Untitled Sermon (2)

What’s Your Name? A Call To Being Full of Grace and Truth

Some things go together perfectly…just for fun I am going to make a few “and” statements and we’ll see how good we are.

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Pencil and paper

Fun and games

Song and dance

Hug and kiss

Bacon and eggs

Spic and span

Meat and Potatoes

There are other things that don’t seem like they should go together but they do…

French Fries dipped into a frosty

If I say that I was at the hospital today…your reaction would probably be…what’s wrong? And not were you visiting someone who just had a baby

Pain and feeling better (my wife giving me a massage) …my wife gives some of the most painful massages, but the results are amazing

Today, I want to focus on an “and” statement in the Bible that should change how we treat each other.

Hello my name is…you all have seen the stickers that people put on their shirts

If you had to describe yourself to someone by putting one or two characteristics on a name tag what would your name be.

Would you be happy or grumpy?

Take a moment and think about what your name would be…you may need to ask a close friend what your most apparent characteristic is.

(ESV)

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

As Christians we are called to be like Jesus…

1. Hello my name is Grace…What would the world look like that was full of Grace?

First let’s look at the characteristics of a person named Grace.

The Bible defines grace in the old testament and in the new testament.

In the Old Testament grace…the Hebrew word “hesed” which means goodness/kindness.

“Hesed” is used in terms of a family relationship…we see it in various texts…it is the word used when Abraham interceded with God and begged for his nephew Lot’s life…he begged for kindness to be shown and God showed grace to Lot.

“Hesed” is a relational concept the means to know. God knew his people and showed them goodness/kindness

Grace is the favor of God…we get a beautiful picture of what that favor looks like in…

Turn to

(ESV)

6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

So, God’s grace is kind, full of steadfast love, covenant love, and is

merciful.

God is loyal and loves us with a steadfast love. He shows us favor even

when we don’t deserve it.

The word used for grace most in the New Testament is Charis or charizesthai. It is where we get the word Charity …it means unmerited divine favor and forgiveness.

The word used for grace most in the New Testament is Charis or charizesthai. It is where we get the word Charity …which means unmerited divine favor and forgiveness.

In Jesus tells a parable about some laborers in a vineyard. Jesus teached using parables which always have an earthly meaning and a heavenly meaning. The owner of the vineyard (God) and we are the workers in his vineyard.

(ESV)

Laborers in the Vineyard

20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”

Imagine a world that was full of people that didn’t keep record of wrongs…a world full of people who would forgive others and treat them with favor

Imagine a world in which people treated others better than they deserved to be treated.

God’s grace is for everyone…

Do you see the grace in this parable? Unmerited favor

Some of you are so kind and generous…you treat people with unmerited favor…you offer charity to everyone.

Forgiveness and making people feel wanted comes easy, but you have a hard time delivering the truth…especially when it might hurt others feelings

Imagine a world in which people treated others better than they deserved to be treated.

Imagine a world that was full of people that didn’t keep record of wrongs or keep score…a world full of people who would forgive others and treat them with favor

Years ago, my father coached a team of eight-year-olds. He had a few excellent players, and some who just couldn't get the hang of the game. Dad's team didn't win once all season. But in the last inning of the last game, his team was only down by a run. There was one boy who had never been able to hit the ball--or catch it. With two outs, it was his turn to bat. He surprised the world and got a single!

Some of you are so kind and generous…you treat people with unmerited favor…you offer charity to everyone.

The next batter was the team slugger. Finally, Dad's players might win a game. The slugger connected, and as the boy who hit the single ran to second, he saw the ball coming toward him. Not so certain of baseball's rules, he caught it. Final out! Dad's team lost! Quickly, my father told his team to cheer. The boy beamed. It never occurred to him that he lost the game. All he knew was he had hit the ball and caught it--both for the first time. His parents later thanked my dad. Their child had never even gotten in a game before that season.

We never told the boy exactly what happened. We didn't want to ruin it for him. And till this day, I'm proud of what my father did that afternoon.

