Going Easter Shopping
Notes
Transcript
I remember going Easter Shopping as a kid
I remember going Easter Shopping as a kid
Irving Berlin’s song Easter Parade started on Broadway in 1933 and first was sung in the movie, “Holiday Inn” where the songs, “Be Careful, It’s May Heart”, “Happy Holidays”, and “White Christmas” also made their movie debuts.
Irving Berlin’s song Easter Parade started on Broadway in 1933 and first was sung in the movie, “Holiday Inn” where the songs, “Be Careful, It’s May Heart”, “Happy Holidays”, and “White Christmas” also made their movie debuts.
Although Easter Parade glamorized the epitome of Easter outfits, especially the Easter Bonnets, probably the most popular Easter parades were the new outfits by both women and men for churches on Easter Sunday
Although Easter Parade glamorized the epitome of Easter outfits, especially the Easter Bonnets, probably the most popular Easter parades were the new outfits by both women and men for churches on Easter Sunday
Do you remember going shopping for that new Easter outfit?
Do you remember going shopping for that new Easter outfit?
Well, there is another Easter outfit we should continuously go shopping for and that can only be found in one place; The Resurrection Store.
Well, there is another Easter outfit we should continuously go shopping for and that can only be found in one place; The Resurrection Store.
That store can not be found in a shopping mall or online. Not even Amazon has the clothing found in that store.
That store can not be found in a shopping mall or online. Not even Amazon has the clothing found in that store.
So where do we find this store if it is so exclusive? Right here is this place we are today and every time we come to worship and bring our gifts and selves before the Lord.
So where do we find this store if it is so exclusive? Right here is this place we are today and every time we come to worship and bring our gifts and selves before the Lord.
Paul in Colossians 3:5-14 gives us the primary articles which we can purchase at the Resurrection Shop.
Paul in Colossians 3:5-14 gives us the primary articles which we can purchase at the Resurrection Shop.
Read Colossians 3:5-11
Read Colossians 3:5-11
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
The door to the Resurrection Shop is your heart and it’s willingness to shed off the old dirty clothes you have been wearing and be willing to try on some new clothes Christ is offering you.
The door to the Resurrection Shop is your heart and it’s willingness to shed off the old dirty clothes you have been wearing and be willing to try on some new clothes Christ is offering you.
It come down to God separating out the obedient from the disobedient.
It come down to God separating out the obedient from the disobedient.
Disobedient are those who continue to wear the sinful clothing of anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive language, lying.
Disobedient are those who continue to wear the sinful clothing of anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive language, lying.
The obedient are those who are willing to strip off those old clothes, that old self, and the practices that go with it and put on a new self which will be clothed with the new clothes
The obedient are those who are willing to strip off those old clothes, that old self, and the practices that go with it and put on a new self which will be clothed with the new clothes
Such a process of change often doesn’t come easy because we have become comfortable the the spiritual garments we wear. That is why we need to the Resurrection Shop for new clothes and the right fitting.
Such a process of change often doesn’t come easy because we have become comfortable the the spiritual garments we wear. That is why we need to the Resurrection Shop for new clothes and the right fitting.
What are these new clothes?
What are these new clothes?
Read Colossians 3:12-14
Read Colossians 3:12-14
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
It starts with the 3-way mirror
It starts with the 3-way mirror
If we go to a department store and just look at the mirror in front of us that often seems OK but then walk up to the 3-way mirror and we see bumps, bulges, and stains we didn’t even know were there.
If we go to a department store and just look at the mirror in front of us that often seems OK but then walk up to the 3-way mirror and we see bumps, bulges, and stains we didn’t even know were there.
The 3-way mirror at the Resurrection Shop is is more revealing.
The 3-way mirror at the Resurrection Shop is is more revealing.
It shows us how we look compared to God’s Word as it is revealed in our lives. Insights into my person that I can ignore when I compare myself with others, but the 3-way mirror at the Resurrection Shop forces me to compare myself with Jesus Christ. Standing beside Him, I realize just how badly I need some high-powered shopping.
