11-15-20 “The things of earth will grow strangely dim…”

 Scripture  Matthew 6:24-34 (FOCUS)
 
Matthew 6:24-34 NIV
 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
          28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:24-34   The MESSAGE
"You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both.
          25 "If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. 26 Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.
          27 "Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? 28 All this time and money wasted on fashion — do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, 29 but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
          30 "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers — most of which are never even seen — don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? 31 What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. 32 People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. 33 Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
          34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
 
When Christ first becomes real to you, you receive a righteousness that you did not earn. It was given to you as an act of forgiveness for your sins by Jesus death on a cross in your place.
The key verse of this passage Mt 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well suggests a daily working out of righteousness in our lives. We are first given it and after that we must seek it, pursue it, look for it, find it and exercise it in our lives.
          In other words, we are granted a righteousness that is not our own, it is a gift from God, and from that moment we are to continually seek what we have already been given so we don’t lose sight, or use of it.
          It would be like someone giving you a million dollars. What if all you did with that money was spend it instead of sought how to effectively use it for your ongoing benefit. A million dollars invested wisely could give you enough money to live well the rest of your life OR, you could spend it out in a few years. (Hmmmm, sounds reminiscent of the prodigal son)
          God’s righteousness (the right way of living) is a benefit to us and we can receive it then choose to ignore it and not reap the lifelong benefits of it or we can invest ourselves into God’s righteousness and discover that living right is far superior to ignoring the gift God has given us.
 
          There is a caution here. This does not mean live right by all the strength you can muster. Do not do works of righteousness in hopes of accomplishing what Jesus said. Notice he didn’t say “do acts of righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” He said, “Seek first His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.”
 
          When Jesus says “SEEK” what does he mean? FOCUS! How do we focus on something? Mostly with our eyes. Jesus spoke about that visual focus just prior to our text for today. Matt 6:22-23  The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
          Greek and Jewish writers of the day often mentioned the eyes as a lamp, but they meant it as a light that shines outward. A person with a strong vitality of life will emit life through their eyes to others. But Jesus turns it around and says the eye is more like a window letting light inside you or that you remove your focus from him and pull the blinds down over your eyes and live a dark life. When the blinds cover your eyes, you cannot see or receive the light and obviously cannot focus on or seek God’s righteousness. If that is the case, do not expect the other important aspects of a fulfilled life to be added to you as well.
          How dies the song say it?
Oh soul are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Savior and life more abundant and free
 
Turn your eyes upon Jesus / Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim / In the light of His glory and grace
 
          How does Jesus in our text begin talking about our focus? No one can serve two masters. You will hate the one and love the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Notice we have two eyes and Jesus is saying we can’t serve two masters:
When you look at something, each eye receives light rays which land on your retinas and form images. These images are passed along the optic nerve to the brain where the two images are combined into the one clear picture you see.

The cornea, which is at the very front of your eye, and the lens, which sits behind the cornea, work together to bend (refract) the light rays to bring an image into proper focus. Refractive error, or blurred vision, occurs when something is wrong with this focusing system. In addition to refractive error, other eye or health conditions may interfere with the focusing system and affect how well you see.
Symptoms of poor eye coordination include double vision, headaches, eye and body fatigue, irritability, dizziness, and difficulty reading and concentrating. Children with poor eye coordination might cover one eye, skip lines or lose their place while reading, perform poorly in sports, avoid tasks that require close work and tire easily.
Although each eye processes what it sees independently, both eyes must work together to see properly. Binocular vision gives you depth perception and in order to see with binocular vision, your eyes must be aligned correctly.
          You can’t serve both God and Money.
Through death into life everlasting / He passed and we follow Him there
O'er us sin no more hath dominion / For more than conquerors we are
 
