How Enthusiastic Am I to Receive Tasks?

Anthony Castillo Miranda

SHAPE • Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

Ezekiel 36:26

John 1:35–42

Passion

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OPENING

It’s truly amazing where technology has got us into

We can now open our phones or similar gadgets just by merely looking at it! Face recognition!

Or we can touch the button that scans our finger print to recognize authorized users

Our face is unique, the retina in our eyes are unique, our fingerprints are unique!

Did you know that you’re heartbeat is also very unique?

Prairie was approached by Dr. Hunter Hap while she’s playing violin in a New York City subway station. (play heart beating video, keep looping until next slide)

Hap makes the most of this chance encounter by asking whether her transcendent playing resulted from a near-death experience.

Prairie was shook — what he said was true.

Her curiosity leads her to follow him to a bar, where he drops some impressive knowledge about the uniqueness of heartbeats, which real-life scientists are applying to biometric security systems.

Hap, obsessed with near-death experiences and hearing the sound a body makes when it dies, pulls out a strange device that magnifies the sound of a heartbeat from 500 feet away while the pair are seated at Grand Central Station’s oyster bar. As Prairie slips on headphones and focuses the device on different people in the room, Hap quips, poetically: “You know, a heartbeat is more unique than even a fingerprint.”

While the pair are seated at Grand Central Station’s oyster bar. As Prairie slips on headphones and focuses the device on different people in the room, Hap quips, poetically: “You know, a heartbeat is more unique than even a fingerprint.”

As Prairie slips on headphones and focuses the device on different people in the room, Hap quips, poetically: “You know, a heartbeat is more unique than even a fingerprint.

Which is almost true. While heartbeats aren’t more unique than a fingerprint, scientists have known since 1964 that every person’s heartbeat is unique. Today, researchers are attempting to use that uniqueness to create new biometric identification systems. In other words, they’re turning pulses into passwords.

Which is almost true. While heartbeats aren’t more unique than a fingerprint, scientists have known since 1964 that every person’s heartbeat is unique.

Today, researchers are attempting to use that uniqueness to create new biometric identification systems. In other words, they’re turning pulses into passwords.

There’s some debate in the advantage in the uniqueness of heartbeats over other biomeasures.

The most unique biometric is likely the retina of the eye, followed by fingerprints and an electrocardiogram measurement (ECG), which checks the electrical activity in the heart.

The advantage that heartbeats have over other biometrics isn’t their uniqueness but the inability to replicate them.

Unlike a fingerprint, someone’s ECG can’t be lifted from a smudge left on a glass.

Likewise, you can trick a fingerprint scanner with a jelly replica, but you would have to trick someone into having their heartbeat measured by a ECG system to do the same.

In the future, passwords and pin numbers could be replaced by heartbeats.

So, our heartbeats are very unique

At the time when we were born again, God gave us a new heart…

Tell your your neighbor.. God gave you a new heart

Briefly, let’s take a look at the words of the Lord through Ezekiel

Israel’s Restoration Assured | Ezekiel 36:16-38

When God spoke through prophet Ezekiel, He assured the restoration of Israel

Because repeatedly, Israel defiled their land by their conduct and their actions

He illustrated their defiance using the woman’s monthly uncleanness… The recurring defiance of the Israelites was implied

And because of that, the Israelites were dispersed among the nations… that was defined by the word “Diaspora”, meaning the Jewish people living outside Israel

Diaspora also means… the movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established or ancestral homeland

This is also true for the Philippines… Filipino diaspora… not by choice but by necessity, Filipinos are scattered all over the place

And God gave us a vision to minister to this people

We can do that using technology. I’d like to invite you to check out our our Agape Church Online on Facebook (show Agape Church Online Image)

Through Agape Church Online, we started a “Mentorship Program”

Everybody needs somebody

Everyone needs a “Mentor”. Moses mentored to Joshua. Jesus mentored to His 12 disciples. Paul mentored to Timothy. Everybody needs somebody!

We started a “Mentorship Program” at our Online Church and you

God said through Ezekiel that it is not for their sake that He is going to these things, but for the sake of His holy name

What are these things that God is going to do?

