to Me, I'll reveal what you were designed to be and guide you through the whole process. You'll find rest for your soul... not always immediately from your circumstances." Rest is an inner condition, an attitude, and a state of being at peace.  Jesus yokes you or clothes you with easy and light, not sleasy and tight, by giving you rest.  (Pastor Roberson gave an example of this from UNC.)

2. John 5:39, 40 NIV

Jesus said "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."

The people in this Scripture can be likened to those that have clothes that make you appear to own something you really don't.

This person is exposed to the right environment (i.e. church body), but thinks that becoming a better person or having more Bible knowledge is the goal. They are not willing to build lasting supportive and transparent relationships.  Though they appear on the surface to be morally upright, they really lack God's life in them and are really after self-glorification, which makes you empty on the inside. Jesus desires to clothe us with strength and enjoyment that comes from His presence.

3. Luke 15:11-24 NIV

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and (CAME) went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

These clothes are attracting the wrong people and situations.

This person knows that their sin has separated them from God. They've taken all their God-given gifts and used them for their own pleasure and gratification.  In the process, their souls have been shaken in a cycle of pride and insecurity.  This person makes a decision to humble his or her self and discovers that he or she needs to reorient and reroute his life to Jesus and His body of believers.  It is there that he finds the right clothes or life.  Jesus gives His power, provision, and protection to those who come to Him.

How do we do we come to Jesus practically? What does that look like?

1.    Understand what Jesus offers. (The Gospel is the Good News of new clothes- a new and true life.) 2.    Repent and believe. (Take off your old clothes and put on the clothes God has given you - from going everywhere else and never coming to Him.) 3.    Pray. (Find prayer partners and people you can share anything with. Be transparent and also take time to listen to God.) 4.    Prioritize. (Devote yourself to the following: Prayer & Bible reading and meditation; Spending time with other believers listening to what God speaks through them; With those that don't know Christ, live a life of integrity and compassion, always slowing down and looking to help others.)

If you are going to overcome the moral, social, and spiritual resistance that will try to burn up your life, you must reorient or reroute your entire life towards Jesus and His body of believers.

Second City Church- Guest Speakers Missions & More Series: Reggie Roberson, October 6, 2013

Jesus and a Servant's Heart

The Real World: Corinth - Jesus and a Servant's Heart

[powerpress]

The Transforming Truth: To see Jesus move powerfully in a church and for a city to be transformed, it takes a servant's heart in the people who have been entrusted with His gospel.

During his second missionary journey between 52 and 53 AD, the apostle Paul left Athens to establish a new congregation of Christians in the city of Corinth.  He spent eighteen months in that region and, at the time of the writing of I Corinthians (about three years after Paul's departure),  scholars estimate that the church was between 50 and 60 people.  All churches that you see today were at one time a church plant.  These were started by a leader with a group of people whom Jesus appointed to worship Him and be ever increasing influencers in the communities in which He placed them.  Paul takes time to describe his heart as a model for those who would shape these cities to become all that Christ created them to be.  As we study this section of Paul's letter, we can see the elitism and entitlement that we need to avoid, and the example which we need to follow to reach Chicago and the nations with the good news of Jesus.

Elitism

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. (1 Corinthians 4:1 NIV)

Through the Holy Spirit, Paul carefully chooses his words to instruct the Corinthians about Jesus, Paul's role, and our place in God's church.  The first thing that we are to recognize in this passage is that we are called to be not only God's children, but also His servants.  Jesus came to the world to proclaim the message of salvation through His perfect life, miracles, death on the cross for our sins, and His resurrection from the dead.  It is the only way to reconciliation with the Creator God whom the whole world will one day stand before in judgment.  Any child that does not serve in the family to advance this cause has a misunderstanding of who Jesus is and what He has come to accomplish.  An immature child thinks that the world revolves around them and that they are merely to be recipients, rather than participants; takers, rather than givers in the house in which they live.  Jesus said otherwise:

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ” (Luke 17:5-10 NIV)

A sure way to increase your faith in Christ is through service in His gospel cause.  There is no substitute for this.  Part of the barrenness that people feel in their walk with Christ is they find no outlet to give from what they have received.  They become like a stagnant pond where the waters never flow.  You are fed spiritually when you are involved, like Jesus, in finishing God's work:

Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even 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. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I 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.” (John 4:31-38 NIV)

While learning this, the disciples thought that because they had a particular proximity to Jesus, because they had received privileged instruction and training, that they would eventually graduate to a place of special privileges as Jesus' elite team.  To the contrary, Jesus said that his intimate instruction and investment in their lives was preparation for greater service.  The word (Greek: Hyperetes) literally meant a subordinate, an attendant, or an assistant in general.  This means you are literally supposed to be waiting on Christ, as a server in a restaurant, to fulfill whatever He desires in your environment and in the lives of others.

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV)

This is the idea of the stewardship.  As with the apostle Paul, God has entrusted you with the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ.  Your acts of charity and love in His name can literally help lead people to reconciliation with God as you hold out the truth of the gospel to those who surround you in the city.

In the following quote, you have this designation of characters:

The speaker: Screwtape, a devil The recipient: Wormwood, another devil The One Wormwood calls "Our Father": Satan The Enemy: God The patient: A human being Virtue: Godly qualities Desirable qualities: Fruit of the sinful nature

"Do what you will, there is going to be some benevolence, as well as some malice, in your patient's soul.  The great thing is to direct the malice to his immediate neighbours whom he meets every day and to thrust his benevolence out to the remote circumference, to people he does not know.  The malice thus becomes wholly real and the benevolence largely imaginary....Think of your man as a series of concentric circles, his will being the innermost, his intellect coming next, and finally his fantasy.  You can hardly hope, at once, to exclude from all the circles everything that smells of the Enemy; but you must keep on shoving all the virtues outward till they are finally located in the circle of fantasy, and all the desirable qualities inward into the Will.  It is only in so far as they reach the Will and are there embodied in habits that the virtues are really fatal to us....All sorts of virtues painted in the fantasy or approved by the intellect or even, in some measure, loved and admired will not keep a man from Our Father's house; indeed they may make him more amusing when he gets there." -C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (Letter 6)

One can mistakenly hyperspiritualize the idea of serving Jesus.  You can make it to seem that God has to appear in glory each time He wants you to do something practical and of service to him.  Instead, you ought to see the need in the church or the environment in which He has placed you, and find a way to help fill it.

“Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Entitlement

Our culture is dominated by a sense of entitlement.  People feel that because they are living and breathing, they should have all of their desires, whims, and needs met while putting forth minimal efforts to obtain them.  Though Jesus' message is one of grace, giving us what we do not deserve, His mission is one of stewardship in which He entrusts people, lives, and communities to us.  In this manner, we must be shown to be faithful.

In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. (1 Timothy 3:8-10 NIV)

The more mature you are in God, the more that you have a responsibility to serve, because you realize that it is not solely about your well-being, but the well-being of the family.  You get to, more so, have the attitude of a slave to those that you come to serve and to whom you are to reflect Christ.  A servant in the Corinthian culture had none of the rights that we enjoy today.  A servant was not honored or lauded.  A servant did many things in secret for the benefit of the master that never received attention or praise.  As servants of Christ, we entrust ourselves to our Heavenly Father who sees and will judge everything.  Having the heart of a servant will allow you to keep moving forward whenever you find the criticism and resistance that will come as you attempt to serve God where you find yourself.

I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. (1 Corinthians 4:3-5 NIV)

Jesus was found faithful in His Father's house (building the church), and therefore was exalted to having the name that is above every name.

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory. (Hebrews 3:1-6 NIV)

Some who aspire to be leaders in the church need to realize that they first need to be found humble and trustworthy serving in their own.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? (Luke 16:10-12 NIV)

The reality that many gifted, intelligent, talented people in our culture don't realize is that leadership in the world, and most especially in the cause of Christ, comes at great personal cost and death to our own souls.  This includes all of our romanticized notions of fame, importance, and getting paid to do exactly what we want to do.  The life of a servant is often hard, inglorious, and challenging, but, in the end, if Jesus is glorified, lives are saved, and disciples are made, it is worth it.

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. (1 Corinthians 4:6-13 NIV)

We have no importance or function except that which is given us by God and acknowledged by men.  You have no authority to lead as a representative of God except through the authority of His written Word.  This means you don't have the ability to pick and choose the manner in which you will ultimately serve Him.  This begs that you ask the question, however, "What are your motives for doing what you do?"  If it is selfish, and not for the honor of Christ, the difficulties that arise with your calling to serve will squelch your fire to fulfill that trust.

“When obedience to God contradicts what I think will give me pleasure, let me ask myself if I love Him.” ― Elisabeth Elliot

A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent. (Proverbs 29:21 NIV)

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” And they had nothing to say. When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:1-11 NIV)

Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles... (Proverbs 25:6, 7 NIV)

In 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.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:5, 6 NIV)

In the workplace as well as in the church, let your humble, excellent, fruitful service make way for you rather than your selfish ambition and striving.  In that way love for the people that you are there to serve, rather than position, power, or prestige, will be what drives you.  This is the M.O. that leads to everyone's good and not just your own.  This is the attitude that Jesus Christ commands and displayed through His own life being laid down on the cross for the sins of the world.   We are called to carry our cross and serve with the same attitude.

An Example to Follow

“The day we find the perfect church, it becomes imperfect the moment we join it.” ― Charles H. Spurgeon

This is our life's work and hope that it will be yours as well.  A defining characteristic of parenthood is the responsibility that you have assumed for another individual's life or a family unit's well-being.  This is the inevitable place of progress within the church and in our world.  It is easy to be an arm-chair quarterback, in arrogance judging the players on the field who are actually making plays.  It is easy in the world to be a pundit for all of the issues that beset it.  It is easy in the church to criticize the deficiencies and lack that you see, rather than as a parent, a guardian, and a family member, taking responsibility to help it.  In Christ, we are called to be the humble problem solvers, spiritual parents, and guardians to the church that He is intent to build.

I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? (1 Corinthians 4:14-21 NIV)

You do not need a pulpit just because you have gone to Bible college; nor does it guarantee that people will listen to you.  It is the Word of God that gives you the authority to preach, and your life experience which validates your message in people's eyes.  If you want the world to listen to you about Christ's design for relationships, get married, settle down, and raise godly children.  Follow your leaders' example.