Turn your eyes upon Jesus / Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim / In the light of His glory and grace
No one can serve two masters. The Greek for master is Kyrios. The word is on a continuum from a teacher to the ultimate Lord and master – God. And here, it is suggesting both – you can serve an earthly master or a heavenly one – but not both. However, the term ‘serve’ is not an adequate translation for us. The Greek here for serve is duleo indicating the work of a slave, not an employee or student. A person could work for two employers or have multiple teachers, but a slave can only have one master. There can be no double vision, you either serve the world or you serve God. FOCUS
          Last week I shared something from the writing of Nicodemus that likely was not written by him. Not all extra-biblical material of the time was bad – it was just not right to be accepted as holy scripture. In the 2^nd century, the Testament of Judah says this, “My children, love of money leads to idolatry because once they are led astray by money, they designate as gods those who are not gods. It makes anyone who has it go out of their mind. On account of money, I utterly lost my children. The prince of error blinded me, pointing to Satan’s activity in using material idolatry to lead God’s children astray.
          Think about how many parents sacrificed life and training and love with their children for the pursuit of money. That is not to say, quit your job and live on love. It does say, keep your eyes focused where they should be focused and not on the things of this world. Keep your eyes focused on God’s righteousness and on His word.
His word shall not fail you; He promised / Believe Him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying / His perfect salvation to tell
 
Turn your eyes upon Jesus / Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim / In the light of His glory and grace
 
          When I think about focusing on Jesus, on seeking his kingdom above all other things I cannot help but think of Mary and Martha where Martha was distracted by stuff while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus who confirmed that what Mary was doing was the right thing.
          Here that is that same idea in a modern setting:
A noted young concert violinist was asked the secret of her success. “Planned neglect,” she replied. Then she explained, “Years ago I discovered that there were many things demanding my time. After washing breakfast dishes, I made my bed, straightened my room, dusted the furniture, and did a host of other chores. I then turned my attention to violin practice. That system, however, failed to accomplish the desired results. So I realized I had to reverse things. I deliberately set aside everything else until my practice period ended. That program of planned neglect accounts for my success!”
 

CONCLUSION

When Israel lost their focus they turned to foreign gods and it always went bad for them from the smashing of the 10 commandments by Moses to exile in Babylon. Though we may never bow to foreign gods we may follow the simpler idolatry’s that Israel also participated in. Seeking after material possessions at the cost of relationships. Or the idolatry of worry, which is rampant today. People work to hard worrying about what is not yet present. You cannot handle tomorrow's struggles because you don’t yet have tomorrow’s strength. You will not have that till tomorrow. You only have strength for today to meet today’s struggles. Don’t allow the idolatry of worry to blind you to seeking after God’s righteousness. Open your eyes and focus on Him and Him alone – not material wealth and not the problems of the day. And then, and only then, will all theses other things be added to you as well.

11-08-20 “Master Card - Priceless” (The worth of every person)

Scripture   John 3:16-17
VIDEO: Master Card – the Dog one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO9_IPhrKNk
    

      

    (PIC A – leave up till changing to PIC B)   Everyday we wonder what something is worth. Is my job worth me staying there? Is this relationship worth my emotional energy? Is a steak at these prices really worth it? Is voting worth standing in line for an hour? Is not sleeping in on Sunday, so I can go to church, worth it? Am I really worth anything to anyone else?
          The answer to some of those questions really doesn’t matter much, but some of them, especially the last one has a great impact on your well-being. The other day, my brother mentioned that my son knows his worth – that he is so self-assured. I agreed then later thought about it – he is Christ assured. Yes, Nathan has a confidence about himself, but I know that his greatest worth is found in Christ, as is true of most everyone in my family. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.”
          Like most, I grew up confident in some things, intimidated by others. But when I came to faith in Jesus and his words, I had a new found confidence that was not limited by what the world thought or said about me or what I perceived other people might think. In light of the cross and resurrection of Jesus, I discovered my name is on the Master’s Card and that I am priceless in his sight. Let’s look at what it says on the back of the Master’s Card…John 3:16-17     NIV (PIC B)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
          John 3:16-17     THE MESSAGE        (PIC C)

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.
          Wow, there is a lot there to unpack. What does it mean that God loved the world? Is that the earth? All the people who were alive at that time; or of all time? Does it mean the systems that make the world function; natural – like the elements of our solar system or our governmental systems? I think we can easily agree, it is primarily, if not completely concerning people. However, what people? All people of all time? Or was it meant for the one person Jesus said it too? This was not the sermon on the mount to thousands of people – this was a private conversation late at night with a member of the Jewish ruling council named Nicodemus. That encounter was a single conversation on a single night in Jerusalem, Israel. However, Nicdodemus not only represents himself, or the Jewish ruling council, he represents anyone and everyone who would inquire of Jesus, and therefore Jesus’ response is meant for anyone…everyone.
          To make it personal, you could say, God so loved “my world”…my life…me that he gave his one and only son. Recognizing you are not the only reason, but you are a reason. I think people can read John 3:16 and not know this was spoken BY Jesus to AN individual while including all people of all time.
          Jesus sees you as a person of great worth – he created you – he wants you to know him and experience his love. Consider how he prayed for the disciples and know he would pray the same way for you:
John 17:9-11  Jesus prays for us – “Father protect them”
I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name — the name you gave me — so that they may be one as we are one.
 
