Finishing Well, 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Darrin Mechling, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended May 30, 2010
We all start well, beginners are common. We assume we will finish well, finishers are rare. We are good at starting things but not real good at finishing what we start. Paul finished his life well. He tells us how we can endure.
1. Be ready – 2 Timothy 4:6
He thought of himself as an offering to God and laid his life down.
2. Fight the good fight – 2 Timothy 4:7
He left nothing undone, with no regrets. Is your life full of the advancement of the gospel?
He gives us a picture of a soldier, a runner who trains and stays focused and a steward who kept the faith to guard the deposit.
3. Look for the reward – 2 Timothy 4:8
This world’s pains, and pleasures, are temporary. He never talks of wining, but of finishing. Do not let this earthly life conflict with your relationship with Christ and being ready for eternity.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sermon Notes – The Church: Faithfully Committed to Purity
The Church: Faithfully Committed to Purity, Matthew 18:15-20
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended May 23, 2010
Because God has called us to Himself to be a distinctively pure people that knows Him and proclaims Him, we must be faithfully committed to God’s process of maintaining and protecting the purity of the church.
The process of church discipline is not willingly embraced if we don’t understand how the gospel transforms and redefines us to be holy. We are to reflect God’s holiness. We are led to a passionate pursuit of purity – both His and ours. If we fail to be pure we can’t accomplish the mission of God. We are united by Jesus Christ and pursue relationships for spiritual encouragement and to keep us from sin. It is his primary way to grow us in holiness.
Recognize who we are in Christ and seek the purity of yourself and others. The greatest enemy to being the church He has called us to be is sin. Knowing our weakness and temptation to sin God has given us the process of church discipline. It is here to protect the purity of the body. It exists because of our mission. This is a command to the church.
1. A personal confrontation – Matthew 18:15
Before you submit the prayer request or before you go the pastor with your concern or before you ask someone else what they think you go to the person who has sinned!
Christ creates the unity in the church, we don’t create the unity. We are, however, required to protect it. Gossip and backbiting do not protect the unity.
Remember that things we may perceive as a sin are not always a sin. Always assume their may be an answer, that isn’t apparent, for what they are doing.
When you do go to the person:
Go humbly – No agenda except a desire to be restored. Go as one sinner to another. Keep Matthew 7:1-5 in mind. This doesn’t mean, however, not to judge. It still tells us to take the speck out of their eye, just make sure you don’t have the same speck.
Go gently – Matthew 7:1-5 and Galatians 6:1 demand gentleness. It is a word picture of removing a splinter from an eye. The eye is sensitive. You don’t use pliers to remove something from an eye!
Go thoughtfully – In order to tell him his fault you must be prepared to tell him why it is a fault. Think it through. This isn’t a picture of impulse or just pointing fingers.
Go purposefully – The goal is to restore. If you like pointing out sin then you are the one that has the problem.
2. A small group confrontation – Matthew 18:16
Not just people who are witness to the sin. This indicates to the person that it is getting serious.
3. A corporate confrontation – Matthew 18:17
This is the leadership of the church. We are begging the person to come back and walk with Christ.
4. Remove him from the local church and treat him as if he doesn’t know the Lord – Matthew 18:17
This is a refusal to repent and submit to the leadership of the church and to the word of Christ. You are saying that as a corporate body we have no reason to believe that you know the Lord. We don’t see evidence, or fruit, of salvation. This is done in the hope that they will wake up.
To ignore it would be to say that we think you are fine. Is that the most loving thing to do? The most loving thing is to say, “Don’t be self deceived!” Serious, outward and unrepentant sin must be dealt with. It would be arrogant to think that God is fine with this sin.
Paul rebukes the church for not dealing with sin in 1 Corinthians 5:1-2. He gives reasons why a person in sin must be removed from fellowship.
For the sinner’s sake - 1 Corinthians 5:5, “…so that his spirit may be saved…” Give him up to his flesh so that he will wake up, like the prodigal son story.
For the churches sake - 1 Corinthians 5:6, “…a little leaven…” Your sin is not just your problem. We are all part of the body of Christ. If one part is infected then the whole body stands to be infected.
For obedience sake - 1 Corinthians 5:9-13. The church had misunderstood his previous letter. He wasn’t saying to not spend time with the lost. He is saying it is better to fellowship with the lost than with one who says he knows the Lord but doesn’t walk with Him.
For the world’s sake - 1 Corinthians 6:1-6. Here we have two “Christians” in litigation before unbelievers! For the sake of the world we must confront sin. Why should we expect a government run by unbelievers to change through the political process. Start with a pure church and the world changes!
For love’s sake – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom. You don’t love him enough to tell him? Nothing could be more loving or compassionate than to tell them. The thing that may seem the most cruel is the most loving.
