13

Jump Start # 2634

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2634

Ephesians 5:17 “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

One of my favorite stories about the author Ernest Hemingway involves him in a Cuban nightclub with a group of journalists. The conversation turned to short stories, which Hemingway was a master of. In the course of the conversations, one boasted that the famous author could not write a story with less than one hundred words. Hemingway said he could write a story with only six words. That caught the attention of the group and they laughingly said there was no way. Hemingway took a napkin and wrote:

“For Sale.

Baby Shoes.

Never Worn.”

He slid the napkin before the eyes of the journalists. They looked at those six words and their minds were running. What happened? Did the baby die? Was the baby kidnapped? Was the mother never pregnant? Theories and questions filled the next hour. Everyone had their own idea. Hemingway was enjoying watching all of this. Finally, in frustration, they asked the author, “What’s the truth behind this? Tell us about the baby.” Hemingway smiled, picked up his hat and walked out.

Our verse today reminds us that God doesn’t leave things to our imagination. He tells us what He wants us to do. His will is understandable. There is no guessing. There are no alternative theories. It’s not everyone having their own idea. When things are revealed, it’s a matter of doing them.

From this we learn:

First, subjection to God eliminates independent thought and individualism. Many are bent on being different, unique, one of a kind. With that type of thinking, rather than walking with God, they will go the opposite direction. Counter culture. Original. One-of-a-kind. Doing what no one else is doing. That may work in picking out pieces of art, getting a new hair style, or even in buy crazy socks, like I do, but it doesn’t fly with God. That spirit will cause one to do things that are not in the Bible. It will lead one to new paths which the Lord has not traveled. It will cause one to walk not with the Lord but away from Him. God wants us to follow Him, not be ahead of Him. Let God lead and you follow. Yes, this means we will all practice alike. Yes, this means we will have a common faith. Yes, this means the Bible reads the same.

Second, the common idea that we cannot understand the Bible allows for differences, division and chaos. How is it that so many churches claim to follow the Bible but they are all practicing and believing different things? Not only that, the accepted idea today is that not only are we different, but that’s ok and we are all in this together. Different ways to worship. Different ideas about salvation. Different beliefs about organization of the church. Different concepts about what the church ought to be doing and its purpose. So different but all of them correct? That’s the thought today. That arises from a premise that we cannot agree upon what the Bible says. Two different people reading the same verse will get two different ideas. Yet, if that is true, what about our verse today? The Ephesians were told to understand the will of God. The Bible teaches us to have one mind and one voice. There is one God, one faith, one baptism, one body. That implies and necessitates one answer.

The premise behind the idea that we cannot understand the Bible points to God as a terrible author. Somehow we can understand physics, Shakespeare, the weather, outer space, Tom Clancy novels, the daily newspaper, but we cannot understand the Bible. We either understand it or we don’t. There is no understanding it “alike.”

In Nehemiah’s day, they read from the law and made sense so the people understood. The eunuch understood Isaiah after Philip explained it to him. The Gospel taken into all the world could be understood by Gentiles, idol worshippers and everyone else. The sermon on the mount does not require you holding a dictionary in one hand and the Bible in the other. The example of prayer or the model prayer is short, simple and easy to understand.

The Ephesians were told that when they read what Paul wrote they would understand his insight into the mystery of Christ. It was not only understandable, but by simply reading what he wrote, they would get it. Paul told Timothy that by reading what the apostle wrote he would know how to conduct himself in the household of God. He would know. There was no guessing. There was no “I don’t understand.” There was no “each person has his own interpretation.” Later Paul would tell this young preacher that the things he learned from Paul, the same things were to be taught to others. There was a common understanding and they found what it was.

No, the difficulty is not with the author or the message. It’s with the heart of those who are reading that message. If one begins with certain preconceived ideas, then he will look for them until he finds them. It’s like wearing sunglasses, they give everything a certain tint based upon the color of the lenses.

Third, understanding God’s will not only makes us approved of God but it unites us with other believers. There is a unity of faith and practice when we are joined in heart, mind, soul and purpose. Division is of the devil. Satan likes to separate and confuse. God unites. He unites us around Him.

