IN THE DINING ROOM
Evening Worship
COMMUNION
April 2, 1978 Seven-thirty p.m.
PRELUDE OF SILENCE
Organ Prelude
“Bring Back the Springtime” Kurt Kaiser
Call to Praise
Hymn 166
“At Calvary” CALVARY
Prayer Pastor
Greeting our Guests/Opportunities for Service Pastor
Hymn 252
“Let Us Break Bread Together” BREAK BREAD
Offertory Hymn
“Jesus Paid It All” ALL TO CHRIST
Offertory Prayer
The Presentation of our Offerings
Offertory
“Unworthy” STANPHILL
Scripture LUKE 22:7-13
7. Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover lamb must be killed. 8. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat. 9. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? 10. And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entering into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. 11. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples? 12. And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. 13. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover.
Journey to Dining Room for Observance of Lord’s Supper
#704 IN THE DINING ROOM
Communion
Orig. Date 4/2/1978
Series: Communion Lord’s Supper
Let Us Break Bread Together 252
Solo and Congregation: “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know”
There have been names that I have loved to hear.
But never has there been a name so dear
To this heart of mine, as the name divine.
The precious, precious name of Jesus.
Chorus:
Jesus is the sweetest name I know,
And He’s just the same as His lovely name.
And that’s the reason why I love Him so;
Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.
And some day I shall see Him face to face
To thank and praise Him for His wondrous grace,
Which He gave to me, when He made me free,
The blessed Son of God called Jesus.
Hymn: “Amazing Grace” 165
Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Scripture: I John 4:7-11
7. Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8. He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love. 9. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
Sharing of Testimonies
Chorus: “God is So Good.”
God is so good, God is so good,
God is so good, He’s so good to me.
Scripture: I Corinthians 10:16-17, 21; 11:27-29
10:16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17. For we being many are one bread, and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread. 21. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 11:27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
Hymn: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” 111
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it Lord that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God.
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Scripture I Corinthians 11:23-24
23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread; 24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: This do in remembrance of me.
Prayer of Blessing
Sharing of Bread
Hymn: “Break Thou the Bread of Life” 178
Break thou the bread of life, Dear Lord, to me,
As thou didst break the loaves beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word.
Thou art the bread of life, O Lord, to me,
Thy holy Word the truth That saveth me;
Give me to eat and live With Thee above;
Teach me to love Thy Truth, For thou art love.
Scripture: Mark 14:22
And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat; this is my body,
Eating of the Bread
Scripture: I Corinthians 11:25-26
25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.
Prayer of Blessing
Sharing of the Cup
Hymn: “At the Cross” 157
Alas, and did my Saviour bleed, And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head For sinners such as I?
At the cross, at the cross Where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day.
Scripture: Matthew 26:27-28
27. And he took the up, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it. 28. For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Drinking of the Cup
Scripture: John 13:34-35
34. A new commandment I give unto ye, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Hymn: “I Love Thee” 75
I love Thee, I love Thee, I love Thee my Lord:
I love Thee, my Saviour, I love Thee my God:
I love Thee, I love Thee, and that Thou dost know;
But how much I love Thee my actions will show.
Our Master hath told us to follow His steps
To love one another, forgive and forget,
To reach out, to follow, are His chief commands,
If we’ll only let Him, He’ll touch through our hands.
Now let us as Christians show others our love
And follow the sample of our Lord above.
As His Holy Spirit works through us each day
We’ll praise Him, We’ll praise Him both now and for aye.
Scripture: Matthew 26:30
30. And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Hymn: “Blest Be the Tie” 256
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
. . . Amen
HOLY SPIRIT TRUTHS
#694 HOLY SPIRIT TRUTHS
Scripture John 20:21-22; Luke 3:16 NIV Orig. Date 2/2/1978
Passage:
Luke 3:16 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with[a] water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit and fire.”
John 20:21-22 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Purpose: To direct attention to the various aspects of consideration relative to the Holy Spirit, and the specific truths needed to be understood in the life of the Christian.
Keywords: Holy Spirit Gift of Gifts Fruit Filling
Introduction
Charles Swindoll: “I heard some time ago about a couple of nuns who worked as nurses in a hospital. They ran out of gas while driving to work one morning. A service station was nearby but had no container in which to put the needed gasoline. One of the women remembered she had a bedpan in the trunk of the car. The gas was put into the pan and they carried it very carefully back to the car.
“As the nuns were pouring the gasoline from the bedpan into the gas tank, two men were driving by. They stared in disbelief. Finally, one said to the other, ‘Now Fred, that's what I call faith!’
“It appeared to be foolish. Trouble was, those doubters just didn't have the facts. And were they ever surprised when those nuns went ripping by them on the freeway!”
Every person who has ever labored as an achiever has faced a time and circumstance when he realized that he needed additional resources if he were to succeed. Every profession has only a limited number of super-stars. Others succeed because they find a source of strength which simply enables them to achieve, sometimes far beyond their capability. Our proper identification of and with Holy Spirit truth is the means whereby Christians (at least some) are able to serve God and man beyond the enablement of their own resource.
My wife and daughters have become interested of late in the writings of Elisabeth Elliot. You may recall the name Jim Elliot, her late husband, as the name of one of several missionaries who were killed by the Auca Indians in Brazil. Through the writings of Mrs. Elliot, the full story of her husband’s life, and death have been shared with the Christian community.
Had Jim Elliot left a will to be probated and divided among his heirs, not many people would have been impressed. He had little of this world’s goods. He had so much of God’s power, however, that the very Indians who felled him were themselves later converted to tell the whole story. His was a dream energized by the Holy Spirit, to love the very people who were waiting to ambush and kill him and the others.
The same Holy Spirit who energized her husband, enabled Elisabeth Elliot to continue his work, and then write about what he had been under the intriguing title, Through Gates of Splendor. Perhaps one brief line from Elliot’s diary depicts the Holy Spirit’s control in his life. He wrote, “He is no fool, who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”
The Bible teaches us Holy Spirit truths. If we would gain the richest resource for the Christian life, it must be by appropriating these truths to our lives.
I. The Gift of the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit Himself. Acts 2:38 KJV Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. You may look all you please at the newer versions for variances on this text, and all that you will find different, is that the Holy Ghost is called Holy Spirit.
There must first be genuine repentance. Then, a covenant of trust that eventuates in baptism. In this inter-woven act of faith that is repentance, baptism, remission of sin, there is the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Please do not make the mistake of presuming that the Holy Spirit is a non-entity in unbelievers. John 1:12-13, . . . he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Titus 3:5, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.
Let me, on the subject of this Holy Spirit truth, share two all-encompassing guidelines. (1)Don’t let the experience of other people interpret the Bible for you. Let the Bible speak to you of the kind of experience God wants for you. (2)Remember, it is never a question of how much of the Holy Spirit you have. It is how much of you He has.
II. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are Gifts of Divine Initiative. Hebrews 2:3-4 . . . deliverance was first announced through the lips of the Lord himself; . . . and God added His testimony by signs, by miracles, by manifold works of power, and by distributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit at (according to) His own will. NEB
The summum bonum of these gifts is, of course, salvation. John 3:16, For God so loved the world that gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish but have everlasting life. Romans 6:23, The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Of exceeding importance however, is our comprehension of individual spiritual gifts given at the discretion of God to the believer at the outset of faith.
***THE REMAINDER OF THIS SERMON HAS BEEN LOST***
KNOWING GOD’S WILL
#781d (w 865) KNOWING GOD’S WILL
Scripture I John 5:14, KJV Orig. Date 5-21-1980
Passage: 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.
Prayer—E.W. Kenyon—“Prayer is simply talking it over with Him, getting His views, His will, His plan, and our carrying out these plans, with His grace, ability, and wisdom.” In His Presence.
Cross reference #865
I. Seeking Guidance.
1-The will of God is made known in God’s Word. Deuteronomy 7:11 Thou shalt keep the commandments, which I command thee this day. The Ten Commandments—Exodus 20. 2 Peter 1:21 “. . . Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
2-The will of God is made known by circumstance—An open door, or a closed one; confirmation by another person; fleece—Judges 6.
3-The will of God is made known by the Holy Spirit. John 14:17, “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 16:13, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” I Corinthians 12:7, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with.”
II. Principles of Divine Guidance.
1-It is possible to hear God’s voice. (It is basic to any understanding of guidance that we can know God’s will.) Colossians 1:9,”. . . that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will.” They are to live differently. Ephesians 4:20, “Ye have not so learned Christ.” Ephesians 5:9, 10, 9 “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” I Peter 2:15 “For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.”
Illustration of the blind woman from LaMancha in Madrid, looking for evangelical church. In prayer she is directed to a bus. A woman sits beside her who is going to that church. Gutenberg illustration: “To work then! God has revealed to me the secret that I demanded of Him.”
2-The purpose of all guidance is to become more intimate with Christ as Lord. Rosalind Rinker—We need to learn to pray in His presence and let Him speak with us, to be in tune with Him until we are willing to hear what He has to say to us. So close to Jesus when He calls my name. Every day with Him in heaven will be the ___. Philippians 3:10, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” No further in Christian life, and in relationship to God, than we go in prayer.”
3-The place from which God speaks is the place where He dwells. He speaks from dark curtain of anonymity, He speaks in judgment from lofty throne. He speaks in companionship from within. Luke 17:21, “The kingdom of God is within.” I Corinthians 6:19, “Ye are the temple of God.”
4-The Holy Spirit is the voice of all true guidance, John 16:13, “When he, the spirit of truth is come, he will guide you to all truth.”
5-God’s Word is the final judge in all guidance. Satan does not want you to do God’s will. 2 Peter 1:17, “there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory.” V 19, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy.” 2 Peter 1:17 and Matthew 17:5, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Spurgeon’s illustration of the angel’s announcement that his name is in the Lamb’s book of life.
In the instance before us, the strong angel had proclaimed with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” And there was no response from heaven, or earth, or hell. No man was able to open the book, neither to look therein. The divine decrees must remain for ever sealed in mystery unless the once slain Mediator shall take them from the hand of God, and open them to the sons of men. When no one could do this, John wept much. At that grave moment the Lamb appeared. Old Master Trapp says, “Christ is good at a dead lift”; and it is so. When there is utter failure everywhere else, then in him is our help found. If there could have been found another bearer of sin, would the Father have given his Only-Begotten to die? Had any other been able to unfold the secret designs of God, would he not have appeared at the angel’s challenge? But he that [he who] came to take away the sin of the world now appears to take away the seals which bind up the eternal purposes. O Lamb of God, thou art able to do what none beside may venture to attempt! Thou comest forth when no one else is to be found. Remember, next time you are in trouble, that when no man can comfort and no man can save, you may expect the Lord, the ever-sympathetic Lamb of God, to appear on your behalf. –Charles H. Spurgeon, “The Lamb in Glory”, July 14, 1889, Revelation 5:6-7
6-Guidance, from God, is always accompanied by God’s peace. James 3:17 LB, “But the wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness.” Matthew 18:19, “If two of you on earth agree (symphōneo) about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”
7-God speaks through various means. Cloud. Still, small voice. “Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”
8-Most guidance from God comes unawares but not unsought. Psalm 25:9 KJV “The meek will He guide in judgment.” Isaiah 45:2-5, 2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: 3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. 4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. 5 I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me…
9-There are various sources for guidance, but only one is dependable. God/flesh/Satan. James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
10-Hearing God speak must prompt to action. Isaiah 6:8, “Here am I: Send me.”
11-Divine Guidance Comes from Meeting God’s Conditions. George Muller (“How George Muller Started His Day”): i-Begin by getting heart [to a] state where I have no will. ii-Refuse to leave the result to feeling. iii-Seek the will of the Spirit through the Word of God. iv-Consider providential circumstances. v-Ask God in prayer to reveal His will alright. vi-Through prayer, the study of the word, and reflection, judge accordingly.
12-Divine guidance does not mean that we will know the future. Mumford, “Take another look at guidance.” Little boy watching parade of circus through a knothole in the fence. Clown happiness/lion fear—friend calls to him from a rooftop. But we are not spectators in life, we are participants. God has willed that we will know His will as seeing it in brief.
13-Guidance is not always pleasant. Isaiah 55:8,9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.
14-Guidance is a skill to be learned.
***THE REMAINDER OF THIS SERMON IS PERSONAL COMMENTS
FILED AT “RANDOM FINDINGS”***
THE DAWNING OF THE AGE OF EASTER
#372 THE DAWNING OF THE AGE OF EASTER
Scripture John 20:11-18, NIV Orig. Date 3-26-1967
Rewr. Dates 3-1978, 3-19-1989
Passage: 11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
Purpose: To share an Easter message exemplifying the hope that is in our Christ.
Keywords: Christ, Saviour Easter Hope Resurrection Special Day, Easter
Introduction
There have been times over the years when I was the first to leave the scene of someone’s darkest hour. Other times I have lingered at the grave-site following a committal service. Occasionally, I have even returned with the family to the family home.
I have watched bereaved and broken-hearted people shuffling away from some flower-bedecked grave. The flowers, for all their beauty, did not change in one iota, all that that grave represented. I have seen men and women leaning heavily on the stronger arms of some other loved one because the grief had sapped all strength.
