‘Sermon’

Speaker: Matthew White
Date: June 6 2010

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Summer time means activity

• Picnics and parties
• Students graduating
• Moving into new homes
• Family visiting

We can easily miss what’s important

• Urgent vs. Important

Hebrew 12:1-3
What is our prize?

• Lester Hayes – winning a Superbowl ring then pawning it

Shackleton sign

• “MEN WANTED: FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY. SMALL WAGES, BITTER COLD, LONG MONTHS OF COMPLETE DARKNESS, CONSTANT DANGER, SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL. HONOUR AND RECOGNITION IN CASE OF SUCCESS.”

We must endure!

1. 3500-4000 churches shut down each year
2. ½ of all churches last year did not add one new member through conversion growth
3. Churches lose 2,765,000 people each year to nominalism and secularism
4. 50% of pastors said they would leave the ministry if they had other job skills
5. 80% of seminary graduates who enter ministry will leave it within 5 years

Training

• We can’t just run the marathon today
• We also need to train for life’s challenges

Remember the Christian Disciplines

• Prayer
• Reading Scripture
• Fasting
• Silence & Solitude
• Fellowship

Speaker: Ps. Christopher Chan
Date: May 30 2010

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Life is full of distractions:

1. Busyness
2. Over commitment
3. The tyranny of the urgent

Results of Distractions:

1. Lack of focus
2. Inefficiency
3. Frustrations
4. Worry
5. Stress

Martha and Mary – A story of focus

(Luke 10:38-42)
Martha was the host. She “received”(KJV) “opened her home” (NIV) Him into her house (v38). The verb is used only 4 times in the Bible (cf. Zacchaeus  ”welcomed” Jesus gladly in Luke 19:6).  The normal “receive” occurs 56 times in the Bible.

Martha was “distracted” (v. 40), the verb periespato implies that her attention was drawn away by the burden of her duties. (Literally it means to be pulled in all directions).
Martha gets busy preparing the meal, living up to the expectations of the day as a host.

But Martha was distracted with much serving (v40).
The problem was not with “serving.” It was “MUCH” serving.
She over-extended herself. She lost her focus. She misplaced her priorities.

She is ‘worried and upset by many things’:
That phrase is similar to the one Christ used when speaking about the seed falling on thorny soil and when it grew the thorns and weeds (the worries of this world) choked it and it died

Effects of lost focus:

1. Physically
   You are worried and upset about many things-v41
   Worry is within and internal but upset is expressed and vocal. Worried is the activity of the mind and upset is the activity of the lips.
   Mayo Clinic- 80-85% of its total caseload was the result of anxiety and worry.
   70% of all medical patients could cure themselves is they could stop worrying.
   112 million Americas take medicine for stress related symptoms.
2. Relationally:
   “…my sister has left me…” v. 40
   Stress also affects our vision - It prevents us from seeing anything other than ourselves and our situation.
   She felt unappreciated and all alone.
   She was upset (and bitter) towards her sister.
3. Spiritually:
   “Lord, don’t you care…?” v. 40
   It was an accusation more than a question.
   Lord don’t you know what I am going through?
   Lord don’t you care……that I am the only one working?…that no one is helping me?…that this isn’t fair?
   Love has turned into resentment!
   “Therefore tell her to help me.” v40.
   It is OK to let Jesus know your stress, but just don’t tell Him the solution, which Martha did.
   Instead of asking, she demanded!

Solution

1. Know your limits
   ”…Martha opened her home to him.” v. 38
   Jesus did not invite himself in. He did not ask for a big elaborate meal.
   Martha’s anxiety is the product of her own choices.
   We have to know our physical limits. Don’t try to live up to the unrealistic expectations.
2. Choose What’s Better
   Refocusing our priorities.
   What Martha was doing was essential, but what Mary was doing was eternal.
   Don’t let the essential drowned out the eternal.
3. Stay focused
   Martha’s problem was that her eyes were not totally fixed on Jesus. She had one eye on her sister. Her hands were serving Jesus but her heart was scolding Mary.
   Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
   Psa 123:2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.
   Psa 123:3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt.

