Finding Hope through Worship

Introduction 

We are entering into the season of Advent, the four Sundays before the Birth of Jesus Christ. Advent reminds us of the arrival of the Son of God over 2000 years ago. On this first Sunday of looking forward to the birth of Christ, we want to encourage our hearts with hope. Also known as the “prophecy candle,” the candle of hope for Advent assures us we can have hope that God will fulfil the prophecies declared in the Old Testament about Jesus. Isa 9:6-7 is one of the prophecies that speak of Jesus Christ - “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” In the day and age in which we live, many are finding their hope deferred, due to tests and trials. We all need an extra dose of hope as we remember Christ’s birth. An encouraging thought is the hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5) as we also look forward to Jesus Second Coming. As we light the Hope Candle let’s take time to be like Abraham, who “against all hope, in hope believed...” 

Finding Hope 

Hope is not a passive expectation or wish, it is an intentional joining with the heart of God. Hope helps us to anticipate a positive future. It allows us to dream and look for good and new things in life and in our relationship with God. Hope is one of the themes of Scripture and first appears in Gen 8:12 where Noah sent out the dove and waited for seven more days but it did not return. Waiting and patience go hand in hand when defining hope biblically. The Old Testament saints looked forward in hope to the coming Messiah. We now look forward in hope to the Second Coming of Christ. “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” (Rom 8:24–25). Finding hope is all about finding Jesus.  

Children are by nature optimistic and resilient. When they're small, they haven't yet seen the full range of human sinfulness and brokenness. They believe in “once upon a time”, princesses and handsome princes on white horses. They know that every story will end with everyone living happily ever after. However, disappointments and frustrations can take hope out of the eyes of a child. After a while, they grow up and they not only expect loss and failure, but some people even sabotage their own efforts as a self-fulfilling prophecy - “I knew this would fail.” We all need hope. It is the oxygen of the human spirit. But like oxygen it is consumable, and we must learn how to find it and breathe it. Let’s not give up our hope but waiting patiently for God... 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13). 

Come before Him 

Psalm 100 - A psalm. For giving thanks.  

“1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” 

Let’s take a moment and connect hope and worship. The Israelites didn’t wait until the temple was completed before they worshiped God. The Psalmist didn’t wait until God had delivered him from his enemies before they worshiped God. And we shouldn’t wait to worship God until after we see our miracle or deliverance. We must learn to put hope and worship into action together in our hearts. There are times when we struggle with our worship of God because we put such a focus on ourselves and our circumstances. We can’t pay the bills. Our relationships are in disorder. We have this or that negative situation that is not resolving. We are most likely familiar with how important it is to guard our thoughts through God’s Word. It is just as important to watch over our emotions through worship. Worship is about God first, just as Psalm 100 reveals. Worship takes the focus off myself and what I can or cannot do and puts it on God and what He can do. Worship reminds us of who God is, our Saviour, Healer, Soon Coming King and our Baptizer in the Holy Spirit.  

The has been a lot of research of late with regards to one’s mental and emotional health. Hope is one of the areas that has been a challenge for many. Oftentimes, the Christmas holiday can be difficult for various reasons. People find themselves alone. People are unable to live up to all the holiday hype the world promotes. People have lost family members. So, how does one overcome hopelessness? Come before Him! I have mentioned this before, but worship is a dialogue from heaven to earth. God invites us to worship and is looking for a human response. It is like a beating heart. It is giving and receiving.  

Finding Hope in Worship 

Worship is more than a song. However, we are encouraged over and over to worship God through praise and thanksgiving, especially in the Psalms. The Apostle Paul tells the church to - “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 5:19-20).  

What does this look like in practice? It is not just the musicians who are to be musical. We are all encouraged to sing and make music in our hearts to God. Giving thanks. Why is this so important? Why is this so emphasized? Because when we worship in song, we overtly declare who God is and this is the gateway to finding our hope restored. When we face problems, worship. This directs our thoughts and emotions to God. All too often, when we pray to God, we simply bring our dirty laundry to God. We must learn to worship first. That is how the Lord’s prayer begins. 

I want to say that in worship we get to interact with Holy Spirit who is our counsellor, teacher, guide, encourager, empowerer, and who convicts us when we are off base and convinces us of God’s personal love. Hope and Worship grow in beauty and power when the Spirit of God is welcomed. I have been in churches where we are asking God for another Pentecost, a repeat today of what took place then. I don’t believe this is accurate. What I do believe the Scriptures teach is this. We have the Spirit of God living in us perpetually, day by day. Pentecost came and stayed. Jesus is now abiding in us through the Spirit of God moment by moment. We have a guarantee of what is to come (Eph 1:13-14). We have the Holy Spirit. I cannot emphasize enough, Jesus has given us another comforter to help us in this life (John 14:16), especially when we struggle with hopelessness. Holy Spirit came to abide, just like Jesus.  

In Conclusion  

I have been in pastoral ministry for over 30 years, and I have encountered people from every walk of life. Inevitably, the question arises, “how are you doing?” Some of doing very well. Others not so good. Some tell the truth and others hide their struggles. Some are unaware. Sometimes the same question is asked of me. In these conversations, people often express their struggle feeling hopeless. The one thing they all needed was hope to get through the day. This tells me hope is very powerful. And when put into practice with worship, we can overcome.  

Hope is more than a motivational pep talk. It is connecting with God; nothing is too difficult for Him. His mercy is new every morning. His faithfulness reaches to the heavens. His goodness is with us every moment. This allows us to center on God and not on negative thoughts or emotions. We are not unstable but safe in God’s unshakeable kingdom. Hope is a positive expectation. Hope when tapped into the worship of God helps us to endure patiently.  

So today, let’s dare to become hopeful. Let’s allow hope to energize and motivate us. We all need hope restored in our lives to some degree. As we approach this Christmas season, let’s do so with a renewed hope growing within us.  

The Ripple Effect

                Recently I read a post by a friend of mine, Rob Berg. He talked about “road-tested faith.” This got me thinking about all the stuff we have been through in the past few years. Personally, heart surgery, contracting Covid-19, death of family members. And that does not even begin to address all the challenges facing the world or the church today. Road tested faith speaks to me of having gone through some tests in life and becoming an overcomer. I am beginning to feel like I am regaining my spiritual equilibrium, along with my mental, emotional, and physical capacities. I didn’t question Who I am, Where I came from, Why am I here or Where am I going. But I did find my faith and trust in God tested. The good old days seemed to be few and far between. However, I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak, and I am reminding myself that this world is not my home. I am a citizen of heaven and a son of God. I am so grateful to have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus, who is the way, and the truth and the life. So where do we go from here?