As a Christian, you are a child of God, a co-heir with Christ, and part of a people who belong to one another in Jesus.  However, as Paul highlights here, you are also to be servants of Christ in and through His church.  The question is, "How are you practically serving?"

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:3-8 NIV)

This attitude of being a servant should translate even into your workplace.  In the church, as a part of the family, you should aspire to be either a mother in the faith, a father in the faith, or a guardian of the precious lives who Jesus is redeeming.  As a servant, you can find practical ways to serve through:

1) Children's Ministry 2) Hospitality and Greeting Ministry 3) Follow-Up and Community Group Leading Spending time with others and inviting them into your group of friends to build community. 4) Set-Up and Tear Down 5) Media and Tech Team 6) University and Outreach Ministry 7) Volunteering with the Jesse White Tumblers 8) Event Planning 9) Worship Team 10) Making meals for others just to be a blessing and inviting someone into your home (even if it's peanut butter and jelly!).  Be quick to be an encourager of others and find positive things to say in regard to your community of faith.

We have wonderful people in our church who are servant hearted, loving, and kind.  Because Jesus is good, demonstrated the ultimate servant's heart, and His work is real, we count it a privilege to serve Him and our world together as a family.

Take-Home Truth:

1) Attend the Spiritual Gifts Training offered next weekend to discover how God has gifted you to serve. 2) Speak to someone at our hospitality table or email info@2ndcitychurch.org to identify a way that you would like to serve in or through the church.

Second City Church- The Real World: Corinth Sermon Series 2013

Jesus and Real Wisdom

The Real World: Corinth - Jesus and Real Wisdom

[powerpress] What we must come to realize if we are going to live successfully as followers of Christ in the world is that there are two sets of wisdom introduced to us in our culture which regularly vie for our attention and our allegiance.  The worldview, or manner in which we interpret the world, is based on these sets of assumptions and affects everything from our romantic life to our work life, our family dynamics to our daily conversations, our routines and the pursuits which we undertake.  Recognizing this, the apostle Paul utilizes his first letter to the Corinthians to expose the wisdom of this age and reveal why Jesus must be the only foundation for a life well built.

Corinth (southern part of modern-day Greece)

Corinth's similarities to Chicago:

1) Corinth was an important cosmopolitan center situated along a major trade route.  It was a port city for commerce, rivaling at the time Ostia for Rome, Alexandria in Egypt, and Caesarea giving access to Judea.  Because of its thriving economy, large numbers of sailors and merchants from every nation flocked to Corinth bringing their religions, cultures, and philosophies.  Corinth was the second richest city in the empire by the end of the second century. 2) During the first century, Corinth was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire.  It had a large population for the time (100,000), many of whom were freedmen.  Freedmen were former slaves working their way up in the world. 3) Corinth's patron deity was the Greek goddesss Aphrodite (Roman equivalent of Venus).  She was the goddess of beauty, fertility, and sexual love; variously described as the daughter of Zeus and Dione, or as being born from the sea. There was a major sanctuary of Poseidon at the nearby city of Isthmia.  People regularly sacrificed to him as he was believed to control the fortunes of the port cities with their maritime trade. 4) It was the seat of the Roman governor of the province of Achaia and housed the cult to the Roman Emperors.  Chicago is a major influencer and the largest metropolis of the mid-Western territories.  It is affectionately known as Obamaville. 5) All of this positioned Corinth to strategically influence the world for the gospel.

Wisdom of the Age

The Bible consistently makes reference to two types of wisdom: wisdom from God and the wisdom of this age or the rulers of this age.  Wisdom is the proper application of knowledge.  Wisdom from God is centered in His design for the world and His restorative purposes expressed in Jesus Christ. The wisdom of this age consists of the philosophies derived from the attempt to explain and interact with the world devoid of the biblical Creator God.

Because of the obsession with competing philosophies in which the culture of Corinth found itself immersed, Paul reduced his preaching while with them to its base denominator.

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NIV)

There are overlaps in the two types of wisdom, including things such as scientific discovery, technology, and historic facts.  It is within this Venn diagram that God's wisdom and culture are not competing, but are mutually beneficial - with all truth being God's truth.  Where the two wisdoms diverge is in the knowledge of God, that must be bequeathed as God is self-revelatory.  He did so perfectly in the advent of Jesus Christ.  The gospel is fundamentally a testimony about God, proclaiming a historic series of events.  The testimony was continued through Paul, as it is today, through demonstrations of the Holy Spirit's power which point to the resurrected Christ.

If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. (John 14:7-11 NIV)

Paul chose to boast solely in the cross of Christ because in its significance was the power of God for the salvation of those who believe (Romans 1:14-17).  As opposed to mainstream self-help programs or lifeless religion, because the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus was a supernatural historic event and not just an ideology, because Jesus of Nazareth is a person and not just a philosophy, Christ has real supernatural power to reconcile humanity to God, save you from your sins, and transform your life.

The wisdom that was set forth by Jesus as directives for life are His commands which reflect His character and design for the world.  It is the third person of the Trinity (one God, three persons), the Holy Spirit, who illuminates the Bible for you, all through the filter of Jesus and His redemptive work.

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:6-16 NIV)

Conventional wisdom tells you that if you want to get rid of a revolutionary or a mischief-maker, then you kill him (i.e. - Bin Laden).  In the case of Christ, it only multiplied His work because of the Holy Spirit who came in His place to every believer.

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” (John 16:7-15 NIV)

Why then are there so many other versions of wisdom, and what are they in our culture?

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:10-13 NIV)

When people are separated from the one true God because they want to be their own rulers, people try to explain life in alternate manners, many times revealing their ulterior motives.

"I had motive for not wanting the world to have a meaning; consequently assumed that it had none, and was able without any difficulty to find satisfying reasons for this assumption. The philosopher who finds no meaning in the world is not concerned exclusively with a problem in pure metaphysics, he is also concerned to prove that there is no valid reason why he personally should not do as he wants to do, or why his friends should not seize political power and govern in the way that they find most advantageous to themselves. … For myself, the philosophy of meaninglessness was essentially an instrument of liberation, sexual and political." --Aldous Huxley, Ends and Means (London: Chatto & Windus, 1946), pp. 270, 273

Why This Matters:

In Chicago, Pluralism, Relativism, Atheism, Materialism, Hedonism, Apathy, Complacency (Isaiah 32:9-20; Amos 6:1-7), Humanism, Naturalism, and Moralism filter into every conversation, advertisement, and thought without you even realizing it.  (Pastor Rollan briefly defined each of these philosophies and gave the Biblical response to each.)

“The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie--deliberate, contrived and dishonest--but the myth--persistent, persuasive and unrealistic. Too often we hold fast to the cliches of our forebears. We subject all facts to a prefabricated set of interpretations. We enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” ― John F. Kennedy

In addition to all of this, many are dominated and driven by fear - fear of the future, fear of uncertainty, fear of the unknown, fear of scarcity or lack, whether it be relationally, financially, or in terms of our significance.  Our lives are often an effort to combat all of these fears in our own ingenuity and strength.  It is the wearing effort and worry (from Hebrew root Amal) that comes to steal your focus and joy. This leads to idolatry, anxiety, depression, and despair.  We try to create heaven on earth without its ruler, God.  It is the same spirit that drove those who were building the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11).  It affects your thinking, your activities, and ultimately your pursuits and living.  Jesus comes to set us free from all of these fears.  It is why daily time in His Word to recalibrate and consistent time with other believers is an imperative.  These give you objective perspective when you are immersed in the sea of the wisdom of this age attempting to carry you downstream.

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. (Hebrews 3:12-14 NIV)

To live in and through Christ requires an active, intentional, daily march to a different beat and in a different direction as you look to follow the only God and to build His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.  You will otherwise be sucked into the tide and be lulled to sleep.

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:1-11 NIV)

How does the wisdom of this age play out in the church?

Preferences become prejudices. There is an epidemic of church hopping in America where people are looking for the superstar preacher or church just like the people of Corinth tailed the pop-star sophists and philosophers of their day.  In such a way, you can become ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Christ because you are a consumer and groupie rather than one who digs in where God has called you to build the church of Jesus Christ.

Christ, the Only Foundation

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? (1 Corinthians 3:11-16 NIV)

What does it mean to build with Christ as a foundation in your:

Relationships Career Finances Marriage Child rearing Morality and Ethics Voting Worldview Use of your Time Pleasures Pursuits

What are things or philosophies that are the wood, hay, and straw? The wisdom of the age in these areas.

The question must continually be, "Has Jesus been your foundation in each of these areas, or have you allowed the wisdom of the world to define these areas for you?"

Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. (1 Corinthians 3:18-23 NIV)

The following applies to both the religious and irreligious when they are foolish in God's sight:

“Foolishness is more than being stupid, that deadly combination of arrogance and ignorance.” ― Paul David Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change

The desire to have a respectable Christianity in the eyes of the world can often outweigh your allegiance to the gospel that Jesus commands you to live and preach.  What happens is that you lose fidelity to biblical standards, your convictions are blurred, and the totality of Scripture is not embraced.  Paul says that to walk in the truth of Jesus requires you to become a fool in your own eyes, that you might, in fact, through humility, embrace God's wisdom that is higher than what the age has to offer.  In this way, you offer both eternal and present help to the world.  It is in this place that the joy of the Lord is renewed in you.

"No one has ever yet discovered the word Jesus ought to have said or the deed he ought to have done. Nothing he does falls short, in fact, he is always surprising you and taking your breath away, because he is incomparably better than you could imagine for yourself. He is tenderness without weakness, strength without harshness, humility without the slightest lack of confidence, holiness and unbending convictions without the slightest lack of approachability, power without insensitivity, passion without prejudice. There is never a false step, never a jarring note. This is life at the highest." -John H. Gerstner, Theology for Everyman

How can you summarize true wisdom?  Its beginning is summarized in the GOSPEL video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xp7CMd39hcM

Second City Church- The Real World: Corinth Sermon Series 2013

Jesus and the Call of God

The Real World: Corinth - Jesus and the Call of God

[powerpress] "Welcome to Church" Video

Most of us live with a sense of purpose, whether pursued, hoped for, or slightly perceived. Paul is making it clear from the outset that this is not an arbitrary thing - the call of God is a preeminent theme in the introduction to Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. The God who created you has a clear call, an invitation and a charge, on each of your lives which you must recognize and obey if you are to be ultimately satisfied, fulfilling your life's purpose. Most of us have ideas about the call of God that are independently minded, me focused, and based in worldly standards of success. In this opening chapter, however, the Holy Spirit, through Paul, helps us recognize to whom you are called, to what you are called, and with whom you are called to do it.