“Oh, ‘tis the pang severest
That human hearts can know,
To lay what we hold dearest
Thus, in the dust below.”--unknown
A painting pictures Mary Magdalene in such an hour as this. It is called The Return from Calvary. Mary Magdalene and another woman, Mary (Zebedee’s wife), Salome, Joanna, we are not told which. Grief is etched on Mary Magdalene’s face. Despondency is her destination.. Against the horizon, in the background of the picture can be seen the three crosses of Calvary. When first mentioned (Luke 8:2f) she is identified as one “out of whom went seven devils.” Jesus had occupied such a special place in her life. Now what?
As another has written that it was she:
“Who while apostles shrank, could dangers brave
Last at His cross, and earliest at His grave.”—Eaton Standard Barrett, 1786-1820
Those who went out on that first Easter morning did not know what Easter was. Too many still are not so certain of the meaning, of the “dawning of the age of Easter.”
I. The Dawning of Easter Confirms the Lordship of Christ. V16 “Jesus saith unto her, ‘Mary.’ She turned herself and saith unto him, ‘Rabboni.’” Other passages confuse us in the failure of disciples to recognize Jesus. Was it the semi-darkness of first light? Did tears distort her first look? Were their recollections altered by what they had seen of Him on the cross?
Make no mistake, this is the One who had lived among them as the Son of God. V17 “I ascend to my Father, . . . and to my God.” What Mary doesn’t need, and Jesus doesn’t impart is some well-intentioned philosophy. We have mentioned her “seven devils.” They could be medically derived. She could have been a social outcast. Likely, the problem was sin. I heard Dennie Duron tell about the conversion of a former team-mate during surgery for a self-inflicted gun-shot wound.
Whatever else it means, here is a woman of checkered past into whose life Jesus came.
Now Jesus is dead. What is left? No words will still the torrent in her breast. Times Picayune (3-23-1978): Killed cancer-stricken wife, then himself. Note: “I had rather spend eternity in hell, than see her spend another day in her hell.”
She waits for some hope that is equal to her grief. Uncle Tom had been sold and was on his way to Simon Lagree’s death farm. Reading scripture to a slave who could not read. Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all.” Slave: “Them’s good words, but who sez ‘em?”
Only God’s Son and Consort would dare to brig such outcasts into the Father’s presence. V17 (again) “I ascend unto . . . your Father, . . . and your God.” The One He called Father, He identified as her Father, also. Thus is the ascension of Christ surety for the believer.
II. The Dawning of Easter Declares Jesus Alive. V12 “Two angels in white sitting . . . where the body of Jesus had lain.” You see, we are not merely left an empty tomb. As important as burial places are. The tomb of Abraham has been a revered place among Hebrews for 4,000 years. Mohammed’s shrine has been marked in Medina since June 8, 632 A.D. Lenin’s tomb bears the inscription “He was the saviour.” But the empty tomb of Jesus brought no comfort to Mary Magdalene.
By His appearance to the disciples, Jesus showed Himself alive. What an impact those appearances had on the disciples. Cleopas: “Was not our heart burning within us, while he spake?” (Luke 24;32). “The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord” John 20:20. “Peter cast himself into the sea” John 21:7.
John 21:24 “This is the disciple which beareth witness of these things: and we know that his witness is true.”
Picture, then, what his sudden appearance would mean to Mary Magdalene. V15 “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Tears of sincere remorse and conviction do not go unnoticed. Revival for most churches, believers, awaits such contrition. Every pastor’s burden is, “Is it something I lack?” It was to comfort such grief that Christ came. V15 “Tell me where thou has laid him and I will take him away.” The empty tomb has not assuaged. An unknown Jesus has not comforted.
In speaking her name, she at once sees. V16 “Mary!” “Rabboni! which is to say ‘Master.’” The flush of recognition pierces her broken spirit. So poignant the sound of her own name that the cobwebs are driven from her brain.
It is the intent of Christ, through his Holy Spirit to verify Lordship, Life today. V17 “Go to the brethren. Tell them I ascend to my Father, and your Father.” See v23.
III. The Dawning of Easter Evokes His Purpose—Provides the Resurrection. V17 “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father.” Up to now, they had been able to love Him as one whose physical presence was known. Mary reaches out to touch Him as she has done before. In the dark defile the shepherd does not lead, but accompanies the sheep. The staff is the extension of his hand.
It is for reason other than rebuke that Jesus denies her touch. Remember, the first Easter service was not to Peter and John. They had been there but are now returned to their homes (v10). It is to Mary Magdalene that He has made His presence known. Mark 16:9 “He appeared first to Mary Magdalene.” Faith in one’s living Lord must be paramount. Touch is not necessary.
The Holy Spirit’s ministry throughout the ages has been to manifest a living Lord. To this end, Jesus lived His life with the cross ever before Him. His ministry was among the people with whom He lived. The Holy Spirit would broaden that outreach to touch all ages. John 16:7 “. . . it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
Conclusion
A story is told of a wealthy merchant whose friend and acquaintance of many years had come to a destitute condition. The merchant was moved with pity at the plight of his friend and determined to do what he could to help. He chose a trusted servant and sent him to the man’s home with gifts, and with a sealed envelope.
The man was out, himself seeking some relief from his dire circumstance. His wife received the offerings of friendship. The gifts were applied to household needs of which there were many. The envelope she placed among her husband’s private papers. At the merchant’s death she inquired. Found: a blank check, the account now closed. Have we acted on God’s benevolence?
DO YOU LOVE ME?
#229 DO YOU LOVE ME?
Scripture John 21:15-25, NIV Orig. Date 2/13/1966
Rewr. Dates 10/1981, 5/23/1987
Passage: 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
Purpose: To share with my people three significant questions, in response to Jesus’ question, telling us about ourselves.
Keywords: Biography (John, Peter) Love Christ, Master Commitment
Introduction
The Jewish historical play, set in early 20th Century Russia, tells a story that was commonplace among the dispersed Hebrew people. It bore the title, Fiddler on the Roof, highlighting joys that were perceived by these people, even when they were suffering persecution.
One of the main figures in the story was that of Tavia, a poor man, but rich in spirit. A highlight comes when Tavia sees his little family, now grown and leaving home. He wants to be sure of what remains to him. He puts his wife through an ordeal asking of her “Do you love me?” Every assurance that she gives is of what she has done for him as his wife. She has borne his children, reared them, taught the daughters wifely skills, cooked his meals, washed, ironed, and mended his clothes. But Tavia wants to hear her answer to his question, “Do you love me?” True enough, she has done all of these things, but has she done them for the express reason that she loves him, Tavia.
Essentially, there is no more important question than this one: “Do you love me?” It is a question demanding, not just an answer, but the right answer. It is a question asked most often of husbands by their wives, and of wives by their husbands. It is an answer sought in silent, hurtful ways by children of their parents. Some go so far as to do unloving things because they want to be reassured that their parents do, after all, love them.
But Jesus’ question seeks not information for Himself, but insight for His disciples, then and now.
I. The Question First Addresses the Past Asking Who We Are. V15 “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” V16/17 “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?”