Matthew 6:25-34 If God cares for the bird’s so that they have food and shelter, how much more will he care for you?
 
The gospels show Jesus talking to the crowds, but over and over again it shows him responding to the individual and recognizing them as persons of great worth.
*Matthew 12:9-13 Healing the shriveled hand on the sabbath.
Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.
          Jesus was willing, at the risk of his own safety to care for people because he loved them:
Matthew 12:14-16  But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, warning them not to tell who he was.
 
Luke 15:4-6 Leaving the 99 sheep to look for the one lost sheep.
 
What Makes a Man?
Three young men who were visiting Washington went into the National Museum. On one of the glass cabinets was a label that read: "The body of a man, weighing one hundred and fifty-four pounds." "Where is the man?" asked one of the young men. No one answered him. In the cabinet were two jars of water and other jars in which were phosphate of lime, carbonate of lime, potassium, sodium, and other chemicals. Another section held a row of clear glass jars filled with gasses—hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. The materials in those cabinets were given in exact proportion as combined in an ordinary man. After looking at the assortment for some time in silence, one of the young men said: "And that is what I am made of? That is all that is needed to make me?"
"That is all," said a bystander as he smiled and walked on.
But the young man did not smile. "If that is all that is needed," said one, "so much lime, so much gas, so much water, we should be exactly alike. There is something more which they cannot put into cabinets."
"Yes," said another, "that which God added after the elements were all in place, God breathed into those elements his very own breath which gave each of us a living soul." They passed on in silence, their souls and their God suddenly becoming real before those cabinets filled with all the material essentials for the making of a man.
 
This message began at the beginning of Jesus ministry in John 3 with a story about an individual – remember his name? Nicodemus; an individual to whom Jesus uttered the most famous words of all of scripture - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
          Now we come to the end of the sermon with the story of Jesus and another individual who is not given a name in scripture, but is given the name Dismas in a writing that was not included in the canon of scripture – that work just happened to be called, the Gospel of Nicodemus. And so here is the story of that individual, from Luke 23 – the end of Jesus ministry should be read beside the story of the other individual and we will know our individual worth when we see how Jesus views Nicodemus and dismas.
CONCLUSION
*Luke 23:32-34, 39-43   “Today you will be with me in paradise”
          When Jesus was dying on the cross and he said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Who was the they he was talking about – who should God forgive. We assume he meant the ones crucifying him, therefore we are off the hook. Let’s read it and see:
Luke 23:32-43
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals — one on his right (apocraphal – his name is Dismas), the other on his left.
34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
          39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 40 But the other criminal rebuked the first. "Don't you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
(PIC D leave up through the underlined part)

The greatest obstacle to being physically or mentally challenged, is not the condition but the stigma society still associates with it. The truth is we are valuable because of who we are, not because of how we look or what we accomplish. And that applies to all of us, the disabled and the temporarily able-bodied alike. A female author wrote, I'm convinced God didn't turn His back at the moment of Jeff's conception, who had both mental and physical challenges form birth. He is still the God of miracles, but in this instance, the one who received healing was me. Our Lord is still in the business of changing lives, but not always in the ways we expect. Several years ago, Jeff played in a special Little League for kids with disabilities. After many seasons of watching from the bleachers and rooting while his big brother played ball, Jeff's opportunity finally arrived. When he received his uniform, he couldn't wait to get home to put it on.
When he raced out from his bedroom, fully suited up, he announced to me, "Mom, now I'm a real boy!" Though his words pushed my heart to my throat, I assured him he had always been a "real boy."
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ alone, confess our sin and claim him as Savior and Lord of our lives, we are given new clothes that will last throughout eternity, and we can come to him and say, “Now I am a real person” to which he will reply, “My child, you have always been a real person, created in the image of God, it just took believing in me for you to see yourself the way I see you, full of value and worth.”
 