To Whom You are Called

I Corinthians 1:1-3 (NIV)

1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: 3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 9 (NIV)

1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. 23After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. 26When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. 32As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34“Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 36In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” 39Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Who was Paul?

Paul was a Jewish Pharisee, a religious leader, who was trained by one of the day's preeminent rabbis, named Gamaliel. In an effort to prove his zeal for the Jewish law, he was an initial persecutor of the Jewish sect known as the Way (followers of Christ - John 14:6). On one of his mission trips to imprison disciples of Jesus, Paul met the resurrected Jesus (Acts 9). Though knowing full well that a misappropriation of the identity of God meant death, Paul spent the rest of his life proclaiming Jesus as God in the flesh until his martyrdom for this testimony under the emperor Nero in 64 AD. He was convinced of Jesus being the Savior of the world, the promised Messiah, by the Hebrew Scriptures and his encounter with Christ after Jesus' bodily resurrection. I Corinthians, a total of three-fourths of the New Testament letters, and much of the doctrine of the world's largest religion are a result of that conviction.

1) Paul is called to be an apostle of Christ (v. 1).

When Paul is called, he is called to be an apostle to a particular group of people.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 9:1, 2 NIV)

Function and leadership within the church are God ordained, not man-made. It is the authority and confidence from which Paul speaks and leads. When Paul directs the church in its affairs or brings correction in its errors, it is because Christ has appointed him to do so as a representative of Himself. Leadership in the church is not something to be abused by the leader nor taken lightly by those being led. Both must walk in the fear of God to find themselves in the pleasure and purposes of Jesus. This is a difficult scenario for many in the culture today because of church abuses, heresies, and the independence that is promoted in our society. However, going online to get one's minister license does not equate to an appointment from God. Nor does it give one a Christ-centered and submitted authority within a particular body of believers. Godly leadership is a trust and a stewardship that the holder must walk out in humility before the Judge who will hold them accountable for their service (Hebrews 13).

2) This particular church, along with the universal church, is called to belong to Christ and to be holy.

“Christ did not die to forgive sinners who go on treasuring anything above seeing and savoring God. And people who would be happy in heaven if Christ were not there, will not be there. The gospel is not a way to get people to heaven; it is a way to get people to God. It's a way of overcoming every obstacle to everlasting joy in God. If we don't want God above all things, we have not been converted by the gospel.” ― John Piper, God Is the Gospel: Meditations on God's Love as the Gift of Himself

This begins with time set apart to daily meet with Him. This is where your identity is formed, truth is revealed, and your relationship with Christ is built. Through His Word, worship, and prayer, you are made holy. It is in this place that the joy of the Lord is renewed in you.

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2 NIV)

It must be noted that Paul is writing to a group, a church community, and not just an individual instructing them how to have a personal faith. We are called to a new identity, a new Father, and a new family whom the Heavenly Father loves and for whom He cares. It is in relationship with other believers that holiness is refined and you are given tracks on which to run.

Holy means set apart for divine purposes. Note that this calling is within a group context, and not singular in scope. You will fulfill your holy calling while a part of the body in which God places you. It is there that you find the teaching, encouragement, correction, loving accountability, and strength that you need to pursue God's ends. Never forget that Jesus (Matthew 16) is building His church, and you are to practically, in life and service, be a part of it. If you can not live out your faith in the context of a church community submitted to Christ, it is not yet a fully formed, Biblical faith.

A walk with Christ was never meant to be a solo sport; it is not a self-help program or solitaire. The idea of a personalized, isolated Christianity is not a Biblical one. The story of Biblical Christianity is a family of believers loving God, loving one another, and being on mission with Christ to love their world. It does not have to be this church, but we encourage each of you to find a local God fearing, Bible teaching, Jesus honoring community with which you can grow, thrive, and come into the purposes if God. God has a call to a local family of believers for you.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22 NIV)

“The church is not a theological classroom. It is a conversion, confession, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness and sanctification center, where flawed people place their faith in Christ, gather to know and love him better, and learn to love others as he designed.” ― Paul David Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change

To What You are Called

I Corinthians 1:4-17 (NIV)

4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas ”; still another, “I follow Christ.” 13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. 16(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

3) The church is called into fellowship with the Son of God, Jesus Christ (v. 9), through the cross.

Fellowship means a shared life.

It all begins with repentance, faith, and baptism. Repentance is a change of mind in regard to the way in which you used to think to now share in the life Jesus exemplified and gives as a gift. The cross is the place of death to your own way of life. Baptism is the pledge of a good conscience to a new master and lover, a public circumcision that empowers the new direction that you are taking in Christ. Your burial in baptism should also indicate that you are no longer merely living for yourself, but for the one who raised you into new life to serve the world that He came to save.

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Corinthians 5:14, 15 NIV)

Ultimately we must always remember that God is not here to serve our ends, but by His grace, we have been called into humble service of the King. We must continually ask ourselves the question, "What is He up to, and how is my life playing a part in His grand symphony?"

“Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter.” ― Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas ”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. (1 Corinthians 1:11-17 NIV)

You are not primarily a Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Anglican, Pentecostal, Evangelical, or any other camp. You are not primarily a Calvinist, an Arminianist, a liberal, a conservative, a charismatic, an emerging church groupie, or a traditionalist. You are not part of the black church, the white church, the Asian, Latino, African, European, or Orthodox church. You are to be a follower of Jesus the Christ, the only one who lived perfectly, bled and died for your sins, and was raised to life so that you can be forgiven and have eternal life by His grace and through your trust in Him!

With Whom You are Called To Do It

I Corinthians 1:18-31 (NIV)

18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 26Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

4) God has called both Jews and Greeks into this fellowship (v. 24).

Jews were the keepers of the law and knowledge of the true God. The majority of the early church were Jewish and all of the writers of the New Testament, minus Luke the physician/historian who wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts as the earliest recorded history of the church, were Jewish. Jesus was from a Jewish lineage and came as the Messianic fulfillment of the Jewish prophetic writings.

Greeks were Gentiles (everyone else) to whom God's redemptive plan extended through the Savior, as spoken about through Jewish prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the authors of the Psalms.

5) Both the wise and the foolish, the influential and non-influential, those who were born of noble birth and those who were not, are called (v. 26).

These two things combined speak of the extreme inclusivity (God wants every nation, people, tribe, tongue, pedigree, and background) of the gospel through the exclusivity of Jesus Christ (only Christ's work on the cross saves and is the bridge to reconciliation with God as we repent of our sins).

We all fit into one of these two categories, either like the Jews of that time looking for signs and power feats to validate the identity of the Messiah (which Jesus fulfilled in spades), or we are like the Greeks of that day who exalted intellectualism and philosophy to determine truth. Whether your bent is science or wonders, God has proven Himself on every ground by the historic death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now what are the implications?

God chose the foolish, the weak, the lowly and despised things to belong to Him and change the world. Our boast is in God's grace alone. This is the call of God.

“For a Christian to be a Christian, he must first be a sinner. Being a sinner is a prerequisite for being a church member. The Christian church is one of the few organizations in the world that requires a public acknowledgement of sin as a condition for membership.” ― R.C. Sproul, Reason to Believe: A Response to Common Objections to Christianity

God has no real weakness in Himself. He is omnipotent. The weakness described in verse 25 is the the voluntary giving of the life of His Son (a real act of strength) for the sake of the world He came to save. It was seemingly foolish, but ended up the most wise act of all, as it led to the redemption of the world that had violently rejected Him and chosen their own death. It was foolish in the way that a Javert in Les Miserables was shown grace by the priest from whom He stole, being given the opportunity to begin a new life with riches unearned by the former prisoner. It was His foolishness that paved the way for us to be born again, be made new creations, have our sins forgiven, and the power and opportunity to live a new life. It is what is available to everyone today.

Second City Church- The Real World: Corinth Sermon Series 2013

Guest Speaker Peter Ahlin on Isaiah 60

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Peter Ahlin Speaking on Isaiah 60- September 1, 2013

Greeting

Brief background on prophecy:

Prophesy in conjunction with love, to encourage:  (1 Corinthians 14:1,3) -->  Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.  The one who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

Prophecy should be neither blindly accepted nor rashly despised:  (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22) -->  Do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

Words from God will encourage you to follow God and His revealed will: (Deuteronomy 13:1-3) --> If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Brief background on Isaiah:

He lived in a city and region characterized by intensified moral darkness and corruption.  Isaiah said that he was a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips.  He lived during the reign of several Judean kings, including Ahaz, a king who bowed to foreign idols and even had his own son sacrificed in fire.  According to church tradition, Isaiah is said to have been killed during the reign of King Manasseh, who also sacrificed his own son, practiced sorcery, and led the people to do more evil even than the pagan nations that had lived in Judea before them.

He lived in a time of deep national division.  God's people started out as one family and one nation.  Because of the sin of King Solomon, ten tribes out of twelve were torn away from his family and given to someone else to rule.  The strength that should have come from the diverse skills, abilities, and propensities of these twelve tribes was greatly attenuated into the separate nations of Israel and Judah.  In fact, during Isaiah's life the king of Assyria captured the land of Israel and deported its people.

He lived in a land constantly threatened by violence.  The powerful Assyrian kingdom was active throughout Isaiah's life, and, at various points, three of their kings attacked Israel, extracted gold and silver tribute from Judah's temple and treasury, and came up to threaten Jerusalem with 185,000 soldiers.

He had every reason to feel insignificant and powerless to bring about any real change.  He was just one man, dwelling among a people of unclean lips!  He felt the magnitude of the task before him, and he clearly saw the extent of the depravity in the culture around him.  Yet, by the Spirit of God, Isaiah received a prophetic vision of how things would be not just slightly improved around the margins, but entirely and miraculously transformed.

As you think about the cultural ethos in America, Illinois, and particularly in Chicago, does this picture ring true?  Moral darkness, corruption, ethnic division, violence, and the temptation to feel utterly insignificant and powerless to change anything?  Everyone doing as he or she sees fits.  Political corruption.  A heightened sense of ethnic division and misunderstanding.  Incredibly high rates of homicide and other violent crimes.  Less than 100 people in a city of 2.7 million.  It's tempting to wonder if anything can be done to turn the tide.

