BEING HAPPY IN AN UNHAPPY WORLD - PART ONE

BEING HAPPY IN AN UNHAPPY WORLD  PART ONE

“I have come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly.”  (John 10:10).

“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11)

In the next few sermons, the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to all of us the hidden or lost principles of happiness.  There have been many books and articles written on the subject of happiness and it is my desire that the Lord will show us through His Word and the wisdom He has given others, how to “Be Happy in an Unhappy World”.

Millions of people throughout the world have become so used to not being happy that they barely even notice it. They have accepted unhappiness and think it is normal.  Even great men in the Bible, like David found themselves wondering why they were unhappy at times.  “What are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you troubled within me?  Hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (Psalm 42:11).  But notice David knew it was still possible to find happiness. Happiness is possible for all of us who love the Lord, because He has desired that quality to be in all of us. Happiness is neither a mood nor an emotion. 


 Happiness is a way of life.  An outlook composed  of qualities such as:  optimism, courage, love, and fulfillment.  It is amazing how quickly people can begin to change, once they start dealing with their whole lives, not just their feelings. 

 “Being Happy in an Unhappy World” requires some understanding and some soul work.  It requires that you ask the same question David did:  “What are you cast down, O my soul?”.  Then it requires that you find some answers.

There is another word for happiness and that is “peace”.  This is a word our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ often used.  “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives to you.  Let not your heart be troubled,neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).

Fear is the greatest enemy of happiness.  Fear fits in to one of two categories:

Fear of not having enough. Fear of not being enough.  There are many faces of fear - perfectionism, obsession, insecurity, shyness, guilt, and many more.  We often try to make sense of our pain by assuming that it is outside forces that are causing our pain.  We blame others, our jobs, the traffic, etc.  It is really some inner turmoil that is causing us to have fears and be unhappy.  We will discuss fear and how to deal with it in another sermon.

Your mind, body, and spirit, working together can make you happy.  Sometimes when our minds and bodies are shattered by life it is only our spirit that can heal us and keep us alive.  

This is why you need to be “born again”, to have the Holy Spirit guiding your spirit to overcome things that are making you unhappy.  “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, who the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things.” (John 14:26).

To begin this journey of “Being Happy in an Unhappy World”, let us look at a few things we can work on to receive the happiness the Lord wants to give us.

LOVE.  We often think that being loved is the best feeling in the world when the best is loving someone else.  It is the antidote to feat and the first step toward happiness. “This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.”  (John 15:12).  Isn’t it odd that the Lord had to command us to love?  That would remind us that Love is more than just a feeling, it is an action.  Demonstrate your love by actions this week. 

OPTIMISM.  Optimism provides power over painful events.  Optimism gives you power over fear of the future and over regret for the past.  God wants to remind us that he has a great future for those who love Him.  “Eye has not seen, nor has ears heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things God has prepared for them that love Him.”  (I Corinthians 2:9).  Speak words of optimism to yourself and to others this week.

COURAGE.  This is the strongest weapon for overcoming the split second power of the fear system.  It is the quality that allows us to thrive instead of just survive.  We have the same promise that God gave to Joshua.  “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:9).  Step out of your comfort zone and make a decision that will make you and others happy this week.

FREEDOM.  Freedom is choice, and choice is what makes us human.  When we choose, we define who we are.  Everyone has the power to make choices, but unhappy people don’t know they have it.  Choice is available to anyone who has the courage to exercise it.  The Lord Jesus Christ living in your life can give you both the desire and courage to choose happiness.  “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36).  Remind yourself that choice is the father of freedom.  Anyone can choose the course of their lives, but only happy people do it.  Happy people turn away from fear and look at their options and act upon upon them. Make a “freedom choice” this week regardless of how little it is.

THE RESURRECTION MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS WRITTEN SERMON

THE RESURRECTION MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE - PART 1


THE RESURRECTION MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE - PART 2

THE RESURRECTION MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE

All of the natural world talks about the resurrection.  This time of the year we can see plants that look like they were dead come to life as leaves, flowers, and green grass.  Just a few weeks ago the grass was brown and lifeless.  Today, on Resurrection Sunday we see new life all around us.

