Our Resurrection Connection (Message One)

Today in our society we seem to be very electronically connected. I saw a picture on the Internet, of four people sitting on a park bench, all of them talking on their cell phones. They were not connected to each other, but they were connected to someone.
I started a sermon series Sunday entitled: "Our Resurrection Connection." In 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul helps us to see how the resurrection of Jesus Christ affects our lives today, and for the future. In the introduction (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) Paul shares four ways we are to establish this "Resurrection Connection."
1. We Must Believe And Stand On The Message of The Gospel (vv. 1-2)
The heart of the Gospel message is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Without it we have no hope.
We are to place our faith in it, and share it with all we have opportunity to do so.
2. We Must Look At The Source Of The Gospel (vv. 3-4)
"Christ died according to the Scriptures"
This was God's plan for man-kind all through the ages.
And the Old Testament prophets made it known.
It is not something that was made up by man, it was planned by God.
3.We Must Look At The Witnesses Of The Gospel (vv. 5-8)
Peter saw Jesus alive. So did the disciples collectively. James, the Lord's half brother saw Him, along with 500 plus, And last, out of due time, Paul saw Him. Because Paul made the "Resurrection Connection," it changed his life. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a myth, but a fact, witnessed by those who were there. We can take confidence in believing in it with all of our heart.
4. We Must Look At The Preacher Of The Gospel.(vv. 9-11)
 Paul was humbled by our risen Lord, and given a ministry to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.
The most important thing is that the message of the Gospel be preached, so that all that can, will make this "Resurrection Connection", and be saved forever. Will you embrace the message of the Gospel today, and make a "Resurrection Connection" for eternity? GP

What's Wrong With Humility?

Mark 9:33-37
Before they arrived at Capernaum, the disciples got into an argument about "who would be the greatest."(vv.33,34) Our first thought may be; how could grown men be so focused on a competition such as this? There minds were focused on an earthly kingdom, while Jesus was headed to a cross, to bring forth victory for God's kingdom. But before we begin to criticize the disciples for their mis-guided pursuit, we need to take a look at the attitude of our society, and the thinking of church members today. The attitudes of self-centeredness, conceit, and competition is so dominant, its like a thick fog that infests every circle of our society. We need to sit down with Jesus, and let Him tell us, (along with the disciples) "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all." (v.35) He brought before them a child to use as an example of one who is dependent.(vv.35,36) Jesus in essence is saying; "Don't look at what people can do for you, but what you can do for people. (John F. Kennedy had a similar line in his inaugural address) Look at yourself as a servant, instead of expecting people to work at meeting your needs, and making you look important. So what's wrong with being humble? James writes: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 2:6) It is one of the most beautiful virtues. It does in its own way, exalt us, and place us in a very honorable place, in the hearts of people. When you hear the words, "he/she always thought of others, always placed others ahead themselves." I can't think of a better compliment than that. Pursuing humility is pursuing the character of Jesus Christ. In every aspect of His life, from His birth, to His resurrection, it radiated humility. If one realizes how important they are to Jesus, he/she will pursue what is important to Jesus; to be a servant in His Kingdom, and exhibit great humility. GP  

The Need For Revelation

"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law."(Proverbs 29:18) If it were not for the Bible, I would not have known God's will for my life. I would not have had the insight to make right decisions. And when I went my own way, down a path of sin and despair, I would have never known about a Savior, who died to pay for my sins, and a Shepherd who would care for me all of my life. We need revelation from God, in order to know His will, and to receive His blessings. How miserable our society is, because we refuse to look at what God wants us to know, and to do. God's Word is workable for our lives, It is designed to bring us (spiritual prosperity) if we like Joshua, will" meditate on it day and night."(Joshua 1:8) We would be a blessed people, if we would seek the wisdom that is available from God's Word. When there is no revelation received, no real truth applied, than people cast off restraint, and strip themselves of the ornaments of righteousness. They maintain a life of selfishness, worldliness, and destruction. Jesus said in John 8:32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Apart from the truth of God's Word, are the traps of  pleasure, pride, and power. We would rather cut the cloth to fit our own selfish ideas and activities, than be dressed with the garment of truth. To be absent from God's truth is to have no way of knowing how to live the right way, no way of knowing how to have right relationships, no way of making right decisions, that will affect our future. Is that freedom? No that is slavery to our own understanding, that will lead to our own demise. Happy are we when we keep the law. When we obey the principles of God's Word, it provides for us a joy, a peace, and a satisfaction that the world cannot give. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." GP