God doesn’t write a few words on a napkin and the leaves it up to us to figure it out. He explains. He connects the dots. The Old Testament points to the Christ. The New Testament points to the cross. One message. One hope. One author. And, upon this our faith can be assured with confidence and hope.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Roger

10

Jump Start # 2633

Posted on July 10, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2633

Mark 5:16 “And those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon possessed man, and all about the swine.”

We have begun assembling once again on Wednesday evening. It was just in time to kick off our summer series. It’s one of the highlights of the year for us. A themed series with visiting preachers every Wednesday for a couple of months. It’s expensive but it’s well worth it. We like to base our themes on hymns. There are so many great titles and the verses easily become the various topics. This year our summer series theme is “My eyes have seen your glory.” With the covid-19 problems, the two local preachers kicked this off, one of them was me. I spoke about the chorus line, “My life is forever changed.” Love that expression. So glad I got to preach that this last Wednesday. God has changed my life.

Our verse today is one of the great examples of that in the Scriptures. The demon possessed man, strong, chain breaking, screaming at night, naked, living among the tombs—a fright and a scare to most people, was changed by Jesus. The Lord drove those demons into a herd of pigs and they rushed into the sea and drowned. There were 2,000 pigs. That’s a lot of pigs. The men taking care of the pigs rush into town to tell the owners what happened. They just lost a lot of revenue. This is where our verse is found. They reported what happened to the demon possessed man and to the pigs. I expect the owners didn’t care about the demon possessed man, other than a local nuisance was taken care of. But the pigs, now that grabbed their attention. This Jesus had to go. And, that’s exactly what happened next. They come to the place and demand Jesus leave. I expect they were upset. Likely they were gentiles, since most Jews wouldn’t be raising hogs. A Jewish teacher wiped out our herd, is what they were thinking. There was no rejoicing in a man being changed.

Walking through the miracles of Jesus it is interesting to see how Jesus changed the lives of so many. You do not see Jesus preforming a miracle on someone who had a splinter in their finger. A man who had never seen in his life is given sight. Men with the fatal disease of leprosy are cleansed. The dead are brought back to life. These were life changing events. These are things that one would never ever expect.

And, greater than all of that are the thousands and thousands of people since those days whose eternities have been changed by the life saving blood of Jesus. Forgiven. Adopted. And, changed, those renegades are now disciples of Jesus. Their natures have changed. The way they think has changed. The way they see life has changed. What drives them has changed. What grabs their attention has changed. From the inside to the outside, these people have been changed by Jesus. Attitudes, appearance, language, and behavior has all been restricted and molded after the Savior. Kindness, forgiveness and grace now run through their veins. Serving and helping others is part of their DNA. They have a fondness for worship and a love for all things that are right. Generous, gentle, and good to be with, these are the people of God.

Each of them has a past and that past didn’t look like what you see today. Each has been marred by sin and mistakes. But the forgiving blood of Jesus has changed them. These people are Heaven bound and they realize that, want that and will stop at nothing until it is realized.

So often our lives are slowed down because we are dragging guilt and regret with us. We feel that we are not doing enough. We feel ashamed for our mistakes and sins. We want to do better and do more. But, take a look at where you are and how far you have come. It is amazing.

I think college students often feel tired of the long journey they are on. Many have been in school constantly since they were five years old. They are weary of classes, projects, papers, tests. They just want to be done. It is hard for them to see how far they have come. All those years of study and learning has prepared them to be the gifted leaders that they are.

For the Christian it is a similar picture. It’s hard to see growth in ourselves. All those sermons we have listened to. All those notes we have taken. All those Bible classes we’ve sat through. Year after year and just look at what we have become. People notice. It’s seen in our character. We have changed. He has changed us. We have been changed for the better.

That demon possessed man, now free from demons, sitting, not shouting, and clothed was a different person. He became the first one Jesus gave permission to go tell about Him. Oh, the things he could say. Just look at him. Look at the changes. He’s not the same person anymore. There is nothing to fear about him now. Eager, helpful, kind—he was a new person.

And, so it is with us. The Lord has changed each of us. We have been on this long journey but look at how far we have come. It’s amazing!

Thank you, Lord. Thank you for what you have done to each of us.

Roger

09

Jump Start # 2632

Posted on July 9, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2632

Philemon 11 “who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.”

