As we looked at Rev 16 this past Sunday I keyed in on a couple of verses: Rev 16:9, 11, 21 & then 15
I started out by asking: What are the key elements of the gospel? If someone asks you "How do I become a Christ follower?" what do you say? Typically we talk about 1) It's a free gift or you cannot earn salvation, 2) Need to understand your need (e.g. You have sinned, are separated from God) and repent (stop running from God and turn back to him), 3) confess your need and 4) receive Jesus. Typically I use Romans 6:23 (For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord). What we earn (wages) from what we do (sin, typically we talk about breaking the 10 commandments) is death (more than physical it is spiritual and ultimate separation from God). If we try to get to God in our own strength we will crash and burn. When you have the word "but" in a sentence that means that whatever comes after it can negate what comes before, so there is hope. A gift is not something you earn, but rather receive. The gift of God is eternal life (living with God in a restored relationship forever) through Christ Jesus. The question and challenge I ask people is which side of the canyon ("but") are they on? Have they placed there trust in Jesus or are they still earning the wages of sin? You cannot be in the middle you are on one side or the other. Pretty standard gospel presentation...I then asked the congregation if when they are sharing the gospel if someone where to say "Yes, I want to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior" if they would say "Now hold on...are you sure? Have you counted the cost?" It is a free gift that costs you everything...you have to die to be reborn...you have to die to self and live to Christ. See Luke 14:25-33, Matthew 8:18-22. You can't go around saying: "I have Jesus in my back pocket" and keep doing whatever you want.
I asked this because as I looked at Rev 16 I wrestled with verses 9, 11 & 21 and wondered why aren't they repenting? God is pouring out his judgment on them and giving them one last chance to turn back to him. He has tried everything else now he is trying to wake them up one last time. I think part of the answer is that God isn't acting the way they think he should...they want to put him in a box, so they can control him and make him serve them...this was the mistake that was made at the Tower of Babel but that is another message down the road...as I wrestled with that I wondered "How many Christians get angry/upset with God for the same reason?" How often do we loose sight of the big picture and start to think God isn't faithful? Back in Rev 6 the saints cry out "How long O'Lord?" and they are told to wait...and now in Rev 16 we see that God is faithful/true and just. In his timing, not ours he moves. Verses 5 & 6 talk about God's covenantal faithfulness and the absolute reliability of his deeds/judgment. Is God faithful? Yes, even when it seems like he isn't! If you have counted the cost you know and understand that he is worth everything (see Matthew 13:44-46, Mark 10:17-31).
Verse 15 comes in as a warning to believers to persevere. Nakedness = judgment (OT ref: Isaiah 20:1-4, Ezek. 16:36ff, 23:10, 29, so press on to the finish...waiting upon the Lord. Go back and read the messages/warnings to the 7 churches in chapters 2-3.
In the midst of this scene what are believers supposed to be doing? Persevering, continuing to be witnesses...the bowls poured out will turn the world upside down ( the earthquake doesn't affect one city/country, but rather the entire world is shaken). In the midst of this believers are to live knowing that this world is a close to hell as they will ever get. That means living grace filled lives totally dependent upon God continuing to be his witnesses no matter the cost.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Sermon Notes Revelation 15
These were listed on the sermon note taking sheet but I didn't hit them.
OT Connection: Exodus 15, Jeremiah 10:7, Psalm 86:8-10, Leviticus 26:21
NT Connection: Romans 3, Hebrews 10:19ff
We started with an interactive discussion around the following questions:
- What is the purpose of life?
(Ultimate answer: To glorify God...we were created as God's image bearers and mandated to fill all of creation with his image (Genesis) or reflect His glory back to him)
- When you are angry why are you?
(some of the answers: "You see injustice, for instance you as a child of God do not understand why the wicked prosper and you don't", "Not in control")
This passage give a glimpse of God responding to the prayers of Rev 6:10. God is now responding to injustice.
- Top 5 things you appreciate?
(most answered: family, health, job or some variation)
Based on those answers I challenged them by asking "Who is at the center?" Should Jesus be at the center? Top of the list?
