A mother's heart

This is the first sermon in the Marvelous Prayers sermon series. I preached this sermon May 12, 2013

Text: 1 Samuel 9-18

Introduction:

-Mother’s have prayers that no man can pray. Eli sure didn’t understand it. Women weren’t regarded well at all in that ancient culture, as not much more than property. But God hears the prayer of a woman just as much as a man. And at times you can’t help but wonder if God has a special ear for the prayers of a mother. Mother’s pray with compassion! 

Now we learn here in 1 Samuel 1 about Hannah. Hannah’s husband is Elkanah, he was a levite. He had another wife in addition to Hannah, the other was Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. And Peninnah would rub that in Hannah’s face.

Each year Elkanah and his family would make pilgrimage to Shiloh to offer sacrifice and worship. And this is where we get to learn about the prayer of a mother.

A prayer from a mother’s heart

1Sa 1:10-11  And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.  (11)  And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

Hannah was a powerful pray-er.

The proper respect – the first reference to God almighty spoken by a person. In other words, God she realizes only God can act in this situation. She knew she could cast her cares on the Lord, because he cares for her. Eli, didn’t care. He accused her of being drunk and was about to kick her out of the tabernacle. Peninnah sure didn’t care, she tormented poor Hannah. Even her husband couldn’t understand her pain He said back in verse 8 1Sa 1:8  Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

Nobody could understand her pain, nobody seemed to genuinely care. But she knew God cared! God understood! Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let me encourage you today! Nobody in this world may understand the pain you are feeling today, nobody in this world may even care, even your friends and family. But God cares, God understands, and just like Hannah you must come to him

the proper attitude Hannah’s sorrow drove her to her knees, rather than to complaint or bitterness, Hannah came in humble attitude. Eli simply thought she was drunk, he didn’t understand her attitude. Eli thought she was drunk. But rather than pouring out wine, she was pouring her heart out to God out of anguish and grief.

Jas 4:9-10  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.  (10)  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

the proper request – requested a son

She made a vow, a promise to God. Nazirite vow Numbers 6:1-21. Which is to dedicate her son to the service of God.

Php 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  (7)  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Her faith was evident when she left.

1Sa 1:18-19  And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.  (19)  And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

The desire of a mother’s heart

1Sa 1:26-28  And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.  (27)  For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: 1Sa 1:28  Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

-Hannah prayed, she had faith and believed God and God answered her prayer.

– God will give you the desires of your heart!

- Psa 37:4-5  Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  (5)  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

And this she understood her child as a gift from God, as only a mother could.

Jas 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

-being a gift, she kept her end of the promise she had made to God! As a good steward of God’s gift.

1Sa 1:20-25  Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.  (21)  And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.  (22)  But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.  (23)  And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.  (24)  And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.  (25)  And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.

-God has given us so many gifts…life, family, health, home, church, faith, freedom…

-How are we managing those gifts? 1Pe 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

-Or do you take those gifts for granted? Hannah didn’t take the gift of a son for granted, she brought up her son in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

-Mother’s your children are precious gifts from the Lord, not a burden, don’t take those children for granted. But instruct them in the Lord, pray for them, encourage and teach them.

Praise from a mother’s heart

-She had a song in her heart for God

1Sa 2:1-10  And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.  (2)  There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.  (3)  Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.  (4)  The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.  (5)  They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.  (6)  The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.  (7)  The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.  (8)  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.  (9)  He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.  (10)  The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

-When you have been to the depths of sorrow, the word used in the original language was one that would describe the deepest sorrow that can only be healed by God. Job used this word, bitterness of soul. ,

Psa 34:18  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psa 51:17  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

and then God moves, you will have a song of praise in your heart. If you don’t then you never were at the depths.

Psa 40:1-3  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.  (2)  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  (3)  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Maybe you are in the depths of despair, maybe you are in sorrow and broken hearted as Hannah. It may be for different reasons, but be assured, you can pour out your broken heart to the Lord. And he will hear and he will answer and will put a new song in your heart.

Watered Down Christianity - Proclamation

This is the next sermon in the series about the dangers of watered down forms of Christianity. I preached this sermon April 28, 2013.

Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Introduction: An old country boy felt like he wanted to be a preacher, so he went before the ordaining council of his church and was asked, "What part of the Bible do you like best?" He said: "I like the New Testament best. Then he was asked, "What Book in the New Testament is your favorite?" He answered, the Book of the Parables, Sir." They then asked him to preach one of the parables to the board. And a bit uncertain, he began...