For God’s sake - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. We exist to display a glorious God to all. To really love each other and God is to really deal with sin both individually and corporately. We must be passionately pursuing the purity of the church for His sake.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended May 23, 2010
Because God has called us to Himself to be a distinctively pure people that knows Him and proclaims Him, we must be faithfully committed to God’s process of maintaining and protecting the purity of the church.
The process of church discipline is not willingly embraced if we don’t understand how the gospel transforms and redefines us to be holy. We are to reflect God’s holiness. We are led to a passionate pursuit of purity – both His and ours. If we fail to be pure we can’t accomplish the mission of God. We are united by Jesus Christ and pursue relationships for spiritual encouragement and to keep us from sin. It is his primary way to grow us in holiness.
Recognize who we are in Christ and seek the purity of yourself and others. The greatest enemy to being the church He has called us to be is sin. Knowing our weakness and temptation to sin God has given us the process of church discipline. It is here to protect the purity of the body. It exists because of our mission. This is a command to the church.
1. A personal confrontation – Matthew 18:15
Before you submit the prayer request or before you go the pastor with your concern or before you ask someone else what they think you go to the person who has sinned!
Christ creates the unity in the church, we don’t create the unity. We are, however, required to protect it. Gossip and backbiting do not protect the unity.
Remember that things we may perceive as a sin are not always a sin. Always assume their may be an answer, that isn’t apparent, for what they are doing.
When you do go to the person:
Go humbly – No agenda except a desire to be restored. Go as one sinner to another. Keep Matthew 7:1-5 in mind. This doesn’t mean, however, not to judge. It still tells us to take the speck out of their eye, just make sure you don’t have the same speck.
Go gently – Matthew 7:1-5 and Galatians 6:1 demand gentleness. It is a word picture of removing a splinter from an eye. The eye is sensitive. You don’t use pliers to remove something from an eye!
Go thoughtfully – In order to tell him his fault you must be prepared to tell him why it is a fault. Think it through. This isn’t a picture of impulse or just pointing fingers.
Go purposefully – The goal is to restore. If you like pointing out sin then you are the one that has the problem.
2. A small group confrontation – Matthew 18:16
Not just people who are witness to the sin. This indicates to the person that it is getting serious.
3. A corporate confrontation – Matthew 18:17
This is the leadership of the church. We are begging the person to come back and walk with Christ.
4. Remove him from the local church and treat him as if he doesn’t know the Lord – Matthew 18:17
This is a refusal to repent and submit to the leadership of the church and to the word of Christ. You are saying that as a corporate body we have no reason to believe that you know the Lord. We don’t see evidence, or fruit, of salvation. This is done in the hope that they will wake up.
To ignore it would be to say that we think you are fine. Is that the most loving thing to do? The most loving thing is to say, “Don’t be self deceived!” Serious, outward and unrepentant sin must be dealt with. It would be arrogant to think that God is fine with this sin.
Paul rebukes the church for not dealing with sin in 1 Corinthians 5:1-2. He gives reasons why a person in sin must be removed from fellowship.
For the sinner’s sake - 1 Corinthians 5:5, “…so that his spirit may be saved…” Give him up to his flesh so that he will wake up, like the prodigal son story.
For the churches sake - 1 Corinthians 5:6, “…a little leaven…” Your sin is not just your problem. We are all part of the body of Christ. If one part is infected then the whole body stands to be infected.
For obedience sake - 1 Corinthians 5:9-13. The church had misunderstood his previous letter. He wasn’t saying to not spend time with the lost. He is saying it is better to fellowship with the lost than with one who says he knows the Lord but doesn’t walk with Him.
For the world’s sake - 1 Corinthians 6:1-6. Here we have two “Christians” in litigation before unbelievers! For the sake of the world we must confront sin. Why should we expect a government run by unbelievers to change through the political process. Start with a pure church and the world changes!
For love’s sake – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom. You don’t love him enough to tell him? Nothing could be more loving or compassionate than to tell them. The thing that may seem the most cruel is the most loving.
For God’s sake - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. We exist to display a glorious God to all. To really love each other and God is to really deal with sin both individually and corporately. We must be passionately pursuing the purity of the church for His sake.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sermon Notes - A Legacy of Faith
A Legacy of Faith, 2 Timothy 1:1-6
Dr. Tom Elliff (Guest Speaker), MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended May 16, 2010
Legacy – what is left behind.
Do you have a faith, and if so, what are you doing to pass that faith to the next generation?
We have separated becoming a Christian from being a Christian. Remember the old passes away. Life changes when you are born again. If you keep doing the same things you aren’t born again.
“You do think my dad’s in heaven don’t you?” Don’t leave that as a legacy. We all leave a legacy – leave a legacy of faith.
1. A legacy of faith is the most important thing you can leave behind for your family
Money isn’t the most important thing. Your family must know where you are with Jesus. Are your last thoughts at night of Jesus or the football game? Do the people whom you love know you have faith? If your co-workers don’t know you’re a Christian then you probably aren’t.