11-01-20 “Picking up the Old Rugged Cross”

COMMUNION SUNDAY  Luke 9:23-27

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true / Its shame and reproach gladly bear /
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away / Where His glory forever I'll share.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross / Till my trophies at last I lay down /
I will cling to the old rugged cross / And exchange it some day for a crown.
That is the last verse to the favorite hymn of long time church member: Ann Dawson and it is that verse which gets at the heart of what Jesus said about the cross. But first let me tell you a little bit about Ann and her favorite hymn. (PICTURE ANN DAWSON)

Family Church background?
Her aunt and uncle adopted her. Sent her first to a country church where her vague memories are of being in the cherub choir in a Christmas Pageant. Ann started attending Ashland around 7 years old – again, mainly being dropped off and picked up afterward. Can you imagine a parent doing that today?
Favorite experience in Church?
Fellowship of Ashland – people have been so good to Ann. She lost her son 12 years ago. – the quilting group of ladies, even though Ann was not a quilter, were so supportive and helpful. For those who may not know Ann, if you were coming prior to COVID, she was the one quietly sitting in the church lobby before church with the library cart encouraging you to read a good Christian book.
When and How did Jesus become real to you?
As a child growing up in Ashland. Gradually came to faith – I would not know what to do without my faith. Baptized and joined church at age 19 on June-6-1954.
What service through the church have you been most blessed by?
Part of the 1^st brownie troupe that Ashland had led by Mrs. Schugert who provided overnight camping in her backyard for the girls. And then Girl Scouts. As an adult the Ministry that has been a major blessing to her has been the choir and all forms of music, especially her favorite and other familiar hymns.
Favorite Scripture: The Beatitudes. Her hopes for the future of Ashland Church are to grow and help more people know and love Jesus.
What words of Jesus can you paraphrase or quote?
Matthew 6:25-27   "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Favorite Song to sing in Church?
The Old Rugged Cross
 
STORY OF THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
The author, (PICTURE GEORGE BENNARD) 

George Bennard was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1873 and spent his childhood in Iowa. His father was a tavern owner and later, a coal miner. Bennard's conversion at the age of 22 through the evangelistic ministry of the Salvation Army in Canton, Iowa, led to his ordination and commissioning as a traveling evangelist in 1898.
In 1912 Bennard was preaching a revival in Michigan and was heckled incessantly by several youth who were at the revival meeting. Troubled by their disregard for the gospel, Bennard turned to Scripture to reflect on the work of Christ on the cross. He later recalled, "I seemed to have a vision ... . I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable."
The melody came easily, and the verses were written while preaching at various revivals in Michigan. After completing the hymn, before starting his next revival in Pokagon, Michigan, he performed the song in its entirety for the sponsoring pastor and his wife, Rev. Leroy and Ruby Bostwick, in the living room of the parsonage. The Bostwicks were moved to tears and incorporated the song in the revival service on June 7, 1913. First, Bennard sang his hymn with guitar accompaniment, and then a five-voice choir sang with organ and violin accompaniment.
Today, (PICTURE RUGGED CHURCH) 

that same church building, originally a hops barn, is owned by the non-profit Old Rugged Cross Foundation and welcomes thousands of visitors annually.
The hymn quickly spread throughout the region and came to the attention of the evangelist Billy Sunday, who frequently utilized it in his meetings.
 
NO TOMB WIHTOUT THE CROSS
I have a stronger affinity for the empty tomb then I do for the old rugged cross. I love the symbol of life more than the symbol of death. Having said that, the empty tomb does not exist without the horrific event of the cross. Forgiveness of sins is not possible if Jesus is not nailed to a cross to die. The Grace I preached last week – Getting what we don’t deserve = eternal life, does not exist without first receiving God’s MERCY – not getting what we do deserve = death, as the penalty for our sin. But I have discovered something that puts the cross in a new light. Jesus talked about the disciples and their own cross before anyone had an inkling that Jesus would die on a cross. The cross is not just a symbol of what Jesus has done for us – it is also a symbol of how we are to follow him in life.
 
