AUDIO LINK:
YOU SHOULD NOT REGRET
LUKE 9: 57 - 62
57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
I tell you these men will regret they did not follow Jesus.
Luke believed Matt. 6:33 That Christ must be first.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
When we put Christ first in our lives we will have no regrets. We will follow him and not look back at the things he has forgiven us and remembers no more.
I. You Should Not Regret Sharing Brotherly Love in The Lord.
A. Eph. 4: 29 – 32 Be kind, forgiving, edifying as Christ has forgiven you. Have you forgiven others that have wronged you?
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Who could regret being kind, tenderhearted, forgiving? Who could not be a better person without bitterness, anger, evil, or malice to stumble over.
B. Titus 3: 8 Even the devil knows the strength and power in good works.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
It is hard to regret doing good or receiving good. Maintain good works.
C. 1 Cor. 13: 4 Paul tells us True love is kind.
4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
True love is everlasting and seeketh not for it self, but for others.
D. 2 Peter 1: 7 As we grow as a Christian Peter says we will add brotherly kindness.
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love.
This takes time and is often harder for some than others. Because it is hard to do does not make it less necessary. Brotherly kindness often come at a price. We have to put aside pride to be kind to one another.
II. You Should Never Regret Taking Time For Your Family in The Lord.
A. Eph. 6: 1 – 3 Children have responsibility to their parents in God’s sight.
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
Young people you will never regret that you obeyed your parents in the Lord. You will one day thank them and God, that you did. Many regret they did not, but never regret that they obeyed them in the Lord.
B. Eph. 6: 4 Fathers have a responsibility to God and their children.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Nurture is to nourish as with food that one might receive good from it.
Nourishing them spiritually. Nurture your grandchildren and great grandchildren.
1. Col. 3: 21 Responsible to teach and encourage them.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
What Christian father would discourage their child in the Lord?
2. 1 Tim. 5: 8 Fathers have a responsibility to the whole family to provide for them. Not only physically, but also spiritually.
8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
A father has never regretted he ever taught his children about God and Christ. Even one that deserts God would not think of regretting they taught their children about God. Many regret that they did not.
C. Eph. 5: 25 Husbands have a responsibility to their wives.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
What man with a loving Christian wife could regret he loved her. Some have loved and not been loved in return, but even then it is hard to regret you truly loved them. For you were honest and sincere even if they were not.
D. 1 Peter 3: 1 – 2 Wives have a responsibility to their own husbands.
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
You may be the only hope your husband has to see Christ in your life and want to obey the gospel. If a wife acts like the devil what kind of influence will she have on her husband.
1. 1 Peter 3: 5 – 6 A wife not only adorns herself for her husband she respects him as head of the family. If your wife does not respect you something is wrong.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
2. 1 Peter 3: 7 Why was Sara so submissive to Abraham? Because Abraham obeyed God, honoring her with respect and love.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
A wife will never regret she loved her husband nor a husband his wife if they love one another as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. Their children as well as others will wish they had a marriage like theirs.
At Freed-Hardeman one speaker asked what husband treats his wife as he did when they were dating. I wanted to raise my hand. Vickie nudged me and said raise your hand. Hearing it from her was greater than raising my hand. I learned it the hard way, but if you do not love than more than you did back then something is wrong. A wife once told her husband when we were dating you sat right next to me as close as you could. He sat behind the staring wheel and said I never moved. Love should grow.
III. You Should Not Regret You Reverenced God.
A. Prov. 1: 7 Godly fear is the beginning.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
To many today despise wisdom and instruction and they are most foolish. A wise person knows they learn from the wise by following their directions and example. You listen, watch and learn. A new show is on TV. It is the boss that goes undercover as a new employee to see how things are actually done. It sure opens some owners eyes.
B. Prov. 3: 5 – 6 Find favor, trust and knowledge in God.
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
What roofer would not check the weather before tearing off a roof?
What farmer would plant his crop out of season?
Only a fool would say there is no God.
What Christian would not seek God’s direction from the Bible?
C. Ecc. 12: 13 Solomon says it is summed up in two things.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Godly respect and obedience.
1. John 14: 15 Jesus plainly said it.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
What love does one show by their disobedience?
2. Matt., Mark and Luke all recorded it. Matt. 22: 37 - 38
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
3. James 1: 12 James says one is blessed if…
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
What did we read in John 14: 15?
If you love, keep my commandments.
James said:
He shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
You should never regret you reverenced and obeyed God. One day a place in heaven will be given to you.
You should never regret you shared brotherly love with one another in the Lord. One day a place in heaven will be given to you.
You should never regret you took time for your family in the Lord. One day a place in heaven will be given.
You will regret if you disobey God for you will be lost eternally for ever and ever and ever, with the devil and his angels.
You will regret if you hate you brother for you will be lost eternally for ever and ever and ever in torment.
You will regret if you neglect your family and provide not for them far more than just material things for ever and ever and ever, for you will be lost, separated from God. You can be lost for neglecting one or all of these. But as sure as God has promised if you love him with all your heart, soul and mind you will never forsake him, your family, or your brethren the church.
Do you need to obey Christ today in baptism? Do you know you are lost in sin but don’t know what to do? Do you want to give your life to Jesus? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God? The devil believes and is afraid. He will not obey God, will you?
Are you a Christian that needs to repent and come back home? Do you know you are once again lost in sin? Will you come back to Jesus today? Don’t regret you passed up the invitation.
Will you come forward as we stand and sing?
Thursday, February 25, 2010
DOES JESUS CARE?
AUDIO LINK:
sSERMONS FROM OUR SONGS
“DOES JESUS CARE?”
1PETER 5: 7
Intro:
I came across the following story this past week. I want to warn you up front, it is not pretty. It will be difficult for many to hear, but I truly feel that it will help us find our way into our subject today. As you will see, the story is told from the perspective of a 17-year-old young man. His name isn’t given, but certainly our prayers should be with him and for him, considering all that he has been through.
“For someone who is only 17 I have been through a lot in my life already. I have always had to take care of myself because my family never properly looked after me.
My dad treated me bad right from when I was a baby. It was like I was never good enough for him. He would bait me, even as a small kid he used to hit me and then say 'come on, hit me, stand up and be a man' and I would try to hit back and he'd belt me twice as hard. He used to kick or hit me if I didn't do what I was told. So I learnt to go along with whatever he said, and to keep out of his way.
The worst thing was that mom never told him off for the way he treated me. She would just yell at me 'don't get him mad, it's your fault you should do what he says. She never defended me from my dad; she acted like I deserved everything I got. I started to believe that everything was my fault.
When I was about 13 I started drinking heavily and smoking pot every day. I also used whatever drugs I could get, just to get out of it, so I didn't have to think about anything. I skipped school just about every day, until the school told my parents and my dad bashed me up real bad to punish me.
I hated school because I was always in trouble for having fights with other kids or with the teachers. But also I hated being at home. I used to stay over at friend's houses, and sometimes I would sleep out in car parks. The more I stayed away, the more scared I was of going back home; because I knew I would get A BEATING for running away. I started sleeping in the city, in doorways or wherever, and hanging out with other kids there. It still was better than going home.
After a while I went to a youth support service and they got me into a refuge. Some of the workers there are cool and you feel like someone cares about you for once. They went in to Centrelink with me and helped me get some money, and they have just helped me organize my life more. They are trying to get me into long-term accommodation. Now at least I feel like I might have a future.”
I’m not sure how this story makes you feel. If you are like me, you feel sad, angry, disappointed in your fellow man, and even happy that the boy seems to have found a life after abuse. However, the question which I have for you is how many others are there who are like this young man? Oh I’m not talking about those who are victims of abuse. There are millions throughout this world who are enduring atrocities such as these, and worse. I am talking about the countless individuals who feel as though no one cares about them.
Allow me to ask you; are you one of those people? Do you live with sadness in your heart because you feel as though you are all alone? Do you find yourself looking around and wondering, “Does anyone care about me?” Often when these thoughts begin, the next thought to come is, “Does God care about me?” We begin to question his compassion, mercy, power, and even his ultimate plan for our lives.
As we continue with our current series, we come to a song written by a man by the name of Frank E. Graeff. The song, found on page 507, is entitled, “DOES JESUS CAERE?” Mr. Graeff spent his life in service to God. Born December 19, 1860, Mr. Graeff served faithfully as a minister in Methodist churches around Pennsylvania for many years. During his time on earth, he wrote the words to 200 hymns, and even found time to write a novel.
If you were to consider all the works of Frank Graeff, without question the one which has had the most impact on those who have heard it’s words would be “DOES JESUS CARE.” Mr. Graeff was said to be a happy man. In fact, he wasn’t just happy, he was so exuberant about living life that he earned the nickname “The Sunshine Minister.” Despite his great disposition, Mr. Graeff was like all of us in that he experienced moments of great stress and suffering. It was during one of these times when he wrote the words to this song. As he sat one day studying his Bible, he came across 1Peter 5: 7. There Peter instructs us saying: “Casting all your cares upon him; for he cares for you.” After reading these words, Mr. Graeff wrote out the words to the song before us. In the main, the point of the song is to remind you that no matter your condition in life, Christ cares for you.
This morning, I want us to look at the three times of life which are found in this song, during which we are tempted to believe that Jesus just doesn’t care about us. I want you to leave here this morning knowing that you matter to God. I want you to leave here today with the understanding that God cares for you! Join me, and let’s answer the question, “DOES JESUS CARE?”
I. DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY WORRIES?
“Does Jesus care when my heart is pained, too deeply for mirth or song, as the burdens press and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?” Here in this first verse, we see one of mankind’s great enemies, and one of Satan’s most powerful tools. “When the BURDENS PRESS AND THE CARES DISTRESS AND THE WAY GROWS WEARY AND LONG.” Without question worry is one of the biggest problems that we face each day.
Well, what is worry? How can it best be defined? I came across the following on a blog of sermon illustrations. The author wasn’t known, but I think his or her idea is worth our consideration.
“Worry is faith in the negative, trust in the unpleasant, assurance of disaster and belief in defeat...worry is wasting today's time to clutter up tomorrow's opportunities with yesterday's troubles.” People don’t like to hear this, I don’t like to say this, but worry is a lack of faith. Worry is you and I looking at a given situation, deciding that God can’t, but if we ponder on it long enough, maybe we can. There is something we must keep in mind and that is, taking problems out of God’s hands is a bad thing. When we try to out think God, we will find each and every time, that he was always six steps ahead.
Let’s think about this from the Apostles point of view. Throughout their time following Christ, They had different concerns and worries which plagued them. For example they worried over who would be first in the kingdom which Christ had been preaching. (Mark 9: 30-37) Of course Christ put their minds at ease by revealing to them that in order to be great, one must be humble.
The disciples also worried over worldly concerns. Let’s think about the passage in Matthew 14: 13-21. There Christ performs one of his more awe-inspiring miracles.
Following the death of John the Baptist, Christ here’s the news, and departs into the desert. Once there, he sees that a large contingent has followed him. He has compassion on them, and heals the sick among their number. Then, in verse 15, his disciples come and tell Jesus to send the group away because evening is coming, and they need to go find food to eat. Jesus instructs the disciples to feed the multitude.
Here is where this really gets interesting. Christ tells them how to do something to allay their worries, and they find reasons as to why his commandment won’t work. However, when they obey Jesus, bring the loaves and fishes to him; they discover that he was right all along. Their worries were unfounded, because he was with them. If they would just do as he commanded, all things would work out. Sound Familiar?
How many times do you and I allow ourselves to become consumed with worry over life’s troubles? How often do we look at those problems and say: “I am in such trouble, God must not care about me!” This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, just as Jesus offered a commandment to those first disciples, he has issued orders to us, his present day followers as well.
In Matthew 6: 24-33, we find all that we need to know when it comes to Jesus caring about our worries. There we find Christ addressing his disciples on the very subject which we’ve been speaking about.
I want to come back to verse 24 in just a moment. First, I want you to see what Jesus said in Matthew 6: 25. “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Christ wants us to stop our constant stressing over the things of this life. We are so much more than what we eat, or drink, or ware! This doesn’t mean that we stop working, and stop using the skills which God has given us to make a living. No, what I’m telling you is that we must realize that “Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all of these things.”
The truth is that you cannot add one dime to your bank account, one level to your house, or one car to your garage by worrying over it. I would actually argue that the only thing you do win you worry is give Satan the victory. (I bet that caught your attention!)
You will recall that I said I wanted to return to verse 24. Let’s go ahead and take a look at it now. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Now, look down at verse 30, which states: “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”
What I want you to see is that we can’t have it both ways. We cannot say that we trust God, and yet refuse to give up our worries to him. He is there for us when our burdens press, and our fears distress. He indeed cares for us. But, when we refuse to let go we are without question revealing our lack of faith.
So, does Jesus care for our worries? In the words of Mr. Graeff, “Oh yes he cares, I know he cares!”
II. DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY FEARS?
“Does Jesus Care, when my way grows dark with a nameless dread and fear? As the deep daylight fades, into deep night shades, does he care enough to be near?”
Here in this second verse, we see a common concern. When we are frightened, we do not want to be alone. I can recall as a child, sneaking into mom and dad’s room in the middle of the night, because I heard some noise, or I thought I saw something in the corner of my room, or a million other reasons. The bottom line was that I didn’t want to be alone when I was so scared. Mr. Graeff illustrates this very idea for us by asking if Jesus will care enough to be near when those fearful moments stand at the door and knock.
