Legacy: One Generation to the Next
One Generation to the Next
“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” - Billy Graham
“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” - Billy Graham
Scripture: Psalm 145:1-21
What is a Legacy?
The dictionary would define Legacy as “a gift or a bequest, that is handed down, endowed or conveyed from one person to another. It is something descendible one comes into possession of that is transmitted, inherited or received from a predecessor.”
The dictionary would define Legacy as “a gift or a bequest, that is handed down, endowed or conveyed from one person to another. It is something descendible one comes into possession of that is transmitted, inherited or received from a predecessor.”
Mission Week starts today. Much has been done already in preparation for a week of discipleship and service. 30 volunteers are preparing their hearts to serve Barnwell county for the next several days, others have already donated money and tools for the work, some have offered their houses so teams can shower after work, and the office staff has been administrating the operation for weeks. This is a great week for Bethany to preach the gospel and live the call Jesus has given to us. This week helps us leave a legacy that points to the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all things. How does Mission Week point to the supremacy of Jesus over all things?
1. We are trusting Jesus with our money
I have watched as some of you have struggled to gather up the money for your children and family to attend Mission Week. Ms. Samantha happily reports to me the charitable gifts that people are giving to fund this week. Not one person in the church, that I know of, has placed the concern of money above their concern to minister in Jesus's name to Barnwell County. This sacrificial attitude magnifies that money doesn't tell me what to do with my God, but my God tells me what to do with my money!
2. We are trusting God with our time
There are several that are taking time off at work, which they could have used for self, and working at Mission Week. Others are getting up early when they could sleep in to help cook breakfast. Each teen is saying, “Giving God my time is more valuable that giving it to my boyfriend, girlfriend, water park, zoo, sleepover with friends, or time just to do whatever.” We are telling Barnwell County God is God over our time.
3. We are trusting the leadership of God
A church that is not concerned about missions is a skeleton of a church or worse, it’s not a church at all. When we do week-long projects that take a large amount of people, energy, and money we are stating that we trust God. The leadership of this church knows it is taxing on a church body to do and support missions, but they trust God and support the mission of this church to love God, love others, and serve both.
We are stating with all our might that nothing is greater than God in our lives, and I hope the heartbeat of this week continues on for years to come.
The Greatest Legacy
It is in my heart to leave the greatest legacy possible to my family, this church, and town. I want every person to know, trust, and praise the greatness of God. It is my desire that we aim all our influence as a church to the greatness of God. When this is done God is glorified and people are saved and discipled. Now the question that stands before us today is how can we leave the greatest legacy to our children and generations to come? What can we do in order to set the stage for our children to be radical Jesus followers? What seeds can we plant in order for seeds of faith to grow in our children to the point they can say "neither do I count my own life dear" (Acts 20:24). Powerful men and women of God do not grow on trees, and worldly programs and parenting tips cannot produce them either. It takes a people who are willing to trust God with the next generation to the point they obey God. I believe there are teachers and parents in here today that are willing to do whatever it takes to plant, water, and tend to the seeds of faith they plant in the next generation’s life until a harvest of radical believers emerge.
What Do I mean When I Say Radical Believer?
Jim Elliot was a spirited and gifted young man who could have been a popular minister anywhere in the developed world, but he was called to a remote tribe of people in South America. His parents wrote to make him aware of their displeasure. His response is part of his legacy that many missionaries and ministers are inspired by today.
“I do not wonder that you were saddened at the word of my going to South America. This is nothing else than what the Lord Jesus warned us of when He told the disciples that they must become so infatuated with the kingdom and following Him that all other allegiances must become as though they were not. And he never excluded the family tie. In fact, those loves which we regard as closest, He told us must become as hate in comparison with our desires to uphold His cause. Grieve not, then, if your sons seem to desert you, but rejoice, rather, seeing the will of God done gladly. Remember how the Psalmist described children? He said that they were as an heritage from the Lord, and that every man should be happy who had his quiver full of them. And what is a quiver full of but arrows? And what are arrows for but to shoot? So, with the strong arms of prayer, draw the bowstring back and let the arrows fly–all of them, straight at the Enemy’s hosts.
‘Give of thy sons to bear the message glorious, Give of they wealth to speed them on their way, Pour out thy soul for them in prayer victorious, And all thou spendest Jesus will repay.'”
-Jim Elliot-
Jim would die seven years later at the age of 29 attempting to reach an unreached people. His wife Elisabeth continued his work and had success.
Jim's life became a warning to those who take the call of God lightly and an encouragement to all those who want to serve with radical obedience. When I say radical believers, I mean those with the spirit of Paul who loved Jesus more than their own life.
The Product of a Radical Generation
If Bethany labored today to disciple the next generation to be radical followers of Jesus what would happen to our town, country, and world? Jim's life had a global impact. People that would have never known Jesus now knows the love of God because of Jim. Those who lacked motivation to journey to a far land to teach the gospel of God have went because of Jim's radical life. The product of a radical generation is so immensely valuable that we cannot fully imagine what would happen. We only can have faith that God would be glorified like never before and those that today have no hope would find eternal joy in Jesus.
How to leave a Legacy
Bethany Baptist Church can leave an earth-shaking legacy by equipping our children in the following ways.
1.Teach Persistently (Deuteronomy 6:1-9)
Moses taught that God is acknowledged as supreme when He is the focal point of family discussion. There are certainly other things families want to talk about, but none as important as God and His word.
a.) The aim (2)
The aim of teaching God’s nature in the family unit is to keep the name of God known. Knowing God was necessary to be successful in the land God provided His people. Teaching God to the family was necessary in order for generations to come. Families learn who God is through each other and the corporate assembly of the believers. Adults in the family do well teaching the children in the family about God when they are guided by gifted teachers and preachers in the local church. God gifted people in the church specifically to teach His word. The family does well with in-home discipleship when the family is being instructed by gifted ministers God has given them in the church (Ephesians 4:11-12). I believe wholeheartedly that the institutions of the church and family intersect and work together to make God’s name known to present and future generations.
b.) The accuracy (8-9)
The teaching of God’s word is to be presented faithful. The permanent fixture of God’s word upon the hand and house points to the accuracy of what is taught. The aim is to teach God’s word accurately. It is better to rehearse simple truth than to turn simple truth into complex error. Bethany Baptist Church can pass on a great legacy by aiming to teach the word of God accurately. That means doing what it takes to be skilled communicators of the gospel. Prayer, personal devotion, taking classes, and picking up well written, gospel-centered books. We must be committed to do whatever it takes to accurately present the word of God.