            As a kid I remember throwing stones out into the lake and watching the splash and the ripple effect, depending on the size of the rock. The lake had to be calm to see the beautiful ripples rushing outward. Well, I can say that we live in a world today where there are many things being thrown into the pond of life. And the ripple effects can be seen spreading out again and again. I believe that as we look forward to the future there are a few things that we can do as believers to be a positive influence to those around us.

·         We must have the peace of God within us personally. Be still and know the Prince of Peace. Let’s remind ourselves that God is in control now and into eternity. Whatever is robbing you of peace must be brought to Jesus.

·         Prayer is so important. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).

·         Where two or three are gathered… We must not forsake meeting together. Isolation is a negative affect of the ripples spreading throughout the world today.

·         Unity is key. One of the chief strategies of the enemy of our souls is that of divide and conquer. We must make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph 4:3). Avoid disagreements, discord, strife which lead people to sin. Love the difficult. Embrace grace, not gossip. In this season there are challenges facing the church, step up and fill in the gaps, don’t disappear.

The world around us is experiencing fear in a negative ripple sense. Instead, let’s embrace the fear of God and throw some faith stones in the lake of life. Love stones, peace stones. This will give us the opportunity to be a positive influence on those we interact with. Our road-tested faith is just what the world needs to see to put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ.

Gotta Worship Somebody

Introduction 

We are in the midst of a series on worship. I was thinking the other day about Bob Dylan’s song – “Gotta Serve Somebody.” For those of you who don’t know Bob Dylan, he is an American singer-songwriter and author who has been a major artist during his career of sixty plus years. He was a voice into the pop culture of the 1960’s and seventies, when he began to sing about politics, social issues, philosophy, and anti-war messages. In the late seventy’s he became a Christian and took a three-month discipleship course led by John Wimber and the Vineyard Church. His Christianity was not well received by his rock and roll buddies, but nevertheless, he released 3 Christian albums and one of the songs was “Gotta Serve Somebody.” When touring in late 1979 and early 1980, Dylan would not play his older, secular works, and he delivered declarations of his faith from the stage, such as: “Years ago they ... said I was a prophet. I used to say, "No I'm not a prophet", they say "Yes you are, you're a prophet." I said, "No it's not me." They used to say, "You sure are a prophet." Now I come out and say Jesus Christ is the answer.” His Christianity was unpopular with some fans and musicians. It is interesting to note that shortly before John Lennon’s murder, he recorded a song “Serve Yourself” in response to Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody.” This song made me think about worship and how everybody worships someone or something in their lifetime.  

Living Stones 

Do we have any construction workers here today? Anyone that works with their hands and creates something? Anyone that creates? Can you imagine your creation coming alive? The Apostle Peter talks about Living Stones when referring to the Body of Christ, the church. “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:4-5). Do you know Jesus today? Are you in a personal and active relationship with God? Do you pray? Worship? Do you offer spiritual sacrifices to God? The Creator of the Heavens and the Earth is referred to as a Living Stone and we are his spiritual house. In essence, we too are Living Stones and are being built, constructed, and made into a spiritual house. What does this house look like? Like you and me. It is a relational networking of God’s people, local and global. A priesthood. Worshippers.  

The Living God dwells where His Living Stones worship. The life-flow of the church is found firstly upon our worship of God. It is this intimate and personal interaction with God that becomes the source of life within any congregation. It is the means to an end; all other spiritual activities flow from this foundation; Bible reading, prayer, evangelism etc. God is looking for a place to dwell. In the house of God, we are to grow up in our salvation (1 Peter 2:2), because we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good (1 Peter 2:3; Psalm 34:8).  

Peter tells us that worship to God must be acceptable. What does an acceptable sacrifice look like? The idea here is that we, as Living Stones, find out what delights, pleases or satisfies God. The offering of spiritual sacrifices would remind the people of a long Jewish history of a worship and coming to God; sacrifices were to be without blemish and the firstborn. It was God’s desire to make Israel “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Ex 19:6). However, the effects of sin led to a troubled history of sacrifice. Golden calf (Ex 32). As a result of the golden calf only the Levites served as priests. However, even the set apart priests offered strange fire or sacrifices (Lev 10). 

The offering of spiritual sacrifices in the New Testament does not involve the blood of animals. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). We have been told in earlier sermons that worship is not just singing songs, it is about how we live life as Living Stones.  

• Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind (1 Peter 2:1). Hostility, hateful feelings, deception, trickery, two-faced, play acting, jealousy, taking behind someone’s back… 

• Now to you who believe, this stone is precious (1 Peter 2:7). Faith is attractive to God. Trust is pleasing and makes God glad. 

• But to those who do not believe (1Peter 2:7). Unbelief will lead to rejection and disobedience.  

Victory over Darkness 

I love the opening verses of John’s Gospel. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it” (John 1:1-5). Such encouraging and insightful words. John later tells us “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). In other words, God is looking to dwell in a spiritual house that will bring glory and honour to Him. Jesus came to establish God’s Kingdom on earth by overcoming sin and death through his life, death and resurrection. Just as the Father sought to establish the nation of Israel, Jesus, the Living Stone, came to create a new group of people. We are told in 1 Peter 2:9 – “You are” 

• A chosen people. A chosen generation. A chosen race. We are no longer naturally born but by faith born into the eternal Kingdom of God. 

• A royal priesthood. A kingdom of priests. This was God’s original plan for the nation of Israel. Now it is being spoken over those who put their faith and trust in Jesus.  

• A holy nation. A pure ethnicity. A divine tribe. The people of God are to like no other nation on earth. The church or ekklesia are a spiritual people connecting heaven to earth.  

• A people belonging to God. A possessed people. A preserved people. God has his eye on you and me as faith-full followers of Jesus.  

