None of the Above
Stand Alone • Sermon • Submitted
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· 4 viewsA divided church is far more harmful than a divided country.
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Transcript
SETUP
Taking a test…
“None of the Above”
As many different opinions as there are people in this room // watching online
There are the facts as I see it.
There are the facts as you see it.
I submit to you that maybe the answer is “None of the above.”
There is the truth as God declares it.
SCRIPTURE
13 When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” 14 “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?” 15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told.
SUBSTANCE
Three Reflections
God refuses to be limited by the choices we present Him
God isn’t concerned about “your side...”
God has His own side - And that is where I want to be.
God’s concerns are much grander than ours.
Joshua wanted victory in a battle.
But just maybe the angel was looking past the present and into eternity...
Past the coming of King David
Past Solomon’s temple
Past Israel’s exile into Babylon
Perhaps he was peering into the manger observing the incarnate Christ...
Or looking ahead the the moment Jesus cries out it is finished on the cross.
Perhaps he was reflecting on the empty tomb that was still to come where hell, death, and the grave would receive their defeat.
Maybe he was looking forward to the moment the Holy Spirit would indwell Himself into 120 followers of Jesus launching the New Testament Church.
We see the event.
God sees eternity.
You and I are not called to save America.
We are called to save Americans.
In response to the angels third option
Joshua fell down in worship
And he began to see his surroundings
Not as a battle ground
But as holy ground
Joshua had to recognize the holiness of the moment before he was able to receive directives regarding what was to come.
SHUTDOWN
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
I’m no prophet, but if you want more real opinion about all that’s going on… it is this...
I think God is far more concerned about a divided church than He is a divided nation.
I think God is far more concerned about a divided church than He is a divided nation.
Get out of the echo chamber
Get into His presence
Worship Him, in unity, in love, and in power…
None of the above… except His above…
None of the above… except His above…
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
Consecrate = dedicate yourself to God
The world has lost its faith only because the church has lost its fire.