Here’s what’s so interesting. Have you ever stopped to consider what fear really is? When you strip away all its layers, what is fear? I want to submit to you that fear is a lack of courage concerning that which we cannot see.
There is a story told about a boy who was in the kitchen one night while his mother was making supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and bring her a can of Tomato soup. The boy flatly refused because he was afraid of the dark pantry. The mother tried and tried to get him to go to the closet, but the boy wasn’t having any of it. He stated that he didn’t know what was in the pantry, and he didn’t want to find out.
Finally the mother told him that he didn’t need to be afraid, because Jesus would be in the pantry with him. After a moment’s hesitation, the little boy walked to the pantry door, cracked it open, and said, “Excuse me Jesus, could you hand me that can of Tomato Soup please?” See, the boy didn’t know what was in there, so he needed reassurance.
Certainly our fears are a bit more serious than a dark pantry, but they are founded upon the same premise. We don’t know what is behind that which we fear, so we cannot imagine facing it on our own. Normally fear reduces us all into small children. We want someone to come and make it better.
Think about the apostles in Mark 4: 37-39. There they were, all together, in a boat during a harsh storm. Notice what the Bible tells us that they did. “And they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4: 38) These men of faith, these disciples who broke bread with Jesus every day, asked the same question which we are looking at here. “We are afraid Lord, do you care?”
It is very important that you notice Christ’s reaction. Mark 4: 39-40 states: “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” He eased their fears, and wanted to know what it was that they were so afraid of in the first place.
Brethren, the same thing holds true for us today. Oh don’t get me wrong. He might not come in and put an end to the storm. There are those occasions when the storm is just going to happen. However, his presents alone can provide peace. It can provide the peace which passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7) He is with you during your times of greatest fear. He was with the nation of Israel when they coward in fear, but he told them that they could be of good courage, because he would never leave them! (Deuteronomy 31: 6) This isn’t just an Old Testament promise. The writer of Hebrews also affirmed it to us in Hebrews 13: 5.
I want you to think back to the definition which we gave of fear. We agreed that fear is a lack of courage concerning those things which we cannot see. Most of our fear in life is over the future. We cannot see what is going to happen regarding our jobs, our money, our health, our family, nor our lives, and that scares us. Here’s the great thing about the God we serve, he both knows and holds the future! (John 14: 1)
Again, we ask, DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY FEARS?” Again, Mr. Graeff shouts: “Oh yes He Cares!”
III. DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY GRIEF?
“Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye to the dearest on earth to me? And my sad heart aches, till it nearly breaks, is it ought to him does he see?”
Typically this is one of the more difficult points to cover. Most of us have lost someone close to us. At one point or another during the course of our loss, we have wondered “why?” Why did our loved one have to go? Why do we have to be alone? Does God care that I feel as though my heart is being torn apart?
As a minister, I have stood with so many as they mourned over that one who meant so much to them. I’ve stood beside parents as they wept at the loss of a child. I’ve stood watching, and have felt the pain myself, of children who are saying goodbye to a parent. I’ve even held the parent of a young person who made the decision to end their own life.
In each of these cases, there is something that I have noticed. In the situations where the family members have a relationship with the Lord, the grieving process was much more manageable. IN those cases, the family knew and understood that, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9: 27)
However, you who are here today, you are wondering, how is the Lord with me during these most difficult of times? I want to suggest to you that the Lord is with you through a promise which was revealed to us by King David during his time of grieving for his lost son.
Surely you recall the occasion to which I refer. In 2Samuel 11, David sees and possesses Bathsheba. Following their elicit union, she becomes pregnant. In 2Samuel 12: 14-18, we see that the child which was born of Bathsheba died. What is interesting is David’s reaction to the child’s illness, and his death.
Following the death of the baby, David’s servants hesitate to tell him that the child had died. According to their own account, he had been inconsolable while the child was ill; they just couldn’t imagine how hard he would take the news of the passing.
However David surprises them by cleaning up, going into the house of the Lord to worship, and then setting down for a meal in his own home. (2Samuel 12: 20) When they asked him about his behavior, David told them that he fasted and prayed for the child while he was alive because he didn’t know if God would indeed be gracious to him. However and here is where we see the proof that God is with us through his promises, David reveals why the weeping has come to a halt. 2Samuel 12: 23 says: “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” Did you catch it? The Lord must have shared a wonderful fact with David. The fact being that while no amount of grieving can bring the dead back to life, a life lived in service to God can result in a marvelous reunion! Folks, the promise is Heaven.
Christ remains at our side even in our times of grief by offering us the opportunity to reunite in our Heavenly home!
Brethren, the question is, “Does Jesus care about my grief?” Mr. Graeff said it best when he said, “Oh Yes he cares, I know he cares, His heart, is touched with my grief!”
CONCLUSION:
As a child of God, you should never doubt that your savior cares for you. Hebrews 12: 2-3 reveals to us that Christ knew the suffering that was before him, yet he suffered it for us! Why? Because he cares for you. (1Peter 5: 7)
sSERMONS FROM OUR SONGS
“DOES JESUS CARE?”
1PETER 5: 7
Intro:
I came across the following story this past week. I want to warn you up front, it is not pretty. It will be difficult for many to hear, but I truly feel that it will help us find our way into our subject today. As you will see, the story is told from the perspective of a 17-year-old young man. His name isn’t given, but certainly our prayers should be with him and for him, considering all that he has been through.
“For someone who is only 17 I have been through a lot in my life already. I have always had to take care of myself because my family never properly looked after me.
My dad treated me bad right from when I was a baby. It was like I was never good enough for him. He would bait me, even as a small kid he used to hit me and then say 'come on, hit me, stand up and be a man' and I would try to hit back and he'd belt me twice as hard. He used to kick or hit me if I didn't do what I was told. So I learnt to go along with whatever he said, and to keep out of his way.
The worst thing was that mom never told him off for the way he treated me. She would just yell at me 'don't get him mad, it's your fault you should do what he says. She never defended me from my dad; she acted like I deserved everything I got. I started to believe that everything was my fault.
When I was about 13 I started drinking heavily and smoking pot every day. I also used whatever drugs I could get, just to get out of it, so I didn't have to think about anything. I skipped school just about every day, until the school told my parents and my dad bashed me up real bad to punish me.
I hated school because I was always in trouble for having fights with other kids or with the teachers. But also I hated being at home. I used to stay over at friend's houses, and sometimes I would sleep out in car parks. The more I stayed away, the more scared I was of going back home; because I knew I would get A BEATING for running away. I started sleeping in the city, in doorways or wherever, and hanging out with other kids there. It still was better than going home.
After a while I went to a youth support service and they got me into a refuge. Some of the workers there are cool and you feel like someone cares about you for once. They went in to Centrelink with me and helped me get some money, and they have just helped me organize my life more. They are trying to get me into long-term accommodation. Now at least I feel like I might have a future.”
I’m not sure how this story makes you feel. If you are like me, you feel sad, angry, disappointed in your fellow man, and even happy that the boy seems to have found a life after abuse. However, the question which I have for you is how many others are there who are like this young man? Oh I’m not talking about those who are victims of abuse. There are millions throughout this world who are enduring atrocities such as these, and worse. I am talking about the countless individuals who feel as though no one cares about them.
Allow me to ask you; are you one of those people? Do you live with sadness in your heart because you feel as though you are all alone? Do you find yourself looking around and wondering, “Does anyone care about me?” Often when these thoughts begin, the next thought to come is, “Does God care about me?” We begin to question his compassion, mercy, power, and even his ultimate plan for our lives.
As we continue with our current series, we come to a song written by a man by the name of Frank E. Graeff. The song, found on page 507, is entitled, “DOES JESUS CAERE?” Mr. Graeff spent his life in service to God. Born December 19, 1860, Mr. Graeff served faithfully as a minister in Methodist churches around Pennsylvania for many years. During his time on earth, he wrote the words to 200 hymns, and even found time to write a novel.
If you were to consider all the works of Frank Graeff, without question the one which has had the most impact on those who have heard it’s words would be “DOES JESUS CARE.” Mr. Graeff was said to be a happy man. In fact, he wasn’t just happy, he was so exuberant about living life that he earned the nickname “The Sunshine Minister.” Despite his great disposition, Mr. Graeff was like all of us in that he experienced moments of great stress and suffering. It was during one of these times when he wrote the words to this song. As he sat one day studying his Bible, he came across 1Peter 5: 7. There Peter instructs us saying: “Casting all your cares upon him; for he cares for you.” After reading these words, Mr. Graeff wrote out the words to the song before us. In the main, the point of the song is to remind you that no matter your condition in life, Christ cares for you.
This morning, I want us to look at the three times of life which are found in this song, during which we are tempted to believe that Jesus just doesn’t care about us. I want you to leave here this morning knowing that you matter to God. I want you to leave here today with the understanding that God cares for you! Join me, and let’s answer the question, “DOES JESUS CARE?”
I. DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY WORRIES?
“Does Jesus care when my heart is pained, too deeply for mirth or song, as the burdens press and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?” Here in this first verse, we see one of mankind’s great enemies, and one of Satan’s most powerful tools. “When the BURDENS PRESS AND THE CARES DISTRESS AND THE WAY GROWS WEARY AND LONG.” Without question worry is one of the biggest problems that we face each day.
Well, what is worry? How can it best be defined? I came across the following on a blog of sermon illustrations. The author wasn’t known, but I think his or her idea is worth our consideration.
“Worry is faith in the negative, trust in the unpleasant, assurance of disaster and belief in defeat...worry is wasting today's time to clutter up tomorrow's opportunities with yesterday's troubles.” People don’t like to hear this, I don’t like to say this, but worry is a lack of faith. Worry is you and I looking at a given situation, deciding that God can’t, but if we ponder on it long enough, maybe we can. There is something we must keep in mind and that is, taking problems out of God’s hands is a bad thing. When we try to out think God, we will find each and every time, that he was always six steps ahead.
Let’s think about this from the Apostles point of view. Throughout their time following Christ, They had different concerns and worries which plagued them. For example they worried over who would be first in the kingdom which Christ had been preaching. (Mark 9: 30-37) Of course Christ put their minds at ease by revealing to them that in order to be great, one must be humble.
The disciples also worried over worldly concerns. Let’s think about the passage in Matthew 14: 13-21. There Christ performs one of his more awe-inspiring miracles.
Following the death of John the Baptist, Christ here’s the news, and departs into the desert. Once there, he sees that a large contingent has followed him. He has compassion on them, and heals the sick among their number. Then, in verse 15, his disciples come and tell Jesus to send the group away because evening is coming, and they need to go find food to eat. Jesus instructs the disciples to feed the multitude.
Here is where this really gets interesting. Christ tells them how to do something to allay their worries, and they find reasons as to why his commandment won’t work. However, when they obey Jesus, bring the loaves and fishes to him; they discover that he was right all along. Their worries were unfounded, because he was with them. If they would just do as he commanded, all things would work out. Sound Familiar?
How many times do you and I allow ourselves to become consumed with worry over life’s troubles? How often do we look at those problems and say: “I am in such trouble, God must not care about me!” This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, just as Jesus offered a commandment to those first disciples, he has issued orders to us, his present day followers as well.
In Matthew 6: 24-33, we find all that we need to know when it comes to Jesus caring about our worries. There we find Christ addressing his disciples on the very subject which we’ve been speaking about.
I want to come back to verse 24 in just a moment. First, I want you to see what Jesus said in Matthew 6: 25. “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Christ wants us to stop our constant stressing over the things of this life. We are so much more than what we eat, or drink, or ware! This doesn’t mean that we stop working, and stop using the skills which God has given us to make a living. No, what I’m telling you is that we must realize that “Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all of these things.”
The truth is that you cannot add one dime to your bank account, one level to your house, or one car to your garage by worrying over it. I would actually argue that the only thing you do win you worry is give Satan the victory. (I bet that caught your attention!)
You will recall that I said I wanted to return to verse 24. Let’s go ahead and take a look at it now. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Now, look down at verse 30, which states: “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”
What I want you to see is that we can’t have it both ways. We cannot say that we trust God, and yet refuse to give up our worries to him. He is there for us when our burdens press, and our fears distress. He indeed cares for us. But, when we refuse to let go we are without question revealing our lack of faith.
So, does Jesus care for our worries? In the words of Mr. Graeff, “Oh yes he cares, I know he cares!”
II. DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY FEARS?
“Does Jesus Care, when my way grows dark with a nameless dread and fear? As the deep daylight fades, into deep night shades, does he care enough to be near?”
Here in this second verse, we see a common concern. When we are frightened, we do not want to be alone. I can recall as a child, sneaking into mom and dad’s room in the middle of the night, because I heard some noise, or I thought I saw something in the corner of my room, or a million other reasons. The bottom line was that I didn’t want to be alone when I was so scared. Mr. Graeff illustrates this very idea for us by asking if Jesus will care enough to be near when those fearful moments stand at the door and knock.
Here’s what’s so interesting. Have you ever stopped to consider what fear really is? When you strip away all its layers, what is fear? I want to submit to you that fear is a lack of courage concerning that which we cannot see.
