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What are we playing?

11/13/2022

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"Woe to those who call evil good
    and good evil,
who put darkness for light
    and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
    and sweet for bitter." Isaiah 5:20
Picture
"What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" Matthew 16:26

"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness 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 shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only." Matthew 4:1-10

Notice -- Jesus uses scripture to refute the devil. Also notice, the devil does this too. He twists scripture. 

Our society lives for instant gratification. This isn't God's way. This is Satan's way. If something isn't from God, it is from Satan. Jesus says we are either for him or against him. 

Who is the Opponent?
"The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work." 1 John 3:8

"But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:3

A lion or an angel? The devil can appear in any disguise he chooses.

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:8-9

"14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."
2 Corinthians 11:14-15

A roaring lion will get your undivided attention. The devil will make himself very appealing. He's going to look like he's right. He will look good. He will quote scripture. He isn't obvious. He is sly. 

Watch out -- choice

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Galatians 6:7-8

15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." James 1:15

There is always a choice not to sin. There is always a way to not fall into temptation.

Where are you on the battlefield? There are no bystanders.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22

We do not fight alone.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"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." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Weapons we have that Satan doesn't want you to know you have:

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

You can resist.

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

God has already overcome the world!

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1

Jesus doesn't condemn us! The devil and the world do condemn.

Strength to fight

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Right here, right now.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2

"9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." Romans 10:9-10
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Some Assembly Required

9/11/2022

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"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

​No one has an excuse! Open your eyes and you know God exists, and God has a plan for you. He knows you better than anyone. He knows you better than you know yourself. He knows what you were made to do. He knows what will make you soar with joy. Who doesn't want the best version of their life?

"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:4-5

We can't earn this or buy this. We can't earn or buy life no matter what we do or rich we are. So, how do we get this wonderful incredible version of life?

Tactic #1 Read the instruction manual:

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

The Word is alive! It will speak to you. It will speak to your right now!

Tactic #2 Call the "Vendor/Customer Service":

Pray! Talk to God. Listen to God. Get into that ongoing conversation He wants to have with you. 

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." John 16:24

"Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13

Tactic #3 Phone a friend:
We have each other. We need to seek each other out when we need help. We are a family. We are a community.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

Today, church attendance is lower than it has been in history in this country. Part of it is that lots of people have never returned since Covid. They got too comfortable staying at home. 46% of protestant pastors surveyed are considering quitting. That is up from 27% in 2020. 

We need each other.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

Tactic #4 Use your resources:

Resources are things you have to help you. 

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." John 16:13

Do we ask? We need to ask. We need to listen. We need to follow Him. We need to obey -- believe what He says and do it. The Spirit is the Comforter and Teacher and Guide. Be sensitive to His moving. If we allow Him he will move through us.

​"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

God isn't finished with you yet. If you're alive you need to be growing. God's not done. He will open new doors. He will give us new insights. God has a plan. Let Him carry it out in your life!

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

You are not alone. You are not friendless. Attach yourself to the Rock!
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The Hierarchy of Needs

4/24/2022

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We are taught Maslow's hierarchy of needs: physical, safety, love/belonging, esteem and finally self-actualization. But, according to scripture this isn't God's way. We can be well fed but miserable. We can put up all safety measures like alarms and cameras, but it is a false security. We hear all songs about love but they are usually about loss or wanting it. We are told to have self-esteem but still 97% of young girls have body issues of accepting themselves as they are. 

God's way is based in Him and His Word.

"Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."  Luke 9:23

Here are God's Hierarchy of Needs:

#1 Acknowledge who we are and who God is -- we are sinners. He is God Almighty, perfect in all ways. 

"Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said. 'Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'" Mark 10:21

Jesus loved the rich young man. He knew his riches were what was holding him to the world and not letting him follow God fully. Is something in your life holding you to the world and stopping you from following Christ fully?

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith."  Philippians 3:7-9

Any gain in this world, if we embrace it, is a loss to our faith. We need to set Self aside and follow Jesus fully. 

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

#2 Reconciliation between us and God and us and others.

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:16-19

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6

#3 Understand the love of God through the Spirit.
We aren't enough -- so what. God's love completes us!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18

We are to be overflowing with love and hope! If we don't understand how much God loves us how can we be vessels of love and hope? The world needs his hope and love. 

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4

#4 We need fellowship with each other.

We always can do more together than alone. 

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

"As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

#5 Physical needs -- God knows what we need 

We don't need to dwell on our physical needs. God will take care of them.

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

 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 6:33-34

We don't need to scramble to get our needs met. God will take care of these for us. He loves us.