It shows us how we look compared to God’s Word as it is revealed in our lives. Insights into my person that I can ignore when I compare myself with others, but the 3-way mirror at the Resurrection Shop forces me to compare myself with Jesus Christ. Standing beside Him, I realize just how badly I need some high-powered shopping.
So I approach the Holy Spirit, who directs the shop.
So I approach the Holy Spirit, who directs the shop.
My first question is, “I know I need something new but is it within my ability to buy what I really need?
My first question is, “I know I need something new but is it within my ability to buy what I really need?
His answer is a bit vague but we will will deal with that later; “Everything in this shop is within your ability to buy, it you are willing to pay the price.”
His answer is a bit vague but we will will deal with that later; “Everything in this shop is within your ability to buy, it you are willing to pay the price.”
Let’s look at the garment of COMPASSION first.
Let’s look at the garment of COMPASSION first.
In today’s society of compassion fatigue it seems a little overdone. Every time we turn on the media we are bombarded with causes to give to where people or animals have been grossly mistreated and just for a few dollars a day we can help solve these problems.
In today’s society of compassion fatigue it seems a little overdone. Every time we turn on the media we are bombarded with causes to give to where people or animals have been grossly mistreated and just for a few dollars a day we can help solve these problems.
But it is also right here in our own back yards. It is hard to find a corner or a shopping plaza where we don’t run into someone panhandling or putting up a sign asking for a handout because of their desperate conditions.
But it is also right here in our own back yards. It is hard to find a corner or a shopping plaza where we don’t run into someone panhandling or putting up a sign asking for a handout because of their desperate conditions.
It almost makes us dumb so we avoid their eyes and make sure we are in a lane where they can’t approach us.
It almost makes us dumb so we avoid their eyes and make sure we are in a lane where they can’t approach us.
In Paul’s time it wasn’t a popular item either.
In Paul’s time it wasn’t a popular item either.
The human suffering victims were the cast offs of society and forced to beg or in some cases put in prison or encampments away from the “Normal” people.
The human suffering victims were the cast offs of society and forced to beg or in some cases put in prison or encampments away from the “Normal” people.
But Jesus looked out on the crowds and responded with compassion on those cast offs of society.
But Jesus looked out on the crowds and responded with compassion on those cast offs of society.
He is calling us to do that today, Compassion is the clothing of “tender hearted mercy” to those around us who have no other place to turn.
He is calling us to do that today, Compassion is the clothing of “tender hearted mercy” to those around us who have no other place to turn.
What better clothing to wear if we want to show the least and the lost where they can turn to for help. Jesus Christ and a church that invites them to have a relationship with Him.
What better clothing to wear if we want to show the least and the lost where they can turn to for help. Jesus Christ and a church that invites them to have a relationship with Him.
Now there is the garment of: KINDNESS
Now there is the garment of: KINDNESS
To truly understand this we need to look at the label it was given in Greek in the Bible; chrestotes.
To truly understand this we need to look at the label it was given in Greek in the Bible; chrestotes.
Kindness in today’s world has kind of hard lines. Be kind to others and they will be kind to you, maybe.
Kindness in today’s world has kind of hard lines. Be kind to others and they will be kind to you, maybe.
Chrestotes has soft lines and it means I love my neighbor so much that if I find something that I really like I would want them to have it also.
Chrestotes has soft lines and it means I love my neighbor so much that if I find something that I really like I would want them to have it also.
It is a kindness that runs contrary to society today but think of how good this garment would look on someone, like us, to the neighbors that surround us. If it looks that good on us, wouldn’t they also like a garment like that? And image how that could change the world.
It is a kindness that runs contrary to society today but think of how good this garment would look on someone, like us, to the neighbors that surround us. If it looks that good on us, wouldn’t they also like a garment like that? And image how that could change the world.
Here is another garment to try on: HUMILITY
Here is another garment to try on: HUMILITY
That can be a tough one to agree to putting on because, as you know, most of us suffer from bruised egos and we need to build up pur own self esteem. At least that is what the world tells us.
That can be a tough one to agree to putting on because, as you know, most of us suffer from bruised egos and we need to build up pur own self esteem. At least that is what the world tells us.