God uttered seven (15) “I will” statements here

I will show the holiness of my great name Ezekiel 36:23

I will take you out of the nations 4

I will gather you, and bring you back to your homeland 4

I will cleanse you 5

I will give you a new heart 6

I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh 6

I will put my Spirit in you 7

I will be your God 8

I will save you 9

I will not bring famine 9

I will increase the fruit 30

I will resettle your towns 33

I will do it 36

I will yield to your plea 37

I will make your people numerous 37

810 years before Prophet Ezekiel, the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun and the leader who succeeded Moses that led the Israelites into the promise land

The tribe of Levites don’t have any inheritance, so they reminded Joshua that the Lord commanded Moses to give them towns to live with pasturelands for their livestocks

So Joshua divided the land and assigned towns for the Levites

And it was a fulfillment of God’s promise through Moses

In it says…

Joshua 21:45 NIV

45 Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

Once the the Lord laid a promise in your heart, count on it! Hold on to it! Because He will fulfill it! God knows what is best for you!

If God knows what is best for you!

Now let me focus on the two “I will” promises here

I will give you a new heart

I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh

Ezekiel 36:26 NIV

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

It is God that gave us our new hearts when we surrendered our lives to Christ

And it is also God that placed the “will” in our hearts to carry out His purpose

When John talked about Babylon, the mother of prostitutes and the abominations of the earth, he said…

Revelation 17:17 TEV

17 For God has placed in their hearts the will to carry out his purpose by acting together and giving the beast their power to rule until God’s words come true.

Revelation 17:17

It is God that placed his “will” in their hearts

In other words, the desire, the appetite, the “passion”

Passion

Passion. A word that can bring many different ideas to mind.

In our society the word "passion" often has either a negative or a sensual connotation, and so one writer said that "the end of passion is the beginning of repentance."

Webster’s dictionary tells us that "passion" can refer to an intense emotion or enthusiasm without regard to the type of emotion or the specific cause of the enthusiasm generating it.

But Webster’s dictionary tells us that "passion" can refer to an intense emotion or enthusiasm without regard to the type of emotion or the specific cause of the enthusiasm that generates it

So it could be passion to do one’s will, or passion to do God’s will

We could be passionate about many and different things

We could be passionate for money, passionate for material things, passionate for career, passionate for honor

A Latin proverbs warned about this saying, "govern your passions, or they will govern you."

However, whether someone should be concerned about whether their passion governs them depends on the reason for their passion.

What is the reason they are either so emotional or enthusiastic?

Jesus was always completely in control of Himself, yet the intensity of emotion He experienced as He suffered and died on behalf of our sins has resulted in them being referred to as the "Passion of Christ."

Jesus was so passionate to make way and save the lost that he brought that passion to His final breath at the cross

Passion means doing things with boundless enthusiasm

Accomplishing tasks even if it would mean suffering through the process

Noah was passionate to build and finish the ark (120 years)

Abraham was passionate to reach the promise land

Jacob was passionate to receive the blessings of God (He wrestled with him until have gave up his blessings and changed his name to Israel)

Joseph was passionate when he pursued his dream (he was thrown to a pit, sold by his brothers, wrongly accused of rape and was put behind bars)

Moses was a reluctant leader, but God gave him the passion to lead God’s people out of Egypt (they wandered 40 years in the wilderness)

Joshua was passionate to explore Canaan, and to take it over for the people of God, he did not do it by himself, he always had Caleb on his side (it is always better to have someone when pursuing your passion)

During the time of judges, there were 16 in total… every time the Israelites did evil in the eyes the Lord, God would raise a Judge… God was also passionate to save His people (countless times they failed, countless times God gave them a chance)

David was passionate to defeat Goliath and regain the honor of the Lord’s army

Jonah was passionate to go to Tarshish (Spain), but God brought him to Nineveh (Mosul, Iraq) | Keep in mind that in pursuing your passion, God can always intervene

Proverbs 16:9 NIV

9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 19:21 NIV

21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Psalm 37:23 NIV

23 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

What about you? What is your passion?

Today, let’s take a moment and look at the most passionate disciple of Jesus… His name was Andrew

Turn your Bible to the book of John

John’s Disciples Follow Jesus | John 1:35-42

John 1:45

John 1:35–42 NIV

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).

OUR PASSION DETERMINES OUR ACTION AND DIRECTION

Without passion, we will hardly generate action and we may not find God’s direction | like a car without fuel

Andrew, already a disciple of John the Baptist became the first disciple of Jesus.

When Andrew heard John declare that Jesus was the Lamb of God, Andrew left John and began to follow Jesus.

