They Like Jesus, but not the church!

          There is a book by the title "They like Jesus, but not the church." The basic premise is that people in emerging generations do like and have a respect for Jesus, but are not fond of the church. At least I should say that they do not like what they perceive the church to be. Some thoughts about the church are based on experience, some on reality and much on myth and media representations of the church. What they mean by not liking "the church" could change from person to person. To them, perception is reality. However they conceive of the church to be (that thing they don't like) that is what it is - to them.

I was talking to a friend the other day about this topic and he shared his faith journey that fell perfectly in line with the title of the book. He was initially attracted to Jesus but not the church. I imagine some of you reading this blog had (have) a similar experience.  I would be interested in hearing your story. Feel free to share it by leaving a comment on this blog.

Why is this important to us? Because Jesus is represented by the church in the world. We are failing to give Jesus a good representation if many people feel that they like Jesus but not the church. It suggests how we ought to be as the church, how we ought to talk about the church, how we ought to serve to make the church all Jesus wants it to be. "WWJCD?" Instead of just asking what would Jesus do? we need to be asking what would Jesus' Church do? We cannot change the perception of the church throughout history or throughout the world, but we can change the perception of the church in the Magic Valley beginning with the church represented by the people who meet at 9th and Shoshone.

The church with heart must continually help people to fall in love with Jesus by seeing how much they love God, love one another, and love all people. Then they will say, "I like Jesus and his church too." Consider the following scripture passage and how important the church is to Jesus:

Matthew 16:13-19

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

From the Heart,

Pastor Jeff

CHARACTER QUALITY # 50 Optimistic

          I believe this is one of the 50 most important blogs I have written in the past year.  I believe some Christians are glass half empty type people and don’t want to hear this message.  I believe every Christian needs to hear this message.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,   2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man,   4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

          If that does not produce in you and me optimism – then we are like a prisoner in a dungeon with shackles, a blindfold and no light, food or water.  This text fits well with my life verse that provides me great optimism: John 8:32 You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.

William Carrey is the Father of modern Missions who  went through every tragedy imaginable yet had great optimism for God’s work.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines optimism as having "hopefulness and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something; a tendency to take a favorable or hopeful view." The word is originally derived from the Latin optimum, meaning "best." Being optimistic, in the typical sense of the word, ultimately means one expects the best possible outcome from any given situation.

I believe God wants the very best for us.  I believe God is working for the very best for us.  I believe God can make a diamond out of coal.  Rom 8:26-29    In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but

the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

          How can anyone who believes these things be anything but optimistic.  Jesus is the way the truth and the life – he is our source of optimism.  He is why I don’t have to bemoan circumstances (sometimes I fail) but I shouldn’t and most of the time I don’t because He who is in me is Greater than her who is in the world.

          Expect Great things form God.  Attempt Great things for God.”

          What are expecting form God?  What are attempting for God?  Decide and be optimistic that God with you will see it come to pass.

From the Heart,
Pastor Jeff Cooper

CHARACTER QUALITY # 49 Consistent

Who in scripture is an example of consistency?

Enoch – He walked with God and was not.

          Methuselah lived 969 years his grandfather Jared lived 962 years.  Methuselah’s father only lived 365 years yet he lived the longest.  Gen 5:21-24 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

Why would God do that?  Because Enoch must have lived a very consistent life following after the ways of God.

Job – all calamity came upon him, he stayed consistent in his resolve that God is faithful.

Having been consistent before God:  Job 42:10-11  After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.

Daniel – would consistently pray to God

Would not bow to the King.  But the lions bowed down to Daniel.

Shardrach, Meshach, Abednego – Faithful to the NEAR end

Daniel 3:16-18   Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.  But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Joseph – he never wavered from his beliefs and morals.

He accepted his condition whether in prison or seated at the right hand of the King.  He did not change his beliefs or personality or mood based on circumstance.  God blessed him for that.

Peter was the antithesis of consistency.

He walked on water – he fell into the water.  He used his sword in the garden to protect Jesus, he lied about knowing Jesus in the courtyard.

2/3                                                                                                                            09-11-18

Paul was not well loved until he got older and mellowed.

As to emotions, he too was the antithesis of consistency – as too evangelism there was no turning to the right or the left.  Acts 20:24 I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.  BUT, if he was in a bad mood, everyone knew it.

Do you know Christians who come into a room and drain the energy right out of the light sockets?  But they are not always that way…sometimes they are really up and enjoyable.  They have a mini bi-polar personality with their emotions.

