legos . GOD. free will

This past Sunday we launched a series at church based off a book called The STORY. It’s basically the Bible, somewhat condensed, giving framework for the story of God. It’s said to be in chronological order, and goes through the narrative of Scripture. (If you’re interested – Beach Cities Christian Fellowship : Sundays @ five)

This week we also launched what we’re calling STORY.groups. They’re smaller groups intended to provide room to discuss in greater depth each chapter, each week.

As one would expect; The STORY begins @ the beginning. Genesis. Chapter One.

In the midst of creation… God did something very interesting. He gave us the ability to choose. Just as he chose to create : he gave his creation the ability to choose. to create. to think. to love. He gave his creation free will.

Free will. It’s an interesting thing.

Last night was the first session of the STORY.group material, a beautiful analogy was given.

Legos.

The Lego Movie came out this week and I’m excited to go see it with my son. Almost every day he asks me to play Legos with him. We go to his room, plop down on the floor, and build. It’s always fun to get a new Lego kit : a new car, a truck, a building. To put it together and watch it take shape.

When my son got his first kit, I had to do everything. But as he’s growing, he’s able to do more. He might not be able to work of the map yet, but he can piece them together.

Right after Christmas we had every Lego Kit built. They sat on his little table. He played with them. He admired them. He enjoyed them.

I loved watching him. It brought some joy, some sentimentality. And it brought excitement for when he would begin (on his own) to build and create.

A month and a half after Christmas, there’s not a single fully intact Lego kit. They have all been modified. Pieces have been removed, and others installed. Buildings torn down and new ones put up. His imagination is going full-bore.

As we discussed chapter 1 last night, what I found interesting about creation, free will, and Legos is this: In Creation, God has a plan. He built. He said it was good. He then gives us free will and allows us to use it. Using our free will often takes us off track from the original blueprint. But it’s ok.

Sometimes I go into my son’s room to see what he’s built. He’s excited, and practically jumping off the ceiling telling me about it. I head up the stairs and enter his room to see what? Not the perfectly placed car that was just built from the map. But a modified car with 6 windshields and no doors, lights that stack 10 high and 3 steering wheels. And a smile upon his face.

Sometimes I walk in and am sad that I can’t remember what the original fire truck looked like. I know I couldn’t put it back together, not from memory, not without taking other things apart.

I think this is like the free will God gave us.

He took us out of the packaging, put everything together, sat back, smiled and said “this is good.”
He then let his kids begin to play. They took pieces apart and put them in weird places.

One time, he stopped, and took everything apart,

and started over. He saw the hurt and the damage it did to his kids. He swore to never do that again!

Instead, he joins us, sits down on the carpet. Sometimes he’s guiding, other times just listening. But he’s always there, ready to be involved in the creation that is our lives.

Legos.

God.

Free Will.

intuition or something more?

Wednesday (last week) I took my son to preschool and headed to Newport Beach for an all day conference. As I drove east on Artesia, headed for the 405, I had an odd feeling – I just didn’t want to go. I couldn’t pinpoint why. However a few thoughts came to mind : the conference was at the same time of another meeting I wanted to attend, none of my friends were going  to this conference, and I didn’t want to fight the traffic. Silly reasons right!?!

Since I was already in the car, had already paid for the books that accompanied the conference, and had to pick-up the books at the event – I pressed on.

I arrived to the venue, found a seat, and did my best to wrap my attention around what was being shared.

To my surprise, my attention was quickly averted (and not by my doing)!
Before lunch my wife called.
My son’s preschool called.
He broke his arm.

Here’s what’s been spinning around my head for the past few days : Is there a connection between me not wanting to go and what happened that morning? What is intuition? and what role does it play?

Merriam-Webster defines it as:
in·tu·i·tion

 noun \ˌin-tü-ˈi-shən, -tyü-\

: a natural ability or power that makes it possible to know something without any proof or evidence : a feeling that guides a person to act a certain way without fully understanding why

Wednesday morning, a feeling swept over me, I didn’t want to g

o to the conference. I couldn't explain it. It didn't make sense.