Next we watched the lyric video from Plumb's Need You Now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9ylnx0NA9X4
In reference to the video I asked "Have you ever been there?"
Where are the saints? By the glassy sea...where is the glassy sea? around the throne of God Rev 4:6...what are they doing? Praising God for His great and mighty deeds...but they have just come through the tribulation..they have concurred the beast by laying down their lives Rev 12:11....we tend to think that when we get to heaven we will ask "Why?", but I agree with whoever said that the first thing we will say is "Oh, now I understand"...these are standing around the throne praising God for His great and mighty deeds...this is for the cross but I believe also for how he ministered to us through the actions of others...again this is a picture of Christ followers around the throne praising God for what He has done...tying it all together I shared how in the midst of an extremely difficult time in my life I wanted it all to end and that is when the phone rang and it was my friend Brandon calling to check on me...yes it was Brandon talking but I knew it was God calling giving me what I needed to make it through...
Things to remember from this passage:
- God's Sovereign and incontrol (vengence is His not ours...he will set things right in His timing)
- We need to see our actions as God's...do your actions line up with Him?
- God gets the glory in everything...it isn't about us
OT Connection: Exodus 15, Jeremiah 10:7, Psalm 86:8-10, Leviticus 26:21
NT Connection: Romans 3, Hebrews 10:19ff
We started with an interactive discussion around the following questions:
- What is the purpose of life?
(Ultimate answer: To glorify God...we were created as God's image bearers and mandated to fill all of creation with his image (Genesis) or reflect His glory back to him)
- When you are angry why are you?
(some of the answers: "You see injustice, for instance you as a child of God do not understand why the wicked prosper and you don't", "Not in control")
This passage give a glimpse of God responding to the prayers of Rev 6:10. God is now responding to injustice.
- Top 5 things you appreciate?
(most answered: family, health, job or some variation)
Based on those answers I challenged them by asking "Who is at the center?" Should Jesus be at the center? Top of the list?
Next we watched the lyric video from Plumb's Need You Now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9ylnx0NA9X4
In reference to the video I asked "Have you ever been there?"
Where are the saints? By the glassy sea...where is the glassy sea? around the throne of God Rev 4:6...what are they doing? Praising God for His great and mighty deeds...but they have just come through the tribulation..they have concurred the beast by laying down their lives Rev 12:11....we tend to think that when we get to heaven we will ask "Why?", but I agree with whoever said that the first thing we will say is "Oh, now I understand"...these are standing around the throne praising God for His great and mighty deeds...this is for the cross but I believe also for how he ministered to us through the actions of others...again this is a picture of Christ followers around the throne praising God for what He has done...tying it all together I shared how in the midst of an extremely difficult time in my life I wanted it all to end and that is when the phone rang and it was my friend Brandon calling to check on me...yes it was Brandon talking but I knew it was God calling giving me what I needed to make it through...
Things to remember from this passage:
- God's Sovereign and incontrol (vengence is His not ours...he will set things right in His timing)
- We need to see our actions as God's...do your actions line up with Him?
- God gets the glory in everything...it isn't about us
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Revelation 13-14
I noted that my last post was Oct 5...what a crazy month and a half with ministry opportunities taking me out of town the last 3/4 of October and family vacation at the beginning of November...needless to say it is good to be home.
With that said let me try to catch up the sermon notes:
Revelation 13 (Covered over 2 Sundays):
Main Point: Die to self, live to Christ
Satan always attempts to mimic God and we see that here in chapter 12-13 as the unholy Trinity is set up. In this unholy Trinity the Dragon/Satan plays the father, the first beast plays Jesus, and the second beast = the ultimate false prophet or plays the Holy Spirit's role.
Rev 13:1-10
The first beast mimics Jesus having a mortal wound but being healed...the first century readers/hearers would have quickly drawn a parallel to Nero as it was believed that he survived his suicide following censure by the Senate. "Many refused to believe that he had died, and by the late 80s a legend became popular that that he was still alive (some forms of the story had him coming back from the dead) and living in Parthia, preparing an army to invade and retake his throne." This means that the Anti-Christ would be a Nero like figure establishing a one world government and persecuting Christians.