That must have been what it seemed like to the disciples and the friends of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ just three days before His resurrection. 

 “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received & on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.   For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, & that He appeared to Peter, & then to the 12.   After that, He appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles, & last of all He appeared to me also."  I Corinthians 15: 1-3).

The Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection was not a quite observation by only the twelve disciples and a few of His friends.   “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;  And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,  And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”   Matthew 27:51-54

“He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).

Before His resurrection, the cross was known only as an instrument of horrible death, rough wood soaked with human blood. So terrible was this form of execution that the Roman Empire prohibited the crucifixion of Roman citizens. Crucifixion was only for the worst of slaves & enemies of the empire.

But today, because of His resurrection, we wear a replica of the cross as a piece of jewelry, a thing of beauty, for all around the world the cross is seen as a symbol of hope, & a reminder of God’s love for us.

And what about His tomb? Before the resurrection, for most of the world, the grave was looked upon as the final chapter, the closing of a great door, the end of everything.

But because of His resurrection, we can rejoice today that beyond death is where life really begins, & it will never end. That makes you wonder, doesn’t it, why we spend so much time worrying & fretting about material things?  Before the resurrection, death was the end. Before the resurrection, death was the final curtain call. Before the resurrection, all we could do is mourn as those who have no hope.

But after the resurrection, when someone dies, we mourn because we have lost a loved one. But we mourn as people who have great hope because Jesus Christ is alive, & the promise of Scripture is that if He is alive, then we, too, can live forever.  “Do not sorrow, even as others do which have no hope.”  (I Thessalonians 4:13).   Our sins are forgiven by His shed blood, & we have the promise of everlasting life. It changes the whole concept of death itself.

Paul wrote, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" "Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through Jesus Christ, our Lord." (I Corinthians 15:55,57).  You see, the resurrection makes the difference.

Then there is the transformation of time. Before the resurrection, time was a limited thing. The Bible talks about the breath of life that we have in our nostrils, & then it is gone. And there is no promise that when we exhale that we will inhale again. Life is brief indeed.  But on the other side there is Jesus & eternity, & that changes the whole purpose & meaning & scope of our life.

Have you been hearing the voices of hopelessness & despair that seem to be so pervasive today?  If you watch & listen very long, you can be filled with despair. And if the only hope that we have is the hope that this world offers, we have no hope because the message of this world is despair.

In contrast, Jesus said, "I have come to bring you life, & that more abundantly, to show you how to live, to bring you hope & joy & peace & love, to give you a reason for living." (John 10:10).  “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full.”  (John 15:11).

One of the greatest human abilities is to alter how we look at things in our life.  This means that no matter how difficult your life may become, you will always have the power to rise above suffering.  The act of choice is so powerful, that we can choose to live a new life - a resurrected life.

Whatever your problem is today, because of the resurrection, there is hope for you.  There is the possibility of new life for your dreams. and hope as you look at new life all around you.  I would encourage all of us not to look at this Sunday as just another holiday, but a message from Heaven of God’s love for all of us.  Today you can begin to make better choices that will lead to true happiness.  This begins from within, like a seed in the ground.  

Let the Lord Jesus Christ walk with you as He did he disciples after His resurrection.  None of us ever remain the same.  We are always changing as the new growth in spring does. We can allow life’s weeds to grow up all around us and not experience our resurrection, or we can thrive instead of just survive.  New life is a choice.  Allowing the Lord to give us new life is also a choice.  He showed Himself alive to many who loved Him after His resurrection, and today He is still showing Himself real to all who seek Him.

Good Friday

PLAY

LORD's SUPPER

CROSS WALK IN STREETS

LIVING EACH DAY AS IT WERE YOUR LAST

Video Links to This Message

Living Each Day As It Were Your Last - Part 1

Living Each Day As It Were Your Last - Part 2

Living Each Day As It Were Your Last- Part 3

LIVING EACH DAY AS IT WERE YOUR LAST 

In today’s message I would like to retrace some of the things that Jesus did during His last week.  His resurrection was going to happen, but before this He knew what He had to face.  He had to make a choice of what He would do with His life during this week.