          Do you know people who are consistent – that no matter how good or bad things are for them, you can still count on them to do a job and do it with a sense of peace and even keel as to their emotions?  How much better that is.  All Christians should work at having consistent emotions – that doesn’t mean never hurting or laughing or feeling discouraged.  It simply means, having a grounded sense about your faith in Christ that keeps you from living your emotions out in a way that it affects others around you.

          My pastor – Rev. Hitch was this kind of man – I saw him on bad days and he rarely let that affect others.  I said rarely – he was human – we all have a breaking point – but for many that breaking point comes weekly or daily instead of yearly or more.

Hebrews 5:11-14

          We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn.  In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!  Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Today’s Text……………Acts 2:36-47

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."   When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"  Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call."  With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

          Acts 2:42    They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Christian character is developed by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives through the study of God's Word. We study the Bible to learn about the kind of character God desires in His people.

Christian character is developed by allowing iron to sharpen iron – to have fellowship with brothers and sisters who will prod you on to a greater, more consistent life in Christ.

Christian character is developed by allowing worship to usher you into the throne room of God with great consistency – not just when you get in trouble.

Christian character is developed by having prayer as consistent a part of your life as breathing.  Eph 6:18  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

“Be Consistent in four things. No, five!”

STUDY, FELLOWSHIP, WORSHIP, PRAYER --- SERVICE

43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.  (They Served and people came to Christ)

Consistency is a key ingredient to being obedient to God, defeating sin in our lives, and putting on Christ-like qualities.

"No one can win a race with intermittent effort. Christ likeness cannot be reached with that kind of effort either—it is an ongoing pursuit. So Paul says, "Let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained" (Phil. 3:16). The Greek verb translated "keep living" refers to walking in line. Just as a runner must stay in his lane and keep up the same effort until he reaches the finish, you must stay in line spiritually and keep moving forward toward the goal of Christ likeness."                              - John MacArthur

From the Heart,
Pastor Jeff Cooper

CHARACTER QUALITY # 48 Belief

Scripture:                                              

Romans 8:28-39

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

"For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:28-39

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  How do we know God works all things for the good?  Doesn’t seem like it.  CONDITION: we love him and are called according to his purpose.  What does that mean?

29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.  Who was predestined?  Those God foreknew – knew before they came into being.  Who would that be? Everyone. Everyone is predetermined to be called, justified, glorified – but not everyone accepts that calling, justification, glorification.

31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

"For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Do you believe when bad/evil things happen in your life?  That is the true test of faith.  Everyone can believe in a God when things are going well.  But introduce a life threatening illness, a spouse who packed their bags and left without warning, your job position eliminated after 22 years, a fire that consumes your house, having loved ones in the Twin Towers on 9-11-2001.  Do you still believe in God then?

          If you do, what is it you believe about God?  In those moments do you see God as your protector, as a loving father?  Or as a judge and wrath filled God?

THE NICENE CREED:

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.  We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.  For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.  On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.  He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. 

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Prayer

Would you pray for someone now – who needs healing, financial help, relationship restoration, salvation, spiritual strength or any other need?  Would you pray believing God for the answer?  What do you believe about God?

From the Heart,
Pastor Jeff Cooper

CHARACTER QUALITY # 47 Unity

Psalm 133

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!  2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes.  3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Lesson From The Bees

One bee always seems ready to feed another bee, sometimes even one of a different colony. Mutual feeding among bees, who are very social insects, is the order of their existence. The workers feed the helpless queen who cannot feed herself. They feed the drones during their period of usefulness in the hive. Of course they feed the young. They seem to enjoy the social act.

Bees cluster together for warmth in cold weather and fan their wings to cool the hive in hot weather, thus working for one another’s comfort.

          When swarming time comes, bee scouts take out to find suitable quarters where the new colony can establish itself. These scouts report back to the group, executing a dance (as they also do to report honey) by which they convey the location of the prospective home to the colony. As more than one scout goes prospecting and reports back, the bees appear to entertain the findings of all scouts and at last the entire assembly seems to reach a common conclusion on a choice. Thereupon they all take wing in what is called a swarm.

During the last Supper Jesus prays a beautiful prayer for the disciples.  How they are one with Jesus and how he loves them and will protect them. How he is one with the Father and they are one with him.  It is a beautiful prayer.  The prayer continues but takes a turn – this is the continuation of that prayer:

John 17:20-23

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

teteleiwuenoi eis en = that they may be "having been perfected – in - one”

The perfect tense indicates a permanent state as the final goal and result.  In other words, our unity with one another and with Christ is not to be hit or miss, rather constant and unending.