2. Practically Train by Doing the Word of God (James 1:22-25)
Teaching God’s word reveals two things. 1.) Who God is, which is wonderful. 2.) Who we are, which is damnable. When these two things are taught persistently our nature is redeemed and the wonderful grace of God emerges in our life. Yet teaching, in and of itself, does not leave an earth-shaking, soul-stirring legacy that affects generations to come. There must be an action of what is being taught. Doing the Word of God transforms a person radically. I promise you the effort being put into Mission Week will yield a hundred-fold in your personal life.
Engaging in the sacrifice, teaching, serving, and worshiping that is involved in Mission Week will do something for you that money and time can not do. It will transform your thought life. The writer of Proverbs taught that committing your work to God would establish, direct, and steady your thought life (Proverbs 16:3). Do you know how many people have no direction and wander aimlessly through life unhappy and unfulfilled? Doing the word of God does something supernatural to the mind.
3. Purposely Point Praise to God (Psalm 145:1-7)
Praise is a very important part of leaving a legacy to the next generation. When teaching is attractive and works are applauded it is very easy for those who are doing it to receive the praise or for those who are around it to point praise to those faithfully teaching or working. Praising God in word and song points others to the nature of God that compels and empowers you for daily life.
a.) It’s an Everyday Effort (2)
Praising God is part of our daily routine. The effect of everyday praise is transmission of our knowledge of God’s glory to the next generation.
b.) The Purpose is to make God Known (10-12)
The greatest legacy we can leave the next generations is sound knowledge of God. Leaving a legacy takes wisdom and vision. The wisdom and vision we at Bethany want to apply to our lives are found in scripture. Greater than a building is the knowledge of God. The knowledge that He is Good, He is Creator, He is Redeemer, He is Father, Son, and Spirit. He is Supreme, He is Judge, He is Righteous, He is Provider, He is Sustainer, He is Holy, and He is Beautiful! All that we sing about and praise is to reveal and rehearse the greatness of our God!
Application: Are you leaving a legacy with your children by Teaching, Working, and Praising God?
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Jun 3, 2018Legacy: One Generation to the Next
Legacy: One Generation to the NextOne Generation to the Next
“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” - Billy GrahamScripture: Psalm 145:1-21What is a Legacy?
The dictionary would define Legacy as “a gift or a bequest, that is handed down, endowed or conveyed from one person to another. It is something descendible one comes into possession of that is transmitted, inherited or received from a predecessor.”Mission Week starts today. Much has been done already in preparation for a week of discipleship and service. 30 volunteers are preparing their hearts to serve Barnwell county for the next several days, others have already donated money and tools for the work, some have offered their houses so teams can shower after work, and the office staff has been administrating the operation for weeks. This is a great week for Bethany to preach the gospel and live the call Jesus has given to us. This week helps us leave a legacy that points to the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all things. How does Mission Week point to the supremacy of Jesus over all things?1. We are trusting Jesus with our moneyI have watched as some of you have struggled to gather up the money for your children and family to attend Mission Week. Ms. Samantha happily reports to me the charitable gifts that people are giving to fund this week. Not one person in the church, that I know of, has placed the concern of money above their concern to minister in Jesus's name to Barnwell County. This sacrificial attitude magnifies that money doesn't tell me what to do with my God, but my God tells me what to do with my money!2. We are trusting God with our timeThere are several that are taking time off at work, which they could have used for self, and working at Mission Week. Others are getting up early when they could sleep in to help cook breakfast. Each teen is saying, “Giving God my time is more valuable that giving it to my boyfriend, girlfriend, water park, zoo, sleepover with friends, or time just to do whatever.” We are telling Barnwell County God is God over our time.3. We are trusting the leadership of GodA church that is not concerned about missions is a skeleton of a church or worse, it’s not a church at all. When we do week-long projects that take a large amount of people, energy, and money we are stating that we trust God. The leadership of this church knows it is taxing on a church body to do and support missions, but they trust God and support the mission of this church to love God, love others, and serve both.We are stating with all our might that nothing is greater than God in our lives, and I hope the heartbeat of this week continues on for years to come.The Greatest Legacy
It is in my heart to leave the greatest legacy possible to my family, this church, and town. I want every person to know, trust, and praise the greatness of God. It is my desire that we aim all our influence as a church to the greatness of God. When this is done God is glorified and people are saved and discipled. Now the question that stands before us today is how can we leave the greatest legacy to our children and generations to come? What can we do in order to set the stage for our children to be radical Jesus followers? What seeds can we plant in order for seeds of faith to grow in our children to the point they can say "neither do I count my own life dear" (Acts 20:24). Powerful men and women of God do not grow on trees, and worldly programs and parenting tips cannot produce them either. It takes a people who are willing to trust God with the next generation to the point they obey God. I believe there are teachers and parents in here today that are willing to do whatever it takes to plant, water, and tend to the seeds of faith they plant in the next generation’s life until a harvest of radical believers emerge.What Do I mean When I Say Radical Believer?Jim Elliot was a spirited and gifted young man who could have been a popular minister anywhere in the developed world, but he was called to a remote tribe of people in South America. His parents wrote to make him aware of their displeasure. His response is part of his legacy that many missionaries and ministers are inspired by today.
“I do not wonder that you were saddened at the word of my going to South America. This is nothing else than what the Lord Jesus warned us of when He told the disciples that they must become so infatuated with the kingdom and following Him that all other allegiances must become as though they were not. And he never excluded the family tie. In fact, those loves which we regard as closest, He told us must become as hate in comparison with our desires to uphold His cause. Grieve not, then, if your sons seem to desert you, but rejoice, rather, seeing the will of God done gladly. Remember how the Psalmist described children? He said that they were as an heritage from the Lord, and that every man should be happy who had his quiver full of them. And what is a quiver full of but arrows? And what are arrows for but to shoot? So, with the strong arms of prayer, draw the bowstring back and let the arrows fly–all of them, straight at the Enemy’s hosts.
