Do This In Remembrance Of Me 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 with Pastor Barry Kerner
Order of Service for July 5th, 2020
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer
Worship Song
Community Prayer
Today’s Message
Responsive Reading
Service of Communion
Prayer and Benediction
Responsive Reading
Leader: As we come to the Lord’s table, let us come with a spirit of humility and penitence.
Members: Compassionate God, have mercy on us we pray.
Leader: Let us examine ourselves: out thoughts, our actions, our motives, and our attitudes toward others.
Members: O Holy God, have mercy and forgive us our shortcomings.
Leader: Help us to remember our responsibility to our families and our neighbors, our stewardship to you and the work you have given to our hands.
Members: O Living God, we stand in need of your grace, strength, and mercy.
Leader: As we eat the bread, which represents your body, which is the True and Living Bread, open our eyes to recognize the intimacy that you yearn to share with us.
Members: O Loving God, teach us to love you above all else.
Leader: As we drink the cup, which represents Christ’s blood shed for us, we thank you for the new covenant. “Love ye one another,” which is written on our hearts. Let us rejoice because our names are written in heaven.
Members: May your redeeming love renew us for loving service for others.
Leader: May this Lord’s Supper energize every area of our lives and enable us to transcend our circumstances, our inadequacies, and our enemies.
Members: Father, touch and empower us so that our lives will be renewed.
Leader: We praise you, O God, who make us Your own people through the death and resurrection of your Son, our Lord.
Members: Abide in us, and fill us with the life-giving power of your Spirit, now and forever.
Service Text
Do This In Remembrance Of Me
1 Corinthians 11:23-34
Ever since the early Christians met secretly in homes to remember the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the church has been celebrating the Service of Holy Communion. Of all the things we do in the church, this one event should hold the most meaning for us, and it should cause us to be humbled by the message behind the service.
I think that, far too often, the Communion celebration is looked upon as being common place. It is just something “we do every month”. In reality, it is far more than this! In many churches throughout the world the elements of bread and wine or juice are placed on a stand with the words, “Table Of Remembrance” engraved across the front. This time we call Communion is an opportunity for the church to worship the Lord Jesus by using these simple elements to remember what Christ did for us at Calvary and at the garden tomb. It is a time when we can rehearse the message of the Gospel in the ears of those who may not know it. It is also a time to reflect upon our walk with Jesus as individuals.
Today, we are going to partake of the Communion once again. But, before we do, I want to draw your attention to what these verses teach us about this special time. Allow me to point out several marks of this time known as Communion. As I do, please look into your own heart and examine your life on the basis of what the Bible says about this event known as The Lord’s Supper.
Let us read from today’s passage 1 Corinthians chapter 11, verses 23-34.
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. 32 Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.
33 So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. 34 Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.
And when I come I will give further directions.
In verses 23-25 we are reminded that this is a time of COMMEMORATION.
These verses remind us that the Lord’s Supper Service is a time for “calling to mind” the great sacrifice and victorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we gather at the Lord’s Table for Communion, we are not offering a new sacrifice. We are remembering His “once for all” sacrifice, Hebrews 10:10 explains to us that, we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” The idea of remembering is more than just recalling that an event took place. It has the idea of stirring up the mind to relive with Jesus Christ as much of His life, death and resurrection as is humanly possible.
It is a time to remember that:
- He left heaven to be born in a human body – Philippians 2:5-6
- He became poor that we might be rich – 2 Corinthians 8:9
- He bore our sins in His Own body on the tree – 1 Peter 2:24
- He willingly took our place on Calvary – Isaiah 53:4-6
- He shed His blood for our redemption – Revelation 1:5, 5:9, 1 Peter 1:18-19.
- He conquered death for us forever – Matthew 28:1-6; Revelations 1:18
- He ascended back to Heaven to finish His redemptive work and to serve as out High Priest forever – Hebrews 7:25
These three verses also remind us that it is a time of COMTEMPLATION.
Not only are we to remember what Jesus has done for humanity, but we are to contemplate what His sacrifice means to us as individuals. 1 Timothy 1:15 tells us that came into this world and died on the cross to save sinners. But, what does that mean to you? Have you been saved? If you are saved, does His sacrifice move your heart toward Him in worship? Does the fact that He is alive forevermore thrill your soul and cause you to bow before Him in humility and worship?
We should use this time to reflect on what the finished work of Christ means to us as individuals. Our minds should reflect on what His death and resurrection has accomplished in our lives. It is a great time to consider your personal walk with the Lord! Is it all it should be? Are you living in a manner that pleases Him? Is your heart right with the Lord? Consider your relationship to the Lord during this special time.
Verses 23 through 25 also remind us that it is a time of IDENTIFICATION.
When we take the Lord’s Supper, we are publicly identifying ourselves with Jesus Christ. Now, it is possible for a lost person to partake of the Lord’s Supper and never be saved. This event holds no saving power! However, for those who are saved, it is a time for us to declare publicly that we believe His death and resurrection were for us!
Let us who have been saved by grace boldly identify ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ! The Bible reminds us in Romans 10:9-11 that those who know Him are not to be ashamed of Him. The world may call us fools. They may say we use the Lord as a crutch. Regardless of what they say, let us take our stand with the redeemed and loudly proclaim our faith in Him and our dependence upon His sacrifice. Yes, The Lord’s Supper Service is a prime time to identify yourself with the Lord Jesus!
Verse 26 reminds us that the Service of Holy Communion is a time of DECLARATION.
This verse reminds us that when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are declaring His death and resurrection to new generations of people. This is to be a time of education as well as a time of worship. We must always take the time to explain what we are doing when we take the bread and juice. This service is a prime time for declaring the Gospel message to those who do not know it.
That is why we preach the Gospel message! We proclaim it so that men and women, boy and girls will have the opportunity to believe on Jesus Christ as all the redeemed have done. Therefore, let us determine that we will ever remind this lost and dying world that there is only one source of salvation and that His name is Jesus Christ.
In a day when many churches are becoming “seeker friendly” and others are abandoning the doctrines of salvation by grace through faith alone, let us determine that as long as there is breath in our bodies, we will strive to protect the message in this church! We could compromise and draw a crowd, but I had rather preach the truth to a few than to drag a crowd behind me into a Christ-less eternity!
