That’s My Mama

Introduction

Illustration: That’s My Mama starring Clifton Davis & Theresa Merritt

Season 1 Episode 10- “Clifton’s Persuasion”

Clifton: “Going to church is a personal decision and you cannot pressure someone into that”

Clifton’s Mama: “When you get the chance, I got some good news for you”

Clifton: “I have some good news for you too Mama.”

Clifton: “Mama, it so happens. I had other plans for Sunday”

Clifton’s Mama: “like breaking all the commandments you didn’t break on Saturday.”

Clifton: “Mama You and I both know a whole lot of people who go to church on Sunday and go to hell on Monday.”

“At least I’m not a hypocrite mom, besides I go to church sometimes.”

Clifton’s Mama: “I know you’re highly consistent- you go to church regularly every Easter and Christmas.”

Clifton: “I think I might have leanings towards agnosticism.”

“I believe there may be a God and I believe there may not be a God. I have doubts.”

Clifton’s Mama: “I am sure you are a fool.”

“Clifton, I’ve had enough of this. Now I want you in church on Sunday!”

“Now you go over there to that phone and call the church and tell the pastor you will be there on Sunday.”

And Clifton proceeds to call his friend Earl and tell him that Stick Clifton will be at the pool hall on Sunday.

Then later in the episode:

Clifton’s Mama:

“You lost your cards”

“You lost your girl”

“And you lost your faith”

“I can’t wait to see what you lose next.”

Clifton: “All right, mama, suppose I say there is a God and I prayed to him right now would it make any difference?”

Clifton’s Mama: “if you are sincere now it might

but if you you’re not then God help you, Clifton”

“The subject of religion is here by now closed”

Clifton: “I don’t wanna hear about it no more nor

“I don’t wanna mention it and I don’t to be reminded of it either- I want to keep my mind right off religion.”

But there’s the tension that is often created within the family structure when you know Jesus Christ as LORD and savior while others in the household do not- that can create conflict and disunity

And to the faithful, Godly mothers in the house and online, people are wondering why you so committed to the cause of Christ?

Why are you so unwavering about your beliefs, convictions, and faith concerning Christ?

And why do you keep talking about this Jesus and attempting to share what you say is the good news about His mission.

Also, most of the time we come here on a day such as this to celebrate our mothers or remember our mothers who have already gone on to be with the Lord, often times we forget there are mothers who are here, who are hurt and are going through pain because their children, husbands, and family are not here with them today on Mother’s Day, worshiping the Lord in Spirit and in Truth.

The fact of the matter is all faithful Christian mothers want all their children, their husbands, and their entire family to be committed followers of Jesus Christ.

Transition To Body- Acknowledge Jesus Before Men…

Matthew 10:32–33 ESV

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Body- Understand

Disciples Mandated Paradoxical Mission (Matt. 10:34-36)

Matthew 10:34–36 ESV

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.

mandated- to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority

Illustration: Mandated Reporter

In the United States and Canada, a mandated reporter is a person who is legally required to report to Child Protective Services if they observe or suspect abuse or neglect in children. Mandatory reporting laws generally apply to professionals who come into contact with children (for example, physicians, nurses, teachers, therapists, and childcare providers) while in other places, it applies to all adults regardless of profession. If a mandated reporter fails to report, they may incur civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or both.

In other words, reporting is not an option

Mandated reporter of the Gospel- the Good News of Jesus Christ

Matthew 10:1 ESV

And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.

Matthew 10:5 ESV

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,

Mission and testifying is not an option, they are Mandates of Jesus Christ

Yet the Mission is Paradoxical

a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true

Jesus has Come (draw near)- to move toward or up to the reference point of the viewpoint character or event

Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996) 192.

Whereas Jesus is the Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6 ESV

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Here in Matthew 10:34 Jesus Brings Sword (strife, struggle)

a state of discord and strife—‘violence, strife, discord.’ οὐκ11 Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996) 495.

Peace- a set of favorable circumstances involving peace and tranquility—‘peace, tranquility.’11 Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996) 246.

Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary (d) Jesus’ Divisive Mission (10:34–36)

But the peace the Messiah brings is much more than the absence of fighting, which men dignify with the name of ‘peace’, it is a restored relationship with God. And in the bringing of such ‘peace’, paradoxically, conflict is inevitable, as not all will accept it.

Jesus Christ is the most divisive Person in the world

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 24: Matthew (The Confession of the Master)

Jesus Christ is the most divisive Person in the world. When we know about Him we are either for Him or against Him. While He sent His disciples on a mission with which they were to use the Semitic greeting Shalom, “peace to you,” Jesus told them that He came not with peace for the earth but with a sword. This reference is to be understood in context as a reference to division or persecution. While the Messiah had been announced as the Prince of Peace in Isaiah’s prophecy (9:6), a new element is introduced with the Messiah as an agent of division. It should be understood that when God confronts us in the Person of Christ it is not by a law or philosophy from which we can select parts which we accept and reject others. When confronted with a Person we must either accept or reject Him.

Christ Confronts Us!

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 24: Matthew (The Confession of the Master)

When we are confronted by Christ, life’s basic issues are at stake. We are “playing for keeps.” People shove God out of their lives because they have other gods, because He interferes with what they want, yet ultimately it is because the way of Christ is too demanding. He divides between religion and relationship, transforming the former by the latter; between the secular and the sacred, sanctifying the former by the latter; and between the temporal and the eternal, enlarging the former by the latter. We are called to live for two worlds, for the eternal overlaps the world of time. If we should gain this world alone we would have only this world!

