Where Is Your Faith?

Let’s begin at the beginning.

In the beginning God

God made .....

God said ‘this is very good’

God created. He made it perfect. And then, then......

God gave it all to the creme de le creme of His creation - man.  Made in the image of God. Little gods actually.  Not God, but so similar in so many ways.

He gave it [His beautiful creation] to man to enjoy.  

We are supposed to enjoy this life.

It was created for us.  It was created for us to enjoy.

Adam and Eve were enjoying it.

You look there in Genesis and you’ll find that they spent a good portion of  their time walking around in this awesome garden visiting with God - the one who made them.  

But then something happened. Something came along that destroyed paradise. What was it?

Before all of this there had been a war in Heaven.  Lucifer - had a very high position in The Kingdom. He rebelled. He and 1/3 of the angels roared against God.  Who won?

God won. He threw satan out of The Kingdom of Heaven.

Satan watched all going on during creation.  He saw the crown of God’s creation.  Decided to strike.

He used what caused His downfall - 

What caused Lucifer’s downfall? What happened in him so that  he chose to fight against God?

Stinking Pride 

Any of you have a problem with Stinking Pride?  Just feel the hairs on the back of your neck if someone says something negative about you.  Oh yes, Stinking Pride is still a problem.

He lured Eve into being disobedient.  There was just one thing - one thing - that God told Adam and Eve to not do.  There were thousands, millions of ‘do’s’.  There was only one thing that was a ‘do not’.  And they both did it.

Satan hit the Pride button and they succumb. 

Kicked out of Paradise.  Things got hard. Generations of sinners followed. So few people wanted to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the evening.  That was still the desire of God’s heart. How can you hold the hand of God if you are covered with the filth of sin?  

Holy God - Sinful Man      Sorry that does not work.

Relationship broken.  Paradise gone. Sin ruling in the earth. What to do?

Okay, you know most of the Bible stories of how God reached out to the people; how He basically started over - Noah - Then Took one man - Abraham - to start again. Took one people - Israel - to reveal Himself to the rest of the world.  

Time and time again you will find in the OT that God did or did not do things so that His name would be exalted/honored/hallowed or that His name would not be defamed.

Ps 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

People continued to fail - they just could not do it.

God clearly told the Israelites   I have chosen to bless you that others might see/know/ believe that I AM God and there is no other.

IF you obey me I will bless you and bless you and bless you. Other nations will come begging you to let them in on the secret.

IF you disobey I will bring sickness/disease/curses upon you.

You choose - it’s your choice - who will you serve? 

I put before you blessings and cursings - it’s your choice.

They made their choice - Stinking Pride won the day.  “I’ll do it my way.”

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Sooooo   God says I’ll have to go down there and do it myself.

Jesus takes off His Kingly robes, removes the crown upon His head, sets aside all the power that created the universe, and humbled [opposite of pride] Himself [the King of Glory - The Mighty God] doing just the opposite of Lucifer.  

In total humility - the Almighty omnipotent, all-knowing  all-powerful God stepped out of His Heavenly Kingdom and entered our physical world as a helpless, vulnerable, baby - the same way you entered this earth.

I believe you know that story fairly well, so we’ll move on into Jesus' time on earth.

What did He do while He was physically on the earth?

He called a bunch of guys who were hanging out to come follow Him.  He walked by, said, ‘Come follow Me.’  And they got up and followed.  Pretty amazing when you think about that.  Would you have followed?  What if He had told you I’m going to the cross. I’ll be brutally beaten before that and then I’ll die on the cross?

Do you think they would have followed then?

Would you have followed Him then?     Mark 1:16-20

Will you follow Him now?  

I’m not talking about getting saved.  Will you truly follow Jesus - even when it’s hard?

Wherever He leads I’ll go

We have established that The Bible is True - right.

Okay, so when you read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, you learn from eye witness accounts what Jesus did on the earth.  This is basically Jesus life story being told 4 different times, by 4 different people, in 4 different ways, yet it all lines up.

So, what do we learn from those gospels?

Jesus taught people about the Kingdom of God. He mainly taught 12 guys, but there were thousands who heard his teachings at different times.  But, these 12 guys got it again and again and again.

Jesus did miracles. He did miracles to a variety of people in a variety of places. Different people saw different miracles. Who was there watching for everyone of those miracles?

Those same 12 guys. There were others who saw more than one or two but most likely those 12 men saw every one. Or, they at least knew about them from one of the other 12.

They heard Jesus teach and preach. They watched Jesus do miracles. He told them over and over about the Kingdom of Heaven.

Then He said, “Now you go and do what you have seen me doing.”   He gave them the power to do it.

And they did it.   Luke 9. Then in Luke 10 He sent out 70 more to do the same thing.   And they came back rejoicing. Why? They did the work that they had seen Jesus do. They were being like Jesus.  They were Jesus to a suffering world.  Not Jesus, but very much like Jesus.  Made in the image of God.  For what?  For His plans and His purposes to cast out demons, to heal the sick, to proclaim the Good News.  Yes, that is what is written in the Book of Truth that you say you believe.  You are to do these things.