Jesus spent the last three years of His life in service and ministry.  Even in the last week of His life He was thinking of others.  Below is a poem by General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army:

Lord, let me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray,
My prayer shall be for others.
Others, Lord, yes, others;
Let this my motto be.
Help me to live for others
That I may live like Thee.

Jesus not only took time to let others minister to Him, but He used his power and gifts to minister to others.  When you have the opportunity to do good for others, you should do it: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it" --when you have it with you” (Proverbs 3:27-28).

Another thing that our Lord and Savior did during His last day was to be thankful.  At the “Last Supper”, the Lord Jesus knew that this would be His last meal with the friends He loved so dearly and with whom He had spent the last three years.that   At that meal He was thankful.  “With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer.”  (Luke 22:15).  Even knowing that He was going to suffer and die, He was thankful for the opportunity to do it for those He loved.  “Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, an gave it to them, and said: Take, eat this is my body.”  And He tok the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank of it.  (Mark 14:22-23).  

The question for us is “Can we be thankful as we approach difficult times?”  Yes, Jesus could see the cross and the resurrection, and knew that this sacrifice was the reason He came from His Father.   “Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth...”  (John 18: 4). But He did not play the “victim card” or the “blame game” nor did he blame the Jewish religious leaders, or the Roman government.  

With less than a week left in his earthly life he continued the work that His Father God had given Him.  On His way to Jerusalem to be crucified, he stopped at Jericho to have supper with one of the worst sinners in that community.  Zaccheus was “chief among the publicans, and he was rich”.  Jesus told Him about heaven and about salvation.  His life was changed and he gave back all the money he had taken wrongfully from others.  Jesus changed His life and the life of others, and gave Him eternal life: “This day is salvation come to this house….For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost”.  As we go through life, there are people we need to talk to about the Love of God and offer hope. When we influence one life, we affect many lives.

On His way to the cross, the Lord Jesus also stopped to heal blind Bartimeus: “And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Master, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed Hm on the way” (Mark 10:51-52).  We need to stop and ask others the same question:  “What do you want me to do for you?”

Before He went to the Cross, the Lord Jesus stood up for other people who were trying to do the right thing.  The Lord was eating in the home of Simon the leper.  This man was probably one of the ten whom Jesus healed.  While He was eating a woman anointed the Lord Jesus’ head with a very expensive oil.  She was criticized for her act of love for the Lord.  “And Jesus said, Let her alone; why do you trouble her?  She has done a good for work by anointing me....She has done what she would: she is come a head of time to anoint my body for my burial.  Verily I say unto you.  Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she has done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”  (Mark 14: 6-9).  Don’t let the criticism of others keep you from serving the Lord with the gifts and abilities God has given to you.  You must make a choice to “Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.”  (Colossians 3:2).

The question today is how are you going to spend the rest of your life?  We do not know how much time we have. “Boast not yourself of tomorrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).  Just because you have limitations like financial problems, or health issues, does not mean you cannot make a difference in the lives of others in using your time.  This is one thing you and I have control of is our time.  We do not know how much longer we will live, but each day should be a day where we live like the Lord Jesus Christ did.

As we enter this “Holy Week” and think about the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, let us do as our Lord did.  He spent time with friends and family.  He met the needs of others.  He blessed others who were living right and serving Him.  He did not let others discourage Him from finishing the work that His Heavenly Father sent Him to do.

"RUN YOUR OWN RACE"

VIDEO LINKS TO SERMON BELOW

RUN YOUR OWN RACE - PART 1

RUN YOUR OWN RACE - PART 2

RUN YOUR OWN RACE - PART 3

RUN YOUR OWN RACE    

by Pastor Mark Taylor

“When the time was come that He should be received up, He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51)

God has given each of us a race to run and a purpose to fulfill.  Our Heavenly Father and many others in Heaven are watching us run this race.  “Wherefore seeing we also are watch by a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sins which do so easily overpower us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”  (Hebrews 12:1)

God had a plan for His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  That plan was to die on the cross for you and I and the world.  Jesus knew that this was an unusual and difficult mission the Heavenly Father had given Him, but He was determined to “run His own race”.  Speaking of the crucifixion, He said:  “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto Me.” (John 12:32).  He was not only running this race for Himself, but for you and I.