The story of Philemon is about a run-a-way slave. The slave, Onesimus, found his way to Rome and to Paul. He was taught the Gospel and became a Christian. He became helpful to Paul. Now before them stands the huge issue of what to do. Slavery wasn’t against the law. This slave ran, which was wrong. He belonged back to Philemon, who was a Christian. Paul needed Onesimus. And our verse shows a change. He once was useless but now is useful.

Some thoughts for us:

First, Paul did not believe in finders keepers, loser weepers. Chances of Philemon ever finding Onesimus were slim. Paul could have kept him hidden and safe for the rest of his life. But Paul didn’t. He wrote this letter, revealing the truth and was sending the letter, in the hands of Onesimus himself, back to Philemon where he belonged.

Second, Paul never tells Philemon to grant Onesimus his freedom. He doesn’t guilt trip him. He doesn’t pressure him. He doesn’t threaten him. He doesn’t use the golden rule. He doesn’t say we are of one blood and all created in the image of God. No. He sends the run-a-way back with the hopes that Philemon will treat the slave as a brother in Christ. Fellowship is a new relationship that they will have. Worshipping together is something new.

Third, the Gospel changes a person. It’s more than simply adding “church” to an already busy schedule. Paul recognized that this slave has gone from being useless to being useful. What made the difference? Getting caught? No. The difference came from Jesus. He was different on the inside out. He belonged to a much better master, the Lord. He became a slave of righteousness. Character, service, dedication, faithfulness would now be within the heart of this slave. Seeing the example of Paul who was in prison and wore the marks of suffering for Christ would open his eyes. How could he be a Christian and keep running? If indeed he changed, then he needed to be useful. He first proved this to Paul. The apostle wasn’t his master. Onesimus could have kept running. The rest of his life he could have ran. But he stopped. He changed. His running days were over. He saw that he could help and serve others out of a generous heart.

This one fact is something that many of us need to give a lot of thought to. Are we being useful? Not at work where it’s done for a paycheck. In service of others. In helping the kingdom. What value are we to the congregation? What good are we doing? Useless to useful…that was the change. Have we made that?

Forth, there was a lot of pressure on Onesimus if he returned home to Philemon. Many run-a-ways were killed or crippled. This sent a message to other slaves. Don’t try it or look what might happen to you. The slave had no way of knowing what would happen. But doing the right thing often comes with fear, pressure and uncertainty. You borrowed something from a friend and you broke it. The right thing to do is to tell and replace it. You spoke out of turn and hurt someone’s feelings. The right thing to do is to go and face them and apologize.

Going home for the prodigal wasn’t easy. He didn’t know how his father would treat him. At the best, he was hoping to be a slave to his own family. That would still be better than spending time with pigs. Would his father even speak to him? Would his father disown him? Would his father beat him? Would his father tell him to get off the property and never come back? He didn’t know. But he knew he had to do the right thing.

It’s hard tying to guess how people will respond. Sometimes we get it right and many times we don’t. But fearing how others may treat us cannot keep us from doing what is right. It may mean apologizing before the whole congregation for sins you have committed. It may mean offering to step down as a leader or preacher. The right thing to do often is the hardest thing to do. It takes faith, courage and real conviction to go through with it, knowing that it may not be received well by others. Things may come to pieces. People may turn on you. Still, the right thing needs to be done.

Family and brethren, those who are dearest to us, can also be the hardest to face when we have done wrong. Some do not manifest the spirit of grace and forgiveness. It may be that they throw the book at you. It may be a one sided lecture that is about your failures. It may be shouting, finger pointing and accusations.

Doing the right thing is not about getting people to like you and welcome you and throw a celebration party for you. It is about doing what is right. There are often consequences that follow hurting others. And, that pain may keep us from ever doing what is right. We may delay an apology, going home, making things right, because we fear the reaction. We are more worried about how we will be treated than doing what is right.

Take your lumps. Breathe deeply. Say a prayer. And, do what is right. The consequences that follow doing something wrong often keeps us around the pigs. We know we ought to do right. We want to do what is right. But we are afraid. And, that fear, keeps us right where we are.

Paul sent the run-a-way home. Paul was hoping for the best. It was the right thing to do.

Useless to useful…that makes a huge difference.