Verse 26 also reminds us that the Lord’s Supper is a time of EXPECTATION.
We are also reminded that this time serves to stir up our thoughts concerning the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The truth is, He died for us, He rose again for us and He ascended into Heaven for us. There, He makes intercession for us at the throne of God. John 14:1-3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 also help us to not forget that He has also promised to return someday for us.
The Lord’s Supper service should serve to remind us of the fact that He is coming! It should stir up our hearts by reminding us that one day soon, our Savior will return from glory to take His children home to Heaven. Therefore, when the bred and juice are passed in a few minutes, remember, Jesus is coming and He is coming for a redeemed people.
Are you ready for His coming? We are to live expectantly as Matthew 24:24 tells us, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Verses 27-31 remind us that it is a time of EXAMINATION.
While all the other truths we have considered today are important, this final one is very serious in its warning to you and me. The Lord’s Supper service is a time of reflection and worship, but it is also a time of self-examination. We are warned against partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner.
First, It Is A Warning To The Lost – No one who has not been saved should take of the Lord’s Supper service. It is a dangerous thing to do so!
Second, It Is A Warning To The Backslider – When we come to the Lord’s table with sin in our lives, we open our lives up to God’s judgment. He will chasten His children when they profess to be right with God, and yet they are harboring sin in their hearts.
Third, It Is A Warning Against Taking It Lightly – Too often, people will come to the Lord’s table and will not take the time to search their hearts for sin, nor will they consider the great sacrifice Jesus gave for their redemption. They go through the motions, but ignore the emotions. Others participate in it ritualistically and not with their minds and hearts. Others trust the ceremony to save them and fail to trust the One to Whom the ceremony points. Others come with bitterness and hatred in their hearts toward other believers. All of these are dangerous and bring the chastisement of God into our lives.
When we partake of the Lord’s Supper in a manner which degrades the truth behind the celebration, we are guilty of trampling under foot the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. When someone walks on the flag of the United States in protest, they are doing more than damaging a piece of cloth. They are actually dishonoring this nation and all it stands for! The same is true at the Lord’s Table! Let us be careful to examine our hearts, our lives and our motives before we receive the elements of the Lord’s Supper.
Paul’s warning is serious! He reminds the Corinthians that some of there number is dead because they came to the Lord’s Table in an unworthy manner! The remedy for this is for us to examine ourselves, confess our sins and to right every wrong possible, before we come to the Lord’s Table! If we will take the time to judge our own lives, the Lord will not have to judge them for us. But, even when His chastisement comes upon us, it is for our own good, and is a product of His love for us.
Verses 33 and 34 remind us that the Communion Service is a time of COMMUNITY.
As the church is the Body of Christ we are extorted to eat and drink as a body. When we come together and celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are declaring to ourselves and those around us our resolve to reflect Christ’s love and forgiveness and so to be unified. There is power is the blood of Jesus and there is power when God’s people, led by his Holy Spirit work together as one. In Genesis 11:6 the Lord declared that if the people speak one language and are of one mind then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.
As a child, many of us can remember our mothers telling us to “wash up for supper.” Well, that is what the Lord is telling you and me this morning! Are you in a right condition to receive the Lord’s Supper today?
Before we celebrate the service of Holy Communion, take a moment to examine yourself and to answer these questions:
- Are you saved?
- Is your life pleasing to the Lord?
- Are there hidden things in your life that need to be dealt with this morning?
- Is there ANY problem between you and another believer?
- Can you honestly say that your heart and life and pure?
- Are you ready to receive the bread and juice with a heart of true worship for God our Father?
Let us pray.
Deliverance Delayed Exodus 5:22-24 Sunday Sermon for June 28 2020
Deliverance Delayed
Exodus 5:22-24
Pastor Barry Kerner
More than 20 years ago I began a prayer list to help me remember for whom and for what I sought God’s intervention. Over the years as God, through his mercy and grace, answered prayers they were removed from the list. As more needs arose, they were added to the list. Every year though the list seems to grow. One reason the list became longer is that God has proven himself time and again and I’ve found myself trusting in him more and more. Another reason is that over the years God has opened my eyes and heart to see more of the needs of the world around me.
As the Coronavirus pandemic spread this year I found the list growing weekly. Added to the list were prayers for others for continued health, prayers for the well being of individuals isolated by social distancing, prayers for those who have lost jobs and face difficult financial times, prayers for those most vulnerable front line workers, as well as prayers for our local churches and possible re-openings. Some of those prayers have been answered but many still await God’s intervention
It’s those prayers that remain on prayer list week after week, month after month or maybe even year after year that I want to look at. What about when the answer to prayer doesn’t come right away? What happens when we get a different answer than the one we expected to get? What happens when we pray and things seem get worse instead of better? What happens when deliverance is delayed?
How many or you know that we serve a mighty God? Hopefully everyone listening agrees with the statement, “We serve a mighty God!” We all love to talk about the wonderful miracle working power of almighty God. Truly He is a mighty God. He has all power in His hand. There is nothing that is too hard for God to do. Any problem that you might have right now or will have in the future is not too hard for God to solve. Any trouble that you find yourself in right now or in the future is not too hard for God to fix. Any situation that is relative to your particular set of unique circumstances from your life is not too big for God to deal with and take care of.
It doesn’t matter what the problem is.
It doesn’t matter what the need is.
It doesn’t matter what the situation is.
It doesn’t matter what the adversity is.
Because God is a mighty God!
It doesn’t matter how strong the storm is.
It doesn’t matter how fierce the winds are.
It doesn’t matter how high the floodwaters are.
It doesn’t matter how bad it looks to everybody around you.
It doesn’t matter how serious it looks right now.
Because God is well able to meet your need in just one instant of time. He is a mighty, mighty God.
If you have a:
Financial need – no problem
Healing need – no problem
Marital need – no problem
Family need – no problem
Salvation need – no problem
Any need at all – it’s no problem with God
Our God is a mighty God and he is able!
The Word of God says:
But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory
Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think
He is able to always cause us to triumph
He is able to always bring the victory
He is a mighty, mighty, powerful, awesome, wonderful God!
So today we have established that our God is able to meet your needs whatever the need is. But what about when the answer doesn’t come right away? What happens when we get a different answer than the one we expected to get? What happens when we pray and things get worse instead of better? What happens when deliverance is delayed?