In the midst of persecution Christians are not to do the following:
- Remember that God is in control and that this unholy Trinity is only allowed to function with God's permission
- Remember that their eternal life is secure with God
- Play the role of prophet warning those attacking them of their folly
- Remember that as they willing lay down their lives Satan is defeated (Rev. 12:11). This provides a stark contrast to the beast's rage (Rev 13:10b).
- See also Matthew 24, 2 Corinthians 1:3-10
Rev 13:11-18
The Second Beast, who he is and his role:
- The ultimate false prophet/HS counterfit
- "Glorifies" the First Beast
- His miracles mirror Elijah's and Jesus'
- Mark mirrors: the sealing of believers, Deuteronomy 6:8, Ezekiel 9:4
Where does his power come from?
- Satan, but he only operates with the "power" that God allows. Satan's authority is temporary and surpassed by God's
Why is he allowed to do this?
- Earth dwellers refuse to repent and are given over. See Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Romans 1:24-25
The Christian Response:
- Be Wise: recognize the false trinity and worship/fear God not man nor the unholy Trinity
- 888 = Jesus = complete, complete, complete or holy, holy, holy vrs 666 or imperfect, imperfect, imperfect
- Do repay evil for evil...the battle is the Lord's. The way Christians win is by maintaining their witness and laying their lives down (Rev 12:11)
Rev 14:1-13
This sermon was more interactive and discussion driven. I allowed the congregation to break into small groups, discuss for 3 minutes and then brought it back to a interactive discussion.
Questions:
- What does it mean to be a Christian?
The 144,000 represent the church arrayed for war (but not war with guns, but rather as witnesses)
- What do you fear?
Interesting question and discussion
- When you share the gospel do you include fear as part of the discussion?
Note Rev 14:6-7
Christian response found in Rev 14:12-13
A challenging example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQsSIuSBnws
Rev 14:14-20
Title: Are You Ready?
Questions:
- Are you ready for Thanksgiving?
- What are you Thankful for?
- Are you ready to be persecuted?
- Are you ready to die for your beliefs?
- Are you ready to be judged?
This text foreshadows the judgment that is coming.
OT Background: Joel 3, Hosea 6:11, Isaiah 63:2-3
NT Background: Matthew 13:24-30, 25:31-46, Mark 4:26-29
First harvest = harvest of believers (those who receive mercy)
Second Harvest = harvest of unbelievers (those who receive justice)
Are you ready? How are you preparing?
Options:
- Do nothing
- Keep sowing the gospel/warning others
- Ignore
- Live life inline with the gospel (die to self, live to Christ)
Basically you should be preparing by knowing/understanding the worth of what you have in Christ and live sold out for him.
With that said let me try to catch up the sermon notes:
Revelation 13 (Covered over 2 Sundays):
Main Point: Die to self, live to Christ
Satan always attempts to mimic God and we see that here in chapter 12-13 as the unholy Trinity is set up. In this unholy Trinity the Dragon/Satan plays the father, the first beast plays Jesus, and the second beast = the ultimate false prophet or plays the Holy Spirit's role.
Rev 13:1-10
The first beast mimics Jesus having a mortal wound but being healed...the first century readers/hearers would have quickly drawn a parallel to Nero as it was believed that he survived his suicide following censure by the Senate. "Many refused to believe that he had died, and by the late 80s a legend became popular that that he was still alive (some forms of the story had him coming back from the dead) and living in Parthia, preparing an army to invade and retake his throne." This means that the Anti-Christ would be a Nero like figure establishing a one world government and persecuting Christians.
In the midst of persecution Christians are not to do the following:
- Remember that God is in control and that this unholy Trinity is only allowed to function with God's permission
- Remember that their eternal life is secure with God
- Play the role of prophet warning those attacking them of their folly
- Remember that as they willing lay down their lives Satan is defeated (Rev. 12:11). This provides a stark contrast to the beast's rage (Rev 13:10b).