Speaker: Ching Ming Lie
Date: May 23 2010

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Speaker: Ps. Irwan Ngadisastra
Date: May 23 2010

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Paul Harvey said, “Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men but keepers of the aquarium.”

1 Thessalonians 1

1. Evangelism Starts With You (v.8a)

Evangelism is the churches responsibility and purpose. Jesus indicated that to the disciples in Mat.28:19-20. He also told them when the Holy Spirit “has come upon you…you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Dale Carnegie, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in people, than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

Illustration
It is easy to determine when something is aflame. It ignites other material. Any fire that does not spread will eventually go out. A church without evangelism is a contradiction in terms, just as a fire that does not burn is a contradiction. (Christian Theology in Plain Language, p. 162.)

2. Evangelism is a Direct Response to Our Personal Reception of God’s Word (vv.6-7)

When the people at Thessalonica “received the Word” they “became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (v.7)

When you become a follower of the Lord you will tell others about your faith — it will be a direct response. When Jesus healed people they immediately told others what happened.
- Mat.4:23-25

Christ met unbelievers where they were. He realized what many Christians today still don’t seem to understand. Cultivators have to get out in the field.

According to one count, the gospels record 132 contacts that Jesus had with people. Six were in the Temple; four in the synagogues and 122 were out with the people in the mainstream of life. SOURCE: J.K. Johnston

3. Evangelism is a Lifestyle Not a Church Program (vv.8a-10)

Every Believer in the Thessalonian Church Preached the Gospel. It was not left up to Paul and his associates. Paul said their “faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything” (v.8)

The Gospel was Personally Tied to their Faith. Paul says “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth…Your faith toward God has gone out.” The “word of the Lord” and “Your faith toward God” is being used synonymously. The “word of the Lord” is their “faith toward God” — it is objective truth!

Evangelism is not what we tell people, unless what we tell is totally consistent with who we are. It is who we are that is going to make the difference.

If we do not truly enjoy our faith, nobody is going to catch the fire of enjoyment from us. If our lives are not totally centered on Christ, we will not be Christ-bearers for others, no matter how pious our words.
[Show and Tell, Citation: Madeleine L’Engle, quoted in Christian Reader (May/June 1998, p. 50)]

4. Lifestyle Evangelism is Both Heard and Seen (vv.9-10).

Lifestyle evangelism is not just living out the Gospel in my life. It is living and proclaiming the Gospel in my life. Those who heard the “word of the Lord” from the Thessalonian’s declared what kind of people the Thessalonian’s were (v.9). They declared they had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (vv.9-10). This was the testimony of the Thessalonians believers.

God was glorified by the Thessalonians for the proclamation of their faith. He was glorified by those who heard the Gospel from the Thessalonians. He can be glorified by His church today!Rom. 10:1 “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.”

Conclusion

We are to evangelize the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! It is to be every part of our living because it is connected to our faith! When people ask us to stop proclaiming the Gospel they are also asking us to stop believing because the two are closely related. Do you understand your purpose as the body of Christ?

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Speaker: Ps. Christopher Chan
Date: May 16 2010

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John 1:35-46
Evangelism – what comes to your mind? What is it?
Defined as - “the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ.” (Webster)
2nd definition - “militant or crusading zeal.” (negative)

Principles of effective evangelism

1. Knowing the felt needs and inner desires of people.

• What do you seek? (v. 38)
  a. People are seeking for something to fulfill their inner needs.
  b. The two disciples (v. 37-38), wanted to “hang out” with us. – “where are You staying?” To them, Jesus offered – “COME AND SEE!”
  Peter was expecting the coming of Messiah - that Jesus would fulfill his hopes for an independent kingdom and consequent political power for those who joined him.
  c. Nathanael was expecting a spiritual Messiah (vv. 45-46). Philip said, “Come and see!”
  d. Zacchaeus was seeking for acceptance and love. Jesus said, “”Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.“
  e. The Samaritan woman wanted water – physical, emotional and spiritual thirst. Jesus offered, “living water that will spring up into everlasting life.”

