Galatians 4:4-5
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
I like dogs. I like movies about dogs...remember Homeward Bound? Remember Air-Bud? I like jokes about dogs. Like the joke about the man who said it was raining so hard that it was raining cats and dogs. Someone asked how he knew it was raining cats and dogs...he said, "Because I stepped in a poodle." As a kid, I always had a dog. There was Snoopy, Sam, Fuzzy, and about twenty others. I lived near a busy country road and so I got a new dog every two years or so. I may be a little odd, but I even like those commercials about pet abuse with sad music in the background that makes me want to go to the pound and bring a few homeless hounds home to the Mason residence.
I had a pastor friend in Mississippi who had a three-legged dog named tripod. He loved that dog. I asked how he came to be owner of Tripod. He said, “He just showed up one day and after a while we decided he was ours.” That three-legged dog was taken in, fed, loved, and cared for. My friend said, “Sometimes we forget he has only three legs.”
Homeless dogs are everywhere. You see them wandering through communities and cities - hungry and looking for a home. Unwanted and unclaimed they’re looking for an owner – someone to say, “That’s my dog.”
Dogs and people have a lot in common. Homeless dogs are looking for a home. Hopeless people are looking for hope. The world is full of people who will never be recognized or rewarded for their contribution to society...simply because they've contributed very little if anything at all. They may have made some mistakes that are considered unforgivable. They may spend their life behind bars and be considered a burden to society. They may be the reason their marriage divorces and their family separates. They may be known as quitters or losers or failures. They may be written off – unwelcome at family reunions and unwanted at Thanksgiving dinners.
Dogs and people really do have a lot in common – believe me. Here’s a secret about those people who seem to have their act together. They don’t. They all have something in common with my friend’s dog Tripod. Everyone struggles with something. Everyone needs encouragement. Everyone needs hope. Everyone needs a pat on the back from time to time. Everyone needs a friend. Everyone needs to be loved. Everyone needs someone to believe in them. Everyone needs a Savior. Everyone needs a redeemer. Everyone needs Jesus.
Redeem – The word simply means to recover, to purchase, to repossess. Wow. I like all of that when it comes to me and my sin and my salvation. God sent Jesus to purchase me – to save me and claim me as one of His own. And, as a believer, when I stray Jesus is the one who recovers me and repossesses me.
Redeem – The word doesn’t mean to remodel or repair or rehab. All those are good words. But redemption is greater than just giving believers a different look or attitude. It’s greater than patching an old garment or putting new paint on an old house. It’s greater than a six-month rehab. When Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t die to remodel or repair or rehab sinners. He died to redeem them. He died to save them. That’s why we can come to Him as we are with all our sins. And He does more than “fix us up” or “straighten us out.” He “brings us in” and claims us as His own.
It’s kind of like a couple I knew several years ago who adopted a little girl. That little girl is now in her fifties. Mom and dad are in Heaven. But this is what they told me about their adopted daughter. Even though she had some handicaps, and the road ahead would be long and sometimes winding, and the lady at the adoption agency said they would understand if the couple wanted to wait on a healthy baby – The mother said, “From the minute I got the call, that was my baby.” God’s grace is kinda like that. The minute you call on His name – you’re His.
Redeem...It is a picture of releasing a captive. Like a story I heard of a young boy who was seen walking down the street with a birdcage full of field birds. A gentleman stopped him on the street and asked him where he got all those birds and what he was going to do with them. The boy said he had trapped them in the field and that he was going to play with them and then probably feed them to an old cat he had at home. The man said, “I’ll give you $20 for the cage and birds.” The boy said, “OK but you’re wasting your money. They’re just old birds and they can’t even sing or nothin’.” The boy went on his way with a crisp $20 bill...and the man took the cage with the birds into an alley where opened the door of the cage. Immediately all the birds found their way out of the cage and into the blue skies. And as the story goes, those old field birds that couldn’t sing – were singing. ...You see, folks, the redeemed don’t sing because they can sing. They sing because they have a song. Do you remember this old hymn?
“I Will Sing Of My Redeemer”
I will sing of my Redeemer, And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered, From the curse to set me free.
Sing, oh, sing of my Redeemer, With His blood He purchased me,
On the cross He sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.
We have been held captive to sin, but Christ redeemed all who will believe. He has paid the price and set us free. The choice is ours to either stay in the cage or spread our wings and fly.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
REST
R: Redeem the Days...
Eph 5:15-18 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” One way to rest in the Lord is to know His will – and redeem your days...make the most of your time here on earth. Our days are numbered. Our time is limited. What are doing with our time?
What if you knew you had 12 months to live? What would you do differently? How would you redeem the next 365...the last 365 days of your life? What would really matter if you had only one year to live?
E: Endure Hardships...
2 Tim 2:3-5 “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” We can’t rest in the Lord if we’re entangled in the affairs of this world. Enduring hardships is a daily concentration on staying untangled with the affairs of this world.
What hardship are you enduring now in your life? What storms are you weathering? Rest in the Lord! Stay strong! Don’t get tangled up in the world’s way of looking at your predicament. Be a good soldier. Rest in Jesus who has already won the battle for you.
S: Sing a New Song...
Psalm 149:1-6 “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth...” You can’t be angry and praise the Lord at the same time. Rest in the Lord! Sing – be joyful! Let the praise of God be in your mouth!
What can you praise Him for today? What has He done for you that has brought you joy? What good thing has the Lord done for you? What has the Lord done for you that makes you want to dance and sing for joy? Israel’s song was a new song of deliverance from her enemies. Sing a new song! Rest in Him!
T: Trust God in All Things...
Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word... Trust God in a bad economy. Trust Him in sickness. Trust Him in family disappointments. Trust Him when others hurt you. Trust Him. Rest in the Lord.
Eph 5:15-18 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” One way to rest in the Lord is to know His will – and redeem your days...make the most of your time here on earth. Our days are numbered. Our time is limited. What are doing with our time?
What if you knew you had 12 months to live? What would you do differently? How would you redeem the next 365...the last 365 days of your life? What would really matter if you had only one year to live?
E: Endure Hardships...
2 Tim 2:3-5 “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” We can’t rest in the Lord if we’re entangled in the affairs of this world. Enduring hardships is a daily concentration on staying untangled with the affairs of this world.
What hardship are you enduring now in your life? What storms are you weathering? Rest in the Lord! Stay strong! Don’t get tangled up in the world’s way of looking at your predicament. Be a good soldier. Rest in Jesus who has already won the battle for you.
S: Sing a New Song...
Psalm 149:1-6 “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth...” You can’t be angry and praise the Lord at the same time. Rest in the Lord! Sing – be joyful! Let the praise of God be in your mouth!
What can you praise Him for today? What has He done for you that has brought you joy? What good thing has the Lord done for you? What has the Lord done for you that makes you want to dance and sing for joy? Israel’s song was a new song of deliverance from her enemies. Sing a new song! Rest in Him!
T: Trust God in All Things...
Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word... Trust God in a bad economy. Trust Him in sickness. Trust Him in family disappointments. Trust Him when others hurt you. Trust Him. Rest in the Lord.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
REPENT
Acts 2:36-39
Repent...It’s one of those words we’d rather not hear. But maybe we’ve heard it so much it has lost its meaning. If the idea of repenting doesn’t sting us a little, then we've lost our understanding of the word...and most of all, the message of repentance. In the Bible...the word Repent means Change – a change of mind that results in a change of heart and life.
On most Sunday mornings at Trinity Baptist Church – Repentance is preached in the hopes that someone will change their mind about God. ...Change their mind about eternity. ...Change their mind about the Bible. ...Change their mind about salvation. It is a call to turn from sin and turn to Christ. It’s a call to believe differently and behave differently.
Wow. No wonder we don’t like to hear the word.
Notice again verse 37. It’s the greatest question ever asked by sinners who want to be saved. “What shall we do?” That question stems from a heart overcome by conviction – overwhelmed by the love of God – and overturned by the grace of God. It is a question that demands an answer.
...But as great a question as they asked...it is preceded by three questions that I must ask:
What did they hear? “When they heard this...”
They had heard the Gospel of Christ – and they heard they were guilty of crucifying the One whom God had made both Lord and Christ.
What did they feel? “They were cut to the heart...”
The word means to strike or stun. What if...What if the Jews had crucified their Messiah? What if what Peter was saying was true? What if they had rejected their only hope and the fulfillment of scripture? What if they had killed God’s Son?
What did they say? “...And said to Peter and the Apostles”
They asked, “What shall we do?” Peter responded with one word: “Repent.” He didn’t promise them wealth or health – He didn’t soften His words...He spoke with authority and certainty. Repent is the call to turn from sin. It is the call to deny self. It is the call to be transformed. The Gospel according to Jesus is no easy message. It demands change. It demands repentance.
Repent...It’s one of those words we’d rather not hear. But maybe we’ve heard it so much it has lost its meaning. If the idea of repenting doesn’t sting us a little, then we've lost our understanding of the word...and most of all, the message of repentance. In the Bible...the word Repent means Change – a change of mind that results in a change of heart and life.
On most Sunday mornings at Trinity Baptist Church – Repentance is preached in the hopes that someone will change their mind about God. ...Change their mind about eternity. ...Change their mind about the Bible. ...Change their mind about salvation. It is a call to turn from sin and turn to Christ. It’s a call to believe differently and behave differently.