Andrew had enough faith to listen to what John had said and acted on those words.

v 38. Jesus asked Andrew a question "What do you want?" What did they want? (Answer...they said "Rabbi, where are you staying"....which meant that they were interested in learning more).

v 39. Andrew spent the day with Jesus. What does this scripture imply? (That he spent the day learning). What time is the tenth hour? (4 p.m.)

v 39. Andrew spent the day with Jesus. What does this scripture imply? (That he spent the day learning).

Q: How did Andrew know Jesus was the Messiah

A: because he knew the scriptures and had heard John the Baptist talked about Him.

Andrew was looking for the truth even before he had ever met Jesus.

OUR PASSION DETERMINES OUR ACTION AND DIRECTION

Without passion, we will hardly create an action and we may not find God’s direction

Andrew had Passion for God

v 41. What is unique about verse 41? After his encounter with Jesus, the first thing that Andrew did was to tell his brother Simon Peter. Andrew had only known Christ for a day and he was already bringing his family to Him. In my last 101 class, someone mentioned that sometimes our family is the hardest to share Christ with. Why is that?

John 1:37 NIV

37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

John

I MUST HAVE PASSION FOR GOD

What is unique about verse 41?

After his encounter with Jesus, the first thing that Andrew did was to tell his brother Simon Peter.

Andrew had only known Christ for a day and he was already bringing his family to Him.

Someone mentioned that sometimes our family is the hardest to share Christ with. Why is that?

Question: What is significant about what Andrew did here? Answer: It was the "first" thing he did. He did not waiver or wait, he started telling others immediately.Andrew wanted others to know about Jesus...... 20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

Q: What is significant about what Andrew did here?

A: It was the "first" thing he did. He did not waiver or wait, he started telling others immediately.

Andrew wanted others to know about Jesus

On another occasion… When Jesus came to Jerusalem as King…

John 12:20–22 NIV

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

Andrew had Passion for People

John 1:40–41 NIV

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).

John

I MUST HAVE PASSION FOR PEOPLE

Yet on another occasion… Andrew found lunch for the crowd

John 6:5–9 NIV

5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

Q: Why do you think Andrew brought the boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish to Jesus?

Andrew showed courage and faith in bringing this little boy to Christ.

Every solution to a problem might not work, but it is a greater error to not try.

Andrew was not the best known disciple or the most outspoken, but he was passionate about God, other people, and action. He did not sit around and think, but rather he was going, telling, and serving.

Andrew had Passion for Action

John 6:8–9 NIV

8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

I MUST HAVE PASSION FOR ACTION

Andrew was not the best known disciple or the most outspoken, but he was passionate about God, he was passionate about other people, and he was passionate for action.

He did not sit around and think, but rather he was going, telling, and serving.

Question: Andrew "acted" and made decisions rather quickly. How was this character trait like his brothers, Simon Peter? Answer: Simon Peter also acted hastily and reacted sometimes before thinking about it. But, Simon Peter is sometimes more well known for his quick answers that sometimes were not exactly the right thing to do.

