This scripture is about what’s most important. There are many choices in life, if you gain a healthy perspective on priorities then you are well on the road to simplifying your world. Eight years ago our church went through an evaluation process in which we talked about what was most important. The guiding principle that emerged which shape us to this day is, “We were at our best when we are involved in ministry.” For example, Dena was not even here at the time, but when she wanted to spearhead a Turkey Dinner, that was an expression of the guiding principle. It also fits the mission we outlined: Rooted in the Word, Focused on the Cross, Missioned to the World. I hope everyone has a good time at the turkey dinner next Saturday, but the greater purpose is to hang out with folks from the community, share the love of Christ in a tangible way. What are your priorities?
When our son was about 5 years old I resigned as Pastor of the Nooksack Church. Sally and I felt bad because every time we drove near the church Forest would say, “I miss our church.” For months we heard the same thing. It was understandable, the wonderful people, a church family, a place to belong. After about 5-6 months we finally asked him what he missed. Suddenly we didn’t feel so bad. He immediately answered, “Riding the plastic truck down the ramp into the basement.” Priorities. Perspective.
This scripture is about what’s most important. There are many choices in life, if you gain a healthy perspective on priorities then you are well on the road to simplifying your world. Eight years ago our church went through an evaluation process in which we talked about what was most important. The guiding principle that emerged which shape us to this day is, “We were at our best when we are involved in ministry.” For example, Dena was not even here at the time, but when she wanted to spearhead a Turkey Dinner, that was an expression of the guiding principle. It also fits the mission we outlined: Rooted in the Word, Focused on the Cross, Missioned to the World. I hope everyone has a good time at the turkey dinner next Saturday, but the greater purpose is to hang out with folks from the community, share the love of Christ in a tangible way. What are your priorities?
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You are faced with a monster roller coaster with a 300 foot drop and double loop that pauses momentarily at the peak of the loop. Would you be excited? …. As you stand in line waiting your turn there is an escape route. As soon as you sit in the seat and the attendant fastens the restraints in place, there is something about the CLICK of the bar ~ You are Committed!!! No matter how you feel, no matter how excited you are, no matter your fears or enthusiasm, when you feel the restraints fit across your body, you are in the roller coaster and you have no choice but to face the ride of your life! READ Luke 9:51. Everything is ready. You are committed. No matter your fear or enthusiasm, there comes a point when you are going forward with Jesus. For the disciples, he is going to Jerusalem. “Resolutely” is the word used. As in New Years Resolution: “I resolve to go on a diet.” For us New Year’s resolutions have become a joke, but this is Jesus: can you imagine Him changing his mind? Not a chance. Jesus is resolved. You are invited to go forward with him all the way to Jersualem/the cross. When we make assumptions about other people we get in trouble, and when we make assumptions about God we get in trouble too. This message is about recognizing our great need and then responding in one of two ways: resolving our needs in our own strength assuming God will bless us, or depending on God through faith and his power.
In today’s scripture, we are in the middle of Luke 9, a chapter defining what it means to proclaim Jesus is the Christ. Jesus pulls back the curtains and reveals in greater and greater depth what it means to follow Jesus, the Christ of God, the chosen one of God to bring salvation to the world. To follow Christ means a life of suffering and sacrifice even to the point of death. It means to pick up your cross and whole heartedly commit what God wants of you, even when it is not your first choice. Then last week, a stark reminder through the transfiguration that Jesus is divine in nature, and to confess Jesus is the Christ is to be changed ourselves as we commit ourselves to the Lord. Instead of asking people what they do for a living when he meets new people, I read about a man that instead asks, “What have you done that you believe in and are proud of?” That’s a great question. The answer is a good indication of whether or not we have picked up our cross and followed Jesus. The question touches on something important in today’s scripture: what does it mean to make a full commitment to Jesus? To follow Christ means to be available for his desires for us… “deny yourself” ~ not what you want, but what God wants! “What have you done that you believe in and are proud of?” It’s easy to read a great verse like Luke 9:23, READ, and think being a Christian means to give up doing the fun things that I want and instead live a serious, disciplined life that God wants. That is NOT what it means. Take Riley Sanford for example… (Riley is a young man with YWAM that shared with us earlier in the service his experiences as a Trekker leader in Papua New Guinea.) “Do you [Riley] find yourself having any fun at all as you follow Christ?” To find the greatest meaning in life, choose the way of God. It is not an easy path, but it is the only path that gives ultimate purpose. When I was in Junior High at Nooksack I was probably the only kid to ever be a bit embarrassed at times over his father! I can still hear the times at basketball games in the gymnasium when everyone would stand to sing the national anthem at the start of the games. My father would be at the top of the stands on the opposite