Roger

08

Jump Start # 2631

Posted on July 8, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2631

Matthew 7:22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’

Our verse today comes from the conclusion of the sermon on the mount. The Lord ended that powerful sermon with two illustrations. They were not happy stories to warm the heart and take home with them. They were shocking, in-your-face, even a verbal slap in the face. The second story was about two men who built homes. One built on the sand. Rain, wind and rising water caused that house to be swept away. It was a total ruin. That house represented those who heard that sermon but went home unchanged. The sermon didn’t drive them to repentance and change. That illustration was pointed at some in the audience.

Our verse comes from the first illustration. Simply saying the Lord’s name doesn’t get you into the kingdom or into Heaven. Being busy doesn’t get the job done. Although three times in this one verse, “in Your name” is expressed, these people did not do what God wanted. The will of the Father was ignored. They were lawless as the context describes.

The connecting theme in both of these illustrations is obedience to what the Lord says. The sermon Jesus just preached wasn’t to be analyzed, critiqued, outlined or even memorized. It was to be obeyed. It was to change their lives, inside out. And, when that wasn’t done, doom and destruction awaited them.

Notice some observations from our verse today:

First, there is a complete shock. These people thought they had it made. They believed they were going to Heaven. The repeating, “Lord, Lord,” illustrates how surprised and shocked that they were. They even try to plead their case with the Lord. They bring up evidence of good things, and they were good things. What they missed was doing what the Lord wanted.

This reminds us that even today there are many who think they are headed to Heaven, only to be surprised and shocked that they are not. They have been good, decent people who would loan you a tool, give up a Saturday to help you move, play with the grandkids, and bake the best cookies. Great things. We love all those things. What’s missing is doing the will of God. What’s missing is obedience to Jesus.

Second, their shocking revelation is the final answer. When God says “depart from Me,” you can’t take it to God’s boss. There is no one above God. That’s hard for us to grasp. We always can go up the ladder. “Who is your manager,” we ask? “Who is in charge here?” “I’ll write a letter to the CEO.” God is the top. He answers to no one. These shocked people tried to plead their case and change the mind of the Lord, but it wasn’t working. There was no second chance. There was no make—up work to be done. No extra credit here. No mulligans. No do-overs. This was the end of the line and they didn’t make it.

Third, the will of the Father, which these folks had ignored was presented to them by the Lord. As these people are standing hearing Jesus preach, they were making up their minds whether or not they were going to do what He said. There was some tough things in that sermon. Turning the other cheek…golden rule…not worrying…doing things from the heart rather than just to be noticed…light shinning…peace making—those are the principles running through that sermon. Would they be ignored? Would they become the foundation of their lives? This audience knew. They had been told. It was a matter of doing the things Jesus said.

Most of us know as well. We’ve heard lessons every week. We read our Bibles. But in this time of social tension in the country, have we forgotten the golden rule? Are we praying for enemies? Are we trying to be peacemakers or are we part of the problem? Stirring the pot or finding solutions? It’s not a matter of not knowing…it’s a matter of doing.

Fourth, in the context Jesus reveals that “Many will say to Me on that day.” Many. This is not a few who didn’t get it, but many. I don’t know what ‘that day’ will look like. Will we all stand in line? Will it be by generations or by alphabet? When some hear that sad words, “Depart,” will they shout? Will they get angry? Will they cry? Will they fall and plead for a second chance? Will they, like our passage shows, bring up a list of things that doesn’t change the Lord’s decision?

The Lord said earlier, in this same sermon, in this same chapter, that the path to destruction is wide, broad and crowded. Many will enter the pathway to destruction. They don’t realize that they are on a dead end road. They don’t realize that their choices end in spiritual death. They are laughing their way to Hell. Having a blast. Best time ever. No one tells them what to do. They are their own boss. And, then comes the end. Then comes the surprise, the shock, the crashing of their lives. Then comes the complete ruination.

Many. We’d like to think if we were living back then and could have heard the Lord that we would have been right beside Him every step of the way. That’s a wonderful thought, but are we right beside the Lord now, every step of the way? Are our attitudes in line with Heaven? Are we being servants of God? Are we growing and sharing God’s word? Or, do we say, “It’s different.” Or, “I’m really busy now.” The many came from the audience that heard those first words. They were there, but they remained unchanged and unmoved.

