God... Are we OK?
Notes
Transcript
Baptism
Baptism
This morning we are all witnessing the baptism of Stacy Alseth.
Stacy is a servants, servant. I can call on her to do almost anything. Nothing is impossible for her.
Baptism is the outward symbol of what Christ has done in your heart at the moment of your salvation. The symbol is important, not nearly as important as what Christ has already done.
Stacy was previously baptized as a baby in another tradition. We as Baptists would equate that infant baptism to our dedication.
Stacy comes now to be baptized as a believer. Her husband and one of our Elders Tyler Alseth will baptize his wife. The Alseth family and extended family are in the front row to witness Stacy being baptized.
— Baptism —
Jack Cooper, will you come and preside over a short business meeting, adding Stacy Alseth into membership?
Stacy by your baptism and years of commited service to Sunnyside First Baptism, I also recognize you as the newest member her at First Baptist.
Congratulations and a welcome!
The Act of Reconciliation
The Act of Reconciliation
Reconciliation is one of those concepts that is as old as the Old Testament, it is as old as the first time that Cain brought an offering of “the fruit of the ground,” and Abel brought the “Firstborn of his flock.” God rejected Cain’s but accepted Abel's in Genesis 4.
Gen 4.3-5
3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground,
4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,
5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.
We don’t know how or why they knew to bring an offering but they did and the concept of reconciliation was displayed for us to see for all mankind to see.
For God to send his Son to be OUR/MY reconciliation for OUR/MY sin and for our/my relationship to God.
We also know that there is no reconciliation with Jesus, no forgiveness for my sin and yours without the shedding of blood.
The Blood of Christ that was once for all to have OPPORTUNITY to follow Jesus and partake in that reconciliation by Grace through Faith!
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
Here is our BIG QUESTION for today...God, are we OK?
Here is our BIG QUESTION for today...God, are we OK?
It’s actually a pretty small question, 4 words but with a great deal of implication.
We have used the word enough this morning already let’s look at a definition.
Reconciliation - Restoration of relationships of peace where there had been hostility and alienation.
Because of our sin we have wondered away from God. This has lead to hostility and alienation from Him.
BUT because of the shed blood of Christ, because we have accepted His free gift of salvation by Grace Through Faith alone.
The offense is now removed!!!
Romans 5.10
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
Paul had experienced this first hand.
I experienced the hostility that God had for me and my life.
I felt His wrath for my choices and my sin. I had no where else to turn, but to God.
I finally answered the proverbial phone call that Jesus had been making. Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring.
How was it that I was reconciled to God? I answered the call in Faith.
That I too could be “saved”
How is it that everyone can be saved?By Grace Through Faith in Christ… Alone.
How is it that everyone can be saved?By Grace Through Faith in Christ… Alone.
This was Paul’s condition, Saved by Grace Through Christ Alone!
He wrote the Corinthians not from a position of power but of as a humble servant of Christ!
Beginning in Chapter 5 verse 11 Paul uses a summary word, “Therefore” to reach out to the people of Corinth and by extension to us in our homes, our families, our work spaces, our communities and our world.
If not us who??? Who is going to tell others about Jesus if it’s not us??
2 Corinthians 5:11 (ESV)
11 Therefore, knowing the fear [reverence]of the Lord, we persuade [convince] others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience [your sense of right and wrong].
Paul does not want them to get the wrong idea...
2Cor5.13
13 For if we are beside [amazed at] ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right [reasonable] mind, it is for you.
Paul makes it absolutely clear what his mission is among the Corinthians.
Paul makes it clear what the Corinthians message is to each other and to the rest of a very pagan world.
Paul wants them to be comfortable in their “new lives.”
He wants them to so understand their “new lives” that they, independent of Paul reach out and win the temple prostitutes, the pagans that are among them, the followers of Zeus and the rest of the small ‘g’ gods in their world to faith in Jesus Christ alone.
That is exactly the echo of scripture that we should be listening to today.
You don’t need millions of dollars… You need Jesus!
You don’t need perfect health… You need Jesus!
You don’t need to be the one in town with all of the toys… You need Jesus!
You may need one Gulfstream or Lear Jet but you don’t need two… You need Jesus!
Do I need to go on… We all need Jesus And Jesus is all that you really need!
2Cor 5.14-15
14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;
15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
It is abundantly clear that Paul has made the case for Christ.
In season and out of season,
when we are living a sinful life,
and when we are living in the rhythms that are spirit directed.
are you just a sinner saved, who keeps on doing the same stuff over and over and expecting a different result?
You’re living it… Where are you?
What does Jesus want from me..? I’m not perfect by any stretch of the imagination
V.15 - “that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him...”
Just put yourself away… just put everything aside… just give your sin to Jesus and ask for forgiveness… Just stop living in the “I,” “Me,” “My,”world and live for him!
2Cor 5.17-19
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
If you are “in Christ,” if you have asked him to be your Lord and Savior,
THEN START ACTING LIKE IT!!! STOP WHINING AND REALIZE THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS IS ON YOUR SIDE!
GOD SAVED YOUR MISERABLE LIFE BY SENDING JESUS… WAKE UP AND UNDERSTAND IT!
Paul was very interested in the Jews, he was a Jew’s Jew.
He knew the Old Testament in ways we will never understand.
Listen to the prophet Isaiah, written centuries before Jesus came.
Is 43.18-19
18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
In the barren-ness of the desert, God says through the prophet, that He is doing a “new thing.”
How many more times does Isaiah, does Jesus, does Paul need to say.
A new thing is being done. I beg you to be a part of it.
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
Let’s revisit the BIG QUESTION, God... Are we OK?
Let’s revisit the BIG QUESTION, God... Are we OK?
It’s not, I repeat not what I, I, I, I have done.
It is what He has done for us!
2Cor 5.20-21
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
I believe that God says we are “OK” but we could be better!
I believe that God says we are “OK” but we could be better!
Communion
Communion
On the night before the crucifixion, Jesus and his Apostles were sitting around on the floor before dinner.
The events of the past several hours and the next several days where coming together exactly as the prophets had said.
Before supper began he gathered those around the table and said
1Co11.23-24
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,
24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Our servers will now pass the bread. Hold until all are served.
Take all and eat...
After supper...
Matt 26.27-29
27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you,
28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Team… Come and lead us!
Jesus Messiah