Over the past few weeks my wife and I have been watching Warehouse 13 (from the Sci-Fi channel). If you’re not familiar with the series, one of the main characters (Pete) has what he calls vibes. He gets these feelings in his stomach. He doesn’t really know what they are or what they mean, but he has learned to pay attention to them and respond. Pete get’s a “vibe” something bad is going to happen and it puts him on high alert. Along with his sense of humor, Pete’s “vibes” prove to be a fun part of the show.

Sometimes in the Christian community we might attribute an experience like this to the workings of the Holy Spirit. Scripture says the Holy Spirit has come to guide, instruct, and journey with us. The Gospel of John 16:13 says this of the Holy Spirit : “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” (NLT)

As a pastor, one who has devoted one’s life to “knowing” God & his ways – I still have so much to learn. Sometimes I wish I could be more like Pete – and simply recognize the “vibe” I’m experiencing, reflect upon it, and respond.

My son’s arm is in a bright red cast.
Holding him back from donkey kicks or a playground won’t help him grow and develop. 

But being receptive to the workings of the HOLY SPIRIT : THAT IS what I want to live and teach!

immigration, meaning, perspective

I RECEIVED a reference from a friend a few weeks ago. When I got around to calling I explained who I was, who I was calling for, and what I was calling about. I was told that the person I was calling for was not available. And after a few minutes of conversation, the phone was handed to someone else. With the new person, I explained who I was, who I was calling for, and what I was calling about. And after a few minutes of conversation, a break in the voice on the other side of the call, I learned why the guy I was trying to reach was not available.

He had been detained. He was in an immigration holding facility. He was awaiting a decision, a direction.

Hearing the voices of the two women I talked to on the phone that day, puts the difficult situation our community/country is experiencing into perspective. As they tried to describe the situation without change to their voice, I could hear their eyes welling up. I could hear the rhythm of their heart quicken. I could hear all this.

When I dialed my phone that day (just about 2 weeks ago) I had no idea who I was calling, or what was going on in their lives.

This is often the case isn’t it?
Sometimes this is even the case with longtime friends. Sometimes even the case with family.
Sometimes we call and have no idea what’s going on. We don’t know the hurt, the sorrow, the situation.

Our lives are full of trials and adventures, some we want to experience, others we want to run from. Sometimes we believe it’s easier to live life in a perpetual state of ignorance – having accepted the “blue” pill (inter Matrix reference).

But ignorance is not bliss. No matter how simple or disconnected we may feel. The truth is – ignorance is not bliss. The Blue Pill would not have made life easier; rather it would have made it meaningless.

For it is within our daily interactions with one another that we find meaning. A listening ear, an embrace, a laugh; this is where we find meaning.

I’ve thought a lot about this immigration thing which daily flies under my radar. The confusion, hurt, and uncertainty was not lost on me that day – nor since. Hearing those voices crack and hearing their eyes fill with tears will stick with me. I don’t know them, but having spent time with them on the phone, living life together for those few minutes…

I pray.

I pray that I don’t live a life of ignorance; pretending lives around me are not experiencing great joys and often greater pains.
I pray for my friends. I pray for my neighbors.
I pray for hostility to be calmed.
I pray for peace in the midst of chaos. I pray.

Today, I choose the red pill and pray that my eyes may forever be opened to the reality in our midst.

Big BOX

Big Box

We hear this term a lot in our culture. Big Box. Big Box stores have popped up everywhere. At times we’re inclined to visit them simply because they hold so much of what we “need.”

Sometimes it’s kind of comical to read posts from friends after they visit Target or Costco. I’ve read facebook posts like: “wow, I got out of Target for under $100” or “why do I go into Target to get one thing, and come out 15?”

My wife and I shop at both of these Big Box stores. I actually enjoy Costco (even though they don’t play music while I shop). I enjoy wandering the aisles, checking out the ever changing samples, and the tasty treats. This summer I stopped in to grab some milk. (I have a 4yr & 1yr old, so we go through those 2 packs pretty quick!) On that particular trip, all I got was milk. As I checked out, the cashier looked at me kinda funny. She smiled and said: “Wow, this might be a first! Wish I could just come in and get only one thing.”

Novel feat, right!