There is a story told about a boy who was in the kitchen one night while his mother was making supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and bring her a can of Tomato soup. The boy flatly refused because he was afraid of the dark pantry. The mother tried and tried to get him to go to the closet, but the boy wasn’t having any of it. He stated that he didn’t know what was in the pantry, and he didn’t want to find out.
Finally the mother told him that he didn’t need to be afraid, because Jesus would be in the pantry with him. After a moment’s hesitation, the little boy walked to the pantry door, cracked it open, and said, “Excuse me Jesus, could you hand me that can of Tomato Soup please?” See, the boy didn’t know what was in there, so he needed reassurance.
Certainly our fears are a bit more serious than a dark pantry, but they are founded upon the same premise. We don’t know what is behind that which we fear, so we cannot imagine facing it on our own. Normally fear reduces us all into small children. We want someone to come and make it better.
Think about the apostles in Mark 4: 37-39. There they were, all together, in a boat during a harsh storm. Notice what the Bible tells us that they did. “And they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4: 38) These men of faith, these disciples who broke bread with Jesus every day, asked the same question which we are looking at here. “We are afraid Lord, do you care?”
It is very important that you notice Christ’s reaction. Mark 4: 39-40 states: “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” He eased their fears, and wanted to know what it was that they were so afraid of in the first place.
Brethren, the same thing holds true for us today. Oh don’t get me wrong. He might not come in and put an end to the storm. There are those occasions when the storm is just going to happen. However, his presents alone can provide peace. It can provide the peace which passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7) He is with you during your times of greatest fear. He was with the nation of Israel when they coward in fear, but he told them that they could be of good courage, because he would never leave them! (Deuteronomy 31: 6) This isn’t just an Old Testament promise. The writer of Hebrews also affirmed it to us in Hebrews 13: 5.
I want you to think back to the definition which we gave of fear. We agreed that fear is a lack of courage concerning those things which we cannot see. Most of our fear in life is over the future. We cannot see what is going to happen regarding our jobs, our money, our health, our family, nor our lives, and that scares us. Here’s the great thing about the God we serve, he both knows and holds the future! (John 14: 1)
Again, we ask, DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY FEARS?” Again, Mr. Graeff shouts: “Oh yes He Cares!”
III. DOES JESUS CARE ABOUT MY GRIEF?
“Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye to the dearest on earth to me? And my sad heart aches, till it nearly breaks, is it ought to him does he see?”
Typically this is one of the more difficult points to cover. Most of us have lost someone close to us. At one point or another during the course of our loss, we have wondered “why?” Why did our loved one have to go? Why do we have to be alone? Does God care that I feel as though my heart is being torn apart?
As a minister, I have stood with so many as they mourned over that one who meant so much to them. I’ve stood beside parents as they wept at the loss of a child. I’ve stood watching, and have felt the pain myself, of children who are saying goodbye to a parent. I’ve even held the parent of a young person who made the decision to end their own life.
In each of these cases, there is something that I have noticed. In the situations where the family members have a relationship with the Lord, the grieving process was much more manageable. IN those cases, the family knew and understood that, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9: 27)
However, you who are here today, you are wondering, how is the Lord with me during these most difficult of times? I want to suggest to you that the Lord is with you through a promise which was revealed to us by King David during his time of grieving for his lost son.
Surely you recall the occasion to which I refer. In 2Samuel 11, David sees and possesses Bathsheba. Following their elicit union, she becomes pregnant. In 2Samuel 12: 14-18, we see that the child which was born of Bathsheba died. What is interesting is David’s reaction to the child’s illness, and his death.
Following the death of the baby, David’s servants hesitate to tell him that the child had died. According to their own account, he had been inconsolable while the child was ill; they just couldn’t imagine how hard he would take the news of the passing.
However David surprises them by cleaning up, going into the house of the Lord to worship, and then setting down for a meal in his own home. (2Samuel 12: 20) When they asked him about his behavior, David told them that he fasted and prayed for the child while he was alive because he didn’t know if God would indeed be gracious to him. However and here is where we see the proof that God is with us through his promises, David reveals why the weeping has come to a halt. 2Samuel 12: 23 says: “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” Did you catch it? The Lord must have shared a wonderful fact with David. The fact being that while no amount of grieving can bring the dead back to life, a life lived in service to God can result in a marvelous reunion! Folks, the promise is Heaven.
Christ remains at our side even in our times of grief by offering us the opportunity to reunite in our Heavenly home!
Brethren, the question is, “Does Jesus care about my grief?” Mr. Graeff said it best when he said, “Oh Yes he cares, I know he cares, His heart, is touched with my grief!”
CONCLUSION:
As a child of God, you should never doubt that your savior cares for you. Hebrews 12: 2-3 reveals to us that Christ knew the suffering that was before him, yet he suffered it for us! Why? Because he cares for you. (1Peter 5: 7)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
FAITHFUL LOVE
AUDIO LINK:
SERMONS FROM OUR SONGS
“FAITHFUL LOVE”
“WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU?”
(SONGS OF FAITH AND PRAISE #18)
Intro:
Imagine if you will that we are all guests at a beautiful wedding. The room is a buzz with excitement, joy, and love. Everyone is in their seats in anticipation of that magical moment.
Just then, the music starts, heads turn, and the minister intones, “Please rise.” As we stand, we see her. She is a vision. A long white flowing dress, a smile that can be seen even through the vale which covers her blushing face, and a daddy who looks both happy and sad all at the same time.
As she passes by, we all marvel at her beauty. We follow her progress to the front of the church where stands a young man in a nice suit, and a smile to rival that of the bride. They meet, the traditional words are spoken, and we resume our seats, and look on with pride at these two wonderful people who have come to declare their obvious love for one another.
The minister begins, and a hush falls over the whole of the assembly. Finally, the time comes for the exchanging of rings and vows. The bride and groom are told to face one another. However, before the minister can speak, the groom holds up his hand and says that he has something which needs to be said before vows are spoken. We are all puzzled, but we expect that he is about to offer up some spontaneous proclamation of love. “Honey”, he begins, “I do indeed love you.” We reach and wipe away a tear which has formed in our eye. “I will always love you, but there’s something you need to know.” We set up straighter. What is going on? “I am going to marry you today, but please understand that it is impossible for me to promise to be faithful to only you for the rest of my life.” “I will provide for you, love you, help you in any way that I can, but faithfulness just isn’t something that I can promise.”
Well, we are outraged! Of course she will now stomp away, and she will leave that bum right where he stands. However… “Yes”, the bride replies, “That’s fine.” Talk about being shocked, you could knock us over with a feather. “In fact, I cannot promise to be faithful to you either.” “There will be times when I want to go out with someone else, or perhaps I will put my work, friends, family, or personal pleasure ahead of you.” Much to our astonishment, the wedding continues as though these ridiculous words had never been spoken.
Did you catch what just happened? The idea of committed love, everlasting love, honest love, faithful love was discarded like a dirty napkin. You hear that story, and your first reaction is disbelief. You think to yourself, yeah well that doesn’t really happen. However, brethren I am here to tell you that it does happen, and you and I are the perpetrators. We are guilty of entering into a committed, loving, trusting, honest, faithful relationship with God, but we offer very little in exchange. We want the benefits, but without all the hassle.
Tonight, we want to continue with our sermon series. You will recall that we are examining the different lessons which we can take from the songs which we sing. Tonight we come to song #18 “Faithful Love.” This song was written by Ken Young in 1994. This is one of those songs which has grown in popularity over the last several years. More and more congregations are implementing it into their worship services, and rightly so.
For the purposes of our series, I want us to closely examine the real message behind this song. As we go, I want you to remember that young couple we spoke of in the introduction of our lesson. I want you to fix them in your mind, and I want you to decide if they are representative of you. Here’s what I’m going to suggest to you tonight. As we look at the words to this wonderful hymn, we are going to learn what it is that true, honest, committed, faithful love can and will do for you. I want you to learn why you yourself need to have a faithful relationship with the savior. After all, if you look at the chorus, you can clearly see who the writer says that faithful love is. “For I’ve seen faithful love face to face, and Jesus is his name!”
I want to begin this lesson by pointing something out to you. It is absolutely impossible to simply say, “Jesus is faithful love.” First of all, that doesn’t explain anything about him. Secondly, Christ cannot be summarized in a cute catch phrase, or song chorus, or even in a sermon. However, if you take the song as a whole, you will find a much greater appreciation for who Jesus is, and what it is that he does for you and me.
Here tonight, I want us to take a few moments, and examine the words to this beautiful song. I want us to leave here tonight knowing more about the savior we have been given.
I. FAITHFUL LOVE IS A FRIEND
There is an obvious question that we must address in order to understand the point which is being made here in verse 2. That question is: “What is a friend?” In order to provide an answer, I decided to go out looking for definitions on the internet. Literally there were thousands of hits which came back to me. I finally narrowed it down to a site which provided quotes from different sources. I’d like to share with you the top ten answers which I found.
• “A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”
• “A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the best things you can be.”
• “Friendship isn’t a big thing- it is a million little things.”
• “Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty.” (Sicilian Proverb)
• “The antidote for fifty enemies is one friend.” (Aristotle)
• One who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is invaluable.”
• “One who understands our silence.”
• “A volume of sympathy bound in cloth.”
• “A watch that beats true for all time and never runs down.”
• “A friend is one who does his knocking before he enters instead of after he leaves.”
I think we can all agree that each of these definitions have merit. However, in my mind, there is one which stands out above the rest in terms of illustrating who Faithful love is in regards to being a friend. Faithful Love is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.
In order to see this concept in scripture, I want to invite you to turn to John 11. I’m confident that many, if not all of you, recognize this as the account of one of Christ’s most amazing miracles. Here in this passage, we see the resurrection of Lazarus. Again, I’m certain that many, if not all of us, know the account quite well. However, what I think we often miss is the wonderful example which Christ gives us on the type of friend we ought to be. I’m not saying that we should raise the dead, but I would suggest that this passage speaks to the need for friends to make sacrifices for one another.
IN order to understand this idea, you will need to back up into the previous chapter. There we find Jesus, along with his disciples, in Jerusalem. Christ has recently restored sight to a blind man in John 9: 1-, and beginning in John 10: 1, we find him addressing both the Pharisees who had heard and questioned this healing, as well as those who followed after him.
In John 10: 19, we find that there is a division among the Jews, and while some believe him, still others want to stone him. (John 10: 31) In fact, John 10: 39 reveals to us that the Jews, “sought to take him”, or as we would say, “kill him”, but he escaped from their hands.
Now, let’s return to John 11: 1. There we learn that this friend of Jesus, this man named Lazarus, is sick, and stands at the door of death. As we continue to read, we learn that these weren’t just acquaintances, but people whom Christ loved. (John 11: 5) Before Jesus reached Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, the latter passed away. (John 11: 11) The real point that I want you to see here is the discussion which takes place between Jesus and his disciples, in verses 7-10. There Christ declares that they must go to Judaea. What jumps out at us is the statement made by the disciples in verse 8. There they ask: “His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?” Wait! Where is it exactly that Christ is going? According to John 11: 1, Lazarus lived in the land called Bethany. The question then becomes, where is Bethany.
(Map will be shown on PowerPoint, not available in text version.) Here you can see the location of this small village which existed in the 1st century. Bethany was located on the southeastern slope of the Mount of Olives. For our purposes, the most important fact is it’s proximity to Jerusalem. As you can see, it was only about 2 miles from Jerusalem. That’s right, the very same Jerusalem where attempts to kill Christ had already taken place. I want you to notice the fact that Christ didn’t allow that to stand in his way. Yes, he knew of the opportunity which existed in Bethany to show the power which God had given him, that is true and we wouldn’t try to deny it. However, we must also admit that these people meant something to Jesus. As already stated, he loved them. (John 11: 5) It is in that spirit of love, that spirit of friendship that he traveled to Bethany despite the danger to his own life. Christ understood that true friendship sometimes requires sacrificial love.
In his book, “DAD, THE FAMILY COACH”, Dave Simmons relates the following story. He states that their family motto wasn’t “Love is action”, rather it was, “Love is sacrificial action.” “Love always pays a price. Love always costs something. Love is expensive.”
Mr. Simmons had taken his kids, Helen 8 and Brandon 5, to the Mall to do some shopping. When they arrived they noticed that there was a petting zoo set up outside for the children. Both children asked if they could go, and Dave gave them each a quarter, and sent them off to enjoy the animals.
As Mr. Simmons was walking through the hardware department, he found that his daughter was walking along behind him. This struck him as strange because he knew how much Helen enjoyed animals.
He asked her why she wasn’t at the petting zoo. She replied, with a very sad look on her face, that it cost fifty cents to get in, and she had given her quarter to Brandon so he could pet the animals. She then looked to her father and quoted the family motto. “Love is sacrificial action.”
Mr. Simmons concludes by saying that he had more money that he could have given her, but the lesson she learned that day far exceeded any time she might have spent with the creatures.
Brethren, from the second verse of #18, “FAITHFUL LOVE”, we see that the faithful love that we call our friend is willing to make the sacrifice for us despite the danger to himself. He does it that he might restore hope! He does it that he might be that welcome face, provide that sweet embrace, that tender touch filled with grace! Indeed and without question, Jesus, our Faithful love, is a wonderful friend! He is a friend who comes in, offering comfort, even when the whole rest of the world has gone out!