Why do we face difficulties even when we are doing what God told us to do? When these questions come does that affect our view of the mighty God that we serve? When the answer doesn’t come do we think differently about God?
In our scripture text, Exodus 5:20-24, we find Moses lashing out at God, 22 Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? 23 Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”
Moses has done what God has told him to do but things have gotten worse instead of better. I’ve done what you told me to do but you haven’t done anything, Lord. I’ve kept my part of the bargain but you haven’t kept your part God. You still haven’t delivered us yet. You still haven’t showed up yet. We are still waiting for you to do what you said you would do.
I can hear the bitter cries of Mary and Martha as they weep. “Jesus, where are you?” “Jesus, how come you haven’t come by here just yet?” They had called for the master to come but he never did and now it’s too late because their brother Lazarus is dead. Mary weeps off in a corner somewhere, “Lord, I just don’t understand. I’m confused.” Martha moans as she falls to her knees, “Jesus, I thought you would have come. I thought you were our friend.” But still Jesus has not come-… yet.
There are times in all of our lives that things appear to be just like that.
- Things appear to be dead.
- It appears to be over.
- It appears that God has turned a deaf ear to you and your cry.
- Your dreams are dead.
- It looks like God has forgotten about you.
- You are desperate for an answer but no answer has come.
- You feel like it is too late for God to do anything concerning your situation.
- You feel just like Martha did when her brother died – your too late God!
- You cry out, “God where are you?” But the wind picks up your cry and slaps it back in your face again.
- You stagger along like a drunken man in your spirit as the enemy delivers more and more adversity to you.
But wait! Before you give up for good let’s take another look. Off in the distance I see God walking toward you on the stormy waters of your adversity. I’m looking down the rough and dusty road of adversity in your life and I think I see something coming toward you down the road.
The Bible says:
“I will look to the hills from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord. My help is coming right now!” “Look up for your redemption draweth nigh.” It may not be here yet but it’s on the way. It’s almost here.”
Let me tell you today that, God does all things well even when it seems like it’s disaster. God has his own plan and his own time clock for your life and for your deliverance
God is never too late even when we think he is. God is still in charge and God is still on your side. You can and you will eventually triumph over the distasteful business of hell if you are willing to patiently wait on the Lord even when the answer hasn’t come yet.
When deliverance is delayed recall Isaiah 40:27-29,31, “27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? 28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
If you can just wait on the Lord a little while longer he will renew your strength. The answer hasn’t arrived yet but he will renew your strength. Why does he work the way that he does? I don’t know but I do know this: We will understand it better bye and bye if we wait on the Lord. Isaiah 55:8-11 reminds us, “8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
God’s ways are much higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He doesn’t do things just like we would do them. He doesn’t think like us. But there is one thing that we do know about God and that is His word will not return to him void. It will accomplish its intended purpose. If God has told you that he will do something in your life you can count on it that he will do it!
The storms of life come to everybody, even the child of God. Sometimes God calms the storm and other times he gets on board with us and calms his child and you ride out the storm with him. Deliverance might be delayed right now but keep on waiting on the Lord.
We look at the life of the apostle Paul and say what a great man. I wish I could be more like Paul – oh really? Let’s look a bit more closely at his life. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 we read, “ 8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;”
Notice what it says here about Paul:
- Paul had trouble
- Paul despaired of life
- Paul had the sentence of death in him
- He stated that he would not trust in himself but in God
- God delivered him from death
- He trusted that God would deliver him again
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 encourages us, “8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”
In 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 Paul talks of trials and tribulations, “24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.”
Paul was a man that was used greatly by God but he was also a man that suffered much for God. Paul suffered much pain but what brought him through was his attitude toward the pain. He cared much more about the glory of God resting on him than he did the pain.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul saw his pain turned into pleasure. He said, “7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
It’s not normal to take pleasure in infirmities and adversity, but the thing that Paul learned was that you must trust in God in spite of what you are going through. He learned that it’s the pain and suffering that is, at times, the steadying influence in our lives. The heavy burden can actually act as a ballast for us anchoring our lives in the midst of the raging storm.
Dr. Thomas A. Lambie, medical missionary, to Africa, told about how he forded many swift and bridgeless streams. The danger in crossing such streams lies in being swept off your feet and carried down stream to greater depths and hurled to death on hidden rocks. Dr. Lambie learned from the natives the best way to make such a hazardous crossing. You find a large stone, the heavier the better, and lift it to your shoulder, and carry it across the stream. The extra weight of the stone keeps your feet solid on the bed of the stream while crossing. Dr. Lambie drew this application: While crossing the dangerous streams of life, enemies constantly seek to overthrow us and rush us down to ruin. We need the ballast of burden bearing, a load of affliction, to keep us from being swept off our feet.
Martin Luther once said, “Ah! Affliction is the best book in my library.” In life it will be the grievous things that help lift us up to Heaven. Why is it that God allows the trials to come to us? Why does God allow the pain to come that is so intense that it seems difficult to even breathe? Why does God allow us to weep and cry over and over again about the same crisis? Your pillow is wet with tears at night. You cry out to God but it seems like he is not listening. You put a smile on your face when you deal with the world but deep down inside you are broken and there is pain.
At times like this we can look to the scriptures and be encouraged by the lives and victories of others.
- Job went through that kind of adversity.
- Hagar went through that kind of a situation.
- Naomi went through that kind of a difficulty.
- Hannah went through that kind of a trying dark time in her life.
- Jacob feared for his life when Esau was coming to kill him.
- David was surrounded by his own men that wanted to stone him
- Paul was stoned and left for dead.
What do you do in that situation that you find yourself in? What do you do? You trust in God! You continue to wait on the Lord. You continue to hold his hand even when you don’t agree with the way he is leading you. Trust in God when deliverance is delayed.
1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us, “12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
Pain and affliction are allowed so that people will keep close to the Lord in prayer. We don’t want those things in our life. We don’t want those times in our life. But it is the trial and the adversity that will purify us and bring us closer to God. It’s the bearing of the burden that will strengthen us to endure all the way to the end in our walk with God.