It may at first appear that Jesus is asking about things (boats, nets, fishes). “Simon, this is that from which I called. You gave evidence that the secure times of your life were spent here. Strong faith was evidenced when you asked to come to me during the storm. To this you chose to return.”
The significant call to faith often comes when it seems hardest to respond. Simon, so unsettled by what has happened, so secure back at his fishing. The rich, young ruler was another such case. [He] could have taken any moral directive; would have changed his life by measure; but it was his wealth in the way. “Follow me!” Basic difference between what Jesus says, and religious charlatans. Item this week (USA Today—5/18/87)—heiress suing to have millions returned. Jesus says “Give them away!” Charlatan says “Give them to me!”
The question raised here is of what we are the most inordinately proud. Not just “Do you love me?” But “How is your love effected here?” Do you love me in the context of obedience? We answer, “I quit!” (smoking/chewing). “I don’t drink (too much)!” “I can talk without swearing!”
“These things you do not because you love me. What do you do for love?”
One may consider, however, that Jesus’ question, put sharply to Simon, had not to do with fishing. “Do you love me more than them?” (Andrew, John, Phillip, Nathaniel). “Are you of us because of them or me?” Jesus’ teaching was very clear. Matthew 10:37 “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. He that loveth son or daughter is not worthy of me.”
How do we judge superior “love”? Athletes judge performance at tape. Farmers judge performance by quantity. “Love” for family is judged same way. The measure of our commitment is determined by the consequence of love.
II. The Question Next Addresses the Future, and Seeks to Determine Where We are Going. V18 “Simon, when you were young, you did what you wanted, went where you chose; but the future will be different (sacrifice, pain). Others will do to you what you would not.”
Not many of us are completely in charge of changes that confront us from time to time. I was intrigued in Transylvania by the number of people living where they grew up. Joe Cannon as a teenager with many classmates still there. But I found out some were not doing what they wanted to do. My experience over the years, it was never as easy to go as it was to stay. We are intimidated by predictability, you and me, it is never easy to confront change.
This was Simon’s dilemma. John 21:3 “I don’t know about you boys, but I am going fishing.” He was tired of hard choices. Time to find something comfortable. The boat, the sea, to some degree, the fish, were predictable. Following Jesus wasn’t very.
But you see, Jesus wasn’t through with Simon, nor was Simon through with Jesus. A boat on the lake was a diversion. It was a pretense of self-determination. He never expected Jesus to be along. They caught no fish, then he recognized Jesus. “Not peace, but a sword . . . turn a man against his father. . . who does not take his cross . . . is not worthy of me.”
Everything on that boat reminded him of where they were, and where they were not. Jesus had not called Simon to die on a cross, He called him to be faithful. Does that sound familiar? It should. Tradition holds that he did. No matter. He lived his life in love with Jesus.
There is no place in the scripture where we can learn more from words than here.
Jesus: “Simon, to you truly love (agapas) me?” Simon: “Lord, you know I love (philō) you.”
A second time—Jesus: “Simon, to you truly love (agapas) me?” Simon: “Lord, you know I love (philō) you.”
And a third—Jesus: “Simon, do you love (phileis) me?” It will be enough, if Simon will give evidence of what love he possesses in the way he lives out his life.
Jesus: “Others will bind you and carry you where you don’t wish to go.” “Feed the sheep of me.”
III. The Question Finally Addresses the Future and Asks Whose We Are. Simon decides he’s been the center of attention long enough. V21 “And this one what?” “That doesn’t matter, Simon. What matters here is you, and your commitment. Thou me follow.”
We don’t judge our stature as Christians on the basis of what others do. Whether they are of high or low estate. My success doesn’t depend on position. Nor, on the faithfulness of those around me. Am I willing to trust God for my needs?
We are to seek out God’s will and conscribe it. Calvin Reid, in his book, “We Knew Jesus,” summarizes the lives of the disciples. Of Peter he wrote, “The Master did not turn me into a barnyard fowl. He did not even clip my wings. He showed me in what direction I should fly.”
“Do you love me?” means that there is a place, a time, where Jesus became Lord, and I continue to honor His special place in my life. Sin continues as a problem until faith crucifies it on the cross of Jesus. “Nicodemuses” needed to be “born again.” But, not even “Judases” and Jews and Romans.
Jesus wants to know if we love Him. It means we believe in His love. It means that He has priority in my life. It means that I must be inspired to love in the way that He loved. It means bringing my life in harmony with the expectations of scripture.
MATCHLESS MARY
#207 MATCHLESS MARY
Scripture Luke 1:26-33, 2:41-58; John 19:25-28 NIV Orig. Date 12-24-1961
Rewr. Dates 12-1975; 9-16-1990
Passage: Luke 1:26-33 The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Luke 2:41-48 The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
John 19:25-28
25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[a] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
The Death of Jesus
28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
Purpose: Continuing a Sunday evening series on New Testament characters, here describing the mother of Jesus.
Keywords: Biography of Mary Devotion Christ as Saviour
Timeline/Series: New Testament characters
Introduction
Back in 1981 we witnessed by means of television, the wedding of Charles and Diana. Thirty-four years prior to that (1947), some of us, through the medium of news reels at the picture show saw similar ceremony when Charles’ father and mother were wed. It was a remarkable time for England.
Not only were the British people in a festive mood, dignitaries from around the world were on the scene. Among these important people were representatives of royal families. One monarch present was King Faisal II. Back when Iraq ad a king, he was then the twelve-year-old sovereign.
The processional was underway. People lined the street from the palace to Westminster Abbey. King Faisal was one of those looking on. Though dressed the part, and attendants were at his side, few knew who he was. His interest was not in the nuptial couple, but in the horses pulling their carriage. As the carriage approached, he stepped through the line of policemen to see better. Doing so, one of the policemen grabbed bodily for the young king and thrust him back into the crowd.
How do you apologize for the abusive treatment of royalty? The English people were stunned. Newspapers for days carried accounts, and efforts to make amends not only to young Faisal, but to the Iraqi people as well. What they were attempting to say was, “King Faisal, we didn’t know who you were!”
It puts us in mind of another apology. That which rings out so clearly in the old spiritual, “Sweet little holy child, we didn’t know who you was.” Do you wonder how Mary knew?
I. The First Consideration is of the benefit of Maidenhood. Luke 1:38 “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”
She is clearly a young woman of virtue and self-esteem. She was already spoken for in marriage. Joseph had claimed her in contract that only infidelity could break. Oliver First: “When a girl ceases to blush, she has lost the most powerful charm of her beauty.” Not only the maids, but the men also planned for the eventuality of marriage.
In addition, the angel had spoken to her. The angelic message must have been received with wonder and question. How would Joseph respond to the question of a baby? She surely must have suspected the response of the community. Why she went to Elizabeth’s.