‘Give of thy sons to bear the message glorious, Give of they wealth to speed them on their way, Pour out thy soul for them in prayer victorious, And all thou spendest Jesus will repay.'”
-Jim Elliot-
Jim would die seven years later at the age of 29 attempting to reach an unreached people. His wife Elisabeth continued his work and had success.
Jim's life became a warning to those who take the call of God lightly and an encouragement to all those who want to serve with radical obedience. When I say radical believers, I mean those with the spirit of Paul who loved Jesus more than their own life.The Product of a Radical Generation
If Bethany labored today to disciple the next generation to be radical followers of Jesus what would happen to our town, country, and world? Jim's life had a global impact. People that would have never known Jesus now knows the love of God because of Jim. Those who lacked motivation to journey to a far land to teach the gospel of God have went because of Jim's radical life. The product of a radical generation is so immensely valuable that we cannot fully imagine what would happen. We only can have faith that God would be glorified like never before and those that today have no hope would find eternal joy in Jesus.How to leave a Legacy
Bethany Baptist Church can leave an earth-shaking legacy by equipping our children in the following ways.1.Teach Persistently (Deuteronomy 6:1-9)Moses taught that God is acknowledged as supreme when He is the focal point of family discussion. There are certainly other things families want to talk about, but none as important as God and His word.
a.) The aim (2)The aim of teaching God’s nature in the family unit is to keep the name of God known. Knowing God was necessary to be successful in the land God provided His people. Teaching God to the family was necessary in order for generations to come. Families learn who God is through each other and the corporate assembly of the believers. Adults in the family do well teaching the children in the family about God when they are guided by gifted teachers and preachers in the local church. God gifted people in the church specifically to teach His word. The family does well with in-home discipleship when the family is being instructed by gifted ministers God has given them in the church (Ephesians 4:11-12). I believe wholeheartedly that the institutions of the church and family intersect and work together to make God’s name known to present and future generations.
b.) The accuracy (8-9)The teaching of God’s word is to be presented faithful. The permanent fixture of God’s word upon the hand and house points to the accuracy of what is taught. The aim is to teach God’s word accurately. It is better to rehearse simple truth than to turn simple truth into complex error. Bethany Baptist Church can pass on a great legacy by aiming to teach the word of God accurately. That means doing what it takes to be skilled communicators of the gospel. Prayer, personal devotion, taking classes, and picking up well written, gospel-centered books. We must be committed to do whatever it takes to accurately present the word of God.2. Practically Train by Doing the Word of God (James 1:22-25)Teaching God’s word reveals two things. 1.) Who God is, which is wonderful. 2.) Who we are, which is damnable. When these two things are taught persistently our nature is redeemed and the wonderful grace of God emerges in our life. Yet teaching, in and of itself, does not leave an earth-shaking, soul-stirring legacy that affects generations to come. There must be an action of what is being taught. Doing the Word of God transforms a person radically. I promise you the effort being put into Mission Week will yield a hundred-fold in your personal life.Engaging in the sacrifice, teaching, serving, and worshiping that is involved in Mission Week will do something for you that money and time can not do. It will transform your thought life. The writer of Proverbs taught that committing your work to God would establish, direct, and steady your thought life (Proverbs 16:3). Do you know how many people have no direction and wander aimlessly through life unhappy and unfulfilled? Doing the word of God does something supernatural to the mind.3. Purposely Point Praise to God (Psalm 145:1-7)Praise is a very important part of leaving a legacy to the next generation. When teaching is attractive and works are applauded it is very easy for those who are doing it to receive the praise or for those who are around it to point praise to those faithfully teaching or working. Praising God in word and song points others to the nature of God that compels and empowers you for daily life.
a.) It’s an Everyday Effort (2)Praising God is part of our daily routine. The effect of everyday praise is transmission of our knowledge of God’s glory to the next generation.
b.) The Purpose is to make God Known (10-12)The greatest legacy we can leave the next generations is sound knowledge of God. Leaving a legacy takes wisdom and vision. The wisdom and vision we at Bethany want to apply to our lives are found in scripture. Greater than a building is the knowledge of God. The knowledge that He is Good, He is Creator, He is Redeemer, He is Father, Son, and Spirit. He is Supreme, He is Judge, He is Righteous, He is Provider, He is Sustainer, He is Holy, and He is Beautiful! All that we sing about and praise is to reveal and rehearse the greatness of our God!Application: Are you leaving a legacy with your children by Teaching, Working, and Praising God? - May 27, 2018The Gospel for Imperfect People: Church Members
The Gospel for Imperfect People: Church MembersThe Gospel for Imperfect People
“Imperfect Church Members”
John 16
A Word to All of Us
I am happy to pastor this church. I love each one of you dearly. When I say I look forward to worshiping with you I do not say that to sound pastoral, I say that because it is truth. I know that being faithful to church is a struggle to some, giving hard for others, serving consistently is a heavy burden at times. I do not expect any of us to get it all right all the time. I simply love you and want you to stay. I want you to keep trying, keep praying, keep struggling, keep trusting God. I care for you when you give or do not, I will preach to the church when it is easy or hard, if you are late or on time, when your family is strong and when it is weak, through all seasons I want to be with you. All I ask is you stick it out and trust in Jesus through the good and bad of life. Church life isn’t easy, but we are in it together.Jesus’s Imperfect Group
When we come to John 16 we can learn a lot from the many implications in the text. When I say implications I simply mean the things we as a church know because we have the full revelation of scripture. For instance, we know that the audience that Jesus was addressing in John 16 was an imperfect group for the scriptures state we are all sinners, including Jesus’s own group. The text is not written to say: “Hear thou me you group of damned sinners”. Yet we know what they were, for scripture tells us what we all are. So here we have a group of imperfect people that Jesus loves. A group that will soon abandon Him in His darkest hour (32). Jesus knew every squabble that would arise among them, every failure that would weigh heavy on them, the struggle of the mind that would always be at war in them and still He spoke to them and gave them words of truth, hope, and joy. This is the message I hope to give to the group of Jesus’ imperfect people today.The Words of Jesus a Real Comfort (1-4)
This chapter opens with Jesus revealing why He is speaking to them with such simple but rich words. His goal is to equip them with knowledge so His group of imperfect people will not abandon their faith. Jesus knew hard times were upon His imperfect group and the inner urge to abandon their faith would be great. Noble ideas would call them away, Storage love (love for family) would seek to elevate itself above Jesus (Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26), fear would impose itself on the weak group, physical pain and alienation (which is loneliness) had them in its crosshairs, and self-gratifying pleasure of the world would soon be undressing herself to lure the group away. The disciples were in a dangerous place and Jesus knew it. We are in the same dangerous place and Jesus knows it. Later on, in the pages of scripture as the Christian church was developing and expanding we read that Paul had friends in the faith that abandoned him because they loved the world “Demas has forsaken me loving this present world” 2nd Timothy 4:10. It was from the backdrop of temptation and danger that Jesus spoke to His group and the words He spoke them brings the same comfort to us today that it brought to His original group of followers many years ago. Jesus has a word for every fear and danger in your life.Each imperfect church member today can have the truth, hope, and joy needed to survive and thrive as a follower of Jesus, by believing the following implications in John 16:
I. Though Imperfect You are Important (5-7)The first implication we observe is that Jesus planned to return to the Father. Jesus was not talking about taking a vacation but suffering and death. The disciples did not like the sound of that. He tells them, and us, that going to the cross is a plus for us. Embracing the cross and becoming a curse is how He planned to show us our worth. You are very important to this local body of believers because of Jesus.