II. FAITHFUL LOVE IS ENDLESS POWER
I want to ask you to open your Bibles to Luke 8, and consider verses 43-48 with me. In the context, we find that Christ is going about the Father’s work. He has just recently cast out the Demons from a man, and cast them into a herd of swine.
Beginning in verse 40, we find that Christ has returned to the city of Capernaum. Before he can begin, a ruler in the synagogue came and begged Christ to heal his sick daughter. As Christ stood speaking with him, a very special woman approached Jesus.
Luke 8: 42-43 reveals to us that this woman had been afflicted with an issue of blood for some 12 years. She had spent all of her money going to different doctors, but had nothing to show for it except a smaller bank account.
When she came to Jesus, she approached him as he was in the midst of a crowd. She reached out her hand, touched the hem of his robe, and was instantly healed.
You are most likely wondering why I shared this story with you. There is one part in particular that I want you to see. Luke 8: 43 states: “And a woman having an issue of blood TWELVE YEARS.” There she has suffered for so long, and the truth of the matter is that all it took was a simple touch to guide her back to health.
Let me ask you something: how often are we like this woman? We wonder about looking for something to help us, yet we refuse to see that the answer to our prayers is right in front of our face?
Let me try to explain what I’m saying with the following story. A missionary was working in a foron land. He, as all missionaries worked on a limited and very strict budget.
One day, as he slipped behind the wheel of the car which his supporting congregation had provided him, he found that the car wouldn’t start. He had to make his rounds, but he knew that he would need some help. So, he went to the local school, obtained permission to use a couple of the stronger young men, and carried them around with him for quite some time. He would park and go into his studies, then when he was finished, the boys would help him push the car off, in order to get it going.
After about two years of this, the missionary fell into bad health. The church back home sent a man to take his place in the field, but asked that he stay long enough to train the new man.
As he was explaining the system for getting the car going, and keeping it going, the young missionary looked under the hood, and said, “Brother here’s your problem!” He then reached in, twisted a couple of wires, got in the car, turned the key and smiled as the engine caught on the first try.
There is a very simple lesson to take from this story. We so often over complicate our problems. We worry, fret, ponder, and stew in every way conceivable, over things that could be fixed if we simply went to the right source. Yes, brethren there is a source of power which has made itself available to us if we simply take advantage of it.
Notice the second half of verse 2: “Faithful love endless power, living flame, spirits fire burning bright in the night lighting our way.” Faithful Love, he whom we have identified as Jesus, is an endless source of power to us.
Now, the question must be addressed, what does he have the power to do? Again, I think the verse provides the answer.
He has endless power to provide endless guidance!
Look at the verse: “Living flame, spirits fire burning bright in the night guiding my way!” This always brings to my mind a camp fire set in the middle of a dark wood. All around the fire is darkness, cold, and many other things we don’t want to consider. However, in the area nearest that campfire, there is warmth, light, and safety!
Christ is that campfire. The dark wood is the world which harbors so many dangers for us. Notice what Jesus himself said in John 8: 12. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
When we try to lead ourselves through this dark sin stained world, we will become lost each and every time! However, when we follow that living flame, that spirits fire which burns so bright for all to see: we will discover that it leads home each and every time! After all, Christ did tell us that he is “the way.” (John 14: 6)
It is because Christ is endless power, that he can provide endless guidance.
III. FAITHFULVE IS MY SALVATION
There is something special that you will find in verse 1. There we sing: “Faithful love flowing down from the thorn covered crown, makes me whole, saves my soul, washes whiter than snow. Faithful love calms each fear, reaches down, dries each tear, holds my hand when I can’t stand on my own.” Here in this verse, we see the focus of God. Notice the wording. “Makes ME whole”, “saves MY soul”, “”holds MY hand when I can’t stand on my own.” There will be some who say, “Well, that’s the author of the song taking poetic license with the song.” However, I would point out to you that these ideas are Biblical in the extreme.
First, let’s think about the fact that Christ’s faithful love can indeed make us whole. Notice Matthew 19: 16-22. If we begin at the end of the account, verse 22 tells us that this young man was wealthy. We might be tempted to think that he has all he’ll ever want. After all, according to our way of thinking money equals happiness. However, this man who “had it all”, comes to Christ in Matthew 19: 16. Why did he come to Jesus? He came because there was something missing. He came because he wasn’t whole. He came because he knew that Christ and Christ alone could make him whole. Now, unfortunately for the young man, he wanted his wealth more than he wanted to be made whole. Nevertheless, I want to encourage you to understand that faithful love can make you whole.
Second, verse 1 states that faithful love “saves MY soul.” Think about the words of Peter as he stood before the counsel in Acts 4. There he is giving a defense of Christ, and he says to them, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Peter’s statement supports this notion that faithful love can save the sin stained soul of man. In fact Peter takes it a step further, and points out that it is the only name which can save mankind.
Finally, we sing, “Holds MY hand when I can’t stand on my own.” Some of the most beautiful verses written by the Apostle Paul are found in Romans 5: 6-8. Beginning in verse 6 we are told: “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
“When we were yet without strength.” Folks, that’s speaking of that time when we were unable to stand on our own. That time when the burden of sin took us down, and held us down. This uplifting song is proclaiming to us that it was, is, and forever will be at that time when Christ will hold us by the hand and help us stand on higher ground!
Before we close, I want you to see one other thing about this first verse. We’ve shown that the focus is on our salvation. What I want you to notice as we close is that he has done all the work. That salvation, which we so desperately needed, flows down from that thorn covered crown which they forced upon his head. (John 19: 2
CONCLUSION:
Faithful love is indeed a friend, endless power, and the one and only means by which we might obtain salvation. Christ has made a commitment to you. He has pledged to be faithful to you forever. Let me ask you, have you offered him that same level of commitment? Or, are you like that couple we spoke of in the beginning, and only willing to commit when it fits your schedule? The time is come for you to commit to Christ, faithfully and forever.
SERMONS FROM OUR SONGS
“FAITHFUL LOVE”
“WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU?”
(SONGS OF FAITH AND PRAISE #18)
Intro:
Imagine if you will that we are all guests at a beautiful wedding. The room is a buzz with excitement, joy, and love. Everyone is in their seats in anticipation of that magical moment.
Just then, the music starts, heads turn, and the minister intones, “Please rise.” As we stand, we see her. She is a vision. A long white flowing dress, a smile that can be seen even through the vale which covers her blushing face, and a daddy who looks both happy and sad all at the same time.
As she passes by, we all marvel at her beauty. We follow her progress to the front of the church where stands a young man in a nice suit, and a smile to rival that of the bride. They meet, the traditional words are spoken, and we resume our seats, and look on with pride at these two wonderful people who have come to declare their obvious love for one another.
The minister begins, and a hush falls over the whole of the assembly. Finally, the time comes for the exchanging of rings and vows. The bride and groom are told to face one another. However, before the minister can speak, the groom holds up his hand and says that he has something which needs to be said before vows are spoken. We are all puzzled, but we expect that he is about to offer up some spontaneous proclamation of love. “Honey”, he begins, “I do indeed love you.” We reach and wipe away a tear which has formed in our eye. “I will always love you, but there’s something you need to know.” We set up straighter. What is going on? “I am going to marry you today, but please understand that it is impossible for me to promise to be faithful to only you for the rest of my life.” “I will provide for you, love you, help you in any way that I can, but faithfulness just isn’t something that I can promise.”
Well, we are outraged! Of course she will now stomp away, and she will leave that bum right where he stands. However… “Yes”, the bride replies, “That’s fine.” Talk about being shocked, you could knock us over with a feather. “In fact, I cannot promise to be faithful to you either.” “There will be times when I want to go out with someone else, or perhaps I will put my work, friends, family, or personal pleasure ahead of you.” Much to our astonishment, the wedding continues as though these ridiculous words had never been spoken.
Did you catch what just happened? The idea of committed love, everlasting love, honest love, faithful love was discarded like a dirty napkin. You hear that story, and your first reaction is disbelief. You think to yourself, yeah well that doesn’t really happen. However, brethren I am here to tell you that it does happen, and you and I are the perpetrators. We are guilty of entering into a committed, loving, trusting, honest, faithful relationship with God, but we offer very little in exchange. We want the benefits, but without all the hassle.
Tonight, we want to continue with our sermon series. You will recall that we are examining the different lessons which we can take from the songs which we sing. Tonight we come to song #18 “Faithful Love.” This song was written by Ken Young in 1994. This is one of those songs which has grown in popularity over the last several years. More and more congregations are implementing it into their worship services, and rightly so.
For the purposes of our series, I want us to closely examine the real message behind this song. As we go, I want you to remember that young couple we spoke of in the introduction of our lesson. I want you to fix them in your mind, and I want you to decide if they are representative of you. Here’s what I’m going to suggest to you tonight. As we look at the words to this wonderful hymn, we are going to learn what it is that true, honest, committed, faithful love can and will do for you. I want you to learn why you yourself need to have a faithful relationship with the savior. After all, if you look at the chorus, you can clearly see who the writer says that faithful love is. “For I’ve seen faithful love face to face, and Jesus is his name!”
I want to begin this lesson by pointing something out to you. It is absolutely impossible to simply say, “Jesus is faithful love.” First of all, that doesn’t explain anything about him. Secondly, Christ cannot be summarized in a cute catch phrase, or song chorus, or even in a sermon. However, if you take the song as a whole, you will find a much greater appreciation for who Jesus is, and what it is that he does for you and me.
Here tonight, I want us to take a few moments, and examine the words to this beautiful song. I want us to leave here tonight knowing more about the savior we have been given.
I. FAITHFUL LOVE IS A FRIEND
There is an obvious question that we must address in order to understand the point which is being made here in verse 2. That question is: “What is a friend?” In order to provide an answer, I decided to go out looking for definitions on the internet. Literally there were thousands of hits which came back to me. I finally narrowed it down to a site which provided quotes from different sources. I’d like to share with you the top ten answers which I found.
• “A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”
• “A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the best things you can be.”
• “Friendship isn’t a big thing- it is a million little things.”
• “Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty.” (Sicilian Proverb)
• “The antidote for fifty enemies is one friend.” (Aristotle)
• One who multiplies joys, divides grief, and whose honesty is invaluable.”
• “One who understands our silence.”
• “A volume of sympathy bound in cloth.”
• “A watch that beats true for all time and never runs down.”
• “A friend is one who does his knocking before he enters instead of after he leaves.”
I think we can all agree that each of these definitions have merit. However, in my mind, there is one which stands out above the rest in terms of illustrating who Faithful love is in regards to being a friend. Faithful Love is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.
In order to see this concept in scripture, I want to invite you to turn to John 11. I’m confident that many, if not all of you, recognize this as the account of one of Christ’s most amazing miracles. Here in this passage, we see the resurrection of Lazarus. Again, I’m certain that many, if not all of us, know the account quite well. However, what I think we often miss is the wonderful example which Christ gives us on the type of friend we ought to be. I’m not saying that we should raise the dead, but I would suggest that this passage speaks to the need for friends to make sacrifices for one another.
IN order to understand this idea, you will need to back up into the previous chapter. There we find Jesus, along with his disciples, in Jerusalem. Christ has recently restored sight to a blind man in John 9: 1-, and beginning in John 10: 1, we find him addressing both the Pharisees who had heard and questioned this healing, as well as those who followed after him.
In John 10: 19, we find that there is a division among the Jews, and while some believe him, still others want to stone him. (John 10: 31) In fact, John 10: 39 reveals to us that the Jews, “sought to take him”, or as we would say, “kill him”, but he escaped from their hands.
Now, let’s return to John 11: 1. There we learn that this friend of Jesus, this man named Lazarus, is sick, and stands at the door of death. As we continue to read, we learn that these weren’t just acquaintances, but people whom Christ loved. (John 11: 5) Before Jesus reached Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, the latter passed away. (John 11: 11) The real point that I want you to see here is the discussion which takes place between Jesus and his disciples, in verses 7-10. There Christ declares that they must go to Judaea. What jumps out at us is the statement made by the disciples in verse 8. There they ask: “His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?” Wait! Where is it exactly that Christ is going? According to John 11: 1, Lazarus lived in the land called Bethany. The question then becomes, where is Bethany.
(Map will be shown on PowerPoint, not available in text version.) Here you can see the location of this small village which existed in the 1st century. Bethany was located on the southeastern slope of the Mount of Olives. For our purposes, the most important fact is it’s proximity to Jerusalem. As you can see, it was only about 2 miles from Jerusalem. That’s right, the very same Jerusalem where attempts to kill Christ had already taken place. I want you to notice the fact that Christ didn’t allow that to stand in his way. Yes, he knew of the opportunity which existed in Bethany to show the power which God had given him, that is true and we wouldn’t try to deny it. However, we must also admit that these people meant something to Jesus. As already stated, he loved them. (John 11: 5) It is in that spirit of love, that spirit of friendship that he traveled to Bethany despite the danger to his own life. Christ understood that true friendship sometimes requires sacrificial love.
In his book, “DAD, THE FAMILY COACH”, Dave Simmons relates the following story. He states that their family motto wasn’t “Love is action”, rather it was, “Love is sacrificial action.” “Love always pays a price. Love always costs something. Love is expensive.”