2. Every legacy of faith has a point of beginning
In this text it starts with Lois. Someone has to start it, why not be the first.
3. A legacy of faith will either develop or diminish under your care
It can end with you. It takes effort to continue a legacy of faith. A sincere, unfeigned faith will overflow.
4. A legacy of faith is the one thing that will give your life positive impact beyond your death
We must be living illustrations of the faithfulness of God to every person we meet.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Dr. Tom Elliff (Guest Speaker), MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended May 16, 2010
Legacy – what is left behind.
Do you have a faith, and if so, what are you doing to pass that faith to the next generation?
We have separated becoming a Christian from being a Christian. Remember the old passes away. Life changes when you are born again. If you keep doing the same things you aren’t born again.
“You do think my dad’s in heaven don’t you?” Don’t leave that as a legacy. We all leave a legacy – leave a legacy of faith.
1. A legacy of faith is the most important thing you can leave behind for your family
Money isn’t the most important thing. Your family must know where you are with Jesus. Are your last thoughts at night of Jesus or the football game? Do the people whom you love know you have faith? If your co-workers don’t know you’re a Christian then you probably aren’t.
2. Every legacy of faith has a point of beginning
In this text it starts with Lois. Someone has to start it, why not be the first.
3. A legacy of faith will either develop or diminish under your care
It can end with you. It takes effort to continue a legacy of faith. A sincere, unfeigned faith will overflow.
4. A legacy of faith is the one thing that will give your life positive impact beyond your death
We must be living illustrations of the faithfulness of God to every person we meet.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sermon Notes - The Church: Gathered and Encouraged
The Church: Gathered and Encouraged, Hebrews 10:19-25
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church , attended May 9, 2010
Matthew 18:15-19, the “church discipline” verses, assumes that believers are gathering together and, thus, can see the sin in the body.
Since we have been united with each other through Jesus Christ, we must faithfully pursue deeper personal relationships in order to encourage each other to live distinctively Christian lives.
We have…
Confidence – Hebrews 10:19
By His death the veil has been removed that has separated us from God. If we trust His death we have access to God (John 14:6-7). We cannot access God without Jesus.
A great priest – Hebrews 10:21
Jesus Christ is the great priest. A priest is a mediator between man and God who would make sacrifices for the people. Jesus has the right to bring us to the Father.
We must…
Draw near – Hebrews 10:22
We must get close to God. Take advantage of what has been done by Jesus. What a wonderful opportunity!
Hold fast – Hebrews 10:23
God allows keeps His promises. We must hold on to that no matter the difficulty.
Consider – Hebrews 10:24
We must get involved in the lives of others. When you respond to the gospel your life is now marked by concern for brothers and sisters. Our faith in Christ unites us to God and each other. He knows we are tempted to not draw near. We need encouragement. We must spend time thinking about how to help others walk more faithfully with Jesus Christ.
Obedience to Hebrews 10:24 hinges on…
An event – Hebrews 10:25
This is the primary means to keep you going. This isn’t enough however, at the event something must occur.
An activity – Hebrews 10:25
There must be encouragement. One of the marks of a Christian is gathering and encouragement. You must be present and doing the activity. Encouragement can’t happen without relationships, so relationships must be pursued. They do not happen without a conscious investment of time and energy.
Five marks of Biblical encouragement –
1. Personal – Hebrews 10:24, “…consider…one another…”
Consideration is an active verb, mental and physical energy is exerted. You are thinking about that person, it is thus very personal.
2. Thoughtful – Hebrews 10:24, “…consider how…”
Thinking about the “how” part. He may not receive encouragement like others do. He may receive it best verbally, physically, in written form, etc.
3. Purposeful – Hebrews 10:24, “…consider…to love and good works…”
There is an end in mind; we are looking “to” something. The motivation is that they might walk with Christ.
4. Continual – Hebrews 10:25, “…not neglecting to meet together…”
This means to keep coming. It isn’t just one moment but a lifestyle.
5. Spiritual – Hebrews 10:23, “…he who promised is faithful.”
We are not naturally personal and thoughtful. The Holy Spirit must be doing this for us.
Our relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ were purchased by Christ. We must be selfless enough to love them more than us. We must bathe our relationships with prayer while walking in the Spirit. If we aren’t we will be mad that no one is encouraging us. We meet together but really never know each other. We don’t see each other during the week so we don’t see the junk. We can put on a facade. This is dangerous in that know one will come to you as Matthew 18 describes. We must love each other enough to get in their face, lovingly, and say, “Don’t act that way.”