"Once upon a time a man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves; they beat him and robbed him of 30 pieces of silver and threw him in a ditch and the thorns grew up and choked the man. He was bruised and afflicted and opened not his mouth. And he went on and met the Queen of Sheba, and she gave that man, Sir, a thousand talents of silver, and a hundred changes of raiment. And he got in his chariot and drove furiously, and as he was driving along under a big tree, his hair got caught in a limb and left him hanging there between heaven and earth! And he hung there many days and many nights. The ravens brought him food to eat and water to drink. And one night while he was hanging there asleep, his wife Delilah came along and cut off his hair, and he fell on stoney ground, and the thorns grew up an choked him. He was bruised and afflicted and he opened not his mouth.  And it begin to rain, and rained forty days and forty nights, and the whole holler was kivered with water. And he hid himself in a cave. And the sun stood still and dried up the water, and there wasn’t nothing left but a valley of dry bones. And when those bones started to rise up he said “I’m getting out of here, for I must be about my father’s business.” So he left there and went through Samaria where he met Lot’s wife. And she was a pillar of salt by day, but let me tell you she was a ball of fire at night! Later he went on and met a man who said, "Come in and take supper with me." But he said, "I can't come in, for I have married a wife." And the man went out into the highways and hedges and compelled him to come in! He then came to Jerusalem, and saw Queen Jezebel sitting high and lifted up in a window of the wall. She had been married 7 times and everyone of them husbands died. When she saw him she laughed, and he said, "Throw her down out of there," and they threw her down. And he said "Throw her down again," and they threw her down seventy-times-seven. And the fragments which they picked up filled twelve baskets full! NOW, whose wife will she be in the day of the Judgment?" The ordaining council unanimously voted to ordain him to the ministry.

            Now we may get some laughs about that particular story, because we know that no such thing ever happened. But the sad reality is that there are many men and women who claim to preach the Word of God and what they have to say is just about as helpful as what you heard in that funny story. There are many watered down messages by watered down preachers today. They dilute the truth. They don’t preach the full counsel of God’s word. They may have a lot of motivation messages full of positive thinking. Some may  have many entertaining stories. Some may engage current events in our world. Some may even deliberately mislead people. But God calls the preacher, the teacher and in fact every Christian to accurately preach, teach and share the full counsel of the Bible. We can’t pick what we like and disregard things we don’t like, we can’t make the Bible of our own private interpretation, 2Pe 1:19-21  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  (20)  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  (21)  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Rather, we are to rightly divide the Word, which requires prayerful study 2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

            So there are a lot of things that claim to be words from God, but we must be careful. Sometimes it is not from God, but from man’s own creation. This is nothing new, People have been dealing with this throughout history. -Isa 30:9-11  That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:  (10)  Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:  (11)  Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

            We cannot water down, or dilute the message that we proclaim. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, this is the Word of God. Each book, chapter and verse has been God breathed and we must faithfully proclaim the truth of this word. But today people water it down.-rather than the proclamation of the truth some are more interested in

Information rather than illumination

2Ti 4:1-2  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

We must understand something, I don’t stand here Sunday after Sunday to merely inform you what the Bible says. This is not a college class, but there is a test! We will all stand in judgment. The quick and the dead, the living and dead. The living are the Christians, we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 2Co 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

-the person who has never trusted Christ will stand at the great white throne of God. Rev 20:11-15  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  (12)  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  (13)  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  (14)  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  (15)  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

-So yes, there is a test. Those standing before Christ as the judgment seat will receive heaven and your rewards, and those standing before the Great White Throne will receive the judgment of hell.

-So, I don’t preach to inform you, I preach to prepare you for that test, for the judgment. Look at verse 2

-And this is the word of God that will prepare you for it.

Heb 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

-Many people are merely want information, not illumination

-preaching, teaching, or sharing God’s word is not just to inform, but to illumine, but other are more interested in…

Placation rather than inspiration

2Ti 4:3-4  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

People want to hear what corresponds to their own desires, that will make them feel good. They want to continue in lifestyles and practices with which they are comfortable.

-Again in the Old Testament we read about people who wanted to hear only what would placate them, rather than inspire them to follow the Lord.

Jer 5:30-31  A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;  (31)  The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

-Peter warns us as well

2Pe 2:1-3  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.  (2)  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  (3)  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

-See there are those who will tell you that you are Ok, I’m Ok and we are all going to be OK. Or some will tell you how that you can make yourself OK. But that is not OK! We are not OK, and I can’t make myself OK by any man made idea or program, and I will not be OK apart from the saving power of Christ! Only Jesus can save me from my sin!

-Some are more interested information rather than illumination, some interested in placation rather than inspiration. And some are more interested in..

