Who's Really In Charge
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Week 3 of our Sermon Series focusing on the Lords Prayer. We skipped a week last week, I was not well! No comments please. LOL
Week 3 of our Sermon Series focusing on the Lords Prayer. We skipped a week last week, I was not well! No comments please. LOL
The Scripture focus today comes from the scripture that _____________read earlier,
The Scripture focus today comes from the scripture that _____________read earlier,
Matthew 25:31–46 (ESV)
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
We sometimes think that New Testament Christians were super-saints who never wavered in their faith—until we read the New Testament.
We sometimes think that New Testament Christians were super-saints who never wavered in their faith—until we read the New Testament.
Acts 12:5–8 “5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. 6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”
Acts 12:5–8 “5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. 6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”
So here, the apostle Peter is in prison and scheduled to be executed the next day. The other Christians are together in a home, praying for Peter’s release. When an angel sets Peter free, he immediately goes to the house where the Christians are praying to tell them the good news. He is greeted at the locked door by a servant girl who, in her excitement, runs to tell everyone that the prayer meeting is over. Peter is free! But the Christians say, “Don’t interrupt our prayer meeting. Aren’t we a contrary bunch , we Christians? Here they are praying to God, asking God, pleading to God and scold the messenger????????Sound familiar? It can’t be Peter.” She persists, however, and Peter keeps knocking until they open the door—and they are astonished. Sounds like our prayers, doesn’t it? We pray, but our expectation that God will answer isn’t there.
So here, the apostle Peter is in prison and scheduled to be executed the next day. The other Christians are together in a home, praying for Peter’s release. When an angel sets Peter free, he immediately goes to the house where the Christians are praying to tell them the good news. He is greeted at the locked door by a servant girl who, in her excitement, runs to tell everyone that the prayer meeting is over. Peter is free! But the Christians say, “Don’t interrupt our prayer meeting. Aren’t we a contrary bunch , we Christians? Here they are praying to God, asking God, pleading to God and scold the messenger????????Sound familiar? It can’t be Peter.” She persists, however, and Peter keeps knocking until they open the door—and they are astonished. Sounds like our prayers, doesn’t it? We pray, but our expectation that God will answer isn’t there.
So when the disciples ask Jesus, Teach us to pray, I don’t really believe they had a clue what was in story for their request and soon to be teaching do you?
So when the disciples ask Jesus, Teach us to pray, I don’t really believe they had a clue what was in story for their request and soon to be teaching do you?
OK, so let’s take a minute, Think about some of the things you have asked from God lately. Have you ever thanked him for the times he has said “no” to the things you thought were best at the time? I sure have!
OK, so let’s take a minute, Think about some of the things you have asked from God lately. Have you ever thanked him for the times he has said “no” to the things you thought were best at the time? I sure have!
So, we read in: Deuteronomy 33:2 “2 He said, “The Lord came from Sinai and dawned from Seir upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran; he came from the ten thousands of holy ones, with flaming fire at his right hand.”
So, we read in: Deuteronomy 33:2 “2 He said, “The Lord came from Sinai and dawned from Seir upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran; he came from the ten thousands of holy ones, with flaming fire at his right hand.”
IN Revelation 20:11–12, John writes Jesus own words: 11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
IN Revelation 20:11–12, John writes Jesus own words: 11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
So while Jesus was teaching the disciples to pray, He makes sure that they all knew, He, Jesus will be coming again..........
So while Jesus was teaching the disciples to pray, He makes sure that they all knew, He, Jesus will be coming again..........
Matthew 25:32 “32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
Matthew 25:32 “32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
We as sinful humans, feel, believe that this earth, our things, my stuff are going to be with us forever.....
We as sinful humans, feel, believe that this earth, our things, my stuff are going to be with us forever.....