The end result of God’s purpose in choosing believers for Himself is simple – worship. We must remember that worship is not a one-way street. It is an intimate encounter between the Living Stone and us, Living Stones. It is the Groom and the Bride. It is a celebration of victory over darkness – “that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). “Praises” could also be translated “eminent qualities,” “excellencies,” or “virtues”. In other words, we are to praise and declare and broadcast to the world the glorious wonders of God to a dying world. We must not stop at praising, but also live so that our heavenly Father is glorified through Christ’s grace, and our faithful obedience. We are to serve as witnesses of the glory and grace of God, who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light.  

In Conclusion 

My confession is this, God made something out of nothing in my life. I was lost in darkness and had no hope or way out. I was struggling with rejection and God brought love and acceptance to bear upon my life. Through Jesus my life went from being a small black and white TV, with rabbit ears, poor sound and picture quality, to a large 4K Ultra High-Definition TV, fabulous surround sound and picture-perfect quality. God took me out of darkness and brought me into the light.  I received his mercy. The result of this transformation is my desire to worship God and tell others what he has done for me. He has forgiven all my sins. He has healed me physically, mentally and emotionally. He has delivered me from demons. Therefore, I worship. I praise. Mercy has touched my soul (1 Peter 2:11). 

Remember Bob Dylan – “You Gotta Serve Somebody.” I choose to serve my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I choose to worship my heavenly Father 

Come to Jesus – for the first time. 

Come to Jesus – intimate communion and fellowship with God. 

Come to Jesus – and worship and praise our God who is good. 

Let’s pray. 

Worship to Wonder

Introduction

There is a remarkable story in John 11 about the resurrection of Lazarus. This climactic miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead was Jesus’ public evidence of His great claim, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” In God’s original design God made us to live forever. Death was something foreign to creation. As a result of sin death is now the great horror which humanity has to face. Why all the commotion with Covid? People don’t want to die. Physical death is the divine object lesson of what sin does in the spiritual realm. Physical death ends life and separates families and loved ones as in the case of Lazarus and his family. The same is true with spiritual death, which is the separation of people from God and the loss of abundant and eternal life which is in God. Jesus has come so that people may live full lives.

We often focus on Lazarus and the miracle of life from death but, the other day I was reminded of how the story begins. I am going to read this passage and share some thoughts with you. The key thought in this story is the foundation of worship and how it leads to a powerful and wonderful encounter with Jesus and his friends.

John 11:1-44

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

·         Luke 10:38-42 - As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

·         Devotion verses distraction.

·         Listening verses telling.

·         Worship verses worry.

4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.

·         This brief interaction would have raised questions in the heart of the disciples. Jesus is the greatest healer of all time. If Jesus loved Lazarus so much, why not just heal him? Why did the delay? Could He not have healed Lazarus at a distance, as He did the nobleman’s son? (John 4:43–54).

·         Jesus could have prevented Lazarus’ sickness or even healed it from where He was; but He chose not to. He saw in this sickness an opportunity to glorify the Father and communicate a powerful message regarding His deity.

7 Then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?”

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. 10 It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.”

·         It is important to note that the safest place to be is in the Will of God.

·         Jesus was committed to walking in the light and gave this as another example to His disciples of obeying the leading of the Spirit of God.

11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”

12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

16 Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Jesus comforts the sisters’

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

                Sometimes we give Martha a bad rap, but now we see Martha engaging Jesus in a very troubling situation:

·         Knowledge.

·         Faith.

·         Breakthrough praying.

·         The ability to grow and receive in the midst of crisis.

·         The ability to stay unoffended.

27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”

28 And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

·         Same statement as with Martha…

·         Weeping. Jesus wept.

·         Mourning.

·         Love and compassion.

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

35 Jesus wept.

36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

·         Those from the crowd of mourners ask the same question…

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.”

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

·         Groaning Jesus…

·         Jesus came into this situation prayed up. Jesus was a prayer-full man. Jesus did not come into situations empty but full of a lifestyle of prayer.

·         COME OUT! We can not be surprised or offended by the emotions of Jesus (or others). Augustine once remarked that if Jesus had not said Lazarus’ name, all would have come out from the graves.

·         Lazarus was now alive but just transitioned from death to life. Death experiences: some people would rather stay in heaven.

·         Lazarus was still wrapped in strips of linen. He would have been falling and stumbling all over. Dark tomb to light of day. God’s resurrection power was a work, miraculously creating flesh, blood, and breath.

·         Take off the grave clothes… This would enable Lazarus to move on his own and at the same time gave evidence that he was alive and not a ghost. Spiritually speaking, we all need help when we come out of darkness into the light. We need brothers and sisters in the faith to help us take off the old, tattered rags of our past life.

In conclusion

                There is more to the story. The resurrection of Lazarus ultimately led to the crucifixion of Jesus. How ironic? And yet this was the plan of God. As with the previous miracles, the people were divided in their response. News about Lazarus’ resurrection spreads and many people put their faith in Jesus. In contrast, the religious leaders were informed of what had happened in Bethany. The Jewish council (Sanhedrin) met to discuss what to do with Jesus. They were not seeking after truth; they were seeking for ways to protect their own selfish interests. If Jesus gathered too many followers, they would lose religious sway over the people and their livelihood. The religious leaders meet and decide that Jesus must die. They thought that they were in control of the situation, but in reality, God was working out His predetermined plan.

Remember the title of the message, Worship to Wonder, and how Mary interacted with Jesus. Here is what happens in preparation for Jesus’ death. John 12:1-3 - Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

What a glorious way to sum up this families encounter with Jesus. Martha is faithful to serve. Lazarus is living. Mary is worshipping. Worship to Wonder to Worship. This is our glory-to-glory journey of faith.

Let us Pray

It is Good to Give Thanks

Introduction

Today is Thanksgiving Day here in Canada, and we have so much to be thankful about. In a few moments we are going to take some time and share together our thanksgiving to God. But first I am reminded of a song that declares, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord. Singing praises to our God on high. Sing Your mercies throughout the day. And Thy faithfulness by night. And Thy faithfulness by night.” This is taken from Psalm 92 and was sung when the OT saints gathered on the Sabbath. It is a Psalm known for thanksgiving and opens with a declaration of worship directed towards God. As with many passages of Scripture in the Psalms there is a distinction made between the wicked and the righteous. The Psalmist ends describing the victory of the righteous as they follow in the ways of God.