Mr. Simmons had taken his kids, Helen 8 and Brandon 5, to the Mall to do some shopping. When they arrived they noticed that there was a petting zoo set up outside for the children. Both children asked if they could go, and Dave gave them each a quarter, and sent them off to enjoy the animals.
As Mr. Simmons was walking through the hardware department, he found that his daughter was walking along behind him. This struck him as strange because he knew how much Helen enjoyed animals.
He asked her why she wasn’t at the petting zoo. She replied, with a very sad look on her face, that it cost fifty cents to get in, and she had given her quarter to Brandon so he could pet the animals. She then looked to her father and quoted the family motto. “Love is sacrificial action.”
Mr. Simmons concludes by saying that he had more money that he could have given her, but the lesson she learned that day far exceeded any time she might have spent with the creatures.
Brethren, from the second verse of #18, “FAITHFUL LOVE”, we see that the faithful love that we call our friend is willing to make the sacrifice for us despite the danger to himself. He does it that he might restore hope! He does it that he might be that welcome face, provide that sweet embrace, that tender touch filled with grace! Indeed and without question, Jesus, our Faithful love, is a wonderful friend! He is a friend who comes in, offering comfort, even when the whole rest of the world has gone out!
II. FAITHFUL LOVE IS ENDLESS POWER
I want to ask you to open your Bibles to Luke 8, and consider verses 43-48 with me. In the context, we find that Christ is going about the Father’s work. He has just recently cast out the Demons from a man, and cast them into a herd of swine.
Beginning in verse 40, we find that Christ has returned to the city of Capernaum. Before he can begin, a ruler in the synagogue came and begged Christ to heal his sick daughter. As Christ stood speaking with him, a very special woman approached Jesus.
Luke 8: 42-43 reveals to us that this woman had been afflicted with an issue of blood for some 12 years. She had spent all of her money going to different doctors, but had nothing to show for it except a smaller bank account.
When she came to Jesus, she approached him as he was in the midst of a crowd. She reached out her hand, touched the hem of his robe, and was instantly healed.
You are most likely wondering why I shared this story with you. There is one part in particular that I want you to see. Luke 8: 43 states: “And a woman having an issue of blood TWELVE YEARS.” There she has suffered for so long, and the truth of the matter is that all it took was a simple touch to guide her back to health.
Let me ask you something: how often are we like this woman? We wonder about looking for something to help us, yet we refuse to see that the answer to our prayers is right in front of our face?
Let me try to explain what I’m saying with the following story. A missionary was working in a foron land. He, as all missionaries worked on a limited and very strict budget.
One day, as he slipped behind the wheel of the car which his supporting congregation had provided him, he found that the car wouldn’t start. He had to make his rounds, but he knew that he would need some help. So, he went to the local school, obtained permission to use a couple of the stronger young men, and carried them around with him for quite some time. He would park and go into his studies, then when he was finished, the boys would help him push the car off, in order to get it going.
After about two years of this, the missionary fell into bad health. The church back home sent a man to take his place in the field, but asked that he stay long enough to train the new man.
As he was explaining the system for getting the car going, and keeping it going, the young missionary looked under the hood, and said, “Brother here’s your problem!” He then reached in, twisted a couple of wires, got in the car, turned the key and smiled as the engine caught on the first try.
There is a very simple lesson to take from this story. We so often over complicate our problems. We worry, fret, ponder, and stew in every way conceivable, over things that could be fixed if we simply went to the right source. Yes, brethren there is a source of power which has made itself available to us if we simply take advantage of it.
Notice the second half of verse 2: “Faithful love endless power, living flame, spirits fire burning bright in the night lighting our way.” Faithful Love, he whom we have identified as Jesus, is an endless source of power to us.
Now, the question must be addressed, what does he have the power to do? Again, I think the verse provides the answer.
He has endless power to provide endless guidance!
Look at the verse: “Living flame, spirits fire burning bright in the night guiding my way!” This always brings to my mind a camp fire set in the middle of a dark wood. All around the fire is darkness, cold, and many other things we don’t want to consider. However, in the area nearest that campfire, there is warmth, light, and safety!
Christ is that campfire. The dark wood is the world which harbors so many dangers for us. Notice what Jesus himself said in John 8: 12. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
When we try to lead ourselves through this dark sin stained world, we will become lost each and every time! However, when we follow that living flame, that spirits fire which burns so bright for all to see: we will discover that it leads home each and every time! After all, Christ did tell us that he is “the way.” (John 14: 6)
It is because Christ is endless power, that he can provide endless guidance.
III. FAITHFULVE IS MY SALVATION
There is something special that you will find in verse 1. There we sing: “Faithful love flowing down from the thorn covered crown, makes me whole, saves my soul, washes whiter than snow. Faithful love calms each fear, reaches down, dries each tear, holds my hand when I can’t stand on my own.” Here in this verse, we see the focus of God. Notice the wording. “Makes ME whole”, “saves MY soul”, “”holds MY hand when I can’t stand on my own.” There will be some who say, “Well, that’s the author of the song taking poetic license with the song.” However, I would point out to you that these ideas are Biblical in the extreme.
First, let’s think about the fact that Christ’s faithful love can indeed make us whole. Notice Matthew 19: 16-22. If we begin at the end of the account, verse 22 tells us that this young man was wealthy. We might be tempted to think that he has all he’ll ever want. After all, according to our way of thinking money equals happiness. However, this man who “had it all”, comes to Christ in Matthew 19: 16. Why did he come to Jesus? He came because there was something missing. He came because he wasn’t whole. He came because he knew that Christ and Christ alone could make him whole. Now, unfortunately for the young man, he wanted his wealth more than he wanted to be made whole. Nevertheless, I want to encourage you to understand that faithful love can make you whole.
Second, verse 1 states that faithful love “saves MY soul.” Think about the words of Peter as he stood before the counsel in Acts 4. There he is giving a defense of Christ, and he says to them, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Peter’s statement supports this notion that faithful love can save the sin stained soul of man. In fact Peter takes it a step further, and points out that it is the only name which can save mankind.
Finally, we sing, “Holds MY hand when I can’t stand on my own.” Some of the most beautiful verses written by the Apostle Paul are found in Romans 5: 6-8. Beginning in verse 6 we are told: “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
“When we were yet without strength.” Folks, that’s speaking of that time when we were unable to stand on our own. That time when the burden of sin took us down, and held us down. This uplifting song is proclaiming to us that it was, is, and forever will be at that time when Christ will hold us by the hand and help us stand on higher ground!
Before we close, I want you to see one other thing about this first verse. We’ve shown that the focus is on our salvation. What I want you to notice as we close is that he has done all the work. That salvation, which we so desperately needed, flows down from that thorn covered crown which they forced upon his head. (John 19: 2
CONCLUSION:
Faithful love is indeed a friend, endless power, and the one and only means by which we might obtain salvation. Christ has made a commitment to you. He has pledged to be faithful to you forever. Let me ask you, have you offered him that same level of commitment? Or, are you like that couple we spoke of in the beginning, and only willing to commit when it fits your schedule? The time is come for you to commit to Christ, faithfully and forever.
LOVE LIFTED ME!
AUDIO LINK:
SERMONS FROM OUR SONGS
“LOVE LIFTED ME”
“GOD’S POWERFUL LOVE!”
(ROMANS 5: 5-8)
Intro:
Famous song writer James Rowe didn’t have an easy life. As a matter of fact, just performing the art of writing was a real struggle. Born January 1, 1865, James was the fifth of 9 children, but the first born boy. He and his family lived in Wales.
In 1889 James, as a 24-year-old man, immigrated to the United States, where he settled in Albany New York. During the course of his life, James worked as a teacher, government worker, railroad worker, and an inspector for the Hudson River Humane Society.
While he enjoyed his work, his true passion lay in creating. It is said that James Rowe wrote some 20,000 hymns and poems. Among them were such cherished songs as God Holds the Future in His Hands, I Walk With the King, If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again, and many others.
What makes this so amazing is what he overcame in order to pin these thousands of songs. According to his daughter, she witnessed her father, who suffered with a serious case of arthritis, spending day after day working on the words, melody, and music to many different songs. Despite the pain with which he lived, he pushed through and achieved his goals of putting his faith to the written word.
One of those songs which he labored over is found in our songbooks on page 453. There we find the well-known hymn, “Love Lifted Me.”
In order to establish the bases for our lesson, I want to ask you a question. What would motivate this man to endure the pain of this debilitating illness, and write the words to so many songs? The answer is found in the chorus of the song currently before us. “Love lifted me!” James Rowe was lifted above the pain and anguish of the moment to put to paper these words which have inspired so many for nearly 100 years.
Beginning this morning, I want us to return to a sermon series which we introduced last year. We want to examine the sermons from our songs. Today we will begin by diving into those beautiful words written by Mr. Rowe in 1912.
The question which I want us to consider is, “What is this song saying?” I want to suggest to you that this song holds for us the secret of overcoming our obstacles. This song helps you and me to shout to the world, “Through God’s powerful love, I Can!”
I want us to examine the three verses which Mr. Rowe wrote, and discover how we can rise above the struggles of our existence, and become what God wants us to be. My prayer for you is that through something that is said today, that you will understand that there is one who can lift you out of your hardships, and place you on higher ground!
I. LOVE LIFTED ME OUT OF DANGER (VERSES 1,3)
From the chorus we learn that God’s amazing love does indeed lift us higher than we could ever hope to lift ourselves. God saw our desperate condition, and met our needs. (Rom 3: 10, 23)
What I want you to notice is what James Rowe points out in VERSES 1 AND 3 as the key to taking advantage of God’s love.
We must realize our own condition. Again, God knew where we were. In fact, God still knows where we are today. (Heb 4: 13) However, if you and I don’t see the need, then we don’t have a chance. It is with this thought in mind that I want to point out the two words which we see in verse 1 that will help us to see our condition.
First I want you to notice the word, “SINKING.” More than any other word in this song, this word helps us to see the slippery slope upon which we were perched. “I was sinking deep in sin.” When sin is present, we find that we get in, and have a hard time getting out by ourselves. Think about Adam’s oldest son Cain. (Gen 4: 1-10) Consider King David. (2Sam 11-12) Even Aaron, a messenger of God found himself “sinking deep in sin.”
The same thing is true for you and me today. We often believe that we can play with sin, but not become ensnared by sin. Folks, whether we want to believe this or not, sin is just like fire. If you play with sin, you will get burned. Consider the first few words of verse 3. “Souls in danger!” Brethren, if sin is no big deal, then why is your immortal soul in danger?
In order to go along with that, we also need to notice the word “STAINED.” Just before Christmas, we had a small scale crises in our household. Hadley, or as we like to refer to her, “The great ink pen bandit” struck again. She found a pen in the living room, and drew her own Mona Lisa on our couch.
Well, we planned to have the elders, along with John and Vickie over for dinner that weekend, so something had to be done. I went online, and began looking for answers. I found suggestions galore. The only problem is that none of them worked. I tried everything from hairspray, to perfume, to Windex, to sope and water, to the Magic Eraser.
So, I returned to the computer, logged online, and went to Google. I conducted a search on removing ink pen from a leather couch. As I was looking through the links, I noticed one that I hadn’t caught before. This was a link which took me to a site that talked about home cleaning. On that page, they said that the truth is that you can’t remove stains from leather. You might get some of it off, but you will never truly remove it. In order to fix it, you need to find someone who works with leather, and allow them to work on it.
The same thing is true for us today. We are stained with sin. We are not equipped to remove the marks ourselves, but we instead need to turn it over to one who doesn’t just work with souls, but actually created them! (Gen 2: 7) Again, notice verse 3, yes your soul is in danger, and if you want help, you should turn to Jesus, because he, “completely saves.”
Here’s the wonderful part of verses 1 and 3. Once we realize our condition, cry out for help, he will indeed “lift you by his love, out of the angry waves!”
II. LOVE LIFTED ME OUT OF MYSELF! (VERSE 2)
I want you to listen carefully to the words of verse 2. “All my heart to him I give, ever to him I’ll cling. In his blessed presence live, ever his praises sing. Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best song, faithful, loving service too, to him belong!” There is something here in this second verse that you might not spot right off hand. There is a joy, a celebration, a deep ceded happiness that brings a smile to your face. What we see in verse 2 is complete surrender.
In order to help you understand this point, allow me to show you an interesting Old Testament contrast. First, let’s take a look at the book of Ruth. In this powerful love story, we find a beautiful example of the ideas expressed in verse 2.
Ruth is the account of a family which was torn apart, women left on their own, and true love winning out in the end. However, we also see another lesson being taught to us. We read of loyalty rewarded. Ruth, as we read in verse 4, was an inhabitant of the land of Moab. A certain family, sojourning from the land of Bethlehemjudah, came to live in Moab. While there, the patriarch of the family, a man by the name of Elemelech, passed away. He left behind his wife Naomi, and their two sons. (Ruth 1: 2-3)
After about 10 years, Naomi’s sons died as well. So, there she was, left alone in a strange land, with no one other than her two daughter-in-laws for company. Naomi decided that the time had come for her to return to her homeland. She took what was left of her family, and they began along the road to Judah. Naomi then shows amazing kindness in that she attempted to send the girls back to their parents. One of them, Orpah, did indeed return home, but Ruth refused. In Ruth 1: 16-17, she states: “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”
What a beautiful sentiment. Ruth set aside everything that had once been important to her, and instead followed this woman who had come to mean so much to her over the years. What’s more, she was rewarded for her loyalty. As we read the book of Ruth, in particular chapters 2-4, we learn that because she completely devoted herself to following Naomi, (and Naomi’s God), she received a great blessing. Not only was she given another husband, but she was named in the lineage of Christ. (Ruth 4: 13-17) That’s one side of the coin; now allow me to present to you a group who just couldn’t seem to completely give themselves to God.