a. A Word of HopeAs a church member your importance is measured by what Jesus has said about you and accomplished for you. It is easy and also dangers to measure your value in a local body of believers by any other factor than Jesus’s teaching and cross. Our self-worth as an individual, or church, is not wrapped up in self, but the Savior, we are valuable because Jesus is valuable. Very valuable people have walked in and out of these doors because they were measuring themselves with another metric. You matter to me, you matter to this church, but most of all you matter to Jesus. Your many imperfections do not make you worthless. It is what God has declared about you in His Son the makes you an in-expendable commodity in His Kingdom.In a large vast kingdom filled with riches and power was the most noble and handsome prince. Living outside his kingdom was the most hideous people. Tattered clothes that reeked of rot, breath ridden with the worse kind of halitosis, and absent of all manners of good will and politeness. One day the Prince set out on a ride to see the farthest corners of his kingdom and beyond. When he crossed over the border and came to the hideous people he encounters a lady most hideous to the 5 senses and decided to love her. He wrapped her in a royal robe placed her on his very horse and took her to the palace where he made her his princess. Not a beautiful sight even cleaned up and clothed right, not educated, not connected, yet she sits in the palace robed in valuable glory. Where did she get such worth? Simply from the indwelling love of the prince for her. We are like the hideous lady who has immense value because Jesus loves us!Do you rejoice in the value Jesus has given you? Do you attend this church because of how Jesus has valued you?II. Though Imperfect You are Gifted (13-15)Jesus was headed to the cross to make a worthless group eternally valuable to God, and at the same time looking beyond the horrific suffering to the coming of the Spirit of God into the lives of His imperfect followers. Jesus going away (resurrection from the dead and accession into heaven) would be beneficial to His group because of the coming of the Holy Spirit to teach, direct, and empower His Church of imperfect people. This second great implication from our text reminds the church how important each member truly is.The Spirit of God is in each believer knitting us together, directing our steps, and gifting us in various ways for the glory of God and sake of man makes each gifted member a link in an unbreakable chain. It is this very chain that you are a link in that pulls others out of the fiery pits of hell. You are gloriously gifted and the people seated all around you need that gift. It is important for you to stay faithful to this local church because we need you.We need you to grow, groom, and exercise your spiritual gifting right here with us. My gift of teaching is valuable to the church, your gift of mercy, giving, or hospitality is just as important to the church. Jesus died, rose again, ascended to heaven, and sent the Spirit of God in order for you to be gifted for where you are now. I encourage you to do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
Several years ago, two students graduated from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. The highest-ranking student in the class was a blind man named Overton and when he received his honor, he insisted that half the credit should go to his friend, Kaspryzak. They had met one another in school when the armless Mr. Kaspryzak had guided the blind Mr. Overton down a flight of stairs. This acquaintance ripened into friendship and a beautiful example of interdependence. The blind man carried the books which the armless man read aloud in their common study, and thus the individual deficiency of each was compensated for by the other. After their graduation, they planned to practice law together. (Gary Inrig, Life in His Body)
The great violinist, Nicolo Paganini, willed his marvelous violin to Genoa -- the city of his birth -- but only on condition that the instrument never be played upon. It was an unfortunate condition, for it is a peculiarity of wood that as long as it is used and handled, it shows little wear. As soon as it is discarded, it begins to decay. The exquisite, mellow-toned violin has become worm-eaten in its beautiful case, valueless except as a relic. The moldering instrument is a reminder that a life withdrawn from all service to others loses its meaning. (Bits & Pieces, June 25, 1992.)
We need to be put to use for the glory of God and sake of man. It was for this purpose that Jesus died, rose again, and sent the Holy Spirit. To do anything less is to make the work of Christ of none effect in our lives.