                A key point to mention is this, there are twelve times when God is directly addressed in this psalm and seven of those times the very sacred name of God - YHWY (translated LORD, in all capital letters) - is used. This is Old Testament Praise Song focuses on Yahweh in the same way a New Testament Praise Song focuses on Jesus.

It is good...

This is the only Psalm in the Bible that has in its title: A Psalm. A Song. For the Sabbath. This means that possibly on every Sabbath it was read/sung and if not on every Sabbath it was a regular hit song. The Sabbath was a holy day appointed and set apart for us to cease from all the regular business of life and give special attention to God. It was a day for God’s family to rest and worship together. So this Psalm has some positive perspectives for us to consider and practice in relation to God.

I love the way this Psalm opens with “It is good...” We are in the midst of a series on worship. One of my experiences with worship and God and the saints is goodness. There is something so right, so good, so pleasant, so desirable – I could go on and on – when God’s people gather to focus on the Lord. There are a lot of things in life that are good, but there is no one as good as God. There are times when our worship is very satisfying with things going well. Our hearts are full, and our faith is flying high. This is the “it is good” experience of worship, our mountain top praises with God and his saints. What is our response to God who good? We are told in Psalm 92:1-3 – It is good:

·         to praise the Lord (give thanks to the Lord)

·         and make music to your name, O Most High

·         to proclaim your love in the morning

·         and your faithfulness at night

·         to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.

You make me glad

                One of the by-products of worship is gladness and joy. As believers we are never to worship for what we can get from God. There are some erroneous thoughts out there in churchianity that you can give-to-get from God. This is not valid. However, we must remember that God is good and loves to give. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). In the case of Psalm 92:4-5, we are given several reasons why gladness and joy can overtake the life of a believer. “For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. 5 How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts!” Gladness, happiness, joyfulness are such positive emotions of worshipping God. Singing joyfully is defined as loud, shouting, shrills of joy. Gladness and joy are neither calm nor tame. The are emotional and exuberant expressions of worship directed towards God. What praise reports do you have this week? Has God made you smile this week? It is time to give thanks and praise to God for the good and amazing things he is doing in our lives with gladness and joy spilling over.

Worship Warriors

The Sabbath is a day of rest and thankfulness directed towards God in worship. The Sabbath and thankfulness are significant points of connection with God. But the Sabbath is also a day of reflection that brings with it hindsight from the previous week. To some degree each one of us has gone through weekly tests and trials and the psalmist understands this. In Psalm 92, we are reminded that even though there are enemies and adversaries of God and his people, in the end God and his saints are victorious. At times it is our circumstances that rob us of peace with God. We wrestle with different challenges each and every week. Maybe a trial of illness. You may have been betrayed or rejected. Maybe a financial set back that has you worried. You may have a broken relationship you are dealing with. Or maybe the loss of a loved one. This Canadian Thanksgiving Day also carries with it the struggle of Covid. I think we are all sick and tired of people being sick and tired.

When we are undergoing various tests and trials, “giving thanks to the Lord” requires extra courage, extra faith. The challenges are real, but on this Sabbath, or any other for that matter, we must believe that God is good and is making something beautiful and good and eternal out of our pain or suffering. This is what I mean by a worship warrior. Someone who draws near to God despite one’s difficult circumstances. Someone who gives thanks to God in the midst of the pain. Someone who praises the name of the Lord when their heart is broken. It takes great love and faith to thank God at times like that.

The Righteous will Flourish

                I love the Sabbath and take my time with the Lord very serious. I often reflect on the Sabbath about what the next day or week will bring. Sometimes I sigh because I needed more time with God to fill my tank, so to speak. Other times I sigh because of the busyness, the work or the challenges awaiting me. The last message the psalmist communicates from the heart of God is this – the righteous will flourish. What a powerful thought to go to bed with at the end of a thankful Sabbath. Tomorrow and the coming week, I am, we are, going to flourish. The word in Hebrew carries with it several meanings.  Flourish means to blossom, to sprout, to shoot up, not just in the springtime but at all times. Flourish carries with it the idea of becoming apparent, becoming understandable and visible, leading to breakthrough. Because of Jesus Christ, we are the righteous ones, saints of the Most High. We are graceful and righteous followers of Jesus who are to live abundant lives, flourishing for God. Can you imagine reading this at the end of every Sabbath. Powerful. “12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13 planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”                            What a glorious way to go to bed. Declaring I am going to have an abundant, flourishing week full of breakthroughs. So thankful to God for being upright, my Rock with no badness, malice, injustice or wickedness in him at all.

In Conclusion

With all of this in mind, Psalm 92, the Sabbath Psalm, the Thanksgiving Day (weekly) Psalm, assures us that, that in all things, God will prove to be good all the time and in all ways. I am reminded of the song by Bob Fitts, God is Able…

God is able to make all grace abound to you.
God is able to make all grace abound to you.

So that in all things,
At all times,
So that in all things,
Having all that you need.

You will abound, in every good thing,
Abound, having all that you need,
Abound, in every good deed,
You'll abound.

Therefore, Psalm 92 tells us it is always good and appropriate - no matter what - to give thanks to the Lord…

In Application

                What are you thankful for?

Calling All Worshippers

Introduction

                In the weeks ahead we will be looking into the topic of worship. I felt it appropriate to look more closely into worship, as Pastor Becky shared a few Sundays ago about the Lion of Judah coming into and out of the Courts of Praise. The importance of worship is something to consider in the weeks ahead. I would also say that the Presence of God is central to fully understanding and experiencing true worship. We are living in days that are full of uncertainty; struggles with world governments, to challenges with economics and the environment and then throw in a pandemic for good measure. For sure things that can be shaken are being shaken, including our own lives. This reminds me of a verse found in Hebrews 12, where God is warning the people not to refuse him who is speaking. God is constantly speaking to the church today about having ears to hear what the Spirit is saying, not the news or social media… In the past, God spoke through the Law of Moses given on Mount Sinai, where there was smoke and fire. Now he is speaking through his one and only Son, Jesus Christ who came from heaven to earth. The writer states that “once more” God will shake not only the earth but the heavens as well, quoting from Haggai 2:6. In other words, the created things that can be shaken will be shaken and what will remain is the Kingdom of God – “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29).