Toleration rather than exhortation

2Ti 4:5  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

-Toleration is fashionable for our culture, and I mean it fashionable to expect Christians to tolerate everything our culture demands, while our culture is intolerant of Christians. As we saw with this whole business of the southern Baptist websites being blocked from the military service men and women. Essentially communicating that the evangelical Christian is some kind of bad influence or threat to our nation. So who is really intolerant?

-The world wants us to be tolerant, but the Word requires us to exhort (give courage or come along side), we can’t take our cues of how to live or how to think from the world.

-Paul spoke to the Corinthian Church the truth, not toleration but words of exhortation.

-2Co 7:8-11  For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.  (9)  Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  (10)  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  (11)  For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Exhortation means we must sometimes confront people with the hard truths of what is right and what is wrong requires either courage or sacrifice, it removes excuses or opinions allowing for only obedience or rebellion

Heb 3:12-13  Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.  (13)  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Watered Down Christianity - Dedication

This is the third sermon I preached about watered down forms of Christianity. I preached this sermon April 21, 2013.

Text Luke 9:57-62

Introduction: We sing wherever he leads I’ll go but secretly hope that he doesn’t lead us somewhere we don’t want to go. We are fine with our commitment to the Lord as long as it is on our terms. But what do we do if God asks us to do something that makes us uncomfortable? What if he asks to go somewhere that we really don’t want to go? What if he asks us to change our schedule to fit his agenda? Do we willingly do what he asks us to do, go where he asks us to go? Do we give up our own agendas and plans for his?

            But Christ wants nothing less from his followers than wholehearted devotion. When we trust Christ as our savior, yes we are forgiven of sin, yes we have the promise of eternal life and yes he wants us to grow in holiness to be conformed to the image of Christ. But he also expects us to follow him wherever he leads. Followers don’t make the terms for following, followers can’t set the limit of how far we go or where we go, followers can’t dictate the terms of following. We must be totally dedicated to God, nothing less. In fact we are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Christ.

            We are to follow Christ without excuse, without delay. Our dedication will require a radical shift in priorities. Jesus must be first in all things, second to none, second not even to good things, as is demonstrated in this text.

            A watered down form of dedication softens the truth of discipleship. In an attempt to make dedication appealing there are teachings that weaken it to the point that it really is no dedication at all. Jesus speaks some words that we may take as very hard, a very tough commitment and dedication that he is calling us to. But before we turn away, or before we water down a teaching about dedication, lets see what Jesus is sayin.

Rather than genuine dedication to God some for some it is merely…

fascination

some were merely following because of their fascination with the miracles and blessings. For some, Christianity holds nothing more than a fascination. Something that may pique their interest, but nothing of reality. For some, Christianity is merely an academic exercise. But Christ is not trying to fascinate us with his teaching, he is calling us to follow him and be his disciple.

-Luk 9:57-58  And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.  (58)  And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

-Here was a man that saw the ministry of Jesus, his miracles, heard his teaching. And in his fervor he wanted to be a follower of Christ. In fact, earlier in chapter 9, we see how that Jesus fed the multitudes with a few loaves of bread and fish, Jesus remarked, as recorded in John, that some were merely following him because they were looking for another miraculous meal.  So this man comes to Jesus ready to follow. Now remember, the Jews were expecting the messiah, the Christ, to be a military or political ruler. Someone to reestablish the throne in Jerusalem, to throw off the domination of the Roman Empire and return the Kingdom of Israel to its former glory. To save the Jews from political oppression, not to save people from their sins. The scripture tells us here in chapter 9:51 that he set his face toward Jerusalem. So it would appear that he is ready to go set up his throne on Jerusalem. This is a big deal! This man is fascinated and is ready to go to Jerusalem with him to see the establishment of the kingdom. But Jesus shakes him up a little. Jesus is not going to Jerusalem to sit on a throne and lay on a bed in a palace. A little unexpected, and if this man is to follow Jesus he need to expect some hardship along the way. The way of the disciple is not one of fascination, not one of ease, not one of thrones and kingdoms. The disciple’s way is one of self denial, the way of the cross, but it is also the way of glory!

Act 8:9-24  But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:  (10)  To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.  (11)  And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.  (12)  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.  (13)  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.  (14)  Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:  (15)  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:  (16)  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)  (17)  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.  (18)  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,  (19)  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.  (20)  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.  (21)  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.  (22)  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.  (23)  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.  (24)  Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

            Being dedicated to Christ is more than being fascinated. For some there is a hesitation that stops them from dedication.

Hesitation

Luk 9:59-60  And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  (60)  Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

-This may sound very reasonable, but this is not a situation of parents who just died, but what he is talking about is one day they will die and he will have to bury them. “He would commit the uncertain future, but not the present concrete moment.” He wanted to follow Jesus on his own terms, when circumstances are just right. But if your circumstances are causing you hesitation in following Christ, you need to realize, that today is the day of salvation. Don’t wait on circumstances, your circumstances will never be just right. You need to follow Christ now and allow him to change your circumstances.