Pray that God will give you those relationships. Initiate relationships. Be honest with each other. Start with the fact that we are all messed up! Start at home. The hardest place, often, to be a Christian is in the home. The true authenticity of a Christian may be best demonstrated at home. Prayerfully, begin to think how you can spur them on and obey the leadership of the Holy Spirit in Biblical encouragement.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church , attended May 9, 2010
Matthew 18:15-19, the “church discipline” verses, assumes that believers are gathering together and, thus, can see the sin in the body.
Since we have been united with each other through Jesus Christ, we must faithfully pursue deeper personal relationships in order to encourage each other to live distinctively Christian lives.
We have…
Confidence – Hebrews 10:19
By His death the veil has been removed that has separated us from God. If we trust His death we have access to God (John 14:6-7). We cannot access God without Jesus.
A great priest – Hebrews 10:21
Jesus Christ is the great priest. A priest is a mediator between man and God who would make sacrifices for the people. Jesus has the right to bring us to the Father.
We must…
Draw near – Hebrews 10:22
We must get close to God. Take advantage of what has been done by Jesus. What a wonderful opportunity!
Hold fast – Hebrews 10:23
God allows keeps His promises. We must hold on to that no matter the difficulty.
Consider – Hebrews 10:24
We must get involved in the lives of others. When you respond to the gospel your life is now marked by concern for brothers and sisters. Our faith in Christ unites us to God and each other. He knows we are tempted to not draw near. We need encouragement. We must spend time thinking about how to help others walk more faithfully with Jesus Christ.
Obedience to Hebrews 10:24 hinges on…
An event – Hebrews 10:25
This is the primary means to keep you going. This isn’t enough however, at the event something must occur.
An activity – Hebrews 10:25
There must be encouragement. One of the marks of a Christian is gathering and encouragement. You must be present and doing the activity. Encouragement can’t happen without relationships, so relationships must be pursued. They do not happen without a conscious investment of time and energy.
Five marks of Biblical encouragement –
1. Personal – Hebrews 10:24, “…consider…one another…”
Consideration is an active verb, mental and physical energy is exerted. You are thinking about that person, it is thus very personal.
2. Thoughtful – Hebrews 10:24, “…consider how…”
Thinking about the “how” part. He may not receive encouragement like others do. He may receive it best verbally, physically, in written form, etc.
3. Purposeful – Hebrews 10:24, “…consider…to love and good works…”
There is an end in mind; we are looking “to” something. The motivation is that they might walk with Christ.
4. Continual – Hebrews 10:25, “…not neglecting to meet together…”
This means to keep coming. It isn’t just one moment but a lifestyle.
5. Spiritual – Hebrews 10:23, “…he who promised is faithful.”
We are not naturally personal and thoughtful. The Holy Spirit must be doing this for us.
Our relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ were purchased by Christ. We must be selfless enough to love them more than us. We must bathe our relationships with prayer while walking in the Spirit. If we aren’t we will be mad that no one is encouraging us. We meet together but really never know each other. We don’t see each other during the week so we don’t see the junk. We can put on a facade. This is dangerous in that know one will come to you as Matthew 18 describes. We must love each other enough to get in their face, lovingly, and say, “Don’t act that way.”
Pray that God will give you those relationships. Initiate relationships. Be honest with each other. Start with the fact that we are all messed up! Start at home. The hardest place, often, to be a Christian is in the home. The true authenticity of a Christian may be best demonstrated at home. Prayerfully, begin to think how you can spur them on and obey the leadership of the Holy Spirit in Biblical encouragement.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Book Brief - Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream
Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American DreamDavid Platt
Multnomah Books (May 4, 2010)
What if the “pray this prayer, sign this card, bow your head, and repeat after me” gospel was not the type of devotion Jesus was looking for?
What if our image of Jesus that “loves us just the way we are” is not the Jesus of the Bible?
What if our image of the “God who hates the sin and loves the sinner” is not a full picture of the God we should worship?
What if our sales pitch of “accepting Jesus” distorts the infinitely glorious Son of God who doesn’t need our acceptance?
What if the only “proper response to the revelation of God in the gospel” is an abandonment of everything else to experience Him alone?
What if God is asking us to give up – completely – the American Dream and become so radically dependent on Him it is readily apparent to all that our greatest desire is God?
What if this total, desperate devotion is the true, normal discipleship described in the Bible?
What if “radical” was normal?
This new book by David Platt addresses all these “what-if’s” with a direct answer from Scripture and a lovingly confrontational response from the heart. Radical looks at how we have “twisted” the gospel of Jesus Christ to fit into our comfortable American Dream.
Any more description would minimize the total impact of this short book. Russell Moore puts it best in his endorsement:
“Sometimes people will commend a book by saying, ‘You won’t want to put it down’. I can’t say that about this book. You’ll want to put it down, many times…you’ll find yourself uncomfortably targeted by the Holy Spirit. You’ll see just how acclimated you are to the American dream. But you’ll find here another Way; one you know to be true, because you’ve heard it before in the words of the Lord Jesus, perhaps most forcefully in the simple call ‘Follow me’.”