side from me in his customary place, a little bit in the shadows. In a day and age when patriotism was taken for granted, I swear this is true. Yes the band was playing, but I could hear my father singing. I just wanted to melt. Why couldn’t my father just be like the rest of the crowd and treat the national anthem as a formality? There is such a thing as crowd think. The herd mentality. People will do things, or not do things, in a crowd that is contrary to their behavior if left to their own heart. Today I am proud of my father’s example. At the time I so often wished he would just go along with the crowd. To follow Jesus Christ means to put your faith into practice. Faith with hands and feet. This message is the beginning of a series from Luke 9. The challenge of this chapter is to examine the claims of Jesus and ask if you believe. In Luke 9:20: Jesus says, “What about you? Who do you say I am?” The question is directed at Peter but it is also a question for me and you. If you believe he is who he says he is it shapes how you see yourself. A little later in Luke 9:46 it is reported the disciples were competing with each other about which of them is the best. They still did not understand the message of Christ, for if they did, they would know Jesus is saying to follow him is to break down the walls of competition, self promotion, and status, and instead become kingdom focused, putting others ahead of you. What you believe about Jesus shapes your own character, values and patterns.
Perhaps a few can relate to this poem, “Twas the Day After Christmas” : Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse. The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste At the holiday parties had gone to my waist. When I got on the scales there arose such a number! When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber). I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared; The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared, The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please." As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt And prepared once again to do battle with dirt--- I said to myself, as only I can " You can't spend a winter disguised as a man! " So--away with the last of the sour cream dip, Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chips Every last bit of food that I like must be banished Till all the additional ounces have vanished. I won't have a cookie--not even a lick. I'll chew only on a long celery stick. I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie, I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry. I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore--- But isn't that what January is for? Unable to giggle, no longer a riot. Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet! " A kernel of truth in this silly poem. The day after Christmas, the festivities are over, reality sets in, families go home. “I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore--- But isn't that what January is for?” The routine is just around the corner. No crisis is ever convenient. A crisis is a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger. Sometimes it comes with the feeling of being overwhelmed, dread. Sometimes specific events, sudden change, or maybe a general confusion. The truth is many people will secretly be glad when Christmas is over…the work, the emotions, the loneliness on a holiday that is supposed to be like a Norman Rockwell painting. Ready or not, it is time for Christmas. The Crisis of Christ. Jesus was born in a time of crisis. His birth is a crisis. Even in the best of situations, birth is hard! The unknown. The changes. When Esther was born the doctors let Sally and me hold her. After a few moments she started turning blue ~ I was pretty sure that was not normal…they whisked her away and five hours later we saw held her once again. The meaning of names:
Carl: a peasant or man of low birth Linda: Beautiful John: The Grace of the Lord Herb: Illustrious Warrior Janet: God has been gracious Connie: Strong willed or Wise Barbara: stranger, traveler from a foreign land Steve: Crown, Victorious Patricia: Noble Paul: Humble Ian: Gift from God Michelle: “who is like God?” Diane: Beauty and Swiftness ~ a huntress Elizabeth: God is satisfied Luke 2:21 highlights a couple of truths about Jesus: When and Why named Jesus. #1 WHEN. the custom in the days of Jesus of naming children is different than for us. In those days, children were NOT traditionally named until 8 days after the baby was born. We don’t do it that way ~ parents often select a name well before the child is born. There were customs having to do with the father and the birth order, names being handed down, but the reason to wait for the 8th day was to give the parents an opportunity to know their child, the character, significant attributes ~ parents could see the character of the child and select a name that has to do with personality, or perhaps something unusual about the birth…. The name “Jesus” is given by the angels before Jesus was even conceived. This is unusual! God revealed the character of Jesus before he was even born. This is prophecy. This is an announcement of the character, the role of Jesus. He will be called Jesus! #2 WHY: something highly significant about the name of Jesus. Most names (maybe not all) but most names have something to do with the character of the person that has the name, beautiful, royalty, strong, leader, humble, lovely, or maybe a physical characteristic like red complexion, or born at a significant time. The name Jesus, announced by the angels before he was even conceived, is not at all about the character of the baby, some significant personality or physical attribute. The name Jesus means GOD SAVES. Even the name Jesus is a message to the people that he came for YOU. He CAME to save you, to rescue you from sin. Of all people who have walked this