In Jeremiah 3: 1-5, we find the weeping profit addressing the Children of God. In fact, we find him making a rather odd comparison. He states that the Children are much like an unfaithful spouse. The commitment to marriage is made, but then one or the other decides to put that commitment aside the problem with this concept is seen in God’s question in Jeremiah 3: 1. Speaking of the spouse’s body as land, he asks: “Shall not that land be greatly polluted?”
You see, unlike Ruth, the Children of God were not fully committed to him. They wanted him at times, but more often than not, they wanted little to do with him.
James Rowe, in the second verse of “Love Lifted Me”, leaves no room for doubt as to where he stands. As he wrote that song, you can see his full commitment in every word. He gives the Lord his whole heart! He gives the Lord his whole trust! He gives the Lord all his praise! He gives the Lord his best song! Finally, he gives the Lord his best service! James Rowe lived scripture by writing this verse. Christ said that in order to be called his disciples, we must take up our cross each day, deny ourselves, and follow him! (Luke 9: 23) Let me ask you, has love lifted you out of yourself?
III. CONCLUSION
“Love lifted me, Love lifted me, when nothing else could help, and love lifted me!” There are very few words which man has put to paper that contain more truth than these. God’s amazing love is indeed capable of lifting us out of both our spiritual danger, as well as out of ourselves and into service to him. The question for you is, are you willing to do that which is necessary in order to experience the powerful love of God?
SERMONS FROM OUR SONGS
“LOVE LIFTED ME”
“GOD’S POWERFUL LOVE!”
(ROMANS 5: 5-8)
Intro:
Famous song writer James Rowe didn’t have an easy life. As a matter of fact, just performing the art of writing was a real struggle. Born January 1, 1865, James was the fifth of 9 children, but the first born boy. He and his family lived in Wales.
In 1889 James, as a 24-year-old man, immigrated to the United States, where he settled in Albany New York. During the course of his life, James worked as a teacher, government worker, railroad worker, and an inspector for the Hudson River Humane Society.
While he enjoyed his work, his true passion lay in creating. It is said that James Rowe wrote some 20,000 hymns and poems. Among them were such cherished songs as God Holds the Future in His Hands, I Walk With the King, If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again, and many others.
What makes this so amazing is what he overcame in order to pin these thousands of songs. According to his daughter, she witnessed her father, who suffered with a serious case of arthritis, spending day after day working on the words, melody, and music to many different songs. Despite the pain with which he lived, he pushed through and achieved his goals of putting his faith to the written word.
One of those songs which he labored over is found in our songbooks on page 453. There we find the well-known hymn, “Love Lifted Me.”
In order to establish the bases for our lesson, I want to ask you a question. What would motivate this man to endure the pain of this debilitating illness, and write the words to so many songs? The answer is found in the chorus of the song currently before us. “Love lifted me!” James Rowe was lifted above the pain and anguish of the moment to put to paper these words which have inspired so many for nearly 100 years.
Beginning this morning, I want us to return to a sermon series which we introduced last year. We want to examine the sermons from our songs. Today we will begin by diving into those beautiful words written by Mr. Rowe in 1912.
The question which I want us to consider is, “What is this song saying?” I want to suggest to you that this song holds for us the secret of overcoming our obstacles. This song helps you and me to shout to the world, “Through God’s powerful love, I Can!”
I want us to examine the three verses which Mr. Rowe wrote, and discover how we can rise above the struggles of our existence, and become what God wants us to be. My prayer for you is that through something that is said today, that you will understand that there is one who can lift you out of your hardships, and place you on higher ground!
I. LOVE LIFTED ME OUT OF DANGER (VERSES 1,3)
From the chorus we learn that God’s amazing love does indeed lift us higher than we could ever hope to lift ourselves. God saw our desperate condition, and met our needs. (Rom 3: 10, 23)
What I want you to notice is what James Rowe points out in VERSES 1 AND 3 as the key to taking advantage of God’s love.
We must realize our own condition. Again, God knew where we were. In fact, God still knows where we are today. (Heb 4: 13) However, if you and I don’t see the need, then we don’t have a chance. It is with this thought in mind that I want to point out the two words which we see in verse 1 that will help us to see our condition.
First I want you to notice the word, “SINKING.” More than any other word in this song, this word helps us to see the slippery slope upon which we were perched. “I was sinking deep in sin.” When sin is present, we find that we get in, and have a hard time getting out by ourselves. Think about Adam’s oldest son Cain. (Gen 4: 1-10) Consider King David. (2Sam 11-12) Even Aaron, a messenger of God found himself “sinking deep in sin.”
The same thing is true for you and me today. We often believe that we can play with sin, but not become ensnared by sin. Folks, whether we want to believe this or not, sin is just like fire. If you play with sin, you will get burned. Consider the first few words of verse 3. “Souls in danger!” Brethren, if sin is no big deal, then why is your immortal soul in danger?
In order to go along with that, we also need to notice the word “STAINED.” Just before Christmas, we had a small scale crises in our household. Hadley, or as we like to refer to her, “The great ink pen bandit” struck again. She found a pen in the living room, and drew her own Mona Lisa on our couch.
Well, we planned to have the elders, along with John and Vickie over for dinner that weekend, so something had to be done. I went online, and began looking for answers. I found suggestions galore. The only problem is that none of them worked. I tried everything from hairspray, to perfume, to Windex, to sope and water, to the Magic Eraser.
So, I returned to the computer, logged online, and went to Google. I conducted a search on removing ink pen from a leather couch. As I was looking through the links, I noticed one that I hadn’t caught before. This was a link which took me to a site that talked about home cleaning. On that page, they said that the truth is that you can’t remove stains from leather. You might get some of it off, but you will never truly remove it. In order to fix it, you need to find someone who works with leather, and allow them to work on it.
The same thing is true for us today. We are stained with sin. We are not equipped to remove the marks ourselves, but we instead need to turn it over to one who doesn’t just work with souls, but actually created them! (Gen 2: 7) Again, notice verse 3, yes your soul is in danger, and if you want help, you should turn to Jesus, because he, “completely saves.”
Here’s the wonderful part of verses 1 and 3. Once we realize our condition, cry out for help, he will indeed “lift you by his love, out of the angry waves!”
II. LOVE LIFTED ME OUT OF MYSELF! (VERSE 2)
I want you to listen carefully to the words of verse 2. “All my heart to him I give, ever to him I’ll cling. In his blessed presence live, ever his praises sing. Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best song, faithful, loving service too, to him belong!” There is something here in this second verse that you might not spot right off hand. There is a joy, a celebration, a deep ceded happiness that brings a smile to your face. What we see in verse 2 is complete surrender.
In order to help you understand this point, allow me to show you an interesting Old Testament contrast. First, let’s take a look at the book of Ruth. In this powerful love story, we find a beautiful example of the ideas expressed in verse 2.
Ruth is the account of a family which was torn apart, women left on their own, and true love winning out in the end. However, we also see another lesson being taught to us. We read of loyalty rewarded. Ruth, as we read in verse 4, was an inhabitant of the land of Moab. A certain family, sojourning from the land of Bethlehemjudah, came to live in Moab. While there, the patriarch of the family, a man by the name of Elemelech, passed away. He left behind his wife Naomi, and their two sons. (Ruth 1: 2-3)
After about 10 years, Naomi’s sons died as well. So, there she was, left alone in a strange land, with no one other than her two daughter-in-laws for company. Naomi decided that the time had come for her to return to her homeland. She took what was left of her family, and they began along the road to Judah. Naomi then shows amazing kindness in that she attempted to send the girls back to their parents. One of them, Orpah, did indeed return home, but Ruth refused. In Ruth 1: 16-17, she states: “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”
What a beautiful sentiment. Ruth set aside everything that had once been important to her, and instead followed this woman who had come to mean so much to her over the years. What’s more, she was rewarded for her loyalty. As we read the book of Ruth, in particular chapters 2-4, we learn that because she completely devoted herself to following Naomi, (and Naomi’s God), she received a great blessing. Not only was she given another husband, but she was named in the lineage of Christ. (Ruth 4: 13-17) That’s one side of the coin; now allow me to present to you a group who just couldn’t seem to completely give themselves to God.
In Jeremiah 3: 1-5, we find the weeping profit addressing the Children of God. In fact, we find him making a rather odd comparison. He states that the Children are much like an unfaithful spouse. The commitment to marriage is made, but then one or the other decides to put that commitment aside the problem with this concept is seen in God’s question in Jeremiah 3: 1. Speaking of the spouse’s body as land, he asks: “Shall not that land be greatly polluted?”
You see, unlike Ruth, the Children of God were not fully committed to him. They wanted him at times, but more often than not, they wanted little to do with him.
James Rowe, in the second verse of “Love Lifted Me”, leaves no room for doubt as to where he stands. As he wrote that song, you can see his full commitment in every word. He gives the Lord his whole heart! He gives the Lord his whole trust! He gives the Lord all his praise! He gives the Lord his best song! Finally, he gives the Lord his best service! James Rowe lived scripture by writing this verse. Christ said that in order to be called his disciples, we must take up our cross each day, deny ourselves, and follow him! (Luke 9: 23) Let me ask you, has love lifted you out of yourself?
III. CONCLUSION
“Love lifted me, Love lifted me, when nothing else could help, and love lifted me!” There are very few words which man has put to paper that contain more truth than these. God’s amazing love is indeed capable of lifting us out of both our spiritual danger, as well as out of ourselves and into service to him. The question for you is, are you willing to do that which is necessary in order to experience the powerful love of God?
A LETTER TO ME
AUDIO LINK:
"A LETTER TO ME"
Intro:
One of my favorite singers is brad Paisley. I love the way in which he sings about every day events. The way in which he manages to capture what it's like to go out and live life on a day-to-day bases is amazing. He injects both sorrow and celebration in almost every song he sings.
Recently he released his latest CD, and as usual it is incredible! There is one song in particular that caught my attention. The song is entitled, "IF I COULD WRITE A LETTER TO ME." In the song, brad talks about a letter that he would like to write to his 17-year-old self. In the song, he addresses some of the issues, which his teenage self faced, and offers adult advice on ways to deal with those problems.
Tonight, I want to share with you the letter and advice, which I would offer to myself. Actually, I want to address Rusty at 17. I vaguely recall that long ago burgeoning man. I hope that we can gain some assistance in living our adult lives.
I LIFE ISN'T ALWAYS FAIR, BUT IT'S WORTH IT!
In Mr. Paisley's song, he begins by talking to his younger self about the subject which all teenagers face. He addresses a member of the opposite sex. He writes about the end of a 7-month relationship, which meant so much to him at that time. He talks about the heartache and pain of that event. He says, I know that you liked her, and I know it don't seem fair."
As I listened to that song, it took me back to 1994,95, and part of 96. It reminded me of a girl named Michel Minnick. I thought she just might have designed, colored, and hung the moon and stars. We met at TSB, and boy she was something special. We began dating, and I just could not wait to marry her.
We made plans, I bought a ring, and the only thing that got in our way was the other guy she began dating. If it hadn't been for him, I think we really had a chance.
In all seriousness, when we stopped seeing each other, I thought my world had come to an end. I couldn't imagine anything worse than that moment. I even remember praying that God would bring her back, and if he would then I would do so much good for him.
Obviously he didn't bring her back, and I now see that he knew what was right for me. However, in the midst of trials, it's often hard for us to believe that there's any reason to get out of bed.
Think about Elijah in First Kings 19: 1-14. He had been through so much, and had not just survived, but thrived time an time again. However, in First Kings 19, we see his resolve beginning to weaken, and he decides that he's had enough. He goes into the wilderness, takes a seat under a tree, and says, "Lord take my life, for I am no better than my Fathers." (1Ki 19: 4) I think we can all agree that it's a good thing that god chose not to take him up on that request.
God heard him. God saw his pain. God then did what he always does in those situations. He reached out. He revealed himself to his suffering servant.
Look at 1Kings 19: 9-13. There we see Elijah speaking with god. God tells him to go out before the cave in which he has taken shelter, and the Lord then sends a wind, earthquake, and fire, but God isn't seen in any of those things. Instead, Elijah here's him as a small voice, a whisper in the wind. In that small voice, that whisper in the wind, Elijah finds that all hope is not lost. He finds that God's revelation makes life worth living in spite of the hard times.
The same thing is true of you and I today. Brad told his 17-year-old self, "She wasn't right for you, but still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back, and your wondering if you'll survive. You'll make it through this and see, your still around to write this letter to me."
Folks, the message for us is very simple. Life is often times hard, but likewise, it is always worth it! It's worth it because in those moments, that's when our God takes us and whispers in our ear. That's when we discover that he is still that small voice telling us that all will be well!
II SET ASIDE YOUR ANGER, AND ENJOY THE TIME YOU HAVE ON HAND!