What worship isn’t

                One of my first memories of worship was back in YWAM in 1981, sitting in a room of missionaries and misfits, I was entering into faith and in the misfit category. I was invited to join in a family gathering at a Dilaram House, a ministry of YWAM. As I sat in the corner, we introduced ourselves, and then began to sing a few songs. It was at that moment that a Presence entered the room that I had never experienced before. I was not sure what to say, or how to act. I felt wonderful and terrified at the same time. I realized how messed up my life was and that I was sitting among saints who were much holier than me. I really didn’t understand what was happening, but I definitely wanted come back and experience this again; it was better than the drugs or alcohol that previously got me high. I share this encounter because it was my first experience with God in worship; I was a total worship virgin.

However, over the years of growing in faith and maturing in my journey with Jesus, my worship experience has changed from that first encounter. I have had times of wonder in worship, but I have also experienced some things that are not worship. I am reminded of the Matt Redman song where one-line states, “I’m coming back to the heart of worship…” What a powerful declaration of truth that is needed in our day and age. Why? Because there is so much that is not true worship being promoted in our churches today. Worship isn’t about the music. It is not about the latest and greatest contemporary new song or sound. Worship is not being theologically sound, nor is it about an emotional experience. It is not being culturally relevant. It is not about a church meeting.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the expressions and or the varying approaches to worship. We have all experienced this in the course of our Christian journey. However, I would say that this song lyric is very true.

“When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart
I'll bring you more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what you have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart…”

What Worship Is

                I cannot give a full definition to worship in one short sermon as there are so many aspects and characteristics found in the Scriptures. But I will try to lay out what I see as the central idea. We have determined that worship is not a form or creation of man. In essence, worship was given life at the same moment Adam received the breath of God. Worship entered into the very being of Adam. He opened his eyes, he worshipped. God looked down, he loved. Worship is about this holy, virgin experience. God and man experiencing each other. Restful. Possibilities. Safe. Intimate. Lion and Lamb. Joyful. Fearful. I could go on and on. And even though sin has tainted worship, through the person of Jesus Christ we can begin to experience a restoration of true worship.

Worship is:

·         I would say worship is about “presence.” God being present with us, and our hearts and lives be present with him. Have you ever had a face to face conversation with someone who was not there? How disappointing? You feel less, like something was missing, maybe even rejected. We need to be present when we worship. Not distracted but intentional and surrendered.

·         I would say worship is about “journey.” Worship is about an ongoing awareness of the Presence of God, in each and every circumstance of life and faith. In other words, whether secular or spiritual, there is a connection with the Creator who gave us that breath of life just like Adam. We are becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.

·         I would say worship is about “transformation.” Worship is internal before it is ever external. There is an inner awareness and experience of the Holy Spirit. Touching. Convicting. Changing. Revealing. We can embrace the worship of God more fully when we allow this internal renewing of spirit and soul.

The Last Battle

                I am reminded of our key verse for today’s message - “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). At the end of time, there will be a shaking that will be experienced. For believers today, you and me, we can learn several things from this Scripture that brings to light the importance of worship.

                Firstly, “we are receiving,” refers to taking hold of, taking into fellowship, or inheriting in the Greek language. The kingdom of God is not something we passively observe on the sideline. We must engage. That is why the writer at the beginning of Hebrews 12 tells the readers to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2). In the midst of the shaking, let’s free ourselves of anything that hinders true worship, the Presence, the Journey, the Transformation.

                Secondly, the kingdom and reign of God is unshakeable. Unmoveable. Eternal. Unsurmountable. The beauty of the kingdom of God for me is the King. Jesus is seen in the Scriptures as the Lion and the Lamb. What powerful illustrations calling for worship.

                Thirdly, one aspect of true worship is thanksgiving. We are told of God’s overflowing grace touching our lives. Because of grace we are in a happy state of spirit and soul. We are experiencing the flavour of favour.  Thanksgiving is an appropriate response to grace. Thankfulness is deeply worshipful and yet so practical in application.

                Then we are called to worship or serve God, once again in Presence, Journey and Transformation. The language here is that of service. How can we serve, not in rituals, but in reverence and awe? What pleases the heart of God? What is attractive to the Spirit of God? What matters most to Jesus? These questions exhort us to be genuine and growing in our relationship with God. Anything less is not honest worship.

                I called this section the “Last Battle.” Why? Because I believe that when earth and heaven are being shaken, the appropriate response is worship. Some will worship and hold onto the things of this world. Others will worship and willing surrender their lives to God. In the midst of shaking, look up. God is on the move. God is drawing near. God is our consuming fire who we worship in fear and wonder.

In Conclusion

                Calling all worshippers is being spoken out by the Spirit of God as I speak. God is looking for worshippers. Lovers. Those who will follow after him on this journey of faith. I hope and pray for each and everyone of us that the transforming work of the Spirit goes deep in our hearts and lives. I have heard it said, we need to do church different. Or God is doing a new thing with the ekklesia. While there is some truth to these sayings, I believe the overwhelming cry of God is for genuine spirit and truth worship. We need that sense of wide-eyed wonder that captured the heart of Adam and his Creator.

In Application

                Last Sunday Pastor Becky highlighted the importance of worship and relationship with God starting on the home front. The same is true of this message today. Is it difficult to gather corporately when our worship of God at home is lacking. So, I want to leave us with one thought about applying today’s message with family and friends at home.

·         Make intentional time to give thanks. Do this daily. Once a week at a family gathering or meal together. Ask the question, what are you thankful for? Why are you thankful will lead into even deeper conversation. Parents, take the lead. Model this for your children. Take time, don’t rush. Enjoy the Presence of God when he enters your home of thanksgiving. Pray and praise together.

Can you imagine followers of Jesus filling their homes and neighbourhoods with thanksgiving and worship and then coming together on Sundays as a continuation of their worship. What a blessing to experience the Presence of God in our home-life. Let’s press on in this journey of faith with Jesus allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our life. In the months ahead, let’s jump in with both feet to the school of worship, so to speak, welcoming in the Presence of God.  Let’s Pray…

“THE FEAR OF THE LORD”

“THE FEAR OF THE LORD” IN PROVERBS

Introduction:

What is the Fear of God?  This has been answered in a variety of ways in the introduction; dread or terror in some cases, reverence or respect, worship, serving, faithfulness and obedience.  The Fear of the Lord is a controlling motive of life in matters spiritual and moral, not only a fear (dread) of his power and righteous retribution, but also a wholesome displeasure of displeasing Him. A fear, which does not shrink from his presence, but accepts God’s amazing grace and love towards our lives and responds with reverence and respect.  The Fear of the Lord trusts in the guidance of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

We know that Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1-14) as seen in sis Baptism.  What motivated Jesus to do the will of the Father?    He delighted in the Fear of God (Isaiah 11:1-3a).