It’s easy for people without much invested in this Christian walk to backslide and fall away from God. But those with something invested in their walk with God and those who have completely sold out to God will want to hold on all the way to the end. They have been through: The fire. The floods. The storms. The difficulties. The adversity
And the trying of their faith has produced a quality in them that is as pure as gold
1 Peter 5:10 puts it this way, “10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.”
What do we do during the delay? We have looked at the fact that there will be delays. But, how do we make it through? Isaiah 35:4 tells us how, “4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.”
Isaiah 41:10 tells us how, “10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 43:1-5 tells us how, “1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;”
And, Deuteronomy 20:3-4 tells us how, “3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; 4 For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
When deliverance is delayed keep trusting in God. Trust God, even though it may seem like prayer doesn’t work. Even though it may seem like at the moment He is not near and has abandoned you. Isaiah 41:9,10 says, “You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and said to you, You are my servant, I have chosen you, and have not cast you away. Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
If we have faith and sincerely trust God, we will not be concerned as to whether the answer is “wait” or the answer is “no” or “yes.” We must just trust, and wait and see if God in His timing will see fit to answer as we have requested, or perhaps He has something better in mind for us. Remember your prayer should end with “Not my will, Lord, but Your will.” (Luke 22:42). And remember the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
Good, Good Father Luke 15:11-32 By Pastor Barry Kerner
Good, Good Father
Luke 15:11-32
Pastor Barry Kerner
Sometime back, I came a cross one of those top ten lists that David Letterman reads on The Late Show. This one was called: “The Top-Ten Things You’ll Never Hear a Dad Say”And I figured, since this is Father’s Day, it might be good to read it. So here we go:
Ten things you never heard come out of your father’s mouth:
Number 10 “Well, how ’bout that! … I’m lost! … Looks like we’ll have to stop and ask for directions.”
Number 9 “You know Sweetie, now that you’re thirteen, you’ll be ready for un-chaperoned car dates. Won’t that be fun?
Number 8 “I noticed that all your friends seem to be doing some risky things….Don’t you think you should join them?
Number 7 “Here’s a credit card and the keys to my new car –… GO CRAZY!”
Number 6 “What do you mean you wanna play football? Figure skating’s not good enough for you, son?”
Number 5 “Your Mother and I are going away for the weekend …you might want to consider throwing a party.”
Number 4 “Well, I don’t know what’s wrong with your car. Probably one of those doo-hickey thingies – you know — that makes it run or something. Just have it towed to a
mechanic and pay whatever he asks.”
Number 3 “Now Listen! No son of mine is going to live under this roof without an earring – so quit your belly-aching, and let’s go to them all!”
Number 2 “What do you mean you wanna go and get a job? Don’t I make plenty of money for you to spend?”
And the Number 1 thing you never heard your father say: “Would you mind turning that music up a bit!”
Father’s Day can bring up memories & feelings for all of us – And for those who grew up in homes touched by alcoholism, drug addiction or abuse, the memories aren’t always happy ones.
I know a pastor who served for many years as the chaplain in a very large state prison.
And he tells the story of how, during his very first year there: when Mother’s Day arrived in early May, he was overwhelmed with requests from the prisoners for
Mother’s Day cards for the men to send home. He gave out boxes and boxes of ‘em – but he never seemed to have enough to meet all the demand. And so the priest said to himself – next time, he wasn’t going to be caught short – and so the very next month, when Father’s Day rolled around, he’d stocked up with plenty of cards – but he was shocked at what happened next – almost none of the men asked for them.
This time he was left with boxes and boxes of unused cards. When he asked one of the other chaplains why nobody wanted the cards the guy said:“Welcome to prison! Most of these men never knew their fathers and a lot of the ones who do would just as soon forget them.” Father’s Day can bring up memories & feelings that many of us would just as soon forget.
Today’s Bible story is familiar to most of us. The Parable of the Prodigal Son. We’re going to be looking at the Prodigal Son’s father because this father that Jesus describes is so unlike many that the world knows.
Let’s read Luke 15 verses 11-32.
1 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Now Jesus told this story because he’s being asked by the righteous, church-going people in his town: Why’s he hanging out with the ones they consider all the lowlife scum in their community? Why’s he paling around with prostitutes and talking it up with tax traitors – Why’s he healing lepers and helping out all the so-called losers – What’s the deal, Jesus? You’re supposed to be a holy man – a prophet – don’t you know who these people are?
And so it’s in this context that Jesus tells them this story. It’s Jesus explaining to the church people of his day what he’s doing – because what he was doing, wasn’t what any of them were doing. But, according to Jesus, what he’s doing is exactly what the God of his understanding is always doing. He’s loving his children —- “unconditionally.” He’s loving them in ways that absolutely blow away all their old ideas about who God is and how God works in our lives. In his parable, Jesus is saying: you’ve got some old ideas about God, and I want to open your eyes and help you see a very different image of the God I know so well.
Almost four hundred years ago Rembrandt painted a work that he called, “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” It’s considered one of his greatest works and is the artist’s understanding of this gospel scene where the prodigal son finally comes to his senses and returns to his father.
There are two things about the father that the artist painted into the scene that most people can very easily miss. The first has to do with the way he’s painted the father’s eyes. According to Rembrandt, the father is blind. In Rembrandt’s imagination – the father doesn’t even have the ability to see any or all of the terrible things that his son has done to him. All this father does is to love his son. He loves his son when he spits in his face by asking for his inheritance. He loves his son when he walks away from his family. His father turns a blind eye to all of that. He’s blind to the insult – He simply keeps on loving – and instead of giving him the back of his hand – he gives the boy exactly what he asks for.
But, the son blows it all and ends up destitute. And, being the little con artist that he is, this kid is still trying to manipulate his father. “I’ve got a plan!” he says, “I’ll tell my father that I don’t deserve to be called his son – I’ll play on his mercy – I’ll ask him to take me in and treat me like one of his servants. It’s a halfhearted contrition. But the father seems blind to that too. Maybe Love really is blind!
All this loving father can do is throw his arms around his son – And instead of treating him like a servant (which was the son’s plan) he treats him like royalty (which is God’s plan!) He puts rings on his fingers and a robe on his back. He showers him with kisses and presses him close to his heart.
In the story of the prodigal son, the father’s unchanging, consistent, and enduring love for his son in all circumstances are a role model for loving our own children with patience, persistence, compassion, flexibility and fortitude.
