I am convinced that there has been a shift this past year in the mindset of what prosperity is. With the dawn of a day where it is common to see numbers like 1 trillion: I am confident that people are realizing that by the world’s standards it is becoming more difficult to be “prosperous”. This is not to say that people will not excel at their profession and be compensated accordingly – it is to say that the days of “glamour and wealth” do not have the importance they once had and you know what – that is a good thing…
The bible is filled with verses that deal with prosperity:
- Jesus Christ became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich – 2 Corinthians 8:9
- The blessing of the Lord makes one rich – Proverbs 10:22
- I am the LORD your God that teaches you to profit – Isaiah 48:17
- The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want – Psalm 23:1
- Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed – Proverbs 16:3
1. So… Is Prosperity about material possessions?
English = Prosper = to be successful, to thrive, to be rich.
Hebrew = ‘Halak’ = to go on, to progress.
= Sakal = to act wisely
=Shalom = to be complete, finished, at peace.
So is prosperity about material possessions – the implied answer, according to the truth of the bible, is ‘no’. God is not against material possessions or wealth = he allowed Solomon to amass wealth of around $126 Billion. Yet in the end even Solomon succumb to the temptation to think he was ‘above’ the world and the ‘rules’ did not apply to him. Again, living with a kingdom mindset is contrary to everything we see in the world.
In truth I believe there is a spirit that is associated with the “prosperity” the west has propagated – one of it’s names is Euthenia. Listen to her description: Winsome, appealing, alluring and charming – Euthenia is the goddess of prosperity.
The other spirit that holds people in bondage is the fear of man… that manifests itself in the form of debt.
The root question about prosperity is this: Where have you received your definition of prosperity? If it does not align with the bible… you’re using a false system to form your beliefs.
Matt 13:22-23: "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”
2. If prosperity were about possessions – would a loving God make it more difficult for us to enter into the kingdom of God?
The rich young ruler: Luke 18:18-23 –
We are told that God desires for us to “prosper” – therefore, if prosperity were about material possessions God would be contradicting Himself… which is impossible.
3. Would God ask us to invest our lives in the acquisition of things that will not remain? (Investing in futility)
- Matthew 6:19 – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal…”
4. Seeds of sin flourish in the desire for worldly prosperity:
- James 4:2 – “You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel…”
The earth shakes because of an ungodly desire for things that will not remain.
- Hebrews 12:26-27 – “At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ This phrase, ‘Yet once more,’ indicates the removal of things that are shaken – that is, things that are made – in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.’
In these times – the earth is shaking; what has caused this? First, it is the natural progression of the earth ‘groaning’ for the return of its original state. (Romans 8:22) Second, people’s fixation with things that will not remain.
- Again, contrary to what God asks of us; “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
So… from these we can reason that ‘prosperity’ according to the bible is not about material possessions… so what is it?
5. What is the biblical design of “prosperity”?
Psalm 1:3 - And he (the obedient believer) shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does he shall prosper.
From this we find some traits of what biblical prosperity is:
- Tree – represents prominence in that they stand above the ‘fields’ (the civilized world).
• So biblical prosperity having a way of thinking that is above ‘the world’.
- Rivers of water – represents God’s continual provision in life.
• Biblical prosperity is about provision.
• A river is also a metaphor for the Holy Spirit.
• So – biblical prosperity is the Holy Spirits continued provision in our lives.
- Fruit in season – represents consistency, reliability.
• Biblical prosperity is having a consistent steady progression.
• Even when it is ‘winter’ there is still the hopeful expectation of the next season.
- Leaf shall not wither – speaks to the issue of timing –
• God will provide the proper portion at the proper time (too much means death from water intoxication, too little causes dehydration and death).
- The root word for ‘prosper’ means to ‘come upon mightily with a sudden and forceful action” to overcome.
• Biblical prosperity in navigating through life with a confident mighty action despite circumstance.
• Interesting to note: One reason people do not pursue and take action towards the things of the Kingdom of God is that they fear “loosing” their material prosperity.
So… biblical prosperity is - a confidence that you will ‘overcome’ through God’s consistent provision by the Holy Spirit in order to stand above the trappings of the civilized world.
6. How do I obtain prosperity?
- First – it stems from Faith in God: 2 Chronicles 20:20 – “…believe in the LORD your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so you will prosper.”
- Second – Obedience – Joshua 1:7 – This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but meditate on it day and night that you may observe all that is written; for then your way shall be prosperous and you shall have good success.”
- Seek the LORD (Uzziah) – 2 Chronicles 26:5 – “And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.
- Fourth – emulate the life of Christ:
• This asks that we do not consider the elementary principals of the world.
• He was born in a stable – his parents sacrifice two doves… least expensive sacrifice at the time.
• Matt. 8:19-20: Jesus himself he had no place to lay his head, no permanent home, he constantly traveled. "Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."
• Luke 12:15-21: And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Then He spoke a parable to them, about a rich man who was planning his future expansion, he sums it up in vs.21"So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
I’ve heard, “I wish I would win the lottery and I’d give ½ to the church…”
- My response is, “God would be more honored if you gave ½ of what you have right now.” But let’s start with what God asks (10%).
• He tells us that in the praise for the widow who gave out of her poverty (Luke 21:4)
“God is most celebrated in our difficulties – God is most glorified in you, when you are most satisfied in Him in the midst of loss… not worldly prosperity.”
- Would you give up 10% of your possessions to rid yourself of a disease that will ruin your life?
Well… having a correct perspective on prosperity apparently does this –
3 John 2 – “I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.”
NOTE: this is not promising that you will not get physically sick… (wish above all for your health) you can’t buy favor from God. The “health” spoken of here is of your soul (mind, will and emotions).
8. How do I “prosper”?
Let’s examine the biblical example of “true prosperity”
Luke 19:11-26
- True ‘prosperity’ is taking what has been given to you by God and using it to increase the Kingdom of God.
- To ‘prosper’ it is necessary to “invest” in those things that are eternal.
This is a ‘hard saying’ and many walk away from Jesus because of it. But for those that are trained up in it – their life is liberated from the ‘ruler of this world’s’ power and true prosperity will abound.
2nd take God at His word – test him – Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
“Prosperity is not about having – it is about giving”
“Prosperity is not about getting – it is about being satisfied”
“Prosperity is not about happiness – it is about steadiness”
True prosperity begins in your mind and the breaking down of strongholds set up against the things of God… namely material prosperity (health, wealth, happiness)!
Job 2:20 – “then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mothers womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.”
SLC will be a church that will teach the bible… even when it is not the most appealing topic…
I was reading an article about the national debt last week; in the article it laid out a plan in which the government would receive more money in taxes than the “tax-bracket” system we have now.
Can you guess what it is? If you guessed a flat tax – you’re right.
The kingdom principal of equal giving is proven by the method of the world -
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Prayer Requests from Sunday 4/18/2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Kay B. My son Chris; was an investment counselor at Schwab and had been with them for three years. Lost his job suddenly due to down sizing last week. He handled over 300 accounts. Some of his clients have been calling us to find out where he has gone or will go. We are asking for a 24 hour turnaround on this situation.
We would appreciate everyones prayers.
Chris and his wife,Jennifer, have two children ages 9 & 5.