-So this man offered an excuse, and this is the best excuse that can be offered because children in that culture were responsible for the burial of parents, and it would bring great shame not to do that.

-we are good at offering excuses.

Luk 14:16-21  Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:  (17)  And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.  (18)  And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.  (19)  And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.  (20)  And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.  (21)  So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

Now I don’t mean to sound cruel or mean, but I don’t think you could give me an excuse for not coming to church, for not following Jesus, for not getting saved, that I have never heard. I may be younger that some in hear, but I’ve been around long enough to hear it all! But an excuse will get you no where with God. Jesus wouldn’t accept this man’s excuse, as reasonable as it may sound, in fact, the best excuse anyone could give, and God will not accept your excuses. Make your excuse, I’ve heard it before, so has God. And I hate to be ugly, but hell is full of people who had excuses.

Being dedication to Christ is more than fascination, and is stopped by hesitation, and is watered down by deviation

deviation

Luk 9:61-62  And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  (62)  And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Now this is reasonable right? Gimme just a minute to run back to the house and tell everybody good bye and I’ll be right with you. There is even old testament precedence when Elijah called Elisha to follow him. But Jesus says there is a problem. He said if you are going to follow Jesus you can’t look back. Looking back gets you in trouble.

Lot’s wife looked back Gen 19:26 Gen 19:26  But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Israel looked back after the Exodus Exo 16:2-3  And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:  (3)  And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

The problem here is that with the desire to bid farewell, the heart never leaves the attachment to old values and the old way of life. We must make a clean break. We are to keep our eyes forward and move straight on.

Pro 4:25-27  Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.  (26)  Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.  (27)  Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Php 3:13-14  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  (14)  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Dedication is more than fascination, hesitation will stop it, deviation will rob us of the blessings of following Christ.

Watered Down Christianity - Sanctification

This is the second sermon in the series about watered down Christianity. I preached this sermon April 14, 2013.

Text: 2 Timothy 2:20-21

Introduction: Sanctification means to make pure, to make holy. Sanctification is our Christian growth. It is not merely an aspect of what we do, but it God working in us and us working with God.

            It is beautifully described in Php 2:12-13  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  (13)  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

            We work out our own salvation and God works in us too. Together with God we work through the lifelong process of sanctification.

            Paul writing to Timothy in today’s text likens our sanctification to a great house filled with all kinds of vessels, bowls, utensils that are used for day to day living. Some are very special and used only for noble purposes, while others are for more menial things. Like the fine china and the dog dish. Most people would not let their pets eat from the fine china nor would we have our guests over for a meal and ask them to eat from the dog dish.

            Paul describes our sanctification as that to becoming a vessel of honor. From once being a dog dish to becoming the finest china. A vessel of honor fit for the master’s use. The more we grow in our faith and God works through us we become more fit for God’s use.

            But there are some that would rather not talk about God’s sanctifying process. We like the whole idea of salvation, having our sins forgiven, and the promise of heaven when we die. But God, don’t interfere with my life. I want to live my own life without all the hassle of living according to God’s word. I want to be saved, but not a disciple, not a follower of Christ. Just as long as I get to heaven I’m OK. These are the attitudes of those who water down sanctification.

            But God has saved us not just so that we can go to heaven, but that we can be vessels fit for the master’s use. In other words, that we may fulfill his purpose. We were saved not for ourselves, but for him. And his plan of salvation includes the sanctification of the believer in Christ. But some would rather have…

Conformation rather than transformation

Rom 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

-conformed means to be fashioned like, changed from the outside in, to make you like the world. So you begin being more and more like the world and changes you on the inside to be more like the world. But we are admonished in…

1Jn 2:15-17  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  (17)  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

-Jas 4:4  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

-rather than be like the world we are to be different

2Co 6:14-17  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  (15)  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  (16)  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  (17)  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

-but we are to be transformed – the word is from where we get metamophisis. Changed from in the inside out. But sanctification begins in the heart, Christ works from the inside and that change eventually becomes evident on the outside.

Eph 4:22-32  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  (23)  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  (24)  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  (25)  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.  (26)  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  (27)  Neither give place to the devil.  (28)  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  (29)  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  (30)  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  (31)  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  (32)  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

I’m afraid we are living in a time when the church is more and more conforming to the world. Last week we talked about how we are compromising to sin, but we compromise in our worship, in our doctrine, our beliefs.