Holiness is the basis of our respect and worship of God. There is none like Him; He is HOLY and SET APART FROM CREATION.  He is the CREATOR.  He is unlike any other god in that he is both “Infinite and Personal”.  We can only enter into the depth of worship of God, as we understand His awesome holiness.  Until you understand God's holiness, you will never really fathom the fear of the Lord.

The Fear Of The Lord” In Proverbs

The “fear of the Lord” is one of the most basic truths found in the book of Proverbs. As one can see from Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.  Unless one has “fear of the Lord” he will not have any wisdom, knowledge or understanding.  There is a very real contrast between the wise and the foolish found in this Book; wise people fear God and foolish people don’t.  Proverbs 1:29 - For they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. 

“Fear of the Lord” can be found fifteen times in the book of Proverbs. We will study the fifteen “fear of the Lord” passages used in the book of Proverbs.  One way these verses can be organized into a structure for understanding is as follows:

Definition Of “Fear Of The Lord”

·         Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

·         Proverbs 9:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

·         Proverbs 15:33 - The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

·         Proverbs 8:13 - To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech.

How To Acquire “Fear Of The Lord”

·         Proverbs 2:1-5 - then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

·         Proverbs 3:7 – Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil

Benefits Of The “Fear Of The Lord”

·         Proverbs 10:27 – The fear of the Lord adds length to life…

·         Proverbs 14:26-27 - He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.  27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

·         Proverbs 15:16 - Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.

·         Proverbs 16:6 - Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.

·         Proverbs 19:23 - The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

·         Proverbs 22:4 - Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.

Different levels of the fear of God relating to sin:

We live in a world where there are different standards by which people live, whether religious standards, political views, and economic values etc.  These principles vary so deeply that from country to country we see very significant differences.  In the context of the fear of the Lord there are also different intensities that people engage in.  Psalm 36:1 is very clear - An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.

(Joy Dawson)

1.         People who sin because they lack the Holy Spirit’s conviction.

They fear getting caught.

They fear punishment or the consequences of sinning are too great.

If I don’t get caught then I can secretly sin.

2.         People who live by the Golden Rule. 

I am a good person and avoid bad behavior.

They fear people and what they will think.

The fear of man is greater than the fear of God.  They are religious in their behaviour.

They seldom repent because they do not live close to God’s presence.

3.         Sincere Christians who find in some areas of life and character they frequently fall into particular sins.  

They fear God, but secretly they love some hidden sin.

They are slow to repent and stay stuck in their sin.

4.         Mature Christians who fear God and hate sin and therefore seldom practice sin.

They have a mature fear of God in their lives.

They are quick to repent and move towards God.

Let's make a choice to live like Christ:

Our church - Courts Of Praise – has a mission statement entitled, Apprehending God’s Heart and Fulfilling His Dreams. Let’s make the fear of the Lord a cornerstone, a foundation here at Courts.  There is great reward to those who hunger and thirst after God, who reverence and respect his holiness, who love God and people with a passion… 

Let’s pray

Basic Questions for Inductive Bible Study

BASIC QUESTIONS FOR INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY (rochester.edu)

School of the Bible

Introduction

                Over the last few weeks I have been thinking about how we learn as people and putting this into the context of the Scriptures. I have thought about how did Adam and Eve and their descendants grew in knowledge and wisdom and understanding. Who taught them the how to’s of life…? What kind of practices were in place to learn? We know very little about any kind of educational process during the Genesis period. And yet somehow over time they grew in their intellectual abilities. Here are a few thoughts as to how they learned before any academic systems were in place. These points would repeat over and over.

·         Experience. This would involve trial and error. Here is a classic modern example of trial and error. As an inventor, Thomas Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” In the days of Genesis, people lived longer and had years of experience to learn by.

·         Observation and reflection. As a result of experience one would keep an open mind and observe and reflect. What do you see? Examination…

·         What concepts and ideas did the First Peoples, Adam and Eve, formulate.

·         Show and tell was so important in the process of learning.

Origins of Bible Teaching

Most of the teaching and learning in early Biblical times consisted of informal oral training passed by the parents to the children, i.e. how to survive in life. This eventually developed into more guidance focused on a moral and religious upbringing. As written languages were developed (2690 BC), the first being Ancient Egyptian, societies formed a more formal education that included mostly limited to the elites, rulers and leaders, their family members and those under their care. Moses is mentioned in this context in Acts 7:22 - Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

As the Israelites formed as a nation and the Law was given to Moses, semiformal learning was placed into the hands of the parents, practically and spiritually. There were practical observations the Israelites were to obey in regard to cleanliness, food, foreigners, and work to name a few. The parents would listen to the instructions of the Law and pass them onto their children. Spiritually speaking, the “Shema”, a Jewish prayer, can be found in Deut 6:4-5 – Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. This prayer is similar to the Lord’s Prayer found in the New Testament. Hear, listen is the message of the Shema for Jewish people. This prayer was to be spoken in the morning and evening by the parents to their children. They were to keep the commandments close to their hearts and “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates” (Deut 6:7-9).

The first probable mention of a formal school, outside of home life, is the school of the prophets found in 1 Sam 10:10. The idea of a procession, or group or band of prophets is listed here. The group is bound together having learned about the Lord and prophecy. Then beginning with Ezra, a new group of scribes arose. This was more formalized in the teaching of the Law in Synagogues on a weekly basis and at the special feasts established by God. Later on we discover that Daniel and his friends showed aptitude for every kind of learning, were well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace (Dan 1:4). They were trained by the best in Babylon. In Jesus’ day there were the Scribes, Teachers of the Law, the Pharisees and Sadducees who directed the affairs of learning towards the Jewish people. Jesus himself was called a Rabbi, a term for a religious leader and teacher. Another noteworthy point is the creation of Libraries during the Roman Empire, the most famous being the Library of Alexandria, which was said to have around 500,000 books. These libraries formed centers for learning and study, where students began to learn the importance of grammar.