earth, this man deserved a kingly name, a highly exhalted name, a royal name, a GREAT Name, but no, the name chose to give the savior is a name of what he came to do, his role in the world, his purpose. God SAVES. There is no other name like Jesus. The name gives hope and expectation. The name cause wonder and joy. Jesus, the name above all names. The name Jesus means "Savior." It is given to our Lord because "He saves His people from their sins." He saves them from the guilt of sin, by cleansing them in His own atoning blood. He saves us from the oppression of sin by putting in our hearts the life giving Spirit. Jesus is a very encouraging name to weighted-down sinners. He, who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, deserved to be given a more high-sounding title. The rulers of this world have often called themselves great, conquerors, bold, magnificent. The Son of God is content to call Himself Savior. Jesus wants to most be identified by what he does for us. Those seeking salvation may draw near to the Father with boldness, and have access with confidence through Christ. "For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him" (John 3:17). Jesus, the name above all names ~ he came to save you! (NOTE: shorter than normal to make room for the Christmas Play during the service) Selective hearing. Hearing what you want to hear and ignoring what you don’t want to hear. Men are said to have selective hearing: the wife instructs her husband, “GO to the store; LAY DOWN the mulch, wash AND wax the car, GET the kids at school; rent SOME videos, and finish the REST of the dishes.” The husband hears, “Go lay down and get some rest.”
Jesus goes to villages and towns ~ crowds gather. What would it be like for the villagers to have the Lord visit them? You never know what a day will bring forth... He tells a simple story, “A farmer went out to sow…” The sower tosses his seed; it lands on four kinds of soil. The story is funny ~ no farmer would spread seed with no thought. If I plant a new lawn, I am far too cheap to push the seed spreader across the gravel driveway. There is one good choice ~ good soil. I want to see the Word of God take deep root in you! Selective hearing is hearing what you want to hear. We do it with people, even the people we love ~ Do you have selective hearing with God? Today’s scripture ~ Jesus tells the parable of the Farmer sowing seed (a story with a deeper truth). After the parable Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear let him hear….” It’s about getting rid of selective hearing…learning to listen to the Word of God in its fullness. (NOTE ~ introductory sermon on what's coming in series from Luke 8, "You Never Know What a Day Will Bring Forth: A Extraordinary God Invading an Ordinary World.")
Jesus Christ went to average people. He traveled about from one town and village to another (READ Luke 8:1). He was on the move… went to the common people. Went with common people. How Average Are You? Here’s a silly little quiz to help determine what you have in common with most Americans. Do you believe in God?—More than 80 percent of American adults believe in God, and about 10 percent believe in a “universal spirit.” How close do you live to the nearest McDonald’s and Wal-Mart? —Most Americans live within three miles of a McDonald’s restaurant and within a 20-minute drive of a Wal-Mart. Do you prefer smooth or chunky peanut butter?—Most Americans—83 percent—prefer smooth. Are you a high school graduate?--About 85 percent of Americans earn a high school diploma. How old is your car?--The average American’s vehicle is eight years old. Do you own a pet?--Most American households—63 percent—have at least one pet, mainly dogs and cats. What time are you regularly in bed?--Most Americans—74 percent—are in bed before midnight. Are you happy?--Most Americans—80 percent—say they generally wake up happy. Would you rather be in prison for one week or president of the United States?--Most Americans—52 percent—would prefer a week in prison. Two ways to attain salvation: I’m better than you vs. I’m a sinner saved by grace. I’m better than you mentality: to the environmentalist that lives to save the planet, as long as I am a better recycler than you then I have meaning. The materialist: as long as I make more money than you. The pleasure seeker: I know how to party and have more fun than you. The Sportsman: as long as my team wins… The power hungry: as long as I stay on top… The religious person: you are a worse sinner than me! BTW, salvation is NOT exclusively a Christian idea. EVERYONE seeks salvation, Christian or not. Everyone wants purpose and meaning. Everyone wants a sense of rightness, a sense of acceptance, knowledge of forgiveness. The world may use different terms, but they want Salvation/ peace. Take a look at the last word of Luke 7:50: PEACE…. We’ve been talking about the diamond of faith this past month ~ four angles of faith, four stories: the confident centurion, the helpless widow, the questioning faith of John the Baptist, and now a forgiven prostitute. The final word in this chapter is the blessing of peace from Jesus Christ ~ this is the desire of every human being on earth: PEACE. True and lasting peace is only found in Christ ~ that is what distinguishes Christians and non-Christians: the Christian knows peace only comes through Christ, his love, his saving work on the cross, I’m a sinner saved by Grace. Some seek peace/ salvation through gaining more, attaining more, being better than others. True peace only comes through Christ! Faith is for sinners. You’ve heard it said that we can never be good enough to save ourselves. What is also true: You cannot be bad enough for the love of God to exclude you from salvation. Many people have found great encouragement in the words of Prov. 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Sounds so simple! For many, faith comes with struggle.