In addition to this self-worth, she was apparently known for her faith/allegiance. She lived in open acknowledgement of God’s unique plan for her life. Make no mistake, God chose the best there was. Our study of Balaam didn’t suggest he must have been the best at that time. How much she knew of that plan? Her baby the “son of God,” but then, aren’t we all in one way?
Were thoughts conjured up of the Jewish Messiah? Did she understand that her baby would have no human father? The consummation of her marriage to Joseph was only weeks away. She understood the need, now, as never before, of obedience. A word is needed relative to virgin birth. Some well-meaning people reject. Jesus was God’s son (monogena), not because of Mary, but by the Holy Spirit. Tracing genealogy to Joseph is for convenience only. (Matthew 1:16 and Luke 3:23).
It is the submission of Mary that establishes choice. Luke 1:38 “Be it unto me according to thy word.” There would be other, normatively born, but this is not one of them. “Firstborn” Matthew 1:25/13:55.
II. Our Next Consideration is of the Burden of Motherhood. Luke 2:35 “Yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Though [he was] the son of God, Mary is not spared any of the agony of childbirth. I heard a medical critique that women experience more pain in childbirth than men experience in a lifetime. Probably the most important person at a birthing is the grandmother. I have been in the waiting room at many of these. My own and my daughter’s. With fathers joyous at prospect. In the city hospitals, I’ve seen them who grumbled through it.
She would be the major factor in childrearing. At some point, she had to carry on as a single parent. She gave birth to six other children. Mark 6:3 “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joseph, and Judas, and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us? Parenting is always difficult, made especially so by the uniqueness of the child. Imperfect parents—perfect child. God, in the flesh.
Susanna Wesley, mother of John, spent an hour every day praying for her children. She took each child aside for one hour each week for the purpose of discussing spiritual matters. Oh, yes, it is important that you know that there were seventeen of them. John, and his brother Charles, would be figureheads of protestant religion in America during the 18th Century. She was known by the people around her. Not as the mother of God, but as a woman trying to do right.
III. Finally, We Must Consider the Blessing of the Mediator. John 19:26f “And he sayeth to his mother, woman, behold thy son. Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy Mother.”
The great heart of Jesus reaches out to Mary in a special way, and that John did not burden the gospel with tidbits re: childhood and youth of Jesus! We know His special affection for John. For practical spiritual reasons, Jesus chooses for His mother to be in John’s care. This may be in part for John.
The consideration given her is in keeping with the degree of her own faith. Obedience was the cardinal virtue. She expresses her faith in submissiveness. Luke 1:45 Elizabeth to Mary: “You believed that God would do what He said; that’s why He has given you this wonderful blessing.” She bore God’s own son. John 1:4 “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.”
Understand one final word. Mary needed Jesus as her own redeemer. At the last He no longer calls her “mother.” “Woman, behold thy son.” She, like the rest of us, stands empty before God. I Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Jesus Christ.”
Conclusion
Not knowing who He was should no longer be our excuse. The evidence is clear enough for one who seeks it out. H.D.M. Spence’s poem tells a different story.
“They opened their treasures, the wise men old,
And prostrate they fell on the ground;
Exultant in spirit, they worshipped the Lord,
For Jesus, the Saviour, they’d found!
The treasure of heaven in Bethlehem lay,
Incarnate was God from above;
No wonder their treasures they opened to Him—
Their feeble expressions of love!
We may not have treasures of glory or gold,
Nor perfume to pour out at His feet;
Though if we but knew the true worth of the Christ,
We’d give Him our homage complete.”
OF GARDENS AND TREES
#169 OF GARDENS AND TREES
Scripture Genesis 2:8-9; John 19:41, NIV Orig. Date 8/8/1965
Rewr. Dates 7/23/1990
Passage: Genesis 2:8-9 8 Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
John 19:41 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.
Purpose: For a Sunday evening message define the scriptural flow of gardens and trees through creation to crucifixion.
Keywords: Christ Crucified Miracle Creation Sin
Timeline/Series: Ben. Old Testament Miracles
Introduction
The direction taken this evening will plot a course from the Garden of Eden, by way of Gethsemane to Golgotha, and find our way to Glory, the only name befitting the garden where stands the “tree of life” as depicted in Revelation.
As chapter one describes the larger facet of creation, chapter two defines a specific place somewhere in the vestment of time where man was brought to his full potential. The place was called a garden. In the garden were trees. The trees were there for man’s aggrandizement. One was for his use and control. The other was to symbolize sensitive spiritual nature. His disuse of the tree was the means to that end.
When he selfishly tried to manifest control over this tree also, he was driven from the garden. Interestingly, Jesus brings us back to the garden. He went to one, Gethsemane, with His disciples to pray; then to another, Golgotha, to die for sin.
A tree was the nemesis of man that caused him to lose his place of favor in the garden. Now, another tree in a garden outside of Jerusalem offers man access once again.
John 19:41 “Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden.”
Acts 5:30 “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a cross.”
Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates to the city.”
I. Do We Comprehend the Miracle?
V8 “And the Lord planted a garden.” Understanding the beauty of creation. Imagine the struggle with words to describe such a place. Our self-seeking words would fail. Human vocabulary not sufficient. We are limited in describing gardens that we have seen: Hodges Gardens at height of rose season; Bellingrath Gardens in February for azaleas; Natchez Pilgrimage in Spring; New England when leaves are turning; Smokies in early Summer for the Rhododendrons; Our own dogwood vistas. Our best description is visual.
People of many persuasions scoff at such a concept. They applaud what the hand of man conceives, creates, crafts, crowns. Yet they scoff at such a place as a Garden of Eden. Study the order of development (evolution) claimed by geology. Chaos: Light: Firmament (Expanse): Dry Land: Vegetation: Life (water, air land): Man (Lockyer-Miracles.)
Read the order of development in scripture. 1:2 Void: 1:3 Light: 1:6 Firmament: 1:9 Dry Land: 1:11 Grass: 1:22 Living Creatures (fish/fowl): 1:24 Beast of the earth: 1:26 Man.
More important, see that garden as a place of sinlessness. Evil influence had not yet corrupted. Where had he came from. Who knows? What had he been doing? Only now free to corrupt. Caught them at a time alone. Slithering serpent came to symbolize an attractive, reasonable agent. The woman left her sphere of safety. She parlayed with Satan. She made the word of God complicated. Genesis 3:3 “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.” We don’t know how Adam reported it to her.
II. Do We Contest the Miracle?
2:9 “And out of the ground the Lord made to grow every tree . . .” The keeper of the garden. We are given his name. The word “man” in 2:7. The same word “Adam” in 2:19. Called “husband” in 3:6 (maleness). What we know of the woman.
2:23 “woman” (24/wife) ishshah – female
3:20 “Eve” life chavvah
3:20 “mother” em
Recent genetic study called attention to human mammal going back to a common source (called Eve).