What strikes me about these Big Box stores is our attraction to them. In my head, I associate Big Box with any nationwide chain. But Wikipedia told me this morning the term really is representative of these big stores that have a giant footprint and typically look like – well a big box.

Back in ’05 an Art Student, Julia Christensen, researched the growing trend of empty Big Box stores. You know the ones that sit vacant year after year. The Rensselaer Magazine article about Christensen’s research noted that: “Many of these superstores close because of lack of business or, more often, says Christensen, they move into a bigger and better space across town.”

Why is it if we are so attracted to them (as I believe we are – particularly after visiting Costco before and after the holidays) that they close? Why is it that these giant buildings are left abandoned? Why is it…?

Beyond these questions, I really wonder about these Big Box or nationwide chains and our inability to support the small, local, independent.

I lived in Seattle Washington for five years. While there I loved all the local restaurant choices. When we would have friends visit we’d take them to one of the fantastic local places – often just a short walk away. But this is not the case in most of the country. And unfortunately, having now returned to Southern California, this is not the case here.

If you ask where to meet a friend for lunch– what’s suggested is all too often the “big box” chain. We like the familiar. We like having everything in one place. We like the simplicity of the common.

As I perceive it, we have this same tendency within our culture when looking at churches. We look past the small to see the big. Culturally we gravitate to the all-encompassing, one-stop options where we think all our “needs” will be met.

But what fascinates us about The Standing Room, Catalina Coffee Company, Ocean Diner, Two Guns Espresso, Triangle Hardware, and (the list could go on, but I’ll pause there)  – with their quirky atmosphere, great product, and unique experiences… These stores provide us with something a little more.

In the New Year, I want to challenge you, when we look for places to meet friends, take family, or to just go and be; consider the smaller independent spots before giving in to the gravitational pull of the Big Box.

In the New Year, I want to challenge you, if you’re considering a place to go and worship; consider the small local faith community in your neighborhood.

Sometimes these seemingly smaller places (restaurants, stores, faith communities) actually offer us more. Sometimes these seemingly smaller places actually provide what we really need – a place to be, a place to participate, a place of community.

a walk in the park

To start the 2012 New Year, I joined a handful of others and jumped in the pacific ocean. Ya, not that great of a feat, considering on previous New Years I’ve jumped in Lake Washington. But none the less – it was still invigorating and a fun way to launch into the New Year.

As of yet, I haven’t decided what this New Year will entail? I’m not sure what will signify the start of 2014.

I have a small family – a wife and two kids (a four and a half yr old boy and 1 and a half yr old girl). Last year I embarked to the beach in Hermosa to jump in, by myself. It was fun. But I missed doing it with my wife. I missed having my family there to experience it too.

Family.

Family really is important in this day and age. With all our ability within social media for immediate connections, there is still something about spending time with family. A walk in the park, a jump in the lake, a kite flying, a bike ride; there is still something compelling about our tangible family connections.

Over the past few months I’ve thought a lot about the word “holistic.” It seems important to give appropriate and healthy (note healthy) amounts of time, energy and intention to work, family, physical health and spiritual health. Many of us desire this holistic life.

We all know the importance of spending time at work, accomplishing tasks, getting a paycheck, and providing for our (family) needs. We show up (40ish hours a week) and strive to do our best.

We all know the importance of balancing work life with our family life. Our parents, our siblings, our spouse, our kids; they need our attention, and we need theirs. Balancing time at work with family has been at the top of many New Year’s Resolution lists for years.

We see the health of our nation, our neighbors, our family – and we are driven to think about our physical health. Many will commit to loosing that “extra weight” from the holidays. We join Health clubs with good intentions. We lace up the trainers and run around the block. We eat better, play better, and work better.

But so often we forget one aspect of the holistic pie – our spiritual health!

What are you doing this New Year to tend to your spiritual health? BibleGateway and You.Version have great bible reading plans. Many churches have Bible Studies & Small groups. Our church is going to read “the Story” this New Year in 2014.

To live a holistic life – we must give attention to each aspect of our life pie. It’s not healthy to leave one out, or let it sit neglected. Friends who are out of work can attest to this. They’re anxious, and bored, they’re frustrated, and ready. We understand this. So let’s be intentional this new year to tend to all the aspects of our life.