And there’s something else about this painting that’s puzzled people for centuries.
It’s the way the artist depicts the father’s two hands. Hands that are holding on to this wayward son. For some reason Rembrandt’s painted each of the father’s hands very differently – One hand is very clearly the hand of a man – And the other is just as clearly, the hand of a woman. Rembrandt’s saying something very powerful here about the God of his understanding – and about how it is that God loves us.
He seems to be saying that God loves us both as a father loves and as a mother loves too.
This father is strong – and that’s the male hand that’s supporting his son –
- It’s holding him up so he doesn’t fall again –
- It’s the hand that’s encouraging him and blessing him.
- He’s passing on his energy to the next generation so this son of his will be strong enough some day to pass it on to his son too.
- If we missed receiving these things from our fathers – the good news is: it’s never too late to get them. God makes that possible. And maybe the bigger ‘the Father hole’ we have inside our souls – the more open we’ll be to letting God come and fill it, and the more grateful we’ll be to receive it.
While all of this is going on, with his other hand, with his female side – this father’s also gently hugging his son’s neck – He’s embracing him, much as a mother would hug her child.
- This father isn’t afraid to show love.
- He’s not afraid to make himself vulnerable –
- He isn’t afraid to cry or to open his heart.
- We need that from our fathers – and we need it from our God too!
The scriptures tell us that we’re each wonderfully made. They say we’re made in the very image and likeness of God – And because we reflect him and who he is, then God must embody the best of both male and female attributes. We have a God who is both strong and tender. A God who’s full of power and might. And, one who’s also full of love and compassion.
We are reminded daily that we live in a culture that mocks grace and nourishes revenge keeping our lives and our world divided, fragmented and fearful. In the affairs of human beings, there is a vicious cycle of separation and retaliation.
On a personal level, in the parable, there is a father and son who had a vital relationship over the years that had festered into the pain of separation. But as we have seen in the parable, a father’s forgiveness added immensely to the quality of the father and son’s relationship. This relationship was possible because of the son’s confession, when he said, “Father, I have sinned against you and I am no longer worthy to be you son.”(v.19). The father accepts his confession by saying, “This son of mine was dead and is alive again.”(v.24). They began to celebrate a new life together as father and son.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a parable of sheer grace. Grace is described as “God’s love in action.” Defined in the scriptures as “steadfast love,” being reliable, constant and trustworthy. Each person is of such value to God that none is excluded from God’s grace and forgiveness—neither should we withhold our forgiveness from others.
Regardless how far we have traveled down the road of rebellion and despair or how grievous a sin we have committed, no one is beyond God’s love and care. There is nothing in heaven or earth as dogged, determined, stubborn, or persistent as the grace of God that seeks to save.
A while ago, I came across a collection of scripture passages that were put together to make up an imaginary Father’s Day card from our God. Someone gathered up one liners from the Old and the New Testament and strung them all together. If you’ll listen to them carefully, I think you’ll hear the grace and love of our heavenly Father.
It reads like this:
MY CHILD . . .
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head I’ve numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my own image. Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
You are my child. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son Jesus. John 17:23
I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
Your Father is waiting, won’t you come home. Luke 15: 7
Let us close in a word of prayer.
O Lord our God, creator of heaven and earth, through your Son Jesus Christ you have revealed yourself as a heavenly Father to all of your children. Bless, we pray, all earthly fathers. Strengthen them to nurture, protect, and guide the children entrusted to their care. Instill within them the virtues of love and patience. May they be slow to anger and quick to forgive. And through the ministrations of your Holy Spirit, may all fathers be strong and steadfast examples of faithfulness, responsibility, and loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Letters And Papers From Prison Responses to Trials and Tribulations
Letters And Papers From Prison
Responses to Trials and Tribulations
Acts 28
Pastor Barry Kerner
The book of Acts gives a unique glimpse into the life and practice of the early church. It describes the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Acts 2, the spread of the Gospel outside of Jerusalem in Acts 8 and to the Gentiles in Acts 10, how the church made decisions in regards to doctrine (Acts 15), and much more. The sermons recorded in Acts give us a window into the preaching ministries of Peter, Stephen, Philip, James, and Paul, along with the immediate impact those sermons had.
We’re going to look at the final sermon found in the book of Acts found in Acts 28, The sermon that we find Paul preaching to the Jewish leaders at Rome I call “Paul’s Last Sermon.” Not that’s it’s truly Paul’s last sermon. We know he’s going to preach many, many more times but the last time we find him recorded is in Acts 28. He has a very pointed word for the people. Paul has been in Caesarea. He is taken prisoner. He appeals to Caesar and they say, “If you want to see Caesar, to Caesar you shall go.” He goes through a rough cruise. Have you ever been on a rough cruise? You’ve never been on a rough cruise like Paul went on. This wasn’t Carnival or Princess Cruise Lines with all their amenities. Paul was on his way to Rome but this wasn’t to be a typical Mediterranean pleasure cruise.
A storm comes up, the seas rage, and Paul finds himself he wind shipwrecked. There he is, on a board, paddling past the reefs to a nearby island. After dragging himself ashore, and there on that island he builds a fire. But his troubles just keep on coming. A poisonous snake, bothered by the heat of the fire, jumps out and attaches itself to him. They think he’s going to die. God touches him and brings a miracle of life in Paul and he’s alive and well and preaching the gospel.
From there they get another ship and they make their way finally to the great city of Rome. At that time, there’s about two million people living in Rome. Half a million of those people are slaves. Every other person you’d see in Rome in 60 A.D. was a slave. Now you have to understand they had doctors that were slaves. They had merchants that were slaves. These were not just people working fields. These were people working in every strata of life but they were slaves. It is said of Rome in that 60 A.D. period there were two things that the Romans lived for. Bread and the circus. Bread because they were all but starving and if they could get food it was usually bread. The other thing they lived for was at the circus. Now not the circus that we know today with elephants and tigers but it was the arena event of entertainment. They lived for food and they lived for entertainment. Nero was the Caesar. He was the emperor. Caesar murdered his mother. Caesar murdered his own wife. Nero embarked on a great building project to lend glory to his elf declared status of a God. When Nero embarked on his project or urban renewal he had to move the people from where he wanted to build. It’s said that he had a fire started to burn down much of the city to brutally force the inhabitants out for his new palaces and gardens. It’s said that Nero fiddled while Rome burned. According to Tacitus and later Christian tradition, Emperor Nero blamed the devastation on the Christian community in the city, initiating the empire’s first persecution against the Christians.
