"No Room For Jesus?"
Christmas season is here. Christmas songs tell us it is "the most wonderful time of the year." For Christians everywhere, the reason this is the most wonderful time of the year is that Christmas is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. The Father sent His only Son to earth in the form of a human body knowing fully that His Son would have to suffer ridicule, torture, and death of a most gruesome kind, crucifixion on a cross. It’s because of Jesus’ death that we are free from the bondage of sin. Jesus took our place and suffered the penalty of death which was rightfully ours. What Jesus has done for us is our greatest gift this Christmas - the Gift of a Transformed Life. Second Corithians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has gone. A new life has begun!" This is the title of the Advent sermon series we are doing this Christmas (The Gift of a Transformed Life). I hope you will all make the effort to be there each Sunday this Advent to see how God wants to give each of us the gift a transformed life this Christmas.
But for many of us, opportunities to reflect, meditate and praise God for this ultimate Christmas gift is lost. It’s lost in the hustle and bustle. It’s lost in fighting crowds at the mall. It’s lost in getting ready for Christmas parties. It’s lost in studying for final exams before the holiday break. It’s lost in getting the house decorated and prepared for guests coming to town.
The Gospel of Luke tells us that just before Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph were on their way to Bethlehem. Caesar Augustus had issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. Everyone was required to go to their home town to register. When Mary and Joseph got to Bethlehem, all they found were "no vacancy" signs. All that was available was a stable. Luke 2:7 says, "and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn." The Son of God is about to be born into this world and there was no room for them to stay in Bethlehem. What is going on here? Can you imagine a more absurd situation? The most elegant room in Jerusalem should have been reserved for the birth of the Son of God but instead he is born in a smelly stable, laid in a manger (an animal feeder), in the little insignificant town of Bethlehem!
Two lessons for us to learn here: First, Jesus humbled himself. He was not interested in being born in the grandest room in Jerusalem. A stable in Bethlehem suited him fine. Why? Because Jesus was trying to teach us that He’s not interested in flashing lights and extravagance. He’s interested in a humble heart that is moldable and usable by Him for His purposes. An important lesson to learn when we find ourselves caught up in the glitz of an American Christmas.
Second, there was no room for Jesus in Bethlehem. Is there room for Jesus in your Christmas Season this year? God isn’t so interested in all the decorations, treats, parties, etc. He’s not impressed with how ragged you can run yourself the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas. He wants you to take time to contemplate, meditate, thank and praise Him for what Christmas is all about—our Lord Jesus Christ coming to earth to save us from our sins and transform our lives. Make sure there is room in your heart for Jesus this Christmas!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sunday, Nov 9th was our 5th anniversary as a church. It was great to look back on the memories in the slide show at church and hear testimonies to what God has done in people’s lives through New Heights. There is nothing more exciting than seeing God transform lives. But I believe God’s primary concern this morning is what are we going to do in the future? We may look around and think, “Well were too small to do much!” Is that the truth?
I think Jesus wants to challenge that notion. In our Monday small group Bible study, we're going through Henry Blackaby's “Experiencing God” workbook. In unit 6, Blackaby says, “Never determine the truth of a situation only by looking at the circumstances. Don’t evaluate your situation until you have heard from Jesus. He is the truth.” (p. 122)
For a Biblical example of this, let's look at John 6:1-15 “After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. Philip replied, ‘Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!’ Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. ‘There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?’ ‘Tell everyone to sit down,’ Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, ‘Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.’ So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves. When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, ‘Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!’” (NLT)
Do you ever wonder if God tests our faith like Phillip's? Might Jesus say to us, “Feed 5000 in this community with the Gospel"? If so, how should we respond? Would we say, “Our budget can’t do it”? There’s too few of us! We’re too afraid! We don't have the time!"
If you had asked the disciples, “What is the truth of this situation?” They might have said, “The truth of this situation is that it is impossible.” Was that correct? NO
Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am…the Truth.” The Truth Himself fed the 5000. The Truth Himself is here with us. He lives inside each of us who are a follower of Jesus. Together, we the church are the Body of Christ.
Truth stands and says to us today, “Believe Me!” The question for each of us is, do we believe Jesus is able to accomplish what He wants here at NHCC? God has given us a vision and it can succeed beyond our wildest dreams because Truth Himself is here with us!
I think Jesus wants to challenge that notion. In our Monday small group Bible study, we're going through Henry Blackaby's “Experiencing God” workbook. In unit 6, Blackaby says, “Never determine the truth of a situation only by looking at the circumstances. Don’t evaluate your situation until you have heard from Jesus. He is the truth.” (p. 122)
For a Biblical example of this, let's look at John 6:1-15 “After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. Philip replied, ‘Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!’ Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. ‘There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?’ ‘Tell everyone to sit down,’ Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, ‘Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.’ So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves. When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, ‘Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!’” (NLT)
Do you ever wonder if God tests our faith like Phillip's? Might Jesus say to us, “Feed 5000 in this community with the Gospel"? If so, how should we respond? Would we say, “Our budget can’t do it”? There’s too few of us! We’re too afraid! We don't have the time!"
If you had asked the disciples, “What is the truth of this situation?” They might have said, “The truth of this situation is that it is impossible.” Was that correct? NO
Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am…the Truth.” The Truth Himself fed the 5000. The Truth Himself is here with us. He lives inside each of us who are a follower of Jesus. Together, we the church are the Body of Christ.
Truth stands and says to us today, “Believe Me!” The question for each of us is, do we believe Jesus is able to accomplish what He wants here at NHCC? God has given us a vision and it can succeed beyond our wildest dreams because Truth Himself is here with us!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Well the election is over! It sure will be nice to not to have to witness all those political ads on TV and radio for awhile. I know the people of New Heights have different political persuasions and may be either disappointed or elated by the election results. Going into the election, I had a certain peace about the results. This peace was not a result of not caring who won but was in response to scriptural truth.
Let's look at Proverbs 21:1-5 - The LORD Is In Charge (CEV)
(1) The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers.
(2) We may think we are doing the right thing, but the LORD always knows what is in our hearts.
(3) Doing what is right and fair pleases the LORD more than an offering.
(4) Evil people are proud and arrogant, but sin is the only crop they produce.
(5) If you plan and work hard, you will have plenty; if you get in a hurry, you will end up poor.
Questions for discussion:
a) Based on Psalm 21, what should our reaction be to the election?
b) According to these verses, what are some things we can lift up in prayer for President-elect Obama and our other elected officials?
c) Are there other practical things we can do to further God’s kingdom for our community and nation as a result of this election?
I look forward to hearing your replies!
- Pastor Dan
Let's look at Proverbs 21:1-5 - The LORD Is In Charge (CEV)
(1) The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers.
(2) We may think we are doing the right thing, but the LORD always knows what is in our hearts.
(3) Doing what is right and fair pleases the LORD more than an offering.
(4) Evil people are proud and arrogant, but sin is the only crop they produce.
(5) If you plan and work hard, you will have plenty; if you get in a hurry, you will end up poor.
Questions for discussion:
a) Based on Psalm 21, what should our reaction be to the election?
b) According to these verses, what are some things we can lift up in prayer for President-elect Obama and our other elected officials?
c) Are there other practical things we can do to further God’s kingdom for our community and nation as a result of this election?
I look forward to hearing your replies!
- Pastor Dan
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Welcome
Hello and welcome to my blog. I hope this blog will be a place we can discuss any questions you may have concerning God, His church and our role in furthering His kingdom here on earth. I look forward to a stimulating dialogue with you. God bless!
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