Wow. No wonder we don’t like to hear the word.
Notice again verse 37. It’s the greatest question ever asked by sinners who want to be saved. “What shall we do?” That question stems from a heart overcome by conviction – overwhelmed by the love of God – and overturned by the grace of God. It is a question that demands an answer.
...But as great a question as they asked...it is preceded by three questions that I must ask:
What did they hear? “When they heard this...”
They had heard the Gospel of Christ – and they heard they were guilty of crucifying the One whom God had made both Lord and Christ.
What did they feel? “They were cut to the heart...”
The word means to strike or stun. What if...What if the Jews had crucified their Messiah? What if what Peter was saying was true? What if they had rejected their only hope and the fulfillment of scripture? What if they had killed God’s Son?
What did they say? “...And said to Peter and the Apostles”
They asked, “What shall we do?” Peter responded with one word: “Repent.” He didn’t promise them wealth or health – He didn’t soften His words...He spoke with authority and certainty. Repent is the call to turn from sin. It is the call to deny self. It is the call to be transformed. The Gospel according to Jesus is no easy message. It demands change. It demands repentance.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
ONE HOPE
My latest book, One Hope, is available. The story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Lazarus continues to inspire the defeated and give strength to the weary. This brief volume looks again at the events of those four amazing days in the life of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Everything changed when Jesus came home.
If you're interested in purchasing a copy, the cost is $12 which includes shipping. You can email your request to michael-mason@charter.net.
Thanks.
If you're interested in purchasing a copy, the cost is $12 which includes shipping. You can email your request to michael-mason@charter.net.
Thanks.
RELY
2 Chronicles 7:12-22
Where do we turn when our world turns upside down? Where do we run when our luck runs out? Who do we believe when we don’t know what to believe?
We seldom turn to God first when we’re troubled – or when we’re sick – or when we’re suddenly in a place we never thought we’d be. God, His Word, and prayer are often last resorts instead of first priorities.
George Muller, a great man of faith who trusted God in unbelievable ways said this, “The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.” Why is that? The further we get away from God – the further the distance to come back.
Only when he hit bottom did the prodigal turn around – he turned toward home – he turned back to his father. He was so hungry he would have eaten the pods the pigs were eating. Why wait till you hit bottom? Turn around while you can. Rely on the Lord. Rest in His promises.
So...Where do we turn? What do we trust? Who do we listen to?
Intuition:
Defined as quick insight or immediate knowledge without evident rational thought. You might say, “I know what I need to do...” Someone might ask you, “How do you know?” And you might say, “I just know.” ...Call it a gut feeling. But how often have you followed a gut feeling only to find out your gut was wrong?
We can’t go on feelings – emotions alone, or intuition. As believers we must rely on the Lord – to lead us by the Holy Spirit. We can’t rely on premonitions. What do we do? Seek the Lord. And then wait. Rely on Him.
Information:
Never before in the history have we had so much information at our fingertips. We can “Google” any subject under the sun and in a matter of seconds find out everything we need to know about the flight behaviors of Canadian geese to the value of the yen. ....Through the amazing world wide web we are connected to most any information we need to know. ...Whether it’s radio, TV, computer, magazines, books, or billboards – information is everywhere.
But why would a believer seek information about a spiritual issue from a non-spiritual source? Why would a believer seek help in raising their kids from a non-Christian source? Consumer reports can help you with buying a lawnmower – but only God can help you with keeping your family together. What do we do? Seek the Lord. Then wait. Rely on Him.
Individuals:
They’re out there – telling us what we want to hear. Oprah, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, Ellen, Rush, and a host of others. And we’re listening and buying their books. But it’s not the wealthy and well to do that do us the most harm.
Often times we are led astray by “friends” who want us to be happy.
They mean well. They have our best interests in mind...and they know just what or who we need to make our life complete. The end result is distancing ourselves from family – distancing ourselves from God – distancing ourselves from any accountability – so we can be happy. At least for now.
As believers, we know better. But because we’re stretched and strained to the breaking point we buy into the easy fix – ignoring our convictions and wrecking our life. What do we need to do? Seek the Lord. Then wait. Rely on Him.
A Prayer to God 7:12 ...Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple.
(2 Chronicles 6:12-42) Matthew Henry says Solomon prayed, “That God would take possession of the temple, and keep possession, that he would make it his resting-place: ...That he would make the ministers of the temple public blessings: Clothe them with salvation, that is, not only save them, but make them instrumental to save others: ...That the service of the temple might turn to the joy and satisfaction of all the Lord's people.”
A Place to Worship 7:12 In that day they really believed they were standing on holy ground. We’ve lost a lot of that today. Reverence in the presence of God is almost a thing of the past. We think nothing about checking our email during worship – or balancing our checkbook... We think about a place...a pew...but seldom think of His presence. (2 Chronicles 7:1-7)
A Promise to Believe 7:14 We quote this verse often – especially during times of trouble and despair in America. Often the verse has been Americanized – Politicized – Denominationized – all for the sake of votes, income, and the guarantee of revival. ...But this verse is more personal than it is national. Countries are made up of people – people who need God. Like us.
What a great promise God gives when we do what we should in the way we should... “...then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Where do we turn when our world turns upside down? Where do we run when our luck runs out? Who do we believe when we don’t know what to believe?
We seldom turn to God first when we’re troubled – or when we’re sick – or when we’re suddenly in a place we never thought we’d be. God, His Word, and prayer are often last resorts instead of first priorities.
George Muller, a great man of faith who trusted God in unbelievable ways said this, “The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.” Why is that? The further we get away from God – the further the distance to come back.
Only when he hit bottom did the prodigal turn around – he turned toward home – he turned back to his father. He was so hungry he would have eaten the pods the pigs were eating. Why wait till you hit bottom? Turn around while you can. Rely on the Lord. Rest in His promises.
So...Where do we turn? What do we trust? Who do we listen to?
Intuition:
Defined as quick insight or immediate knowledge without evident rational thought. You might say, “I know what I need to do...” Someone might ask you, “How do you know?” And you might say, “I just know.” ...Call it a gut feeling. But how often have you followed a gut feeling only to find out your gut was wrong?
We can’t go on feelings – emotions alone, or intuition. As believers we must rely on the Lord – to lead us by the Holy Spirit. We can’t rely on premonitions. What do we do? Seek the Lord. And then wait. Rely on Him.
Information:
Never before in the history have we had so much information at our fingertips. We can “Google” any subject under the sun and in a matter of seconds find out everything we need to know about the flight behaviors of Canadian geese to the value of the yen. ....Through the amazing world wide web we are connected to most any information we need to know. ...Whether it’s radio, TV, computer, magazines, books, or billboards – information is everywhere.
But why would a believer seek information about a spiritual issue from a non-spiritual source? Why would a believer seek help in raising their kids from a non-Christian source? Consumer reports can help you with buying a lawnmower – but only God can help you with keeping your family together. What do we do? Seek the Lord. Then wait. Rely on Him.
Individuals:
They’re out there – telling us what we want to hear. Oprah, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, Ellen, Rush, and a host of others. And we’re listening and buying their books. But it’s not the wealthy and well to do that do us the most harm.
Often times we are led astray by “friends” who want us to be happy.
They mean well. They have our best interests in mind...and they know just what or who we need to make our life complete. The end result is distancing ourselves from family – distancing ourselves from God – distancing ourselves from any accountability – so we can be happy. At least for now.
As believers, we know better. But because we’re stretched and strained to the breaking point we buy into the easy fix – ignoring our convictions and wrecking our life. What do we need to do? Seek the Lord. Then wait. Rely on Him.
A Prayer to God 7:12 ...Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple.
(2 Chronicles 6:12-42) Matthew Henry says Solomon prayed, “That God would take possession of the temple, and keep possession, that he would make it his resting-place: ...That he would make the ministers of the temple public blessings: Clothe them with salvation, that is, not only save them, but make them instrumental to save others: ...That the service of the temple might turn to the joy and satisfaction of all the Lord's people.”
A Place to Worship 7:12 In that day they really believed they were standing on holy ground. We’ve lost a lot of that today. Reverence in the presence of God is almost a thing of the past. We think nothing about checking our email during worship – or balancing our checkbook... We think about a place...a pew...but seldom think of His presence. (2 Chronicles 7:1-7)
A Promise to Believe 7:14 We quote this verse often – especially during times of trouble and despair in America. Often the verse has been Americanized – Politicized – Denominationized – all for the sake of votes, income, and the guarantee of revival. ...But this verse is more personal than it is national. Countries are made up of people – people who need God. Like us.
What a great promise God gives when we do what we should in the way we should... “...then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Isaiah 6:1-8
What’s happening in Isaiah 6?
• We see worship which was off-centered: Isaiah 6:1 Israel and the people of God, including Isaiah, were distracted by the prosperous and popular reign of King Uzziah. He had been King for 52 years. Fifty Two Years...get that. Imagine living under the rule and reign of one King for most or all of your life. In 2 Chronicles 26 you can read of all his accomplishments. He was an amazing King - for most of his reign. Until he became prideful and thought he could do no wrong.
......The people under his reign had taken their eyes off of God. How easy it is to get our eyes off God. How easy to be consumed with pride, with complacency, with pleasing others more than God. They were worshipping Uzziah, an earthly King...more than the Lord, the heavenly King.