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS
Luke 9:23-27
Then Jesus said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."
WHY DID JESUS SAY TAKE UP YOUR CROSS? (what came before)
Luke 9:20-22
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God." 21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 22 And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."
WHY DID JESUS SAY TAKE UP YOUR CROSS? (what came after)
Luke 9:28-36
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31 appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, 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 he was saying.)
          34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.
          The kingdom of God is not just some place we go to someday. It is here and now. It is something that Jesus is asking us to build with him as the lead carpenter. And we are asked to build it inspired by the Holy Spirit, to do so creatively and compassionately as a way to connect other people to Jesus! Christianity is not just getting our ticket punched to get to heaven and Mercy is not a one time event – God’ mercies are new every morning based on a one time event – Christ’s death on the old rugged cross.
          As we daily pick up our cross to follow Jesus we must have a renewal of mind… Rom 12:1-2 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. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. But also requires a commitment of the heart. No one picks up their cross who is not fully committed to loving and serving Jesus Christ. Don’t look for God’s mercy when you don’t know what it feels like to carry your cross. It is in carrying that cross that we comprehend what cost was made so we could receive his mercy. A cross bearers life is never stagnant, never unwilling to learn more and walk deeper while following Jesus.  20 years ago, Ann Dawson didn’t say, ok I’ve been there and done that so now I am done bearing the cross Jesus told me to carry. No, she carries it still ever learning and growing and having a heart for the lost.
          Jesus did not go to the cross only so we could have eternal life, he did it so we could be faithful followers in this life. Titus 2:11-14  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
          The ticket to heaven is a great byproduct of Christ’s death on the cross, our lives lived here and now for his glory is what the cross makes possible as an example for us to do what he already told us before he picked up his own cross.  HE saved us to change us, to make us different than we were before we knew him. 1 Peter 2:10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
          As we pick up our own rugged cross and follow him, it is then and inly then, in light of his mercy, that we are transformed into the people he designed us to be clear back in the garden of Eden before sin entered the world. Discipleship is for a lifetime, not a week-end part time job. That is why Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
 
CONCLUSION OLD RUGGED CROSS VERSE
In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine / Such a wonderful beauty I see /
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died / To pardon and sanctify me.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross / Till my trophies at last I lay down /
I will cling to the old rugged cross / And exchange it some day for a crown.

10-25-20 “Grace is an open door policy”

Scripture:     Matthew 7:7-12 (2 Cor 12:7-9)

In the gospels, how many times would you guess that Jesus uses the word grace? -0-
Nowhere in the gospels does Jesus ever use the word grace. But he does describe what it looks like.
Matt 7:7-12
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
We often simply define grace and mercy together saying that mercy is not getting what we do deserve, and grace is getting what we don’t deserve. We might deserve a snake but get fish. Deserve a stone but get bread. Romans 6:22 For the wages of sin is death, (Death is what we deserve) but the gift (grace) of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
Matthew 7:6       Jesus does not dispense his grace arbitrarily:
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
Jesus offers his grace to everyone, but only those who believe in him will receive it. His amazing grace is that He offers it to all who will come to him. As a loving father, God rejects no one. Also as a loving Father he gives his children the option (like the prodigal son) to take the life He has given them and walk away from Him. The consequence, eternal death in hell, is because they chose to reject his free gift of eternal life.
 
AMAZING GRACE published 1779 (241 yrs ago) John Newton, a former slave trader.
(v7 published 1829 Anonymous)
melody called “New Britain,” published with the “Amazing Grace” lyrics in 1847 (173 yrs ago)
When Ashland was founded, Amazing grace, as we know it was only 40 years old – a relatively new piece of music.
 
In light of God’s word, that grace is God’s unmerited gifting of new life let’s see what the words of this most loved hymn is saying:
 
1.     Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.
I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.
Amazing Grace! Suggest that this is something more than ordinary grace. In the New Testament, the word translated as grace is the Greek word charis (/ˈkeɪrɪs/; χάρις), (Ryan Hagele’s daughter’s name) for which Strong's Concordance gives this definition: "Graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)". Spiritual gifts or charismata which comes from the word family charis, is defined in the New Bible Dictionary as "grace coming to visible effect in word or deed."[17] A Greek word that is related to charis is charisma (gracious gift). Both these words originated from another Greek word chairo (to rejoice, be glad, delighted).[18]
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term used is chen[19][20] (חֵן‎), which is defined in Strong's as "favor, grace or charm; grace is the moral quality of kindness, displaying a favorable disposition"
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
Do you like the sound of rain or a gentle breeze as it whispers through the autumn trees or the sweet cooing of a newborn baby? If grace could have a sound, imagine what it might be. Soft, yet full, delightful and sweet. Is it not one of the most beautiful sounds when you hear that someone has received the grace of God through Jesus Christ for the very first time. That means it is a sweet sound that saved a wretch like me! WRETCH = a base, despicable, or vile person.
I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.
Luke 15:24 PRODIGAL SON: this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'
Lost/found, blind/see, dead/alive all refer to the change that takes place when we  experience God’s amazing grace.
 