Carly L: Lord, I pray my children's father would be more active in their lives. In Jesus' sweet, sweet, name. Amen.
Summit Life: Continued provision for 2010 operational budget. Praise and Worship on Sunday this past weekend was amazing! So many lives were touched and hearts healed. We are so very thankful for this. We are seeing a great number of single moms in our church, please pray for strength for them and healing from all that they have been through and have yet to face. Upcoming Addison City Council and City Manager meetings; that they will help us to become part of the city and share ideas with how to connect with the community so that we can grow together and we can serve them. As we wrap up the last 2 sessions of X Changed Life this Wednesday and next, we are seeing a huge need for more leaders to teach. We are praying for the funding to get the website up and running, as well as more manuals to be printed - God is bringing us more and more hurting individuals daily who desire hope and peace! Pray for enough "sowers" as well as understanding as to how to grow this specific ministry. Finally, for the invitation this Sunday for those to join TEAM SUMMIT - it's a family, it's a safe place, it's a place of love. Our prayer is that all who walk through those doors will experience that feeling as they learn about God's truth in His word and His transforming power allowed to us by the Holy Spirit. We are praying that they will join TEAM SUMMIT so that together we can be a light in a dark world around us. Whatever has kept them from joining (fear, unknown, past hurts, etc...) we pray that those lies be broken so that they can hear from God as to where they are to join and where they are to use their gifts for God. Make it clear Lord!!! Amen.
Christina P: Friend Debi Lopez's son, Brett: "Hit a big milestone April 7th, ironically on his birthday; he passed the halfway mark for his entire treatment plan. His attitude and faith remain unbelievable and we can see his energy level picking up. His blood counts fluctuated over the last two weeks. We’re not exactly sure why, but his team of doctors say they remain in the acceptable category relative to his treatment plan. We appreciate all the prayers as he continues to stay healthy and infection free. Over the last month, he’s had two more rounds of the new chemo along with his new oral chemo meds and steroids. Today he is on his tenth day of rest from all meds and is feeling great! He starts another round of chemo this Thursday. With the longer breaks from chemo and the change in his meds, Brett has been able to grow a light coat of hair similar to newborn. It looks great. He says everyone likes to rub his head now. You can probably notice it in some of the recent pics on the website. Please continue to join us specifically in prayer that he will stay "infection free".
Kay B. My son Chris; was an investment counselor at Schwab and had been with them for three years. Lost his job suddenly due to down sizing last week. He handled over 300 accounts. Some of his clients have been calling us to find out where he has gone or will go. We are asking for a 24 hour turnaround on this situation.
We would appreciate everyones prayers.
Chris and his wife,Jennifer, have two children ages 9 & 5.
Carly L: Lord, I pray my children's father would be more active in their lives. In Jesus' sweet, sweet, name. Amen.
Summit Life: Continued provision for 2010 operational budget. Praise and Worship on Sunday this past weekend was amazing! So many lives were touched and hearts healed. We are so very thankful for this. We are seeing a great number of single moms in our church, please pray for strength for them and healing from all that they have been through and have yet to face. Upcoming Addison City Council and City Manager meetings; that they will help us to become part of the city and share ideas with how to connect with the community so that we can grow together and we can serve them. As we wrap up the last 2 sessions of X Changed Life this Wednesday and next, we are seeing a huge need for more leaders to teach. We are praying for the funding to get the website up and running, as well as more manuals to be printed - God is bringing us more and more hurting individuals daily who desire hope and peace! Pray for enough "sowers" as well as understanding as to how to grow this specific ministry. Finally, for the invitation this Sunday for those to join TEAM SUMMIT - it's a family, it's a safe place, it's a place of love. Our prayer is that all who walk through those doors will experience that feeling as they learn about God's truth in His word and His transforming power allowed to us by the Holy Spirit. We are praying that they will join TEAM SUMMIT so that together we can be a light in a dark world around us. Whatever has kept them from joining (fear, unknown, past hurts, etc...) we pray that those lies be broken so that they can hear from God as to where they are to join and where they are to use their gifts for God. Make it clear Lord!!! Amen.
Christina P: Friend Debi Lopez's son, Brett: "Hit a big milestone April 7th, ironically on his birthday; he passed the halfway mark for his entire treatment plan. His attitude and faith remain unbelievable and we can see his energy level picking up. His blood counts fluctuated over the last two weeks. We’re not exactly sure why, but his team of doctors say they remain in the acceptable category relative to his treatment plan. We appreciate all the prayers as he continues to stay healthy and infection free. Over the last month, he’s had two more rounds of the new chemo along with his new oral chemo meds and steroids. Today he is on his tenth day of rest from all meds and is feeling great! He starts another round of chemo this Thursday. With the longer breaks from chemo and the change in his meds, Brett has been able to grow a light coat of hair similar to newborn. It looks great. He says everyone likes to rub his head now. You can probably notice it in some of the recent pics on the website. Please continue to join us specifically in prayer that he will stay "infection free".
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Prayer Requests for Sunday, April 11, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Kerry P: Pray for my children: make good decisions- bless my husband (peace in his mind) remove the stoney ground; reveal to our spirits, needs forgiveness.
Chris E: I pray for a breakthrough in my son's life. (Eric). I want him to believe that God is in control of his life and will lead him out of this difficult time. I also pray for the continued favor over my grandson, Eric Jr.
Private: I am returning to work on April 19th after the birth of our baby. I pray to be obedient to do God's will. For specific guidance from God on my work as I am struggling with willingness to return.
Private: Retirement incentive has been offered at job. Pray enough eligible employees will take advantage of the incentive so layoffs will be avoided.
Private: That God will heal my relationship with my boss. That I can let go of expectations and seek new employment.
Sheila A: That I will be able to let go of my adult children and let God do what He needs and wants to do with them. I need peace.
Saundra H: For successful seminar in Nashville. That I am able to reach others in Jesus. I pray for new business connections. Pray for successs greater than anything I could imagine, through the power of Jesus name.
Tim S: For Pastor Mike Perron. That he will continue to expand our understanding of God's plan for our lives. Please dwell inside me and remind me of your plan for my life. I don't know what to do or where to go, please show me your plan/ objectives, or guidance for what I should do in this time of confusion and distress. I am open to change. Praise God for I know I am saved, thank you Jesus for the undconditional love you give. Pray for my sister Taryn, she hurt her knee in soccer. Pray for my ,Robin, to be strong and persevere, and I ask for God to show me his plan for my life.
Christina P: For God's favor and provision as to where our children will be in school for the Fall of 2010 and Spring of 2011. For clear direction in knowing if we should stay in Plano or move to Addison. Guide us with your hand, Lord. We will not step out without you. Show us the way. For continued strength/commitment/will power to eat smaller portions and healthier choices through weight watchers....praise that since end of January, have lost 8 lbs!! I desire to be healthy and active as I know my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Help me Lord to continue on this path; help me to have victory in this area of my life and to put the lies of the enemy behind me. Amen.
Summit Life: Continued guidance as to how to reach the hearts of those that live in the town of Addison and those who are hurting all around us. Continued guidance as to how to transform minds and train disciples for the kingdom of God. For breakthrough on Sunday mornings, during worship/ prayer...that those in attendance will be free to worship, free from fear, free of expectations from others and to have ears to hear the transforming message that goes out over them. For continued provision (financially) through the "Reach the Summit" capital campaign or angel donation for the rest of 2010 calendar/budget. For more individuals to step up to leadership roles so that we can expand our ministries in and around Addison. For our children's and X Change ministries that are the focus ministries for now.