#6 Safety.

We need safety of course, but our true safety is ifound in God.

"In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17

18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." 2 Timothy 4:18

The Lord's prayer shows this list too!

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
    but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’

#1. Father -- acknowledge him and who we are.
#2 Our daily needs.
#3 Reconciliation
#4 Safety
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Choose Whom You Will Serve

3/27/2022

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"One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. 2 “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?” 3 He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me: 4 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?” 5 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered, “We don’t know where it was from.”
8 Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” Luke 20:1-8

Jesus asked them a point-blank question. Notice they had to discuss it among themselves what they would answer. Then Jesus answered them with the Parable of the Tenants:

"9 He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12 He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out." Luke 20:9-12

God had sent to his people prophet after prophet -- each one they ignored or worse, killed. They refused to listen. And then Jesus predicts His own death:

"13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him." 14 “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him."
Luke 20:13-15a

Notice that the tenants like the pharisees talked the matter over -- planning on what to do or how to answer this heir. Isn't this like today's society? 

Jesus tells the people he is talking to, the "church people" of the day the following:

"“What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. "When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!”" Luke 20:15b-16
The "church people" audience didn't want the tenants to reap what they had sown. They didn't want them to face the consequences. And where was the logic in thinking they would inherit the vineyard? They thought they would get it all if they got rid of the Son, got rid of God completely. Instead, they were destroyed.
"17 Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written:
“‘The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone’[a]?
18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”"
Luke 20:17-18

They knew the scripture from Psalm 118 (the stone the builders rejected part) was a Messianic prophecy. He was telling them who He was/is. We need a perfect cornerstone. He is the cornerstone. God wants us to fall on Him and we will break to pieces -- He will put us back together. When Jesus falls on those who refuse Him they will be destroyed. Anyone who refuses to be broken will be destroyed.

Where are we in the Parable? 
The men who farmed the vineyard for the Owner were doing great. This can be seen as America and Americans. We are not focused on what is important. We will give a nod to important news like Ukraine but in the next moment we just want to know what celebrities are wearing. Our country was founded on Christian principles. We were meant to be a light. With many blessings comes many responsibilities. When we are blessed it is for a purpose -- it is for God's purpose. It is to give away. 

​ "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5

We are living these verses proudly in America. Proudly rejecting God.

"But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48

Three Proverbs:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.[a]" Proverbs 3:5-6

Covid was a type of prophet from God. What did we do? Did we turn to God? Did we call for a day of prayer? No.

"Those who trust in themselves are fools,
    but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe." Proverbs 28:26

"There is a way that appears to be right,
    but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

We are living in a Post-Truth Society. They say feelings are what matter, not truth. Truth is hidden underneath feelings. 

God will always be God.
Man will always be man. Man without God will always run to evil.

 "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.​" Luke 6:45

"God is not human, that he should lie,
    not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
    Does he promise and not fulfill?" Numbeers 23:19

God's truth is The Truth. It will always be the Truth. What we believe shouldn't change. This country as an opportunity to turn around. 

First Things First:

"He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”" Luke 10:27

You gotta love God first before you can love your neighbor rightly.

Choose for yourself:

15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”" Joshua 24:15
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Family

2/6/2022

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​"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church-- 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'" Ephesians 5:25-31

In the beginning God began humanity with family.

"So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.
28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
                                                                                                                                                  Genesis 1:27-28

The family is the first institution God ever put together.

"23 The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones
    and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
    for she was taken out of man.”
24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." Genesis 2:23-24

Families have a lot of important roles to play.

Family:

"25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body." Ephesians 5:25-30

We are members of Jesus's Body.

Children:

"Start children off on the way they should go,
    and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

'Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.' Psalm 127:3

The Inseparable Family -- God's plan:

6 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’[a] 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,[b] 8 and the two will become one flesh.’[c] So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:6-9

The Family of God: All Believers:

Jesus is our Savior and Brother.

49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:49-50

From the very beginning God wanted us back.

"12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God."
                                                                                                                                                          John 1:12-13

God laid out the natural family to help us understand the spiritual family.

Live as a family:

Spend time together; give each other the benefit of the doubt.

"14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name." Ephesians 3:14-15

Children of God: 
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure."
                                                                                                                                                        1 John 3:1-3
Treat Each other like family:


"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10

"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." 1 Timothy 5:1-2

We are the Family, the Household of God:

 "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10
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What are you worth?

1/23/2022

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"And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands." Deuteronomy 26:18

The world likes to tell you you aren't good enough, but we don't get our value from the world. We get it from God. God says we are because He loves us. 