In the second verse, Brad cautions himself about getting mad, and failing to enjoy the time at hand. How many of us are guilty of this same thing. How many of us spend our lives mad at this person over here, or that person over there. For what? Because they didn't do something quite the way we thought they should? Because they had an idea that dared to challenge our way of thinking? Because they didn't live up to the expectations which we had for them?
So often, I'm afraid that we live our entire lives like the Elder son in the story of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15: 11-32. You know the story. The younger son decided to take the money his father would one day give him, go into a foren land, and live it up! Unfortunately for him, that didn't work out so well. He lost his money, his home, and his pride. Soon he was living no better than the pigs.
It was at that point when he decided to go home. He did return, and he returned to a hero's homecoming. All was forgiven, and a feast was laid in his honor. Everyone was so happy, except for his older brother. No, rather than be happy for the safe return of his brother, he decided to be mad at the father, and the brother.
Let me ask you this, "What good came from him being mad?" I'll answer the question for you. NONE! The father was forced to have an uncomfortable conversation with his eldest child, and I am quite certain that the party suffered because of this man's anger.
Folks, there are things in life which should make us mad. However, to become so angry with someone that you cannot go to that person and express that anger in a reasonable manor is uncalled for. To allow the sun to set on your anger is something, which Paul warned us against doing no matter our age. (Eph 4: 32) What I want to encourage you to do is enjoy life, and stop waiting on that other shoe to fall. What if that shoe never falls. What if you spend your life being mad, and what your mad about never happens. Just take time to enjoy all that you have been given.
III BE GREATFUL FOR EVERYTHING, AND EVERYONE IN YOUR LIFE!
This is not directly expressed, yet in some way, it is what the song is all about. Right after the breakdown, Brad sings, "You've got so much up ahead!" He's talked to his younger self about breakups, breakdowns, and even the delicate subject of life being broken away. And in the end, he just encourages that younger Brad to look forward, and be grateful for all that has happened. In the good times, be grateful! In the sad times, be grateful! Why? Because those moments are going to help shape him into the person he will one day become!
Now, the same thing is true of the letter I would write to myself. I would tell that younger Rusty to get ready, because the best is yet to come. I would tell him to hang on, hang in, and get ready to see things that he is not going to believe! For example, I would tell him that in his future, he would actually thank Michel for going ahead and leaving. Why? Because she helped to get him ready to meet the real love of his life. I would tell him to thank god for taking his eyesight. Why? Because thanks to that blindness, he is going to see further than most people with 20-20! However, I would encourage him above all, to make sure to take time to be grateful for everyone, and everything in his life. Thank God for your family, some of who will be gone by the time you are 30. Thank God for your friends, some of whom you will fall out of touch with by the time you are 25. Thank God for every stepping-stone, and stumbling block, which will litter the path between here, there, and eternity!
"A LETTER TO ME"
Intro:
One of my favorite singers is brad Paisley. I love the way in which he sings about every day events. The way in which he manages to capture what it's like to go out and live life on a day-to-day bases is amazing. He injects both sorrow and celebration in almost every song he sings.
Recently he released his latest CD, and as usual it is incredible! There is one song in particular that caught my attention. The song is entitled, "IF I COULD WRITE A LETTER TO ME." In the song, brad talks about a letter that he would like to write to his 17-year-old self. In the song, he addresses some of the issues, which his teenage self faced, and offers adult advice on ways to deal with those problems.
Tonight, I want to share with you the letter and advice, which I would offer to myself. Actually, I want to address Rusty at 17. I vaguely recall that long ago burgeoning man. I hope that we can gain some assistance in living our adult lives.
I LIFE ISN'T ALWAYS FAIR, BUT IT'S WORTH IT!
In Mr. Paisley's song, he begins by talking to his younger self about the subject which all teenagers face. He addresses a member of the opposite sex. He writes about the end of a 7-month relationship, which meant so much to him at that time. He talks about the heartache and pain of that event. He says, I know that you liked her, and I know it don't seem fair."
As I listened to that song, it took me back to 1994,95, and part of 96. It reminded me of a girl named Michel Minnick. I thought she just might have designed, colored, and hung the moon and stars. We met at TSB, and boy she was something special. We began dating, and I just could not wait to marry her.
We made plans, I bought a ring, and the only thing that got in our way was the other guy she began dating. If it hadn't been for him, I think we really had a chance.
In all seriousness, when we stopped seeing each other, I thought my world had come to an end. I couldn't imagine anything worse than that moment. I even remember praying that God would bring her back, and if he would then I would do so much good for him.
Obviously he didn't bring her back, and I now see that he knew what was right for me. However, in the midst of trials, it's often hard for us to believe that there's any reason to get out of bed.
Think about Elijah in First Kings 19: 1-14. He had been through so much, and had not just survived, but thrived time an time again. However, in First Kings 19, we see his resolve beginning to weaken, and he decides that he's had enough. He goes into the wilderness, takes a seat under a tree, and says, "Lord take my life, for I am no better than my Fathers." (1Ki 19: 4) I think we can all agree that it's a good thing that god chose not to take him up on that request.
God heard him. God saw his pain. God then did what he always does in those situations. He reached out. He revealed himself to his suffering servant.
Look at 1Kings 19: 9-13. There we see Elijah speaking with god. God tells him to go out before the cave in which he has taken shelter, and the Lord then sends a wind, earthquake, and fire, but God isn't seen in any of those things. Instead, Elijah here's him as a small voice, a whisper in the wind. In that small voice, that whisper in the wind, Elijah finds that all hope is not lost. He finds that God's revelation makes life worth living in spite of the hard times.
The same thing is true of you and I today. Brad told his 17-year-old self, "She wasn't right for you, but still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back, and your wondering if you'll survive. You'll make it through this and see, your still around to write this letter to me."
Folks, the message for us is very simple. Life is often times hard, but likewise, it is always worth it! It's worth it because in those moments, that's when our God takes us and whispers in our ear. That's when we discover that he is still that small voice telling us that all will be well!
II SET ASIDE YOUR ANGER, AND ENJOY THE TIME YOU HAVE ON HAND!
In the second verse, Brad cautions himself about getting mad, and failing to enjoy the time at hand. How many of us are guilty of this same thing. How many of us spend our lives mad at this person over here, or that person over there. For what? Because they didn't do something quite the way we thought they should? Because they had an idea that dared to challenge our way of thinking? Because they didn't live up to the expectations which we had for them?
So often, I'm afraid that we live our entire lives like the Elder son in the story of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15: 11-32. You know the story. The younger son decided to take the money his father would one day give him, go into a foren land, and live it up! Unfortunately for him, that didn't work out so well. He lost his money, his home, and his pride. Soon he was living no better than the pigs.
It was at that point when he decided to go home. He did return, and he returned to a hero's homecoming. All was forgiven, and a feast was laid in his honor. Everyone was so happy, except for his older brother. No, rather than be happy for the safe return of his brother, he decided to be mad at the father, and the brother.
Let me ask you this, "What good came from him being mad?" I'll answer the question for you. NONE! The father was forced to have an uncomfortable conversation with his eldest child, and I am quite certain that the party suffered because of this man's anger.
Folks, there are things in life which should make us mad. However, to become so angry with someone that you cannot go to that person and express that anger in a reasonable manor is uncalled for. To allow the sun to set on your anger is something, which Paul warned us against doing no matter our age. (Eph 4: 32) What I want to encourage you to do is enjoy life, and stop waiting on that other shoe to fall. What if that shoe never falls. What if you spend your life being mad, and what your mad about never happens. Just take time to enjoy all that you have been given.
III BE GREATFUL FOR EVERYTHING, AND EVERYONE IN YOUR LIFE!
This is not directly expressed, yet in some way, it is what the song is all about. Right after the breakdown, Brad sings, "You've got so much up ahead!" He's talked to his younger self about breakups, breakdowns, and even the delicate subject of life being broken away. And in the end, he just encourages that younger Brad to look forward, and be grateful for all that has happened. In the good times, be grateful! In the sad times, be grateful! Why? Because those moments are going to help shape him into the person he will one day become!
Now, the same thing is true of the letter I would write to myself. I would tell that younger Rusty to get ready, because the best is yet to come. I would tell him to hang on, hang in, and get ready to see things that he is not going to believe! For example, I would tell him that in his future, he would actually thank Michel for going ahead and leaving. Why? Because she helped to get him ready to meet the real love of his life. I would tell him to thank god for taking his eyesight. Why? Because thanks to that blindness, he is going to see further than most people with 20-20! However, I would encourage him above all, to make sure to take time to be grateful for everyone, and everything in his life. Thank God for your family, some of who will be gone by the time you are 30. Thank God for your friends, some of whom you will fall out of touch with by the time you are 25. Thank God for every stepping-stone, and stumbling block, which will litter the path between here, there, and eternity!
CHRISTIANITY PART 1 AND 2
THIS LESSON WAS PRESENTED IN TWO SECTIONS. PLEASE CLICK THE LINKS TO ENJOY THIS AUDIO STUDY.
PART 1:
PART 2:
Christianity and World Religions
Galatians 1: 6 – 9
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
We live in a time when we are no more than 24 hours away from any city on the earth. Even in the South we encounter many different cultures and religions, among our neighbors, coworkers and peers in school. The question naturally arises as to whether or not Christianity is unique among world religions, or is it only one of many on a basic theme running through all religions? Does not the sincere Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or Jew worship the same God as we do, but under a different name? Or, "Is Jesus Christ the only way to God"?
I. IS THERE ONE TRUTH?
Sincerely believing something does not make it true, as anyone knows who has ever brushed their teeth with Preparation H, or sprayed their hair with deodorant, no matter how sincere or how much faith you have, believing something doesn't make it true any more than failing to believe truth makes it false. Truth is truth, regardless of people's attitude or opinion toward it. In religious matters, the basic question is always, "Is it true?"
A. Genesis 37:32 – 34 Joseph’s brothers sent his coat of many colors soaked in blood back to their old father.
32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no. And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.
34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
Jacob believed his son Joseph was dead, but he was not. Thinking it, accepting it, nor mourning for him did not change the truth that he was alive. Jacob believed with all his heart Joseph was dead.
B. Proverbs 14: 12 Solomon, inspired of God, says man can be wrong even when he thinks he is right.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
C. Isaiah 55: 8 – 9 God tells us our ways and thoughts are not necessarily His. NO, God says they are not His, for his ways and thoughts are higher.
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
D. John 14: 6 Jesus told Thomas He was the Truth.
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
We either believe the Bible as the word of God or we do not. If we do we can come to the knowledge of the truth. If we do not believe the Bible we are without faith and unable to please God. We are lost without hope.
II. THE CONCEPT OF GOD:
Even the fundamental concept of God, on which there is a plea that we should agree, reveals wide division. To say that we can unite with all who believe in God, regardless of what this God is called, fails to recognize that the Bible says there is one God.
A. 1 Corinthians 8: 4 – 6 Paul teaches the brethren at Corinth there is one God to all christians.
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Paul says, But to us, Christians, there is one God.
B. The Hindu Concept of God is the God of pantheism. Pantheism is the belief that God is the world and the world is God'. It is not personal..and is incomplete without creation. He is dependent on the creation for a beginning. But the Bible presents a God distinct and separate from the Creation.
1. Hebrews 1: 10 – 12 The Hebrew writer says God was, and is, and always will be.
Heb 1:10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
God never changes and never fails. The world changes and fails so a world God is not true.
2. Genesis 1: 1 Moses wrote that God was in the beginning.
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Hinduism began with man. Man was not in the beginning, so
the true is, God was before Hinduism.
3. Nehemiah 9: 6 Nehemiah the prophet wrote.
6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
4. Acts 17: 25 God is self sufficient.
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
God gives everything and needs nothing. What god created by man can say that.
5. Matthew 5: 48 God is also perfect. No other god can say that.
B. THE BUDDHIST CONCEPT OF GOD IS AGNOSTIC: The founder did not believe in God. The 'Buddhist system'..the founder taught neither prayer nor praise; he offered neither redemption, nor forgiveness, nor heaven; he warned of no judgment and no final hell. He refused to speculate on ultimate reality or the First Cause..he was silent regarding any future life. Buddha, contrary to popular belief, never claimed to be deity. In fact, he was agnostic about the whole question of whether God even existed'. This presents a big problem with Hebrews 11:6. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
III. THE CONCEPT OF JESUS THE SON OF GOD.
The deity, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are affirmed by Christianity, this is what Christianity is ultimately based upon. This is the heart and soul of the gospel.
A. Galatians 1:6 - 9 No other gospel is to be preached.
B. The Koran denies Christ is the Son of God. The Koran makes the following statements:
1. “They are infidels, who say, Verily God is Christ the son of Mary”
(pg. 84)
2. “Christ, the son of Mary is no more than an apostle” (pg. 92)
3. “Christians say, Christ is the Son of God. This is their saying in their mouths, they imitate the saying of those who were unbelievers in former times. May God resist them” (pg. 152)
Many did not believe Jesus when he preached. Many did not believe Jesus was the Son of God. This is nothing new. This is the same disbelief the Hindu, Buddhist and orthodox Jew has today. Is it true? No. Unless you disbelieve the truth of the Bible and history its self you cannot believe the Koran. You can not believe the Buddhist.
Do you have faith in God and Christ? If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Will you obey him in baptism for the remission of your sins?