Will you stay and use the gift God has given you for His glory and our sake?III. Though Imperfect You are Responsible (31-33)The third implication is both a warning and encouragement. Jesus has died, rose again, ascended into heaven, and given gifts to men. We as Jesus’ imperfect group are now valuable, gifted, and accountable to God for how we respond to these truths. Jesus taught the disciples in parables about being responsible with what God has given. Each person here today will be accountable to God for how they utilized their redemption and gifting. Being imperfect does not excuse you from accountability.On the day of judgment, we can say, the church you gave me was a bore, the preacher was not well spoken, the programs were outdated or far-fetched, or use the famous “I wasn’t getting spiritually fed” (says the conservative Christian that doesn’t believe in government handouts). Whatever excuse you can think of to avoid your responsibility as a saved gifted imperfect person before God will not be accepted. Jesus said the perfect words to imperfect people and then the responsibility to obey is on us. His disciples scattered on their own by no fault of Jesus. If you chose to scattered it is on you, and no one else. Today I want to encourage you to remain faithful and serve in all your imperfections because it is the will of God for your life. Jesus redeemed and gifted you that you may stand before Him accountable on the day of judgment awaiting great reward.Will you serve God and be faithful in your imperfections as a church member? - May 20, 2018The Gospel for Imperfect People: Family
- May 13, 2018The Gospel for Imperfect People: Mother’s Day
The Gospel for Imperfect People: Mother’s DayThe Gospel for Imperfect People
Acts 16:1; 2nd Timothy 1:5; 2nd Timothy 3:15; 1st Timothy 2:15Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a reminder of the curse of sin and God’s grace (Genesis 3:16). Children are born in much pain, sorrow, and the promise of death to come because of sin. At the same time God ordained motherhood to bring forth His Son who would suffer much labor pain, sorrow, and death of every man in order to save man from sin. Mother’s Day reminds me both of sin’s curse and man’s redemption born through the vessel of women (Genesis 3:15 and Galatians 4:4).Mother’s Day also reminds me that we have assembled here today not to receive honor but to give honor, and that goes for mothers as well as all others. We have come to honor God and mother’s and since each has a mother none has come to receive honor but to give honor to God and mom. I am reminded that a person who gives honor has honor to give and that in itself is a great gift from God. We have honor from God to share with God and man. The honor we give others is only the honor God has bestowed upon us.Mother’s Day also reminds me of my wife, mother, grandmothers, and great grandmother. I have known all of them for some period of time in my life. Each one of them are, and were, exceptional women.My great-grandmother was an older lady that I remember as pleasant. She was never mean to me in any way. She leaves me with the memory of my first death. I stayed with my cousin Janet (who is now with the Lord), while my family went to my great grandmother’s wake. I have a memory of sitting in Janet’s lap while she told me great granny went to heaven to live with Jesus.My mother’s mother, whom we called granny, was always kind and could cook. I loved her macaroni and cheese. She left me with the memories of suffering. I stayed with her one Christmas night. I remember going in her bedroom as she laid in the bed reading the book of James (My grandfather’s name). She told me it was her favorite book because of the name it bears. My Granddaddy whom she loved dearly was named after the Lord’s half-brother James. She never got over my granddaddy’s death, and the lesson of suffering has stuck with me. I never told her but watching her struggle the last few years of her life was the greatest gift she gave me.My “mammy” was a stern woman that instilled in me reality that most children today miss out on. “Work wins” is the great lesson she taught me. Work wins you peace and prosperity at the end of the day. Peace knowing you did what you were supposed to do, and prosperity in that your hands provided for your mouth.Then there is my mother. She sowed the seeds of my faith in Jesus Christ in my life at young age. I am a preacher of God’s Word, husband, and Father, because she took me to church. I remember mom taking my brothers and I to church, reading her bible (I always like to hear the pages of her bible turn), and writing checks of $25.00 to the church (we were poor and I knew that was a lot of money to her). Come to think of it my family’s success financially may be in those little checks of faith. She was my biggest supporter when I started Bible College. She always helped me with any ministry event I ask her to be involved with. The greatest impact she made on me was loving my dad, not that he was unlovable, but that she was a biblical woman. She has always loved, supported, and submitted to my dad and all of us boys know it.And finally, the woman I met later in my life than any of the rest is my beautiful wife. She is a devout wife and mother. She loves her boys and spends herself everyday for the glory of God and sake of men, mostly for the 5 men that live with her, our 4 sons and me. She is special in every way and I love and respect her greatly. Tara is a treasure from God and I am glad to be her husband and have her as the mother of my 4 sons.These things are snapshots of what Mother’s Day means to me.More than a definition:
I can describe the emotions, thoughts, and meaning of Mother’s Day, but we did not assemble just to do that. We have come to Embrace, Encourage, and Entice Mothers to do their God given calling with all their might. The message today is not limited to mothers alone, for it is the calling of every believer to influence others to follow Jesus.Meet Eunice:
Eunice was the mother of Paul’s son in the faith, Timothy who influenced her son to trust God and was the wife of an unknown Greek man. She taught her son the faith she had from his earliest years of life instilling in him the seeds of truth that would turn into radical faith. Her great purpose in life was to invest in her son Timothy. What made Timothy a great man of God?His Mom was a Believer (Acts 16:1)Every believing mom is a great blessing to her children. Scripture mentions Timothy as a disciple and points quickly to his believing mother. Her believe was not without some difficulties at home. Her husband was not a believer and Timothy, although half Jewish had never been circumcised. Scripture states him as a Greek and later Paul would address Timothy as his son in the faith. It is very possible that Timothy’s father was dead by this time and Paul took on the role as a father figure. What we do know is Timothy’s belief in God was fashioned after his mother’s and for this the whole Christian world is thankful.His mom’s faith was unwavering (2nd Timothy 2:5)Timothy was solid in his faith. Hard circumstances had come that made others that followed Paul abandon him, but Timothy was still around and serving God and hearing Paul like a son hears a father. Paul accredits that to the unwavering faith of two prominent women in Timothy’s life. Again, it is no accident that Paul brings up mom and grandma. These women must have preserved obvious hardships that caught the attention of Paul and taught young Timothy how to act in hours of darkness. The secret they shared with Timothy is stay the course. Mom’s, whatever visible trouble you are going through, stay the course and serve God. Your children will reap the rewards of your efforts.His mom taught the Scriptures (2nd Timothy 3:15)Timothy’s training to be a great man of God began as a young boy. His mom did not know what he would be, but she know he would be great if he knew and acted on the wisdom from the scripture. Our children do not become great men and women over night. They become great people overtime spent in secret and public prayer, through memory verse at the kitchen table, bible truths while lying in bed, church services where God’s word is honored, and preserving the anxiety of life to keep the word in front of them when