Take the time to read this book.
Read the first chapter here.
There is also a smaller, shorter version called The Radical Question available for free to anyone who requests it. No strings attached, no shipping. They are also offering the same version for free download. (download available through May 9th, 2010)
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Rating: Hardback
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Sermon Notes – The Church: A Passion for Purity
The Church: A Passion for Purity, Colossians 3:1-17
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, preached May 2, 2010; listened to on June 5, 2010
Remember from last week that no one comes to Christ by watching your life. They only come to Christ by hearing the gospel. Our lives, however, either void or validate the message of the gospel.
Remember also that the blessing of God and accomplishing the mission of God depends on our purity. Knowing this we must be passionate about our pursuit of purity both individually and corporately.
There are two sides of church discipline: corrective (Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5) and preventive, the promotion of purity by instructing and encouraging. If we are faithful to pursue our own personal purity and fight to walk with the Lord then the need for corrective discipline diminishes. If we are faithful to seek other’s purity then the need for corrective discipline diminishes.
Knowing that God has chosen us for Himself, to be like Him and to proclaim Him, we are led to a passionate pursuit of our own personal purity as well as the purity of others.
Do you have a passion to be holy and pure before Christ in such a way tht people see the distinct purity of your life and it gives you an opportunity to share the distinct message of the gospel?
The pursuit of purity must be rooted in the gospel; otherwise it can become “works righteousness”.
1. This pursuit of purity flows out of a relationship with Jesus – Colossians 2:20 and Colossians 3:1
Christianity is not a list of “do’s and don’ts”, it is about a relationship. Scripture talks about knowing you are in Christ then be this kind of person. What we do flows out of what God has called us to be, out of love for Him.
Colossians 3:3, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, and 16 all show us things to do. All of these, in context, point back to, and depend on, Colossians 2:20 and Colossians 3:1. The important word is “if”. “If” you have been crucified with Christ (meaning trust and faith in Christ) and “if” that has happened then let me tell you what you will do as a follower of Christ. This relationship redefines who you are, so you don’t do the things you did before but now do these things.
Colossians 3:4 now makes sense. It is not a burden to do these things but Christ is my life so they just flow out.
2. This relationship then leads to a new ambition to be like Christ – Colossians 3:5
We are a new person (2 Corinthians 5:14).. Our identity changes. We have been born again. Christ thus changes what we want. You hate sin, even though we will always have our sinful nature. We have a longing to be pure and holy. Romans 8:29 makes sense then as we are conformed.
If we don’t have this ambition then we don’t have new life in Christ.
3. This is all made possible by the Spirit of Christ –
You can actually do what you desire by the Spirit. Before the Spirit came you did not have the power. We have new desires and new power (Galatians 5:16). If you don’t know the Lord you have no issue with your rebellion. If you do know the Lord you are miserable in your rebellion.
There are times when those who know Him are out of step with the Spirit. How does this happen? In small steps you begin to get comfortable with something. There are rarely giant leaps into moral impurity. To those of us watching it may seem like a giant leap but it was a lot of small steps, becoming comfortable with our sin one step at a time. It is very subtle, one small step at a time. As we are walking away the Spirit inside us and God’s people around us should be warning us – if we listen and God’s people do their work.
One of His primary means of our protection is the presence of the body of Christ to warn and minister to us. God has given us the church to protect us so we must passionately pursue the purity of others also.
Our passionate pursuit of other people’s purity flows out of the relationship we have with each other through Christ. We are called to care more for others than ourselves and to passionately seek the purity of others.
As in our personal pursuit this flows out of a relationship with each other through Jesus (Colossians 3:12). Salvation brought us into a relationship with Him and each other. We are now a new people, a new nation and a new culture (1 Peter 2:9). We are connected by Christ. This does not mean everyone is a child of Christ. Only those who come to God through Christ are children of God (1 John 3:1). Whether you like them or not you have new brothers and sisters.
Because of this we have a new passionate concern for each other (Colossians 3:16). When you are sick, them I am sick so it is important for me to be concerned for you. We are one body. When one of your immediate family isn’t walking with the Lord, it affects the whole family. So it is with the church.
Hebrews 3:12-13 and Hebrews 10:23-25 are so important here. We encourage so no one is hardened, or blinded, and we take this encouragement in humility. If you stop going to church you take away that guardrail and are saying to God that you don’t need His protection.
It is un-Christian to not care about the spiritual life of your brothers and sisters. It is un-Christian to be friends but not be concerned about their purity. If you never talk about things of the Lord then you are not Christian friends and really not even friends, because you don’t care enough to talk about it. We need people in our life who love us enough to tell us when we are walking in the wrong direction.
We often talk about them but not to them. My sin is your problem and your sin is my problem.