2. Invitation

• Philip invited Nathanael to meet and experience Jesus Christ.
• He didn’t walk up to Nathanael, wave a scroll in his face, twist his arm, and ask him if he was an obedient, fearful, repentant follower of God.
• He invited him to share his experience.
• Philip invited Nathanael to “COME and SEE” (v. 46).
• Andrew brought Peter to Jesus (v. 42)
• We must invite people to our Care Groups and church services (where the presence of Jesus is most often experienced).
• If you experience joy and friendship and pleasure from church and consider it important enough to come each week, why are we intimidated to issue the same enthusiastic invitation on behalf of our church?

3. Issuing that invitation to a friend/someone familiar.

• Philip didn’t go to a stranger on a street corner.
• Philip didn’t go pass out tracts at WalMart.
• Philip went to a friend of his; someone he knew and someone he cared about.

Speaker: Ps. Irwan Ngadisastra
Date: May 9 2010

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Speaker: Matt White
Date: May 9 2010

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• The church grows inward

• It’s hard to relate to people in the world

• Many judge instead of reach out

• We are not spectators in life

Matt. 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Living as a light

1. Christ is our source
   John 1:9- That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
   We are vessels for the Lord
   Think Chocolate Milk!
2. We are visible!
   2 Kings 5:1-3 – slave girl was a light
   God has a purpose for you where you are at
   Why do people visit our church?

Speaker: Ps. Christopher Chan
Date: May 2 2010

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The Heart of the Father

1. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1Ti 2:3-4)
2. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2Pe 3:4, 9)
3. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live! (Eze.18:31-32)

Reaching Out: Jesus’ Example

John 4: 3-26

1. Jesus was intentional
   • (v.4) Now he had to go through Samaria.
   • Jesus took the road less traveled…Samaria.
   • He did not choose a popular path.
   • He did not choose the easy path.
   • But He had to go through Samaria.
   • He went and did not wait for people to come to Him.
   • Illustration: Invitation (come at your own risk)

   Road less traveled…..

   • Jesus had to break the cultural norm – Jews had no dealings with Samaritans. (v. 9)
   • Jesus had to break the social norm – a Rabbi would not talk to a woman in public. (v. 27)
   • Jesus did not take offense when the woman used sarcasm. (v. 9) – She was implying, “We Samaritans are the dirt under your feet until you want something; then we are good enough!”
   • Jesus risked His reputation by reaching out to a woman of questionable moral character.
2. Jesus was engaging not forcing or condescending.
   • (v.7) When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”
     Water – immediate MATERIAL need.
   • Husband – deep hearted EMOTIONAL need – lonely, abused and tired.
   • Spiritual thirst – for something real and meaningful, fulfilling, enriching - SPIRITUAL
   • Jesus offered her “living water” (v.10) (which) “will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (v. 14)
3. Jesus showed her that He was the WAY, the TRUTH & the LIFE.
   • The WAY – worshipping the Father in Spirit and in Truth; not in Mt. Gerizim nor in Jerusalem.
   • The TRUTH – her religion did not work for her. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know. (v. 22)
   • The LIFE – there’s a better way to live her life through the LIVING WATERS that guarantees satisfaction..But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.“ (v. 14)

A Transformed Life

• What happened to the Samaritan woman after the encounter with Jesus?
• She left behind the jug that had caused the sag in her shoulders. She left behind the burden she brought. (v. 28)
• She became an evangelist. Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him (Jesus) because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” (v. 39)

Does Anyone Care?

• We are too busy – no time.
• We are too preoccupied – no urgency.
• We are too caught up in needs – no passion.
• Illustration: when tickets don’t hurt.

Speaker: Ching Ming Lie
Date: April 25 2010

John 21:1-17

Joh 21:14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Joh 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Joh 21:16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
Joh 21:17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

Are we done?

• Why devoted His live to disciple the 12?
• Why promised the Holy Spirit?
• Why returned to Peter?

Matthew 16

Mat 16:16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Mat 16:17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
Mat 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Mat 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Are we done?

• No we are not DONE
• Foundation - Salvation is DONE on the Cross
• Restoration…is STILL under construction
• Everything else has just began!
• Jesus came not just for the work of salvation.
• He came to raised up His church. A chosen generation.
• The church is the Hope of the World!