• We see praise which was over-due: Isaiah 6:3-4 I’m not suggesting we should expect to see what Isaiah saw every time we worship. But the point was clear: If the people weren’t going to praise Him...the Seraphim would. As the seraphim cried out, Isaiah saw the temple shake...and then it was filled with smoke. The shaking points out the presence and power of God. The smoke represented the cloud of glory which the children of Israel had witnessed as they wandered in the wilderness. ...For 52 years the people of God had lived without acknowledging God. The cloud in the temple was a real and fearful reminder. An entire generation died in the wilderness because they ignored God.
......When was the last time you praised the Lord? Genuine, unhindered praise? Most of us never get there. Most of us are uncomfortable expressing our praise to God. Most of us are too concerned about what others think. And some of us are critical of those who do praise Him. When have you praised him for your health – your family – your salvation – your home – food, clothing, and shelter? ...Don’t be critical of others when they praise the Lord. Michal...David’s wife criticized his praise and mocked him ...and God caused her to be barren all the days of her life.
• We see Isaiah who was un-done: Isaiah 6:5, 8 Put yourself in his shoes. The only King he had ever known was dead but suddenly he was overcome by the presence of the living King! In verse 5 he cries out, “Woe is me!” Ever felt like saying out loud, “Lord, I’m a sinner...Lord, I believe...Lord, You got me!?” In verse 8 he is willing to do whatever God says, “Here I am send me!” He cried out then he stepped out. He spoke up then he stood up. His grief over Uzziah’s death was drowned out by his gratitude over the living Lord! Wow.
......In God’s presence you’ll see things you never expected to see. We see God. We see ourselves. Like looking in a mirror, we see it all. In His presence our church clothes are stripped away – Our wealth and worth...our name and notoriety are unimportant in His presence. All pretense and pride is erased and all that’s left is a barren soul.
• We see worship which was off-centered: Isaiah 6:1 Israel and the people of God, including Isaiah, were distracted by the prosperous and popular reign of King Uzziah. He had been King for 52 years. Fifty Two Years...get that. Imagine living under the rule and reign of one King for most or all of your life. In 2 Chronicles 26 you can read of all his accomplishments. He was an amazing King - for most of his reign. Until he became prideful and thought he could do no wrong.
......The people under his reign had taken their eyes off of God. How easy it is to get our eyes off God. How easy to be consumed with pride, with complacency, with pleasing others more than God. They were worshipping Uzziah, an earthly King...more than the Lord, the heavenly King.
• We see praise which was over-due: Isaiah 6:3-4 I’m not suggesting we should expect to see what Isaiah saw every time we worship. But the point was clear: If the people weren’t going to praise Him...the Seraphim would. As the seraphim cried out, Isaiah saw the temple shake...and then it was filled with smoke. The shaking points out the presence and power of God. The smoke represented the cloud of glory which the children of Israel had witnessed as they wandered in the wilderness. ...For 52 years the people of God had lived without acknowledging God. The cloud in the temple was a real and fearful reminder. An entire generation died in the wilderness because they ignored God.
......When was the last time you praised the Lord? Genuine, unhindered praise? Most of us never get there. Most of us are uncomfortable expressing our praise to God. Most of us are too concerned about what others think. And some of us are critical of those who do praise Him. When have you praised him for your health – your family – your salvation – your home – food, clothing, and shelter? ...Don’t be critical of others when they praise the Lord. Michal...David’s wife criticized his praise and mocked him ...and God caused her to be barren all the days of her life.
• We see Isaiah who was un-done: Isaiah 6:5, 8 Put yourself in his shoes. The only King he had ever known was dead but suddenly he was overcome by the presence of the living King! In verse 5 he cries out, “Woe is me!” Ever felt like saying out loud, “Lord, I’m a sinner...Lord, I believe...Lord, You got me!?” In verse 8 he is willing to do whatever God says, “Here I am send me!” He cried out then he stepped out. He spoke up then he stood up. His grief over Uzziah’s death was drowned out by his gratitude over the living Lord! Wow.
......In God’s presence you’ll see things you never expected to see. We see God. We see ourselves. Like looking in a mirror, we see it all. In His presence our church clothes are stripped away – Our wealth and worth...our name and notoriety are unimportant in His presence. All pretense and pride is erased and all that’s left is a barren soul.
One Hope
My latest book, One Hope, will be available next week. It's a brief volume covering the events surrounding the death, burial, and resurrection of Lazarus. Our communities are filled with folks who live without hope. I trust this book will be a source of encouragement to anyone who is going through a season of despair.
If you're interested in getting a copy, you can email me at michael-mason@charter.net. The cost is $10 plus shipping or you can pick one up at Trinity Baptist.
If you're interested in getting a copy, you can email me at michael-mason@charter.net. The cost is $10 plus shipping or you can pick one up at Trinity Baptist.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The Greatest Revelation
Isaiah 6:1-8
I remember the first time I saw the images of Alyssa and Garrett. In 1994 Crystal and I watched the monitor as we saw for the first time blurry images of the girl we had prayed for. Little did we know she’d grow up. Seventeen years ago, those images were not as clear as what we can see today...but it was a huge moment in our lives when for the first time we saw our daughter’s face on the screen. ...Same thing happened four years later when Garrett was about to be born. Like most folks we carried those pictures home to the family so they could see him too. It was a glimpse...a blurred revelation of what was to come.
Revelations are huge: Football teams wait to reveal their new quarterback. Apple waits to reveal their new ipad, ipod, and iphone. Auto companies wait to reveal their new designs for the coming year. And most Sundays, Christians wait for God to reveal Himself through His Word...or through the time of Worship...or simply through the working of His Holy Spirit. We often pray, “God reveal yourself to us today...reveal your will for our lives...reveal your plans and purposes... Do we really want God to reveal Himself? Really?
I am convinced, if we really experience God revealing Himself to us there would more weeping – less laughing. More praying – less boasting. More of us on our face – less of us on our feet. Truth is...just as with Isaiah, when God reveals Himself to us – it becomes more of a revealing of ourselves. Our pride is revealed. Our disobedience is revealed. Our secrets are revealed. Our need for God is revealed. Our weaknesses are revealed. Our sin is revealed. The revelation of God to us – leads to the revelation of us to God. We see ourselves as He sees us.
Chuck Colson’s story is interesting. His conversion is amazing. God revealed Himself to this powerful man through the witness of a friend –he was changed and has never looked back. He says, “A lot of people have asked me what I think about when I remember back to that hot, humid August night in 1973 when Tom Phillips, then the president of the Raytheon Company, witnessed to me in his home. I left his house that night shaken by the words he had read from C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity about pride. It felt as if Lewis were writing about me, former Marine captain, Special Counsel to the President of the United States, now in the midst of the Watergate scandal. I had an overwhelming sense that I was unclean. ....After talking to Tom, I found that when I got to the automobile to drive away, I couldn’t. I was crying too hard – and I was not one to ever cry. I spent an hour calling out to God. I did not even know the right words. I simply knew that I wanted Him. And I knew for certain that the God who created the universe heard my cry. ....From the next morning to this day, I have never looked back. I can honestly say that the worst day of the last 35 years has been better than the best days of the 41 years that preceded it. ....So how do you celebrate 35 years as a Christian? By recommitting yourself to use every available moment, every ounce of energy, in service of the King. For what He has done for me, how could I ever do less? Wow. God took one of the worst sinners and made him a missionary to prisoners worldwide through Prison Fellowship International. God revealed Himself to Chuck Colson. Chuck took a good look at himself. Then, God revealed His will to Chuck.
Has God been revealing Himself to you? Has He been revealing your own sin to you... Your pride, your attitude, your need for him? In the presence of God there is a great revelation: The “revelation” that I am a sinner and I desperately need God. In His presence I see myself as a sinner and the Lord as my Savior. There is no greater revelation.
I remember the first time I saw the images of Alyssa and Garrett. In 1994 Crystal and I watched the monitor as we saw for the first time blurry images of the girl we had prayed for. Little did we know she’d grow up. Seventeen years ago, those images were not as clear as what we can see today...but it was a huge moment in our lives when for the first time we saw our daughter’s face on the screen. ...Same thing happened four years later when Garrett was about to be born. Like most folks we carried those pictures home to the family so they could see him too. It was a glimpse...a blurred revelation of what was to come.
Revelations are huge: Football teams wait to reveal their new quarterback. Apple waits to reveal their new ipad, ipod, and iphone. Auto companies wait to reveal their new designs for the coming year. And most Sundays, Christians wait for God to reveal Himself through His Word...or through the time of Worship...or simply through the working of His Holy Spirit. We often pray, “God reveal yourself to us today...reveal your will for our lives...reveal your plans and purposes... Do we really want God to reveal Himself? Really?
I am convinced, if we really experience God revealing Himself to us there would more weeping – less laughing. More praying – less boasting. More of us on our face – less of us on our feet. Truth is...just as with Isaiah, when God reveals Himself to us – it becomes more of a revealing of ourselves. Our pride is revealed. Our disobedience is revealed. Our secrets are revealed. Our need for God is revealed. Our weaknesses are revealed. Our sin is revealed. The revelation of God to us – leads to the revelation of us to God. We see ourselves as He sees us.