This July, the Holy Spirit showed me in Isaiah Chapter 60 four specific things that will happen in the life of Second City Church.  And so, with Pastor Rollan's agreement and oversight, I wish to share those four things with you.

(1) In a dark and adverse hour, your church will shine as a bright light and beacon of the radiant presence of Jesus Christ, attracting the sons and daughters of God.  (Isaiah 60:1-4)

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.  For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.  The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.  Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side.

LIGHT IN ADVERSITY

This is an age of financial hardship for so many.  Does anyone know the city that in 1960 had the highest GDP per capita in the country?  Detroit!  And now more than 50,000 dogs roam the streets in packs as the population rapidly dwindles.  Financial difficulty is present here as well; for instance, Illinois is the last state in the country for the funding of its long-term pension liabilities; for every dollar that must be paid out in the future to fulfill these obligations, it only has 45 cents.

This is also an age of increasing disintegration of public morality.  Conduct that was thought unthinkable for centuries is now being mandated by judicial fiat.  When public figures get caught acting inappropriately, they no longer even show any sincere remorse:  I’m sorry if anyone was offended.  I’m going to take responsibility for my actions, which means finding out how long I have to hide out before running for office again.  I spent the last two years insulting anyone who questioned my integrity until the moment I was caught – now I have been caught and I really mean this apology!  It seems the only unpardonable crime is believing in absolute standards for right and wrong that emanate from an eternal Creator.

Unfortunately, I cannot tell you that the surrounding financial and moral darkness is just a passing moment; indeed, the darkness is deep.  But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.  Through the pages of the Bible, we see this again and again: Matthew Henry comments on Isaiah 60 that it evokes the ninth plague in Exodus, when terrible darkness fell upon the land of Egypt, darkness that could be felt, yet the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.  Paul wrote to the Philippians that they were living in a crooked and perverse generation, but that they could shine blameless and pure, like bright stars against a dark sky.  And so, with this promise to the church comes a commission for every member in it – to shine as a bright light in dark adversity, not to engage in moral compromise in your marriage, in your job, in your academic pursuits.  Jesus said, While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.  Now that He has ascended to heaven, He has called each of us to be the light of the world.  And this church will not be hidden under a bowl. It will eventually be put upon a stand to bring light to the entire city.  Jesus is the Lamb who lights the heavenly city so that it needs no sun or moon, and, if you’ll allow Him, He’ll shine brightly through you into desperate darkness; and those in the dark will be drawn to the light.

(2) A beautiful diversity of many nations will be joined together in your church family, and those who come will be able to build and minister with great efficacy.  (Isaiah 60:5-10a)

Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy;  Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you.  The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah;  All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord.  All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory.  Who are these who fly like a cloud, And like doves to their roosts?  Surely the coastlands shall wait for Me; And the ships of Tarshish will come first, To bring your sons from afar, Their silver and their gold with them, To the name of the Lord your God, And to the Holy One of Israel, Because He has glorified you.  The sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, And their kings shall minister to you.

LOVE IN DIVERSITY

This is an hour of heightened tensions between ethnic groups.  Many civil rights advancements have occurred in the last fifty years, but we are still far from a society where people are judged, in Dr. Martin Luther King’s words, not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.  It seems that when people go on record, they often do one of two things –they pretend that no distinctions exist whatsoever among nations and ethnicities, or they talk as though the differences were utterly irreconcilable.  The world’s answer to offenses against other groups is not repentance and reconciliation; it’s sensitivity training.  In other words, it’s ok to continue having those hateful feelings and thoughts towards others as long as you are sensitive enough not to say them out loud or while being recorded!  The kingdom of God has a far different model.  It is not the model of ignoring distinctions, nor is it the model of despairing of ever been reconciled. Instead, it is the model of loving cross-cultural community, where God-given distinctions are preserved and celebrated in love.

How many of you have seen the movie 42?  While the movie tells a great story as Hollywood is at its inspiring best, it sells far short the Christian faith that Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey shared. When they first met, Rickey shared with Robinson a devotional passage from Papini’s “Life of Christ” on the Sermon on the Mount, specifically, the portion on “turning the other cheek.” Robinson’s strong moral character was the reason the Bible-quoting Rickey chose him, and Robinson’s amazing commitment to non-violence in the face of numerous hateful provocations was pivotal in the integration of baseball and much of society in the years that followed.  The real story of 42 was two Christian men, purposing to bring transformation to their sphere of influence.

You see, the Bible does not teach that nations and cultures are homogeneous, nor that their differences are irreconcilable ones.  The biblical picture Isaiah shares is that even in the perfected future, national and ethnic distinctions persist.  Tim Keller points out here that every culture brings something different, something for which it is known, and that each culture has strengths and contributions to the flourishing of mankind that cannot be replaced.  Further, these cultural distinctions will persist for all of eternity.  John looked into heaven and saw a countless multitude of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.  And so, with this promise to the church comes a commission for every member in it -  to demonstrate love in diversity, to model a community of believers from every nation about whom it may be said, "See how they love each other!"  Jesus went through Samaria when his Jewish contemporaries who hated Samaritans walked miles out of the way to avoid it.  Now that He has ascended to heaven, He has called each of us to show His love in diversity.  Jesus is the one who reconciled divided foes both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity between them, and, if you’ll allow Him, He’ll fill you with His love as your church fills up with a beautiful diversity of cultures, languages, and nations.

(3) In a state known for corruption, you will bear a standard of justice.  In a city known for devastation and violence, you will exhibit incredible peace and wholeness.  Violence will stop at your doors and not come within your borders, for you will have the impregnable walls of Salvation and gates of Praise.  (Isaiah 60:17b-18)

I will also make your officers peace, And your magistrates righteousness.  Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise.

LIFE IN TRANQUILITY

This is a region known for corruption and violence.  4 of the last 7 Illinois governors have been convicted and imprisoned for things like racketeering, bribery, and fraud.  The city of Chicago saw 500 homicides in 2012; the rate was calculated in that year to be double that of New York and Los Angeles, with more youth homicides than any other city.  Many political officials use their power to promote themselves or enrich themselves, while many people use implements that should be employed for others’ protection for others’ destruction instead.

By contrast, the agents of the kingdom of God bring peace and righteousness where they go.  Think of the heroic decades-long labor of the Christian Parliamentarian William Wilberforce, to bring an end to the horrific British slave trade.  He was not a man who used his political office to obtain power and wealth for himself; he used his office to advance peace and promote righteousness.  He was also a man who would not give up easily; Wilberforce persisted year in and year out until the Slave Trade was abolished, and then slavery abolished.  The end result?  Righteousness was established and violence prevented.

Scripture teaches us that when our minds are stayed on God, He will keep us in perfect peace.  When every natural circumstance rages against tranquility, God’s peace which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, as you pray to God with thanksgiving.  As violence may rage all around, you will have peace that this city is desperately craving.  You will also have righteousness.  If you read I Peter 5, where Peter writes to elders, he urges them to act as shepherds, to do with willing hearts and not to act with any dishonest motives or lording authority over others. As you all have gotten to know Pastors Rollan and B, I am sure you have seen hearts of shepherds, without guile, pretense, dishonesty, or desire to promote themselves.  Thank God for this!  But with this promise to the church comes a commission, not just for the pastors, but for every member in it – to embody life in tranquility.  Jesus slept when the most powerful storm career fisherman had ever seen raged around Him.  He also lived so perfectly righteous an existence that He could look around at those who hated Him, ask them if they had any accusation of sin against Him, and then sit back and listen to the silence.  Now that Jesus has ascended to heaven, He has called each of us to embody his life in tranquility.  Jesus is the one who said: “Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give to you, not as the world gives" (with strings attached or for something in return or with a great big catch), but true peace.  Jesus also allows us to be set free from sin and become slaves to righteousness, if we have been united with Him in his death.  And if you’ll allow Him, Jesus will fill you with his peace and his righteousness.

(4) From your church, the seeming least beginnings (both in individual people and in ministries) will grow to serve thousands of people and become like a mighty nation, at God’s right time.  (Isaiah 60:21-22)

Also your people shall all be righteous; They shall inherit the land forever, The branch of My planting, The work of My hands, That I may be glorified.  A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time.

LEADERSHIP FROM OBSCURITY

This city is the architectural wonder of America!  As I look up at these massive skyscrapers, including the tallest building in America, I am reminded that tall buildings are frequently, like the tower of Babel, just another sign of people's saying "let us make a name for ourselves.” (All the more ironic now that the tallest building has actually changed names from the Sears to the Willis Tower.  Human efforts to make names for ourselves will eventually fade.)

This church, however, is not motivated by making a name for itself, but by seeing the name of Jesus Christ exalted in every corner of this great city, and from here to the entire world.  Earlier today, I alluded to the fact that this church is less than 100 people in a city of 2.7 million.  But you need to know that Zechariah 4:10 is true ofSecond City Church: “Do not despise these small beginnings.”  The Lord rejoices to see His work begin.  The principle of the mustard seed is that the smallest seed grows to become a large tree that provides shelter to all kinds of life!  God definitely takes pleasure in starting small!  Remember what Moses said to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 10:22: “Your fathers went down to Egypt with seventy persons, and now the Lord your God has made you as the stars of heaven in multitude.”  Remember that in one day, the early church grew from 120 people to more than 3,000 people!

But there’s a second principle I want to share with you: the Picasso principle.  The story goes that Picasso was out sketching when a woman stopped and asked him to sketch her.  He agreed, and in less than five minutes the sketch was completed and signed.  “How much do I owe you?” the woman asked.  “Five thousand francs,” the legendary artist replied.  “But that’s ridiculous!” the shocked woman cried. “It only took you a few moments.” “Au contraire, Madame,” answered Picasso, “it has taken my entire life.” Although a sudden change will come, when this church’s influence will grow exponentially, it will be years of preparation in the making.  The church didn’t just grow from 120 – 3000 by mistake; the 120 were meeting together constantly to pray in the days that preceded the day of Pentecost, after 3 years of following Jesus every day.