Andrew lived his life in the shadow of his better known brother, Peter.Every scripture about Andrew shows that he ministered in the background. He didn't seek to be the center of attention.He had lived his whole life in the shadow of Peter, and he apparently accepted this role. This was the very thing that made him so useful. His willingness to be a supporting actor often gave him insights into things the other disciples had trouble grasping. When he does come to the forefront, the thing that shines is his uncanny ability to see immense value in small and modest things.Andrew fully appreciated the value of a single soul. He was known for bringing "individuals" to see Jesus, not crowds.Andrew was not confused when someone wanted to see Jesus. He simply brought them to Him. He understood that Jesus would want to meet anyone who wanted to meet Him.Andrew is the one that brought Peter to meet Christ. Then Peter went on to Baptize thousands. One never knows how effectively the person who works in the background is. Bringing one person to Christ, one person at a time, will sometimes yield HUGE rewards for the Kingdom of God.When Andrew brought the boy with the loaves and the fishes to Christ, Andrew knew that there was not enough food for the entire huge crowd. But, Andrew also knew that Jesus had commanded the disciples to feed the people and Andrew knew He would not issue such a command without making it possible for them to obey.Unlike some of the other disciples he was evidently pleased to do what he could with the gifts and calling God had bestowed on him, and he allowed others to do the same.Of all the disciples in the inner circle, Andrew appears the least contentious and most thoughtful.Peter was impulsive and acted without thinking, James and John were the sons of Thunder who argued about positions of power in the future Kingdom, but not Andrew.Whenever Andrew spoke in the scriptures (very rare) he always had the right thing to say.However, he was bold, decisive and deliberate. Nothing about him is feeble or wimpish. He was driven by a hearty passion for the truth.When he first met Jesus, he was a disciple of John the Baptist. Can you remember what lifestyle John the Baptist had? What he wore, what he ate? (wore clothes of camel hair and ate locusts and wild honey. They lived and ministered in the wilderness, cut off from all the comforts and conveniences of city life. To follow John the Baptist as a disciple, you couldn't be soft.Andrew preached in numerous places such as Ethiopia, the Middle East, and Greece; and saw many come to Christ. According to Foxe's Book of Martyrs, he was killed by Aegaes, a Governor in Greece. The Governor saw Christians as a "superstitious sect" and noticed that many people were beginning to follow Andrew. He decided to demand that every person in the city make a sacrifice to an idol - a common way to find Christians, since they would refuse. When Andrew went to him to discuss this law and to show him that his gods were false, Aegeas became furious and demanded that Andrew be killed. He was crucified at Patrae in Greece, rejoicing before God.Andrew's Greek name means "manly".A 14th century tradition says he was crucified on an X-shaped cross, lasting for two days before dying. Today there is an X on Great Britain’s flag representing Andrew, patron saint of Scotland.Why was Andrew the Apostle important?: Andrew appears to have been part of an inner circle among the disciples — only he and three others (Peter, James, and John) were on the Mount of Olives with Jesus when he foretold the destruction of the Temple and then received a lengthy discourse on the End Times and coming apocalypse. Andrew’s name is also among the first on apostolic lists, possibly an indication of his importance in early traditions. Least known disciple of the "four disciples" in the Lead Group (Peter, James, John and Andrew).He was not included in several of the important events where we see Peter James and John together with Christ. Other times he was included with the "main group". Peter and Andrew most likely had been life long friends with the two other brother disciples, James & John, sons of Zebedee. All four of them came from the same location and all four of them had become disciples of John the Baptist. After they met Christ, before Christ "called" them to be His disciples, the four of them returned to fishing as partners.

Andrew lived his life in the shadow of his better known brother, Peter.

A: Simon Peter also acted hastily and reacted sometimes before thinking about it. But, Simon Peter is sometimes more well known for his quick answers that sometimes were not exactly the right thing to do.

Every scripture about Andrew shows that he ministered in the background.

He didn't seek to be the center of attention.He had lived his whole life in the shadow of Peter, and he apparently accepted this role.

This was the very thing that made him so useful. His willingness to be a supporting actor often gave him insights into things the other disciples had trouble grasping.

When he does come to the forefront, the thing that shines is his uncanny ability to see immense value in small and modest things.

Andrew fully appreciated the value of a single soul. He was known for bringing "individuals" to see Jesus, not crowds.

Andrew was not confused when someone wanted to see Jesus. He simply brought them to Him. He understood that Jesus would want to meet anyone who wanted to meet Him.

Andrew was the one that brought Peter to meet Christ. Then Peter went on to Baptize thousands.

One never knows how effectively the person who works in the background is.

Bringing one person to Christ, one person at a time, will sometimes yield HUGE rewards for the Kingdom of God.

When Andrew brought the boy with the loaves and the fishes to Christ, Andrew knew that there was not enough food for the entire huge crowd.

But, Andrew also knew that Jesus had commanded the disciples to feed the people and Andrew knew He would not issue such a command without making it possible for them to obey.

Unlike some of the other disciples he was evidently pleased to do what he could with the gifts and calling God had bestowed on him, and he allowed others to do the same.

Of all the disciples in the inner circle, Andrew appears the least contentious and most thoughtful.

Peter was impulsive and acted without thinking, James and John were the sons of Thunder who argued about positions of power in the future Kingdom, but not Andrew.

Whenever Andrew spoke in the scriptures (very rare) he always had the right thing to say.

However, he was bold, decisive and deliberate. Nothing about him is feeble or wimpish.

He was driven by a hearty passion for the truth.When he first met Jesus, he was a disciple of John the Baptist.

Can you remember what lifestyle John the Baptist had? What he wore, what he ate? (wore clothes of camel hair and ate locusts and wild honey. They lived and ministered in the wilderness, cut off from all the comforts and conveniences of city life. To follow John the Baptist as a disciple, you couldn't be soft.

Andrew preached in numerous places such as Ethiopia, the Middle East, and Greece; and saw many come to Christ.