How are you doing in the personal pursuit of holiness? How are you doing in helping others?
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon via podcast. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, preached May 2, 2010; listened to on June 5, 2010
Remember from last week that no one comes to Christ by watching your life. They only come to Christ by hearing the gospel. Our lives, however, either void or validate the message of the gospel.
Remember also that the blessing of God and accomplishing the mission of God depends on our purity. Knowing this we must be passionate about our pursuit of purity both individually and corporately.
There are two sides of church discipline: corrective (Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5) and preventive, the promotion of purity by instructing and encouraging. If we are faithful to pursue our own personal purity and fight to walk with the Lord then the need for corrective discipline diminishes. If we are faithful to seek other’s purity then the need for corrective discipline diminishes.
Knowing that God has chosen us for Himself, to be like Him and to proclaim Him, we are led to a passionate pursuit of our own personal purity as well as the purity of others.
Do you have a passion to be holy and pure before Christ in such a way tht people see the distinct purity of your life and it gives you an opportunity to share the distinct message of the gospel?
The pursuit of purity must be rooted in the gospel; otherwise it can become “works righteousness”.
1. This pursuit of purity flows out of a relationship with Jesus – Colossians 2:20 and Colossians 3:1
Christianity is not a list of “do’s and don’ts”, it is about a relationship. Scripture talks about knowing you are in Christ then be this kind of person. What we do flows out of what God has called us to be, out of love for Him.
Colossians 3:3, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, and 16 all show us things to do. All of these, in context, point back to, and depend on, Colossians 2:20 and Colossians 3:1. The important word is “if”. “If” you have been crucified with Christ (meaning trust and faith in Christ) and “if” that has happened then let me tell you what you will do as a follower of Christ. This relationship redefines who you are, so you don’t do the things you did before but now do these things.
Colossians 3:4 now makes sense. It is not a burden to do these things but Christ is my life so they just flow out.
2. This relationship then leads to a new ambition to be like Christ – Colossians 3:5
We are a new person (2 Corinthians 5:14).. Our identity changes. We have been born again. Christ thus changes what we want. You hate sin, even though we will always have our sinful nature. We have a longing to be pure and holy. Romans 8:29 makes sense then as we are conformed.
If we don’t have this ambition then we don’t have new life in Christ.
3. This is all made possible by the Spirit of Christ –
You can actually do what you desire by the Spirit. Before the Spirit came you did not have the power. We have new desires and new power (Galatians 5:16). If you don’t know the Lord you have no issue with your rebellion. If you do know the Lord you are miserable in your rebellion.
There are times when those who know Him are out of step with the Spirit. How does this happen? In small steps you begin to get comfortable with something. There are rarely giant leaps into moral impurity. To those of us watching it may seem like a giant leap but it was a lot of small steps, becoming comfortable with our sin one step at a time. It is very subtle, one small step at a time. As we are walking away the Spirit inside us and God’s people around us should be warning us – if we listen and God’s people do their work.
One of His primary means of our protection is the presence of the body of Christ to warn and minister to us. God has given us the church to protect us so we must passionately pursue the purity of others also.
Our passionate pursuit of other people’s purity flows out of the relationship we have with each other through Christ. We are called to care more for others than ourselves and to passionately seek the purity of others.
As in our personal pursuit this flows out of a relationship with each other through Jesus (Colossians 3:12). Salvation brought us into a relationship with Him and each other. We are now a new people, a new nation and a new culture (1 Peter 2:9). We are connected by Christ. This does not mean everyone is a child of Christ. Only those who come to God through Christ are children of God (1 John 3:1). Whether you like them or not you have new brothers and sisters.
Because of this we have a new passionate concern for each other (Colossians 3:16). When you are sick, them I am sick so it is important for me to be concerned for you. We are one body. When one of your immediate family isn’t walking with the Lord, it affects the whole family. So it is with the church.
Hebrews 3:12-13 and Hebrews 10:23-25 are so important here. We encourage so no one is hardened, or blinded, and we take this encouragement in humility. If you stop going to church you take away that guardrail and are saying to God that you don’t need His protection.
It is un-Christian to not care about the spiritual life of your brothers and sisters. It is un-Christian to be friends but not be concerned about their purity. If you never talk about things of the Lord then you are not Christian friends and really not even friends, because you don’t care enough to talk about it. We need people in our life who love us enough to tell us when we are walking in the wrong direction.
We often talk about them but not to them. My sin is your problem and your sin is my problem.
How are you doing in the personal pursuit of holiness? How are you doing in helping others?
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon via podcast. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Book Brief - Strawberry Hill
Strawberry Hill Mary Ann Hoberman
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (July 1, 2009)
It was a time when children just had to be home in time for lunch. A time when scheduling time to play together would have been considered crazy. A time when a dime was worth something. A time when ice cream was a rare treat. A time when staying inside during the day meant you were sick or it was raining. A time when children explored outside instead of on the internet. A time when parents raised children by actually disciplining their own children as well as children who weren’t their own. It was also, unfortunately, occasionally a time of prejudice.