We have looked at the truth today. We have looked at the concept of God in the Bible, the Koran, and Buddhist thinking. We have looked at the concept of Christ by the Hindu. Tonight we will begin here and continue our study. I hope you will be back tonight.
Are you are a Christian, are you living as Christ would have you live? Do you need to return to Christ?
If you’re not a Christian, and you know whether you are today. You know your life. Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins? If not ,Christ has not added you to His church. The righteous are in Christ church. He will call the righteous home to be with him. Are you ready?
Will you come to Jesus?
CHRISTIANITY AND WORLD RELIGION 2
This morning we looked at the truth. Jesus says he is truth. We looked at the different beliefs in the concept of God and Christ. We want to begin again the statement that:
The Koran denies Christ is the Son of God. It calls believers infidels.
It says Christ is just an apostle. It ask God to resist Christians.
C. John 1: 1 – 2 The Bible says Jesus was with God and was God.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Christ who never lied and was known and seen by many reliable people proves the Koran to be false.
1. John 10: 37 – 38 Jesus told the Jews that were going to stone him.
37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Jesus escaped that time and all that John said of Jesus was true.
2. Hebrews 1: 6 – 8 The Hebrew writer says of Jesus.
Heb 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, and let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
It really doesn't matter what one thinks of Muhammad, Buddha or Confucius as individuals. Their followers emphasize their teachings. Not so with Christ. He made Himself the focal point of his teaching.
D. Matthew 16: 15 – 16 Jesus ask his disciples who they thought he was.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Jesus showed himself by how he lived. He did not just talk he did what he taught
.
1. John 8: 23 – 25 Jesus speaking to the Jews in the temple says;
23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
Jesus spoke boldly to them and they ask who he was.
2. Matthew 10: 32 – 33 Jesus says confess me.
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
3. Romans 10: 9 – 10 What were they to confess?
Ro 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
We must confess Jesus Christ as the son of God and believe that God raised him from the dead for us be saved. People say I believe so I am already saved.
4. Romans 6: 3 Paul wrote to be baptized as well as to confess Christ. Ro 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
The Ethiopian eunuch, Acts 8: 30 – 39, is an example of one confessing Christ and being baptized.
IV. THE CONCEPT OF THE DEATH OF CHRIST:
A. ACCORDING TO ISLAM:
The Koran denies that Jesus died upon the cross:
"and have said, verily we have slain Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the apostle of God; yet they slew him not, neither crucified him, but he was represented by one in his likeness, and verily they who disagree concerning him were in a doubt as to this matter, and had no sure knowledge thereof, but followed only an uncertain opinion. They did not really kill him" (Koran. pp. 78-79.
B. Matthew 16: 21 Jesus taught his disciples before he was taken.
21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
C. Luke 24: 46 – 48 Jesus told his disciples ye are witnesses.
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
1. Matthew 9: 13 The Need for a Savior:
Sin for the Hindu, is not the personal moral guilt it is for the Christian. It is a sin, in Hinduism, to call a man a sinner. Did Jesus then sin? For He called people 'sinners'. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance.
2. John 8: 24 Jesus said; believe in Him.
Or you will die in your sins.
3. John 8: 34 Jesus said; Whosoever sins is a servant of sin.
Verse 36 If the Son makes you free, you are free.
D. Matthew 16: 21 Jesus taught and showed his disciples how he would suffer, die, and be raised the third day. He did this and was seen by many witnesses.
E. Luke 24: 48 Jesus said they were witnesses of these things.
F. The Hindu denial of Christ death leaves no need to believe in a resurrection.
1. John 5: 28 – 29 Jesus said there would be a resurrection.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
2. Both the Buddhist and Hindu believe in reincarnation so they reject any form of a resurrection.
Both Hinduism and Buddhism, contain no need for a Saviour, for both are basically a "keep trying until you get it right" salvation system. In both of these religions man is taught to truly save himself; neither religion contains a need for a Savior. How does this compare with
John 3:16? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The truth of the Bible and the consistency of the Bible gives us a plan that can be believed and trusted. We can have faith in God for God has fulfilled all his promises without failing even once. There is no conflict or error found in the Bible. This cannot truly be said of the Koran or any religion man has created.
We make our choice to believe God or man. Many reject God because of false teaching and family tradition. Sadly, many who profess to be Christians will be lost for the same reasons. One cannot obey God through false teaching or family tradition. One must believe and obey God by faith through obedient works. Faith alone will not save no more than works alone will save.
James 2: 14 – 26 teaches that faith and works are needed to obey God.
Do you need to obey God tonight? Will you?
PART 1:
PART 2:
Christianity and World Religions
Galatians 1: 6 – 9
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
We live in a time when we are no more than 24 hours away from any city on the earth. Even in the South we encounter many different cultures and religions, among our neighbors, coworkers and peers in school. The question naturally arises as to whether or not Christianity is unique among world religions, or is it only one of many on a basic theme running through all religions? Does not the sincere Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or Jew worship the same God as we do, but under a different name? Or, "Is Jesus Christ the only way to God"?
I. IS THERE ONE TRUTH?
Sincerely believing something does not make it true, as anyone knows who has ever brushed their teeth with Preparation H, or sprayed their hair with deodorant, no matter how sincere or how much faith you have, believing something doesn't make it true any more than failing to believe truth makes it false. Truth is truth, regardless of people's attitude or opinion toward it. In religious matters, the basic question is always, "Is it true?"
A. Genesis 37:32 – 34 Joseph’s brothers sent his coat of many colors soaked in blood back to their old father.
32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no. And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.
34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
Jacob believed his son Joseph was dead, but he was not. Thinking it, accepting it, nor mourning for him did not change the truth that he was alive. Jacob believed with all his heart Joseph was dead.
B. Proverbs 14: 12 Solomon, inspired of God, says man can be wrong even when he thinks he is right.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
C. Isaiah 55: 8 – 9 God tells us our ways and thoughts are not necessarily His. NO, God says they are not His, for his ways and thoughts are higher.
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
D. John 14: 6 Jesus told Thomas He was the Truth.
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
We either believe the Bible as the word of God or we do not. If we do we can come to the knowledge of the truth. If we do not believe the Bible we are without faith and unable to please God. We are lost without hope.
II. THE CONCEPT OF GOD:
Even the fundamental concept of God, on which there is a plea that we should agree, reveals wide division. To say that we can unite with all who believe in God, regardless of what this God is called, fails to recognize that the Bible says there is one God.
A. 1 Corinthians 8: 4 – 6 Paul teaches the brethren at Corinth there is one God to all christians.
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Paul says, But to us, Christians, there is one God.
B. The Hindu Concept of God is the God of pantheism. Pantheism is the belief that God is the world and the world is God'. It is not personal..and is incomplete without creation. He is dependent on the creation for a beginning. But the Bible presents a God distinct and separate from the Creation.
1. Hebrews 1: 10 – 12 The Hebrew writer says God was, and is, and always will be.
Heb 1:10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
God never changes and never fails. The world changes and fails so a world God is not true.
2. Genesis 1: 1 Moses wrote that God was in the beginning.
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Hinduism began with man. Man was not in the beginning, so
the true is, God was before Hinduism.
3. Nehemiah 9: 6 Nehemiah the prophet wrote.
6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
4. Acts 17: 25 God is self sufficient.
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
God gives everything and needs nothing. What god created by man can say that.
5. Matthew 5: 48 God is also perfect. No other god can say that.
B. THE BUDDHIST CONCEPT OF GOD IS AGNOSTIC: The founder did not believe in God. The 'Buddhist system'..the founder taught neither prayer nor praise; he offered neither redemption, nor forgiveness, nor heaven; he warned of no judgment and no final hell. He refused to speculate on ultimate reality or the First Cause..he was silent regarding any future life. Buddha, contrary to popular belief, never claimed to be deity. In fact, he was agnostic about the whole question of whether God even existed'. This presents a big problem with Hebrews 11:6. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
III. THE CONCEPT OF JESUS THE SON OF GOD.
The deity, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are affirmed by Christianity, this is what Christianity is ultimately based upon. This is the heart and soul of the gospel.
A. Galatians 1:6 - 9 No other gospel is to be preached.
B. The Koran denies Christ is the Son of God. The Koran makes the following statements:
1. “They are infidels, who say, Verily God is Christ the son of Mary”
(pg. 84)
2. “Christ, the son of Mary is no more than an apostle” (pg. 92)
3. “Christians say, Christ is the Son of God. This is their saying in their mouths, they imitate the saying of those who were unbelievers in former times. May God resist them” (pg. 152)
Many did not believe Jesus when he preached. Many did not believe Jesus was the Son of God. This is nothing new. This is the same disbelief the Hindu, Buddhist and orthodox Jew has today. Is it true? No. Unless you disbelieve the truth of the Bible and history its self you cannot believe the Koran. You can not believe the Buddhist.
Do you have faith in God and Christ? If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Will you obey him in baptism for the remission of your sins?
We have looked at the truth today. We have looked at the concept of God in the Bible, the Koran, and Buddhist thinking. We have looked at the concept of Christ by the Hindu. Tonight we will begin here and continue our study. I hope you will be back tonight.
Are you are a Christian, are you living as Christ would have you live? Do you need to return to Christ?
If you’re not a Christian, and you know whether you are today. You know your life. Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins? If not ,Christ has not added you to His church. The righteous are in Christ church. He will call the righteous home to be with him. Are you ready?
Will you come to Jesus?
CHRISTIANITY AND WORLD RELIGION 2
This morning we looked at the truth. Jesus says he is truth. We looked at the different beliefs in the concept of God and Christ. We want to begin again the statement that:
The Koran denies Christ is the Son of God. It calls believers infidels.
It says Christ is just an apostle. It ask God to resist Christians.
C. John 1: 1 – 2 The Bible says Jesus was with God and was God.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Christ who never lied and was known and seen by many reliable people proves the Koran to be false.
1. John 10: 37 – 38 Jesus told the Jews that were going to stone him.
37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Jesus escaped that time and all that John said of Jesus was true.
2. Hebrews 1: 6 – 8 The Hebrew writer says of Jesus.
Heb 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, and let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
It really doesn't matter what one thinks of Muhammad, Buddha or Confucius as individuals. Their followers emphasize their teachings. Not so with Christ. He made Himself the focal point of his teaching.
D. Matthew 16: 15 – 16 Jesus ask his disciples who they thought he was.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Jesus showed himself by how he lived. He did not just talk he did what he taught
.
1. John 8: 23 – 25 Jesus speaking to the Jews in the temple says;
23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
Jesus spoke boldly to them and they ask who he was.
2. Matthew 10: 32 – 33 Jesus says confess me.
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
3. Romans 10: 9 – 10 What were they to confess?
Ro 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
We must confess Jesus Christ as the son of God and believe that God raised him from the dead for us be saved. People say I believe so I am already saved.
4. Romans 6: 3 Paul wrote to be baptized as well as to confess Christ. Ro 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
The Ethiopian eunuch, Acts 8: 30 – 39, is an example of one confessing Christ and being baptized.
IV. THE CONCEPT OF THE DEATH OF CHRIST:
A. ACCORDING TO ISLAM:
The Koran denies that Jesus died upon the cross:
"and have said, verily we have slain Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the apostle of God; yet they slew him not, neither crucified him, but he was represented by one in his likeness, and verily they who disagree concerning him were in a doubt as to this matter, and had no sure knowledge thereof, but followed only an uncertain opinion. They did not really kill him" (Koran. pp. 78-79.
B. Matthew 16: 21 Jesus taught his disciples before he was taken.
21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
C. Luke 24: 46 – 48 Jesus told his disciples ye are witnesses.
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
1. Matthew 9: 13 The Need for a Savior:
Sin for the Hindu, is not the personal moral guilt it is for the Christian. It is a sin, in Hinduism, to call a man a sinner. Did Jesus then sin? For He called people 'sinners'. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance.
2. John 8: 24 Jesus said; believe in Him.
Or you will die in your sins.
3. John 8: 34 Jesus said; Whosoever sins is a servant of sin.
Verse 36 If the Son makes you free, you are free.
D. Matthew 16: 21 Jesus taught and showed his disciples how he would suffer, die, and be raised the third day. He did this and was seen by many witnesses.
E. Luke 24: 48 Jesus said they were witnesses of these things.
F. The Hindu denial of Christ death leaves no need to believe in a resurrection.
1. John 5: 28 – 29 Jesus said there would be a resurrection.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
2. Both the Buddhist and Hindu believe in reincarnation so they reject any form of a resurrection.
Both Hinduism and Buddhism, contain no need for a Saviour, for both are basically a "keep trying until you get it right" salvation system. In both of these religions man is taught to truly save himself; neither religion contains a need for a Savior. How does this compare with
John 3:16? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The truth of the Bible and the consistency of the Bible gives us a plan that can be believed and trusted. We can have faith in God for God has fulfilled all his promises without failing even once. There is no conflict or error found in the Bible. This cannot truly be said of the Koran or any religion man has created.
We make our choice to believe God or man. Many reject God because of false teaching and family tradition. Sadly, many who profess to be Christians will be lost for the same reasons. One cannot obey God through false teaching or family tradition. One must believe and obey God by faith through obedient works. Faith alone will not save no more than works alone will save.
James 2: 14 – 26 teaches that faith and works are needed to obey God.
Do you need to obey God tonight? Will you?
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