Chuck Colson’s story is interesting. His conversion is amazing. God revealed Himself to this powerful man through the witness of a friend –he was changed and has never looked back. He says, “A lot of people have asked me what I think about when I remember back to that hot, humid August night in 1973 when Tom Phillips, then the president of the Raytheon Company, witnessed to me in his home. I left his house that night shaken by the words he had read from C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity about pride. It felt as if Lewis were writing about me, former Marine captain, Special Counsel to the President of the United States, now in the midst of the Watergate scandal. I had an overwhelming sense that I was unclean. ....After talking to Tom, I found that when I got to the automobile to drive away, I couldn’t. I was crying too hard – and I was not one to ever cry. I spent an hour calling out to God. I did not even know the right words. I simply knew that I wanted Him. And I knew for certain that the God who created the universe heard my cry. ....From the next morning to this day, I have never looked back. I can honestly say that the worst day of the last 35 years has been better than the best days of the 41 years that preceded it. ....So how do you celebrate 35 years as a Christian? By recommitting yourself to use every available moment, every ounce of energy, in service of the King. For what He has done for me, how could I ever do less? Wow. God took one of the worst sinners and made him a missionary to prisoners worldwide through Prison Fellowship International. God revealed Himself to Chuck Colson. Chuck took a good look at himself. Then, God revealed His will to Chuck.
Has God been revealing Himself to you? Has He been revealing your own sin to you... Your pride, your attitude, your need for him? In the presence of God there is a great revelation: The “revelation” that I am a sinner and I desperately need God. In His presence I see myself as a sinner and the Lord as my Savior. There is no greater revelation.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Updated 2011 Preaching Schedule
January 30-Feb. 2 Russell Baptist Church, Meridian, Miss.
February 8 Florence First Assembly, Florence, Al., TRUE Conference
March 4-6 Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
April 1-2 Summit Presbyterian, Arab, Al.
April 3-6 Fairview Church of God, Hartselle, Al.
April 4 Limestone Baptist Pastor's Conference, Athens, Al.
June 6-9 Greenwell Springs Baptist Youth Week in Mountain City, Ga.
July 26 New Prospect Baptist Church, Haleyville, Al.
August 21 Indian Springs Baptist, Kingsport, Tenn.
September 17 Westmeade Baptist Deacon Dinner, Decatur, Al.
October 2 First Baptist Austinville, Decatur, Al.
October 3-5 Flint Baptist, Decatur, Alabama
October 17 Valhermosa Baptist, Somerville, Al.
November 8 Danville Baptist, Danville, Alabama
November 27-30 Harmony Baptist, Moulton, Al.
February 8 Florence First Assembly, Florence, Al., TRUE Conference
March 4-6 Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
April 1-2 Summit Presbyterian, Arab, Al.
April 3-6 Fairview Church of God, Hartselle, Al.
April 4 Limestone Baptist Pastor's Conference, Athens, Al.
June 6-9 Greenwell Springs Baptist Youth Week in Mountain City, Ga.
July 26 New Prospect Baptist Church, Haleyville, Al.
August 21 Indian Springs Baptist, Kingsport, Tenn.
September 17 Westmeade Baptist Deacon Dinner, Decatur, Al.
October 2 First Baptist Austinville, Decatur, Al.
October 3-5 Flint Baptist, Decatur, Alabama
October 17 Valhermosa Baptist, Somerville, Al.
November 8 Danville Baptist, Danville, Alabama
November 27-30 Harmony Baptist, Moulton, Al.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
TRUE
My most recent book is "TRUE" about love, loyalty, and Lordship in marriage. If you're interested in getting a copy, email me at michael-mason@charter.net. They're $15...which includes shipping. I am available to come to your church for a limited number of revivals, conferences, and other special services. If I can help you let me know.
Thanks. Michael
I Pledge Allegiance
Galatians 2:20
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is there will be your heart also.” So the question of the day is, “Where is my treasure? I have been blessed to have had parents and grandparents who believed in me and taught me right from wrong...and they have left behind a legacy of loving family...loving America...and loving God.
I am thankful for having those values instilled in me. I value such things as family, friends, peace of mind, American freedom, and freedom to worship as I want to. I believe we would have nothing we value if not for soldiers, farmers, teachers, and preachers. And, even though I have never pledged my allegiance to any of those things or people, I realize I am what I am by the grace of God and the blood, sweat, and tears of good people.
Those of us in church leadership have struggled at times to balance our love for God and our love for America. We struggle in our attempt not to preach politics from the pulpit. At times we have crossed the line that separates church and state. In VBS we lead our children in three pledges: The Pledge to the American Flag...The Pledge to the Christian Flag...and The Pledge to the Bible. And even though we are continuing a long history of instilling American values in our kids, we know that our pledge to America is not as weighted as our pledge to Christ. And, as believers, we understand that, while the pledges to the flags are important, the pledge to the Bible is most important. Because, if not for the Bible, America would have never been.
America became a settlement for those who fled religious persecution from their homeland. The US became a means of escaping the rigors of submitting to a state religion. Some of the early colonies were established as “plantations of religion.” Bible believers fled Europe with the hopes of establishing churches and being free to worship God as they wanted. The Bible was influential not only in America being established...but also in creating the laws that govern her.
So, make no mistake about it....while some of us bleed crimson and white or orange and blue... most of all of us in these United States bleed red, white, and blue. We love America. We love our freedom as Americans. We proudly fly our flags. And we’d rather fight than take a chance on losing our freedoms.
But more than anything, those of us who gather in church houses all over the country pledge our allegiance to Christ. To put it bluntly, we don’t want anybody messing with our religion...don’t try to tell us we can’t read our Bibles or pray whenever we want to. And don’t try to put another man on the same level as Jesus. We believe He’s the only man who ever lived without sin and died and then lived again. We believe His name is above all other names. We believe His death gives life to all who believe. We won’t confess our sins to Mary...or bow the knee to Allah...or pray to Buddah. We believe in Jesus. We believe we are sinners and He is the only Savior. And so, we pledge our allegiance to Him.
When Paul wrote these words in Galatians, I doubt he had his hand over his heart...but I know his heart was in God’s hands. What’s more, he had placed his life in God’s hands. Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
His Funeral. Paul had attended the funeral of his former self on the Damascus Road. Saul of Tarsus died that Day and Paul the Apostle was born. He had died and was now born again. He was a follower of Christ – No turning back.
His Future. He said boldly, “Christ lives in me...” That’s huge. His faith was no longer in a distant God who dwelt in temples, but now in a personal savior who dwelt in believers. We was no longer waiting on a Messiah...He had embraced Jesus as the One and only.
His Faith. His faith and hope was in Christ alone who loved him and died for him...
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb,
with all my strength, with all I am.
I will seek to honor His commands.
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb.
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is there will be your heart also.” So the question of the day is, “Where is my treasure? I have been blessed to have had parents and grandparents who believed in me and taught me right from wrong...and they have left behind a legacy of loving family...loving America...and loving God.
I am thankful for having those values instilled in me. I value such things as family, friends, peace of mind, American freedom, and freedom to worship as I want to. I believe we would have nothing we value if not for soldiers, farmers, teachers, and preachers. And, even though I have never pledged my allegiance to any of those things or people, I realize I am what I am by the grace of God and the blood, sweat, and tears of good people.
Those of us in church leadership have struggled at times to balance our love for God and our love for America. We struggle in our attempt not to preach politics from the pulpit. At times we have crossed the line that separates church and state. In VBS we lead our children in three pledges: The Pledge to the American Flag...The Pledge to the Christian Flag...and The Pledge to the Bible. And even though we are continuing a long history of instilling American values in our kids, we know that our pledge to America is not as weighted as our pledge to Christ. And, as believers, we understand that, while the pledges to the flags are important, the pledge to the Bible is most important. Because, if not for the Bible, America would have never been.
America became a settlement for those who fled religious persecution from their homeland. The US became a means of escaping the rigors of submitting to a state religion. Some of the early colonies were established as “plantations of religion.” Bible believers fled Europe with the hopes of establishing churches and being free to worship God as they wanted. The Bible was influential not only in America being established...but also in creating the laws that govern her.
So, make no mistake about it....while some of us bleed crimson and white or orange and blue... most of all of us in these United States bleed red, white, and blue. We love America. We love our freedom as Americans. We proudly fly our flags. And we’d rather fight than take a chance on losing our freedoms.
But more than anything, those of us who gather in church houses all over the country pledge our allegiance to Christ. To put it bluntly, we don’t want anybody messing with our religion...don’t try to tell us we can’t read our Bibles or pray whenever we want to. And don’t try to put another man on the same level as Jesus. We believe He’s the only man who ever lived without sin and died and then lived again. We believe His name is above all other names. We believe His death gives life to all who believe. We won’t confess our sins to Mary...or bow the knee to Allah...or pray to Buddah. We believe in Jesus. We believe we are sinners and He is the only Savior. And so, we pledge our allegiance to Him.
When Paul wrote these words in Galatians, I doubt he had his hand over his heart...but I know his heart was in God’s hands. What’s more, he had placed his life in God’s hands. Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
His Funeral. Paul had attended the funeral of his former self on the Damascus Road. Saul of Tarsus died that Day and Paul the Apostle was born. He had died and was now born again. He was a follower of Christ – No turning back.
His Future. He said boldly, “Christ lives in me...” That’s huge. His faith was no longer in a distant God who dwelt in temples, but now in a personal savior who dwelt in believers. We was no longer waiting on a Messiah...He had embraced Jesus as the One and only.
His Faith. His faith and hope was in Christ alone who loved him and died for him...
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb,
with all my strength, with all I am.