“I want you to understand something,” she said. “You can be dirty on the outside or you can be dirty on the inside. Outside dirt can be washed off. But when you call people names that insult your religion, you’re dirty on the inside. And that’s not washed away so easily.”
Ten year old Allie is moving to a street called Strawberry Hill. With a magical name like that she doesn’t mind moving so much. Things change when she gets to the new house as she struggles with the change in school, friends, and neighborhood.
Somewhat reminiscent of The Penderwicks on Gardam Street or, perhaps, The Great Brain this is a poetic look back at a simpler childhood. Nostalgic, yet contemporary, as it addresses relationship struggles common to any age, this is a timeless book that will be enjoyed by children as well as adults.
By the way, there is only One who can wash away the inside.
“I want you to understand something,” she said. “You can be dirty on the outside or you can be dirty on the inside. Outside dirt can be washed off. But when you call people names that insult your religion, you’re dirty on the inside. And that’s not washed away so easily.”
Ten year old Allie is moving to a street called Strawberry Hill. With a magical name like that she doesn’t mind moving so much. Things change when she gets to the new house as she struggles with the change in school, friends, and neighborhood.
Somewhat reminiscent of The Penderwicks on Gardam Street or, perhaps, The Great Brain this is a poetic look back at a simpler childhood. Nostalgic, yet contemporary, as it addresses relationship struggles common to any age, this is a timeless book that will be enjoyed by children as well as adults.
By the way, there is only One who can wash away the inside.
Rating: Hardback
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sermon Notes - The Church: Distinctively Pure
The Church: Distinctively Pure, 1 Peter 2:9-12
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended April 25, 2010
If we are going to accomplish the mission of God we have to be a church serious about sin. The most loving thing and individual or a church can do for a person, and for Christ, is deal with sin.
Peter is writing to the churches to encourage them. He points them to the coming of Christ and reminds them that He always keeps His promises.
In 1 Peter 2:9 Peter tells us why we, and the church, are here. Summarized, we can say:
God has chosen a people for Himself who are to be distinctively pure so that they might proclaim Him to a watching world.
God has chosen a people for Himself...
Peter uses the term for Israel and applies it to the church. We are a chosen “race” (Isaiah 43:10). We are a steward of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are a royal priesthood who are called by, belong to and exist for God. We were once not a people but through Christ all those isolated are now a people (1 Peter 2:10). There is a distinction between who we once were and who we are now.
In His grace, He has chosen a people for Himself. Being a Christian is trusting in the death of Christ and submitting to His rule over your life, so we no longer belong to ourselves – we belong to Him.
…who are to be distinctively pure…
A holy nation, set apart. Out of darkness to light. Out of the world to the kingdom of God. We are known by our righteous deeds and the truth of our message. We are a reflection of the glory of God.
1 John 3:10 shows us there are only two groups of people. You are either of God or the devil and the difference should be obvious because of righteousness. Peter talks about who we should be before he talks of what we should do.
Is your life marked by holiness? In other words, in what ways does your life look different from those around you who do not know Christ? Turn your back on any sin that would keep you from being distinctively pure.
…so that they might proclaim Him to a watching world.
A priest mediates between men and God. The plan from the Old Testament is still the plan today. We are mediators between men and Christ in a certain sense. We are priests as we teach others. If we fail to be pure we can’t do what we are called to do because we aren’t different.
In 1 Peter 2:11-12 he urges us to do what we should. He is not saying that people will come to Christ by watching us. We overestimate our lives when we say this. It is very arrogant because no one can come to Christ without hearing the gospel. He is saying that our life either voids or validates the gospel. If we live like everyone else then we aren’t distinctively pure. When they see an obvious difference and hear the verbal proclamation people with come to Him.
In the Old Testament when the people of God failed to be pure:
1. They lost the blessing and favor of God (Psalm 67).
2. They were unable to accomplish the mission of God and wandered in the desert.
3. They were disciplined by God.
He called the church to warn brothers and sisters in Christ out of love for them and out of love for Christ. Their sin is our problem. We must beg them to walk with Christ. If we fail to warn, admonish, encourage and discipline them we are saying we don’t love them. We are also saying we don’t love Christ or His church. We would rather have a false sense of peace than to do the hard, right thing.
The gospel tells us how to be saved and how to live. We forget the second one sometimes.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended April 25, 2010
If we are going to accomplish the mission of God we have to be a church serious about sin. The most loving thing and individual or a church can do for a person, and for Christ, is deal with sin.
Peter is writing to the churches to encourage them. He points them to the coming of Christ and reminds them that He always keeps His promises.