This Is How We Do Things At My House

Ephesians 4:1-6
In the midst of various faith-based groups that teach various forms of Christian doctrine and practice, I feel I need to share, and firmly stand on what I believe and practice. In essence, This is how we do things at my house. You may not agree with it. But if you come and ask me what I believe and practice, I will tell you, in hopes there will be a mutual love and respect between us.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:1-6 that we as Christians must strive to have a walk worthy of our calling.
If there is no humility, no gentleness, no long-suffering, no attempts to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." What we say to each other, as far as what our beliefs and practice are, will not make any difference, because we will only be at odds with each other, from the very start. No these are the attributes that are to contribute to unity, and help us share together in the fellowship of God's Word.
There is one Body, that is the Church of Jesus Christ. There is one Holy Spirit, that seals us for eternity, and guides us on our Christian Journey. There is one hope, that one day we will all go home to be with Jesus, and our loved ones, for eternity. There is one Lord, who is Jesus Christ, that we are to obey at all times. One faith in Jesus being, the Son of God, and our Savior, for whom we are trusting for our salvation. There is one baptism, of which we die to the sinful nature, and rise to walk in newness of life. We worship and serve one God, who is above all, and through all, and in all. This is basically what I believe and practice. This is how we do things at my house. I invite you to come, and ask questions about it, if you like. But the one thing that I hope you will see, as we share together, is the love of Christ, shining through. This is how we do things at my house! GP

To Those Of A Different Persuasion

1 Corinthians 12:13
Unity is the objective of Jesus' church.
No matter if we are Jews, or Greeks, whether slaves or free, we are members of Christ's church, because we all were baptised into Him, and subsequently are all to drink of one Spirit, the Holy Spirit. (v.13) In our society today, we are surrounded by many faith-based groups emphasizing different forms of doctrine and practice. Who is right? Do we have to be right? Why not just fellowship together, and not make the area of doctrine a big deal?
We are commissioned to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So the doctrine of salvation is a big deal. We want those who need to be saved, to be accurate in the process of their decision and obedience. If we are directed by the Holy Spirit, in regards to our salvation, would the Holy spirit lead us in a false direction? Would the Holy Spirit lead us to unite together in a false doctrine and practice?
Certainly not! It is important that we as Christians know what we believe. The Holy Spirit will help us to know what to believe, and what to practice together. Those who are of a different doctrine and practice, we are to love, and as Paul instructed to "speak the truth in love"(Eph. 4:15) Even though we are not of the same doctrine as other faith-based groups, we are to show an attitude of humility and love. The fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) are to be shown to those who disagree with our doctrine and practice. We are not to be a group of judgmental, ornery people, who will not even rub shoulders with those who are of a different persuasion. At the same time, we must stand firm on what we believe, and practice, and continue to drink together that which the Holy Spirit provides for us from God's Word. We are to live it, and share it. And in so doing, we will unite people with our Savior, Jesus Christ, so they will have the same hope that we have. GP

Vessels In Santification And Honor

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
The Apostle Paul makes it plain, in this passage, what the main goal of the Christian life is. In all of our Christian walk, we are to please God (v.1) We are to abstain from sexual immorality, and maintain a walk of holiness. We are to keep the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are to obey His teachings and keep ourselves pure in His sight. With the world displaying the tempting lures to be involved in sexual immorality, and ways we can take advantage and defraud others, it's hard to maintain this pure way of life the Lord has called us to. There is no doubt that our society has lost control of their passions and appetites. The world we live in, has the "If it feels good, do it" mentality. We are focused on how we can satisfy our mind and body all the time. It doesn't matter what the Lord thinks about it. It doesn't matter how it will harm us, or others. "If it feels good, then were going to do it, and who cares about the consequences. As vessels of dishonor, we are spilling over with lust, and worldly desire. It becomes thrilling for a time, and yes addicting. Who can stop us from this constant path of destruction? Only the Lord Jesus Christ can save us, and help us to be vessels of sanctification and honor. (v.4) To be sanctified means to be "set apart." As Christians we are to be vessels that are set apart for God's glory and honor. We are to display His Character, and live the kind of lives that bring honor to Him. It is to be the main goal and determination of our lives. But in the church today, we have allowed the world to rub off on us, and have allowed what is pure worldliness and sin, to be labeled "Acceptable." How can what Jesus went to the cross to die for, be "acceptable?"
"For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness."(v.7) If we reject this, we reject God, who has given to us His Holy Spirit".. who is our guide and encourager. (v.8) It is a choice that must be made. If you desire what God has to offer, instead of the world, than you must surrender totally to the will of God. You must work with all of your heart to be vessels of sanctification and honor. (v.4) In so doing, you will be eternally blessed. (GP)