Human uniqueness. In comparative anatomy (Lockyer) rank among vertebrates is determined “by the proportion of brain to spinal column.” Fish 2-1; Reptiles 2.5-1; Birds 3-1; Mammal 4-1; Man 33-1. Genesis 2:7 “God breathed into his nostrils, the breath of life, and he became.”
The garden that was to be kept. The text speaks only of the tree. The larger text speaks of grass, herbs, fruit yielding [trees] (Genesis 1:11). The following (2:10) “And a river went out of Eden to water the garden.” Hardly a month passes that PBS does not have a program. 326 million cubic miles (S104p71) of water on the planet. 97% sea/2% ice caps/1% to exploit for man. Animals—National Geographic Society—50 years ago 10million elephants. Today maybe 750,000. Zoos may furnish gene pool necessary to keep.
We must view thee spiritual content also. Parallel between “tree” and “cross.” Arthur Pink
(G18p27) Contrasts.
God planted 2:9/ creature Matthew 27:35
Pleasant 3:6/ “saw no beauty” Isaiah 53
Forbade eat 2:17/ Revelation 2:7 “I will give to eat of the tree of life.”
As Satan tempted of the one, he tempts to restrain from the other
First (2:17) brought sin and death; Second (John 6:53f) “Except ye eat.”
Adam (3:23 turned out)/ thief Luke 23:42
III. Do We Contemporize the Miracle?
V9 “The tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Our world is a garden, and we are keepers. There are places of great beauty. Evidence of care and skill abound. Other places in the garden do not reveal such husbandry.
The garden testifies to the burden of sin. As Adam was driven from the garden, man is left with a world under the serious struggle with sin.
Not only do we need to be ecologists, but spiritual economists as well. God’s voice is still heard. It rings out amid the degradation. To Adam in the overburden of the garden. To Solomon in the flotsam of decadence. John 15:16 “Ye have not chosen me, I have chosen you.”
The battle is still going on. We are caretakers in His garden. It is easy to become distressed about the physical world. The beckoning voice directs us to the spiritual needs also. The fruit of Calvary’s tree is food for the soul. It also is pleasant to eyes of faith. At the foot of that tree is the ground where God meets the sinner. It is the place of the finished work of Christ. It is the final source of wisdom. I Corinthians 1:18 “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness, but to us who are saved, it is the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”
Conclusion
Trees offer us interesting instances. We have seen it depicted as curse (Genesis 3:17). Baker (Genesis 40:19): “hanged,” others. See it as comfort. (Genesis 18:1f) Three messengers “rest under the tree.” (See Jeremiah 50:6.) Revelation 14:13 “that they may rest from their labors.” Communion is next found. Genesis 18:8 “Under the tree they did eat.” Revelation 3:20 “Will sup with him and he with me.” Finally, there is cleansing. Exodus 15:23f “And the Lord showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, were made sweet.”
A WORD OF PERFECTION (Sixth Word from the Cross)
#106 A WORD OF PERFECTION (Sixth Word from the Cross)
Scripture John 19:29-35, NIV Orig. Date 4/15/1962
Rewr. Dates 4/1979; 4/8/1987
Passage: 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.
Purpose: Continuing the series of last words, here using the sixth word to show the perfection of Christ’s work in our behalf.
Keywords: Christ as Mediator Easter Salvation
Timeline/Series: Words from the Cross
Introduction
All of us are interested in life and the way we are able to live it. We want to be able to conclude that some good did come out of it.
The annals of history record for us the signal achievements of many people and of the great things that they accomplished. Some lived brief lives, and yet they are noted for their success.
Alexander was a world conqueror by the age of 23.
Hannibal had become a Carthaginian commander by the time he was 26.
Christopher Columbus had finalized all of his plans made and was ready to sail to the new world by the time he was 28.
Captain John Smith had a colonial empire in this new world carved out and staked by the time he was 27.
Martin Luther, of Reformation fame, was only 30 when he nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the church door in Wittenberg.
John Calvin was molding the thought that would be the basis for Presbyterian theology by the time he was 21.
Joan of Arc had finished her work and had been burned at the stake by the time she was 19.
At 26 Patrick Henry had already determined, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”
Alexander Hamilton was Secretary of Treasury at 32.
John Newton discovered law of gravity at 26.
Roger Williams was banished as an heretic at 29—because Jesus meant more than man-made laws.
Of Jesus only, however, who died on this cross at 33, could it ever be claimed that His work was unconditionally finished. Only He could say, and be unchallenged, “It is finished!” Toward a greater understanding of this sixth word we move this morning.
I. It was a Word Spoken to the Battlements of Heaven. To the eternal praise of the Father, Jesus said, “It is finished!”
All of the pronouncements of the WORD have been fulfilled.
· That the Saviour would be of David’s line. Isaiah 11:1 “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall flow out of his roots.”
· That He would be rejected by those to whom He had come. Psalm 118:22 “The stone which the builders refuse is become the corner stone.”
· That all nations and cultures would be drawn to Him. Daniel 7:14 “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away.”
· That God’s ultimate purpose in Him had to do with sin, our sin. Zechariah 13:1 “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.”
· That this sixth word from the cross means that the power of sin has been disengaged. Isaiah 53:10f “. . . Thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, . . . by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; . . . and he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
This is not all that the Father had to say of the “anointed one.” Isaiah confirms His mortal birth (Isaiah 7:14). Micah affirms His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Hosea declares the flight to Egypt (Hosea 11:1). Isaiah again, in the most beautiful passage of all, describes Calvary (Isaiah 53:4f).
Make no mistake of it, to the eternal praise of the Father, Jesus proclaims “It is finished!” The promises of the Godhead stand complete. The promises and the performance await man’s profession and progression. Hebrews 10:16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” I Thessalonians 5:9, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.”
II. It was a Word Spoken to the Engagements of Earth. To a people more concerned with the sensual, and the sordid, and the sensational, Jesus declares, “It is finished.”
Amidst these earthly engagements, all have experienced words every bit as grand as nature’s spectacles: Words of peace after season of conflict; words of joy penetrating even grief’s sad hour; words of forgiveness after the languishing dread of broken relationship; words of hope, when it seemed that there was none.
This word is unequal in all the earth. “It is finished!” In the Greek, only one word “tetelestai.” Archaeologists have repeatedly found its Latin counterpart, “consummatum est” written across the tax-vouchers of those days. The meaning is clear: “PAID,” the debt is paid. Many scholars believe that this is what many at the cross heard Jesus say.
Only the Lord Christ could declare such completeness in the face of such human limitations surrounding Him. Pressed into this package of human flesh and blood was a faith without limits. He had caused the blind to see. He had caused the lame to walk. His was a faith with such intensity that it spills over into believing hearts even now. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Hebrews 5:9 “. . . he became the author of eternal salvation unto all that obey him.” II Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in him are ‘yes’.”