Many of His disciples and friends tried to talk Him out of “running His own race”.  “Then Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him, saying Be it far from you, Lord, this shall not be done unto you.” (Matthew 16:22).  The Lord’s response to someone He loved who was trying to tell Him to quit His race was:  “Get you behind me, Satan: you are an disgrace unto Me: for you do not choose the things that be of God, but those that are of men.” (Matthew 16:23).

God has called you and I to run to “run our own race” called the Christian Life.  Each of us is different.  God loves variety.  It is ok to be you. You were created to be you. He went to great lengths to make sure that each of us is an original.  Don’t compare yourself to other people; learn to be happy with who God made you to be.  We should always try to be better people and have positive role models in our life.  We should strive to be more like the Lord Jesus Christ.  But we will never be the Lord Jesus, or like anyone else, because God the Father has made you different than anyone else.  Our race is different than others.  Our purpose and mission in life is one that God has given to us..  With the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can find that purpose.  There are times we need Godly counsel, but sometimes you can get too much advice from others.  If you are not careful, conflicting opinions will simply cause confusion.  We don’t need to be getting advice from people who can’t even run their own lives, but are willing to tell you how to run yours.

The reason people are discontented today is because they compare themselves with other people.

The “race” the Father has given you to run is unique to your personality and your gifts and abilities.  God has an individual plan for each of our lives.  You can run your own race and be an individual.  You are not in a contest that requires you to compare yourselves with anyone else.  “Examine yourselves, to decide whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves.  Do you not know your own selves whether the Lord Jesus is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5).  If you have the Lord Jesus in you, then you have the Holy Spirit in you, and God the Father in you.  With these three, you don’t need to compare who you are with anyone else.  

You are a child of God and and the “race” He has for you to run is your own race. There are people running with you.  Some are behind you and some are ahead of you.  Some have just started, and some have quit.  It really doesn’t matter what others are doing as far as your race is concerned.  If we have our eyes on other people, we will get discouraged and even quit.  We need to keep our eyes on Jesus and He will give us the strength to keep on running.  No one else can run it for you, and you cannot run anyone else’s race for them.

How was the Lord Jesus able to “run His race” even though He knew it would be difficult?

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith: Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross; despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2).  He was willing to “run His race” because He knew that there would be a resurrection after the cross.

While you are “running your race” you need to focus on the victory at the end of the race.  Unlike team sports, this is your race.  If you finish, it will be up to you.  If you quit, it will be up to you.  You will receive the rewards and approval from your Heavenly Father at the end of the race.  Not only will you become a citizen of Heaven and receive all the things He has prepared for you, but you will hear Him personally say something like this to you:  “Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23).

Are you being the person God made you to be?  Or are you just going around pretending and trying to be what everybody else wants you to be.  Are you trying to live up to the expectations of others and following their dreams for your life?  If you are, missing the creative purpose God has put into you to have a happy and fulfilled life.  Don’t be afraid to take a risk in trying something new that God has given you the ability to accomplish.  Don’t be afraid to ask God to give you both the desire and resources to accomplish the things He has put into your heart to do.  God has said this to all of us:  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a good future.  When you call upon Me and you shall go and pray unto Me, and I will listen to you.  And you shall seek Me, and find me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

See yourself as God sees you - as a winner, and overcomer.   You will never rise above the image you have of yourself in your own mind.  As long as you say “I can’t”, you won’t.   Don’t focus on your weaknesses; focus on your God.  God loves to use ordinary people just like you and me, faults and all, to do extraordinary things.  “I take pleasure in difficulties, in criticisms, in lack of resources, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12: 10).  You have a great resource to call upon as you “run your race”.

FINISHING WELL

VIDEO - FINISHING WELL - PART 1
VIDEO - FINISHING WELL - PART 2

VIDEO - FINISHING WELL - PART 3

FINISHING WELL

SERMON BY PASTOR MARK TAYLOR

MARCH 18, 2012

“I Have Glorified You on the Earth.  I Have Finished the Work Which

You Gave Me to Do.” (John 17:4)

God wants you and I to “Finish Well”.  He wants us to be able to say as Jesus did: “I have glorified You upon the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4) There is a lot at stake in this matter of serving the Lord.  First of all it is a privilege that you and I have been chosen to be one of God’s children; Jesus said:  “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you” (John 15:16).

