God Is Strong When We Are Weak

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

After a 3-day series on worship I wanted to remind us that God is a God of grace.  We worship a God of grace and mercy as well as a God of justice and truth.  Today’s passage is one of my favorites – reminding us that God’s grace is sufficient to cover our sins and when we am weak – God will make us strong through God’s strength which has no limits.

Think with me today about areas in your faith walk or in your life in general where you find yourself weak.  Do you have trouble with a sailor’s mouth – fighting old habits as you strive to clean up your language in a desire to reflect better on the Lord you represent?  God’s grace can forgive you so don’t beat yourself up – and don’t let Satan to it either.  Confess when you fail/sin – strive to do better/turn away from the sin – sincerely – and God’s grace will cover your failure and sin.

Do you struggle with lust – thinking thoughts you know are not worthy of a child of God?  Looking at pictures in magazines or on the internet you know you shouldn’t?  Don’t allow Satan or yourself to hammer your failures into your head and heart.  Confess – repent – turn from your sin and seek God’s grace to cover your sin.  I’m not excusing our sin nor am I trying to rationalize that God has already covered them – rather that our sins are forgiven when we go to God with them.  If He forgives them – we should not carry them anymore!

God does not require or expect perfection from us – there is and will only ever be one who is perfect – Jesus Christ.  He died – the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.  The payment has been made to cover our sins.  Now – don’t go on sinning so His payment covers more sin – but don’t live to punish yourself either.  Satan wants Christians to live in defeat and in anguish over our sin so that we will not impact others for Jesus.  If we go around depressed because of our sin we will not witness well to others about the amazing grace our God offers.  Think about it!  Proverbs 4:23 says: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

When we are weak – God shows off God’s power and strength – as Christ’s death paid for all sins – past – present and future – for those who confess and repent – who receive His grace offered to all who will receive.  That is Good News my friends!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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God’s Amazing Grace

Genesis 3:10

He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

The story of Adam and Eve is a story – in part – of God’s love and humanities’ sinful nature.

I believe God’s love is seen in the creation story because I believe that God foreknew that humanity would sin and fall.  The plan of the Godhead was to send the Son to die for our sin long before Adam or Eve ever sinned. John 3:16 was written in the heart of God long before Jesus spoke it on earth or John penned it in his gospel: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  God’s love provided a way for a sinful humanity to reunite with Him before we fell from His presence.

I believe God was not caught off guard by humanities’ sin.  When Eve and then Adam disobeyed God by eating the fruit that He had forbidden them to eat – they displayed what we call the sin nature.  This is that part of humanity that wants to please self.  This is the part of humanity that will rationalize sin to be acceptable.  This is the part that will even sin to keep from revealing sin.

Adam and Even had sinned.  They were found in their guilt and shame and tried to hide from God.  A friend recently mentioned that when he sins he runs from God.  He didn’t elaborate but I assume it is because he knows that in the face of God his sin will be revealed.  When we should be running toward God and His grace – we tend to run away and try to hide.

Adam and Even hid.  When God saw Adam and Even hiding He called out to them.  Can we imagine how silly we are to try to hide from God?  Can we remember the story of Jonah and how he tried to run from God?  How futile it is to try and hide from God?  So God called out to them and Adam answered: Genesis 1:10 – He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

We think of them being without clothing – because when they ate from the fruit they noticed they were naked and took fig leafs to make clothes.  But I think their physical nakedness wasn’t the biggest issue.  They soon found out that they were naked before God – that God could see them wherever they were and whatever they did.  A truth we should remember.  We may get away with sin on earth – but the one who sees us naked before Him – sees it all and sees our hearts as well.

Many times in my life – far more than I wish to share – I have learned the lesson that sin is not something to harbor or hide.  Recently a sin in my life – painfully – was brought to the surface.  I must admit it is not fun to have your sin revealed before God or before others!  But we all know – I believe – the great feeling that comes from the release of sin and guilt – God’s amazing grace.  It is there for you today if you would confess and repent of your sin.  It was there from the beginning of creation in God’s plan and provided by the babe in the manger that died on the cross for our sin!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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Sin, Repentance, and God’s Grace

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

If we took a look at the above passage – we would probably all find a sin we could hang our hat on at some point in our life’s journey.  If not – I imagine we could think of one or two we could add to the list.  There are two things I wish to point out in this passage – and neither thing has to do with the list of sins mentioned (remember this is not a total list of sins – we  can add our own sins to the list if that will help us).