We think of earthly kingdoms in terms of territory—an empire. In the New Testament the kingdom of God is not territory. The term is used to describe the reign of God. God’s kingdom today extends over the hearts of all who will acknowledge him as king and who will submit to his rule. They are the same people who desire God’s will in every area of life. To pray “your kingdom come” is to ask God the Father to expand his rule over the territory of our hearts and lives; to pray “Your will be done” is to express our willingness to submit to his rule whatever the cost.
We think of earthly kingdoms in terms of territory—an empire. In the New Testament the kingdom of God is not territory. The term is used to describe the reign of God. God’s kingdom today extends over the hearts of all who will acknowledge him as king and who will submit to his rule. They are the same people who desire God’s will in every area of life. To pray “your kingdom come” is to ask God the Father to expand his rule over the territory of our hearts and lives; to pray “Your will be done” is to express our willingness to submit to his rule whatever the cost.
Matthew 6:10 “10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10 “10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
What stuff of our personal kingdoms are difficult to submit to God’s rule and authority? EX. I just listed a few earlier, what about our TIME? We really do not like giving more of our time to anything or anybody unless its our call, our choice do we? I watched on FB awhile back, a little girl, “miss drama” says in a video, remember she is about 4 years old, she says, “I need my space, I can’t do drama today.>>>>>>>LOLEver feel like that? We don’t want to give our time or attention to anything do we?
What stuff of our personal kingdoms are difficult to submit to God’s rule and authority? EX. I just listed a few earlier, what about our TIME? We really do not like giving more of our time to anything or anybody unless its our call, our choice do we? I watched on FB awhile back, a little girl, “miss drama” says in a video, remember she is about 4 years old, she says, “I need my space, I can’t do drama today.>>>>>>>LOLEver feel like that? We don’t want to give our time or attention to anything do we?
What do you expect to happen when you pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” Let me re-phrase that question. What do you want God to be able to do? Ever thought, “I want to be all in for Jesus, just not right now. We have all heard the stories that come up when someone think they have been called into missionary work. “I want to do the Lords will but not in (fill in the blank)___________. North Korea, Russia, India, South Bend, Lapaz, Texas......LOL
What do you expect to happen when you pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” Let me re-phrase that question. What do you want God to be able to do? Ever thought, “I want to be all in for Jesus, just not right now. We have all heard the stories that come up when someone think they have been called into missionary work. “I want to do the Lords will but not in (fill in the blank)___________. North Korea, Russia, India, South Bend, Lapaz, Texas......LOL
So we want God’s blessings, we want God’s miracles, His love, His protection, His Grace, But we are not quite sure we want to be all in do we?
So we want God’s blessings, we want God’s miracles, His love, His protection, His Grace, But we are not quite sure we want to be all in do we?
Is this a prayer for God’s will to be done in our society as a whole or for God’s will to be done in our individual lives—or both? Our “rattle and ramble” prayers have little meaning to God if we are not obedient or committed to Jesus. We know people like that don’t we? When they begin to rattle and ramble, we know who we can believe and those we let the words just fly on by. God is like that, He knows who is committed and those who are not.
Is this a prayer for God’s will to be done in our society as a whole or for God’s will to be done in our individual lives—or both? Our “rattle and ramble” prayers have little meaning to God if we are not obedient or committed to Jesus. We know people like that don’t we? When they begin to rattle and ramble, we know who we can believe and those we let the words just fly on by. God is like that, He knows who is committed and those who are not.
The kingdom of God has both a present phase—Christ reigning in our hearts, present tense—and a future tense,—Christ reigning over the earth at his return. Jesus talked about those who will enter his future kingdom and those who won’t.
The kingdom of God has both a present phase—Christ reigning in our hearts, present tense—and a future tense,—Christ reigning over the earth at his return. Jesus talked about those who will enter his future kingdom and those who won’t.
In verses Matthew 25:34–36 “34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
In verses Matthew 25:34–36 “34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
Which of the actions in verses 34–36 do you find easiest or most natural to do? Now listen up church, verses 37-40 is POWERFUL.