To all earthly engagements, His and ours, He declares it: “It is finished!” In His life and His work and His death. And in every simple act of faith, “consummatum est: the debt is paid.”
III. And Finally, It was a Word Spoken to the Deep Trenches of Hell. Satan must now know absolutely, that the redemptive work of Christ forever stands. “It is finished.”
Make no mistake, Satan heard this once spoken word. Everyone, and anyone, can be saved. John 7:37 “In the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried saying, If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink.” Luke 2:10f “And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” I don’t know all that we learn from Acts, but this I know, that the early church had to change their attitude to include Samaritans and gentiles. There are still a lot of attitudes of Christians needing changes. It is a salvation contingent upon [a] believing and obedient faith.
Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
Thus, this word ultimately means that Satan has no power in our lives that we do not yield to Him. There are many whom Satan has aspired to entrap in meaningless living. There are a few who will be able to say “I have done all that I could do.” The notables mentioned in introduction. Only Jesus could say “It is finished!”
Conclusion
Someone tells the story of an elderly lady who had reached her 100th year. The local newspaper knew of the happening and sent a reporter out to do a story. “Ma’am, you must have seen a lot in your lifetime?”
The old lady was said to have rocked for a spell as she contemplated the question, and then replied, “Well, if you really want to know, seemed to me everything was always over by the time I could find my glasses.”
Because of Jesus, the spiritual quest is over. But there are still a lot of people stymied about what to do with Him because they’re having trouble finding their “faith” glasses.
A WORD OF PAIN (Fifth Word from the Cross)
#104 A WORD OF PAIN (Fifth Word from the Cross)
Scripture John 19:28 NIV Orig. Date 3/30/1980
Rewr. Dates 3/30/1987
Passage: 28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
Purpose: In this message from the fifth word from the cross, to show the agony of intent for Jesus to live in commitment to the will of God
Keywords: Christ Redeemer Dedication Commitment Will of God Suffering
Timeline/Series: Words from the Cross
Introduction
It is easy enough to entitle the message “A Word of Pain,” and use it to point directly to the physical suffering of Jesus. Any person who has experienced thirst knows its intense discomfort.
Some of you have had to leave a sickroom to announce to others the nearness of death. It is that feeling now, here at the cross, that capitalizes on the raw edge of our emotions. Death is imminent, but there is still no doubt as to who is in charge.
It is normative, here at Calvary, to sustain this sense of death’s inevitability. But, then, neither can we remain long in this place without having our sense of dread replaced by a sense of hope. Those there then felt hope: hope that these religious leaders would become more tolerant; hope that some military authority would declare this to be illegal; hope even, that Jesus would tire of the petulance of these vengeful people, and with a wave of His hand be suddenly transformed from this place; perhaps, hope for the direct intervention of God.
The people gathered at Golgotha are spectators. And death is what many of them came to see. All, but a few, are awaiting this inevitable end. It is not unlike a suicide scene. A quietness pervades the atmosphere. So quiet in fact, that they hear Jesus’ low moan of pain. It is the normative word to express “yearning” for whatever will quench His thirst. No doubt, however, the thirst is symbolic of a stronger yearning on the part of Christ. He “thirsts” for the will of God, for men to be at peace with God. He “thirsted” that those who were His followers would likewise thirst for God, and for humanity.
I. So, Consider that Jesus Thirsted to do the Will of God. Luke 9:51 “He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” John 18:11 “The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”
Does it raise an eyelid of surprise anywhere that Jesus could feel thirst? He had spoken about it: “He who believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35.) He had declared it to be inviolate; “. . . but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into . . . life.” John 4:14. But there were title rights to that stream, and Jesus was yet to lay claim to it. Remember the Psalmist’s appeal: “O God, thou art my God; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is.” Psalm 63:1. Remember the picture forming in Revelation 5: “. . . I saw a book written on both sides and sealed with seven seals. . . . Who is worthy? No man in heaven, or in earth, or under the earth.” No doubt that thirst is present here, but not thirst for water, rather, thirst of God-forsakenness.” The confrontation with Satan had to come. It had to come where man is the most accessible, in the flesh.
To long for the will of God as Jesus did, disallows questioning His will. Some conclude that Jesus knew His will perfectly. Scripture teaches Jesus’ life was one of change. Luke 2:52 “And Jesus grew in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and man.” Mark 13:32 “But of that day . . . knoweth no man . . . neither the Son, but the Father.” Concluding Jesus KNEW allows us to excuse ourselves when we know we know not. But learning from Jesus, is learning to choose what brings God glory. Psalm 137:6 “Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.”
There is no evidence Jesus had prior understanding of the events being lived out. No doubt He had spiritual intuition which we cannot match, cannot even approach. But He lived by faith just as we are called to do. So the disciples were taught. Phillip: “Show us the Father and we will be satisfied.” Jesus: “The one who has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus teaches that those who long to know to the point of agony will know, and will be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteous, or they shall be filled.” Luke 12:32 “It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
II. Consider Also, that Jesus Thirsted to Accomplish Salvation. Matthew 20:28 “The son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom.”
We have already observed Christ’s concern. Those who put Him on the cross were forgiven. A soldier acknowledged He was God’s son, another reached out to quench His thirst. He insisted this to be God’s will so that guilt would not overwhelm His followers. To a convicted felon, He gave the promise of eternal life. To His mother and close friend, John, He gave words of meaningful concession.
His challenge, however, is for the lost souls. The human condition, then as now, was sin. That problem is a raging torrent that must somehow be bridged. His death was not to make access to God easy, but rather, to make the way plain. Matthew 7:13 “. . . wide is the gate . . . broad the way leading to destruction, and many . . . go in . . . . Strait is the gate and narrow is the way leading to life, and few there be that find it.”
It is a lostness that must be faced. Contemporary events compromise hungry hearts. Present disparity of televangelists. Man in Colorado Springs picked up little girl by her ankles, dashed her head against pavement saying “Jesus saves.” (Returned to asylum.) It is a lostness that destroys: disrupting families, breaking up marriages, enslaving people to drugs, alcohol, sex. It is the lostness (Psalm 63:1) . . . “of a dry and thirst land where no water is.” To die in our sins, without Christ, is to die with this eternal thirst upon our souls. Luke 16:23f “. . . being in torments . . . he cried send Lazarus that he may dip . . . [his finger] in water and cool my tongue.” Christ has suffered this thirst for us, but to reject Him is to reclaim that awful thirst.
III. Lastly, He Thirsted as an Example of Compassion to His Friends and Followers. John 17:25f “O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee, but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me . . . that the love wherewith thou has loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Yes, there were those at the cross who would quench His thirst. One attempted to do so: soldier, temple guard, bystander. Surely, those who loved Him would have done so. There were also those there who could have helped, but who would not. Some waited curiously to see if Elijah would come. Jesus had not addressed Elijah, however, but the Father. And this is the Father’s “beloved son. Hear Him.”