Kerry P: Pray for my children: make good decisions- bless my husband (peace in his mind) remove the stoney ground; reveal to our spirits, needs forgiveness.
Chris E: I pray for a breakthrough in my son's life. (Eric). I want him to believe that God is in control of his life and will lead him out of this difficult time. I also pray for the continued favor over my grandson, Eric Jr.
Private: I am returning to work on April 19th after the birth of our baby. I pray to be obedient to do God's will. For specific guidance from God on my work as I am struggling with willingness to return.
Private: Retirement incentive has been offered at job. Pray enough eligible employees will take advantage of the incentive so layoffs will be avoided.
Private: That God will heal my relationship with my boss. That I can let go of expectations and seek new employment.
Sheila A: That I will be able to let go of my adult children and let God do what He needs and wants to do with them. I need peace.
Saundra H: For successful seminar in Nashville. That I am able to reach others in Jesus. I pray for new business connections. Pray for successs greater than anything I could imagine, through the power of Jesus name.
Tim S: For Pastor Mike Perron. That he will continue to expand our understanding of God's plan for our lives. Please dwell inside me and remind me of your plan for my life. I don't know what to do or where to go, please show me your plan/ objectives, or guidance for what I should do in this time of confusion and distress. I am open to change. Praise God for I know I am saved, thank you Jesus for the undconditional love you give. Pray for my sister Taryn, she hurt her knee in soccer. Pray for my ,Robin, to be strong and persevere, and I ask for God to show me his plan for my life.
Christina P: For God's favor and provision as to where our children will be in school for the Fall of 2010 and Spring of 2011. For clear direction in knowing if we should stay in Plano or move to Addison. Guide us with your hand, Lord. We will not step out without you. Show us the way. For continued strength/commitment/will power to eat smaller portions and healthier choices through weight watchers....praise that since end of January, have lost 8 lbs!! I desire to be healthy and active as I know my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Help me Lord to continue on this path; help me to have victory in this area of my life and to put the lies of the enemy behind me. Amen.
Summit Life: Continued guidance as to how to reach the hearts of those that live in the town of Addison and those who are hurting all around us. Continued guidance as to how to transform minds and train disciples for the kingdom of God. For breakthrough on Sunday mornings, during worship/ prayer...that those in attendance will be free to worship, free from fear, free of expectations from others and to have ears to hear the transforming message that goes out over them. For continued provision (financially) through the "Reach the Summit" capital campaign or angel donation for the rest of 2010 calendar/budget. For more individuals to step up to leadership roles so that we can expand our ministries in and around Addison. For our children's and X Change ministries that are the focus ministries for now.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Breakthrough Moments 4.11.10
Breakthrough Moments
Imagine hearing the voice of a pastor but not being able to see them... how would you respond?
Right now you have fallen into one of four groups:
Can you receive an opportunity for understanding (breakthrough) even though you are not able to see the person who is speaking?
- Some are not able to because they need to see that it is really me speaking… you need proof… you need a sign. For you, although you may have heard my voice before you still need evidence that it is me talking. “You won’t listen until you see.”
- Others have been distracted and are now trying to figure out where I am… conventional wisdom would say that I must be close because of the wireless microphone… but what if this were a recording? You’re trying to make sense out of what is happening by applying common sense to this situation.
- Some are thinking to themselves – this is just too weird. This is contrary to anything I’ve ever experienced so until this service appears more like something I’m familiar with… I’m going to check out… and for some reason if God wants me to listen – He will change my attitude, then I’ll listen. For you, a stumbling block has been erected.
- Finally, you may fall into the last category. For you; you’d like to see a sign but accept that you may not, while you may have been initially distracted you have stopped trying to figure out what’s going on and are prepared to listen. This is not what you expected when you walked in this morning but you have purposed in your mind that God is constantly doing ‘new things’ and while you’re not familiar with what’s going on… you trust God and are ready.
Let me preface this message with this: this message is intended for everyone within the sound of my voice. It is common to think that there is no “big” thing looming over your life the message applies to “them”. My prayer is that we take the words of Paul and “Examine ourselves” - and when we do, we find each of us need transformation.
This message is about encounters with God (man encountering God and God encountering man) – when there are encounters with God it usually revolves around the theme of ‘advancement’ - out of advancement our thoughts should revolve around a “breakthrough” in life;
The people of Israel advancing into the Promised Land.
Moses advancing up on the mountain to encounter God.
Jonathan advancing against the Philistines.
The apostles advancing the message of the Gospel.
Advancement in the Kingdom of God correlates to ‘understanding’ – without advancement there is no understanding.
Often we lack understanding because we lack the ability to trust. From a worldly perspective how do we gain understanding? To truly have understanding we must experience it for ourselves. Which means that we must ‘advance’ in the direction of the revelation. The kingdom of God is about advancement. Forward movement and momentum. God only intended the church to move forward.
· 2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”
- God positions us for advancement, we are set up for encounters with God. For example, if I bump into something backing up I do not know what it is. God wants you to encounter Him as you move forward so that there is no doubt who it is. Our encounters are supposed to provide the opportunity for “breakthrough" so why then does it seem like breakthrough is a resource that has limited quantity and supply?
Whenever there is a retreat (a ‘falling back’ to familiar) among the people of God the result is undesirable. Why? Think about a war: when do battalions “fall back”? Battalions “fall back” when they are being overrun by the enemy. You were born into war. You were sprinkled into a system in which it appears that the enemy is winning.
So this morning – are you ready to ‘advance’? You have been stolen from and it is time to take back what is rightfully yours… your destiny awaits.
1 Corinthians 1:22-23 – “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.”
Demand of signs.
The first thought that conflicts with breakthrough is, “God give me a sign, then I’ll know for sure and will do ‘it’.”
- In the O.T. the asking for a sign was to secure God’s promises to his people.
- God didn’t have a problem with people asking for a sign.
Psalm 86:17 – “Show me a sign of your favor…
In the account of Exodus God was more than willing to show signs of His strength and authority. Judges 6 – Gideon asked for a sign from God; although God had already promised Him victory over the Midianites and Amalekites –
In the NT the asking for a sign was equated with unbelief. Jesus provided signs not to prove His strength or authority. The issue with Jesus was not the sign itself the issue was faith, the manifestation of that faith appeared as a sign. The whole sign thing to prove something was not a favorite of Jesus:
Matthew 12:39 – “But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
Pretty harsh. But not really when you think about it. First the people who were asking for a sign were doing it to test Jesus… they had no intention of believing. In general, when people ask for a sign even if they received one it would not make any difference. No, the NT provides the ultimate sign – Christ’s resurrection. And the Holy Spirit that ‘bears witness to the things that we see and hear.” Yet, people default back to a sign. Jesus is saying – if you can’t see it now… you won’t see it even if I answered your request for a sign.
Seeking wisdom (making sense to me).