The bible is sprinkled with examples of doubting faith. Sarah doubted when she laughed at the news she would have a child in her old age. Gideon insisted upon a sign from God he was to lead the people against the enemy. Thomas doubted the resurrection of Christ pronouncing he must see and touch Jesus himself before he would believe. In today’s scripture, John the Baptist questioned if Jesus was who he said he was. God does not want cookie cutter Christians where everyone thinks alike, sounds alike, and looks alike! Questions mean you are thinking. Struggling means you are searching. God honors the process of coming to him with fears, doubts, questions. Television interviewer Larry King was asked if he could only interview one person in history, who would it be. Larry said, "Jesus Christ." "And if you could only ask Him one question, what would it be?" "Were you really born of a virgin?" The reporter asked, "Why would you ask that question?" King replied, "Because that would define history for me." I've got news for Larry King: Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, and, history is defined by the birth of Christ! The virgin birth of Christ is a game changer! The virgin birth of Christ is as radical as the fault line of an earthquake ~ in Point Reyes, California stands a fence that is offset a good ten feet from the 1906 earthquake (a replacement fence). The shift of the earth was so great... the virgin birth is like a shift in history, told simply, straight-forward, the simple acceptance of a young girl named Mary... (I know this is a silly joke and women aren't shallow like this joke suggests!)
A young woman hears about a store in NY that caters to single women who want a reliable way to find a potential life partner. It's called "The Husband Store", and it comes with excellent references. So, she decides to give it a whirl. Upon entering, she is in a hallway with stairs leading up to 5 different floors of available men, all with various characteristics that appeal to single females. Hmm, she thinks, as she reads the 1st sign: Once you enter a floor, you cannot go back or to any other floor. Thank you for your cooperation. With that she proceeds to the 1st floor, where she sees another sign: On this floor are nice guys with good jobs. She decides to try the next one. On the next floor, the sign reads: On this floor are good-looking guys with good jobs and nice cars. "Not bad" she thinks, but decides to try the next floor anyway. On the next floor, she sees: On this floor are good looking guys with great jobs, nice cars and they all love kids. She's impressed, but goes up to the next floor anyway. On this floor, the sign says: on this floor are great-looking guys with fabulous jobs, love kids, have expensive cars and are very passionate and romantic. "Wow" she exclaims. She hesitates for a bit, but then takes the plunge to go up to the final floor. Upon reaching the top, there is a door, which she opens. Inside, the is a sign which reads: "Hello, you are visitor number 1,269,135 so far, and are further proof that women are IMPOSSIBLE to please. Have a Nice Day." Marilyn Monroe said, “My work is the only ground I've ever had to stand on. I seem to have a whole superstructure with no foundation but I'm working on the foundation.” Dig deep. Build the house on solid foundation. Luke 6 is NOT about becoming a Christian. It is about growing in the knowledge and practice of being a Christian. Jesus is the coach instructing the players in how to make it on his team. Jesus wants deep rooted people. / rock solid people. The reason Jesus needs deep rooted rock solid strong foundation people is because there will always be storms. Many people want Christianity to be something like winning the lottery: instant riches. The dreams. The improvements. The fun. Why do most instant millionaires lose the money? No roots, no plans, no preparation. The person who slowly saves money, who plans and prepares will be the one that will find a measure of stability with that same amount of money. Accepting Christ into your life is the beginning of a lifetime commitment, shaping, learning, digging, living so that as you mature in Christ, the receding flood-waters will find the house still standing because the foundation is the rock of Christ. Jesus gives two pictures in today’s scriptures comparing what it is like to be a Christian: A fruit producing tree and a house. A fruit tree takes a long time to mature ~ I think that is part of the point Jesus is making. A well built house is planned out and is a huge commitment. I think the purposeful nature is part of the point Jesus is making. Love your enemies. Sounds simple. Everything else that follows is a way to love your enemies: Do good, bless not curse, pray for those who mistreat you, turn the other cheek, give to those who ask, the golden rule is found in Luke 6:31 which makes a wonderful bottom line to “love your enemies.”