As I think about it, this New Year, I hope to take my family out for a walk in the park (or perhaps the Strand). I hope we can create time to be together, exercise (running after the little ones), admire God’s creation, and breathe deeply the hope of a new year. As the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians : Forgetting what is behind, and pressing on toward what lies ahead.

join me on – a walk in the park

(ps – and if you’re curious, our church gathers SUNDAYS @ five)
{beachcitiesnaz.org}

Sacred and the Secular

I'm part of an online forum where discussion takes place concerning the Sacraments. In the Protestant evangelical circles I'm a part of we have 2 : Baptism & Holy Communion. (Some denominations have more, but these two transcend throughout all of Christendom) (The Catholic Church has 7 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacraments_of_the_Catholic_Church). This forum is loosely connected to the denomination I am a part of and particularly for those of us who hold highly these 2 sacraments. 

But what does the Sacred in the Secular mean? The elements of communion are among us daily. Historically we understand Jesus to have been dining at the Feast of Passover when he initiated this "new" practice for his friends/followers/believers to participate in. The bread and the cup were picked up from the table, symbolic Passover Feast elements. He takes them in his hands and calls those with him that day to remember him every time they eat the bread and drink the cup.

A question was posted on the online forum revolving around an experience seeing the "tools" used in an unusual manner. And the question was raised "why is that, and isn't it wrong!?!"  Here’s the background : Often in the evangelical churches across our country, tiny little plastic communion cups are filled and placed in a shiny gold or silver "holder" (http://bereanbaskets.com/images/cr_ar921425.jpg). And then the elements are efficiently distributed to the congregants. This particular situation, spoken of in the forum, saw these same cups and cup holder used at a State Fair to give sample taste-testers of their special sauces.

Out of this situation, here are my questions : is it odd to use the sacred in the secular - or is it exciting and admirable? How does using an item originally intended for a different purpose change the significance of the original purpose? Does seeing something out of place draw our attention to that which we have forgotten about, that which is in the far back reaches of our mind?I believe the God of the Old Testament and the New Testament is one of creativity. God is one who loves to see us engage in new opportunity and I believe God receives joy when he sees us interacting and reshaping. God is thrilled when the old is repurposes and given new life. This is precisely what the Christian story is about. New Life.

I love finding the Sacred intermixing in the secular. I hope we never move to a state of Sacred vs Secular. But rather strive to find creative redemption in the midst of our everyday lives. May the ordinary elements of our day draw us into communion with the EXTRAORDINARY.

Leading

I was swimming this morning. I try to do it a few times a week. I'm not in the slowest lane. But, I do most often find that I'm the slowest in my lane. For the most part I don't mind that. It's a lot of work to keep going. I'm not the energizer bunny. 

Most often I find that I swim well chasing bubbles. No, bubbles isn't a person. I mean literal bubbles, made from the kicking of the person in front of me. Perhaps it's like drafting in car racing. I don't know. But, I normally find comfort in the back of the line. I can rest, and can get off pace, and it doesn't effect anyone else.

To my surprise, this morning I found that I was slowly moving up in my lane. I started near the back, and by the end of the hour - had been forced to the lead position.

Leading in the pool is a lot like leading in other parts of life.

You feel pressure when you're leading.

You have to keep up the pace. You can feel others slapping at your feet. You feel like you have to be on top of it all. You have to keep pushing, even when you're tired. You have to count. You have to no where you are in your lap, you have to know where you are in your set. Leading is stressful.

As I find myself in a leadership position in other parts of my life - my experience in the pool this morning was a good reminder of my tendency to be content to coast.

Leading is hard. Leading causes pressure. Leading is tiresome. Leading is a great responsibility.

The coach said to us this morning "your goal should be to move up the lane and right to left!" 

We must be striving to succeed and see ourselves moving up, moving out, & leading.

don't sit back & coast

push on, keep pace, reach beyond

set out as leader.

Christ the KING

Pentecost +26b November 25, 2012

John 18:33-37 -- Christ the King

Over the last month and a half we have looked at the book of Hebrews.