there is so much that can distract us from them. Phones, tablets, movies, sports, piano lessons, nor the boy scouts can make your child wise to salvation, but God’s word can. Are we teaching our kids to keep their eye on Jesus or eyes somewhere else? Hitting a ball, calling a play, doing a stunt, and being valedictorian of his or her class are things we want our children to experience, but nothing, hear me on this, nothing is more important than them hearing God’s word. Timothy did not get in the right stance to hit a ball when persecution came, he didn’t do the stunt he learned at cheerleading camp, he didn’t call out an audible from a high school football huddle, he didn’t right a thesis on the psychology of suffering, but he did cling to God’s word and it gave him direction, determination, and comfort. Read your children the scriptures at the youngest age possible.His mom allowed her labor pain to be her greatest joy (1st Timothy 2:15)- God destined motherhood to bring salvation to the world. The pain and suffering of child birth can leave a mother physically and emotionally scarred. There are women who many years after child birth battle depression and anxiety. There are others who have physical issues from a hard labor, especially in other countries where there is little medical treatment available. Mother’s have a chance to influence their children to redemption. They have primary influence over younger children and it would be a waste of all the pain and suffering to bring them into the world if labor is not put forth to save them from the world. Timothy’s mom was not an elder. She did not occupy some CEO role in the church and thank God she didn’t. Her time instead was focused on her son who became a great Christian and the letters written to him concerning his call still teach us today. Do not misplace your pain and suffering as a mother. - May 6, 2018The Gospel for Imperfect People: Marriage
- Apr 29, 2018Stewardship of the Good Things of God
Stewardship of the Good Things of God
- Apr 22, 2018The Effects of the Resurrection: What Happens Before the King Returns
The Effects of the Resurrection: What Happens Before the King ReturnsThe Effects of the Resurrection
What Happens Before the King Returns
2nd Thessalonians 2:1-17Jesus is alive today. He is living in a real way, not in an allegorical way. He is not in heavenly places with God as a mere spirit, but He literally appears in the heavens in a human body. He lives to make intercession to God for each believer. He is there as the hope of heaven to all the saints who have died. The saints look at the body of Jesus, alive from the dead, and know they will have resurrected bodies one day because Jesus has His!King and Judge of the entire World
Jesus is King. He is King of all things and rules with supreme wisdom and patience. As we can see, His creation is under a curse, yet we that are redeemed look for the redemption of all things that are to come. We believe that Jesus will return to the earth and we will rule and reign with him. Jesus will return as King and as King He will exercise judgement (Acts 17:31). As it happens we are not the only ones who believe that Jesus will return. Jesus Himself believed that He would return (Matthew 16:27, Mark 13:26, and Luke 21:27). The apostles taught Jesus would return, and the early church taught that Jesus would return.Disagreements on Arrangements
There have been some disagreements on the arrangements of events concerning the coming of Jesus, but the unifying stand of the church of God is Jesus will come to judge and reign on the earth. We believe He will come bodily in the air to receive the living saints with the dead saints. He will set up His Kingdom here on earth for a thousand years, before the age of eternity. The lingering question is will His return be before, during, or after the tribulation. You may have heard of terms pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation rapture. These terms help define what a Christian believes about the return of Jesus. There is a question of the “when”, but not of the “if”. There should be no quarrels with people, who from scripture, seek to unravel the “when” of Christ return (in a theological sense for no man knows the day or hour Matthew 24:36), but for those who doubt Jesus’s physical return as King and judge I have concern.What to Know
Jesus taught that there would be a great tribulation (Matthew 24:21-29). The great tribulation is like child birth for a woman. The pains become worse and worse until the joy of a child being born takes place. Therefore, the tribulation, when it is finished, brings about a very good thing which is the return of Jesus.
What you believe concerning the tribulation and rapture does not determine if you are saved, if you are qualified to be a member of the church, or if you are a sanctified Christian. God did not make your understanding of His return a deal breaker in your salvation. However, the coming of Christ is a real event that brings real comfort in very real trials and heartache. Studying the return of Jesus should cause our hearts to rejoice and be determined not to quit!Paul and the Thessalonians
This young church has heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, including the promise of His return, and has embraced it with their full heart. The return of Jesus has given them great hope in trials, but it has also given way for false teachers to come in and lead people astray (V:2). Paul decides, using his letter writing ability coupled with his theological mind, to give markers that truly indicate the return of Christ to this New Testament Church. If these indicators are yet to be seen, then Jesus has not returned.
What are the markers, or road signs that point to the return of the King that Paul shared with this Church?First things First
Paul is rehearsing what he already taught them (V:5). There is little doubt that Paul is taking his teachings from the very teachings of Jesus recorded in the gospel accounts. Jesus teaches that false teachers will claim He had already come (Matthew 24:26), and Paul is dealing with the very issue. Matthew 24:10-12 Jesus teaches about a falling away and in 2nd Thessalonians 2:7 Paul echoes the same thing. What we see then is Paul’s interpretation of Jesus’ teaches to a local New Testament Church. This is not just an interpretation, but an inspired interpretation from the mind of God penned through the hand of Paul, therefore we should pay close attention to it.What Paul Said must happen before Jesus Returns
I. There Come a falling away (V:3b)The falling away is “apostasy”. Apostasy means a denial of something once believed. Christianity is not based on a once held belief, but a held belief. Truth faith that saves is active faith that works continuously. Apostasy is not mere doubt in a moment or moments of weakness. Apostasy is full out rejection of core doctrinal truth. Apostasy does not have to be a verbal decree, it can be an acted-out decree (V:12). An example looks like a person once lived as Jesus rose from the dead as Lord, and while they still make those statements they do not live as though those statements are real, these have apostatized from the faith of Jesus Christ. Apostasy is seen in word and deed. The first marker Paul tells the church to look for concerning the coming of Jesus; are those who claim Jesus yet speak against the truth of Jesus, live against the truth of Jesus, or both. Once this begins to happen the Lord is soon to come. Jesus foreseeing the falling away says, “When the Son of Man comes will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).
Growing up I heard about the return of Jesus. Every natural disaster was an indicator, every election, every military crisis, and so on. It seemed that everything pointed toward the end, yet the end cannot come unless there is a great falling away. The earth could shake all over, but until we see claimed saints living out apostatized lives in bulk Jesus cannot come. Therefore, my mind is made up to look at the church in order to get a better few of the coming of Jesus.
Today my call to Bethany Baptist Church is to look about at the apostasy in the church world. Examine how many claim Jesus but have never really trusted Jesus and repent from such notions in your heart for the King is coming quickly.