- See also Matthew 24, 2 Corinthians 1:3-10
Rev 13:11-18
The Second Beast, who he is and his role:
- The ultimate false prophet/HS counterfit
- "Glorifies" the First Beast
- His miracles mirror Elijah's and Jesus'
- Mark mirrors: the sealing of believers, Deuteronomy 6:8, Ezekiel 9:4
Where does his power come from?
- Satan, but he only operates with the "power" that God allows. Satan's authority is temporary and surpassed by God's
Why is he allowed to do this?
- Earth dwellers refuse to repent and are given over. See Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Romans 1:24-25
The Christian Response:
- Be Wise: recognize the false trinity and worship/fear God not man nor the unholy Trinity
- 888 = Jesus = complete, complete, complete or holy, holy, holy vrs 666 or imperfect, imperfect, imperfect
- Do repay evil for evil...the battle is the Lord's. The way Christians win is by maintaining their witness and laying their lives down (Rev 12:11)
Rev 14:1-13
This sermon was more interactive and discussion driven. I allowed the congregation to break into small groups, discuss for 3 minutes and then brought it back to a interactive discussion.
Questions:
- What does it mean to be a Christian?
The 144,000 represent the church arrayed for war (but not war with guns, but rather as witnesses)
- What do you fear?
Interesting question and discussion
- When you share the gospel do you include fear as part of the discussion?
Note Rev 14:6-7
Christian response found in Rev 14:12-13
A challenging example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQsSIuSBnws
Rev 14:14-20
Title: Are You Ready?
Questions:
- Are you ready for Thanksgiving?
- What are you Thankful for?
- Are you ready to be persecuted?
- Are you ready to die for your beliefs?
- Are you ready to be judged?
This text foreshadows the judgment that is coming.
OT Background: Joel 3, Hosea 6:11, Isaiah 63:2-3
NT Background: Matthew 13:24-30, 25:31-46, Mark 4:26-29
First harvest = harvest of believers (those who receive mercy)
Second Harvest = harvest of unbelievers (those who receive justice)
Are you ready? How are you preparing?
Options:
- Do nothing
- Keep sowing the gospel/warning others
- Ignore
- Live life inline with the gospel (die to self, live to Christ)
Basically you should be preparing by knowing/understanding the worth of what you have in Christ and live sold out for him.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Sermon Notes Rev 12:7-17
Rev 12:7-17 is the Great War played out. Verses 1-6 is a snapshot, while 7-17 expand and paint the picture.
The defeats of Satan:
- the Initial vrs 7-9 point back to and explain vrs 4. Note who Satan fought with. He fought with the arch-angel Michael not God. Too often we put Satan on an equal playing field with God when in reality he is just another created being...dangerous, but created none the less and if you resist him he will flee from you.
- at the Cross vrs 10. Ultimately Satan was defeated on the cross.
- the On-going vrs 11-17. Vrs 11 is key...just like it can be said that Germany lost WWII on D-day there was still fighting that had to take place before victory was achieved. Satan while he was defeated on the cross wants to destroy as many humans (God's image bearers) as he can before the end. Other verses to note: Matthew 10:35-39, Mark 8:35, Luke 14:26, Hebrews 11:13-16, Exodus 19:1-6, Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 18, Psalm 32:1-6, Isaiah 43:1-3
Think through what lies do you believe? Where are you trusting or not trusting God/Jesus?
We watched the Trust Fall video that was purchased from SermonSpice. A pre-view copy can be viewed at: http://www.sermonspice.com/product/35819/trust-fall
Main Point: Knowing the truth, adhering to the truth equals freedom
- Satan only operates with limited power
- Victory for believers is only achieved by the blood of the Jesus and perseverance (1 Peter 1, James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-5).
So what? What have you learned and how will you apply what you have learned?
The defeats of Satan:
- the Initial vrs 7-9 point back to and explain vrs 4. Note who Satan fought with. He fought with the arch-angel Michael not God. Too often we put Satan on an equal playing field with God when in reality he is just another created being...dangerous, but created none the less and if you resist him he will flee from you.
