Pull back the curtain

Ministered by the Holy Spirit through: Rev. Darryl K. Mason Sr.

Metropolitan UMC

January 3, 2021

Acknowledgements - Scriptural Ref:

PRAY FIRST!!!!!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS!!!!

God, Pastor, Staff Ministers, Saints of God

Ephesians 3:1-12

New International Version

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

word of God for- people of God you may be seated in the presence of God

As the Holy Spirit Guidance - I would like to talk about

Pull Back the Curtain

Intro - story

Intro

Talking Point 1

- As we transitioned from 2020 to 2021 people began to gather on socially distanced platforms.

- Some decided to meet in person with close families and friends.

- Still others chose to bring in the new year alone or only with their significant other

Talking Point 2

- Regardless of how you spent your new year’s no doubt there two things or their mind.

- They were glad to see 2020 go and happy to see 2021 come in.

- Like that guest choir that comes to sing and the sing to long. That make you glad twice (glad to see them come and glad to see them go.)

Intro - Anti-thesis (the world view)

These are contrary points that you will disprove

Talking Point 1

- On this Epiphany Sunday the traditional is to recognize and celebrate when the Wisemen/Magi visited the baby Jesus. (Christ was promised – He has now shown up)

- So, these Magi (show up to a Manger – hidden – pull back the curtain – explain the scenery – Joseph would have built protection for Jesus and Mary covering/curtain) and they SEE the King.

- The Jesus that they heard about

- The Jesus who birth was indicated by a star.

- Jesus had arrived and “showed up” or manifested.

- The question we have today is how Jesus will show up or manifest himself in our lives in the coming year? -

- Unbelievers would say with all the death, dying, social injustice, political disruptions. They say “where is this Jesus? We don’t see him.

- But we know as believers that Jeus who kept us in 2020 and he will continue to protect us in 2021. He is not dead. He is alive!

-

Intro - Thesis

(connect back to scripture storyline)

Recap the scripture story – retell and give the overview

The church (Jews and Gentiles – church folk and the unchurched – new Christians) Ephesus wonders how Christ will manifest and reveal himself in the coming years of their life. They wonder how Christ will affect their lives (he’s not here anymore is he real?). They try to figure out what the future will hold for them.

But he calls to their attention that if they are going to see Christ revealed in their lives they will need to come to grips with HOW Christ will show up the manifestation that he will show them. Sometimes we look in the wrong places and have misguided expectations.

Proposition

- What is the claim? (relevance for today)

The scripture wants us to do (what?) You can operate in the authority and power of Christ even though it seems that the world has us in captivity.

The scripture wants us to do this by (how?)

We shall do this by knowing that in the captivity the authority of Christ will be revealed, and His power will be made know to you.

The scripture wants us to take action towards who/what/whereby (to who?) We are going to action to those around us so that they can see Christ working in our lives.

- What is the focus? (pull from your exegesis form)

This passage centers around the passage centers around seeing the manifestation of God in our lives. So that other authorities will bow to the authority of God.

which is the central, controlling and unifying theme of the sermon. One word here: revealing/manifestation.

How will you see the manifestation of Christ in 2021? the idea that drives the theme.

The theme is related to: Jesus being ready to reveal himself in your life.

­- What is the function?

The hearers will be change by the message because they will understand that Christ will show up in many ways that the did not consider.

As a result, they will look for God to show up in places that they did not expect.

People don’t realize that: they can’t do anything to make God show up. Like the Magi - They just have to rely on what is behind the curtain. (Do you think the expected to find a King in a stable)

They will have revelation ah, a-ha, moment about

Intro wrap and three points you will cover

Today God is/we must remember:

1. Christ shows up in your prison situation

2. Christ shows up bringing grace and power to our everyday lives.

3. Pull back the curtain.

Transition from Intro to Point 1

***Good Transition here tie everything together**

Set up a good transition to your next point. Put something here that you will read!

Point 1 – Christ show up in your prison situation

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 

Explain What biblical writer is saying – draw from your exegesis work..deep explanation.