Is it just the pastor who is to do these things?

Is it just the elders who are to do these things?

Is it just the deacons who are to do these things?

You are to do these things

Disciples struggled with this power

They struggled with this power.  At times they would not step up and act.  

The storm that was about the sink them.  [Matt 8:23-27]

A father bringing his son with epilepsy.  Son convulsed and throwing himself into the fire.  “I asked your disciples, they couldn’t do it.”[ Matt 17:14-21]

The feeding of 5,000 people with no food.    [Matt 14:13]

Jesus told his disciples ‘You do it.” 

What did Jesus say to His disciples, 

“What is it with you guys?  Are you ever going to get it?  Don’t you understand that you have the same power in you.  I have given it to you.” 

And there was at least one time they wanted to use their power to call down fire from Heaven to blitzkrieg a city that had rebuffed them.

Matt 17:14  Jesus critized disciples for lack of faith

So, that is what happened the whole time Jesus was on the earth.

He was teaching/training/showing disciples how to live on this earth.  He wanted them to pick up the ball and run with it.

They kept looking to him to do it.  Sort of like today.  The people sit and wait and expect the pastor to do it.  “You are the ‘called one’ - you do it.”  That’s the thinking in most churches. Is that the thinking here?

He taught them [specifically the 12, but also many more] through His words.

He taught them by example.

He told them to go and do it.

They did it  some times

Jesus became upset with them and called them ‘little faiths’.  

He wanted them to take what he had taught them and run with it.

They limped along and wanted to use it incorrectly at times.

They seemed to be getting it - sometimes

And then

Crucifixion

Jesus left

And then He rose again

Conquered death

Jesus was back - from the dead - 

WOW

But then He said, “I’m going away.  I have a lot of work for you to do. but wait.”

Then right before He ascended into Heaven, He said ‘wait’

What for?

Disciples were fired up now.  They are stoked. They are ready to go slay some giants.

They are gonna do some Heavenly stomping on some Hellish demons.

Jesus said   ‘Wait’

You need to ‘wait’ or you will abuse the power.  You will fail and falter and stumble and not get up unless you ‘wait’

Waiting for what?

Holy Spirit came

Are you ready to go fight some demons?

You can’t just go do some demon stomping.  You try that and you’ll get the same thing the seven sons of Sceva got.  They got their clothes ripped off and the demons rode them out of town.

You can not - CAN NOT - CAN NOT do this in your power.

And please don’t try it if you have unforgiveness in your heart.

Time and Time again we are told ‘forgive’ “I have forgiven you. You forgive”

You must forgive

Then you need to be filled with the Holy Spirit

What happened at Pentecost?

The fire came down. They were rejoicing. 120 of them came tumbling out of the upper room.  People heard this commotion, came running.  Watched these folks so full of excitement  - they proclaimed they were drunk.  They were - they were drunk on the Holy Spirit

Read Acts 2, then read it again.

So, then what happened.  They then went out.  Keep reading.  You’ll see Paul [satan’s man - killing people who walked in The Way] turned on his head.

 Paul became a follower of Jesus.

God worked through these people to proclaim the gospel

Paul was the ace but there were many others that we read about who were used to do the mighty works of God.  There are many, many, many more that we never read about who were also doing the mighty works of God.

But look at what Paul says about the ministry God gave to him:

I don’t do this in my power. I don’t do this with my eloquant words.  It is done in and through me because of the mighty power of God dwelling in me. [I Corin 2:4-5]

People see God’s power and they come to Jesus.

Where is that power today?  Where is the faith of Christians to see that power in their lives today?

Do you think God can do mighty works through you?

Do you think you can place your hands upon people, pray for them to be healed, and God will heal them.

It is a simple act of obedience.   

Theme of our church this year:

it is better to obey

How do you feel about obeying God?  

Is there anyone today who needs healing?

[Yes]

Is there anyone who needs to be delivered?

Is there anyone who has not forgiven someone? 
Forgive, be filled with the Holy Spirit and go forth into battle with the full armor of God. Know that you have been given authority by the One who has all authority - King Jesus.

Home is Where The Heart Is?

If it is true that home is where the heart is, 

what do you do when your heart is in 3 different places?

Spokane                                 Texas                          China

Ah, wait, I see the answer on the horizon.  There is a melody arising; their is a tune I'm a humming. I'm beginning to catch the drift and know the Truth of what is coming.

Wherever He leads I'll go.  

My heart is home in Jesus. That's where I must stay for the victory today. . . and the next . . . and the next.

Wherever He leads I'll go.

Bonhoeffer quote

'If you board the wrong train it is no use running along the corridor in the opposite direction.'  
 Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Lord's Prayer

     “Our Father Who Art In Heaven.”

    “ Yes?”