Another common thought that conflicts with breakthrough is, “I’ll believe when it makes sense to me (when I figure it out).” Really? God is supposed to make sense to me when it took me 5 years just to learn how to spell my name? Honestly – searching for a breakthrough in the parameters of wisdom is impossible, God said so, “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom… (1 Corinthians 1:21) It is common to wrestle with wisdom of the world and the eternal truths of the bible. It doesn’t make sense to my mind to live in denial of what I see. It’s counterintuitive to believe that in my weakness I have never been more powerful. And the whole idea of dying is my gain… what’s that all about?
If I demand that a ‘breakthrough’ makes sense to me… it will not be secure.
Stumbling blocks.
The final reason breakthrough is inaccessible is our unwillingness, “God will stop me from doing this if He wanted me to stop.”
Could God stop you? Of course, but then your regard for Him would be out of coercion and not love. Could God have stopped any of us from engaging in foolish behavior? Sure, so why didn’t he? Because we demonstrate an unwillingness to stop and kept placing stumbling blocks in front of Him.
- We were not honest.
- We would not follow Godly council.
- We kept back form full disclosure.
- We protected ourselves for ‘events down the road’.
The idea of “stumbling block” is the “setting of the trigger of a trap” – “the means by which one closes something”.
I envision it as a person setting the trigger of a snare then continually walking into the snare. Then wondering why they can’t “get through”. It doesn’t make any sense to do that, but that’s the idea. We say we desire breakthrough in life but continue to engage in behavior that perpetuates bondage. We stumble on the same rock repeatedly despite our wisdom and signs.
If you want to be free it would be prudent to stop engaging in activities that keep you in ensnared. It’s like saying, “I hate playing ice-hockey… then physically going out and playing ice hockey every Thursday.”
It is applicable in our spiritual life as well. We are told to earnestly desire the higher gifts given by God; prophesy, healing, faith, teaching, miracles. If you desire the greater gifts of God, it would be appropriate to act at the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Instead of putting the stumbling block of, “What if I’m wrong” in front of it.
Have you ever known that you should have done something but didn’t; like praying for someone? You then say, “God, if you want me to pray for them then make me run into them again.” Have you left a gathering on a Sunday and while still in the parking lot thought, “I really should have gone forward for prayer… So, next week I will.”
What’s the point?
Breakthrough in life requires that I step into the unfamiliar. To advance even though I do not know my next step. “A light unto my feet – does not shine out a quarter mile.” Breakthrough asks that I trust those that have gone before me.
If I choose to believe that there was a man who died on a cross, then was buried in a tomb, then rose from the dead appeared to around 500 people, then ascended into the clouds… why am I waiting for a sign from God or demanding that something makes sense to me? How many of us witnessed Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection and ascension? So how is it that I can take a seemingly ludicrous leap of faith about that, but will not believe that God is Baal-perazim – “God of the breakthrough”.
I began out of sight but you heard my voice. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you? You can’t see Him but he often speaks louder than any audible voice every heard.
Do you still need a sign? Consider the reason why? Is it based on fear? Consider this message a sign just for you… a sign of His love for you.
Does it still need to make sense? Let me ask you… of all the mornings you have been to church – have you felt God? Did it make sense to you at that moment?
Have you erected a stumbling block?
Breakthrough moments are within your grasp. Get honest, stop asking for a sign, realize that the things of God may not make 'sense' to you and if you're doing things that perpetuate bondage, as a friend of mine once told me, "Quit it."
Imagine hearing the voice of a pastor but not being able to see them... how would you respond?
Right now you have fallen into one of four groups:
Can you receive an opportunity for understanding (breakthrough) even though you are not able to see the person who is speaking?
- Some are not able to because they need to see that it is really me speaking… you need proof… you need a sign. For you, although you may have heard my voice before you still need evidence that it is me talking. “You won’t listen until you see.”
- Others have been distracted and are now trying to figure out where I am… conventional wisdom would say that I must be close because of the wireless microphone… but what if this were a recording? You’re trying to make sense out of what is happening by applying common sense to this situation.
- Some are thinking to themselves – this is just too weird. This is contrary to anything I’ve ever experienced so until this service appears more like something I’m familiar with… I’m going to check out… and for some reason if God wants me to listen – He will change my attitude, then I’ll listen. For you, a stumbling block has been erected.
- Finally, you may fall into the last category. For you; you’d like to see a sign but accept that you may not, while you may have been initially distracted you have stopped trying to figure out what’s going on and are prepared to listen. This is not what you expected when you walked in this morning but you have purposed in your mind that God is constantly doing ‘new things’ and while you’re not familiar with what’s going on… you trust God and are ready.
Let me preface this message with this: this message is intended for everyone within the sound of my voice. It is common to think that there is no “big” thing looming over your life the message applies to “them”. My prayer is that we take the words of Paul and “Examine ourselves” - and when we do, we find each of us need transformation.
This message is about encounters with God (man encountering God and God encountering man) – when there are encounters with God it usually revolves around the theme of ‘advancement’ - out of advancement our thoughts should revolve around a “breakthrough” in life;
The people of Israel advancing into the Promised Land.
Moses advancing up on the mountain to encounter God.
Jonathan advancing against the Philistines.
The apostles advancing the message of the Gospel.
Advancement in the Kingdom of God correlates to ‘understanding’ – without advancement there is no understanding.
Often we lack understanding because we lack the ability to trust. From a worldly perspective how do we gain understanding? To truly have understanding we must experience it for ourselves. Which means that we must ‘advance’ in the direction of the revelation. The kingdom of God is about advancement. Forward movement and momentum. God only intended the church to move forward.
· 2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”
- God positions us for advancement, we are set up for encounters with God. For example, if I bump into something backing up I do not know what it is. God wants you to encounter Him as you move forward so that there is no doubt who it is. Our encounters are supposed to provide the opportunity for “breakthrough" so why then does it seem like breakthrough is a resource that has limited quantity and supply?
Whenever there is a retreat (a ‘falling back’ to familiar) among the people of God the result is undesirable. Why? Think about a war: when do battalions “fall back”? Battalions “fall back” when they are being overrun by the enemy. You were born into war. You were sprinkled into a system in which it appears that the enemy is winning.
So this morning – are you ready to ‘advance’? You have been stolen from and it is time to take back what is rightfully yours… your destiny awaits.
1 Corinthians 1:22-23 – “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.”
Demand of signs.
The first thought that conflicts with breakthrough is, “God give me a sign, then I’ll know for sure and will do ‘it’.”
- In the O.T. the asking for a sign was to secure God’s promises to his people.
- God didn’t have a problem with people asking for a sign.
Psalm 86:17 – “Show me a sign of your favor…
In the account of Exodus God was more than willing to show signs of His strength and authority. Judges 6 – Gideon asked for a sign from God; although God had already promised Him victory over the Midianites and Amalekites –
In the NT the asking for a sign was equated with unbelief. Jesus provided signs not to prove His strength or authority. The issue with Jesus was not the sign itself the issue was faith, the manifestation of that faith appeared as a sign. The whole sign thing to prove something was not a favorite of Jesus:
Matthew 12:39 – “But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
Pretty harsh. But not really when you think about it. First the people who were asking for a sign were doing it to test Jesus… they had no intention of believing. In general, when people ask for a sign even if they received one it would not make any difference. No, the NT provides the ultimate sign – Christ’s resurrection. And the Holy Spirit that ‘bears witness to the things that we see and hear.” Yet, people default back to a sign. Jesus is saying – if you can’t see it now… you won’t see it even if I answered your request for a sign.