Forgiveness and making people feel wanted comes easy…you except everyone, but you have a hard time delivering the truth…you worry about hurting others feelings…or being called judgmental

Years ago, my father coached a team of eight-year-olds. He had a few excellent players, and some who just couldn't get the hang of the game. Dad's team didn't win once all season. But in the last inning of the last game, his team was only down by a run. There was one boy who had never been able to hit the ball--or catch it. With two outs, it was his turn to bat. He surprised the world and got a single!

Jeffrey Zaslow, "Tell Me All About It," 1990.

Some of you are listening to that story thinking how nice that was that the coach would treat that child with such grace…

The next batter was the team slugger. Finally, Dad's players might win a game. The slugger connected, and as the boy who hit the single ran to second, he saw the ball coming toward him. Not so certain of baseball's rules, he caught it. Final out! Dad's team lost! Quickly, my father told his team to cheer. The boy beamed. It never occurred to him that he lost the game. All he knew was he had hit the ball and caught it--both for the first time. His parents later thanked my dad. Their child had never even gotten in a game before that season.

We never told the boy exactly what happened. We didn't want to ruin it for him. And till this day, I'm proud of what my father did that afternoon.

There are others thinking… you are the coach it is your job to tell that child what he did wrong

You are both 100% right!

Jeffrey Zaslow, "Tell Me All About It," 1990.

Some of you are listening to that story thinking how nice that was that the coach would treat that child with such grace…

We are to be full of grace but we are also to be full of truth!

2. Hello my name is Truth…What would a world full of people named Truth look like?

There are others thinking… you are the coach it is your job to tell that child what he did wrong

You are both 100% right!

Some of you relate to “Truth” more than grace.

We are to be full of grace but we are also to be full of truth!

After all…

2. Hello my name is Truth…What would a world full of people named Truth look like?

What this world needs is a little more truth!

Some of you relate to “Truth” more than grace.

People need a little more tough love…

You tell people the way it is and if they can’t handle the truth it’s because they are being too soft.

After all…

The Bible does tell us …

What this world needs is a little more truth!

(ESV)

People need a little more tough love…

24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son,

You tell people the way it is and if they can’t handle the truth it’s because they are being too soft.

but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

The Bible does tell us …

(ESV)

Can you imagine a world that people knew the truth, but didn’t share it with others?

I look around and I see so many people that are scared to speak the truth. They call that being politically correct these days.

24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son,

People don’t want to hurt people’s feelings so they withhold the truth.

but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

You tell people the truth if you love them. Sometimes the truth hurts.

Can you imagine a world that people knew the truth, but didn’t share it with others?

A world that is full of people who only offer grace and don’t offer truth is a world full of a bunch of spoiled people who think that there are no consequences in life.

I once had someone tell me that you could tell somebody just about anything if you start it with Bless your little heart…I always tell the teens you can also say in Christian love after the statement.

Let’s try it…

I look around and I see so many people that are scared to speak the truth. They call that being politically correct these days.

Bless your little heart you are just having a hard time with life right now…if I were you, I would re-evaluate your whole life

People don’t want to hurt others feelings so they withhold the truth.

(ESV)

You tell people the truth if you love them. Sometimes the truth hurts.

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Many years ago when I was teaching 3rd and 4th grade I had a student whose name was Truth. If something happened in class I would call him up to my desk and ask him what happened and he would tell me the truth. Many times I would tell him how proud of him that I was.

One day I had to make a new rule that the students could build a fort on their desks out of the folders that they had. They would build the little folder forts and hide what they were doing from each other and me. The next morning I am taking attendance in the morning and I have a student come up to my desk and tell me that my student named “Truth” had built a folder fort. I called him up to my desk and asked him why he had built the fort. His answer, “Mr. Hill, her breath smells terrible and I can’t take it anymore.”

Many years ago when I was teaching 3rd and 4th grade I had a student whose name was Truth. If something happened in class I would call him up to my desk and ask him what happened and he would tell me the truth. Many times I would tell him how proud of him that I was.