     

     “Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.”

     “But -- YOU called ME!”

     “Called you? No, I didn't call you. I'm praying. Our Father who art in Heaven.” 

    

      “There -- you did it again!”

     “Did what?”

     “Called ME. You said,"Our Father who art in Heaven." Well, here I am. What's on your mind?”

     “But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty.”

     “Well, all right. Go on.”

     “Okay, Hallowed be thy name.”

     “Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?”

     “By what?”

     “By "Hallowed be thy name?”

     “It means, it means . . good grief, I don't know what it means. How in the world should I know?  It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?”

     “It means honored, holy, wonderful.”

     “Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before. Thanks.

     “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”

     “Do you really mean that?”

     “Sure, why not?”

     “What are you doing about it?”

     “Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there. We're kinda in a mess down here you know.”

    

    “Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you?”

     “Well, I go to church.”

     “That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money --all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?”

     “Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!”

     “Excuse ME. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you -- for example.”

     “Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.”

     “So could I.”

     “I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.”

     “Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together -- You and ME. I'm proud of You.”

     “Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.   Give us this day, our daily bread.”

     “You need to cut out the bread. You’re in China - enjoy the rice and noodles.

     “Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.”

     “Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called ME -- and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying. ( . . pause . . ) Well, go on.”

     “I'm scared to.”

     “Scared? Of what?”

     “I know what you'll say.”

     “Try ME.”

     “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”

     “What about Ann?”

     “See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!”

     “But -- your prayer -- What about your prayer?”

     “I didn't -- mean it.”

     “Well, at least you're honest. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it?”

     “Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born.”

     “No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. You know how unhappy you are -- Well, I can change that.”

     “You can? How?”

     “Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you; And the hate and the sin, will be Ann's problem -- not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.”

     “Oh, you know, you're right. You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You . . (sigh). All right . all right . . I forgive her.”

     “There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?”

     “Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven't been getting much rest, you know.”

     “Yeah, I know. But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on. 

Oh, all right.”

     “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

     “Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.”

     “What do you mean by that?”

     “You know what I mean.”

    

“Yeah. I know.”

     “Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.”

     “For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.”

     “Do you know what would bring me glory -- What would really make me happy?”

     “No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you now. I've really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow you. I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me . . . How do I make you happy?”

     “YOU just did.”

Advance the Kingdom of God

Fear Not
Stand Still
See the Salvation of The Lord
Go Forward

EX 14:13-15

Did you get fruitcaked?

Best Uses for Fruitcake

1. Bury it in the back yard for future archaeologists to

discover.

2. Give it to your child for a science project.

3. Hang on to it to find out if there REALLY is more than

one fruitcake that's making its rounds every year!

4. Use it to hold up a broken table or chair leg.

5. Mash several of them down and use for mortar when

building a log cabin.

6. Use it as an exercise stepping block for step aerobics.

7. Donate to the Road Kill Cafe for a wonderful dessert.

8. Use them to pave freeways. Just place them on the road

and run a steamroller over them.

9. Use them as fillers to repair the river levees. They last

indefinitely and are so dense, water can never penetrate

them.

10. Last and probably least - try eating it. That's one way

to get rid of it!

Received from Joke du Jour.

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Soft-Handed Men

In Time’s past, when you shook hands with a man, you seldom encountered a soft, pliable hand.

Now, soft-handed men seem to be predominate.

So, what’s the big deal about that you may ask.   

Hmmm, well, as my hands have begun to soften because of my lack of manuel labor, I started noticing that I was encountering more and more American men who sported very few calluses on their hands.  Some say that the calluses have moved from their hands to their backsides.

I well remember the preacher man when I was growing up.  He believed it was important to press the flesh.  He would baptize folks on a Sunday evening and some how manage to be there to greet everyone as they walked out the door.  He was a quick change artist.  He believed in giving everyone a warm ‘goodbye’ with a strong handshake as we left.

He also made sure he gave your hand a good going over.  My mother often commented that she felt like her hand had been wrung out like a wet dish rag when he finished shaking hands with her. My dad never complained.  He thought that it spoke well of the preacher man if he could crush your fingers together.

Now I also understand that we no longer live in time’s past.  Well, I do slip back there occasionally.

I know, we must live in Time’s present.  But that does not keep me from wincing a bit when I shake a man’s hand and think I’m shaking the hand of a woman. You understand, I like shaking women’s hands but only when they are attached to the female person.  

Also, as time has slipped by I have noticed that a man’s word apparently holds little significance.  There are more and more men who can look you in the eye, give you their word and promptly renege on that word.  A man’s word - once described as ‘his bond’ - no longer seems to mean much.  Now, you can even sign a contract with 37 lawyers signing off on it, and it still means very little.  

So, is there a correlation?  Could be. Could be.

The cure: dig more post holes - by hand.  One of my greetings to men is ‘you are a gentlemen and a scholar and not too bad a post hole digger.’   It means that you are a well rounded man who can be trusted.