-we must not conform to the world, but allow Christ to transform us

Renovation rather than re-creation

-Renovation may work well for houses, but that is not God’s intention for the believer in Christ. He doesn’t merely want to renovate us, he wants to recreate us. He wants to start with something completely new.

-2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

-we call this a rebirth!

Joh 3:1-7  There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  (2)  The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.  (3)  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  (4)  Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?  (5)  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  (6)  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  (7)  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

-the potter’s wheel, had to be recreated.

Jer 18:1-6  The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,  (2)  Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.  (3)  Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.  (4)  And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.  (5)  Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,  (6)  O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

-I am a new creation, a new man, with a new heart, a new spirit, a new name, a new hope, a new future,

-I’m not merely renovated! I am new!

-what is the purpose of the recreation? To make us more like Christ.

Rom 8:29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

-God is recreating us into the image of his Son!

Determination rather than regeneration

Tit 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

-does our own regeneration come through our self determination or the work of the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit works in us each day to sanctify us. And he will complete that work

Php 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

-I am not perfect, I’m not yet what I will be, but thank God I’m not what I once was. So he is still working on me.

1Jn 3:2-3  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  (3)  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

-Since our regeneration is a work of the Holy Spirit then it produces spiritual results. Self determination produces fleshly results. As determined as we are, what does our flesh produce?

Gal 5:16-21  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  (17)  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  (18)  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  (19)  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  (20)  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  (21)  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the Holy Spirit produces spiritual results:

Gal 5:22-25  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  (23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  (24)  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  (25)  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

In God’s great house, what kind of vessel are you? A vessel sanctified for the use of the master? Are you conformed to this world, or are you being transformed? Are you trying to renovate your life or are you allowing God to recreate your life? Are you self determined, or are you allowing the Holy Spirit to regenerate you?

Watered Down Salvation

This is the first sermon in the series Watered Down Christianity. I preached this sermon April 7, 2013

Text - Jude 3-4

Introduction:             Years ago an elder church member showed me how to make coffee on the church’s coffee maker. He showed me a little scoop and told me to use three scoopfuls of coffee for a pot. So for years I followed his formula and continued using it to make coffee. But about a year or so ago, I noticed hardly anybody would drink the coffee that I made on Wednesday nights. So I quit making it. I mentioned it one Wednesday night and someone told me I was making it too weak. I felt awful, all this time I was making awful coffee and nobody would tell me because they were afraid they would hurt my feelings. Now I try to make stronger coffee, but still nobody will drink it.

            I was making a dilute or watered down coffee. And it was really unpalatable.

            I can’t help but wonder if we are doing the same thing with Christianity in the 21^st century? In our attempt to get more people to come to church and to make professions of faith are we watering down the gospel. Are we diluting faith? If we are then Christian faith will become unpalatable. Maybe it already has, maybe in our efforts to attract more people to take a taste, they find it so dilute that it has become unpalatable and they turn away. And once we have offered dilute Christianity if we try to change it and offer the truth then people will still turn away because their first taste was weak.

            Jude warns of such a situation, of a weakened or diluted form of Christianity. He tells us that we must contend for the faith because the faith was in danger of being distorted, diluted and even devastated. So we must fight for it! We can’t water down salvation because it makes it unpalatable!

How is faith in danger? The danger came from false teachers and false doctrine. These false teachers were ungodly, oh, they had a form of godliness. Paul described it well to Timothy, listen closely to what he said: 2Ti 3:1-9  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  (4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  (6)  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  (7)  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (8)  Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.  (9)  But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

Jude says that: They were deceitful – slipped in secretly.

They were enemies of the grace of God – turned God’s grace into the absence of moral restraint. They deny Christ.

            Oh, what they say looks good, it seem palatable and desirable. Like when I make weak coffee, it looks like coffee, it smells like coffee, but it tastes like bitter hot water. And you spit it out! But don’t be surprised by the deception, or fall for it either

            2Co 11:13-15  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  (14)  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  (15)  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

            What about a watered down salvation? The false teachings in our culture today offer a very watered down salvation. It is often unfashionable to talk about sin, depravity, about the need to be saved. We don’t talk about the shed blood of Christ on the cross and how his blood atones for our sin. We don’t talk about hell as a place of eternal torment for those who have rejected Christ. We like to talk about God’s love though, no problem with that, but what about his wrath against sin? We don’t want to say people are lost, but that they are not living up to their potential. We don’t want to say Christ is the Son of God, but that he is a good moral teacher. We don’t want to say faith in Christ is the only way to salvation but that we are all worthy of heaven no matter what route we take.

            Salvation has been watered down!