Or society says, If you’ve got it flaunt it” but can you think of anything more attractive to wear as a garment that one which says, “ I may have it, but I didn’t get it all be myself. There were others who were my mentors or instructors who helped me to achieve what I have today.”
Or society says, If you’ve got it flaunt it” but can you think of anything more attractive to wear as a garment that one which says, “ I may have it, but I didn’t get it all be myself. There were others who were my mentors or instructors who helped me to achieve what I have today.”
The garment of humility draws other people to the most humble but also strongest person who ever lived, Jesus Christ, who wore the garment of humility even on the cross.
The garment of humility draws other people to the most humble but also strongest person who ever lived, Jesus Christ, who wore the garment of humility even on the cross.
There is another article of clothing which Paul highly recommended: GENTLENESS
There is another article of clothing which Paul highly recommended: GENTLENESS
This is another word which has lost it’s meaning in today’s world and needs to be understand through the Greek word, praotes.
This is another word which has lost it’s meaning in today’s world and needs to be understand through the Greek word, praotes.
In today’s world we often see gentleness or meekness as weakness.
In today’s world we often see gentleness or meekness as weakness.
The word pratos was described by Aristotle as the perfect mean between too little anger and too much anger.
The word pratos was described by Aristotle as the perfect mean between too little anger and too much anger.
Here again we often see all anger as bad but without anger where would reform have come from? When people grew angry slavery was abolished, women’s rights were secured, child labor was done away with.
Here again we often see all anger as bad but without anger where would reform have come from? When people grew angry slavery was abolished, women’s rights were secured, child labor was done away with.
Gentleness as understood through praotes, is knowing how to harness anger. Anger can destroy even great causes; without restraint anger will defeat the very matters it endorses. And our usual brand of elf control won’t make it.
Gentleness as understood through praotes, is knowing how to harness anger. Anger can destroy even great causes; without restraint anger will defeat the very matters it endorses. And our usual brand of elf control won’t make it.
That is why we need the Holy Spirit to fit us with the garment of praotes(gentleness) so we can us that power under purposeful direction.
That is why we need the Holy Spirit to fit us with the garment of praotes(gentleness) so we can us that power under purposeful direction.
Then one of the most lovely garment of them all: PATIENCE
Then one of the most lovely garment of them all: PATIENCE
My response to this might be, “I can think of a lot of people I know who could use this garment.”
My response to this might be, “I can think of a lot of people I know who could use this garment.”
The Holy Spirit comes back quickly with a response that surprises me. “Nothing in this shop can be bought for others. Every article is custom made and the purchaser must get it for himself or herself.” But it is interesting about patience.
The Holy Spirit comes back quickly with a response that surprises me. “Nothing in this shop can be bought for others. Every article is custom made and the purchaser must get it for himself or herself.” But it is interesting about patience.
Most people feel that if those around them were more patient, many problems would be solved. Somehow we rarely recognize that patience might be one of the most appropriate articles for our own Christian wardrobe.
Most people feel that if those around them were more patient, many problems would be solved. Somehow we rarely recognize that patience might be one of the most appropriate articles for our own Christian wardrobe.
Consider how much lovelier this world would be if, instead of pointing out the shortcoming in a co-worker, friend, church family member or spouse, we put on that garment of patience. We may eve realize that sometimes that other person might be right.
Consider how much lovelier this world would be if, instead of pointing out the shortcoming in a co-worker, friend, church family member or spouse, we put on that garment of patience. We may eve realize that sometimes that other person might be right.
Paul says the only way to round out our wardrobe is by putting on: LOVE
Paul says the only way to round out our wardrobe is by putting on: LOVE
This is the garment which binds all the other articles of clothing together.
This is the garment which binds all the other articles of clothing together.
Paul knows this because at one time he wore lavish clothing of the high society of priests he was a part of. Then on the Road to Damascus he found that clothing was not what he should be wearing and Jesus Christ stripped him of that clothing and put on him the new garments he bought at the Resurrection Shop.
Paul knows this because at one time he wore lavish clothing of the high society of priests he was a part of. Then on the Road to Damascus he found that clothing was not what he should be wearing and Jesus Christ stripped him of that clothing and put on him the new garments he bought at the Resurrection Shop.