- at the Cross vrs 10. Ultimately Satan was defeated on the cross.
- the On-going vrs 11-17. Vrs 11 is key...just like it can be said that Germany lost WWII on D-day there was still fighting that had to take place before victory was achieved. Satan while he was defeated on the cross wants to destroy as many humans (God's image bearers) as he can before the end. Other verses to note: Matthew 10:35-39, Mark 8:35, Luke 14:26, Hebrews 11:13-16, Exodus 19:1-6, Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 18, Psalm 32:1-6, Isaiah 43:1-3
Think through what lies do you believe? Where are you trusting or not trusting God/Jesus?
We watched the Trust Fall video that was purchased from SermonSpice. A pre-view copy can be viewed at: http://www.sermonspice.com/product/35819/trust-fall
Main Point: Knowing the truth, adhering to the truth equals freedom
- Satan only operates with limited power
- Victory for believers is only achieved by the blood of the Jesus and perseverance (1 Peter 1, James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-5).
So what? What have you learned and how will you apply what you have learned?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Men's Retreat Message #4
What follows are my notes for the #4 of 4 messages I delivered at Lake Ellen Bible Camp's Men's Fall Retreat.
Disclaimer:
While based on Scripture these talks are heavily influence by my reading of Tim Keller http://download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/resources/Centrality_of_the_Gospel-Keller.pdf, Peter Scazzero's Emotional Healthy Church, CJ Mahney's The Cross Centered Life, Jerry Bridges' The Discipline of Grace and Dr. Grant Osborne's ECNT Revelation Commentary.
Intro Questions: Are you a disciple? How would I know?
Growing up I thought "I could never be a disciple." They were holy and I am just an average guy...but as we read the New Testament we know this is not true, in fact everyone is a disciple it is just a question of whose. Going back to first talk: Jesus came to divide the world into 2 camps...
Main Point: Are you useful to the Lord? Everyone is but are you willing?
Text: Revelation 3:14-22
Disciples are faithful and true witnesses
- Who is Jesus vrs the Laodecians?
Jesus is the faithful and true witness who came and revealed the Father to us. The Laodecians are lukewarm. Until I studied this passage I didn't understand why the cold were celebrated. Laodecia did not have its own source of drinking water. There were two towns nearby one that had cool water and one that had hot springs...they piped their water in from the hot springs...by the time it got to them is was lukewarm and full of minerals. Cold water was refreshing, hot water was useful...lukewarm mineral water is spit out...
Challenge are you saying "Here I am send me"
Disciples know their condition and go to the source.
- Who is Jesus vrs the Laodecians?
Jesus is the source (beginning) of everything while the Laodecians were self-made. In 60AD and earthquake destroyed Laodecia. They refused assistance from the empire and rather rebuilt it themselves with their own money. Everything they touched turned to gold...they had the finest black wool around, an eye salve to cure blindness was developed there...money flowed into Laodecia and yet in God's eyes they were blind and poor.
Challenge: Are you building up treasure here or in heaven?
Disciples respond to correction
- Zeal to get right with God must replace lukewarmness
Challenge: Who are you doing life with and are you holding each other accountable?
Disciples desire fellowship with God
- This is a letter to a church...Rev 3:20 is challenging them that they have locked Jesus/Father out.
Challenge: Preach the Gospel to yourself maintain your relationship with God
Disciples live for eternity
- Absence of persecution = no need to conquer = living for here and now
Challenge: Are you living for here and now or in light of eternity?
dot and a line going into eternity
We at FBC talk about the up, in , out triangle.
- How are you doing with the up? Your relationship with God
- How are you doing with the in? Your relationship with other believers
- How are you doing with the out? Your relationship with non-believers
Keep the Gospel/Jesus center
Live in brokenness connected to a Life Transformation Group
Let God shine through your cracks
Men's Retreat Message #3
What follows are my notes for the #3 of 4 messages I delivered at Lake Ellen Bible Camp's Men's Fall Retreat. My goal was to share what Living in Brokenness looks like at FBC.