      Hebrews calls us to live a life that is TESTIFIED : HOLY

      Hebrews reminds us we can daily have a SHARP : CONFIDENCE

      Hebrews reiterates our ability to have a GREATER : CONSCIENCE

      Hebrews confirms us our SACRIFICED : SALVATION

      Hebrews wants us to have an ENCOURAGED : FAITH

This morning - we're not in Hebrews.

This morning we're looking at John 18:33-37

Today is Christ the King Sunday.

Today is also the last Sunday of the Church calendar.

Next week starts Advent -- awaiting the dawn

      preparing for the coming of Christ.

Yet today, historically in the church we look at Christ the King.

Historically we pause and reflect upon what it means for Christ to be King

Next week we HOPE for the coming Messiah.

      But today we engage the King.

John 18:33-37 NLT

Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him.

“Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him.

Jesus replied,  “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” Jesus answered,  “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded,  “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”

King of the Hill

When I was a child I played King of the Hill every year at summer camp

King of the Hill - we played on a large rock.

      big enough to stand on,

      we could have 6 kids standing still upon it.

      But the goal was to be the only kid standing upon it.

      One would rise to the top - declare themselves KING

      And the others would rush to push the king off his pedistal and claim the thrown.

      It was a game of pushing, climbing, taking shots.

Interesting thing about playing King of the Hill:

      Once on Top -- you don't want to fall down.

      Once on Top -- Its easy to stay on top...

It is hard to get to be on top and be King of the Hill

      But once there - It's easy to stay on top.

King of the Hill has many practical expressions.

      The "rat race"

      The "political race"

Everyone wants to be on Top - and those on Top will do anything to stay there.

      Those on Top will do anything - push, kick, plant their feet...

Political Statement

Pilate didn't care about Jesus religious claims.

The ruling authority didn't care whether Jesus was a good teacher.

The political power house was religiously tolerant

      - just as long as everyone claimed Caesar as LORD.

      - just as long as everyone fell within their political place.

I began to think of this idea of Jesus as King

A King will do anything to ensure he's secure.

A King will do anything to retain their thrown.

A Kingdom will do anything to maintain power.

So this very statement: Are you a King

      Is really said out of fear.

The last two Presidential campaigns highlighted a new artistic style:

I even saw some which seemed to have been done out of fear.

But I wonder, what thoughts or emotions does the same political statement raise within you?

Does Jesus as King sound weird?

Does Jesus as Lord?

How about Jesus as Chief?

Or Jesus as President?

What are your thoughts upon seeing this political image?

When I showed this picture to a few - they raised their eyebrow at "dictator"

Can Jesus really be a dictator?

      is there a definition of "dictator" which is in the positive?

What does it mean for Jesus to be KING?

Does it mean the same thing for him to be President?

Doest it mean the same thing to be LORD, Chief, Dictator?

Pilate didn't care about his "religious" aspirations.

The Roman Empire simply needed to squelch any political aspirations.

And they thought they were doing that.

Upside Down Kingdom

For years I've enjoyed this title: "UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM"

Jesus' kingdom is so contrary to our system and beliefs it's upside down.

      It's backwards

      It doesn't make sense.

In all reality - the Kingdom of God isn't upside down!

      WE ARE!

     

We are upside down.

We are backwards.

Our world which we so violently cling to - is the confused, different, dangerous kingdom.

Our society with all of its different governments and kingdoms

      Does everything it can to maintain power.

But we know Christ the King.

Our King does not flaunt his wealth

Our king does not oppress the poor.

Our King is not arrogant, power hungry,

Our KING, Christ the King -- is the Humble King:

He is the God of the broken

The friend of the weak

He washes the feet of the weary

Embraces the ones in need

And I want to be like You Jesus

To have this heart in me

You are the God of the humble

You are the humble King

You are the God of the humble

You are the humble King

Who is this King?

Of the coming King Daniel has this to say (in chapter 7:13-14)

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Christ the King was given authority.

Christ was given glory

Christ was given sovereign power

Christ's dominion is everlasting

Christ's kingdom will not pass away

His kingdom will never be destroyed.

Who is this king?

The late S.M. Lockridge says it beautifully in "That's My King"

The Bible says my King is the King of the Jews.

He’s the King of Israel.

He’s the King of Righteousness.

He’s the King of the Ages.

He’s the King of Heaven.