I will seek to honor His commands.
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Saving the Unsavable
1 Timothy 1:12-16
Paul said he was the worst sinner in the history of sinning. If he had lived about 2000 years later, he might have changed his mind. He never met Hussein, BinLaden, or Hitler. But in his day, he was the worst sinner in the world who became the greatest Christian in the world. How does God save unsavable sinners like Paul? Good question. But, who are these sinners who seem so unsavable?
Five Famous Sinners...
1- The Proud Sinner. You remember this guy from high school and college...and some of you still work with him...or her. They partied all weekend and drank all night...and they want everybody to know. They’ve Facebooked and tweeted every thirty minutes for the whole weekend. They partied hard and they’ve got the tattoo to prove it.
2- The Wanna-be Sinner. This guy wants to sin. He’s looking for sin. If there’s a party, he wants to come...but no one invites him. Call him the born loser. He’s looking for love in all the wrong places but no one’s looking for him. Do you know him...do you know her?
3- The T-shirt Sinner. He doesn’t drink, party, hang with the wrong crowd or any of that...but he wants people to think he does. His t-shirt says “party animal.” But the last big party he went to was his grandmother’s birthday party and she got more rowdy than he did.
4- The Sophisticated Sinner...it’s hip to sin. You’ve seen this guy. He’s educated, well dressed, drives the sports car, works a nice job and makes big money...but he’s addicted to sins he started committing when he was in High School. He’s Bill Gates during the week, but becomes Charley Sheen on the weekend. Know him?
5- The Over-The-Hill Sinner. Papaw thinks it’s cool to smoke pot. Willie Nelson is his hero. He stopped trying to quit years ago. All his rowdy friends have settled down...but he hasn’t. His favorite way to relax is icey-hot and a cold beer. Know anybody like him?
How does God save an un-savable sinner?
How does God help the hopeless sinner?
• God gets your attention. My doctor told me several years ago that most people won’t change their indulgent lifestyle until they have some kind of an “event.” And event like a heart attack or a scare with cancer or a late night ambulance ride or a night in jail or the death of a friend or loved one.
o It’s true you know...Sometimes God speaks to us in the midst of an “event.” Suddenly we realize we’re not gonna live forever. We realize we’re getting older. We’re not as young as we used to be. We’ve got to change our way of living if we expect to be around to see our children grow up. So we sit through the funeral service...not only grieving the death of a friend...but also grieving our own personal battles and failures. Have you had an event that changed your life?
• God changes your affection. Strange how this happens. They fella who used to spend every weekend on the golf course now can’t wait to get to church. He’s still golfing on Saturday but he’s greeting on Sunday morning. ....That lady who didn’t like to read now can’t put the Bible down. She’s even teaching a Bible Study...she digging to learn more...can’t get enough. ....That high school senior used to be the life of every party, but now he’s leading a Bible study group...he’s the ring leader of “See You At The Pole”...he's hanging out at the church with the youth pastor...she feels like God is leading her to be a nurse and a missionary.
o Wow...Amazing isn’t it how God makes radical changes in us. Those things we used to love, desire, and want more than anything...now they don’t mean all that much. When God gets ready to save someone He will bring about a change in their affections. Suddenly, fitting in isn’t all that important.
• God overhauls your ambition. When Conviction meets Ambition the end result is a change of Direction. Salvation is all about a change of mind by the power of God that leads to a total transformation of life. A person becomes less ambitious about making money...and more about making memories with those he loves the most. She is less ambitious about building a beach house and more concerned about building a relationship with her children and grandchildren.
o True, is it not, when God transforms our ambitious dreams, we still pursue our goals, we just make sure God is honored in all we do and all we seek to do. This overhauling is Radical. It is Visible. It is Eternal! God wants your heart. He sent Jesus so you could be completely His. Trust Him!
Paul said he was the worst sinner in the history of sinning. If he had lived about 2000 years later, he might have changed his mind. He never met Hussein, BinLaden, or Hitler. But in his day, he was the worst sinner in the world who became the greatest Christian in the world. How does God save unsavable sinners like Paul? Good question. But, who are these sinners who seem so unsavable?
Five Famous Sinners...
1- The Proud Sinner. You remember this guy from high school and college...and some of you still work with him...or her. They partied all weekend and drank all night...and they want everybody to know. They’ve Facebooked and tweeted every thirty minutes for the whole weekend. They partied hard and they’ve got the tattoo to prove it.
2- The Wanna-be Sinner. This guy wants to sin. He’s looking for sin. If there’s a party, he wants to come...but no one invites him. Call him the born loser. He’s looking for love in all the wrong places but no one’s looking for him. Do you know him...do you know her?
3- The T-shirt Sinner. He doesn’t drink, party, hang with the wrong crowd or any of that...but he wants people to think he does. His t-shirt says “party animal.” But the last big party he went to was his grandmother’s birthday party and she got more rowdy than he did.
4- The Sophisticated Sinner...it’s hip to sin. You’ve seen this guy. He’s educated, well dressed, drives the sports car, works a nice job and makes big money...but he’s addicted to sins he started committing when he was in High School. He’s Bill Gates during the week, but becomes Charley Sheen on the weekend. Know him?
5- The Over-The-Hill Sinner. Papaw thinks it’s cool to smoke pot. Willie Nelson is his hero. He stopped trying to quit years ago. All his rowdy friends have settled down...but he hasn’t. His favorite way to relax is icey-hot and a cold beer. Know anybody like him?
How does God save an un-savable sinner?
How does God help the hopeless sinner?
• God gets your attention. My doctor told me several years ago that most people won’t change their indulgent lifestyle until they have some kind of an “event.” And event like a heart attack or a scare with cancer or a late night ambulance ride or a night in jail or the death of a friend or loved one.
o It’s true you know...Sometimes God speaks to us in the midst of an “event.” Suddenly we realize we’re not gonna live forever. We realize we’re getting older. We’re not as young as we used to be. We’ve got to change our way of living if we expect to be around to see our children grow up. So we sit through the funeral service...not only grieving the death of a friend...but also grieving our own personal battles and failures. Have you had an event that changed your life?
• God changes your affection. Strange how this happens. They fella who used to spend every weekend on the golf course now can’t wait to get to church. He’s still golfing on Saturday but he’s greeting on Sunday morning. ....That lady who didn’t like to read now can’t put the Bible down. She’s even teaching a Bible Study...she digging to learn more...can’t get enough. ....That high school senior used to be the life of every party, but now he’s leading a Bible study group...he’s the ring leader of “See You At The Pole”...he's hanging out at the church with the youth pastor...she feels like God is leading her to be a nurse and a missionary.
o Wow...Amazing isn’t it how God makes radical changes in us. Those things we used to love, desire, and want more than anything...now they don’t mean all that much. When God gets ready to save someone He will bring about a change in their affections. Suddenly, fitting in isn’t all that important.
• God overhauls your ambition. When Conviction meets Ambition the end result is a change of Direction. Salvation is all about a change of mind by the power of God that leads to a total transformation of life. A person becomes less ambitious about making money...and more about making memories with those he loves the most. She is less ambitious about building a beach house and more concerned about building a relationship with her children and grandchildren.
o True, is it not, when God transforms our ambitious dreams, we still pursue our goals, we just make sure God is honored in all we do and all we seek to do. This overhauling is Radical. It is Visible. It is Eternal! God wants your heart. He sent Jesus so you could be completely His. Trust Him!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
T-R-O-U-B-L-E
Jeremiah 32:27
Trouble...we’ve all had some. We’ve had family trouble, financial trouble, car trouble, heart trouble, trouble with the IRS, trouble with coaches, preachers, and teachers, and politicians. Trouble with children, trouble with the Law. Trouble with neighbors, trouble with neighbor’s dogs... TROUBLE. It’s an ugly word but realistic. If you’re not in the midst of some kind of trouble, like a train coming down the tracks, trouble will come your way...and you can’t stop a train. Just know it’s coming.
What can trouble do to us? Can it help us? Here’s three ideas...•
Trouble can be a Tipping Point: Malcolm Gladwell, who wrote a book by that title, describes the tipping point as “the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling point." In other words, it is the point at which I “tip” one way or another because of people, circumstances, or situations. My tipping point may make me bitter or better.
o Genesis 4 - Cain killed Abel at the tipping point. Needless to say, he tipped over in wrong direction. He spent the rest of his life a marked man because of his anger, jealousy, and resentment.
• Trouble can be a Tripping Point: David Byrd says the tripping point is that moment when we become apathetic about life. Some of those characteristics are: burnout, stagnation, and indecision. It is that moment in time when I resign from ambition, expectation, and conviction. Trouble can drive me to the quitting point.
o 2 Samuel 11 – David removed his armor. While other kings went forth to battle, David stayed behind. He was most vulnerable at this point. He may have been tired or troubled...but in his relaxed state, he became tempted. When I become complacent about conviction and comfortable with compromise I am at the tripping point.
• Trouble can be a Turning Point: It is that point when I turn around...turn back...or turn it over to God. The truth about trouble is it can cause me to become the best I can be or the worst I can be. Trouble can turn a person to God or away from God. Truth is, if it don’t kill you it will make you stronger.
o Luke 15 – The Prodigal son left the pig pen. The Bible simply says “He came to himself.” ...Then he arose and went to his father. He was hungry for the hog's food then he became hungry for home. He had been fascinated with the forbidden then fooled by the far country....then forgiven by his father.