Unity does not mean conformity.  It does not mean we always agree on everything.  What unity does mean is that we have the same purpose – the same goal – the same belief – the same direction.  I might think it is better to go on the lower windy path and you might think it is better to go on the higher straight path but we are going in the same direction – reaching for the same goal – that people may know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

By our unity with the church past present and future, there may be a unity that defies logic – that cannot exist by human will alone – that our unity is a byproduct of our individual relationships with Jesus.  Jesus is saying, when the world sees this, they can then find salvation.  If the church is not in unity, the world will pass us by without a second glance except to ridicule us.

Ephesians 4:1-6

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Do you know your brothers and sisters – Carol Jean Edwards blessed my heart at the church picnic – I asked a group of long-timers to introduce themselves to people they don’t know and I caught her doing it – an example of striving for unity.

 “STRANGERS” TOO LONG

Privates Henry Pauch and Steve Obeda, inducted at Fort Sheridan, Ill., came to a camp in Texas, in the same troop movement. For two months they were in the same platoon and slept in bunks not far apart. Then they exchanged addresses. One lived at 2533 South Troy Street, Chicago, and the other at 2541, same street, same city. They were close neighbors, but strangers for thirteen years – then got acquainted so far from home.

 Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

The Lonely Hill

The cross stood on a lonely hill, And He was lonely, too,

The day they nailed Him to the cross         To die for me and you.

The sins of every one of us Lay heavy on His heart,

Yet He was not afraid to die For He had done His part.

Around Him all was loneliness, For few would stand Him by.

Ah, let it not be all in vain He suffered so to die.

If you will listen when He comes And knocks upon your door,

Then let Him in, so that He won’t Be lonely any more.

The cross is right before you now at this place he does abide,

Memento of that blessed day When He was crucified.

Come to the lonely hill again, And stand once more to pray

That all the world may know His love through unity of His church on this communion Day.

Form the Heart,
Pastor Jeff Cooper

CHARACTER QUALITY # 46 Wonder

Below are scripture notes for a message on wonder.  We should all be in wonder at how awesome our God is, how life giving the Holy Spirit is, and how present and forgiving Jesus is.  After reading through these scriptures, tell of a time or a way in which your thoughts about God put you in a state of wonder.  What is there about God that causes you to wonder?

Mark 9:1-15

And he said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."  After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.  Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

          Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"  Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.   As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant.

          And they asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"  Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?  But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him."

          When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

MOSES / JESUS

CALLED OUT OF EGYPT

Exodus 4:21-23

21 The Lord said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. Then say to Pharaoh, 'This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son, and I told you, "Let my son go, so he may worship me." But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.'"

Matthew 2:14-15

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

40 YEARS vs 40 DAYS

Acts 7:35-36

"This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, 'Who made you ruler and judge?' He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert.

Matthew 4:1-4

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."  4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

MANNA vs BREAD

John 6:29-36

Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."  30 So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"  32 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."  34 "Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."  35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

Isaiah 29:13-14

 13 The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.  Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.  14 Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

1 Kings 17:9-10

"Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food."

1 Kings 17:13-14

Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.'"

1 Kings 17:17-18

Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and finally stopped breathing. She said to Elijah, "What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?"

1 Kings 17:22-23

The Lord heard Elijah's cry, and the boy's life returned to him, and he lived. Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, "Look, your son is alive!"

Col 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

From the Heart,
Pastor Jeff

CHARACTER QUALITY # 45 Calm

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

There’s a little book with the title Keep Calm and Carry On (Andrews McMeel Publishing). The title is based on a poster produced by the British government in 1939, during the dark days of World War II. More than two million copies were printed to be used in the event that Germany invaded the island nation as an encouragement to keep that famous British stiff upper lip in place if the worst-case scenario came to fruition.

During the Babylonian Exile God promised the return of people to Israel.  Many descriptions of that rescue were described – the following Psalm is one of those:

Psalm 107:23-30

Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.  They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.  For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves.  They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away.  They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end.  Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.  He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.  They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

Where are you in the midst of the storm?  Are you calm?  Better question – Where is Jesus in the midst of your storm?  Does it seem he is sleeping and not helping?  Take note: if he is resting a moment, it is because the storm does not scare him.  Why? He has the power to stop the storm if it gets too bad.  Get his attention – and watch what happens.