Isaiah uses the image that God’s people are like the branch of His planting.  And Scripture teaches what kind of plant flourishes:  Those who are planted in the house of the Lord will flourish in the courts of my God.  And so, with this promise to the church, comes a commission for every member in it: to grow into leadership out of obscurity into destiny, to be planted in this house and grow up like an oak of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor (not our splendor but His).  An oak grows up from an acorn, from obscurity to a mighty destiny.  Jesus started from humble beginnings in a poor carpenter’s shop, submitting faithfully to His parents and making tables and chairs, in a town from which people asked if anything good could come!  Then He launched the greatest movement of people the world has ever seen and will ever see.  The time spent in carpentry wasn’t 30 wasted years; it was an integral part of His preparation for world-altering ministry.  And now that He has ascended to heaven, He has called each of us to be planted in His house, to grow and flourish here, and be launched into our destiny.  At just the right time, God sent His Son.  At just the right time, He will launch you.  Jesus is the rock upon which the church is built, and if you’ll allow Him, He’ll show you how to make and lead disciples, first on a small scale, and then on an incredibly large scale, here and around the world.

Conclusion

Isaiah was a man just like us.  He lived in a spiritually dark time, in a deeply divided nation, in a land constantly threatened by violence, and he had every reason to feel insignificant.  But he chose to take God at His word, and when he heard the voice of the triune God asking: “Whom shall I send?  And who will go for Us?” He said, “Here am I!  Send me!”

The Holy Spirit has spoken. Second City Church is going to be a great light in darkness, a beautiful tapestry of cross-cultural loving community, a powerful example of peace and righteousness, and an influential evangelizer with explosive city-wide and world-wide impact.  But what about you?  If you would say, “Yes!  I’m in.  I want to be planted in the house of the Lord.  I want to be a light in darkness.  I want to be fully committed to a loving cross-cultural community.  I want to be an agent of peace and righteousness.  And I want to be part of Jesus Christ’s mission, here in this local body, to reach this city and this world.”  Stand to your feet and let’s pray.

Second City Church- Guest Speaker 2013

The Cross and My Career

Second Look: The Cross and My Career

[powerpress] Matthew 20:1-16 (NIV)

1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.3 “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5So they went.“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. 6About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’7 “ ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

What is the point of your work, and what is God's intended purpose behind it? It all commences with the reality that the world is His vineyard (Psalm 24:1,2). Your boss, the company or school for which you work, are ultimately stewards, and you have been placed in your place of work to cultivate that piece of God's creation. You ultimately work for Jesus, thus you want to do an excellent job in your workplace, recognizing proper motives for our work and the means through which you honor God through it.

The Scripture begins, as with all other truths, with God as creator and the proclamation that the world in which you live ultimately belongs to Him. God commissioned you to be a caretaker and cultivator of His creation. You do this through your career, in which you should have a sense of calling. The gospel reveals that it is when you are detached from your maker, life through His Son and your God-ordained purpose, that your life unravels.

"All that we call human history--money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery--[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy." - C.S. Lewis

Jesus is here indicating that it doesn't matter if you've grown up Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, atheist, agnostic, or Christian. There is a temptation and a pull to be culturally indoctrinated, never having put thought into why you actually believe what you believe. Truth becomes an emotional byproduct of your surroundings and upbringing rather than facts that have their foundation in both transcendent and physical realities. Our perception of the metaphysical is colored by our experiences, both positive and traumatic, to the extent that many never venture into objective analysis of why they do what they do.

When Jesus speaks of hiring people in the fields, it is clear that He is not speaking about people who are literally doing nothing. He called His first apostles from being fishermen, tax collectors, and revolutionaries. The issue at hand is a need for conversion. Jesus is speaking of your need to have your perspective about him, your life, and your work, reoriented to His purposes. The converted heart is not just talking about the new believer. It is ultimately a matter of identity, to whom you belong, what things upon which you feed, and what defines you.

“God is not an employer looking for employees. He is an Eagle looking for people who will take refuge under his wings. He is looking for people who will leave father and mother and homeland or anything else that may hold them back from a life of love under the wings of Jesus.”

― John Piper, A Sweet and Bitter Providence: Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God

Our Need for Conversion

Merriam-Webster defines conversion in this way:

1a : to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another 2a : to alter the physical or chemical nature or properties of especially in manufacturing b (1) : to change from one form or function to another (2) : to alter for more effective utilization

Where is the conversion seen?

Conversion begins when you come to the cross of Jesus Christ. As you repent of your sin and put your trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, you are changed in your very nature. You are forgiven, and the Holy Spirit comes to live in you. This results in devotion to God that should be cultivated privately and felt publicly. In God's mind, there is no division between the sacred and the secular. Every endeavor of life is to be holy, set apart to him. This is why where you spend the majority of your life, in school or in the marketplace, is of great concern to God. Your faith grows in church settings, being strengthened by the affirmation of God's truth through the preaching of His Word. In consistent fellowship, you are comforted by the love of brothers and sisters. The confirmation of God's faithfulness through the testimony of others offers healing to you as you worship and the encouragement of the collective wisdom of His people equips you for your days. All of this is meant to be taken home and deepened daily through your giving, prayer, and sacrifice in the secret place. It is here that you find God's pleasure. These are the mechanisms through which He matures you. These are areas where you first and clearly display your faith in God.

How does the gospel of Jesus Christ cross over to my work life and daily experience?

Matthew 20:17-28 (NIV)

17Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18“We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”20Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. 21 “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” 22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. 23Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” 24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

We desire glory but don't want to pay the price to get it. Many times we don't know what we are asking for when we desire the success in business or in relationships that we see that others have.

We see the finished product of people's efforts but don't know the tedious process it took to get there. The same is true if someone is going to make a concerted impact for the Kingdom of God with their career.

"A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to everyone." -Martin Luther, in his 1520 treatise On Christian Liberty (also known as On the Freedom of a Christian) http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/october/bonds-of-freedom.html

Jesus has called us to live and emulate the gospel. This generation thinks that they are impacting the world by liking or unliking something on their Facebook page, while doing nothing in reality. This is a deception. Low commitment, spotty contributions have relatively zero impact on the world in which we actually live. Giving online commentaries on the world does not mean that you are helping it. Engaging God and others for Jesus and the gospel, does (i.e. - mentoring children).

What, then, should be your Christian ambition in the workplace?

Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of all that was foreshadowed in the Old Testament and is our perfect king, high priest, prophet, teacher, and God. As a Christian, you are called to be part of a kingdom of priests. This means that you have both a kingly and priestly responsibility where you live and work. As a co-heir with Jesus Christ, a Christian is left in society to rule as God would.

You do this by lifting others and their performance around you so that every customer, employee, and employer receives an increase from your contribution.

You should worship God in your workplace. Work should be worship.

1) As a king or queen

“When you were made a leader you weren't given a crown, you were given the responsibility to bring out the best in others.” ― Jack Welch

You are to be a profitable, restorative agent of the Kingdom of God within your workplace through humble, diligent service to your customers, co-workers, and superiors. This is what it means to be a servant leader and it is your responsibility to bring character, integrity, ethics, and cultivation of the world around you through your work. People, communities, and the culture in which you live should benefit and reflect more of God's glory because of your involvement with them. It should be your daily prayer to find wisdom through which you can do this.

“For you,” God says, “the route to gaining influence is not taking power. Influence gained through power and control doesn’t really change society; it doesn’t change hearts. I’m calling you to a totally different approach. Be so sacrificially loving that the people around you, who don’t believe what you believe, will soon be unable to imagine the place without you. They’ll trust you because they see that you’re not only out for yourself, but out for them, too. When they voluntarily begin to look up to you because of the attractiveness of your service and love, you’ll have real influence.” — Tim Keller, King’s Cross

2) As a priest

Being high powered in business and industry does not mean that you have it together in your private life or home. Our detox centers are filled with those who have come to understand this through hitting rock bottom or the intervention of loved ones. You can not close your eyes to those who need Jesus around you and expect to be found innocent by God. No child of God is meant to remain an infant. However, if you look at the church in America, surrounded by comforts, this is where most of us remain. The individual who won't grow up and lives for selfish pleasures will eventually be judged.

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? (Proverbs 24:11, 12 NIV)

“Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” ― George Washington

Programs like AA have helped countless people, and we hope to have our own Christ-centered support groups in the church. As you are excellent in your responsibilities and live as a servant leader, work will also be your mission field through which you have opportunity to minister through the relationships built there. Wait for them, and God will open doors in the most unexpected places.

We need you who are already established in the faith to be the older brothers and sisters, that as we are crying out for this city, are helping to build the family of God through your giving, prayers, and sacrificial living. It is so that communities can be rebuilt, our city transformed, and your work life be a vehicle, through which all of this occurs. It is so that lives can be saved through meeting King Jesus, being transformed by the power of His love demonstrated on the cross.

Second City Church- Second Look Sermon Series 2013

Idol Wealth

Second Look: Idol Wealth

[powerpress] When we speak of Jesus being Lord of our lives, we must address the things that are most dear to us. These things are our relationships, how we spend our time, and what we do with our money. They are also the things that we try to relegate to a separate realm, detaching them from our devotional life so we can think ourselves spiritual, while leaving these areas untouched. Jesus makes it clear that this mentality is a deception.

Matthew 19:13-30 (NIV)

13Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.14Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.16Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”18“Which ones?” he inquired.Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”20“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”21Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.23Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”26Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”27Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”28Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

We diminish the values of the young and zealous thinking ourselves wiser with age. While this can be true, age does not guarantee wisdom any more than it does beauty. God admonished adults to become like children, yet never for children to be like adults. Could it be that the clarity with which they focus and the simplicity of their values allows them to be more pleasing in the sight of the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God?

An idol is anything that you serve above God and look to for your security, wholeness, and salvation. The things which are your idols are often right in front of you, hidden in plain sight. In the case of this young man, as in many cases, the idol in question is money.

“Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God, your functional savior. ” ― Martin Luther

Chicago is an environment that will produce many who are young and wealthy. Regardless of who you compare yourself to, by the world's standards, you are wealthy. Idolatry begins in the heart and can be one of the things that it is easiest to deny. Many times you don't know what your idols are until you are faced with the threat of their loss.

“Rules for Self Discovery:

1. What we want most;

2. What we think about most;

3. How we use our money;

4. What we do with our leisure time;

5. The company we enjoy;

6. Who and what we admire;

7. What we laugh at.”

― A.W. Tozer

The Old and New Testaments have about 800 Scriptures combined regarding wealth, including verses on savings, investments, income, tithing, offering, spending, running a business, family budgets, etc. Jesus spoke about money about 25% of the time, because it has and will always be such a big issue in your life. Jesus' teaching ultimately comes down to your perspective regarding money, its source, and whether or not you trust God to instruct you about what to do with it.