There is no Trouble too big for God. If you're tipping or tripping...try turning to God. Trust Him with your trouble.
Trouble...we’ve all had some. We’ve had family trouble, financial trouble, car trouble, heart trouble, trouble with the IRS, trouble with coaches, preachers, and teachers, and politicians. Trouble with children, trouble with the Law. Trouble with neighbors, trouble with neighbor’s dogs... TROUBLE. It’s an ugly word but realistic. If you’re not in the midst of some kind of trouble, like a train coming down the tracks, trouble will come your way...and you can’t stop a train. Just know it’s coming.
What can trouble do to us? Can it help us? Here’s three ideas...•
Trouble can be a Tipping Point: Malcolm Gladwell, who wrote a book by that title, describes the tipping point as “the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling point." In other words, it is the point at which I “tip” one way or another because of people, circumstances, or situations. My tipping point may make me bitter or better.
o Genesis 4 - Cain killed Abel at the tipping point. Needless to say, he tipped over in wrong direction. He spent the rest of his life a marked man because of his anger, jealousy, and resentment.
• Trouble can be a Tripping Point: David Byrd says the tripping point is that moment when we become apathetic about life. Some of those characteristics are: burnout, stagnation, and indecision. It is that moment in time when I resign from ambition, expectation, and conviction. Trouble can drive me to the quitting point.
o 2 Samuel 11 – David removed his armor. While other kings went forth to battle, David stayed behind. He was most vulnerable at this point. He may have been tired or troubled...but in his relaxed state, he became tempted. When I become complacent about conviction and comfortable with compromise I am at the tripping point.
• Trouble can be a Turning Point: It is that point when I turn around...turn back...or turn it over to God. The truth about trouble is it can cause me to become the best I can be or the worst I can be. Trouble can turn a person to God or away from God. Truth is, if it don’t kill you it will make you stronger.
o Luke 15 – The Prodigal son left the pig pen. The Bible simply says “He came to himself.” ...Then he arose and went to his father. He was hungry for the hog's food then he became hungry for home. He had been fascinated with the forbidden then fooled by the far country....then forgiven by his father.
There is no Trouble too big for God. If you're tipping or tripping...try turning to God. Trust Him with your trouble.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Promise Keeper
Psalm 77:1-9
We’ve all known a Promise-Maker. It’s been said, “A man apt to promise is apt to forget.” We’ve all known a promise maker...some who kept their promise and some we remember because they didn’t. “We learn to be skeptical about promises made by folks who are either in love, drunk, or running for office.” (Shirley McClain) Those folks will promise you anything under the sun...to get your love or your vote, and some won’t remember it the next day.
Thankfully my life has been impacted by promise-makers. My parents promised to stay married till death. They promised to love each other in sickness and health and riches and poverty and in good and bad. They did just that for 51 years.
I was raised in a community where a promise and a handshake meant something. We never locked our doors...we never locked our cars and we even left the keys in the ignition. No one ever stole our cars – broke into our home – or took anything that didn’t belong to them. Why is that? Not too long ago people actually respected other people and believed God...and were marked as being “as good as their word.” Those were good days.
We’ve all known a Promise-Breaker. What is it that makes a promise-maker a promise-breaker? Maybe they’ve been the recipient of a broken promise. Maybe their dad was a promise-breaker. Maybe their boss is a promise-breaker. Or, maybe they just don’t mean what they say. Bill Cosbe said, “The very first law in advertising is to avoid the concrete promise and cultivate the delightfully vague.” And maybe one of the defining characteristics of people today is that we are vague...we won’t commit to much...won’t promise to do much...and won’t decide one way or another for sure. We are vaguely uncommitted and undecided.
Has your boss promised you a promotion but it never happened? Has your husband or wife made promises they’ve never kept? Have you been influenced by an environment of un-kept promises? - We’re all prone to be a promise-breaker. It goes all the way back to 3rd grade when we asked our neighbor if we could borrow a pencil...as in, “I will give it back” ...and as we got older we asked if we could borrow $5 and promised to pay it back.
....Here’s the one thing you can do – Break the habit of being a promise-breaker.
We can all know the Promise-Keeper. That’s the Lord. He is the original promise-maker and promise-keeper. ....Think about that. God has never made a promise that He cannot keep. God keeps His promises as He chooses, as He pleases, in His own time. And, He’s never late.
Think about these promises...
The promise of God's protection - "I am your shield" (Gen. 15:1)
The promise of God's power - "I will strengthen you" (Isa. 41:10)
The promise of God's provision - "I will help you" (Isa. 41:10)
The promise of rest - "Come unto Me....and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28)
The promise of forgiveness - "He is faithful and just to forgive our sins...” (1 John 1:9)
Remember these words from the great old hymn Standing On the Promises?.....
“Standing on the promises of Christ my King. Through eternal ages let his praises ring. Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing.
Standing on the promises of God.
...Standing, standing, standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
Standing, standing, I'm standing on the promises of God.
....Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail.
By the living Word of God I shall prevail.
Standing on the promises of God.
Psalm 77:1-9....
1- The Psalmist Cried out and Complained. v1-6 The Psalmist cried all night for God to hear him. It’s as if God didn’t hear his prayer. Seems like when victory is closest, the Devil works his hardest. Like the darkest hour is just before dawn...the darkest day in your life may be the last day you’ll be in the dark. It is not a sin to cry out and to make your complaints known to God. It is a sin to stop trusting Him.
2- The Psalmist was Troubled and Tempted. v7-9 The Psalmist felt like he had been abandoned by the LORD. He wondered if God had cast off His people. God had not answered their prayers, which greatly troubled his heart. The Devil knows when to pour salt into an open wound. At just the point we get a glimmer of hope he comes in with temptations to doubt the promises of the Lord.
3- The Psalmist Remembered and Rejoiced. v10-15 He remembered God's miracles. When he did he was filled with praise. He is the God who does wonders. He is the God who redeems. The God who saves. In the midst of fears and doubts and heartache...it’s not always easy to remember God. The pain drowns out the voice of God. But if you can be still and know He is God...you will remember His goodness. He has done and will do...Wonders.
We’ve all known a Promise-Maker. It’s been said, “A man apt to promise is apt to forget.” We’ve all known a promise maker...some who kept their promise and some we remember because they didn’t. “We learn to be skeptical about promises made by folks who are either in love, drunk, or running for office.” (Shirley McClain) Those folks will promise you anything under the sun...to get your love or your vote, and some won’t remember it the next day.
Thankfully my life has been impacted by promise-makers. My parents promised to stay married till death. They promised to love each other in sickness and health and riches and poverty and in good and bad. They did just that for 51 years.
I was raised in a community where a promise and a handshake meant something. We never locked our doors...we never locked our cars and we even left the keys in the ignition. No one ever stole our cars – broke into our home – or took anything that didn’t belong to them. Why is that? Not too long ago people actually respected other people and believed God...and were marked as being “as good as their word.” Those were good days.
We’ve all known a Promise-Breaker. What is it that makes a promise-maker a promise-breaker? Maybe they’ve been the recipient of a broken promise. Maybe their dad was a promise-breaker. Maybe their boss is a promise-breaker. Or, maybe they just don’t mean what they say. Bill Cosbe said, “The very first law in advertising is to avoid the concrete promise and cultivate the delightfully vague.” And maybe one of the defining characteristics of people today is that we are vague...we won’t commit to much...won’t promise to do much...and won’t decide one way or another for sure. We are vaguely uncommitted and undecided.
Has your boss promised you a promotion but it never happened? Has your husband or wife made promises they’ve never kept? Have you been influenced by an environment of un-kept promises? - We’re all prone to be a promise-breaker. It goes all the way back to 3rd grade when we asked our neighbor if we could borrow a pencil...as in, “I will give it back” ...and as we got older we asked if we could borrow $5 and promised to pay it back.
....Here’s the one thing you can do – Break the habit of being a promise-breaker.
We can all know the Promise-Keeper. That’s the Lord. He is the original promise-maker and promise-keeper. ....Think about that. God has never made a promise that He cannot keep. God keeps His promises as He chooses, as He pleases, in His own time. And, He’s never late.
Think about these promises...
The promise of God's protection - "I am your shield" (Gen. 15:1)
The promise of God's power - "I will strengthen you" (Isa. 41:10)
The promise of God's provision - "I will help you" (Isa. 41:10)
The promise of rest - "Come unto Me....and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28)
The promise of forgiveness - "He is faithful and just to forgive our sins...” (1 John 1:9)
Remember these words from the great old hymn Standing On the Promises?.....
“Standing on the promises of Christ my King. Through eternal ages let his praises ring. Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing.
Standing on the promises of God.
...Standing, standing, standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
Standing, standing, I'm standing on the promises of God.
....Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail.
By the living Word of God I shall prevail.
Standing on the promises of God.
Psalm 77:1-9....
1- The Psalmist Cried out and Complained. v1-6 The Psalmist cried all night for God to hear him. It’s as if God didn’t hear his prayer. Seems like when victory is closest, the Devil works his hardest. Like the darkest hour is just before dawn...the darkest day in your life may be the last day you’ll be in the dark. It is not a sin to cry out and to make your complaints known to God. It is a sin to stop trusting Him.