2.     ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
God’s grace helps us recognize how far from God we are and can bring us to a place of fear before him while in the same moment relieve that fear, knowing that by His grace, He loves us anyway, and it all happens in an instant – in the hour we first believe.
 
3.     Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
Grace is not limited to salvation – to the moment we receive new life in Christ. Those who have been Christians for years can look back and see how, by God’s grace alone, we were saved, directed, protected and brought through horrific struggles in life and know that whatever we face ahead, God’s amazing grace will lead us home.
 
4.     The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be, as long as life endures.
He will my Shield and Portion be, as long as life endures.
Jeremiah 29:11     For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Philippians 4:13    I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
5.     Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.
I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.
When I die – I will live in peace and joy.     Rev 21:1-5     Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"
 
6.     The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below, will be forever mine.
But God, who called me here below, will be forever mine.
Though the earth will be no more, our eternal inheritance is in Christ alone. That is a promise of God’s amazing Grace.
 
7.     When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.
God’s Grace gave us physical birth, spiritual rebirth, and an abundant earthly life, and eternal life where we can sing praises to the one who has lavished on us such AMZING GRACE!
 
2 Cor 12:7-10
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
 
Similarly other words recorded that are not in the gospels: “It is more blessed to give than to receive”
Conclusion
I asked you to remember a name? Ryan Hagele who has a daughter he named Kerris = God’s Grace
          Ryan was a hs football player and Nathan was the school’s mascot and friends with many of the athletes. Ryan was Nathan’s best friend. Nathan shared with Ryan about Jesus, and invited him to church and to young life. Think about that. God placed Nathan in Ryan’s path. God showered Ryan with his Amazing Grace the moment he proclaimed Jesus as his Lord and Savior. When you consider all the world’s God’s hands have made…and yet saw fit to put a believer in his pathway who loved Jesus enough and loved his friend enough to introduce them to one another – that is Grace! NO!! That is AMAZING GRACE!! And to say thank you to God for that grace, Ryan and his wife Chrissy
 
John 10:9-10   I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
 
The 10 virgins illustrates that the door can and will be shut if you do not light your lamp – meaning put your faith in Jesus.
 
Jesus has an open door policy: Rev 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
 
Do you remember that no one opened their doors for Mary and Joseph as they were about to give birth to Jesus? Not even the little hotel or Inn in Bethlehem – he ended up being born in a barn. Another small hotel manager shows us what should have happened.

The Clerk of Waldorf-Astoria

          In the city of Philadelphia there was a little third class hotel. Into it one night there came two tired elderly people. They went up to the night clerk and the husband pleadingly said, “Mister, please don’t tell us you don’t have a room. My wife and I have been all over the city looking for a place to stay. We did not know about the big conventions that are here. The hotels at which we usually stay are all full. We’re dead tired and it’s after midnight. Please don’t tell us you don’t have a place where we can sleep.”
          The clerk looked at them a long moment and then answered, “Well, I don’t have a single room except my own. I work at night and sleep in the daytime. It’s not as nice as the other rooms, but it’s clean, and I’ll be happy for you to be my guests for tonight.”
          The wife said, “God bless you, young man.”
          The next morning at the breakfast table, the couple sent the waiter to tell the night clerk they wanted to see him on very important business. The night clerk went in, recognized the two people, sat down at the table and said he hoped they had had a good night’s sleep. They thanked him most sincerely. Then the husband astounded the clerk with this statement, “You are too fine a hotel man to stay in a hotel like this. Your extreme grace has truly blessed us. How would you like for me to build a big, beautiful, luxurious hotel in the city of New York and make you a general manager?”
          The clerk didn’t know what to say. He thought there might be something wrong with their minds. He finally stammered, “It sounds wonderful.” His guest then introduced himself. “I’m John Jacob Astor.” So, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel was built, and the night clerk became, in the years to follow, the best known hotel man in the world.
          By 1976, the 47-Story Waldorf-Astoria in New York City served three-quarters of a million guests in its 1,900 rooms. That clerk welcomed them all because he had practiced an open door policy much like Jesus who has gone back to heaven, to prepare a room for each of us. John 14:2-7 In my Father's house are many rooms; And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
 
“Amazing Grace / Chains”

10-18-20 FLIP THE SWITCH – USE THE POWER! Hill climbing is essential to Overcome!