Prophetic Word from Micah 7:6

Micah 7:6 ESV

for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.

{

Disciples Mandated Paradoxical Mission (Matt. 10:34-36)

}

Disciples Love Jesus Loyally (Matt. 10:37-38)

Matthew 10:37–38 ESV

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

merit- a praiseworthy quality : VIRTUE

a quality that gives something special worth

spiritual credit held to be earned by performance of righteous acts and to ensure future benefits

love-

to have love or affection for someone or something based on association—‘to love, to have affection for.’11 Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996) 292.

Illustration: I Thank God for my Mother Sharon Bell Crittendon & My Wife, the mother of my children, Sis. Lady Rev. Nikki!

Secret to Success

Psalm 118:22–25 ESV

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success!

Now I am Glad When They Say To Me…

Psalm 122:1 ESV

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

Peace Be Unto You

Psalm 122:6–9 ESV

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.

worthy-

pertaining to being fitting or proper in corresponding to what should be expected11 Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996) 627.

pert. to being correspondingly fitting or appropriate, worthy, fit, deserving of pers.11 William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 93.

he is not worthy of me=does not deserve to belong to me (perh. ‘is not suited to me’, s. 1 above)11 William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 94.

Prepared to Endure Suffering, Even taking up ones cross-

to be prepared to endure severe suffering, even to the point of death—‘to be prepared to suffer even unto death, to take up one’s cross.’11 Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996) 285.

Run With Endurance Looking To Jesus Christ…

Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

(And when we take up our cross, we accept & see…)

{

Disciples Mandated Paradoxical Mission (Matt. 10:34-36)

Disciples Love Jesus Loyally (Matt. 10:37-38)

}

Disciples Discover Life’s Design (Matt. 10:39)

Matthew 10:39 ESV

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Mark 8:35 ESV

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.

Luke 9:24 ESV

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

Matthew 16:25 ESV

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Luke 17:33 ESV

Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.

Idesign- to have as a purpose : INTEND

finds (loves)-

Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary (e) The Cost of Discipleship (10:37–39)

Finds here corresponds to ‘would save’, ‘seeks to gain’, ‘loves’ in the parallel passages; for life (psychē)

life = psyche=personality

Psyche is the Greek goddess of the soul and often represented as a beautiful woman with butterfly wings who married Eros (Greek God of love & sex). The name Psyche means "soul" in Greek and was commonly referred to as such in Roman mythology as well, though the direct translation is Anima (Latin word for "soul").

the human soul, spirit, or mind.

Psychology, Psychoanalysis. the mental or psychological structure of a person, especially as a motive force.

Illustration: “Who Stole The Soul” off of Public Enemy’s 1990 album Fear of a Black Planet

sake-

a marker of cause or reason, often with the implication of purpose in the sense of ‘for the sake of’—‘on account of, because of.’ 11 Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996) 780.

Rocky and Thorny Soiled People

Mark 4:14–20 ESV

The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

{

Disciples Mandated Paradoxical Mission (Matt. 10:34-36)

Disciples Love Jesus Loyally (Matt. 10:37-38)

Disciples Discover Life’s Design (Matt. 10:39)

}

Transition To Close- Surrender to Jesus

Judson W. Van DeVenter (1855–1939)

Judson Van DeVenter was born on a farm in Michigan in 1855. Following graduation from Hillsdale College, he became an art teacher and supervisor of art in the public schools of Sharon, Pennsylvania. He was, in addition, an accomplished musician, singer, and composer. Van DeVenter was also an active layman in his Methodist Episcopal Church, involved in the church's evangelistic meetings. Recognizing his talent for the ministry, friends urged him to give up teaching and become an evangelist. Van DeVenter wavered for five years between becoming a recognized artist or devoting himself to ministry. Finally, he surrendered his life to Christian service,lo

And a new day was ushered into Van DeVenter’s life. He became an evangelist and discovered down deep in his soul a talent previously unknown to him. God had hidden a song in Van DeVenter’s heart, and touching a tender chord, God caused him to sing….

1 All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.

Refrain: I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

2 All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine. [Refrain]

3 All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me. [Refrain]

Offer Your Body as a Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Fight the Good Fight…

2 Timothy 4:6–8 ESV

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

And Without Faith…

Hebrews 11:6 ESV

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Close- Unless a Grain of Wheat Falls Into The Earth and Dies, It Remains Alone

Jesus Came That You May Have Life…

John 10:10 ESV

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Jesus said I AM The Good Shepherd!

John 10:11 ESV

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Jesus Laid Down His Life!

John 10:16–18 ESV

And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

But If the Grain Dies, It Bears Much Fruit

John 12:23–26 ESV

And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

Jesus Said I AM The Living Bread

John 6:51 ESV

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Jesus Said I AM the Vine…

John 15:5 ESV

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Abide In Jesus…

John 15:7 ESV

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Glorify God!

John 15:8 ESV

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Abide In Jesus’ Love

John 15:9 ESV

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

That Your Joy May Be Complete

John 15:10–11 ESV

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

The Gospel Singer Douglass Miller would later sing

When I think of how He brought me through

And how, how the Lord changed my life; My soul, my soul is overwhelmed. I got joy, joy, joy, Unspeakable joy.

I got joy, joy, joy,

Unspeakable joy.

Bridge: Joy unspeakable, full of glory, Joy unspeakable, pathway bright. Joy unspeakable, full of glory, Joy unspeakable, burdens light; Every-time I think of the goodness of the Lord.