Disclaimer:
While based on Scripture these talks are heavily influence by my reading of Tim Keller http://download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/resources/Centrality_of_the_Gospel-Keller.pdf, Peter Scazzero's Emotional Healthy Church, CJ Mahney's The Cross Centered Life, Jerry Bridges' The Discipline of Grace and Dr. Grant Osborne's ECNT Revelation Commentary.
Intro Questions:
What is the purpose of life? Glorify God
How? By enjoying him forever..."God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." John Piper
Driving Force: God's Grace/Gospel/Jesus
Is Christianity rules or a relationship? It is not a bunch of does and don'ts, but rather a relationship with the living God. You do not obey to earn favor rather you obey to maintain the relationship. John 14:21-24, John 15. The Two Great Commandments and the Great Commission are key.
We are in a battle...there is a great Youtube clip from Deadliest Catch titled "Man Overboard." We are surrounded by individuals who are drowning and crying out get me on board I do not want to die...they need us to live in brokenness so that they can see the glory of God shine through us yet too many times we flee, fight or hide...
"If we expose our sin, God will cover it up, but if we cover our sin, God will expose it." Austin Duncin
Lessons from an OT battle field:
1 Samuel 13:5-7
1 Samuel 14:1-15
Jonathan wasn't a lone ranger
- God was with him (Holy Spirit)
- Army was present (Church although not armed w/ worldly weapons)
- Armor Bearer (LTG)
Challenge: You need an Armor Bearer in your life...who are you doing life with? Or are you doing it alone?
We at FBC challenge/encourage everyone to be in a Life Transformation Group (2-4 individuals who read/discuss large volumes of Scripture, hold one another accountable, pray for those outside of the faith), but they are only effective if we are willing to be broken and vulnerable.
Men's Retreat Message #2 Notes
What follows are my notes for the #2 of 4 messages I delivered at Lake Ellen Bible Camp's Men's Fall Retreat.
Disclaimer:
While based on Scripture these talks are heavily influence by my reading of Tim Keller http://download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/resources/Centrality_of_the_Gospel-Keller.pdf, Peter Scazzero's Emotional Healthy Church, CJ Mahney's The Cross Centered Life, Jerry Bridges' The Discipline of Grace and Dr. Grant Osborne's ECNT Revelation Commentary.
Disclaimer:
While based on Scripture these talks are heavily influence by my reading of Tim Keller http://download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/resources/Centrality_of_the_Gospel-Keller.pdf, Peter Scazzero's Emotional Healthy Church, CJ Mahney's The Cross Centered Life, Jerry Bridges' The Discipline of Grace and Dr. Grant Osborne's ECNT Revelation Commentary.
Title: Living in Brokenness and Vulnerability
Video Clip: Apollo 13 "Houston we have a problem..."
I wish that we had all kinds of warning lights when we have problems...but we don't and men we have a problem.
Intro Questions:
Does God want us to be weak? Why or why not?
Picture of broken flower pots...Church is one of the few places where we shoot our wounded...picture of a pile of broken pottery
Why does God allow trials in our lives? How are you dealing with them? Dependent or independent? 2 Cor 12:8-10. For the married ones: If your wife said "honey we need to talk" what would you do? Our responses can generally be placed in one of 3 categories: Flee, Fight or Hide.
In the end we need to release control and receive God's fogiveness
"The extent to which I am in touch with my lostness and brokenness is the extent to which I grasp the glory of the Gospel and am able to revel in the Father's love." Peter Scazerro
Picture of Luke 18:9-14 Pharisee and Tax Collector
Picture of Luke 15:11ff The Prodigal Son
Who are you most like?
- The Tax Collector
- The Pharisee
- The Prodigal
- The Older Brother
- The Father
God want to use you and your brokenness to minister to other broken people, but you must understand that God is your strength.
Cracked Pot illustration
God wants us to let his Glory shine through our cracks, but too many of us cover up our cracks and put on a good front never living in brokenness letting God shine though us...
So what?
Release control, Receive God's forgivenes, Live as a cracked pot
When I am weak then I am strong, b/c Jesus is my strength...
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