It was that final garment of love which bound it all together and with it came the outpouring of total forgiveness.
It was that final garment of love which bound it all together and with it came the outpouring of total forgiveness.
A forgiveness that was both poured on him trough the purchase of his sinful life by Jesus Christ at the Cross and the outpouring of his forgiveness to all those who he had once held to be sinners.
A forgiveness that was both poured on him trough the purchase of his sinful life by Jesus Christ at the Cross and the outpouring of his forgiveness to all those who he had once held to be sinners.
It is also the same piece of garment we need to wear if we are to be able to afford the price of these garments at the Resurrection Shop.
It is also the same piece of garment we need to wear if we are to be able to afford the price of these garments at the Resurrection Shop.
Back to that question about the cost:
Back to that question about the cost:
The cost has already been paid by the one whose blood was shed for our sins; Jesus Christ.
The cost has already been paid by the one whose blood was shed for our sins; Jesus Christ.
So what is our responsibility and how do we obtain these garments?
So what is our responsibility and how do we obtain these garments?
We must leave our old garment there and not try to get them back again. That will give us the new self Jesus Christ wants us to be and live by.
We must leave our old garment there and not try to get them back again. That will give us the new self Jesus Christ wants us to be and live by.
One last note before we leave the Resurrection Shop:
One last note before we leave the Resurrection Shop:
It is not a one stop shop, you need to keep coming back.
It is not a one stop shop, you need to keep coming back.
You don’t wear the same clothes today you wore the first time you surrendered your life to Jesus, so why would you wear the same spiritual garment today as then.
You don’t wear the same clothes today you wore the first time you surrendered your life to Jesus, so why would you wear the same spiritual garment today as then.
Ever time you go to the Resurrection Shop, the Holy Spirit will make sure you have the perfect fit for you faith walk at that time.
Ever time you go to the Resurrection Shop, the Holy Spirit will make sure you have the perfect fit for you faith walk at that time.
A person’s spiritual wardrobe needs constant updating. The humility or patience that looked good a few days ago can easily become a bit worn looking after a difficult week. That is why we need to get to church regularly, to do a little Holy shopping.
A person’s spiritual wardrobe needs constant updating. The humility or patience that looked good a few days ago can easily become a bit worn looking after a difficult week. That is why we need to get to church regularly, to do a little Holy shopping.
It is quite common for others to comment on our clothing we wear, imagine how much better it would be if we were in the habit of commenting each other on the spiritual garments we are wearing and how good they are looking on us.
It is quite common for others to comment on our clothing we wear, imagine how much better it would be if we were in the habit of commenting each other on the spiritual garments we are wearing and how good they are looking on us.
Sometime we feel that might seem we are saying they didn’t look so good yesterday, but as for me, I would enjoy someone saying, “You know it seems like you are more patient lately, what has changed?” or “That new garment of kindness that you are wearing seems to fit you quite well.”
Sometime we feel that might seem we are saying they didn’t look so good yesterday, but as for me, I would enjoy someone saying, “You know it seems like you are more patient lately, what has changed?” or “That new garment of kindness that you are wearing seems to fit you quite well.”
Wouldn’t it be real nice if someone said, “Is that your Easter outfit?” and you reply could be “Yes, its some of the latest gentleness and goodness that they had, see the cut and the fit..” and the response is, “Why it looks as if it was made just for you” to which you can answer, “It was! At Calvary and in the Garden. It Easter clothing and you can buy some for yourself also in the Resurrection Shop.”
Wouldn’t it be real nice if someone said, “Is that your Easter outfit?” and you reply could be “Yes, its some of the latest gentleness and goodness that they had, see the cut and the fit..” and the response is, “Why it looks as if it was made just for you” to which you can answer, “It was! At Calvary and in the Garden. It Easter clothing and you can buy some for yourself also in the Resurrection Shop.”
I’m going to tell you the best thing that I ever did do: I took off the old robe, and put on the new.
I’m going to tell you the best thing that I ever did do: I took off the old robe, and put on the new.