Most people who read this message will remember their commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.  They will remember the day they asked the Lord to forgive them of their sins, save them, and give them eternal life.  Many of these people decided to live a life pleasing to the Lord and become faithful in attendance and giving in a local church.  However, some of these are not “Finishing Well”.  Their lives have become so busy and full of other things, they have very little time for worship of the God who saved them or fellowship with those who are living for the Lord Jesus. 

It is both dangerous and short-sited for you or I to turn back on serving the Lord Jesus after He has done so much for us.  “Now,The Just shall live by faith. But if he draws back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him." (Hebrews 10:38). We will be in danger of losing the blessings and protection that God wants to give us.

 God choose Saul to be the first king of Israel.   After Saul had reigned as King for two years, he committed a great sin against God by taking Samuel’s responsibility of offering burnt offerings before he went into battle.  Listen to what God told a King who He honored and loved:  “And Samuel said to Saul, You have done foolishly: you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you…But now your kingdom shall not continue: the LORD has sought him a man after His own heart…because you have not kept that which the LORD commanded you” (I Samuel 13:13-14).  And in another situation Saul disobeyed God again:  “Samuel said unto Saul: for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel” (I Samuel 5:26).  “But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.”  (I Samuel 16:14).  One of the problems we see in Saul’s life is pride.  He became proud of his position and power.  He felt like he could do God’s work better than God. He felt like he did not need God.  Twice God gave him specific instructions and twice he disobeyed them.  When God’s Holy Spirit quits working in a person’s life, there is an empty vacuum.  We can be sure if God held Saul accountable for his sins, He will hold us accountable if we don’t “finish well”.  Serving God is not a game, it is an eternal commitment on your part and on God’s part.

The days before Resurrection Sunday are days of repentance and recommitment. 

The first way is to know if you are “Finishing Well” is to ask yourself: “Am I keeping His Commandments”.  “And by this we know that we have known Him, if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3). There are two important commandments that our Lord Jesus emphasized.   “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:38-39).  Do you really know the Lord and love Him as your God and Savior?  Do you ever tell Him you love Him?  Do you ever show Him you love Him?  Jesus said:  “If you love Me, keep my commandments.”  (John 14:15).  Maybe you started out keeping His commandants and loving Him, but what about today?  Are you “Finishing Well”?

Another way to know if you are “Finishing Well”, is to look at your priorities in life.  Do you love the Lord Jesus and His work more than the things of this world?  “Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).  Have you asked the Lord Jesus his opinion about the things you are doing and how you are living?  Would you take the Lord Jesus with you where ever you go?  Would you invite Him to hang around your friends and participate in the activities you call fun?  Would you invite the Lord to watch your favorite TV shows with you and look at what you see and write on the internet?  “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, who has sealed you until the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30).   If not, then you are not “Finishing Well”.  Be careful that you do not end up like Saul and lose all the wonderful blessings that He wants to give to you.  “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6).

A third way to know if you are “Finishing Well”, is to evaluate how much you love His Church.  “Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it”.  (Ephesians 5:25).  How often do you attend the worship services and Bible studies?  How often do you spend time with other Church members and talk about the Lord and His work?   “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the (Christian) brothers (and sisters). He who does not love his brother (or sister) abides in death” (1 John 3:14). Jesus said: “By this all shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love toward one another” (John 13:35).  Just because you had some faith at one time in your life, will not guarantee you will “Finish Well”.  “What does it profit, my brothers and sisters, though someone says they have faith, and they do not have works?  Can faith Save Him?.....Even so faith, if it does not have works is dead, being alone.”  (James 2: 14, 17).

As we enter this Resurrection Season, let us consider all the advantages of “Finishing Well”.  “But as it is written, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard," nor has it entered into the heart of man, "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).  If we haven’t been “Finishing Well” then we need to ask for forgiveness and “Finish Well”.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).  