The first thing I wish to point out – is the opening verse of this passage.  Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?  It calls the wicked who will not inherit the kingdom of God persons who remain in their sin.  We cannot consider ourselves to be Christians – i.e. saved – if we live in sin (those that follow in the next verse and any others).

That doesn’t suggest that we will not be saved unless we are sinless – but rather that we have confessed (admitted) our sin and are striving by God’s grace to live outside of our sins.  To use a couple of the sins listed we might consider that a person who steals (a thief) who doesn’t confess their sin and strive to turn away (repent) from that sin will have no inheritance in the kingdom.  A person who worships idols (not just statues my friends but money – jobs – possessions – etc.) and doesn’t confess and repent of this sin runs the risk – according to this Scripture – of having no place in heaven.  A person who is immoral in sexual behavior like a promiscuous person who has many partners and sees nothing wrong with this behavior should be concerned about their eternity.  A heterosexual couple living as husband and wife without being married should be concerned.  A same-sex couple living together in a marriage relationship – legal or not – should be concerned.  A list of sins that one might live in without confession or repentance could be inserted here.  All who live in sin – without confession and repentance – should have concern for their eternity.

The second thing I want to point out is the last verse in today’s passage – the Good News about God’s grace.  After stating that those who live in sin will have no place in heaven – no inheritance – and listing some of these sins – God – speaking through the author of this Epistle – tells us the Good News!  And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

God’s grace is sufficient to cover ALL of our sins – that is Amazing Grace my friends.  Jesus says – My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  2 Corinthians 12:9   I love God’s grace!  But remember that God’s grace pushes us away from our sin.  God’s work in our lives – remember the Holy Spirit has come to make us holy – persuades us to turn from sin and turn to God.  Remember the woman caught in adultery?  Jesus showered grace on her but He also told her to – Go now and leave your life of sin. John 8:11

So where – if at all – is there unrepented sin in your life?  Where does sin have a hold of you and you struggle recognizing it as sin?  God’s grace can cover a multitude of sins – but not if we embrace the sin and are even so bold as to believe that God will accept your sin or worse yet claim that God made us that way!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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God Will Forgive Us as We Forgive Others!

Matthew 6:12, 14

12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

In some versions of the Lord’s Prayer – verse 12 is rendered forgive us our sins, as we also forgive those who sin against us.  Forgiving others is an important part of the Christian faith.  So important that Jesus follows up verse 12 with verse 14 – For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Jesus teaches on this subject several times.  Here is another passage that talks about forgiveness.

Matthew 18:23-35 – 23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.  He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Wow – that is so powerful.  In this story I can see God as the king who wanted to settle his debts.  Ten thousand talents was more than a man could normally pay back in a life time – and when the King forgave him this huge debt – you would think this person would assume a graceful approach to others.  Yet the story tells us that this person had a small debt owed him and he did not have grace or mercy.  Jesus closes the story by reminding us that how we forgive – we shall be forgiven.

The King placed the unmerciful person in prison – until he could pay back his debt – which I see as eternity – in hell – because the person would never be able to pay the King back.

How does this strike you?  It softens my heart and even though it may be personally hard to forgive certain people – I know I MUST!  It is not optional if I expect God to forgive me. God has offered me forgiveness for my sins – a debt I could never imagine to repay – and that should give me a heart of grace, mercy and forgiveness toward those who sin against me.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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Forgiveness is Essential – How Do We Get It?

Psalm 51:1

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

We preached from this text on Sunday past.  The Psalmist – David – was a man of God who still allowed his sinful nature to control him from time to time (none of us can identify – right?).  When David sinned – he would bring his sin before God.  When he brought his sin before God – he felt confident that his sin would be forgiven.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could come with confidence – and feel God’s forgiveness?

Forgiveness is essential.  That was what we said Sunday.  Satan likes to play on the guilt of our unforgiven sin.  Satan likes to make us feel terrible about our sin – about our failures.  We often ask God to forgive us – but are we experiencing forgiveness?