Seeking wisdom (making sense to me).
Another common thought that conflicts with breakthrough is, “I’ll believe when it makes sense to me (when I figure it out).” Really? God is supposed to make sense to me when it took me 5 years just to learn how to spell my name? Honestly – searching for a breakthrough in the parameters of wisdom is impossible, God said so, “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom… (1 Corinthians 1:21) It is common to wrestle with wisdom of the world and the eternal truths of the bible. It doesn’t make sense to my mind to live in denial of what I see. It’s counterintuitive to believe that in my weakness I have never been more powerful. And the whole idea of dying is my gain… what’s that all about?
If I demand that a ‘breakthrough’ makes sense to me… it will not be secure.
Stumbling blocks.
The final reason breakthrough is inaccessible is our unwillingness, “God will stop me from doing this if He wanted me to stop.”
Could God stop you? Of course, but then your regard for Him would be out of coercion and not love. Could God have stopped any of us from engaging in foolish behavior? Sure, so why didn’t he? Because we demonstrate an unwillingness to stop and kept placing stumbling blocks in front of Him.
- We were not honest.
- We would not follow Godly council.
- We kept back form full disclosure.
- We protected ourselves for ‘events down the road’.
The idea of “stumbling block” is the “setting of the trigger of a trap” – “the means by which one closes something”.
I envision it as a person setting the trigger of a snare then continually walking into the snare. Then wondering why they can’t “get through”. It doesn’t make any sense to do that, but that’s the idea. We say we desire breakthrough in life but continue to engage in behavior that perpetuates bondage. We stumble on the same rock repeatedly despite our wisdom and signs.
If you want to be free it would be prudent to stop engaging in activities that keep you in ensnared. It’s like saying, “I hate playing ice-hockey… then physically going out and playing ice hockey every Thursday.”
It is applicable in our spiritual life as well. We are told to earnestly desire the higher gifts given by God; prophesy, healing, faith, teaching, miracles. If you desire the greater gifts of God, it would be appropriate to act at the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Instead of putting the stumbling block of, “What if I’m wrong” in front of it.
Have you ever known that you should have done something but didn’t; like praying for someone? You then say, “God, if you want me to pray for them then make me run into them again.” Have you left a gathering on a Sunday and while still in the parking lot thought, “I really should have gone forward for prayer… So, next week I will.”
What’s the point?
Breakthrough in life requires that I step into the unfamiliar. To advance even though I do not know my next step. “A light unto my feet – does not shine out a quarter mile.” Breakthrough asks that I trust those that have gone before me.
If I choose to believe that there was a man who died on a cross, then was buried in a tomb, then rose from the dead appeared to around 500 people, then ascended into the clouds… why am I waiting for a sign from God or demanding that something makes sense to me? How many of us witnessed Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection and ascension? So how is it that I can take a seemingly ludicrous leap of faith about that, but will not believe that God is Baal-perazim – “God of the breakthrough”.
I began out of sight but you heard my voice. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you? You can’t see Him but he often speaks louder than any audible voice every heard.
Do you still need a sign? Consider the reason why? Is it based on fear? Consider this message a sign just for you… a sign of His love for you.
Does it still need to make sense? Let me ask you… of all the mornings you have been to church – have you felt God? Did it make sense to you at that moment?
Have you erected a stumbling block?
Breakthrough moments are within your grasp. Get honest, stop asking for a sign, realize that the things of God may not make 'sense' to you and if you're doing things that perpetuate bondage, as a friend of mine once told me, "Quit it."
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
The Ultimate Survival Tool
Mark 16
“The Ultimate Survival Tool”
We have come to the end of a series entitled “Tools for navigating through life”. We have examined:
Situational awareness.
Deal with Reality
Remain Calm
Militant faith
The Myth of Hopelessness
These are tools that assist you in surviving real life and the various circumstances that will occur. All of them have value when applied properly. Each of them when used in the proper portion at the proper time gives you the chance for breakthrough in life.
Much of survival is about FAITH. Or belief; what you believe or don’t believe affects your chances of surviving with a life that is victorious – despite circumstance.
There is one more tool I consider the greatest tool ever offered to humankind. Jesus used it during his ministry; Paul obtained it on the road to Damascus and mastered how to use it during his 10 years in Tarsus (a desert in the middle of there and here).
Various people throughout the decades have used it effectively for the Kingdom of God; Charles Finney, William Seymour, C.W Culpeper to name a few.
While there is a “learning curve” associated with it this tool is just as effective for an “expert” as it is for a “novice”. (Paul talks about his ‘learning’ in Philippians)
What is it? Stay tuned –
We can see what generally happens without this tool in the final chapter of Mark.
Without it – you have limited expectations. Mary Magdalene, Mary, James and Salome demonstrate this for us. (16:1-8) They wake up early to bring spices to anoint Jesus’ body for burial. Their greatest concern – (v3) “Who will roll away the stone?” In other words, their greatest concern was their physical circumstance – their limitations on what ‘they’ could do.
Can you blame them? After all they had seen? The crucifixion – the pain, suffering and death of a person. What would you ‘expect?’
We get like that don’t we? We consider what we see, the physical limitations and the physical reality then base our expectations on those perceptions. “O.K. I see this and because I see this I feel this way… now what can I pray to counteract the feelings that have because of what I have seen?” We come at FAITH through the back door. It’s sort of like, taking a chair lift to the top of a mountain then figuring out how to ski – you’re constantly worried about the next tree or mogul. “How do I get around the next obstacle that comes my way?” Instead of “flowing” through life – there are abrupt stops and starts depending on your physical conditions and what YOU think is possible. Life becomes complicated, variables are too numerous to count, to many uncertainties and eventually you are left standing in the middle of the mountain of life not knowing which direction to proceed – so you don’t move at all.
Had Mary and the rest listened to Jesus’ words and taken them for truth their expectations would have been much different.
Three times Jesus foretells of his death:
“See we are going to Jerusalem, and the Son on Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” (Mark 10:33-34)
NOTE: When you won’t listen to the truth of God and base truth instead on what you see - physical limitations - you’ll expect little… you’ll receive just that.
Without this tool – you are easily offended... (16:9-13)
Mary saw the risen Christ first. She runs off to tell those who had been with him but instead of celebrating with her… they would not believe her words.
“But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.” (Mark 16:11)
WHY? 1st they had limited expectations and 2nd – because it was “HER” that he appeared to. I’m sure their thought was… “We’ve spent three years with Jesus – if there was anyone he would appear to it would be us – not “her”, I mean she had issues – how can she be trusted?” If you don’t utilize this tool you will constantly think that you are entitled – you will be offended and that thought “others have something you don’t” and that will prevent you from being able to survive – primarily in the area of TRUST.
Those who were with Jesus were “offended” by the truth. Mary had something they did not. Truth can be offensive: Harry Truman said, “I don’t give them hell. I just tell them the truth and they think it is hell.” Think about the natural progression of taking offense to the truth? Well… what is truth? Can’t trust what God says… and offended by what He says.