THE CROSS COMES BEFORE THE RESURRECTION

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS MESSAGE

THE CROSS COMES BEFORE THE RESURRECTION - PART 1

THE CROSS COMES BEFORE THE RESURRECTION - PART 2

THE CROSS COMES BEFORE THE RESURRECTION - PART 3

THE CROSS COMES BEFORE THE RESURRECTION

“And Jesus said to them all:  If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”  (Luke 9:23)

The resurrection season we call Easter is a wonderful time of celebrating the life, and  resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Some people may feel bad about the fact that Jesus had to died.   Listen to what Jesus said about His death and resurrection: "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father." (John 10:17-18).

Jesus was able to bear His cross because of what He saw in the future.  You and I have a great future.  Jesus was able to see Heaven and His Father.  He had been with Him before the world was created and He knew he would soon be with Him again.  This is what He wants us to see. 

We need to understand that the important thing about the Lord’s death and resurrection is that it was planned before the beginning of the earth:  “ He came to Earth to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:26-28)

Some people have a cross of poor health.  Some people bear a cross of being abused as a child or as an adult, which has led to poor self-esteem and emotional problems.  Some people bear a cross of having little of this world’s economic goods.  These are crosses that either other people have put on us, or we have put on ourselves.

The spiritual application is this: Sometimes the Lord removes our crosses from us, and sometimes He helps us carry them.  Each day it may be difficult to keep going, but He wants us to “take up” our cross and “follow Him”.

Jesus chose to endure self-denial during His time on the earth and to die on the cross for you and me.  He wants us to follow His example.   “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).  

Taking up your cross does not mean that you cannot be happy.  Throughout the New Testament we are taught to “rejoice”, to think positive and to live a life of love and service.  Even though you have a cross, you keep your eyes of Jesus.  That is why He said to “follow me”.  If you are following Him, He will be in front of you and you will have the strength to make it.  He is not asking you to walk where He has not already walked.

Taking up your cross and following Jesus may require you to endure some hardships. Paul was able to heal many people and be a blessing to many others, but Paul had a physical illness that God did not cure, even though Paul himself requested this healing several times.  This does not mean we do not pray for healing, deliverance, or victory.  In many cases the Lord will give us the desires of our heart.  But sometimes we have to “take up our cross” and “follow Him”.

“For this thing I besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”   (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)

The last few days of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, were not filled with healing, social ministries to the multitudes, or trying to reform religious institutions.  He did spend most of the three years of His ministry doing these things.  However, His last days were spent in giving important instructions and examples to His disciples and to you and I.

One of the last things our Lord did was to have a meal with His disciples.  We know this as the “Last Supper”.  This was a meal that all Jewish people were having called the “Passover”.  This was a meal for them to remember their deliverance from captivity from Egypt. A lamb was killed and the blood was put on the doors of all the Jewish houses to protect them from the “death angel” who would come that night to take the first born of anyone who did not have the blood on their door.  This would demonstrate the power of God to the Pharaoh and cause him to release the Jewish nation from slavery.  Jesus would become that lamb for you and I. 

Early in His ministry He was identified as that Lamb. “The next day John sees Jesus coming to him and says, Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).  He would deliver us from sin by shedding His blood for us.  God had this planned for you and I.  “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28).

Regardless of the cross you are bearing today, the Lord Jesus wants you to “take it up”, and “follow Him”. Don’t allow your cross to turn you into a victim.  Allow the Lord to help you carry it and experience a victory over you problem. The cross you bear will one day turn into a resurrection.  

Taking up your cross and following Jesus does mean that there is some self-denial involved.  This may take the form of service to others.  The Lord may also ask you to use some of your time, money, talents and skills to help others.  But everything you give to the Lord will be blessed and multiplied.  “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shown toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).

Remember after the carrying of the cross, and the crucifixion, there was a resurrection.  You and I have a resurrection and will share in Christ’s glory. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:12).  There is much to look forward to in this life time and the one to come if we will “Take up our cross daily, and follow Him”.