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Mark 10:29-31 NIV)

Jesus promises treasure stored up in heaven for those who are generous, and eternal life to those who follow Him in His ways. However, the idolatry of greed attempts to choke out this promise.

Greed is taking more than you need of anything at the expense of others.

It becomes an expense when you have what you need and could do good in the community in which you find yourself, yet hoard or waste your wealth. It is the voice of community that can often help you to discover if the desires within you are pure or subtly sinful.

When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Everyone is to gather as much as they need. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.’ ” The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. And when they measured it by the omer, the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed. (Exodus 16:15-18 NIV)

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell. (Proverbs 11:24-26 NIV)

Are there needs in your community while you have more than you need? How has God blessed you to be a blessing?

Once again the solution to this is found in community. We know we're committing outward sins when we are involved in a physical act like adultery. Yet your tone of voice, for example, which can be rude instead of loving, can be unapparent to you without someone else who is objective helping you to evaluate your speech. In the same way, sins of the heart, like greed, can be worked out in community. A Kingdom like Jesus' is a society of interdependent subjects in pursuit of a common goal, the glory of their benevolent King and the well being of their nation. What brother or sister will you allow to speak into your life about such matters, advising you in how you utilize your money?

According to the Bible, it is the love of money, and not money itself, that is evil.

“When I have money, I get rid of it quickly, lest it find a way into my heart.” -John Wesley

The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. (Psalm 135:15-18 NIV)

Jesus was trying to rescue the young man from this condition, but allowed him to go when he refused. There is a price to free will.

A curious Scripture was:

My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day. (Psalm 7:10, 11 NIV)

Wrath is not just in the terrors that people imagine of death, pestilence, or disease. Romans 1:18-28 speaks of the wrath of God in a different way. When God removes His hand, people are given over to their own self-imposed torment.

“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, in the end, "Thy will be done." All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened. ” ― C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce

People that I've seen in the city reflect the same type of attitude towards money as Gollum does toward the ring of power in Lord of the Rings, often with similar results in their lives. Money has not saved them, only isolated them and given them greater opportunity for disappointment, bondage, or despair.

Jesus constantly repeats the idea that you can actually lose to gain, and, in this case, generosity with wealth can collectively be used for much good.

Matthew 17:22-27 (NIV)

22When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. 23They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.24After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”25“Yes, he does,” he replied.When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?”26“From others,” Peter answered.“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

Obligation vs. Generosity

When you think of God and money, God has given directives that are both for your individual and our corporate benefit. The Old Testament pattern begins with our obligation as the tithe, which begins with the first ten percent of all of our income.

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9, 10 NIV)

It is what you owe God, and it is for your benefit as you remember that your source of provision is not your job, the economy, or your ability to hustle. It is the sovereign God who cares for all of creation and has allowed you to continually set your heart at rest in that reality by commanding you to give of what He's entrusted to you. Generosity is a heart attitude repeated in the New Testament that is modeled by God the Father giving His first and best in His only Son, Jesus Christ. He did not give a part, but all of Himself for the greater good. Generosity introduces the idea that the tithe is a floor and not a ceiling to your giving. When you give offerings above and beyond your tithe, this pleases the heart of God when it is done thoughtfully, cheerfully, and for His purposes.

What were the temple tax and tithe? What were they used for?

The temple tax was an annual due above the tithe and had a specific purpose to provide for the regular maintenance of the place of worship. The tithe was given for the food and what would today be the salaries, the basic living expenses, of the Levites and priests who were set apart for full-time work at the temple. God said to bring the full tithe into the storehouse, which used to be the temple, but today is the church. You belong to the universal church, yet are instructed to build your life and serve with others locally. In the same way, there is a practical side to the tithe being given to the local church of which you are a part. God says to bring it into His house, before your favorite charity. There is no biblical statement that says that it can not be split between churches, yet it is practical for the needs of the local house and the expansion of its activities to sow where you are connected relationally, serve regularly, and are being fed. This is the principle of taking care of the house that is taking care of you (Galatians 6:6). Additional offerings above your tithe to help the needy are always encouraged, which God will honor, bless, and add to your heavenly account.

When you give, as a church we hope to eventually do such things as:

1) Continue to pay for the use of meeting facilities as we perpetually to grow as a congregation.

2) Pay for staff members who can preach the gospel, teach the Bible, counsel the church, and administrate the ministry on a full-time basis (Acts 6:1-7; I Corinthians 9). Never forget, time equals souls in the Kingdom, and there are 2.7 million in this city to reach. Statisticians estimate that only 5% of the population of urban environments like Chicago are churched. This would leave an approximate 2,565,000, in the downtown area of Chicago alone, in need of the gospel.

The church will always be propelled by volunteers, but there are those who are set apart by God to expedite Kingdom activity as they devote their careers and livelihood to such a cause.

3) Provide help for the needy of our growing community, helping them to get on their feet (Acts 4).

4) Develop ongoing enrichment and empowering events/conferences to serve our congregation.

5) Supply children's ministry, discipleship, leadership development and outreach material.

6) Purchase additional sound and tech equipment for our worship.

7) Accomplish long-term goals such as developing job training programs for the poor, aid in widow and orphan care, and joining the fight against human trafficking.

8) Advertise the good news of Jesus through our gatherings to our city and beyond.

9) Help plant other churches domestically and internationally.

Everyone can begin somewhere. If every person began to trust God with such generosity, what seems impossible to men can be made possible by our God who multiplies and provides!

This subject is literally a testing of your faith and love for God's Kingdom as you ask yourself, "How can this be done?"

God is very practical and wants to change habits when it comes to things like credit cards, debt, and impulse purchases. When you see all of your money as coming from Him, it can be enjoyed properly, but also consecrated to Christ as you are on mission with Him with your resources. This is when you begin to, as people say, "serve God with your money rather than allowing money to be your god." You begin to work to live rather than living to work. In this case, money becomes your servant, rather than you being the servant of money. God wants to provide freedom to your perspective, heart, and life.

Changing your financial state, but not increasing your wisdom about money, will allow you to end up in the same boat you were previously. This is why we recommend such courses as Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey.

There are many false assumptions about prosperity in the Kingdom. In God's covenant and through His principles of wisdom, diligence, patience, and favor, He gives you the power to produce wealth (Deuteronomy 8). When you do produce wealth, it becomes a heart issue to stay close to your source. It is a matter of using wealth, no matter how much, for its intended purpose so that you are not only blessed, but, like God, are a vehicle of generosity to others. This is what the wealthy young man Jesus encountered missed, but it is the opportunity you are commanded to seize.

God shows us His miraculous provision when we follow His directives.

When you trust and obey God like a child, you are literally breaking the shackles of fear that have held you, and possibly your family, captive for generations. By acknowledging Jesus as your Savior and God as your source, you are freed through the discipline of giving from the idolatry of wealth. You can experience His miraculous provision as you obey His commands and serve our world.

 Second City Church- Second Look Sermon Series 2013

Forgiveness

Second Look Series: Forgiveness - Cole Parleir

[powerpress] Review of Last Week's Message

• Last week Pastor Rollan taught out of Matthew 18, and we learned that a child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, because they are humble. They lack pride and self-sufficiency. • We learned that the greatest sin is pride, because it is the root of all other sins. • We learned that Jesus is the Chief Shepherd who came to save sinners and build His church. • Pastor Rollan laid out for us the difference between the universal Church of Jesus and the local church, saying anyone who believes in Jesus. and turns to Him through repentance and faith in His death, burial, and resurrection, is a part of God’s universal Church. One who sets his or her repentance and faith to practice locally is involved in the local church. Pastor Rollan defined the local church as:

o A house worship and prayer for all the nations. (Luke 19:19-48; Matt. 18) o A family where issues can be worked out as we grow together into the image of Christ. (Matt. 18) o A place of instruction and teaching form the Bible. (Acts 2) o A series of local bodies of government and God ordained leadership. (Acts 15) o A community of repentance and discipline. If you can’t be excommunicated, it is a social club, not the church of    Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 5) o A gathering where the sacraments of baptism, communion, and holy marriage are practiced. o A haven of relational encouragement, fellowship, and accountability. (James 5:13-20) o A people on mission with Jesus. (Matthew 16)

Matthew 18:15-35 (NIV)

15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” 21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Our greatest need is God’s greatest gift: forgiveness. Forgiveness from God and others are very closely tied together, with God’s forgiveness being the foundation for us to forgive others. Last week, Pastor Rollan spoke of pride being the chief of all sins. If this is true, then humility is the chief of all righteousness. Pride and sin separates us from God and people. Humility is the foundation for all relationships with people and God. The cross of Christ is the revealer of hearts shining light on our sin and our need for forgiveness. The cross of Christ defeats relativistic morality and actually unites all of humanity by making the bold, humbling, yet dignifying, statement from God, “You are all more messed up than you could ever know…and I love you more than you ever thought possible.” The cross truly is the unifier of God and humanity with Himself and each other. A humble heart accepts this level playing field, while the prideful heart rejects it.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24

Our most important need: We’re all sinners on the same playing field, named Earth, and desperately in need of God’s forgiveness.

For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. Romans 11:32

Have you come to a place of humbly accepting your status with the rest of the human race as being in need of forgiveness, or do you have a bumper sticker that with pride and assumption states, “I was born OK the first time?”

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3

Jesus shares with us the power and God’s acceptance of the sacrifice of humility through His calling of a child to Himself as the response to the disciples question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The child is reported to not have said a word, but simply to have trusted Jesus and obeyed, coming and staying in the center of the disciples. Jesus then takes their question of hierarchical concern and knocks it down with the answer, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Whoa! Wrong question disciples, right answer Jesus! As long as we are worried about being great, there is no room for us in the Kingdom of Heaven. In the Kingdom of Heaven, all people, no matter of their role or reward level (yes there are rewards for serving God well in this life), will know the love of God fully, and they will not be concerned about greatness. The people who chose not to love God will not be there.

Why the need for humility and forgiveness? So that you can love God and serve God fully, for eternity.