Until we experience forgiveness – we will not feel the release from sin – and Satan will have a field day with us.  Sunday we talked about several points – several things we might try – in order for us to find/feel forgiveness.  They were talking points so to speak – 1) knowing we are sinners, 2) knowing that our sin was mainly against  God, 3) coming to a place where we grieved sinning – felt the pain of our sin, 4) repented – turned away from our sin, 5) asked God for forgiveness, and 6) experienced His forgiveness – deep down inside.

When we sincerely walk through this process or something like it – we can come with confidence and know that God will forgive us and cleanse us.  The Psalmist wrote: Psalms 51:2 – Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Do we know that we are a sinner – that we have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory?  Do we know that when we sin we sin mainly against God – placing something above Him?  Do we feel the pain of our sins or have we learned to live with our sins?  Do we sincerely plan to turn away from our sin or are we simply trying to cover our tails – eternally speaking?  Do we come before God in a humble yet confident way – seeking His mercy and forgiveness?  When forgiven – do we allow His grace to come over us and remove sin from our lives?

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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Is Grace Available to All?

Romans 12:19

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

By now everyone who is breathing knows that US forces, Navy Seal Team #6 according to reports, have killed Osama Bin Laden.  This September will be the 10^th Anniversary of 9-11-01 – the date of the horrendous attack on innocent lives by Bin Laden and his terrorists in New York, in Washington and in PA.  I applaud the efforts of our military to keep us safe and for bringing Bin Laden to justice.  I’m glad the US forces got in and out without any reported losses. I am thankful for our intelligence agencies who pinpointed Bin Laden’s location.  What has caught me off guard is some of the comments on Facebook and Twitter – often by Christians.

Christians can be and many are good Americans.  As Christian Americans we can be happy a terrorist has been brought to justice and that he will no longer plan attacks or instruct others to do so against innocent lives.  But some have put some comments on their pages that sound more like revenge or people who are happy someone has died.

Is anyone beyond redemption?  May 1^st was the same day that Adolf Hitler was reported dead (from suicide) – yet – were not Hitler and Bin Laden redeemable?  As Christians should we be praying for our enemies – for their salvation – for their redemption?

Don’t get me wrong.  I still have thoughts that bring tears from the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks of 9-11 and for their families.  I’m glad Bin Laden was found and stopped.  I’m just not gleeful that someone died – no matter how evil they were.

Romans 12:19 – Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Did Christ not die for Hitler’s and Bin Laden’s sins?  Some would say yes – some would say no.  I’m not saying they received grace – that is beyond my pay grade – but when I read the Scriptures – I read that Christ died for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:1-2 – 1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

I also read that God’s will is that all will be saved.

1 Timothy 2:1-6 – 1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time.

I posted last night on my twitter – which posts to my Facebook as well – that I am praying that Bin Laden received forgiveness before he died.  I don’t want anyone to go to hell – but all to receive the grace of God.  I know all won’t but as a Christian – I pray all do. What followed – mainly by one person – was an attempt to convince me and the readers of my Facebook page – that Christ only died for those who would be saved. I totally disagree with this view.  His death may only be effective for those who receive Him, bu He died for the sins of the whole world. Christ’s death defeated sin and death – for all – but – like a present with your name on it – it does you no good unless you receive it and open it.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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Forgiving Others is Not Optional!

Mark 11:25

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Forgiveness – grace – mercy – not sure why we don’t preach more on these subjects – because we need to hear about them – often.  I wonder how many of us hold grudges – and don’t understand the spiritual consequences that holding a grudge can produce?  Jesus says we shouldn’t even pray to Him if we are holding something unforgiven in our hearts.

Mark 11:25 – And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Most of us have prayed the Lord’s Prayer from our childhood up – and we might have read it like this:

Matthew 6:12 – Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

The New Living Translation – along with others – puts it this way:

Matthew 6:12 – and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

Forgiveness is for us as well as the other person!  Grace and mercy are gifts from God we need to share with others.  Please note that these Scriptures I quoted are all in red – the words of Jesus my friends!