THE UPSIDE-DOWN ECONOMY OF GOD

VIDEO LINKS FOR THIS MESSAGE

GOD’S ECONOMY - PART 1


GOD’S ECONOMY - PART 2


GOD’S ECONOMY - PART 3

THE UPSIDE-DOWN ECONOMY OF GOD
Message by Pastor Mark Taylor

“Give, and it shall be given unto you..”  (Luke 6:37)

“Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister..” 
(Matthew 20:27)

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, left Heaven and came to Earth on a mission.  It was not as a King to conquer, or a Judge to deliver judgement on a sinful world.  He did not come to demonstrate His God-given gifts to receive recognition, wealth, or fame.  He did not come to set up rules of moral conduct or even enforce the one’s His Heavenly Father had already set up.  All that will come later when He returns to Earth to set up His Kingdom, and we will participate with Him in His rule and reign on Earth. “Blessed and holy, are those that have a part in the first resurrection:on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”  (Revelation 20:6).

But first, the Lord Jesus came to you and me and this world for one reason, and that was to show us how much God really loves us.  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever would believe on Him, would not perish, but have everlasting life.”  (John 3:16).

In our economy, we expect others to show us love, meet our needs, and give us respect first.  In other words, people have to earn our love and respect.  In God’s economy, He demonstrated His love first. “But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).  Before we showed Him any love or respect, He loved us.  Before we deserved forgiveness, He gave it to us freely.  And even now, when we know how much He loves us and we fail to return that love and respect, God still gives to us freely because of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.”  (Romans 8:32).

Giving is part of the nature of God.  He loves to give.  He has instituted a spiritual law of giving to us.  “Give, and it shall be given unto you..”  (Luke 6:37).  “For what ever a persons sows (gives), that shall they also reap (receive).” (Galatians 6:7).  “The person who sows (gives) sparingly shall reap (receive) also sparingly; and the person who sows (gives) bountifully shall reap (receive) also bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6).  These scriptures could include money, but it is referring to a life of giving service and love to others.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, came to give to you and me.  “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister to others, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45).  It is a wonderful truth that the Lord has come to serve you.  He has come to answer your prayers, to bless you, to give you the ability to use your gifts and talents to serve others. He has come to give to you to give to others.  “Feed the hungry and help those in trouble.  Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.  The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.  You will be like an ever-flowing spring.” (Isaiah 58: 10-11).

Another thing that is upside down in God’s economy is that He wants you to give thanks when there does not seem to be anything to be thankful for. We usually say “thank you” after something is given to us, but God likes for you to be thankful before He answers your prayers.  Because, when you show gratitude to God, you are showing faith in Him.  You are looking through eyes of faith instead of looking at your current situation.  This is called “faith”.  We can exercise faith with “thanksgiving”. “Do not be anxious for anything, but in every thing by prayer and intercession for others, with thanksgiving, let your requests be make known unto God.  And the peace of God, which goes beyond all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).  Even our salvation and blessings are associated with our gratitude.

And certainly God appreciates and rewards those who are thankful when their prayers are answered.  In Luke 17:17-19 the Lord Jesus healed ten people and only one said “thank you”.  Jesus said to this one who had returned: “Rise and go; your faith has made you whole.”  Not only was he healed, but he received complete wholeness to live a full life and salvation to enter into eternal life.  What precedes most miracles is thanksgiving.

The Lord Jesus demonstrated how God’s economy worked when He gave thanks for the suffering and death which He would soon endure at the cross.  “And He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them.” (Luke 22:19).  The resurrection was what the Lord Jesus could be thankful for.  Not only for Himself, but for all those who loved Him and believed in Him.  “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ?  And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” (I Corinthians 10:16).  The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, invites us to give thanks for the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection.  But it also invites us to give thanks for His help in our suffering.

As we approach this Easter season, let us approach it as the Lord Jesus did.  He did it with giving of Himself to others.  He did it while serving others by humbling Himself.  He did it through being thankful to His Heavenly Father.  He did it by encouraging others about the great future He had for them after the resurrection.  “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15.

It would be good if we could look at things the same way our Heavenly Father does.  Yes, it is true, it seems upside-down compared to the way we have been taught, and live our lives.  But when we follow God’s economy, we will be blessed and so will many other people.   We would be so much richer if we gave the way God gives, minister the way God ministers, and be thankful the way God has asked us to be.