One thing, brethren, can quench to thirst of Jesus on the cross. It is the quenching waters of faith when believers reach out to the lost. There are some who would and cannot. Regrettably, too many, could, and will not.
Who are those who can, and will, and must? And more importantly, are you one of them? Matthew 25:31f “When the son of man shall come in his glory, . . . then shall he sit upon the throne . . . before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them . . . on his right hand, . . . on (his) left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom . . . For I was hungered and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink . . . Then shall the righteous answer . . . When . . . ? And the King shall answer and say unto them, . . . Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
The call of Jesus is still the call to quench the thirst of a weary world.
Conclusion
This Christ still thirsts. He thirsts for your love, for your service, for your holiness, for your prayer. Let me quote James Stalker in closing (t20p148) “Whenever the heart of a human being turns to Him with a genuine impulse of penitence, affection or consecration, the Saviour sees of the travail of His soul and is satisfied.”
CRUCIFIED TO DEATH
#485 CRUCIFIED TO DEATH
Scripture John 19:13-22 Orig. Date 4/14/1968
Rewr. Dates 3/14/1991
Passage: 13 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14 It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. 15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.
16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
Purpose: In a series on Christ’s nature for Easter, point to His death as an essential criterion.
Keywords: Christ/Death Easter Crucifixion
Timeline/Series: Nature of Christ
Introduction
Dr. James Stewart, noted New Testament scholar, writes of the resurrection of Jesus, “Not one line of the New Testament was written . . . not one sentence, whether of Gospels, Epistles, Acts, or Apocalypse, was penned apart from the conviction that He of whom these things were being written had conquered death and was alive forevermore.”
For the present, however, we must deal with, not His resurrection, but His death. Easter cannot reach us at all if we do not pass through the burdensome stage of crucifixion and death.
Death, of course, touches all of us. We want to make light of it as often as we can. I read about a West Texas rancher who went to his local undertaker to make arrangement for his burial when the time came. “I want to be buried in my trusty old pick-up truck,” he said. Well, the funeral director saw the difficulties and tried to talk him out of such a notion. “It’s like this,” said the rancher, “I ain’t never seen a hole that truck couldn’t get me out of.”
Then I read about the Louisville, KY, woman whose husband was a retired electrician. The local priest made arrangements for him to repair an electrical shortage in one of the confessionals. He would have to crawl across the rafters in the highest and least protected part of the church. She decided to be on hand if anything went wrong. She was sitting in a pew below the work space. Congregants entered the back part of the building for a special mass. Unaware of the presence of the other people, and concerned because she was hearing no sound, she called out, “Sam, Sam, . . . are you up there? Did you make it okay?” [The people in the mass] hear a voice answer back, “I am doing fine, Christine. Stop worrying!”
I. First, Consider the Covenant and the Cross. V19 “And Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was, Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews.
Pilate, an enemy of the covenant, calls Jesus King. I remind you, it was not done in faith. This was a man of evasive action. Don’t do anything if you can help it. The Jews: “Take Him yourselves.” Herod’s jurisdiction: sent Him back.
Pilate: “I find no fault.” But then he would beat Him, a faultless man. Then he brought up Barabbas. Did Pilate really think the Jews would fall for that? Vengeance, not justice. Finally, Pilate tries to blame others for his own irresponsibility. “I am innocent of the blood of this just man.”
Such people are all around us. Pretending that they are beyond the claims of the gospel. Blaming others for their own sins.
Interestingly, the people of the covenant disclaim His sovereignty. John 19:13 “he maketh himself . . . king.” Mark 15:15f “purple, . . . crown of thorns, . . . Hail king.”
But it was his message to which they objected. Matthew 3:7 He called the Pharisees and Sadducees “generation of vipers.” He accused religious leaders of being hypocrites. Matthew 23:13. Matthew 10:38 “He that taketh not up his cross and followeth me is not worthy of me.”
Faith was a volatile commodity. They who believed, believed the more strongly because of the covenant. The Messiah had come to them. They disbelieved, crucified. Their hands were stained with the sin that wrought His death. How about your hands, and mine? Only the hypocrites see themselves as guiltless.
II. [SUBTITLE LOST]
V16, “Then delivered he him unto them to be crucified.” Most significant were the occupants of the other two crosses. “They crucified him, and two others with him.” On those two crosses were the prototypes of all who would pass by. One would find in Jesus a source of strength. He would die with Jesus, But it would be remorseful, repentant, forgiven. To the other Jesus was an anomaly. He was no more dead than the other. But it was an angry, accusing, hopeless death. It was also a Christless death.
L. Wade spoke of a lady at nursing home who asked about ______ Prison—“Why would a man die without the Lord?” Does it concern us that there are others all around us who know the Lord?
Speaking of crowds, there was a Roman Legion there that day as well. They wanted to think that they were in charge. Doing the procurator’s (Caesar’s) bidding. Punishment meted out by the book.
But this is God’s doing, and “is wondrous to behold.” Psalm 72:18 “Blessed be the Lord God, . . . who only doeth wondrous things.”
Jerry Clower tells about Uncle Versie Ledbetter and his mule named Della. She fell in a cistern (reservoir for rain water). Tried to get Della out. Finally, rather than see her starve, he’d bury her there. But every time he threw in a load of dirt, she shook it off, stomped on it, [CLIMBED on it], and waited for the next load.
Whether you understand the crucifixion or not, it’s the means of God’s choosing, to deal with our sin. You can’t help Jesus bear that cross. But it’s foolhardy to think that it is no more than man’s work.
III. Lastly, We Examine Christ and the Cross. V17 “And He bearing His cross went fort into a place . . . called . . . Golgotha.”
You will note that it was a cross of commitment to the will of God. RSV and NEB both translate “his own cross.” It was expected that His followers would show evidence of their commitment. “If you were accused of being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convince you?” Where between 6 and 8 tonight? Last Wednesday at 6:30, four deacons for mission emphasis. When was the last time you did something/anything for Jesus’ sake?
It was a cross meaning pain and suffering. It was so in the ultimate sense with Jesus. The disciples were affected by the crucifixion as by nothing else. Remember Stewart: “Not one line of the New Testament . . . not one sentence , . . . was penned apart from the conviction . . . that He had conquered death and was alive forevermore.” How does the crucifixion touch and change your life? The lives of those around you?
But leave here this morning remembering that it was a cross of glory.
“In the old rugged cross stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear.
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.”
Conclusion
Listen to Donald Miller in The People of God. “The sentimentalized Jesus of our time is not one before whom men of our time would fall on their faces, and certainly, He would frighten away no devils! He is one whom nobody would crucify, and for whom, few, if any, would be willing to die. He could not have brought the church into being, nor could He have sustained it through all the tortuous course of the long centuries.” Which Jesus do you follow?