Which of the actions in verses 34–36 do you find easiest or most natural to do? Now listen up church, verses 37-40 is POWERFUL.
Matthew 25:37–40 “37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” i LOVE THIS SCRIPTURE, i FUND MYSELF SAYING TO MYSELF, “I JUST GAVE JESUS MONEY FOR FOOD, I just bought Jesus a giftcard, I just opened the door for Jesus, are you getting this church? Be nice, love nice, smile nice,
Matthew 25:37–40 “37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” i LOVE THIS SCRIPTURE, i FUND MYSELF SAYING TO MYSELF, “I JUST GAVE JESUS MONEY FOR FOOD, I just bought Jesus a giftcard, I just opened the door for Jesus, are you getting this church? Be nice, love nice, smile nice,
So we see here church, Jesus sees what we do to love, give, smile, pray, hug, do you think He also sees us when we DONT! Of course He sees, we are told He sees all!
So we see here church, Jesus sees what we do to love, give, smile, pray, hug, do you think He also sees us when we DONT! Of course He sees, we are told He sees all!
If we were as conscious about our actions towards Jesus as we are to someone her on this earth, I believe we would have a better world don’t you all? AMEN
If we were as conscious about our actions towards Jesus as we are to someone her on this earth, I believe we would have a better world don’t you all? AMEN
If these actions are the marks of kingdom-seekers, starting today, what will change in your life as you pray, “Your kingdom come”? Great question don’t you think? If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to change your prayers a little bit, or hinting to you to smile a little more often at home or at work, do you think maybe, just maybe it is that God knows that your smile shows His Son everyday? Know anyone who could use a beautiful good ole” fashioned sincere smile? Of course we do.
If these actions are the marks of kingdom-seekers, starting today, what will change in your life as you pray, “Your kingdom come”? Great question don’t you think? If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to change your prayers a little bit, or hinting to you to smile a little more often at home or at work, do you think maybe, just maybe it is that God knows that your smile shows His Son everyday? Know anyone who could use a beautiful good ole” fashioned sincere smile? Of course we do.
In heaven God’s name is honored, that’s why Jesus told His disciples to pray that way! God’s reign is supreme, and God’s will is carried out fervently and willingly. Our prayer is that the same would be true here, “on earth as it is in heaven.” Any ideas you have on your heart that could or would make the opportunity available that you can use, to do God’s will toward someone in need this week? Think about it.
In heaven God’s name is honored, that’s why Jesus told His disciples to pray that way! God’s reign is supreme, and God’s will is carried out fervently and willingly. Our prayer is that the same would be true here, “on earth as it is in heaven.” Any ideas you have on your heart that could or would make the opportunity available that you can use, to do God’s will toward someone in need this week? Think about it.
So, now that my message is almost over, will it be NOW OR LATER?”
So, now that my message is almost over, will it be NOW OR LATER?”
Now or later to Involve your family or small group in an act of kindness and sacrifice. Volunteer at a rescue mission or food bank. Take a meal to someone who is sick or lonely. Pool your money and buy some clothes for a young person or child who needs them. Remind each other that you are doing these things to extend the reign of God in your hearts.
Now or later to Involve your family or small group in an act of kindness and sacrifice. Volunteer at a rescue mission or food bank. Take a meal to someone who is sick or lonely. Pool your money and buy some clothes for a young person or child who needs them. Remind each other that you are doing these things to extend the reign of God in your hearts.
Lets all stand and turn to page 553 in your Pew Bible and read together:
Lets all stand and turn to page 553 in your Pew Bible and read together:
Psalm 40:8–10 “8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” 9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. 10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
Psalm 40:8–10 “8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” 9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. 10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
AMEN
AMEN
Please remain standing , close your Bible and open your Hymnal and turn to page _________
Please remain standing , close your Bible and open your Hymnal and turn to page _________