People today seem to want…

Validation rather than Justification

-this is the concept that I am a good person, sure I make mistakes, but don’t we all? But I do a lot of good things, surely that counts for something. God surely wouldn’t send me to hell, I’m not Hitler or Osama Bin laden. And on and on, all about what a good person I am, I don’t do bad things, don’t kill, steal, commit adultery and so on. So validate my goodness!

-the rich young ruler came to Christ seeking validation.

Luk 18:18-23  And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  (19)  And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.  (20)  Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.  (21)  And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.  (22)  Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.  (23)  And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

-This rich man came to Jesus thinking he himself was a good man and that Jesus was a good man. And that one good man to another good man that he would get validated about his own goodness.

-Jesus quickly pointed out that no one is good, but God the Father. But this guy he claims he kept all the commandments, so he is good to go, right? But Jesus points out that his own goodness will not get him there. He must follow Jesus. The man left sorrowful. Indicating a couple of things, one was he didn’t keep the commandments as well as he thought because he had an idol in his possessions. Another being that he was not naturally good as he thought, only God is good by nature.  

-the reality is that none of us can be good enough by our nature or by our works.

If you are thinking you are good to the core by nature then here is some perspective for you, and for me too:

Rom 3:10-20  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:  (11)  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.  (12)  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.  (13)  Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:  (14)  Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:  (15)  Their feet are swift to shed blood:  (16)  Destruction and misery are in their ways:  (17)  And the way of peace have they not known:  (18)  There is no fear of God before their eyes.  (19)  Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  (20)  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God!

-A watered down salvation teaches that people are basically good at the core, intrinsically good. But that is not true, we are all sinners

-And not only that but we can’t do good enough works to gain salvation.

Gal 2:16  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

-A watered down salvation says that God will take into account the good things we done to determine if we earn salvation.

Affirmation rather than Glorification

-I’m OK, you’re OK, we are all going to be OK. To be satisfied in who I am, or just accept who I am. I don’t know about you, but I am not content with who I am, but I can’t wait to see what I will become!

1Jn 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

My best life is not now! My best life is coming! I don’t want to be this fallen, decaying, mortal man. I want to be incorrupt, immortal, body without sin! And I can’t do that on my own, I’m not OK, I’m not alright! I need the resurrection power of God to raise this corrupt body to new life! I want glorification not affirmation!

-But a watered down salvation just affirms who we are rather than point to what we can be through Christ. A watered down salvation would say that my sin is not so bad, we all mess up, I’m only human, don’t judge me attitude. Or I’m not as bad as compared to some, even compared to some of those church people. If they are going to heaven, then I’m sure to be. We want validation. That my sin is not that bad of a thing, or inconsequential.

- 1Jn 1:8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1Jn 1:10  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

-So if I am looking for something to affirm who I am, what good is that? 1Co 15:19  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. If the only hope we have is affirmation, then we should eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we will die.

-But we are looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord, when this body will be glorified!

-And if you trust Christ as your savior you can be sure that day is coming!

Rom 8:30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

-glorified in past tense, indicating the assurance of our future glorification!

1Co 15:42-43  So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:  (43)  It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

1Co 15:51-54  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

-doesn’t that glorified body sound much better than simply affirming that you are OK? Especially since deep down we all know we are not OK, we need a savior, not an affirming word.

-a watered down salvation seeks validation rather than justification, seeks affirmation rather than glorification, and seeks…

Preservation rather than Liberation

-we want to preserve our lifestyle and yet want the benefits of salvation. Just get my ticket to heaven, but don’t tell me how to think, or how to live. If my lifestyle and salvation become in conflict we would rather maintain a lifestyle of sin rather than be free. If what I believe comes in conflict with the truth of the Word of God, then I will choose my beliefs no matter how wrong they are. And sadly, preserving that lifestyle only keeps us imprisoned. But Christ came to set us free!

But God still loves the sinner, and we must love the sinner too, but not compromise the truth by saying living in sin is OK. Jesus didn’t die so that they or you and I may remain in sin, he died to set us free!

Rom 6:1-2  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  (2)  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Rom 6:6  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Rom 6:12-14  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  (13)  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  (14)  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

-but a watered down salvation is more concerned about preserving a sinful lifestyle than being set free with the yoke of bondage, but we have been set free and Gal 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

A watered down salvation seeks validation rather than justification, seeks affirmation rather than glorification and seeks preservation rather than liberation. But a salvation like that is no salvation at all, it is only imitation. I want the real thing? Do you want the real thing? Then you must acknowledge your sin, repent, and put your faith in Christ for salvation.

An Empty Grave

It was only a slight but sudden movement that he saw from the corner of his eye, but enough to startle him. He was alone in the cemetery, or so he thought, and there shouldn’t have been movement. My father, who was mowing the family cemetery, turned his head toward the direction of the movement to get a closer look.