He was right…she had a cold and her breath did not smell the best. The little girl’s feelings were hurt. I pulled “Truth” to the side and read this verse to him…

One day I had to make a new rule that the students could build a fort on their desks out of the folders that they had. They would build the little folder forts and hide what they were doing from each other and me. The next morning I am taking attendance in the morning and I have a student come up to my desk and tell me that my student named “Truth” had built a folder fort. I called him up to my desk and asked him why he had built the fort. His answer, “Mr. Hill, her breath smells terrible and I can’t take it anymore.”

I once had someone tell me that you could tell somebody just about anything if you start it with Bless your little heart…I always tell the teens you can also say in Christian love after the statement.

He was right…she had a cold and her breath did not smell the best. The little girl’s feelings were hurt. I pulled “Truth” to the side and read this verse to him…

Let’s try it…

We are called to be like Jesus.

We are called to be full of grace and truth.

Bless your little heart you are just having a hard time with life right now…if I were you, I would re-evaluate your whole life

(ESV)

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

The Woman Caught in Adultery

8 53 [[They went each to his own house, 1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” ]]

We are called to be like Jesus.

Did you find grace and truth?

We are called to be full of grace and truth.

Grace and Truth is beautifully described in .

I don’t condemn you…I still love you…I forgive you…but you better stop it…stop sinning…or else

(ESV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Woman Caught in Adultery

8 53 [[They went each to his own house, 1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” ]]

Did you find truth and grace?

Grace and truth go together just like

Did you find grace and truth?

The Pharisees were full of truth but lacked grace.

So…for those of you whose name is Grace…have you ever been taken advantage of?

It’s ok Grace will take care of it!

They were right…she had sinned and deserved to be punished, but she also

People tend to take advantage of Grace but grace came at a cost and should never be taken advantage of.

I don’t condemn you…I still love you…I forgive you…but you better stop it…stop sinning…or else

(ESV)

26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Did you find truth and grace?

The greatest example of love is full of grace and truth…

I don’t think it is possible to have love without grace and truth.

(ESV)

26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

People tend to take advantage of Grace, but grace came at a cost and should never be taken advantage of.

The Truth is God will judge his people and it will be a fearful thing…especially for those who have trampled God’s free gift of grace.

Grace is freely given to us, but nothing is free…especially not grace it was paid for with the life of Jesus!

Longing to leave her poor Brazilian neighborhood, Christina wanted to see the world. Discontent with a home having only a pallet on the floor, a washbasin, and a wood-burning stove, she dreamed of a better life in the city. One morning she slipped away, breaking her mother's heart. Knowing what life on the streets would be like for her young, attractive daughter, Maria hurriedly packed to go find her. On her way to the bus stop she entered a drugstore to get one last thing. Pictures. She sat in the photograph booth, closed the curtain, and spent all she could on pictures of herself. With her purse full of small black-and-white photos, she boarded the next bus to Rio de Janiero. Maria knew Christina had no way of earning money. She also knew that her daughter was too stubborn to give up. When pride meets hunger, a human will do things that were before unthinkable. Knowing this, Maria began her search. Bars, hotels, nightclubs, any place with the reputation for street walkers or prostitutes. She went to them all. And at each place she left her picture--taped on a bathroom mirror, tacked to a hotel bulletin board, fastened to a corner phone booth. And on the back of each photo she wrote a note. It wasn't too long before both the money and the pictures ran out, and Maria had to go home. The weary mother wept as the bus began its long journey back to her small village.

It was a few weeks later that young Christina descended the hotel stairs. Her young face was tired. Her brown eyes no longer danced with youth but spoke of pain and fear. Her laughter was broken. Her dream had become a nightmare. A thousand times over she had longed to trade these countless beds for her secure pallet. Yet the little village was, in too many ways, too far away. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, her eyes noticed a familiar face. She looked again, and there on the lobby mirror was a small picture of her mother. Christina's eyes burned and her throat tightened as she walked across the room and removed the small photo. Written on the back was this compelling invitation. "Whatever you have done, whatever you have become, it doesn't matter. Please come home." She did.

Max Lucado, No Wonder They Call Him the Savior,

We must speak the truth in love…full of grace and full of truth…forgiveness and favor freely given along with the truth.

(ESV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Grace and Truth!