Sometimes people just want to know the rules for living. Children and young people test the limits of what they can get away with. They want to know the rules of the parents, the limits. Get a new job and you need to know what is expected of you, the boundaries. I talked to one woman who got a new job this week and she was just thrown into her new responsibilities with no training. We need to know. Jesus followers have gathered around him in Luke 6, and these are the rules. “Make a commitment to me” he says, “If you are going to play on my team ~ then you must love your enemies ~ and this is how you do it.” Loving your enemies does not come naturally. The prayer we’d rather pray is expressed by a well known Irish Blessing I’m pretty sure God does not want us to pray: May those who love us, love us; and those who don’t love us, may God turn their hearts; and if He doesn’t turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we’ll know them by their limping. Jesus is the coach selecting, gathering and instructing his team. He carefully chooses the twelve apostles to walk with him, learn from him, minister in his name. Jesus is the coach. Today’s scripture includes the first public address of Jesus to his disciples ~ not only the twelve, but a large crowd of disciples gathers. Think of them as players on Jesus’ team. That’s what we are too!
The Crouse family has an inside joke. If one of us says to another, “all you have to do is score one more point than the other team,” we are referring to the year Forest was in little league soccer. I don’t think the team had won any games well into the season. As the next match began, the very well meaning coach gathered the team together to encourage the players. It cracked me up when I overheard the coach, obviously wanting to finally win a game, carefully encouraged the team by saying, “OK team, this is what we need to do to win this game. We need to score one more point than the other team.” “One more point” he repeated 3-4 times. “Really?” I thought, “So that’s the secret of winning!” Jesus is misunderstood. The Pharisees don’t get Jesus at all in this scripture…. Christians are misunderstood. Ever feel like a person from a different culture? Here’s a little story from a person named Myung Hee: When I lived in Japan and Korea, Japanese culture says when you eat noodles, you should make noise. Otherwise, that food is not tasty. But when I was in America, the first time I had noodles with an American coworker, she said, "When you eat any food in America, please don't make noise." I got so embarrassed. This scripture is about trying to figure out Jesus, only the religious leaders, the Pharisees, seem to make a lot of assumptions and they don’t even listen. It’s a scripture about priorities and what’s most important to Jesus. It’s about what Jesus cares about and by extension, what we should care about ~ or rather, who we should care about. This is a Bible story about priorities, what’s most important. I was amused by a cartoon on Facebook: “No matter what life throws at me, at least I don’t have ugly children.” There’s a priority…. I had a favorite pair of shoes when Sally and I moved to San Francisco. They were comfortable, very stylish and even though I’d had them a long time, they looked new. After a few months of living in S.F., the soles wore through. Around the corner from our house was a shoe repairman. We didn't have a lot of money, so we debated whether or not to have my shoes resoled. I liked the shoes so much, and it was less than what a new pair would cost, so we did it. The newly soled shoes were comfortable, as stylish as ever, and as good as new ~ for about a month. Then the upper part wore through, and the shoes were trash. “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one.” Sometimes you gotta read between the lines, what this verse really means is “No on (with an ounce of brains) tears a patch from a new garment and puts it on an old one.” No one, with an ounce of brains, would put new soles on old worn out shoes about to crumble, because it isn't worth it. None of these examples are about mismatching patches, wine, or wine skins or shoes. All these examples are the silly things we do, not wise. Luke 5:36 calls them parables. A parable is a story from everyday life that has a larger point. In this case, the much larger point is that when you accept Jesus Christ as your savior you must put everything on the table. You need an entirely new way of thinking. You don’t just take the teachings of Christ and add them to your old life ~ you start over… |
Carl Crouse, Pastor
At SACC we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Every Sunday the worship service includes a message from the Bible. My words are an attempt to understand and apply the Bible to our daily living. I post weekly sermons and other biblical messages on this page. May you find meaning and hope as you read through each message and seek to hear God's voice. Leave a comment to ask questions or inspire others with your insights. Categories
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