Paul is there in chains awaiting trial and we find him coming into Rome. There were seven synagogues in Rome and he calls those Jewish leaders together and he’s got a word for the Jews here in the great city of the world, Rome. We pick up the text in Acts 28 and verse 16. “When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brethren, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death. But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you [these are the leaders of the seven synagogues of Rome and to speak with you], for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.” When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; For the heart of this people has become dull, And with their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes; Otherwise they might see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them.”’ Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.”
Paul’s come to Rome. He’s preaching his last sermon. He’s called these Jews from the seven synagogues together and they’ve talked. I want to look at three things found in this last sermon? I want to look Paul’s topic, his text, and his turning. First of all, what was Paul’s topic? We find this topic in verse 23. Look at it right there in your Bible. Here’s what Paul had to say. When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers. He had a big crowd. And he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus. Here was Paul’s topic. The kingdom and the Christ. The kingdom and the Christ. It was about the kingdom of God and Jesus the Nazarene. Paul had one topic. It was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. I’m telling you, he was driving home the kingdom of God and Jesus.
Well the question then begs, what did Jesus say about the kingdom of God? Listen to the word of God in Matthew 6:33 where Jesus said, “But seek first God’s kingdom, His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom.” Don’t seek first yourself. Don’t seek your synagogue. Don’t seek the ordinances of the church. Don’t seek love. Don’t seek friendship. Seek first God’s kingdom. Amen.
In Matthew 19 and verse 24 he said, “Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” He was saying, “I’m telling you, you’ve got to humble yourself and you will enter this kingdom with difficulty.” You do not come with your chest thrown back and saying, “Boy, look at me. Look at all I’ve done” No, sir. If you’re trusting in the things of this world for your salvation, they will stop you from setting even one foot into the kingdom.
A myth has been promulgated for years that Jesus was talking about the difficulty a camel would have going through a small gate into Jerusalem. Just as the apocryphal Acts of Peter and Andrew refers the saying to a literal camel and needle, we are not meant to reason away the apparent difficulty of getting a camel through a needle’s eye. For the difficulty is not just apparent it is real, and not be solved by textual trickery but by taking the Jesus’ ludicrous language at face value.
What we have is a beautiful Hebrew hyperbole, as in the tree sticking out of one’s eye whilst one is removing a speck in another’s eye! Indeed, Jewish Talmudic literature uses a similar aphorism about an elephant passing through the eye of a needle as a figure of speech implying the unlikely or impossible: “They do not show a man a palm tree of gold, nor an elephant going through the eye of a needle.”
The camel was the largest animal seen regularly in Israel, whereas in regions where the Babylonian Talmud was written, the elephant was the biggest animal. Thus the aphorism is culturally translated from a camel to an elephant in regions outside of Israel.
The aim is not, then, to explain away the paradox and make the needle a huge carpet needle for, elsewhere, the Jewish writings use the “eye of the needle” as a picture of a very small place, The sages said, “A needle’s eye is not too narrow for two friends, but the world is not wide enough for two enemies.”The ludicrous contrast between the small size of the needle’s eye and the largest indigenous animal is to be preserved for its very improbability.
Jesus’ hearers believed that wealth and prosperity were a sign of God’s blessing. So their incredulity is more along the lines that, “if the rich, who must be seen as righteous by God by their evident blessing, can’t be saved, who can be?”. Later Christians have turned this around to portray wealth as a hindrance to salvation, which it can be – but no more so than many other things, when the message is that salvation is impossible for all men for it comes from God alone.
But beyond impossibility is possibility with God for, elsewhere, a Jewish midrash records:
“The Holy One said, open for me a door as big as a needle’s eye and I will open for you a door through which may enter tents and [camels?]”
In other words God only needs the sinner to open up just a crack for him and God will come pouring in and set up room for an oasis. God only needs a ‘foot in the door’, so to speak.
What’s the rich man have to do? He’s got to change his mindset. In Mark 1:15, Jesus said unto these Jews, he was saying, “The time is fulfilled. The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the gospel.” Stop trusting in your riches and trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ. How do you come to the kingdom? You repent and you believe the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Mark 10:15, Jesus said it this way: “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” You don’t come high and mighty. You come like a child who depends on their father. You’ve got to come like children unto God. You haven’t got to figure out all the theology to get saved. You haven’t got to know everything. The essentials are this: God loves you, Jesus died for you, and you must believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s so simple a child can understand it – If you believe, He’ll save.
Paul was hammering home his topic, the kingdom of God. In John’s gospel chapter three and verse three, Jesus said it this way, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” You’ll never get in the kingdom of God unless you are birthed not just in your flesh but birthed in your spirit. You must be born again. Paul would write to the Corinthians in I Corinthians chapter 15 and verse number 50. “Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” He is hammering home to those Corinthians, “I don’t care how high and mighty you are. You’re flesh and blood.” What you do, your job doesn’t get you there. Who your father is doesn’t get you there. It doesn’t matter what your social standing is or what family you’re in. Unless you’re in the family of God you don’t see the kingdom. Flesh and blood won’t get you there.
Then in Romans 14:17 he’s right here in Rome talking about this. He’ll later write to the Romans and he says this, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking,” Remember, the Romans lived for bread and entertainment. He said the kingdom is not eating and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. That’s what the kingdom is. The kingdom of Almighty God. What was his topic? His topic was simple. He was trying to persuade them in this text in verse 23 that Jesus was God and that He ruled the kingdom.
Verse 24 says, “And many, some were being persuaded but others would not believe.” Isn’t it amazing how that the same heat will both melt wax and harden clay? That’s what happens when the glorious light of the heat of the gospel comes. Some melt and believe. Others are hardened and believe not. Which one are you today? Has the glory of God melted your heart and you believed and went public with that? Or did your heart get hard? The more times you say no the harder your heart becomes. Some believed and others did not.