Without it – you are easily discouraged (16:14-18)
Jesus appears to the eleven, rebukes them for their “unbelief” (being offended) and lack of showing honor (hardness of heart) then provides the Great commission:
READ Mark 16:15-19
So he tells them that they will go out, proclaim the whole gospel – and as they do this – these signs will accompany those who believe; cast out demons, speak in new tongues, if they pick up serpents or drink deadly poison it will not hurt them and they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover. This is not limited to the disciples; rather it is a sign and validation of those who believe the whole gospel. Obviously these signs have been a point of discouragement and contention over the decades. They deal with the gifts of the Spirit – REALLY they are issues of faith.
I read an interesting article by the Barna group that examined the generations and their view of spiritual gifts; miracles, such as healing, prophesy… again – it’s really about faith.
- The mosaics (18 to 25) and the Busters (26 to 44) are more likely than the Boomers (45 to 63) or Elders (64 and older) to believe in “the charismatic gifts are active today”.
WHY?
Let me ask you a question; let’s say that you are just learning to play golf. As you learn you accept that you will hit a bad shot every now and then – because you’re new to the sport you accept that every shot will not be perfect. You continue to practice and play golf for a number of years and you become better at playing – despite the time spent; learning how to hit the golf ball, playing the wind, proper form and the mindset you must have, you have never shot a hole in one. Throughout your time playing golf you hear of other people shooting a hole in one… you may have seen someone shoot a hole in one… but you still have not. Your focus has now become to hit a hole in one – (you reason; I’ve practiced, I know the sport, I’ve become a better player) yet despite your continued effort you are not able to accomplish the seemingly illusive hole-in-one.
You become more and more concerned that other people have hit a hole in one and begin thinking; maybe there is something wrong with the way I play, what am I doing wrong? “They” must be doing something that I am not – but you can’t figure out what it is. Eventually, because of your DISCOURAGEMENT of not hitting a hole in one, you stop playing golf - figuring; “I’ll never be able to do it… I guess playing golf isn’t for me.”
Would you agree with me that not hitting a hole in one is a ridiculous reason to stop paying golf? Of course it is.
Now – go back to those statistics by Barna:
- 56% of mosaics (18 to 25) and 49% of Busters (26 to 44) are open to the gifts of the Spirit.
- 44% of the Boomers (45 to 63) and 30% of the Elders (64 and older) believe that “the charismatic gifts are active today”.
Why the decline? Most likely because they have, ‘never hit a hole in one’, become DISCOURAGED and have stopped playing. – in relation to FAITH – they have stopped praying.
- Since when did playing golf become about hitting a hole in one?
- When did the faith (for example spiritual gifts) become about them working every time “I want them too”?
Golf is not about hitting a hole in one – it’s about being involved in the game.
FAITH is not about it working the way I think it should – it’s about being in the game.
If my only concern when I step to the tee is hitting a hole in one I will become easily DISCOURAGED.
Similarly, If my only concern in being a Christian and using FAITH or the gifts of the Spirit is that they work out the way I want them too – I will become easily DISCOURAGED.
So… because of DISCOURAGEMENT people stop playing golf – what are the chances that I will ever hit a hole in one? Similarly, because of discouragement in the Christian life I stop believing. I loose faith – what are the chances that I will ever see a breakthrough in my life?
Look at verse 17 again – “And these signs will accompany those who believe;”
- It says, “They will accompany” – it does not say they must happen every time.
Discouragement, being easily offended and limited expectations is all part of “living a life that relies on my ability”. Using the tools that I have, in my strength and according to my will.
Today is Easter – the day we celebrate Christ’s resurrection – as someone told me last week… “I’m just now realizing that Easter… not Christmas is the more important day in the life of Christ.” WHY? Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ from the dead; without his resurrection we don’t have hope. So if Easter is the most important day in the life of a Christ – what was necessary for this “most important” day to occur?
- He had to die.
The most important tool in navigating through life is death. To navigate through life the greatest tool we have at our disposal is the tool of reckoning ourselves dead and seated with Christ in heaven. If I’m dead – my expectations are unlimited - I am no longer limited to what I see as impossible:
If my first thought is, “Nothing is impossible with God” – think about how that would transform every day life.
- Think about a teacher working with students. If they approached every child with the mind-set… “Nothing is impossible with God.”
- What about a person who has succumb to the evil of addiction, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
- How about the relationship where there has been so much damage the world has written it off as a statistic, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
- What about the pregnant teenager who has limited resources and no husband, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
- How about a team of people in a town that intends to bring the hope of Christ to a community that has not had a permanent church in over 70 years, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
- What are you facing this morning? I want to tell you, that because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!
If I’m dead I am not easily offended
NOTE: You can’t offend a dead body.
- Some may say - “Well, yeah but what if someone takes advantage of you or they lie to you?”
· TURTH: you feel pain.
· Another TRUTH: pain is temporary.
· A final TRUTH: You are of tremendous value but you’re not that important.
In this scenario – what if the disciples were not offended and believed Mary or the two disciples when they came to them? What would that have done for Mary and the two others? How might their lives have been different? Let me ask you: Have you ever had someone believe in you despite what common logic would warrant? They chose not to be offended by your past. What did that do in relation to your destiny?
- Think about Paul killing Christians.
- Rehab who was a prostitute.
- Moses who was a murderer.
- David who was an adulterer.
What do all of these great people of faith have in common? They were lifted up by the hand of a God who was not offended by their past. God may not be pleased with my past – but He is never perplexed on what the solution is; confession, repentance and restitution.
I stand here today for a number of reasons – but one of the greatest reasons is that there was a woman who chose to not be offended by my past. From a carnal perspective you might say she was foolish. But instead of considering the negative possibility she chose to die and entrust herself to the one who judges justly. Her dying to offense offered me the foundation of unlimited possibility.
Did Jesus place limitations on people because of their past? Did Jesus say, “Well, because you did these things… your potential is only this much… sorry.” No, he demonstrated living through dying and when they came to him with a willingness to be obedient – he offered them access to every realm of destiny for their life.
If I’m dead I remain poised despite setbacks –
If I am dead – I realize my goal is not my performance in the game – my goal is being able to play the game. Live life according to the truth – then do not attach yourself to the result.
- Stand at the tee box believing that hitting a hole in one is possible, take your best swing then sit back and watch the result.
- Pray for healing, believe that God delivers people from evil, then sit back and let God be God.
I realize that we are a result driven culture – was that what Jesus demonstrated? No, Jesus demonstrated a culture of faith – then took care of the results. In his time here on earth – did Jesus heal everyone… no – there were still blind, lame and oppressed people. Jesus did not focus on the healing or deliverance did he focus on their performance? – his focus was on their faith in Him – the physical manifestation was a bonus. They had nothing to loose – what is the harm in believing that Jesus wants to heal you? I can tell you there is harm in believing that he does not.
Will we ever step up to the tee box and hit a hole in one every time? Of course not; a par 5 hole is not designed for that – there are certain physical laws that must be followed.
So, will everything that you pray for happen? Will all be healed and/or delivered? That’s not the point! The result is not the reason I have faith. The result is where frustration and discouragement occur. In being dead to the result I am not able to be frustrated or discouraged – during setbacks I am able to accept, believe and hope.
So there you have it – the ultimate tool for survival is death… counterintuitive to say the least but I would rather be dead and
- Have unlimited expectations
- Not be offended and
- Remain poised despite setbacks
Than remain paralyzed on my way to the summit.
