For us here, the way we think about things should ultimately flow from how we think about God. So, in that light, I wanted to follow up the sermon from last week. Read the rest of this entry »

Issac had twin sons – Esau and Jacob. As the oldest son, Esau had the generational birthright – this was a sacred thing. The oldest son received a double inheritance, a special blessing from the father, and the judicial authority of the father – the birthright was a huge deal in that culture. The concept of birthright was part of the very fabric of society. In fact, if we look in the book of Deuteronomy (ch 21) we see that the rules for “birthright” are in the law – this was big. The birthright set the oldest son apart as THE family representative. He was to lead the family “line” into the future with authority and honor. Read the rest of this entry »

Matthew 18:1-4, “gaining biblical humility – pt 2″ [Listen]

Jesus was skilled in using everyday situations and objects to teach profound truth. A tiny mustard seed growing into a large tree showed his listeners God’s vision for reclaiming humanity. Yeast became analogous to the easily spread hypocrisy of the religious leaders. A grape vine illustrated how godly fruit must come from those who are attached to Jesus. As we read about teaching moments like these, it’s easy to be confused. Many of Jesus’ truths are foreign to our experience and disposition, AND the illustration itself can create another layer of mystery and discussion. Read the rest of this entry »

Colossians 3:12, “gaining biblical humility” [Listen]

Remember when we looked at Matt 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”? I’d like to look at “humility” again, and also look at three examples we can learn from. We’ll see that “humility” is VERY connected to the way we see our mission here.

Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Read the rest of this entry »

James 5:13-20, “publicly confessing sin” [Listen]

Our culture today is desperately looking for real meaning, purpose, hope and relationship. This is GOOD NEWS for us here today – we have that to share. We have that to share in the person of Jesus and we should have that to share in our fellowship. God’s design is that we live meaning, purpose, hope and relationship! The problem is that much of what passes for Christianity today is nothing more than a different version of the world’s priorities and values. In the end it’s about the money, it’s about the “club”, it’s about self – how can we spin the Bible so that we can live for this world’s priorities and still talk like my loyalty is to Jesus and the Kingdom. Read the rest of this entry »

Luke 2:1-7, “Jesus came in humility” [Listen]

I would like to ask a simple question this morning. Why did Jesus come in humility? Read the rest of this entry »

As I was thinking about last Sunday’s sermon (Matthew 5:21-26), I started pondering the reality of God knowing our deepest thoughts, inclinations, motives, emotions, etc. If this was real me how could I not be undone? I think we would be more Jesus-like if I cared that God sees and knows EVERYTHING. Read the rest of this entry »