2- The Psalmist was Troubled and Tempted. v7-9 The Psalmist felt like he had been abandoned by the LORD. He wondered if God had cast off His people. God had not answered their prayers, which greatly troubled his heart. The Devil knows when to pour salt into an open wound. At just the point we get a glimmer of hope he comes in with temptations to doubt the promises of the Lord.
3- The Psalmist Remembered and Rejoiced. v10-15 He remembered God's miracles. When he did he was filled with praise. He is the God who does wonders. He is the God who redeems. The God who saves. In the midst of fears and doubts and heartache...it’s not always easy to remember God. The pain drowns out the voice of God. But if you can be still and know He is God...you will remember His goodness. He has done and will do...Wonders.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Prayer-Points
Billy Graham has said, “Heaven is full of answers to prayers for which no one ever bothered to ask.” So why is it we wait till the last minute to pray? Why put off the one thing that could change everything? Why ignore the obvious? Why wait till all hope is gone? Why do we try everything imaginable and when all is lost...we decide to pray?
It has been said, “There is power in prayer.” But the truth is, “There is power in God.” And I have heard, “Prayer changes things.” But the truth is, “Prayer changes people and in many situations people change things.” Needless to say, nothing is too hard for God and there is no prayer God can’t answer.
The Prayer-Point: Psalm 6:2-10 The point at which you can go no further without praying. Have you been there? The point at which you call out to God in desperation? Maybe your child is sick... Maybe your mom or dad is critical... Maybe you’ve lost your job... Maybe you’ve sinned and been found out... Maybe you’ve been running from God... Maybe you’re like Paul on the Damascus Road and all you can do is cry out for help.
King David was there. Listen and you will hear his anguish...his heartache...his desperation. No bitterness here. No pride. No self confidence. At this point it is all God or nothing. Although we can’t pinpoint a time in David’s life when he cried out to God like this, we can sense his pain...and some of us can relate.
Abraham Lincoln said, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the over-whelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.” Like the old song, “Where could I go but to the Lord...” We had no where else to turn...and we ran to God and cried out to Him.
The Pour-Point: Psalm 51:1-4 The point at which you pour your heart out to God. This is no “end of the service benediction.” This is no “ask the Lord to bless the food" kind of prayer. This is no “I’m in a hurry so bless me quick” kind of prayer. Picture David on the floor. He is broken, un-done, finished, and utterly dependent on the Lord to forgive him. He is pouring his heart out to God.
This repentance reflects his sin with Bathsheba. In modern language he might have cried out, “What a fool I’ve been!” Eugene Peterson puts it like this... “I know how bad I've been; my sins are staring me down.” Ever been there? You’ve had enough! God...please forgive me! Please help me! Please heal my son! Please heal my mother! Lord...help!
If you’ve never been to the “pour-point” of praying, you will get there one day. You’ll be blindsided by sickness, the loss of a job, divorce, and death. You won’t see it coming. And the only hope you’ll have is to pour your heart out to God. “Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus!
The Pure-Point: Psalm 51:10-12 The point at which God makes your heart pure through prayer. Wow. David has nothing to lose. He so badly wants to get back what he has lost. He is confessing, repenting, almost begging God for the joy of his salvation to be restored. No pretense here. He won’t even look at God. He’s hiding his face. Make me pure! Make me whole! Clean my heart! Change me! Help me! O God make me new!
David was Confronted by Nathan – Convicted by the Spirit – Cleansed by the Lord. Amazing how God uses people to help us see the truth.
Ever been there? Maybe it had nothing to do with a sin like David’s – but you doubted God – You rejected God – You ignored God – You walked away from God – You told God you didn’t need Him... You’re heart had become impure and unbelieving. Your mind had become polluted and unrepentant. It was a long winding road. But like the prodigal you made it home.
The Power-Point: Psalm 66:16-20 The point at which you are empowered through prayer. R. A. Torrey said, “We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power.” ...The same king who was on his face is now on his feet. He was down – now he’s up. He was broken – now he’s better. He was at the end of the road – now he has a new beginning. He had felt like giving up – now he feels like going on. He was defeated – now he’s delivered!
This was a testimony. David had been through the fire. He had been burnt by the power of sin and would forever bear the scars...but this one thing he knew – God brought him out.
There’s a spring in his step. There’s reassurance in his heart. There’s a renewed passion for God. ...When a person prays like they should – God will renew their spirit – they will mount up with wings as eagles – they will run and not be weary – they will walk and not faint.
There is power in prayer – and that power is in us, when we pray.
It has been said, “There is power in prayer.” But the truth is, “There is power in God.” And I have heard, “Prayer changes things.” But the truth is, “Prayer changes people and in many situations people change things.” Needless to say, nothing is too hard for God and there is no prayer God can’t answer.
The Prayer-Point: Psalm 6:2-10 The point at which you can go no further without praying. Have you been there? The point at which you call out to God in desperation? Maybe your child is sick... Maybe your mom or dad is critical... Maybe you’ve lost your job... Maybe you’ve sinned and been found out... Maybe you’ve been running from God... Maybe you’re like Paul on the Damascus Road and all you can do is cry out for help.
King David was there. Listen and you will hear his anguish...his heartache...his desperation. No bitterness here. No pride. No self confidence. At this point it is all God or nothing. Although we can’t pinpoint a time in David’s life when he cried out to God like this, we can sense his pain...and some of us can relate.
Abraham Lincoln said, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the over-whelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.” Like the old song, “Where could I go but to the Lord...” We had no where else to turn...and we ran to God and cried out to Him.
The Pour-Point: Psalm 51:1-4 The point at which you pour your heart out to God. This is no “end of the service benediction.” This is no “ask the Lord to bless the food" kind of prayer. This is no “I’m in a hurry so bless me quick” kind of prayer. Picture David on the floor. He is broken, un-done, finished, and utterly dependent on the Lord to forgive him. He is pouring his heart out to God.
This repentance reflects his sin with Bathsheba. In modern language he might have cried out, “What a fool I’ve been!” Eugene Peterson puts it like this... “I know how bad I've been; my sins are staring me down.” Ever been there? You’ve had enough! God...please forgive me! Please help me! Please heal my son! Please heal my mother! Lord...help!
If you’ve never been to the “pour-point” of praying, you will get there one day. You’ll be blindsided by sickness, the loss of a job, divorce, and death. You won’t see it coming. And the only hope you’ll have is to pour your heart out to God. “Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus!
The Pure-Point: Psalm 51:10-12 The point at which God makes your heart pure through prayer. Wow. David has nothing to lose. He so badly wants to get back what he has lost. He is confessing, repenting, almost begging God for the joy of his salvation to be restored. No pretense here. He won’t even look at God. He’s hiding his face. Make me pure! Make me whole! Clean my heart! Change me! Help me! O God make me new!
David was Confronted by Nathan – Convicted by the Spirit – Cleansed by the Lord. Amazing how God uses people to help us see the truth.
Ever been there? Maybe it had nothing to do with a sin like David’s – but you doubted God – You rejected God – You ignored God – You walked away from God – You told God you didn’t need Him... You’re heart had become impure and unbelieving. Your mind had become polluted and unrepentant. It was a long winding road. But like the prodigal you made it home.
The Power-Point: Psalm 66:16-20 The point at which you are empowered through prayer. R. A. Torrey said, “We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power.” ...The same king who was on his face is now on his feet. He was down – now he’s up. He was broken – now he’s better. He was at the end of the road – now he has a new beginning. He had felt like giving up – now he feels like going on. He was defeated – now he’s delivered!
This was a testimony. David had been through the fire. He had been burnt by the power of sin and would forever bear the scars...but this one thing he knew – God brought him out.
There’s a spring in his step. There’s reassurance in his heart. There’s a renewed passion for God. ...When a person prays like they should – God will renew their spirit – they will mount up with wings as eagles – they will run and not be weary – they will walk and not faint.
There is power in prayer – and that power is in us, when we pray.
2011 Preaching Schedule
January 30-February 2
Russell Baptist, Meridian Mississippi
February 8
Florence First Assembly, Florence, Al., TRUE Conference
March 4-6
Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
April 1-2
Summit Presbyterian, Arab, Al.
April 3-6
Fairview Church of God, Hartselle, Al.
April 4
Limestone Baptist Pastor's Conference, Athens, Al.
June 6-9
Greenwell Springs Baptist Youth Week in Mountain City, Ga.
July 26
New Prospect Baptist Church, Haleyville, Al.
August 21
Indian Springs Baptist, Kingsport, Tenn.
October 2-5
First Baptist Austinville, Decatur, Al.
October 17-21
Guatemala Pastor's Conference
Russell Baptist, Meridian Mississippi
February 8
Florence First Assembly, Florence, Al., TRUE Conference
March 4-6
Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
April 1-2
Summit Presbyterian, Arab, Al.
April 3-6
Fairview Church of God, Hartselle, Al.
April 4
Limestone Baptist Pastor's Conference, Athens, Al.
June 6-9
Greenwell Springs Baptist Youth Week in Mountain City, Ga.
July 26
New Prospect Baptist Church, Haleyville, Al.
August 21
Indian Springs Baptist, Kingsport, Tenn.
October 2-5
First Baptist Austinville, Decatur, Al.
October 17-21
Guatemala Pastor's Conference
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Why?
1 John 1:1-5
Why...do you believe in God? That’s a good question. Why do you believe? Why do you believe God...the Bible...in Heaven...Why do you believe? ...Why do we pray? Why do we believe in eternal life? Why do we come to church?