When Paul saw that some were persuaded and some were not he then took a text from Isaiah 6:9- 10. In verse 25. Paul said, “I’ve got one more word for you. Just one more thing before you go.” They were beginning to leave and Paul said, “Just before you go, I’ve got a concluding thought and here it was.” The Holy Spirit right there spoke through Isaiah the prophet when he said unto your fathers. Then he quoted Isaiah chapter 6, verses 9 and 10. He said about your fathers, about your Jewish forefathers. “Even during the days of the prophets, the Jews, they would hear but they wouldn’t perceive. They could see but they close their eyes.” They had a heart but it had become dull to the things of God. This is a word of warning, judgment, and condemnation. Paul is saying to the Jews there in Rome. Your fathers and your mothers and your grandfathers and your great-grandfathers, they heard all of this from the judges and the prophets and they too would not believe and many of you are just like them. That’s what Isaiah said. Those Jews in Rome were like many who hear the Gospel. They’ll come listen but they won’t perceive. They’ve got wax in their ears. They come and they see but they choose to close their eyes. Has your heart gotten dull or have you believed on the Lord Christ? If so, are you sharing that revelation with the world?
Paul’s a Bible preacher and he’s saying, “Listen, look, and learn.” Listen, look, and learn. Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the word of God. Paul was condemning them. He said, “You’ve heard all your life. You’ve listened all your life. You’ve seen it all your life. It’s not enough to come listen. It’s not enough to see. Your heart’s got to be warmed and God has got to change you. Paul had a topic. It was Christ and the kingdom. He had a text and it was Isaiah.
In the last part of Paul’s sermon there was a turning. Paul said, “Because you won’t listen I am turning away from you Jews and I’m going to the Gentiles.” In verse 28, “Therefore, let it be known to you to the Jews that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles.” They will also listen. Paul said, “I’m turning.” He preached to the Jews and he said, “Now I’m turning to the Gentiles.” Now listen to me. He is not saying that a Jew couldn’t get saved but that many wouldn’t be saved. They’re steeped in Old Testament and they know there’s a promise of a Messiah but they won’t believe. Paul said, “Not many will believe so I’m turning and I’m going to take the gospel to the world.”
So Paul did three things to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Number one. He preached to the people who came to visit with him in the house. And 24 hours a day, there was never a moment in those two years that Paul did not have a chain around his arm that was attached to a Roman soldier. The Praetorian Guard. The elite military force of Rome. Fifteen thousand of these men were assigned to look after Nero and everything pertaining to Caesar’s house. Every shift the guard on duty the guard assigned to Paul unchained himself and another took his place. God just kept sending the harvest to Paul. It’s hard to get away from the preacher when you’re chained to him.
In Philippians 1:13, Paul talked about how the message of the Gospel went through the Praetorian guard. If you open your eyes you’ll realize that God has chained you to someone. God has connected them to you in such a way that they can’t help but hear what you have to say. You ought to be speaking the gospel wherever and to whomever you’re chained to. If you’re chained to a desk, speak the gospel. If you’re chained to a classroom, speak the gospel. If you’re chained somewhere with people running in and out share the Gospel. Paul was chained to the Praetorian. Paul, first of all, shared the gospel to the people he was chained to. His friends would come. They’d visit with him and they’d talk. Paul would say, “You know.” He’s just sharing the gospel of the Lord. This guy chained to him, he’s hearing every bit of it. He can’t go to sleep. He’s got to stay awake. Why? He’s got to guard the prisoner.
Secondly, Paul wrote letters. Paul wrote papers from prison. He wrote at least four epistles from this two year stay in a Roman house of his rented quarters. He wrote Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon from this Roman cell. There’s a guard chained to him while he’s writing. And you know he’s just got to be reading these letters out loud. He probably asked more than one guard, “Well, did I say that just right?” The Bible tells us that all scripture is written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Let me tell you, the Spirit of the living God was in Paul and on Paul and he’s writing Holy Scripture and this guard was chained to him – what a seat for the kingdom. Some of those guards believed and some of them didn’t believe. Paul preached to who he was chained to. Secondly, he wrote letters. When you share a Bible or a tract with someone you’re doing the same thing Paul did. You’re sharing papers from prison. That’s how the Gospel gets taken around the world.
Third, not only did he preach to who he was chained to and write letters, Paul was released from this Roman jail and took the Gospel with him wherever he went. After his release he then traveled with the gospel to where God would let him go. Eventually he wound up back in Rome and was martyred for the faith. He shared with those closest to him. He wrote letters to the people that he knew and he traveled and shared as God would let him do it. Paul turned from the Jew to the Gentile. To our Jewish friends, God will save you if you’ll believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. To our Gentile friends, He’ll save you if you’ll believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It was the 23rd day of May, 1939. America was staring down the gun barrel of entering World War II. Our president was reinforcing the Navy with more ships. One of those vessels that had been built was the U.S. Submarine, the Squalus. The Squalus was off the coast of New Hampshire on the 23rd day of May, 1939 when one of the chambers was breached and water flooded one of the chambers of the submarine, the Squalus. She sank. Of the 59 crew, 26 died in that watery grave and 33 were still alive 240 feet below the surface in a frigid tomb wondering, “Can we ever get out of here?” The commander sent up red dye to mark the water where they went down. They also ran a buoy up with a radio cable so if anyone knew of it or found them they could communicate back. As sovereign grace would have it another ship did find them but now they had to get these 33 out of that submarine and to the surface.
There was a brand new device called the Momsen McCann Rescue Chamber. It was brand new. It was devised to send that rescue chamber to a sunken sub attached to it and let the people get out and in and take it up. So they sent the Momsen McCann device down four times. It could only carry a small payload. There were four Navy divers that all received the Medal of Honor after this. They went down, filled it up and brought them back to the top. Went down, filled it up and to the top. Four times they went and those 33 got into that rescue chamber and went to the top. They made a fifth trip and went in the chamber that had been flooded to see if there were any survivors. None were alive. All were dead.
What amazes me about that story is that not one of the 33 people trapped in that Squalus Submarine refused to get into the rescue chamber. They had never done it before. They didn’t know if it would work. They didn’t know it might be worse in there than it was where they were. They absolutely did not know but not one of the 33 men refused to get in. God is sending a rescue chamber to the world. That chamber is an empty tomb and there’s an extended hand that says you’re sunk without God. If you would but believe you will be saved. Some will say, “I’ve never tried it before.” I understand. Some will say, “I’ve never done it before.” I understand. Some will ask, “Are you sure it’ll work?” To them I’ll tell the what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” The chamber has come for you. His name is Christ. If you’ll crown Him king, He’ll change your life and set you free.