Plenty of people felt unworthy in the BIble:

Moses:
"12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you[a] will worship God on this mountain.”13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘ What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”" Exodus 3:12-13

Jeremiah:
6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord." Jeremiah 1:6-8

It's easy to look from the world's point of view -- we always hear the "not good enough" message.

Our worth is not set by the world but by God

"And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands." Deuteronomy 26:18

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

You are Chosen by God!

"For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." Deuteronomy 7:6

God loved us first. Don't take this light. You are chosen. You are chosen.

"4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[a] predestined us for adoption to sonship[b] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Ephesians 1:4-6

Before the beginning of time He knew I was going to mess up and sin and do wrong things and there would be no way I could be with Him. That wasn't acceptable to God!

Nothing can separate us from God.

"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,[a] 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 8:37-39

Nothing and no one conquers God! God is The Conqueror of all!

It's hard to accept love sometimes because we think we don't deserve it. Love isn't about deserving love. That is called work/employment. Love is about love.

Know the Source

"17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people," Ephesians 1:17-18

"31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

Children of God

Every person is a creation of God and every person is loved by God. But we aren't children of God until we believe in Jesus.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." 1 John 3:1-2

 "12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." John 1:12-13

Our Father

"32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32

"15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.”" Romans 8:15

Live as Children of God
Stop doubting yourself. Go to God for strength. Live in the environment of heaven within.

"16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:16-17

The world doesn't know God. The world can't understand God.

Live like a child.

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9

The world needs peacemakers. The world needs us to be peacemakers. The entire world is yelling and no one is listening. God doesn't want this. Be a peacemaker.

Family resemblance. We should look like Jesus.

"1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

Respond to people as Jesus did/does.

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Luke 6:35

We are not meant to be misers -- be lavish in your love toward others.

The prayer and desire of Jesus for you and me:
20 “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—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:20-23

The world needs to see Jesus through His people. The world needs the light of Jesus in us.
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One on One

11/7/2021

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Relationships are all that matter -- one on one.

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

One on One with Jesus

He didn't need us but we need Him.

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." John 14:23

You can't do this collectively. You have to meet Jesus yourself and have a relationship with Him.

Are you looking to get to know Jesus better than you do?

"3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
John 17:3

If you know Jesus, you know the Father.

"6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6

"15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15

Read the Word, listen and let the Spirit guide you.

One on One with Christian brothers and sisters
We need to get involved and engaged with each other.

"11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

"A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for a time of adversity." Proverbs 17:17

"Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

There will be suffering. The world will overcome us if we don't have Jesus. With Jesus we can overcome the world. 

One on One with the Lost

"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." Ephesians 4:2-3

Look at Jesus's example with: Zacchaeus, the paralytic, the woman at the well and Peter.

And Jesus physically touched people when he didn't have to: Peter's mother, the lepers, the blind -- The untouchables were touched by Jesus.
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

"12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12

Follow the steps of Jesus
"21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21

"15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," 1 Peter 3:15

Do life as Jesus does. If you have received, give. If you received give it. How much did Jesus give for me? Sacrifice yourself for others always. Be last.

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:1-4
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Everyday Blessings -- Everyday Blessed!

10/17/2021

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"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Abundant life we have from Jesus Christ! We don't always act like we are blessed. We gripe, complain and whine.

If we have food in the refrigerator, clothes to wear and a place to live we are richer than 75% of the world!

The abundance of God's love:

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
    who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19

Abram asked for a son. God gave him descendants beyond counting. (Genesis 13:16)
Israel asked for a place to live, a place to be free. God gave Israel a land "flowing with milk and honey."
"So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites." Exodus 3:8

Solomon asked for wisdom. God made him the wisest person ever (besides Jesus) and also gave him everything else!

11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” 2 Chronicles 1:11-12

God wants to bless us.

 "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and [a]have it abundantly."
John 10:10

Abundantly can be about material stuff and money but that is not what Jesus was referring to -- inner abundance -- the well that never runs dry.
3 billion Christians in the world cannot worship freely. We all have abundant life just where we are at.

What do we need?
Peace? Jesus gives peace:
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Contentment? Jesus will give you contentment:

5 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35

Strength? Jesus will give you strength:

 I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Wisdom? Jesus will give you wisdom.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5

If you need something ask.

Healing?
 “‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." Jeremiah 33:6

We are in a place where blessings aren't obvious because we are surrounded by them. Show my blessings. Act blessed because you are. Praise God.

"Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits--
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." Psalm 103:1-5

Live a life of daily gratefulness.