He noticed one of the older graves, dating back to the 19^th century, didn’t appear just right. Moving closer to the grave he saw the ground above the buried casket had sunk and the soil was cracked open. He said he could see the shovel marks in the soil where the grave had been dug all those years earlier.

A grave cracked open! That just doesn’t happen! That makes me a bit squeamish. I don’t think I would be hanging around a cemetery where the graves are cracking open. Had I been there I would have made a quick exit because I would not want to see who may crawl out of the grave!

But apparently the ground was only settling. No one came out of the grave that day. Now that I sometimes mow the family cemetery I keep a watchful eye in case it happens again, still makes me nervous.

The Sunday after Jesus was crucified the scripture records in Matthew 28:2-4  “And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.”

Quite suddenly that morning a grave opened, a stone rolled back and an angel was sitting on the stone. That just doesn’t happen! The soldiers guarding the tomb were more than startled, they were scared to death! A man who was dead, now alive! Jesus rose from the dead and left the tomb. The grave was not the final resting place, it was only a temporary holding area. Death was swallowed up in victory!

Jesus left the grave behind empty, and now we have hope that our mortal bodies will one day rise to immortality. The Bible says that Jesus is the firstfruits, meaning there is more to come. 1Corinthians 15:23 states “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.”

One day the last trump will sound and the dead in Christ will rise. The graves will crack open! We will leave the grave behind empty and forever be with the Lord. That is the good news of Easter!

A New Sunrise

I preached this sermon for the Community Easter Sunrise Service March 31, 2013

Text: Luke 24:13-32

Introduction: We all face times of darkness in our lives, when a loved one dies, when a job is lost, when disease strikes. Times of darkness. In the darkness your senses fail you, your emotions are raw, and monsters lurk there in the dark under your bed ready to devour you. The darkness is a terrifying place. We’ve all faced dark times, but think just a moment, what is the darkest night you ever faced?

            I have faced many dark nights, but one of the darkest nights I’ve ever faced was in 2004, one Wednesday evening I started having symptoms like a stroke, I went to the emergency room, numb on the right side of my body. I could barely hold a pencil in my fingers to sign my name so I could be admitted. As the evening went on, my condition worsened. I lost my ability to speak sensibly, I couldn’t even say my name. I tried to write in order to communicate, but my letters were either backward, or upside down and some I couldn’t even remember how to make. While my mind was clear enough to understand what everybody around me was saying, I couldn’t communicate back. I could see panic in the face of the doctors, a cat scan of my brain showed some serious problems, the doctors were using words like tumors, blood clots and more, these are monsters that lurk in the darkness of the night ready to devour me. They sent me to Johnson City Medical Center during that dark night to get a more intensive care.

            I spent the rest of that long, dark, terrifying night in Johnson City.  I understood the seriousness of my condition and as it worsened I wasn’t sure that I would make it to see the sun rise on Thursday morning.

            But as the night wore on, and doctor after doctor and nurse after nurse came to my room, I noticed the sky starting to get lighter through the window. Finally the rays of the sun broke through and the darkness fled. That sunrise was one of the most beautiful sights I ever saw because a new day had dawned! The morning came, the sun rose, and I knew I survived the darkness to have another fighting chance. For most people, it was just another day, another day of work, chores, problems, joys, sorrows. But for me it wasn’t just another day, it was a new day! It was a special day, because the darkness was conquered by the power of the light!

            You too have experienced the painful darkness of night, but the light always overcomes. Maybe you are in a dark night right now, I hope this sermon encourages you.

When Jesus was crucified the darkest night had come with Jesus’ death. In fact while he was on the cross the sun was darkened. Darkness covered the earth. It was the darkest moment in history. But then Sunday morning came and the S-o-n rose! The light shone, darkness fled, the light conquered the darkness! A new day had dawned. And it was not just another day!

Oh, most everyone woke up to just another day of the week that resurrection morning. No expectation of anything spectacular, another work week begins, chores, problems, joys and sorrows. But this was not just another day, it was a new day! Unlike any day that had ever been. 2,000 years later, the light that broke forth from that new sunrise still astounds us! The light that dispelled the darkness that day, still chases away the darkness today! The newness of that day has not wore off and never will!

            This morning the sunrise ushers in a new day! Darkness flees! The Son of God has risen!

A new day has dawned and with it a new sunrise

Some wake up in the morning and say “good morning Lord, others say good Lord its morning.”

But good things happen with the morning with a new sunrise:

Amos 5:8, says that God turns the shadow of death into morning! The light wipes out the shadow of death!