- What is the claim? (relevance for today)

The scripture wants us to do (what?) operate in the authority of Christ even though it seems that the world has us in captivity.

The scripture wants us to do this by (how?)

We shall do this by knowing that in the captivity the authority of Christ will be revealed, and His power will be made know to you.

The scripture wants us to take action towards who/what/whereby (to who?) We are going to action to those around us so that they can see Christ working in our lives.

***try to develop two subpoints for each point…

Point 1 - Subpoint 1- Title…. Talking Point 1

- On our New Year’s eve prayer call. I know were praying for many things.

- On the I say pray to ask God help you ‘release’ things from 2020. (evil thoughts, desires)

-There is a group that says I want to be rid of the craziness of 2020. They want to throw it all off. (Some prayed to be released from situation that in some instances God has placed you there so that he can get the Glory) – slow down here!!

- Paul tells us that he is in prison to let us know that the is working under a difficult situation

- Biblical historians have stated that Paul was likely under house arrest.

- Roman house arrest meant that he was restricted to where he could go. but just in case. The chained a Roman Guard to him. (Are you chained to a situation)

- Paul tells us that this imprisonment is not of Rome but of Christ. (Hey!!)

Talking Point 2

- You are not chained to that situation but you are chained to Christ. While you are there Christ shows up.

- He is not saying that Christ has him under imprisonment or is causing him to suffer but that. While he is “chained” to this solidier. God will still get the glory, God will still get the honor God will still get the praise.

- Have you every found yourself in a situation where you are chained to a situation, circumstance or yes even a person that you can’t seem to shake. (I’ve given up on bla bla – why)

- It is in these prision situations that we learn how to pray harder.

- it is in these prison situations that we learn how to praise and worship hard.

- Song: Lord I’m not asking you to move this mountain but give me strength to climb.

- Know that your are not chained to your circumstance. You are chained to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He said that he would never leave your and forsake.

- The safest place to be is in the arms of Jesus.

Supporting Scripture

Paul can get through this -

Paul has been in a prison situation before.

Acts 16:25-34

King James Version

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Illustration-

In 2021 when you find your self in a chained, mid night situation. If you just begin to pray and Jesus will show up and shake the foundation to let you know that he has authority and power in those circumstances.

In 2021 Christ will show up in your prison situation!

Transition from Point 1 to Point 2

***Good Transition here tie everything together**

Set up a good transition to your next point. Put something here that you will read!

Point 2 –The gift of God’s grace will supply your power

5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.

Explain What biblical writer is saying – draw from your exegesis work..deep explanation.

***try to develop two subpoints for each point…

Point 2 - Subpoint 1- Title…. Talking Point 1

- First I talked about the group that wanted to be released -

- Then there is the group that feels like they can’t make it

- these may be the people that lost love ones in 2020

- these may be the people that lost their job in 2020

- 2020 was so bad that you may feel that there is no way you can make it in the coming year.

- but today you can be encouraged to know that God will walk with you and his grace will make a pathway for you in the coming year.

Talking Point 2

- you may be thinking that you are not worthy. You may be saying to yourself I don’t deserve God’s blessings. But in our scripture call let us know that the power of Jesus Christ is for all people.

No matter what you have done no matter where you have gone the Gospel of Jesus hs present to provide you grace, mercy and power during these difficult and trying times.

- It is through grace that we find God’s protection.

- It is through grace that we are made better and better each day.

- God shines down his grace on our life and as it shines, we feel the power of his Holy Spirit keeping us and walking with us day by day.

- this is what will keep you in 2021.

Thomas Kempis says this: Approach with trust, and draw near For God shall not cast you off, nor drive you away, but freely He shall admit you, and show you His grace.. Christ. Has come to seek you, not to destroy. He comes to save you, not to judge. He comes to loose you, not to bind. He comes to suffer evils, not to inflict. He desires to deliver you,

The gift of God’s grace will supply your power

Transition from Point 2 to Point 3

***Good Transition here tie everything together**

Set up a good transition to your next point. Put something here that you will read!

Point 3 –Pull back the curtain

8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Explain What biblical writer is saying – draw from your exegesis work..deep explanation.