"Give us today our daily bread." Matthew 6:11​

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Focus on the positive, on what we have. 

What more do we need?

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] 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 3:38-39

Just give and give and give and give and give and give. Be the shining light. We should be different -- have a great attitude. Let people see Jesus.

The world says to not be satisfied. Jesus says be satisfied. Be filled. You can't even imagine what God has for you,.

9 However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”[a]--
    the things God has prepared for those who love him--
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

What do we lack? Let our blessings shine through.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

"16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Our witness is our thankfulness. Act like we've received God's love because we have. Our life, our goals --reflect our love for Jesus...they should. God's hand -- nothing will break God's grip on me.
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Open Arms

10/3/2021

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“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate." Luke 15:17-24

The father took his son back -- didn't tell him to clean himself up before the robe was put on him. The father didn't yell at him for squandering the money. The father didn't ask for the prodigal son to even say sorry. He just took him back. God takes us back the same way. God takes us back in the condition He finds us in. After the relationship is there then God works with us to become who He created us to be.

Why did Jesus tell this parable?

"Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2

He was responding to the Pharisees and teachers grumbling about Him loving and welcoming unsavory people into His presence. Jesus is showing them the way God works with us.

Who are we?

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Romans 15:1-3

We have an obligation to bear with the failings of others -- God did this with us (and continues to). Why would we act any differently? 

Ask yourself: Am I acting like a pharisee or like Jesus?

Who are we to judge?

"Lord, hear my prayer,
    listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
    come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
    for no one living is righteous before you." Psalm 143:1-2

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3

Sin is sin is sin.

The Order of Things.

In Luke 19 Jesus calls up to Zacchaeus and says he is going to eat at Zacchaeus's house. We are called first. We accept and the relationship begins. And then after that comes the change. God brings about the change in us -- not we ourselves. Our responsibility is to open the door and let them in (as a church). 

Change comes after the relationship

Is that not the blueprint that Jesus gave us?

Not ready but willing -- that is an individual's responsibility -- to be willing to receive Jesus. We need to be a safe haven for all who are broken -- the church needs to be that safe haven. Are we a church with open doors?

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Romans 15:4

Equation for Salvation:

Come as you are + Jesus = Salvation.
Endurance + Scriptures = Hope.

Day to day we walk. We pick up our cross daily.

This is the example of Jesus.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:4-7

Do what you can within your sphere of influence. We Believers need to be the ones to make the change.

A Church family of hope.

Our hope likes in the promises of Jesus.
Where there is hope, there is life.
​Open the doors of the church. Open the arms of your heart. There is no better place, no better people, no better time than now.

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It's not about us. It's about Him!

9/5/2021

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"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Romans 15:1-9

We are called to be servants like Jesus Christ.

"When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:12-17

Jesus is clear. We are called to be servants.

The Time is Coming...

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Some of the people in our society who have the biggest titles and most fame or worldly success could be described by the above passage. We can't follow world thought or embrace what the world embraces.

Actions of Servants:

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1

"To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." 1 Corinthians 9:22

There is a revival going on right now in India with the "Untouchables." They are the caste in India society that Mother Teresa worked with. What happens when these people get saved? They immediately ask what they can do to share what they just received. They are blessed in lacking in material goods but having great faith.

We need to seek out the "untouchables" in our society, the ones on the fringes of society; the ones the world says don't "deserve" people's time and attention; the ones who are lost and hurting and desperately want to fit in and be accepted by someone. People need us to look them in the eye and notice them.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

"not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:4

We are here to fulfill the law of Christ. Jesus didn't wait for people to come to Him. He went to where they were. He sought the "untouchables." 

"Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant," Matthew 20:25-26

Again, Jesus is clear. 

"Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up." Romans 15:2

We are not here to please ourselves. 

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Romans 14:19

edification: building each other up.

The Place of Servanthood:

"No one should seek their own good, but the good of others." 1 Corinthians 10:24

"Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." 
1 Corinthians 10:32-33

God said it doesn't matter what we eat or drink or whatever -- but don't cause others to stumble in your freedom. You have to know someone well to know what will make them stumble.

Single-mindedness of the Servant:

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."
1 Peter 3:8

We're not meant to be conceited. We are here to carry the burden. Keep knocking till someone answers.

​"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:7

"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 one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

This is opposite of what the world promotes.

Let Servanthood be Your Joy:

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

(If you want a copy of the study we do on Monday night that relates to the sermon from the Sunday before, click here and I will email you a copy.)
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    Shannon Hinrichs

    Dupree Baptist Church Pastor

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