He’s the King of Glory.

He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords.

That’s my King.

I wonder, do you know Him?

My King is a sovereign King.

No means of measure can define His limitless love.

He’s enduringly strong.

He’s entirely sincere.

He’s eternally steadfast.

He’s immortally graceful.

He’s imperially powerful.

He’s impartially merciful.

Do you know Him?

He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world.

He’s God’s Son.

He’s the sinner’s Saviour.

He’s the centerpiece of civilization.

He’s unparalleled.

He’s unprecedented.

He is the loftiest idea in literature.

He’s the highest personality in philosophy.

He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology.

He’s the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour.

I wonder if you know Him today?

He supplies strength for the weak.

He’s available for the tempted and the tried.

He sympathizes and He saves.

He strengthens and sustains.

He guards and He guides.

He heals the sick.

He cleansed the lepers.

He forgives sinners.

He discharges debtors.

He delivers the captive.

He defends the feeble.

He blesses the young.

He serves the unfortunate.

He regards the aged.

He rewards the diligent.

And He beautifies the meek.

I wonder if you know Him?

He’s the key to knowledge.

He’s the wellspring of wisdom.

He’s the doorway of deliverance.

He’s the pathway of peace.

He’s the roadway of righteousness.

He’s the highway of holiness.

He’s the gateway of glory.

Do you know Him? Well…

His life is matchless.

His goodness is limitless.

His mercy is everlasting.

His love never changes.

His Word is enough.

His grace is sufficient.

His reign is righteous.

And His yoke is easy.

And His burden is light.

I wish I could describe Him to you. Yes…

He’s indescribable!

He’s incomprehensible.

He’s invincible.

He’s irresistible.

You can’t get Him out of your mind.

You can’t get Him off of your hand.

You can’t outlive Him, and you can’t live without Him.

Well, the Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.

Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him.

Herod couldn’t kill Him.

Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him.

Yeah! That’s my King, that’s my King.

Amen!

Is this your king?

Is Christ your KING?

This morning:

      Is Jesus your King?

      Is Jesus your Chief?

      Have you allowed Jesus to be your Lord?

      Is Jesus your President or your Dictator?

     

The questions is simply this:

      Have you given all authority over to HIM?

Christ wants to rule your life.

      not in some scary dictatorship

      But in a relationship where you can know true life.

The question this morning simply is:

Have you given him power and authority?

      Do you proclaim him as CHRIST THE KING?

This morning I invite you, as Colossians 2:6-7 says:

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.  Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6, 7 NLT)

This morning:

I invite you to accept Christ Jesus as your Lord.

Let your roots grow down into him.

Let your lives be built on him.

Allow him to rule over your life.

Permit the one - who's kingdom is not of this world

      to step into power - and transform everything!

Benediction:

As you go, receive this benediction:

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.  Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

As you go; be bold in your political associations - of Christ as King

Go and Love!

SHARP : CONFIDENCE

Pentecost +20b October 14, 2012
Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Sharp : Confidence

Last week we at Beach Cities Christian Fellowship we began a journey in Hebrews.
We talked about the path of suffering, forgiveness and holiness that the great Pioneer of our Salvation blazed;
Hebrews reminds us to be = Testified : Holy

Who is Jesus?
Jesus is God's Son
Jesus was appointed the heir of all things
It's through Jesus that God created the world
Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God
Jesus upholds the universe by the word of his power
Jesus is the purification for sins
Jesus sits at the right hand of the God Almighty

As we looked at Hebrews 2, we discussed our need to be Holy as God is Holy.
Through your comfort,
Through your forgiveness,
Through your experience with the pioneer of our perfect salvation...
May you, being rooted in Christ's Love, comfort others!
May you - be Holy as the Lord is HOLY.
May you be Testified : Holy!


Hebrews 4:12-16
This week we are looking at Hebrews 4:12-16
Listen as I read from the New Living Translation
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:12-16 NLT)


SHARP  :  CONFIDENCE
Do you have Sharp : Confidence?

The scriptures tell us the word of God is Alive and Active.
* Is there any doubt that we too... should be?
* Be Holy as I am Holy.
* Be Alive as I am alive!
* Be Active as I am Active!

"The word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword."