Christian Obedience
Christian Obedience
Pastor Barry Kerner
The Bible has much to say about obedience. In fact, obedience is an essential part of the Christian faith. Scripture tells us in Philippians 2:8 that Jesus Himself was “obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” Matthew 16:24 indicates that Christians are to be about taking up our cross and following Christ. It would be impossible to emulate and follow Christ without obedience. The Bible says that we show our love for Jesus by obeying Him in all things: In John 14:15 Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” A Christian who is not obeying Christ’s commands can rightly be asked, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46).
Obedience is defined as “dutiful or submissive compliance to the commands of one in authority.” Using this definition, we see the elements of biblical obedience. “Dutiful” means it is our obligation to obey God, just as Jesus fulfilled His duty to the Father by dying on the cross for our sin. “Submissive” indicates that we yield our wills to God’s. “Commands” speaks of the Scriptures in which God has clearly delineated His instructions. The “one in authority” is God Himself, whose authority is total and unequivocal.
Failure to submit to God’s authority are acts of disobedience. Scripture calls these acts transgressions of sins. The Westminster Shorter Catechism defines sin as. “any want or conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.” While Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” it is clear that we are responsible for the sins we commit. 1 John 3:4,“Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” James 4:17, “Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.”For the Christian, obedience means complying with everything God has commanded. It is our duty to do so.
It is important to remember that our obedience to God is not solely a matter of duty. John 14:23 indicates that the reason we should obey God is because we love Him. The spirit of obedience is as important as the act of obedience. We serve the Lord in humility, singleness of heart, and love. We must beware of allowing a facade of obedience to mask a sinful heart. Living the Christian life is not all about rules. The Pharisees in Jesus’ time relentlessly pursued acts of obedience to the Law, but they became self-righteous, believing they deserved heaven because of what they had done. They considered themselves worthy before God, who owed them a reward; however, the Bible tells us that, without Christ, even our best, most righteous works are as “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). The Pharisees’ external obedience still lacked something, and Jesus exposed their heart attitude. Their hypocrisy in obeying the “letter of the law” while violating its spirit characterized their lives, and Jesus rebuked them sharply: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful outside, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so you also appear righteous to men outwardly, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” (Matthew 23:27–28) The Pharisees were obedient in some respects, but they “neglected the weightier matters of the law.” (Matthew 23:23)
Today, we are not called to obey the Law of Moses. That has been fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 5:17). Galatians 6:2 and John 13:34 remind us that we are to obey the “law of Christ,” which is a law of love. In Matthew 22:36-40 Jesus stated the greatest commands of all, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Though it has massively influenced the course of history, Christianity is not a religion of political revolution, Many New Testament passages teach that Christians must obey their government. Jesus famously said: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mark 12:17) From the birth of Christ, when Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to register at the demand of Caesar Augustus, to Jesus’ trial before Pilate and his death on a Roman cross, our faith demonstrates the need for submission to the governing authorities – whether they are virtuous or corrupt. Romans 13:1 plainly says: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” 1 Peter 2:13 explains: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men.” R C Sproul comments that “there is a fundamental obligation of the Christian to be a model of civil obedience. We as the people of God are called upon to be as obedient as we possibly can in good conscience to the powers that be.”
For several months Christians across the nation have had to adjust to a new normal. Rather than jumping out of bed and driving to church, people now tune into the live-streams of church services while eating pancakes and sipping coffee in their pajamas. Since the sudden growth of the COVID-19 pandemic, new social distancing regulations have limited large gatherings—meaning limited church services.
Government regulations vary from state to state and even among neighboring counties and towns. While most churches have opted to obey the government’s wise laws, some churches have chosen to completely disregarded them. Christians are called to be model citizens, obeying the laws of the land as long as they don’t contrast with God’s laws. Churches should set a peaceful example by obeying government regulations and maintaining unity. Not only does this display respect for authorities, but it is also a way to love our neighbors by keeping them safe.
Social distancing laws have been created to protect the public health. There have been over seven million cases reported across the globe, according to the World Health Organization. Each day, that number grows. So far, social distancing has proved to be very effective. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, has explained that there is now a “glimmer” of success as a result of social distancing.
Our love for others should be our biggest motivation to remain socially distant. Loving your neighbor is protecting them, not jeopardizing their health by exposing them to a deadly deadly virus,” Relevant Magazine wrote. It’s vital to help our friends and family avoid the virus by evading it ourselves. Churches should seek to protect their congregation, thus it is imperative that they obey social distancing laws.
Some might argue governments are restricting religious freedom, by limiting all gatherings and limiting our opportunities to worship together. I shake my head when I hear complaints such as these. These times of isolation can be a boon to the ones who find more time to pray, study the scriptures, and reach out by phone to comfort those suffering from loneliness. With the surge of online Bible studies, Christian chat rooms and online services there is no need for anyone to forsake fellowship and assembling. It may be inconvenient for a season but these regulations won’t last long. Right now, their goal is to save your life.
Churches set an example for their congregation, and for the communities around them. In Romans, Paul exhorts the believers to honor the government. God has selected each and every authority figure we have—both in the state and federal government. Churches must respect and honor governmental authority because it sets a God-honoring precedent for the world to witness.
It’s important to remember what the church actually is—the church is a body of believers. Even if we cannot gather physically, we can unite their hearts in pursuit of the Lord. God is limitless. Christians do not have to be in church to worship God, they can do it just as well in their homes! Remember—this is merely for a season. Once these regulations are lifted, it is important to rejoin your congregation. Don’t get too comfortable in your pajamas. There will still be safety guidelines to follow, but for the obedient Christian these minor inconveniences will be something to bear willingly for the glory of god.
God is working in miraculous ways during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it may be one of the most difficult seasons in your life, don’t forget the importance of following the safety guidelines and continuing to worship God. New COVID-19 regulations have shut down churches—but not God.
If we love God, we will obey Him. We won’t be perfect in our obedience, but our desire is to submit to the Lord and display good works. When we love God and obey Him, we naturally have love for one another. Obedience to God’s commands will make us light and salt in a dark and tasteless world. (Matthew 5:13–16).