If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. Psalm 130:3

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:36-38

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:47

The more we realize that we have been forgiven, the more we can love God. The deeper the depths of hell, the higher the highs of heaven! Since eternity is in our hearts, we can start experiencing the full life of Christ here and now!

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

We become reconciled to God and are being reconciled to man.

This is so interesting! In Matt. 18:5, Jesus says whoever accepts one of these “children" in His name (i.e. humble disciples not obsessed with being great), He accepts him, too. There’s a spiritual principle of delegated authority here. When God sends a messenger, it’s not the messenger that’s important, it’s the author and content of the message. God is sending you as a messenger of mercy and forgiveness, in Jesus’ name.

Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:16 (Jesus talking to the 72)

Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:18 (Jesus confirming the Church's authority to invite people into the family and excommunicate them from it.)

Peter asks a great question in Matt 18:21: If I’m walking in humility like a defenseless little child, how many times do I have to be wronged before I can take justice into my own hands? Seven times? The standard teaching in Judaism at the time based on several Old Testament references was that three instances of forgiveness reflected a forgiving spirit, which made Peter’s offer of seven, a number which generally reflects completeness in the Bible, seem like the perfect answer (taken from an NIV study note). Today we might have said, “Wrong me once, shame on you. Wrong me twice, shame on me.” In typical Jesus fashion of cutting through the Law and traditions of men to get to the heart, He answers, "seventy times seven." Basically, “as many times as it takes.” Jesus again appeals to the truth that He has placed eternity in the hearts of men. If we are going to be with people forever, all eternity, we need to start acting like it now.

Matthew 18:23-25 (NIV) The Unmerciful Servant

“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold[h] was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.[i] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

The unmerciful servant owed 10,000 talents. One talent was equal to twenty years worth of wages for a laborer. Today, at 40 hours a week, at minimum wage in IL, one talent was worth $343,200, meaning that the servant owed $3,432,000,000. The servant who owed money to the unmerciful servant owed $6,600 in today’s money.

We can forgive, because we have forgiven. The One who owns everything has paid our bill, meaning we don’t have to collect what others legitimately owe us. Not only has Jesus Christ paid for our sins, but we have become children of God through Him, as well, and our Heavenly Father promises to meet all our needs according to His riches and glory. He paid our debt and gave us the world, if we obey Him, unlike the unmerciful servant.

An unforgiving heart is an unforgiven heart and is subject to torment... -The Reformation Study Bible note on Matt. 18:23-35

“What goes around comes around…until someone forgives.”—Cole Parleir

Supporting Scriptures

Do you have prayer blockages?

Matthew 6:9-14 (Forgive to be forgiven)

"This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

 Matthew 5:23-26

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

 Psalm 130:3 (Forgiven to serve God)

If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

Matthew 7:12-14 (Do to others what you want done to you; it’s hard.)

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 9:1-8 (Physical healing to prove authority to forgive sins)

And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This is man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? Or which is easier, to say, "Your sins are forgiven.' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-- he then said to the paralytic--"Rise, pick up your bed and go home." And he roe and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Second City Church- Second Look Sermon Series 2013

The Chief of Sins, The Chief Shepherd, and His Chief Objective

Second Look: The Chief of Sins, the Chief Shepherd and His Chief Objective

The chief of sins is pride, which is ultimately the root of all that separates us from God and makes us slaves of sin. Jesus is God incarnate, the chief shepherd, who humbled himself to buy us back from our slavery to sin. Now, his chief objective is restoring the world through His church that we might one day enjoy Heaven on earth.

The Chief of Sins

Matthew 18:1-14 (NIV)

1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. 10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. 12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

There is a delicate balance between loving God with all of your mind and having the trust to receive instruction like a child. We are commanded to, and commended when, we do both. Pride towards God and others is what gets in the way of this.

"There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which every one in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, except Christians ever imagine that they are guilty themselves ....The essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil; Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind...As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you..." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Why the analogy of a child?

A child is a trusting soul. However, a child lost in a department store knows when they are lost. They have no trouble acknowledging it because they feel the fear, the anxiety, and the threat of uncertainty. Even if someone tries to help them, they are usually not open to a stranger's help, because they have been trained to be on guard. When they are found, they cling to their parent and won't let them go as long as the memory of that experience remains. This is how you will be when you have a true revelation of God.

Jesus said to cut off that which causes sin in your life. It is often pride when you have been forewarned of the detrimental effects of your sin but you refuse to cut off that which is destructive.

“If you ask me what is the first precept of the Christian religion, I will answer first, second and third, Humility.” – St. Augustine

Is Hell Too Heavy a Price to Pay?

In regards to hell, Jesus used the word Gehenna. Gehenna was a region where trash was taken and burned. When you talk to those who have been exposed to the church and the non-Christian alike, they bring up the idea of "hellfire and brimstone" preaching as if it is a slight on the church and part of why they have, in an enlightened way, opted out of such fear tactics to decide their fate. The popular opinion is that because the mass of our culture has rejected such an idea, it is no longer relevant or true, that it is an antiquated, outmoded, and primitive concept. You can deceive yourself into thinking that because the mass does not embrace it, you have the right, even the intellectually liberated obligation, to throw off such ideas or institutions that promote them. In doing so, you throw off Jesus, who spoke more about hell than any other teacher. The truth is that you will have to wake up to this reality no matter how long you put off the thought.

"Grace doesn't overlook sin, it empowers obedience." -Bill Johnson

It is ironic that those who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus were those who deemed themselves the most religious. They lacked humility and, therefore, missed the grace of God. The apostle Paul was initially no different, yet changed his speech from being a Pharisee without equal to the chief of sinners as he aged.

"Christ sends none away empty but those who are full of themselves." - C.H. Spurgeon

The Chief Shepherd

Why the analogy of the sheep?

We are like sheep, because we forget God's love and truths, wandering continually into the wolf's lair. Thanks be to God that we have a chief shepherd and under shepherds who fight for us!

The chief objective of God the Father expressed through his Son, Jesus Christ, is to reconcile a lost and dying world to Himself. This is the message of the cross where He is on a mission to create an ever growing community of worshipers whom He loves and who love Him! People often get offended about the talk of numbers in the church. Numbers are people, their stories and their lives, none of which are disposable to God. Jesus speaks in these terms and says very specifically as the good shepherd that He will leave the 99 going in search of the lost 1. He declares that there is more joy over the 1 found than the 99 not in need of His salvation. Make no doubt about it: We are here as a church to reach people with the love and gospel of Jesus Christ. He cares even when others do not. He is here to save and change your life today.

His Chief Objective

It is impossible to love Jesus fully without loving his bride, which is the church. It is difficult at times because of the pride in our hearts and the sin in our midst. Nonetheless, Jesus is building his church.

Matthew 18:15-20 (NIV)

15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

There is just as much religious, unregenerate behavior in the traditional church as the non-denominational church. They both represent cultures in which people can become comfortable and hide.

Who can be a part of Jesus' church?

Those who have been born again, having repented of their sin and put their trust in Jesus' death on the cross, burial, and resurrection from the dead are part of God's church.

There is a difference between calling yourself a Christian and being a part of the church that Jesus is building. Podcast Christianity is not being a part of the church. Nor is sitting home watching your favorite TV minister or gathering together with your Christian buddies. Though these are wonderful outlets for receiving encouragement, they do not encompass Jesus' requirements or purpose for His local body of believers. You must be engaged faithfully as a consistent participant of the church.

There is both a universal expression and a local expression of the church.

Wanderers and vagabonds only identify with the universal church because it is more comfortable. It lacks any type of accountability or pruning capabilities because there is no commitment.

The church is:

1) A house of worship and prayer for all the nations. (Luke 19:19-48; Matt. 18)

2) A family where issues are worked out as we grow together into the image of Christ. (Matt. 18)

3) A place of instruction and teaching from the Bible. (Acts 2)

4) A series of local bodies of government and God-ordained leadership. (Acts 15)

5) A community of repentance and discipline. If you can't be excommunicated, it is a social club, not the church of Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 5)

6) A gathering where the sacraments of baptism, communion, and holy marriage are practiced.

7) A haven of relational encouragement, fellowship, and accountability. (James 5:13-20)

8) A people on mission with Jesus. (Matthew 16)

How do you know where God has joined you?

You begin with prayer, but it does not end there. I did not pray to find out whether I belonged to the Fisher family. I accepted God's providence. I asked myself the question, who is feeding me, clothing me and paying my bills? Who is teaching me to grow into a man and equipping me to survive in the world. That is my family, that is my home. It is the place where you were born (again), where you are known, where you work to make yourself known and have been asked to contribute as a viable member of the household. It is very practical and more obvious than it seems, but all of these ingredients must be working together to find your place.

A selfish Christian looks solely to have the church serve their needs. Though this is a benefit, it does not end there. If that is all that church is to you, you will ironically, in the end, lose the very thing that you were searching for. Jesus repeatedly said if you find your life you will lose it, but if you lose your life for Him and the gospel, you will find it.

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. (Philippians 2:19-24 NIV)

Laziness will be a killer in your walk with God. If you are only in the church as long as people keep you there, you will soon be out and find reasons to justify why.

Your love for God will be tested when you don't get your perceived needs met, but instead show up to worship God anyway.

“Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

Don't look for things from people that should only come from God. This includes your security, fulfillment, value, and rest. Don't look for things from God that He has ultimately delegated to people. This includes your spiritual community, your accountability, and your practical outlet for service. You love God by loving His people and the world that He died to reach.

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (Hebrews 6:10 NIV)

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV)

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:19-21 NIV)

I encourage you to ask the question as to whether you show up to worship God because you feel that you are being entertained in the place that you are. Being a part of the church is about worshiping God the Father, Creator of everything seen and unseen, through His Son, Jesus Christ. However, in the West, with our consumer mentality, we shop for the best experience that will satisfy our whims and desires. Many bring the engrained marketing slogans of our culture into the church and act as if it is a shopping network, rather than a family to which He joins you. We don't choose our family. God chooses it for us.

Offense will expose the true object of your worship. If your church experience is about you, and not the Jesus who is building His church, there will soon be some relational disappointment or rub to give you reason to leave, inevitably worshiping the one you were there for anyway.

There is validity to hurts that have been experienced in the church, i.e. - money or sexual scandals. However, we only get knocked off course when we had the wrong person on the pedestal in the first place. The object of esteem should always be Christ Jesus, the perfect one. It is then that love for His imperfect bride will continue.