Scripture   John 16:24
Gretchen and I loved climbing hills – it was a challenge for a father and child to overcome together. (Las Vegas desert & South Hills)
 

WE HAVE POWER TO OVERCOME THE ENEMY and more

Luke 10:17-20
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." 18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.  19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
 

THE GATES OF HELL WILL NOT OVERCOME THE CHURCH

Matt 16:15-19
"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."
 

JESUS HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD

John 16:24
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
 

THE BELIEVER’S FAITH IN JESUS OVERCOMES THE WORLD

1 John 5:3-5
This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
 

RETELL THE STORY OF DAVID AND GOLIATH

          

We all have giants at the top of the hill taunting us: Sin – Sickness – Loneliness – Depression – Anxiety – Fear – Anger – Death. As children, with a loving [powerful father beside us, there is no mountain we can’t climb and no hill we can’t over come.
Mark 11:22-24
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

10-11-20 Is Anyone Worthy? He is!

Scripture     Revelation 5:1-14

          Tuesday November 3^rd is Election Day when the people of the United State will cast ballots to vote for the President of the United States. Now, if you think I might say something political or even begin to suggest who you ought to vote for, you would be sadly mistaken. I have never once voted for the president who rightly ruled the United States. I have voted for the person who became president but even none of them ruled rightly.  Is there anyone worthy to rightly rule the United States of America? NO! Instead of a democracy I would prefer a theocracy which means God is the only ruler. The only time that ever happened was in the garden of Eden and I must say God was doing a fantastic job as ruler. Everyone had plenty to eat, finances were great, there was no unemployment, everyone got along (both of them) and there was peace and prosperity throughout the land. However, even with the right ruler and only two citizens of the nation of Eden, the people still figured out a way to mess things up…big time.

          Therefore it isn’t only about a ruler ruling the citizens rightly, it is also about the citizens living rightly according to the righteous ways the ruler sets forth. Is there a land where this happens? Is there a nation that lives this way? Can we see this take place in the world in which we live? NO! and YES!

          NO! For all have not lived by the rules of the righteous leader.

          YES! In Jesus, we are made a righteous people by the one who alone was worthy to make such a nation, a world, a kingdom, even possible.

          We will not see that perfect place here on earth. But Revelation makes it clear that a day is coming when a new way will break through and Jesus will reign as the righteous ruler and king in his forever kingdom.

          When will the time come when there will be no more wars, no more pandemics, no more cancer, no more sex trafficking, no more sin, sickness and hatred, no more…you fill in the blank?

 Matthew 24:36-44

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

          42 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

42 Therefore keep watch – The present imperfect tense means – Keep a constant vigil. Christianity is not meant to be – Oh when it serves me or when I feel like it. Following Jesus is a life commitment 24/7/365 until you take your last earthly breath before your first eternal breath. Jesus is not looking for part time employees. It is He who gives us our life and breath and He who alone is worthy to have us do more than go to or watch church once a week. Following Christ involves a change of heart, a change of mind, a change of attitude, a change of direction, and yes, a change of action, including keeping a constant vigil looking forward to His return.

 So we, and even the son (Jesus) do not know when the end will be. Who has the authority to initiate the beginning of the end? Revelation describes the end times through what is written on a scroll that is sealed with 7 seals.  And, a very important question is asked, who is worthy to open the seals? Let’s read it…Revelation 5:1-14

Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals."

Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song:

"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.

 Who is this worthy one according to the 66 books of the bible?

 In Genesis, Jesus Christ is the Breath of Life.

In Exodus, he is the Passover Lamb.
In Leviticus, he is our High Priest.
In Numbers, he is the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.

In Deuteronomy, he is the prophet like unto Moses.

In Joshua he is the captain of our salvation.
In Judges, he is our judge and lawgiver.
In Ruth, he is our kinsman redeemer.

