September 8, 2013 we examined Jesus' radically brilliant answer to a tricky question. In large part, the sermon has been influenced by the work of theologian Michael Horton, who discusses the original "cultural mandate" given to Adam and Eve - to rule over all creation - and how that changes through the fall of Adam and the redemption of Jesus. This excerpt is taken from his excellent book, The Christian Faith:
Read MoreIn this passage (Matthew 10:1-15), we discovered 4 important elements in Jesus' sending of the 12, which carry over time and space to us today:
1. Jesus chose UNLIKELY candidates. We know of 4 fisherman, a tax collector, and a zealot (a militia-member)! This isn't exactly a collection of the spiritually elite. They didn't know everything about Jesus, they surely didn't understand all his teaching... and yet BAM! He sent them out. It's time for Christians to let go of the concept that "I can't go until I'm ready." Preparation is VERY important, and God will make room for it - but don't disqualify yourself!
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Read MoreLast week, the thought hit me that life would be much more focused, much more realistic, much more purposeful, if I started every thought I spoke or wrote - whether from a pulpit or in common conversation - with the phrase:
"Jesus is coming back soon, so...." and then continued my thought.
Romans 13:11 says
"And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed."
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Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
-Psalms 57:8 and 108:2.
These lines of these two Psalms express an idea shared throughout the Bible that the early morning is a great time to pray. And that if you life in the palace you can find a good place to play your instruments while it's still dark... if you're the king, no one can say "WILL YOU KNOCK IT OFF?" I don't play harp or lyre, and I'm thinking my wife and everyone else of Pennsylvania Street is grateful that I'm not applying this to my trumpet. That would be true even when they're all awake.
Read MorePaul teaches in 1 Thess 5:17 to "Pray without Ceasing." Have you ever realistically attempted this? What about praying for 30 minutes? Most people begin prayers with great fervor, and then fall strangely quiet or oddly repetitive and "cliche-full" because they don't feel they have anything more to pray, or their prayers just aren't "doing it" for them. Jesus seemed to think that when we prayed, we should expect tangible results. There is much to learn about prayer.
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