The Study of God’s Word

                There are many references in the Scriptures to the study of God’s Word. I have mentioned before the analogy of the hand in regards to Bible Study.  Hear, Read, Study, Memorize, and Meditate! It is so important to remember that Jesus is the Living Word of God, and he can be found in the pages of the Written Word. There is not enough time here today to explain why the Bible is trustworthy. Suffice it to say that based on man’s careful research the Scriptures have the best reliability of any book in history. Add to this the component of faith and people’s experience of God through the Word of God, the Scriptures again stand alone life-giving and trustworthy.

One of my favourite Old Testament passages is Joshua 1:8 - Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Another passage is Psalm 119 where we find numerous verses supporting the pursuit of God’s Word. In the New Testament there is the passage of the Berean believers searching out the Scriptures to make sure Paul’s preaching was legit (Acts 17:10).

Bible study takes time and energy, and we must learn how to be intentional in our approach to the Bible. Methods of Bible are important to understand and this morning I want to present two approaches. Method comes the two Greek words joining together: meta which means with and odos which means road or way. In other words, we are on the way or the road of learning how to study.

Deductive Study:

·         approaches the Bible with a stated idea and then moves to affirm the idea through the Scriptures. A deductive student starts with a proposition (“truth”) and then examines all evidence to see if it really proves true. This is like studying the Bible from the top down.

·         This form of Bible study is ok but can lead to tunnel vision. It is great to study grace or love or holiness. And many of us do this on a regular basis. We read books on this or that topic. We listen to teachings. The challenge of too much deductive reasoning or study is that it can lead to an unhealthy bias on said topics.

·         This is what happened to the Pharisees and Sadducees and the Teachers of the Law. However, this also happens in our day and age where good meaning Christian people go off on tangents, supporting this or that doctrine. This often creates debate that leads to division.  

Inductive Study:

·         Inductive study is a more bottom-up approach where one begins by asking and examining the Scriptures and then move up to formulate more general propositions and conclusions. This involves beginning with a blank canvas, an unmarked Bible, and then asking the right questions.

·         While usually more rewarding, inductive study often involves much more effort than deductive because the inductive student must constantly compare, evaluate, and associate things together and think in order to formulate conclusions. In deductive study one’s has already preconceived conclusions. When you study Scripture inductively, you have to think! The intensive cognitive component to inductive study discourages many would-be students from mastering this method. But be encouraged! After you practice a while, you’ll find it much easier.

·         Here is a caution in the arena of inductive study. It is important to note that scientific discovery is based on this method of research - the examination of how the parts relate to the whole. This form of study begins with the puzzle pieces and attempts to put the puzzle together. However, in the science world we now see many sliding over into deductive reasoning and becoming more rigid.

The solution to reigning in our own Pharisaical traditions is in the inductive study of Scripture. Instead of coming to the Bible to prove a truth we think we know, we come to Scripture to examine it carefully and see what it teaches us to do. Do you see the difference?

Inductive Study Method

Inductive study asks lots of questions. I love how Jesus interacted with the crowds and his disciples, as least I think I do. He made them think! He asked questions. He spoke in parables. He interrogated and quizzed and cross examined his followers. We must learn to ask many questions of God’s word in order to draw out the meaning. We must learn to ask and observe over and over again.

1.       Observation: What does the text say?

·         Ask the questions…

·         Literature? Historical context? Who? What? When? Where? WHY!!! Structure. And the questions can go on and on.

·         What does the text say?

2.       Interpretation (exegesis): What did the text mean when it was written?

·         Interpretation builds upon great observation.

·         Author and original hearers. Historical background is needed.

·         Why is this communicated to the original hearers?

3.       Application (hermeneutics): How does this passage or book apply to us today?

·         How do I apply what I have learned to my present day?

·         Is there something I need to learn? Is there something I need to change?

·         Prayerfully apply this today.

In Conclusion

                I was pondering the idea of schooling during my prep for today’s message. I was thinking what kind of schools I would like to attend spiritually speaking. I would attend the School of the Holy Spirit and the School of the Bible. Then I thought about the School of Worship, and the School of Evangelism. I could go on to prayer or prophecy and others. This morning I am thinking about the School of the Bible.

As followers of Jesus it is important to take hold of the Scriptures in a healthy and fruitful way in our lives. Disciples are learners. Learners are students. And students study, ask questions, interact with the teacher and the text. Let’s commit ourselves again to God and his Word. It is life to you and me.

Let’s pray

Understanding the Times

Introduction

                There is a passage of Scripture in the Old Testament that I have been reminded of late. The Scripture often pops up and is used as a prophetic exhortation to us today. This group of men within the nation of Israel was said to have understood the signs of the times and knew what to do. By now I am sure some of you know that these are the men of Issachar.

                We learn from the Scriptures that Issachar was the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. The name Issachar comes from a combination of Hebrew words, “man and wages.” It can be translated several ways, “he will bring a reward, man of wages, man of hire.”  Needless to say, there was something profitable associated with him. He and his four sons went with Jacob into Egypt.  Just before Jacob passed away he blessed his sons.  Issachar’s blessing begins with him being called a strong ass, trust me, this was a compliment.  Issachar died and was buried in Egypt and after the Israelites’ exodus from Pharoah’s tyranny, his descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel and numbered more than 60,000 fighting men.  By the time of King David the Tribe of Issachar was numbering around 90,000 men.  Here is the key Scripture I mentioned earlier – “men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command” (1 Chronicles 12:32). The men of Issachar had understanding, discernment, perception and knew what Israel was to do. The context was such, men from each tribe came to support David’s kingship while he was being pursued by King Saul (1 Chron 12:1–40). The main emphasis is the Israelites’ determination and desire to help David and establish David on the throne.

Knowledge and Wisdom

                I want to take a moment and think about “understanding the times and knowing what to do” in our present day. I am sure we all understand the importance of acquiring knowledge and rightly applying wisdom to our lives and circumstances. Maybe some of you have heard that a tomato is a fruit.  That is knowledge. Wisdom is rightly applying that knowledge by not putting a tomato in a fruit salad…

Knowledge is the collection of information and facts about something or someone through learning and experience.