The shock of their lives. It wasn’t dying. It wasn’t seeing the Lord. It was believing that they had made it when they did not. Good deeds and works will not save you. A lifetime of being busy engaged in good activities will not do it. The Lord wants you to do the will of God. The Lord wants you to do what He says, that’s it. That’s not hard to figure out. The hard thing is doing it. Our greatest enemy is not Satan, it’s self. This is why the first step in discipleship is to deny yourself. Until that is done, our foundations will always be on the sand.

Don’t be surprised at the end. Live a life that follows the Lord and does what He says.

Roger

07

Jump Start # 2630

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2630

Acts 2:44 “And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common”

Together has taken on special meaning for many of us. We’ve worshipped, but it’s been apart. We’ve watched videos, livestream and listened to podcasts. We’ve gotten the information. We’ve been encouraged by the hard work of faithful preachers. We’ve worked through Bible studies, classes and shared things on social media. Through all of us, our spirits and our souls have been fed, but what has been missing is the “together” part. And, that part, the “togetherness,” is essential to life.

Families don’t do well when they are apart. Everyone eating in their own rooms, watching their own shows, looks more like an apartment than a home. And, congregations do not do well when we are apart. We are starting to meet back together where I worship. It’s not the way it used to be, but it’s a step. I heard several saying “Watching the video and livestream is just not the same as being here.” And, it’s not. It will never be. It shouldn’t be. Technology as wonderful as it is cannot and should not ever replace our presence. There may be some who won’t come back. They’d rather stay at home in their ‘jamas and watch a sermon than getting down to the church building. Fellowship provides a benefit that is unlike listening to a sermon. We need sermons, but we also need smiles, waves, elbow bumps, hugs and eye contact.

Here’s what I like about “together”:

First, I like to see a building full of people. People of all ages, backgrounds and different parts of the journey. Little ones being carried by their mothers. It makes you wonder if someday that little one will be leading singing. Old ones who have so many stories, battle scars and such a deep, deep love for our Lord. They were blessed to sit at the feet of some of the finest preachers. Their Bibles, like their lives are worn out, but their love and desire is as strong as ever. Young and in love, sitting together, sharing the same Bible, whispering to one another once in a while. You look at them and wonder if they will someday get married. You wonder if they will have children. You wonder what great things that young couple may do for the Lord. Together, such a wonderful experience.

Second, I like to look and see all the shepherds of this flock. They are spread throughout the building. You see in their eyes that they are looking over the flock. They are probably wondering where some are. They are in little conversations here and there with different folks. It’s like being at home. Things just seem better when dad was there. It’s the same way with the shepherds. You feel safe, inside and out when they are around. You love their smiles. You know they care, it’s in their DNA.

Third, I like to see all the folks who are busy as little bees doing what they do to make worship as wonderful as it can be. Some are up in the media booth, pushing buttons, getting things all set up to record. Some are making sure all the lights are on and even picking up a piece of paper that was overlooked. Others are getting the Lord’s Supper all set. Some are at the doors, greeting and welcoming us as we come in. It’s a little army of people who arrive early on Sundays just to make sure everything is just right. They want to give God the best and this is one of the great ways that they serve.

Fourth, I like to see the thoughtful prayers of those who lead the worship of God. They put thought into what they are saying. They give it their all. Kind, reverent, praiseworthy are their thoughts to Heaven. It’s an honor to have them speak for all of us. So often, someone says something that I haven’t thought about. I’m glad they did that.

Fifth, I like to see Bibles. Nothing says more about standing with God than having an open Bible. Bibles opened and following. Bibles, on tablets, phones, and in print, all saying the same things. Open Bibles represent a standard that is believed. Open Bibles chase the devil out of the building. Open Bibles mean that we may not all see things eye to eye, but looking into our Bibles we will stand together and untied. Open Bibles is the first steps to a growing faith.

Finally, I like to see each other because it reminds me that I am not alone on this journey. There are others who love me, support me and will watch out for me, as I do for them. Together illustrates the family concept of the church. Together reinforces the help that we have in our battles each day. Together, in voice, in heart, in work, in worship and someday, in Heaven. When we get to Heaven, we will know people there. We will know the faithful of God that we spent a lifetime worshipping with. They will be there. Fond reunions that will not have to end because of time or places to go. Precious memories. Won’t it be wonderful there?

Together. Nothing beats it. Let’s not forget how important, together is.

Roger