Psalm 30:5 weeping endures for the night, but joy comes in the morning

Lam 3:22-23  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  (23)  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. –his mercy, compassion and faithfulness is new every morning!

-Good things come with the morning, but the best thing that ever came with a morning was that Sunday morning that Jesus rose from the grave!

Luk 24:1-8  Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.  (2)  And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.  (3)  And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.  (4)  And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:  (5)  And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?  (6)  He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,  (7)  Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.  (8)  And they remembered his words,

-you see that morning was not just any morning? And this morning is not like any other morning, because Christ is not dead, Christ is alive!

-Because Christ is alive each day is a new day and a new sunrise, just as the darkness flees from the light of the sun every morning, the darkness in our lives must flee from the risen Son of God. It is a new day!

as John wrote in his gospel Joh 1:4-5  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  (5)  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

-Jesus himself said in Joh 12:46  I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

-Jesus is the light!

-Mat 4:16  The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

-If you are in the darkness of night right now, the morning is coming, a new sunrise!

Psa 46:1-5  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  (2)  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;  (3)  Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.  (4)  There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.  (5)  God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

-This Psalm describes the terror of the darkness, but notice the end of verse 5 said “God shall help her, and that right early.” And that right early means at the crack of dawn, God is coming to help. It is always darkest right before dawn. This psalm reminds us that When things are at their darkest, The dawn is coming. The Sun will rise, the darkness will flee!

-If you are in a dark time, be assured the Lord is your light. Psa 27:1  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

-With the resurrection of Christ a new day has dawned and with it a new sunrise

A new day has dawned and now we see through new born eyes

These disciples of Emmaus, when they sat with Jesus their eyes were opened and they could finally see!

-When I was a young man I had my eyes checked and discovered that I needed glasses, I am nearsighted. I can remember putting on my new glasses and leaving the doctor’s office and was amazed at what I could see. Objects with so much more clarity, colors so much more vibrant. Always before, things at a distance seemed dull and blurry. It never occurred to me before getting glasses that everybody didn’t see things the way I saw them. But the glasses gave me new eyes to see the world and I suddenly realized I had missed out on so much before having the glasses. People tried to explain what it would be like to see clearly, but until I experienced it myself I could never comprehend what it was like to see clearly.

-Christ rose from the dead and salvation is available to whosoever will. Jesus described salvation in John 3 as being born again. One day, 25 years ago, I trusted Christ as my savior, and when I did it opened my eyes for the first time. I saw through the eyes of a newborn believer. People had tried to tell me what it was like to be a Christian, but until I experienced the saving grace of the Lord I could never comprehend what it was like to see clearly.

Eph 1:17-20  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:  (18)  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,  (19)  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,  (20)  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places

-I see with newborn eyes of faith, with Christ everything is new! And Rev 21:5 records Jesus speaking saying “Behold I make all things new!”

I’m a new creation 2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

-I’m a new man Col 3:10  And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

-I have a new heart and a new spirit Eze 36:26  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

-When we are born again and see through our newborn eyes

2Co 4:18  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

What do we see? We see every day as a blessing, rather than the struggle, We see creation around us with a new perspective, rather than an accident, we see people with a heart of compassion, rather than hate or indifference.

-Through our newborn eyes of faith we see the giants that once taunted us like David saw Goliath, something small compared to the mighty God we serve. Through our newborn eyes of faith we see the mountains that were once insurmountable are stones that are easily cast into the sea. Through our newborn eyes of faith we see the stormy sea that threatened to drown us is now solid ground for us to tread upon, like Peter saw when he walked on the water. We discover through our newborn eyes of faith that the monsters that once lurked in the darkness to devour us suddenly flee from the risen Son of God!

-But that is not all that is new. Because Christ is alive we are under a new covenant, we’re no longer dead in trespasses and sin, we’re no longer under the curse of the law, we’re free in the new covenant.

-Because Christ is alive we’ve been given a new commandment, to love others

-Because Christ is alive we have a new life - a new a living way, abundant life. No more of the life we once knew

A life filled with peace rather than confusion, of joy rather than sorrow, of love rather than indifference, of grace rather than legalism, of blessing rather than cursing.

-And because Christ is alive we have a new place we call home. This world is not our home, we are pilgrims, strangers here, merely passing through.

One day we will awaken to a new sunrise in a new heaven, and a new earth, we will be in a new body, with a new name, and with new eyes we will see a new city, called new Jerusalem, we will sing a new song to our Savior!

With the resurrection of Christ a new day has dawned and with it a new sunrise and now we see through newborn eyes.

Sadly, for many in our world today is just another day. Many see today as a day for chocolate bunnies and eggs. But this isn’t just any old day. It’s a new day! A new day has dawned!