·         Knowledge involves organized data.

·         It is selective by nature, in other words, you only acquire knowledge of what you study.

·         It gives you greater understanding.

·         Knowledge increases your intellectual abilities through learning.     

Wisdom on the other hand is the ability to judge and make right choices and decisions in life. 

·         Wisdom considers the knowledge learned.

·         It can be applied to all aspects of life, not just what you learned specifically.

·         Wisdom gives us the ability judge, discern and how to make wise choices, based on the knowledge we have acquired.

·         Wisdom is cultivated and developed when put into action. Wisdom can learn from its mistakes.

The men of Issachar knew the signs of the times and how to apply that knowledge so that the Nation of Israel could succeed. Do you think this has any relevance for us today? Does that grab your attention? This is what I think. They understood the situation between King Saul and David. They discerned what God was doing. They saw people gathering under David’s flag. Maybe they even perceived that King Saul was operating under the influence of an evil spirit.  The 200 saw the signs and as a result were able to help Israel move forward in God’s plan. 

                I think of several passages of Scripture when thinking about knowledge and wisdom.

·         Col 2:2-3 - My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

·         Prov 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

·         Prov 9:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

·         Daniel 12:4 - But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.

Daniel is letting us know that in the time of the end, knowledge will increase. Knowledge in and of itself is not good or bad. It is the application of the knowledge that is essential; rightly applying knowledge and truth is key. Just think about what man has accomplished in the last 150 years. We have learned how to harness the power of mighty rivers by building dams to produce electricity, let alone nuclear power or now solar energy. We have built soaring bridges across great chasms, and tunnels under the ocean. We have drilled and mined earth’s resources to heat our homes and fuel our factories. We have created computers capable of putting satellites in orbit and even placed men on the moon. Now we are even looking to go to Mars. All this is because of our pursuit of knowledge and exploration.

The idea of increasing knowledge is not new and goes way back to the Tower of Babel. God saw collective humanity planning to build a tower reaching to the heavens. How scientifically developed the people were at this time is unclear. The Great Pyramids found in Egypt is evidence of a high degree of mechanical knowledge. It is important to note that God stated, “nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them” (Gen 11:6b). This implies the builders of Babel were at least on the verge of great technological leaps.

The advancement of mankind’s technological accomplishments is too numerous to number. Knowledge and Science and Technology, although increasing at an impressive rate, do not answer mankind’s problems. Each new gadget or iPhone excites us for a while but does not give a sense of meaning to our lives. Technology cannot rid us of lustful desires or greedy competition. It seems like Paul’s sums it up in 1 Cor 8:1 – “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” He goes onto address this again in 1 Cor 13:2; I can possess and fathom and understand all knowledge but end up with nothing if I do not have love.

A New Command

                It is important to understand the signs of the times and have an appropriate response in our day and age. Jesus interacts his disciples as he approaches Jerusalem and his death on the cross.  He speaks of being with them for a little while longer. Peter wonders where he is going.  Jesus responds in the midst of this encounter with these words, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). I would suggest that Jesus understood the signs of the times and knew what was needed to make his bride succeed. Jesus’ life brought new dimensions of love that world had never seen. Humble. Selfless. Pure. Compassionate. Patient. Sinless. Forgiving. Faithful. Commitment. Obedient to the point of death. He knew that love conquers all and asks his disciples to do the same. The expression of Christ’s love through his disciples is Jesus’ strategy to see the world evangelized.

                We are told that the love of many will grow cold because of the increase of lawlessness in the last days (Matt 24:12). Lawlessness is the disregard for the knowledge of God and one of its side-effects is cold-heartedness. This affects both believer and unbeliever. We must learn to understand the times in which we live and respond in Christ-like love and not react in the ways of the world. Worldly love can be shallow, love that breeds a sense of entitlement, or love that pressures you to conform or perform. God is love and that is main message of the Gospel.

Signs of the Times

We need to know the signs of the times. We live in a day and age of social media, headlines and tweets – but this is not understanding the times. It is knowing what is shaping and molding society. It is discerning what is going on behind the major events in the world. What current events, ideologies, or trends are forming around us? Understanding the times is discovered on our knees in prayer, not scrolling through Facebook, Fox News or CNN. It is important to know current events, but it is God who gives us the discernment of those events. Understanding the times is exciting at this moment in history. It places great significance on the church as we move towards the return of Jesus Christ.

However, I want to remind us that the men of Issachar also knew what to do in those times. As important as knowledge is, the men of Issachar did not stop there. They had a sense of what to think, how to control their emotions and how to act in righteous wisdom. They knew the role their lives had to play in light of the moment in which they lived. They were looking as to how they could help the nation of Israel move forward with David as King.

The same is true for us today. There are people who are discerning the times but then not acting in Christ-like love. Knowledge must be applied rightly as wisdom and love in action. The church must not become angry, take sides on this or that issue. Our message is that of love and coming to Jesus. An invitation into a new kingdom experience. We are looking for ways to advance the church and speed the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Peter 3:10-12).

In Conclusion

I hope that we are more aware of what understanding the times means for us today. There is a lot of prayer time that is needed to accurately discern the signs of the times, and much less browsing the internet. We all know the importance of concerted and united prayer. The beauty of prayer and ministering to God and ushering in his Spirit is so essential is these days. This helps us to expose a spirit of fear and welcome the Spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Another of my chief exhortations to the Body of Christ is this – get into the Scriptures. We must be people of the Word, not people of the podcast. There is so much misinformation and misinterpretation out there. It is dangerous to approach the Scriptures with predetermined thoughts. We must not let the signs of the times define what Scripture must say. These two points, Prayer and Bible Study, are essential for godly understanding.

The men of Issachar knew how to wisely apply what they understood. How can we live honouring Jesus? How do I live a life of meaning and significance? It is simple in my book. Love God and Love People. Live lives that are holy and godly and honour God. I am reminded that wisdom is connected to the respect and reverence for God. Love and wisdom are directly related to how we treat people. I love God’s people and growing and maturing together into Christ. But I also love rubbing shoulders with those who do not know Jesus. I enjoy interacting, talking, laughing and doing life together. All the while, praying and looking for opportunities to share my faith.

Let’s pray…