In 1 & 2 Samuel, he is our trusted prophet.
In Kings and Chronicles, he is our reigning King.
In Ezra and Nehemiah, he is the rebuilder of the broken down walls of human life.
In Esther, he is our Mordecai.

 

In Job, he is our ever-living Redeemer.
In Psalms, he is our Shepherd.
In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, he is our wisdom.
In Song of Solomon, he is our loving Bridegroom.

In Isaiah, he is the Prince of Peace.
In Jeremiah, he is our righteous Branch.
In Lamentations, he is our weeping Prophet.
In Ezekiel, he is the wonderful four-faced man.

In Daniel, he is the fourth man in life’s fiery furnace.

In Hosea, he is the faithful husband, forever married to the backslider.
In Joel, he is the baptizer of the Holy Ghost and fire.
In Amos, he is our burden bearer.

In Obadiah, he is mighty to save.

In Jonah, he is our great foreign missionary.
In Micah, he is the messenger of beautiful feet.
In Nahum, he is our strength and shield.

In Habakkuk, he is God’s evangelist crying, “Revive thy works in the midst of the years!”

In Zephaniah, he is our Savior.
In Haggai, he is the restorer of God’s lost heritage.
In Zechariah, he is the fountain opened up in the house of David for sin and uncleanliness.

And in Malachi, he is the Son of Righteousness rising with healing in his wings.

In Matthew, he is the King of the Jews.
In Mark, he is the servant.

In Luke, he is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.
In John, he is the Son of God.

 

In Acts, he is the Savior of the world.
In Romans, he is the righteousness of God.
In 1 Corinthians, he is the rock, the Father of Israel.
In 2 Corinthians, he is the triumphant one, giving victory.

In Galatians, he is your liberty, he set you free.
In Ephesians, he is the head of the Church.
In Philippians, he is your joy.
In Colossians, he is your completeness.

In 1 & 2 Thessalonians, he is your hope.
In 1 Timothy, he is your faith.
In 2 Timothy, he is your stability.
In Titus, he is truth.

In Philemon, he is your benefactor.
In Hebrews, he is your perfection.
In James, he is the power behind your faith.

In 1 Peter, he is your example.

In 2 Peter, he is your purity.
In 1 John, he is your Life.
In 2 John, he is your pattern.
In 3 John, he is your motivation.

In Jude, he is the foundation of your faith.
In Revelation, he IS your coming King!

----------------------------------------------------

 

He is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
He is the keeper of creation, and the Creator of all.
He is the architect of the universe, and the manager of all times.
He always was, he always is, and he always will be.

Unmoved, unchanged, undefeated and never undone.

 

He was bruised and brought healing.
He was pierced in his pain.
He was persecuted and brought freedom.
He was dead and brought life.

He is risen and brings power.
He reigns and brings peace.

The world can’t understand him.
The armies can’t defeat him.
The schools can’t explain him, and
The leaders can’t ignore him.

Herod couldn’t kill him.
The Pharisees couldn’t confuse him.
People couldn’t hold him.
Nero couldn’t crush him.
Hitler couldn’t silence him.
The New Age can’t replace him.
And science can’t explain him away.

He is Life, love, longevity, and more.
He is goodness, kindness, gentleness, and God.
He is holy, righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right, and Word is eternal.
His will is unchanging, and his mind is on me.

He is MY Redeemer.
He is MY Savior.
He is MY Guide.
He is MY Peace.

He is MY Joy.
He is MY Comfort.
He is MY Lord, and
He rules my life.

 SONG:  Is He Worthy?

Chris Tomlin

Do you feel the world is broken?
(We do)
Do you feel the shadows deepen?
(We do)
But do you know that all the dark won't stop the light from getting through?
(We do)
Do you wish that you could see it all made new?
(We do)

Is all creation groaning?
(It is)
Is a new creation coming?
(It is)
Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst?
(It is)
Is it good that we remind ourselves of this?
(It is)

Is anyone worthy?
Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy of this?
He is

Does the Father truly love us?
(He does)
Does the Spirit move among us?
(He does)
And does Jesus, our Messiah hold forever those He loves?
(He does)
Does our God intend to dwell again with us?
(He does)

Is anyone worthy?
Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
From every people and tribe
Every nation and tongue
He has made us a kingdom and priests to God
To reign with the Son

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Is He worthy of this?
He is!
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
He is!
He is!