“The Ultimate Survival Tool”
We have come to the end of a series entitled “Tools for navigating through life”. We have examined:
Situational awareness.
Deal with Reality
Remain Calm
Militant faith
The Myth of Hopelessness
These are tools that assist you in surviving real life and the various circumstances that will occur. All of them have value when applied properly. Each of them when used in the proper portion at the proper time gives you the chance for breakthrough in life.
Much of survival is about FAITH. Or belief; what you believe or don’t believe affects your chances of surviving with a life that is victorious – despite circumstance.
There is one more tool I consider the greatest tool ever offered to humankind. Jesus used it during his ministry; Paul obtained it on the road to Damascus and mastered how to use it during his 10 years in Tarsus (a desert in the middle of there and here).
Various people throughout the decades have used it effectively for the Kingdom of God; Charles Finney, William Seymour, C.W Culpeper to name a few.
While there is a “learning curve” associated with it this tool is just as effective for an “expert” as it is for a “novice”. (Paul talks about his ‘learning’ in Philippians)
What is it? Stay tuned –
We can see what generally happens without this tool in the final chapter of Mark.
Without it – you have limited expectations. Mary Magdalene, Mary, James and Salome demonstrate this for us. (16:1-8) They wake up early to bring spices to anoint Jesus’ body for burial. Their greatest concern – (v3) “Who will roll away the stone?” In other words, their greatest concern was their physical circumstance – their limitations on what ‘they’ could do.
Can you blame them? After all they had seen? The crucifixion – the pain, suffering and death of a person. What would you ‘expect?’
We get like that don’t we? We consider what we see, the physical limitations and the physical reality then base our expectations on those perceptions. “O.K. I see this and because I see this I feel this way… now what can I pray to counteract the feelings that have because of what I have seen?” We come at FAITH through the back door. It’s sort of like, taking a chair lift to the top of a mountain then figuring out how to ski – you’re constantly worried about the next tree or mogul. “How do I get around the next obstacle that comes my way?” Instead of “flowing” through life – there are abrupt stops and starts depending on your physical conditions and what YOU think is possible. Life becomes complicated, variables are too numerous to count, to many uncertainties and eventually you are left standing in the middle of the mountain of life not knowing which direction to proceed – so you don’t move at all.
Had Mary and the rest listened to Jesus’ words and taken them for truth their expectations would have been much different.
Three times Jesus foretells of his death:
“See we are going to Jerusalem, and the Son on Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” (Mark 10:33-34)
NOTE: When you won’t listen to the truth of God and base truth instead on what you see - physical limitations - you’ll expect little… you’ll receive just that.
Without this tool – you are easily offended... (16:9-13)
Mary saw the risen Christ first. She runs off to tell those who had been with him but instead of celebrating with her… they would not believe her words.
“But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.” (Mark 16:11)
WHY? 1st they had limited expectations and 2nd – because it was “HER” that he appeared to. I’m sure their thought was… “We’ve spent three years with Jesus – if there was anyone he would appear to it would be us – not “her”, I mean she had issues – how can she be trusted?” If you don’t utilize this tool you will constantly think that you are entitled – you will be offended and that thought “others have something you don’t” and that will prevent you from being able to survive – primarily in the area of TRUST.
Those who were with Jesus were “offended” by the truth. Mary had something they did not. Truth can be offensive: Harry Truman said, “I don’t give them hell. I just tell them the truth and they think it is hell.” Think about the natural progression of taking offense to the truth? Well… what is truth? Can’t trust what God says… and offended by what He says.
Without it – you are easily discouraged (16:14-18)
Jesus appears to the eleven, rebukes them for their “unbelief” (being offended) and lack of showing honor (hardness of heart) then provides the Great commission:
READ Mark 16:15-19
So he tells them that they will go out, proclaim the whole gospel – and as they do this – these signs will accompany those who believe; cast out demons, speak in new tongues, if they pick up serpents or drink deadly poison it will not hurt them and they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover. This is not limited to the disciples; rather it is a sign and validation of those who believe the whole gospel. Obviously these signs have been a point of discouragement and contention over the decades. They deal with the gifts of the Spirit – REALLY they are issues of faith.
I read an interesting article by the Barna group that examined the generations and their view of spiritual gifts; miracles, such as healing, prophesy… again – it’s really about faith.
- The mosaics (18 to 25) and the Busters (26 to 44) are more likely than the Boomers (45 to 63) or Elders (64 and older) to believe in “the charismatic gifts are active today”.
WHY?
Let me ask you a question; let’s say that you are just learning to play golf. As you learn you accept that you will hit a bad shot every now and then – because you’re new to the sport you accept that every shot will not be perfect. You continue to practice and play golf for a number of years and you become better at playing – despite the time spent; learning how to hit the golf ball, playing the wind, proper form and the mindset you must have, you have never shot a hole in one. Throughout your time playing golf you hear of other people shooting a hole in one… you may have seen someone shoot a hole in one… but you still have not. Your focus has now become to hit a hole in one – (you reason; I’ve practiced, I know the sport, I’ve become a better player) yet despite your continued effort you are not able to accomplish the seemingly illusive hole-in-one.
You become more and more concerned that other people have hit a hole in one and begin thinking; maybe there is something wrong with the way I play, what am I doing wrong? “They” must be doing something that I am not – but you can’t figure out what it is. Eventually, because of your DISCOURAGEMENT of not hitting a hole in one, you stop playing golf - figuring; “I’ll never be able to do it… I guess playing golf isn’t for me.”
Would you agree with me that not hitting a hole in one is a ridiculous reason to stop paying golf? Of course it is.
Now – go back to those statistics by Barna:
- 56% of mosaics (18 to 25) and 49% of Busters (26 to 44) are open to the gifts of the Spirit.
- 44% of the Boomers (45 to 63) and 30% of the Elders (64 and older) believe that “the charismatic gifts are active today”.
Why the decline? Most likely because they have, ‘never hit a hole in one’, become DISCOURAGED and have stopped playing. – in relation to FAITH – they have stopped praying.
- Since when did playing golf become about hitting a hole in one?
- When did the faith (for example spiritual gifts) become about them working every time “I want them too”?
Golf is not about hitting a hole in one – it’s about being involved in the game.
FAITH is not about it working the way I think it should – it’s about being in the game.
If my only concern when I step to the tee is hitting a hole in one I will become easily DISCOURAGED.
Similarly, If my only concern in being a Christian and using FAITH or the gifts of the Spirit is that they work out the way I want them too – I will become easily DISCOURAGED.
So… because of DISCOURAGEMENT people stop playing golf – what are the chances that I will ever hit a hole in one? Similarly, because of discouragement in the Christian life I stop believing. I loose faith – what are the chances that I will ever see a breakthrough in my life?
Look at verse 17 again – “And these signs will accompany those who believe;”
- It says, “They will accompany” – it does not say they must happen every time.
Discouragement, being easily offended and limited expectations is all part of “living a life that relies on my ability”. Using the tools that I have, in my strength and according to my will.
Today is Easter – the day we celebrate Christ’s resurrection – as someone told me last week… “I’m just now realizing that Easter… not Christmas is the more important day in the life of Christ.” WHY? Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ from the dead; without his resurrection we don’t have hope. So if Easter is the most important day in the life of a Christ – what was necessary for this “most important” day to occur?