Will you take heart in the fact that Jesus is coming repent from your sins and stay steadfast in the faith?II. The Man of Sin Revealed (V:3c)This is the man of lawlessness and he has not yet come but is already here in some sense. The very demonic spirit that will occupy this man is felt today. The stage is being set, but the actor has not yet been cued. We see scattered bits of the demonic ideas that will empower this individual, but we do not see it fully possessed by one man. Paul told the church to be on the look out for the lawless one. This lawless one would make such an impact you could not miss him, even in the days of this letter (AD 51) if the lawless one had appeared the people of the church would know it.
How would they know it?
a. Opposing and Exalting (v:4)- The lawless one will oppose the truths delivered to the saints. He will be powerfully convincing to the point he exalts himself to a place of human worship. He desires the worship only due to God. Those who oppose God’s teachings and desire to be admired to the place of worship has the spirit of antichrist.
b. Sitting and showing (V:4b)- The lawless one will sit in the place of power and honor showing through signs and wonders that he is God (v:9). The great deception that will be believed is that this man’s works are authentically God’s.
c. It will be unmistakable- The lawless one first opposing God and secondly exalting himself as God makes Him undeniable to the faithful Christian eye.
III. The Restrainer Removed (V:7)We do not for sure what or who the restrainer is. A logic conclusion would be the powers that be. Rulers are appointed by God to execute judgement (Romans 13:1). Others think the restrainer is the Holy Spirit. What we know is God has appointed an unidentified restrainer that will be removed before the coming of the Lord.
a. After the Restrainer- Once the retainer is removed God allows those who wish for a lie to believe the lie. All those who have professed Jesus as Lord without genuine faith will believe a lie without intervening of God’s amazing grace. This is done that they all might be damned who “loved not the truth” and enjoyed a life of unrighteousness. Many will be damned after the restrainer is removed and the lawless one can do as he pleases. Many have professed Jesus, but do not love Jesus. He is not their prize. He is not treasured above all else in their lives, and it can be seen in professing Christians every day living. When what occupies the daily routine of a “Christian” is no different than an unbeliever there is a problem. When marriages of Christians look identical with unbelievers there is a problem. When fellowship with other believers in worship are frequently set aside that other matters maybe attended to there is a problem. When prayers are neglected, giving scoffed at as money hungry preacher gimmicks, when the faith of Jesus becomes something to do instead of a life style to live there is a problem!
With the restrainer gone those that are part of the true church can recognize the lawless one, but those who have pretended will be fooled. Paul is telling the church to look for these marks because the church will be there to see and determine these marks.It does not end there
After the lawless one rules and reigns as if he is God, and many are left to a delusion, Jesus will return and call His people away. He will consume the lawless one with spirit of His mouth and brightness of His coming. Jesus will then rule and reign with His people for 1,000 years. No matter how dark the tribulations of life can be the dawn will come and a better day will rise! Jesus is coming take heart a new day is dawning!What should we do?
Jesus has not yet come; therefore, we are to be aware of what is taking place in our world from a biblical standpoint. We are to be sober minded, God worshiping, right living, prayer warriors that obey the teachings of Jesus. The fact that Jesus is coming should encourage us in every trial and cause us to stay the course.
Today, be reminded that Jesus is coming; therefore live hopeful, steadfast Christian lives. - Apr 15, 2018The Effects of the Resurrection: Part Two
The Effects of the Resurrection: Part Two
- Apr 8, 2018The Effects of the Resurrection: Part One
The Effects of the Resurrection: Part OneThe Effects of the Resurrection
Mark 16:1-8Last week we preached about “Glory in the Suffering of Christ”. All Christian suffering is for the glory of God and sake of man. Today we will set our sights on the “What the resurrection of Jesus Means to Us” or the effects of the resurrection. Suffering is part of the story. It is different color paints in the hand of a master artist. Years ago, I went and saw “art live” it was a Christian ministry where an artist told a story from the bible all the while drawing, and at the end it all came together and made a beautiful picture. I remember trying to guess what the seemingly aimless brush strokes would be, but only got the full picture when the artist had completed his work. Our suffering is a stroke-by-stroke work of art, and when it is finished we will see the beauty in it all, but for now we trust the Artist.
When Jesus finished suffering for the sins of the world he was buried, the disciples scattered, and hope that He would be the deliver of His people vanished. But that is not all of the story. Jesus rose again and suffering became glory, death lost its sting, the disciples banded together, and the New Testament Church was born. The question we will answer today is what the resurrection of Jesus means for me today.Mark’s account
The eight verses in Mark are full of shock and awe moments. The stone missing, the angel is in the tomb, the message that Jesus had risen, and the commission to tell the disciples about all about it. The resurrection is exciting, but it is so much more. Jesus coming forth from the grave sent a powerful God honoring shock wave through two thousand years and billions of people. Nations have been shaped by this one event. Minus the resurrection from the Christian faith the effect may not exist and if an effect did exist it would be a ripple in a pond and not a tsunami from the ocean. What effects does the resurrection have on us today? When we talk about the resurrection of Christ it means so much, here are a few things it means:I. It Means Christian Suffering is not a Punctuation (Matthew 28:5-6; Luke 24:39; Revelation 1:18)Take a moment and reflect on where you are. Tell yourself “this is not it for me”. This is because of Jesus’ resurrection. There are three points I want to make here that are real and encouraging;A. You will suffer (1 Peter 5:10; 2nd Timothy 3:12)This is just a reminder from last week of a reality that we must all face. Christians are not exempt from sufferings. Physical and emotional pain exist for every believer. Suffering is observed in the perfect sinless life of the Son of God and if the perfect Man experienced pain in this sin cursed world we can conclude that everyone of us will suffer as well. I say this for two reasons:1. I want you to understand that salvation is not for those looking for a smooth ride in life, but for those who want to follow Jesus in all seasons of life even the suffering ones.
2. I want each person to understand that suffering comes to you when are doing everything right. Too many Christians get swallowed up in the “God is mad at me” attitude. I hope that each person here, when they suffer, trust God more and does not doubt God more.B. You will Die (Hebrews 9:27; Psalm 90:12)The life of Jesus teaches everyone that they will die. Moses prayed that God would teach him to value his days so he may live wise. Moses simply said, “teach me that I will die, that I may value every day”. When you ride past a grave yard, which there are many, it is a reminder that people die. I remind us of this for two reasons:1. To keep eternity in perspective. Remember that every word, every action, every thought, every dollar you earn, and every feeling you have may be the last before you die. Then everything will be called into account before God. Live with purpose is my plea today, and not for any purpose, but with the purpose of pleasing God.