Have you ever held a two-edge sword?
* I have a friend in Seattle who owned a few doubled-edged swords.
* Double edged swords are:
1) Heavy - take great skill to manuever
2) Sharp - are very dangerous.
- Why?
- They cut both ways.

Have you heard this statement before?
"The word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword"

When you have heard this before, what does it make you think of?
"word of God..."
1) Scripture
2) "Word" (capital W) = Jesus
3) Spoken word - voice, utterance

Often when we hear "the word of God" we think of: Scripture!
* The Holy Scriptures
* The Bible - sharper than any double edged sword.
- We can read the Bible and it has the ability to cut right through us.

2)   We hear in John 1:1 (in the NIV) say this of the "Word"
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 NIV)
* Our mind is drawn to John 1.
* The Word of God is Jesus.
* The Word of God can

3) Spoken word. Utterance.
* When we hear the voice of God - it is sharp.

Here in Hebrews, the Greek word used for this "lower case w" is Logos.
- It draws us to the use as a spoken word
- But logos was also used in John.

Is it appropriate for our mind, when we read "the word of God" here in Hebrews to think of
1) Scripture
2) "Word" (capital W) = Jesus
3) Spoken word - voice, utterance

SHARP : CONFIDENCE
We have just looked at what is sharp.
Let's now spend some time looking at our CONFIDENCE.

What is MOST IMPORTANT in your life?
"Are you Confident?"
Psalm 63:3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. (ESV)
Talk about confidence.
Your Love is better than LIFE!

Chair at Knot's Berry Farm
When I was a boy, I remember visiting Knot's Berry Farm.
There was an Old West interactive show - where they invited people
to sit upon this old chair that was up on the wall.
People of all different sizes were invited.
People of all different sizes were intimidated by the idea of sitting on
a chair where the feet didn't touch the ground.

Zip-Lining
This past week I had the opportunity to go Zip-Lining
After getting geared up.
Strapped in.
Hooked up
There's a moment when you have to step off the platform.
There's a moment when you have to place your confidence in the
ropes.

Are you Confident?
What do you have confidence in?

Wikipedia says: Confidence is generally described as a state of being certain either that a hypothesis or prediction is correct or that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective.

At some point - if you're going to go Zip-Lining
You have to have confidence in the college students who
strapped you in
You have to have confidence in the harness that holds you in.
You have to have confidence in the line above your head that
carries you
You have to have confidence that you will stop at the end.
You have to have confidence.

This Morning - the writer of Hebrews is reminding us that we can have confidence!

We can approach the throne of God with confidence.
Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NIV)


Are you in a time of need?
Do you need Mercy?

(YES?)
Then approach the throne of God.


We no longer have to wait.
We no longer have to go through someone else.
We can approach the throne of grace with confidence.

Last week as we looked at chapter 1 & 2 of Hebrews we discussed Suffering.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15 NIV)

Why can we approach the throne with confidence?
Because we have a God who empathizes with us.
We have a God who understands us.
We have a God has experienced that which we are going through.

Why can we approach the throne with confidence?

Because the "Logos" - the word of God - calls us.
Because Scripture calls us.
Because Jesus Christ calls us.

Because The Voice of God calls us.
The word of God is alive and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

SO let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet did not sin.
Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence,so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4 NIV)


The New Living Translation in Romans 12:2 says:
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (NLT)


Our World says have self-confidence.
Our world looks down on the church, and Christ, and our reliance on God.

Yet, we know we are not to be of this world.
Yet, we know we are to allow God to transform us in a new person.
We know we are to allow God to change the way we think.

How has our thinking to change?
One way - we are to be confident
not in your own doings - but in that of God.

God Loves you.
God calls you.
God wants you -- to come to the throne of grace in confidence!

Are you in a time of need?
Do you need Mercy?

I invite you to step off the platform in confidence that
God will carry you through!

Come to the Holy one,
the one who has been tempted in every way - yet did not sin.
Come to the one who empathizes with you.
Come to the one who is LOVE!

Benediction:
As you go, receive this benediction:
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. May you boldly approach the throne of grace with confidence. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it!

May you this day, and everyday have a SHARP : CONFIDENCE Go and Love!