­- What is the function?

The hearers will be change by the message because they will understand that Christ will show up in many ways that the did not consider.

People don’t realize that: they can’t do anything to make God show up. They just have to rely on what is behind the curtain.

***try to develop two subpoints for each point…

Point 3 - Subpoint 1- Title…. Talking Point 1

- Rev. I understand group one and group 2. I can relate by that’s no my issues. I just got questions?

- Will the vaccine work?

- Will our young men still get shot in the street?

- Will government still be crazy?

- Will our climate still go crazy?

- Will Washington finally build a winning football team?

- How will God reveal himself.

- It’s easy to look at the situation in the world and loose hope.

- It is easy to look at the situation in our churches and the body of Christ and lose hope.

- We want a quick fix answer we have been turning over every stone.

- How but how will Chris reveal himself in 2021.

Talking Point 2

- As we go into our new year we must stop looking at the world thinking that we will find Christ in the world.

- Let us not put our hope in man, programs and stimulus check. We must stand on the word of God. We may be looking in the wrong places to see him show up.

- On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand!!

Point 3 - Subpoint 2- Title…. Illustration-

- Watched some TV during the Christmas break (happened to be looking at the gameshow nework. I had a chance to see let’s make a deal. It’s changed a little but I remember the old show with Monte Hall.

- People were excited about what they could win

- They would come dressed up in costumes. The felt the costumes would help them win (new year resolutions).

- Are we relying on our resolutions and vows to ourself to get us through this year or are we gonna depend on Jesus Christ.

- Monte would begin to start cutting the deal and I all came down and the person would have to decide. Do I keep the money, prizes, I have in my hand or do I pick what is

- Monte says if you just give you the money and the prizes you get to have what is behind the curtain.

- The money represents, all that you know, all that you are comfortable with, back biting, gossip, anger, strife. –

In 2020 you going to hold on to the past hurts of 2020 or will you take what is behind the curtain.

- So the man decides he will take what is behind the curtain.

- He takes what is behind the curtain.

- He opens the curtain it was empty!!

- Sad music plays. (no I want to know that there is no one shouting)

- I said he opened the curtain and it was empty.

- Oh you should be praising God!

- I said…that when got up on resurrection when they rolled back the stone to the tomb it it was empty.

-We are running to the grave to find Jesus, when he has gotten up. We are looking for a grave manifestation instead of a spiritual manifestation. We try conjure up the God by telling him the things we are going to do. We have to give up the concerns of the world and trust what is. Behind the curtain.

- Why are you looking for the living among. Why are you looking for a Savior from man.

- If you know Jesus. You’ll know he is living in your heart. Greater is he..that is in you..than he that is in the world. Why are you looking for a savior that is already with you? How do you think you made it this far.

- Pull back the curtain. (the grave is still empty!)

- In 2021 God says Let’s make a deal. If you will just give me your problems, I’ll give you Jesus. If you will just give me your problems. I’ll give you Jesus, If you just give me your pains, I’ll give you Jesus. No amount of COVID can take your joy away. Just look behind and curtain and you will see that you have the victory.

-

Supporting Scripture

1 Corinthians 2:9

New King James Version

9 But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Transition from Point 3 to recap

Recap Action and Summarize your 3 points

Point 1- Christ shows up in your prison situation

Recap Action and Summarize your 3 points

Point restated here..say it_____

As a result we will _________

Point 2- Christ shows up bringing grace and power to our everyday lives.

Recap Action and Summarize your 3 points

Point restated here..say it_____

As a result we will ________

Point 2- Pull back the curtain

Recap Action and Summarize your 3 points

Point restated here..say it_____

As a result we will _________

Invitation – Altar Call

"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness.

Right now I accept that Jesus is my Lord and savior.

I believe that Jesus died for my sins and that you raised Him to life.

Right now, I confess that Jesus is my Lord and savior and will follow Him from this day forward.

In the name of Jesus. Amen."

Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are proved right when You speak and justified when You judge. Right now, I confess that Jesus is my Lord and savior and will follow Him from this day forward.

In the name of Jesus. Amen."

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