...Before we talk about WHY we believe, let’s ga ahead and state the fact, We Do Believe! We’re not the first and we won’t be the last!
• Peter believed... “We believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Jhn 6) When everyone else was walking away, Peter announced he had no where else to go. He believed – He wavered a time or two...But on Pentecost we see and hear a true believer!
• Paul believed... “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able...” (2 Tim 1:12) Paul proved his belief in God by believing when there was no reason to believe... Even in prison he believed.
• Jim Elliot believed... Died for what he believed in. In 1956 he was killed, along with four others while evangelizing the Waodani people...a people group who had never heard the Gospel of Christ.
• Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna believed... A first century Bishop of Smyrna we read about in Revelation. At 86 yrs old as he was bound and ready to be burned at the stake said, “86 years I have served Him...How can I now I deny the king who saved me?”
• Dietrich Bonhoffer believed... He was executed in 1945 for being a part of the German resistance against Nazism and Hitler and helping found a Christian church there. Bonhoffer wrote while in prison, “When God calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
Why We Believe: 1 John 1:1-5...
Jesus appealed to their ears: “That which we have heard.” For three years they heard him. Whether it was a public sermon or a private lesson…they sat at his feet dying to hear what he had to say. He spoke with authority, not like the scribes…and some even said, “never has a man spoken like this…” Oh that we would hear Jesus.
Jesus appealed to their eyes: “That which we have seen with our eyes.” They saw him daily walking and talking, preaching and teaching…ministering and healing. They saw him transfigured. They saw him on the cross. They saw him resurrected from the dead. His disciples, John included, were eye-witnesses as well as ear-witnesses of Jesus. Peter said, “We were eye-witnesses of his majesty,” 2 Peter 1:16.
Jesus appealed to their mind: That which we have observed…” It’s one thing to see it, its another to observe it. Observing carries with it the idea of thinking about what you’re looking at. John said in his gospel (1:14), And we beheld— his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father. Observing means they discerned, considered, studied, etc… John walked away having observed saying, "He’s real!"
Jesus appealed to their sense of feeling: “And our hands have handled the Word of life.” This probably refers to what Thomas…and most likely the other disciples as well, experienced when they touched him after his resurrection. Jesus showed them his hands and his side, knowing Thomas’s unbelief…and allowed Thomas to touch him.
What more could he have done? They saw him…heard him…observed him…and touched him. And John said, “We declare Him to you.”
Why Do We Believe?
1) The Testimony of Fellow Believers- “That which we have heard” What we have learned from other believers. Think about it. All we know about our faith has been handed down to us from other believers. The testimony of fellow believers, from Paul to Billy Graham, tell us the same old wonderful story.
Remember the great old hymn....I love to tell the story, of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
Peter Told the story...2 Peter 1:16-17 “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” ...We believe what Peter believed...and what Paul believed...and what men who were willing to die for their beliefs.. believed.
It is a story that never changes...and an invitation which never closes!
2) The Testimony of Personal Experience- “That which we have seen...looked upon and handled” John had certainly seen the Lord...and surely had touched him, maybe even after the resurrection along with Thomas...He knew the Lord.
After the resurrection, as some of the disciples met Jesus on the way they never forgot what they experienced...Luke 24:32-33, “And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"
Our experiences do not take the place of scripture. They are not substitutes for truth. If an experience seems a little weird...go to the Word. Personal experiences must never violate the testimony of scripture.
3) The Testimony of Scripture- What a sad and tragic account of those who refuse to believe. Luke 16:27-31 "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' Abraham said to him,'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
Here it is... “Unless they hear the scriptures they will not believe.”
We Believe By Faith. Hebrews 11
1- Evidence of things not seen – Our belief is more Who than Why.
2- Substance of things hoped for – Our belief is more Who than When.
3- Confidence in things unexplainable – Our belief is more Who than How.
We believe in God because He believed in us.
Why...do you believe in God? That’s a good question. Why do you believe? Why do you believe God...the Bible...in Heaven...Why do you believe? ...Why do we pray? Why do we believe in eternal life? Why do we come to church?
...Before we talk about WHY we believe, let’s ga ahead and state the fact, We Do Believe! We’re not the first and we won’t be the last!
• Peter believed... “We believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Jhn 6) When everyone else was walking away, Peter announced he had no where else to go. He believed – He wavered a time or two...But on Pentecost we see and hear a true believer!
• Paul believed... “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able...” (2 Tim 1:12) Paul proved his belief in God by believing when there was no reason to believe... Even in prison he believed.
• Jim Elliot believed... Died for what he believed in. In 1956 he was killed, along with four others while evangelizing the Waodani people...a people group who had never heard the Gospel of Christ.
• Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna believed... A first century Bishop of Smyrna we read about in Revelation. At 86 yrs old as he was bound and ready to be burned at the stake said, “86 years I have served Him...How can I now I deny the king who saved me?”
• Dietrich Bonhoffer believed... He was executed in 1945 for being a part of the German resistance against Nazism and Hitler and helping found a Christian church there. Bonhoffer wrote while in prison, “When God calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
Why We Believe: 1 John 1:1-5...
Jesus appealed to their ears: “That which we have heard.” For three years they heard him. Whether it was a public sermon or a private lesson…they sat at his feet dying to hear what he had to say. He spoke with authority, not like the scribes…and some even said, “never has a man spoken like this…” Oh that we would hear Jesus.
Jesus appealed to their eyes: “That which we have seen with our eyes.” They saw him daily walking and talking, preaching and teaching…ministering and healing. They saw him transfigured. They saw him on the cross. They saw him resurrected from the dead. His disciples, John included, were eye-witnesses as well as ear-witnesses of Jesus. Peter said, “We were eye-witnesses of his majesty,” 2 Peter 1:16.
Jesus appealed to their mind: That which we have observed…” It’s one thing to see it, its another to observe it. Observing carries with it the idea of thinking about what you’re looking at. John said in his gospel (1:14), And we beheld— his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father. Observing means they discerned, considered, studied, etc… John walked away having observed saying, "He’s real!"
Jesus appealed to their sense of feeling: “And our hands have handled the Word of life.” This probably refers to what Thomas…and most likely the other disciples as well, experienced when they touched him after his resurrection. Jesus showed them his hands and his side, knowing Thomas’s unbelief…and allowed Thomas to touch him.
What more could he have done? They saw him…heard him…observed him…and touched him. And John said, “We declare Him to you.”
Why Do We Believe?
1) The Testimony of Fellow Believers- “That which we have heard” What we have learned from other believers. Think about it. All we know about our faith has been handed down to us from other believers. The testimony of fellow believers, from Paul to Billy Graham, tell us the same old wonderful story.
Remember the great old hymn....I love to tell the story, of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
Peter Told the story...2 Peter 1:16-17 “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” ...We believe what Peter believed...and what Paul believed...and what men who were willing to die for their beliefs.. believed.
It is a story that never changes...and an invitation which never closes!
2) The Testimony of Personal Experience- “That which we have seen...looked upon and handled” John had certainly seen the Lord...and surely had touched him, maybe even after the resurrection along with Thomas...He knew the Lord.
After the resurrection, as some of the disciples met Jesus on the way they never forgot what they experienced...Luke 24:32-33, “And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"
Our experiences do not take the place of scripture. They are not substitutes for truth. If an experience seems a little weird...go to the Word. Personal experiences must never violate the testimony of scripture.
3) The Testimony of Scripture- What a sad and tragic account of those who refuse to believe. Luke 16:27-31 "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' Abraham said to him,'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
Here it is... “Unless they hear the scriptures they will not believe.”
We Believe By Faith. Hebrews 11
1- Evidence of things not seen – Our belief is more Who than Why.
2- Substance of things hoped for – Our belief is more Who than When.
3- Confidence in things unexplainable – Our belief is more Who than How.
We believe in God because He believed in us.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
2011 Preaching Dates
January 30-February 2 Revival, Russell Baptist, Meridian, Mississippi
February 3 Iron Sharpens Iron Conference, First Baptist, Addison, Alabama
February 8 TRUE Couple's Night, First Assembly, Florence, Alabama
March 4-6 Adult Retreat Pigeon Forge, Trinity Baptist, Trinity, Alabama
April 3-6 Revival, Fairview Church of God, Falkville, Alabama
April 4 Limestone Pastor's Conference, Athens, Al.
June 6-9 Greenwell Springs Baptist Student Week, Georgia
July 26 Revival Night, New Prospect Baptist, Haleyville, Alabama
October 2-5 Revival, First Baptist Austinville, Decatur, Alabama
October 17-21 Guatemala Pastor's Conference, Friendship Baptist, Grand Bay, Alabama
February 3 Iron Sharpens Iron Conference, First Baptist, Addison, Alabama
February 8 TRUE Couple's Night, First Assembly, Florence, Alabama
March 4-6 Adult Retreat Pigeon Forge, Trinity Baptist, Trinity, Alabama
April 3-6 Revival, Fairview Church of God, Falkville, Alabama
April 4 Limestone Pastor's Conference, Athens, Al.
June 6-9 Greenwell Springs Baptist Student Week, Georgia
July 26 Revival Night, New Prospect Baptist, Haleyville, Alabama
October 2-5 Revival, First Baptist Austinville, Decatur, Alabama
October 17-21 Guatemala Pastor's Conference, Friendship Baptist, Grand Bay, Alabama
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