2. To keep you wise- Thinking we have all the time in the world is a foolish fantasy. I am saying this to burst your bubble that you may move to the fortress of truth and wisdom. Bubble’s are not safe places to live.C. They will not last (John 11:25)Lazarus suffered from sickness and died. His sisters were hurt deeply. All seemed lost, but then Jesus showed up and death lost its sting! You will suffer, you will die, and you will rise again because of the resurrection of Jesus! God’s love story toward His people is not you will die period, or you will suffer period, but it is you will suffer (COMMA), you will die (COMMA), and you will rise (EXCLAMATION)!The resurrection of Jesus teaches us that the suffering of Jesus was simply part of His eternal glory. His immense agony was a plus sign in the equation of God. (Revelation 1:18) Jesus has a title He shares with John, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen”! Because Jesus lives, suffering is only a temporary mode that has positive effects in eternity!The late Stephen Hawkins accredited his success with his suffering. He said he drank to much and worked too little before he found out he had ALS. Reflecting on his suffering and success he said "When one's expectations are reduced to zero," he said, "one really appreciates everything that one does have." (James Dobson, New Man October 1994 p. 36)Somerset Maugham, the English writer, once wrote a story about a janitor at St Peter's Church in London. One day a young vicar discovered that the janitor was illiterate and fired him. Jobless, the man invested his meager savings in a tiny tobacco shop, where he prospered, bought another, expanded, and ended up with a chain of tobacco stores worth several hundred thousand dollars. One day the man's banker said, "You've done well for an illiterate, but where would you be if you could read and write?" "Well," replied the man, "I'd be janitor of St. Peter's Church in Neville Square." (Bits and Pieces June 24 1993 p. 23).
Will you view your suffering as a comma and your resurrection to come as an exclamation?II. It Means Joy and Revelation (Matthew 28:8; Luke 24:32)A. Joy in a Graveyard (Matthew 28:8)Christ’s resurrection shows us that joy can exist in the most depressing places of life. I have been in several grave yards, and none of them were places of joy. I recently saw a picture of a gentleman I went to church with years ago. His son died a few years back and he was at the graveyard thanking God that resurrection day was soon to come. It was a sad picture, mixed with some joy. Without the resurrection, this man would have zero joy at his son’s tombstone. The ladies that went to the graveyard on resurrection morning found hope where it had been completely absent. They came upon great joy in the most somber place on earth. Because of Jesus rising again we to find joy in our darkest hours!B.Revelation in our Sorrow (Luke 24:39)The disciples discovered, in their sorrow, revelation they had not seen. The scriptures they had been taught came to life, and questions were settled. What would the resurrection be (Mark 8:31-32) was a unsettled question among them, but with Jesus rising from the dead the curiosity is settled and hope sinks into the heart. Paul taught that if the Spirit that raised Jesus dwells in you then your mortal (physical) bodies will be raised from the dead. That is a great revelation that takes believers through the darkest hours of life. Christian pain and suffering brings us closer to God through revelation. As we are suffering with Jesus and being made comfortable to His death we are strengthen by His resurrection.The first two Scottish missionaries sent to the New Hebrides Islands were killed and eaten by cannibals on the day they arrived. After that it proved difficult to find missionary volunteers. Even when John G. Paton agreed to go, well-meaning people in the church tried to dissuade him. One elderly man warned that he would be eaten by cannibals. Paton replied, “I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honoring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms; and in the Great Day my resurrection body will arise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer.” After fifteen years of fruitful ministry, almost everyone on the island of Aniwa where Paton ministered was converted.What powered this man to go to a dark place? The Joy and Revelation of a Resurrected Savior.
What motivates you to worship God every Sunday? What powers you through life’s darkest hours?III. It Means an Impossible Mission is Possible (John 20:21)The task to go into all the world was not possible until the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. If the Pharisees had it their way, it would be go spread all the law unto the world to create a legalized merit system to be accepted by God. They would have created a legal world, but not a saved world. The nations would have been schooled on right and wrong without ever being able to perform what they knew. Before Jesus the tools to go unto the world and preach the gospel were not at hand, but with resurrection of Jesus and the giving of the Spirit, the church has been equipped and motivated to spread the message that being right with God hinges on believing in Jesus His Son.The message is simple. Jesus traded places with you. He died instead of you, He suffered the wrath of God in the stead of you, He was forsaken in the stead of you, He was buried in the stead of you, and now has the power to raise you from the dead! It was His life given to me and mine given to Him. Guilty given to Him and guiltless given to me. Accepted given to me and forsaken given to Him. Cursed given to Him and Blessed given to me! Through Jesus, God has adopted all that believe as children. This is the great message we proclaim, yet it would carry no weight if Jesus has not suffered, died, and rose again.A. Empowered in WeaknessThe weakest point of Peter’s life is when he thought Jesus was gone, but the resurrection changed that and he stood tall 50 days later and preached to multitudes. Today we discover that the resurrection of Jesus still powers people today. It sends people places they never would have went, causes people to speak when they would have been silent, and causes people to keep going when it seems they should stop. 11 scared disciples changed the entire world because of a possible mission being made possible by Jesus’s resurrection.Today I believe that reaching all the nations of Barnwell is possible because of Jesus’s triumph over the grave. I believe your children will be saved, marriages strengthened, and those that you bury in Christ will rise again. The resurrection powers my hopes and prayers, and I hope that it does yours as well.A little boy and his father were driving down a country road on a beautiful spring afternoon. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a bumblebee flew in the car window. Since the little boy was deathly allergic to bee stings he became petrified. His father quickly reached out, grabbed the bee, squeezed it in his hand, and then released it. But as soon as he let it go, the young son became frantic once again as it buzzed by the little boy.The father sensed his son’s terror. Once again he reached out his hand, but this time he pointed to this hand. There, stuck in his skin was the stinger of the bee. “You see this?” he asked. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore. I’ve taken the sting for you.”
The Christian does not need to be afraid of death because Christ has taken the sting out of death and sin.
Do you believe Jesus took the sting out of death with me that we may share the gospel with all people? - Apr 1, 2018The Glory in the Suffering of Christ