Second City Church- Second Look Sermon Series 2013

Transfiguration

Second Look: Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1-8 (NIV)

1After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.4Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”6When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

The gospel is a message where the proof is literally in the pudding. Beginning with the historic life of Jesus, and continuing for thousands of years in the stories of those who would love and obey him, there is no denying the power of Jesus Christ to save and change lives.

The message of Jesus Christ is one of reconciliation and transformation, both of which Jesus exposed on the mount of transfiguration. Moses and Elijah appeared as representations of the Old Testament Law and Prophets that were satisfied fully in Jesus' life, miracles, coming death, burial and resurrection. He was and is the fulfillment of the law, the true bridge to relationship with God, and the ultimate means to fulfillment in life. The voice from heaven rang out, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” as a second audible stamp that He is our past redeemed, our present understood, and our future revealed. Christ's instruction gives purpose to your daily experience, his grace meeting our needs, atoning for our shortcomings, and providing direction for all that is to come.

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." ― Leo Tolstoy

As always, Jesus is the consummate example of life in perfect relationship with our Creator God. He reveals His glory on the mount as a reflection of our metaphysical reality, that just as Moses would reflect the glory of God after meeting with Him in the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 34:29-35), Jesus now brings a deeper reality that we would literally be transformed by our relationship and continual interaction with God. It begins when we are born again. It continues through the process of Christ-centered, Holy Spirit empowered, fellowship encouraged sanctification. The more we seek Him, the more we become like Him. The more we stay away from the mount, the more the glory fades.

“The world does not consist of 100 percent Christians and 100 percent non-Christians. There are people (a great many of them) who are slowly ceasing to be Christians but who still call themselves by that name: some of them are clergymen. There are other people who are slowly becoming Christians though they do not yet call themselves so. ” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Matthew 17:9-21 (NIV)

9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”10The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”11Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” 13Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.14When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”17 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.19Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”20He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. ”

The point of the revelation of Jesus is not that we would reach some level of maturity or morality as an end unto itself, but that we'd be transformed as individuals and as a people into being the hands and feet of Christ in the world. This is His church, His body doing what He put us on mission to do.

Hope is one of the Theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither. -C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (1952; Harper Collins 2001) 134.

We fail to receive or bring healing at times because we've become so identified with our illness, ailment, or hurt, that we become more comfortable with it than without it (John 5). We appreciate the attention and sympathy that it affords us. We look around in the world and see that these are hard commodities to come by. Therefore, we maintain our corner on the market and settle in to what is debilitating, yet familiar, and, therefore, comfortable.

So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. (Mark 9:20-27 NIV)

In this scenario, we have become so numb by the traumas that we experience that we can not envision life without the crippling spirit. We have resigned to thinking that it is just the way that things will always be. We pray sincerely, but need Jesus to meet us in our weakness of faith. The good news is that He does upon our renunciation of our sin.

“It is not the strength of your faith but the object of your faith that actually saves you.” ― Timothy Keller

Jesus told the spirit to come out, and never enter the boy again.

How do we ensure that the house is kept clean? When we repent, we turn away from our self-centered living, and we turn toward Jesus.

How?:

1) Filling your mind with God's word to continually reorient you to the truth.

To understand the Scripture, you should look to:

Memorize the Word (Retain it so that it is available and useful.)

Meditate upon the Word (Discover its meaning and application.)

Manifest the Word (Find a way to put it into action.)

2) Finding time for friends running hard after God to recalibrate your direction

3) Finishing and beginning each day with prayer to reorganize your priorities

Institutionalized Religion

Bad Religion: Institutionalized Religion

Bad religion is when people try to make God and His Church what they want them to be rather than the historic Jesus revealing and explaining to us exactly who they are.

We are bred in a society that despises institutionalism and formalities. Is there any value to it, and, if so, what is God's design for it in regard to the Church?

Matthew 16:13-20 (NIV)

13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”14They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”17Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

There is no getting past the issue of the identity of Jesus as a starting block. Otherwise, the issue of sin really has no bearing on humanity, because, who is really to define sin? Yet, if Jesus is really the Son of God that He says that He is, everything must follow out of obedience to Him.

This is why so many history channel documentaries, books (ex. Bart Ehrman's), and other commentaries are written about Christ.

A church is not the Church of Jesus Christ if the central element surrounding the Church which Jesus built is not the identity of Jesus, otherwise known as Christology. This is the issue in today's times.

The Church spends so much time focusing on trying to cut off the branches of people's sin, but none of it matters if Jesus is not who the Bible said that He is. This is the root and the way that we must introduce people to the truth of the gospel.

Chalcedonian Creed (451 A.D.)

In 451 AD, this creed was a product of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, held at Chalcedon, located in modern day Turkey. It was a response to certain heretical views concerning the nature of Christ. It ratified the orthodox view that Christ has two natures, human and divine, that are unified in one person.

We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one consent, teach men to confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable [rational] soul and body; consubstantial [co-essential] with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the Manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin; begotten before all ages of the Father according to the Godhead, and in these latter days, for us and for our salvation, born of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, according to the Manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, only begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably; the distinction of natures being by no means taken away by the union, but rather the property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person and one Subsistence, not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son, and only begotten, God the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ; as the prophets from the beginning [have declared] concerning Him, and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself has taught us, and the Creed of the holy Fathers has handed down to us.

Timothy Keller commented that Jesus Christ is in the group of the top 10, three most influential persons, if not the most influential person, that the world has ever seen, while claiming that He is divinity. Keller notes that others have made similar claims throughout history but have been unable to convince anyone but a small group of unstable, marginalized, and disenfranchised people.

When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:33-39 NIV)

Keller states that most influential people in the history of the world who have been great walked in humility and deflected worship. Jesus was both commanding in His influence receiving worship and humble in His approach. No thoughtful person can walk away from his life without studying it; you better know that He is not God because of the magnitude of His claim.

What makes a church?

It is the place and community where you grow in your love for the subject of all the Scripture: Jesus Christ.

Definition of ekklesia: the assembly, the gathering.

It implies not individual faith, but an active gathering of the believers.

The very definition of what Jesus said that He was building cuts against a sole focus on individualistic spirituality.

If you want to say you are a part of what Jesus is doing, it will be practically building this assembly of worshipers.

Jesus said that He would build His Church on the rock of the revelation of Jesus as the long-awaited savior of the world. Peter was also going to be a rock on whose leadership the mission of the church was advanced. What has your part been, and what does it need to be?

Timothy Keller's explanation of the Apostles' Creed ("Eating With Jesus" message): "I believe in the holy Catholic Church."

It has been said that sometimes it takes more faith to believe in the church, that it can be all that God has called it to be, than to believe in the Christ.

The Apostles' Creed was said at public baptism and was people acknowledging the accountable community of love to which God had called them. There is no sole independence in the nature of a Christian. To be a Christian means to be a part of the body of Christ. It means that you are an invaluable part of a larger whole that has been going somewhere long before you materialized and is dependent on your important contribution to move forward in health.

“The church and the whorehouse arrived in the Far West simultaneously. And each would have been horrified to think it was a different facet of the same thing. But surely they were both intended to accomplish the same thing: the singing, the devotion, the poetry of the churches took a man out of his bleakness for a time, and so did the brothels.” ― John Steinbeck, East of Eden

There are many good things that we get to enjoy and in which we get to participate as the Church:

Service to the widow, orphan, poor and disenfranchised;

The goodness of God expressed through signs, wonders, miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit;

Authentic, healing community;

That the Church is the pillar and foundation of the truth in society;

Leadership development;

And a place where people are given a reason for living, a purpose in lif,e and a sense of destiny.

Yet, none of these are enough if they miss the central cause of the gospel of Christ: that He went to the cross to die for sinful humanity's rebellion against God to reconcile a condemned world to the Father through His own life that would be sacrificed on the cross.

Matthew 16:21-28 (NIV)

21From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”23Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”24Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.28 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

“If you live today, you breath in nihilism ... it's the gas you breathe. If I hadn't had the Church to fight it with or to tell me the necessity of fighting it, I would be the stingiest logical positivist you ever saw right now.” ― Flannery O'Connor

The detrimental and immediate effects of our sinful choices are poignant enough. I would submit that our positive, godly choices are as well. Most people today think that they can live flippantly, apathetically, or lazily without any thought of God's recompense. It is a deception that is fostered by the numbing effects of the media and entertainment culture in which we live. In addition, we see superstars and celebrities make wrecks of their marriages and lives, but go on to their next film or contract with a fresh spouse attached and no report of residual emotional stress or smoke from their burnt relationships.

The ambition of our work life can have the same blinding effects. Jesus reiterates this point time and again, even in the Sermon on the Mount, but makes it abundantly clear that the decisions that we make today have consequences in eternity. This is the reference to the Kingdom of Heaven. (Pastor Rollan had a relevant Gladiator quote to share.) This is why we unapologetically say that our aim, focus, and goal as a Church is to win people to Jesus Christ and teach then how to live a life of fruitful worship to Him. It gives context to each of our days on the job and in school where God is using places, relationships, and opportunities to cultivate creation and usher in that said Kingdom. At its core, the gospel is not merely one of individual salvation, but that of the Kingdom, which is the rule of God brought through the daily decisions that we make. Each of these will one day be judged with either everlasting reward or unrelenting penalty.

Our Perspective:

We often perceive that we are encouraging God to do the real good when we give suggestions about how our time, relationships, careers, and money should be spent.

There is a difference between our perceived good and God's best. It is ironic that Satan offers what is seemingly good (in your romantic life, how you spend your time and money, etc.), but what saves lives is God's best. How often, with good intentions, have we been like Peter?

Often, what we are doing is trying to find the path of least resistance or the least amount of sacrifice. If we can do good with as little effort as possible, we will still feel good about ourselves and be able to say that we've contributed to the common good. However, what Jesus makes clear is that He wants nothing less than the whole of our lives. Where do we have in mind the things of men rather than the things of God?

His Perfection:

Because Jesus has made His mission plain, the clear answer is to resign to imagining, "If I were actually an avatar for Jesus in my workplace, in my friendship group, in my family, what would He do with the time, opportunities, and relationships that He's given?"

This faith is continually defined as a trust in Jesus, what He has done for you, and the subsequent life of love and obedience that follows through the power of the Holy Spirit in the Christian.

Second City Church- Bad Religion Sermon Series 2013