A little statistic of the day

• Drug rehabilitation program success rate in U.S is 20% - Baldwin Research Institute
• Alcohol abuse rehab success rate is 10%
• Terrorism attempt increases since 9 11 despise higher security
  Christmas 2009, Killing in Pentagon (March 2010)
• Violence Increase despise programs placed by government
  • Shooting in LA Fitness Pennsylvania
  • Columbine 13 dead, Virginia 32 dead
  • 2000-2005 average 3/year. 2006 – now average 8/year

Who can?

• Institutions can only punish and prevent!
• Who can change a man’s heart?
• Isaiah 61
• Matthew 16
• The Church is the hope of the world.

His Dream

• The Church is the hope of the world
• The Church as His hands and feet
• He trusted His dream to…YOU!
• Acts 2:41-47
  • Act 2:45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.
  • Act 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
  • Act 2:47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Matthew 24:14-30
Which “MBOK” are you?

Some more interesting Stuff

John 21:1-3
John 21:1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way:
John 21:2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.
John 21:3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.”…

Follow Me

• Leaving his old occupation
• Leaving his doubt and regret. No more condemnation. Perfect time to start is now…not until you are perfect
• Forget about others.
• Tell me and I forget…
• Teach me and I remember…
• But involve me and I learn - Benjamin Franklin

John 21

• *retell this story to the audience*
  *everything that Jesus predicted happened. Jesus rose. Disciple went back to their own lifestyle & discouraged*
  *Why Jesus had to encouraged Peter? It is in His hands the power to forgive. I thought that forgiveness was finished on the cross.*
  *Key was Matthew 16:16-19. Jesus told Peter that He will build His church upon this rock. The rock that Jesus is the messiah, but the church is Peter and the disciples. And the church has a purpose. To bind things in heaven…the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
  *That is the reason why Jesus had to went back and encouraged Peter. Not just saying you are forgiven. His words are “Feed My sheeps”
  *Mark 16:16. It is not done. Jesus gave us the greatest commandment before parting.
  *Acts 2 was only the beginning.
  *Jesus came to die for our sin, but He lived, disciple the 12, gave the great commandment, and sent the Holy Spirit to build His church.

We are not done yet

• *God has a dream church. Before this is reached, we are not done yet*
• *Illustration of the brokenness of this world. Knowing this, tell me…do you think we are done yet?”
• *Illustration of our local situation. Do you think IFGF Seattle is done yet?
• *Illustration of your local district. Do you think your district are done yet?
• *Until Acts 2 fulfilled.

What the world cannot offer

• *Story that illustrates on how broken the world is – point is: ”need to change the heart”
• *Examples of true events and how the government tried to solve it.
• *(Find funny pics / illustration to show that no way rules can be the solution)
• *Statistics. Only 10-20% of rehab success.
• *The thing is no one can change heart but God
• *Isaiah 61 – The church is the hope of the world!
• *Can squeeze in story the impact of a CG
• *Conclusion: You are the answer to what the world cannot offer.
• *Such a great trust that God gave us & I do not want to be the person that sings “sorry sorry sorry” when answering to God.
• *Story on trust.

Come and Follow Me

• Lets get back to the scripture.
• John 20 tells us that Jesus appeared to them before. They knew Jesus is alive
• John 21 shows that they thought that it was finished. Peter went back becoming a fishermen…though the first time that he met Jesus, Jesus told him that He will make him a fisher of man.
• All the experience with Jesus was a nice walk that he now thought does not suit his life anymore.
• (might be a nice idea to elaborate on this…passive Christianity)
• How many Christians are like this?
• 3.5 years following Jesus…weirdly almost the same timeframe ppl are involved in church…(not an important point…just funny interesting)

Be a builder

• *John 21 asked Peter to feed the sheep. Loving God is great, but faith without action is dead.
• *Statistics says that 20% of church members does 80% of the work.
• *Some Christians are sermon junkies that are not involved in their community. There is a disconnect
• *Some Christians are world junkies. They are not connected to God’s vision