Stay tuned for the upcoming sermon series on God’s Grace!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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God’s Grace is Sufficient to Cover All Our Sins!

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

It seems that during our current sermon series on guardrails – we not only have been challenging people to set guardrails in their lives – but by reminding people of their regrets – we have found a group of people who are having a hard time dealing with their regrets.  I felt the need today to remind us that we are all sinners – every last one of us.

Romans 3:23 – for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Not only have we all sinned – but the good we do – the righteous acts – are like filthy rags.

Isaiah 64:6 – All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;

I do not bring these two Scriptures up to further depress us about our sin – our regrets – but rather to say that none of us is worthy – in and of ourselves.  The best among us – their righteous acts are still like filthy rags compared to our God.  I say this to help us realize that two truths can be trusted.  First – we cannot earn or merit our relationship with God.  We can NEVER do enough good to offset our sin.  Second – we are all in need of God’s grace – EVERY one of us!

Too often – as I deal with hurting people – we find them falling into one of two categories. First – I am so bad God could never forgive me (as if our sin is somehow greater than anyone else’s sin).  Second – my spouse/friend is so bad I cannot forgive them (as if our sin is somehow less offensive to God and somehow we live on a higher plane).

God tells us – my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Saint Paul saw himself – as Saul – as the worst of sinners – because he was putting to death the followers of Christ – yet He knew God’s grace could forgive him.

1 Timothy 1:15-16 – 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

If we turn our hearts over to God – confess our sins and receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior – His grace is sufficient for you. God’s grace is so amazing.  We need to lay our regrets at the cross and allow God to wash us clean.  We need to forgive others as we would want to be forgiven.

Matthew 6:14-15 – 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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Mt. Oak’s Vision and Mission – The Solution

Our Vision and Mission at Mt. Oak

The Problem: Families are under attack.

The Solution: Reaching the whole family for Christ

The Process: Bring in, Build up, Send out

The Win: A changed life or family for Christ

Over the next few weeks (January 9 – 16 – 23) we will preach messages that  are centered on the vision and mission of our church.  To see a listing of future sermons and Scriptures click this link http://wwww.mtoak.org/media/mo-sermons.

We will also share a 21-day fast during these weeks.  During this 21-day fast we will not only fast from something but we will also spend time in three 24-hour prayer vigils and we will celebrate together in special worship services.  Please check out the E-News for more details.  I will also share some in this blog.  You can sign up for the prayer vigil at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9K38F8K.

Today I want to write about the solution as we understand it.  The problem was written about yesterday (http://raymcdonald.wordpress.com/) and you can read it on my blog page.  The problem – as we understand it – is that families are under attack.  We see fewer and fewer families in our community with what could be considered a healthy family – with a person or persons who love the Lord.

The Solution – as we understand it – is to reach the whole family with Christ. We wholeheartedly believe that the solution to the attacks that families are facing is a relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is the grace that God offers through Jesus that will change families for Christ.

Titus 2:11-14 – 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

God’s grace – available to all who would avail themselves of it through Christ – is the solution to the problems that families face.  If we would turn our lives to Jesus – God’s grace would be sufficient to help us deal with all of the issues we face.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – 7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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God’s Grace Can Change Your Life Around!

1 Timothy 1:15

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.

I use to look at this passage and wondered how I would rate if Paul saw himself as the worst of sinners.  I realize that before Paul was renamed by God his name was Saul.  I realize that Saul set out to destroy the church.  His sin was great as he was on the scene when Stephen was killed.

Acts 8:1-3 – 1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Reading this passage and then reading something like this next passage gives me pause and hope.  No matter what sins I have committed I too can be forgiven.

1 Corinthians 11:1 – Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

God’s grace is so amazing.  It can take a sinner like Saul and not only forgive his transgressions – but turn him around to become and instrument for God’s use.  Saul became Saint Paul.

If God can do that for Saul/Paul – God can do that for me.  That is what Paul was saying when he said Christ came into the world to same sinners – even a sinner like me – and so Christ can turn your life around as well.  Awesome stuff.  Allow Christ to change your life today.  Seek His forgiveness – His grace – and allow Him to work in you – through you – and in spite of you.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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