- He had to die.
The most important tool in navigating through life is death. To navigate through life the greatest tool we have at our disposal is the tool of reckoning ourselves dead and seated with Christ in heaven. If I’m dead – my expectations are unlimited - I am no longer limited to what I see as impossible:
If my first thought is, “Nothing is impossible with God” – think about how that would transform every day life.
- Think about a teacher working with students. If they approached every child with the mind-set… “Nothing is impossible with God.”
- What about a person who has succumb to the evil of addiction, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
- How about the relationship where there has been so much damage the world has written it off as a statistic, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
- What about the pregnant teenager who has limited resources and no husband, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
- How about a team of people in a town that intends to bring the hope of Christ to a community that has not had a permanent church in over 70 years, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
- What are you facing this morning? I want to tell you, that because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!
If I’m dead I am not easily offended
NOTE: You can’t offend a dead body.
- Some may say - “Well, yeah but what if someone takes advantage of you or they lie to you?”
· TURTH: you feel pain.
· Another TRUTH: pain is temporary.
· A final TRUTH: You are of tremendous value but you’re not that important.
In this scenario – what if the disciples were not offended and believed Mary or the two disciples when they came to them? What would that have done for Mary and the two others? How might their lives have been different? Let me ask you: Have you ever had someone believe in you despite what common logic would warrant? They chose not to be offended by your past. What did that do in relation to your destiny?
- Think about Paul killing Christians.
- Rehab who was a prostitute.
- Moses who was a murderer.
- David who was an adulterer.
What do all of these great people of faith have in common? They were lifted up by the hand of a God who was not offended by their past. God may not be pleased with my past – but He is never perplexed on what the solution is; confession, repentance and restitution.
I stand here today for a number of reasons – but one of the greatest reasons is that there was a woman who chose to not be offended by my past. From a carnal perspective you might say she was foolish. But instead of considering the negative possibility she chose to die and entrust herself to the one who judges justly. Her dying to offense offered me the foundation of unlimited possibility.
Did Jesus place limitations on people because of their past? Did Jesus say, “Well, because you did these things… your potential is only this much… sorry.” No, he demonstrated living through dying and when they came to him with a willingness to be obedient – he offered them access to every realm of destiny for their life.
If I’m dead I remain poised despite setbacks –
If I am dead – I realize my goal is not my performance in the game – my goal is being able to play the game. Live life according to the truth – then do not attach yourself to the result.
- Stand at the tee box believing that hitting a hole in one is possible, take your best swing then sit back and watch the result.
- Pray for healing, believe that God delivers people from evil, then sit back and let God be God.
I realize that we are a result driven culture – was that what Jesus demonstrated? No, Jesus demonstrated a culture of faith – then took care of the results. In his time here on earth – did Jesus heal everyone… no – there were still blind, lame and oppressed people. Jesus did not focus on the healing or deliverance did he focus on their performance? – his focus was on their faith in Him – the physical manifestation was a bonus. They had nothing to loose – what is the harm in believing that Jesus wants to heal you? I can tell you there is harm in believing that he does not.
Will we ever step up to the tee box and hit a hole in one every time? Of course not; a par 5 hole is not designed for that – there are certain physical laws that must be followed.
So, will everything that you pray for happen? Will all be healed and/or delivered? That’s not the point! The result is not the reason I have faith. The result is where frustration and discouragement occur. In being dead to the result I am not able to be frustrated or discouraged – during setbacks I am able to accept, believe and hope.
So there you have it – the ultimate tool for survival is death… counterintuitive to say the least but I would rather be dead and
- Have unlimited expectations
- Not be offended and
- Remain poised despite setbacks
Than remain paralyzed on my way to the summit.
Saundra and Jon H.: With thanksgiving, we request peace. We pray for our company and our employees.
We pray for success in Jesus name.
Robin S.: Pray for continual ability to receive. I accept God's new vision for my life to "see beyond" present circumstances, not only for me, but for my children Tim and Taryn. God Bless.
Karen and Shaun H.: Karen;For guidance from God on finding a job without travel and deadlines. For the success of Shaun's business and new opportunities. Praise for the incredible blessing of our 9 week old son, Jonah.
Devin R.: For more work.
Danna S. Issues at work and financial matter that needs resolution.
We pray for success in Jesus name.
Robin S.: Pray for continual ability to receive. I accept God's new vision for my life to "see beyond" present circumstances, not only for me, but for my children Tim and Taryn. God Bless.
Karen and Shaun H.: Karen;For guidance from God on finding a job without travel and deadlines. For the success of Shaun's business and new opportunities. Praise for the incredible blessing of our 9 week old son, Jonah.
Devin R.: For more work.
Danna S. Issues at work and financial matter that needs resolution.
Prayer Requests from Easter Service 04/04/10
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Anne Marie S: Healing of shoulder
James and his 2 sons (11 & 10): Endurance and faith about divorce and custody. Debbie; making bad choices and Rey- bad choices.
Timothy S: That the Lord will strengthen him to resist drugs, give a new spirit of obedience and motivation to follow the Lord and set worthy goals for life. Needs to mature both spiritually and psychologically. Forgive his father for never acknowledging him as his son.
Julie M: Healing of pinched nerve in her back.
Friend of C: For their marraige to be miraculously reconciled through honesty, repentance and transformation.
2 relatives of C: For their marraige to be miraculously reconciled through honesty, repentance and transformation.
Summit Life Chruch: That we continue as a church to experience the "fullness" of God. That we will "die" to ourselves and hear from the Lord regarding every decision that we make. For hearts to be touched and transformed in around Addison. For clear direction in raising funds in order to grow to our next space. That the words that went out on Easter Sunday would not return void and that all the visitors were touched in some way and will return. For our marraiges to remain strong; our children to remain obedient and maliable; our hearts to always remain open to the prompting of the spirit. For those offended in the past by the church will seek fellowship again with other believers. Blessings for the leaders of xchanged life ministry; that they will hear the heart of God through the training and will take the message out to those needing hope and peace in their lives.
Anne Marie S: Healing of shoulder
James and his 2 sons (11 & 10): Endurance and faith about divorce and custody. Debbie; making bad choices and Rey- bad choices.
Timothy S: That the Lord will strengthen him to resist drugs, give a new spirit of obedience and motivation to follow the Lord and set worthy goals for life. Needs to mature both spiritually and psychologically. Forgive his father for never acknowledging him as his son.
Julie M: Healing of pinched nerve in her back.
Friend of C: For their marraige to be miraculously reconciled through honesty, repentance and transformation.
2 relatives of C: For their marraige to be miraculously reconciled through honesty, repentance and transformation.
Summit Life Chruch: That we continue as a church to experience the "fullness" of God. That we will "die" to ourselves and hear from the Lord regarding every decision that we make. For hearts to be touched and transformed in around Addison. For clear direction in raising funds in order to grow to our next space. That the words that went out on Easter Sunday would not return void and that all the visitors were touched in some way and will return. For our marraiges to remain strong; our children to remain obedient and maliable; our hearts to always remain open to the prompting of the spirit. For those offended in the past by the church will seek fellowship again with other believers. Blessings for the leaders of xchanged life ministry; that they will hear the heart of God through the training and will take the message out to those needing hope and peace in their lives.
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