In 1 Peter 2:9 Peter tells us why we, and the church, are here. Summarized, we can say:
God has chosen a people for Himself who are to be distinctively pure so that they might proclaim Him to a watching world.
God has chosen a people for Himself...
Peter uses the term for Israel and applies it to the church. We are a chosen “race” (Isaiah 43:10). We are a steward of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are a royal priesthood who are called by, belong to and exist for God. We were once not a people but through Christ all those isolated are now a people (1 Peter 2:10). There is a distinction between who we once were and who we are now.
In His grace, He has chosen a people for Himself. Being a Christian is trusting in the death of Christ and submitting to His rule over your life, so we no longer belong to ourselves – we belong to Him.
…who are to be distinctively pure…
A holy nation, set apart. Out of darkness to light. Out of the world to the kingdom of God. We are known by our righteous deeds and the truth of our message. We are a reflection of the glory of God.
1 John 3:10 shows us there are only two groups of people. You are either of God or the devil and the difference should be obvious because of righteousness. Peter talks about who we should be before he talks of what we should do.
Is your life marked by holiness? In other words, in what ways does your life look different from those around you who do not know Christ? Turn your back on any sin that would keep you from being distinctively pure.
…so that they might proclaim Him to a watching world.
A priest mediates between men and God. The plan from the Old Testament is still the plan today. We are mediators between men and Christ in a certain sense. We are priests as we teach others. If we fail to be pure we can’t do what we are called to do because we aren’t different.
In 1 Peter 2:11-12 he urges us to do what we should. He is not saying that people will come to Christ by watching us. We overestimate our lives when we say this. It is very arrogant because no one can come to Christ without hearing the gospel. He is saying that our life either voids or validates the gospel. If we live like everyone else then we aren’t distinctively pure. When they see an obvious difference and hear the verbal proclamation people with come to Him.
In the Old Testament when the people of God failed to be pure:
1. They lost the blessing and favor of God (Psalm 67).
2. They were unable to accomplish the mission of God and wandered in the desert.
3. They were disciplined by God.
He called the church to warn brothers and sisters in Christ out of love for them and out of love for Christ. Their sin is our problem. We must beg them to walk with Christ. If we fail to warn, admonish, encourage and discipline them we are saying we don’t love them. We are also saying we don’t love Christ or His church. We would rather have a false sense of peace than to do the hard, right thing.
The gospel tells us how to be saved and how to live. We forget the second one sometimes.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Book Brief - Heart of a Shepherd
Heart of a Shepherd Rosanne Parry
Random House Books for Young Readers (January 27, 2009)
“Brother”, the youngest of five siblings, has more responsibilities than most eleven year olds. Truth be told, more than most adults nowadays.
“They’re not the ones who have to look at the Grands after they’ve worked for ten hours straight and the gate’s still not fixed and the wood’s not split or stacked and the tractor engine is still in eight pieces on the back porch.”
He doesn’t mind the responsibilities. He loves the land, his family and his community. When his father is deployed to Iraq, he determinedly shoulders even more responsibility as his older brothers are also away. With his grandparents and Ernesto, the hired help, he works hard to maintain their Oregon ranch even though he isn’t quite sure that the ranching life is for him.
I suppose I should admit it. It isn’t often I find myself finishing a book with a tear in my eye. I did with this one. This is a beautiful novel of family, duty, sacrifice and faith. God is just as much a part of life as the land.
“Land shapes a man’s heart, too, and his aspirations. A man near the mountains learns to look up, and it calls his mind to God.”
With action enough to satisfy the middle-grade reader and depth enough for any adult, this simple, well-written story is highly recommended for all.
“Don’t confuse the right thing with the easy thing, Brother. Sometimes choosing what’s right for you breaks your heart.”
“They’re not the ones who have to look at the Grands after they’ve worked for ten hours straight and the gate’s still not fixed and the wood’s not split or stacked and the tractor engine is still in eight pieces on the back porch.”
He doesn’t mind the responsibilities. He loves the land, his family and his community. When his father is deployed to Iraq, he determinedly shoulders even more responsibility as his older brothers are also away. With his grandparents and Ernesto, the hired help, he works hard to maintain their Oregon ranch even though he isn’t quite sure that the ranching life is for him.
I suppose I should admit it. It isn’t often I find myself finishing a book with a tear in my eye. I did with this one. This is a beautiful novel of family, duty, sacrifice and faith. God is just as much a part of life as the land.
“Land shapes a man’s heart, too, and his aspirations. A man near the mountains learns to look up, and it calls his mind to God.”
With action enough to satisfy the middle-grade reader and depth enough for any adult, this simple, well-written story is highly recommended for all.
“Don’t confuse the right thing with the easy thing, Brother. Sometimes choosing what’s right for you breaks your heart.”
Rating: Hardback
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
Posts