Matt 8:23-27

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"  He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.  The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"

Keep Calm and Carry On

          Can you describe a time when you were in Exile, in a storm, in a difficult situation, in a circumstance that others would not have been calm, but you experienced calm because you knew Jesus was seeing you through it?

From the Heart,

Pastor Jeff Cooper

CHARACTER QUALITY # 44 Zeal

GOD’S ZEAL

2 Kings 19:31  For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7   For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

JEREMIAH’S ZEAL

Pashhur Ben Immer was the chief officer of the temple at the close of the monarchy and was the immediate subordinate of the high priest in charge of the police force.  He made a mistake by having Jeremiah, the Lord’s prophet beaten and put in stocks.  He thought it would silence Jeremiah but had the opposite effect.

Jeremiah 20:         7   O Lord, you deceived me, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed.  I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.  8 Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long.  9 But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

It is as dangerous to refuse to go when called, as it is to run without a call.  Jeremiah had a zeal that could not be contained.

OUR ZEAL

Romans 12:9-12

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Our zeal produces service for the Lord, by serving others.

READY FOR EITHER

If I get to live, I can live to serve the Lord by doing good deeds, tell more people about Him, be salt and light for His Kingdom, and so to live is Christ – for in Him we live and move and have our being, (Acts 17:28).  Yet to die is gain, I can have my eternal rest in the presence of my King.  So to live I can serve Jesus and honor Jesus with the life that He gives.  To die means I am with Jesus in His physical presence forever.  There’s no losing here.  How do we sacrifice?     Romans 12:1-2   Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.

So our motto should be “ready for either.”  Philippians 1:21

     Do you have a zeal for Jesus?  Is there a fire in your bones that has to get out?  Are you willing to take up the plow or lie down on the altar of sacrifice?  Are you ready for either?


From the Heart,
Pastor Jeff Cooper

CHARACTER QUALITY # 43 Good Deeds

1 Timothy 6:17-19

 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Heb 10:19-25

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town – a 1936 movie - In the middle of the Great Depression, Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper), co-owner of a tallow works, part-time greeting card poet and tuba-playing inhabitant of the little Mandrake Falls, Vermont, inherits the enormous fortune of 20 million dollars from his late uncle, Martin Semple.  Deeds realizes what he can do with his troublesome fortune: he decides to provide fully equipped 10 acre farms free to thousands of homeless families if they will work the land for several years.  (Adam Sandler starred in a remake called Mr. Deeds in 2002 without the same noble ending which is a commentary on contemporary society.)

          Mr. Deeds received a gift that he did not know what to do with.  He finally figured out that it could be used to bless others.  As Christians, we all need to become Mr. and Mrs. Deeds.  We have been given gifts by God to use for good deeds for the benefit of others.  Our church can make the 2012 version of the movie and call it “Church Deeds goes to town,” starring: THE CONGREGATION.

We should let our Good Deeds be seen:

Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

          We don’t do good deeds to be seen – we let our light shine and our good deeds are seen because that is what we do when others are looking or not.  When our light is shining – others can see the good deeds we do and be drawn to the one on who’s behalf we are doing them – Jesus! 

1 Peter 2:12

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Matthew 9:1-8     Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!"  Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . ." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home."  And the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.

Jesus proved the GOOD NEWS by his GOOD DEEDS!

Here are some possibilities to let our light shine through our new ADOPT-A-SCHOOL program:

Thanksgiving – supply baskets for teachers       /       Birthday recognition       /       Parent/Teacher Conferences meals       /       Encouragement Cards       /       Tutoring/Reading/performance to classes       /       Provide for special needs

Sept 1 provide a light meal for teachers and staff

Sept 4  [LABOR DAY SUNDAY – 9:30 only Service Sunday] Painting the older playground equipment at Lincoln Elementary School.  Sanding Team, Washing Team, Guard Rail Team / Teeter Totter Team / Chin up bar team / parallel Bars Team / Monkey Bars Team / Jungle Gym Team / Activity Center Team / Feed the Teams Team

God Showing Through

          The preacher’s sermon on God stimulated some questions in the mind of a child, and she raised the questions to her mother on the way home from church. “The pastor said God is bigger than we are. Is that true?” “Yes,” the mother responded, “He is.” The child continues, “And the pastor also said God lives inside of us. Is that true, too, Mommy?” “Yes,” the mother again responded.  “Well, then,” concluded the little girl, “if God is bigger than us, and if He lives inside of us, then shouldn’t some of Him show through?”

How is God showing through in your life?  What good deeds have you done because he lives in you?  What good deeds will you do in the near future?

From the Heart,
Pastor Jeff Cooper