Reflections On Last Weekend

God is so good and gracious. He knows what His children need. We covered the topic, "Why do we suffer?" We didn't exactly answer the question... but we handled it the same way the bible does. The bible assumes suffering and tells us what to do about it.

Just as a disclaimer, I read and listened to a ton to prepare for this... so the way I handled the topic probably sounds a lot like some of my favorite authors/ pastors. Specifically, I got a lot out of 3 peoples views on suffering; John Stott, Don Carson, and John Piper.

Hope you enjoy!

August 30, 2009 Sermon from Central Wired on Vimeo.

Suffering

For those of you that read this blog I want to ask for your prayers... This weekend students will be helping to lead 'Big Church.' What I mean by big church is the regular services on the weekend. It is going to be very cool as we parade before our congregation the next generation of worshipers of God.

But, as we prepare I have never been more intimidated. As a church we are addressing some of the tough questions of Christianity. For some strange reason I chose the question, "why do we suffer?" The planning has been in process for weeks and it has been a roller coaster. I've gotten exceedingly excited and then despairingly depressed over this message. I have lost a lot of sleep over this. So, please pray for the message this week. I want to dwell in the presence of the Lord. I want to sit in His counsel and hear from Him. And I want to be able to step onto the platform this weekend and say, "as surely as the Lord lives, I can tell [them] only what the Lord says" (2 Chronicles 18:13).

Acts 15- Men Who Will Risk Their Lives

After reading through this portion of scripture I want to ask, "what kind of man or woman are you?" In the text the disciples were sending a hand written letter crafted during the council of Jerusalem that was to be delivered to the Gentiles to encourage them... In addition to the letter they wanted to send some worthy men that would be faithful to deliver it and encourage the believers. What was the description of these men? Verse 26 tells us; "men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The early church was persecuted and they knew that it was costly to follow Christ... But, do you know that? Do you know that it is still costly to follow Jesus. That it will potentially cost you your reputation, your acceptance, your comforts? Or have you made yourselves a hybrid faith that is easy going and lukewarm? The gospel makes people uncomfortable and uneasy. It is not a set of morals. It does not say you need to be a bible-belt christian that attends church functions and does certain christian things. Following Christ costs you something. At very least it cost you your will. Remember how we lay down our lives to follow Jesus and we don't look back? Many of us have become way too comfortable with casually following Christ. What I want to ask is; would you risk your life for our Lord Jesus Christ? Are you willing to go all out even at the expense of your life? Would you be willing to set a course that says you will take the gospel to the ends of the earth no matter the cost?

Piper's Video on the Prosperity Gospel

After I posted the last blog entry I realized that some of you students that read this might not totally understand what "the prosperity gospel" is. In essence it is a distortion of what we would call the real gospel and wrongly puts the emphasis of God's goodness on His ability to bless us materially and physically. It basically makes God out to be our genie in a bottle. We say jump, He says how high... all we need is faith to make God pour out His abundance of blessings. It is heresy. It is wrong.

God does desire to bless those that follow Him. But that blessing may come in the form of suffering. God may use the taking of your health and wealth to ween you off of dependance on the things of this world and prepare you for eternity. The gosple is a call to lay down your life, not a salespitch to fill your life with more stuff.

If the prosperity gospel is accurate than all the Christians across the globe right now that are sacrificing to proclaim the gospel to unreached peoples are dumb... Maybe they can say with the Apostle Paul, "we are most to be pitied." I however think they are heroes of the faith.

Please do not buy into the prosperity gospel! It is very popular in western Christianity because it appeals to our desire to have a ton of stuff. It is what our itching ears would love to hear. And it can sneak in even to those that seem the most godly. Churches buy into it when they care more about their campuses and programs than they do the gospel. People buy into it when they would rather have Jesus give them their desires than have Him demand their lives.

Here is an insightful video from Desiring God. Hope you enjoy.

Acts 5- Getting Whooped On

The apostles had already been arrested and divinely busted out of prison. Now the religious officials decided to flog them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus. Then this happened, "the apostles went away rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name" (Acts 5:41).

What is with that? The closest thing that I can think of to an experience that I have had like that is fighting my brothers when I was younger. We would hit each other and if you wanted to make the other one mad you would giggle when they hit you and tell them that it tickled... We were faking it. But, something about this biblical account tells me that these guys weren't faking it. 

So how did they rejoice when they suffered? I will offer a couple suggestions that I draw from scripture.

First, I think they looked forward to the reward. Their king Jesus who they were suffering for taught them that they would be seen and rewarded. Matthew 6 says your Father in heaven sees and rewards. So, they had to believe that their whooping was being looked down on and even commended by their Father. These guys wanted nothing more than to make their heavenly father pleased. So, they gladly accepted getting beat up to stand up for his glory. 

Secondly, I think they thought about the effect that their beating had on people. When a christian suffers for the sake of their faith it has a transforming effect on onlookers. Imagine the effect that this would have on you? If someone got beat up because they wouldn't stop preaching in the name of Jesus then you would realize that Jesus must be worth it and there must be a reward that you can't see. I think Paul puts it best, "now I rejoice in what was suffered for you. I fill up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions, for the sake of the body, which is the church" (Colossians 1:24). What he is saying is that people that didn't witness Jesus on the cross and see how he was willing to suffer for people, can now see that physically manifest in the life of Christ's followers. Meaning, that when Christ followers suffer for Christ it shows the world the willingness of Christ to suffer for them. 

So my question to you this morning is are you willing to suffer for Christ? If your answer is no, is it because you don' t love Christ enough to suffer or is it because you don't think you will be repaid? An African missionary who suffered immensely on the mission field famously said, "I never sacrificed anything." What he meant is that being sick, and losing friends, and not having his comforts isn't a sacrifice when compared to the sacrifice of Christ and the reward that we get. You cannot out give God. He gives you Himself and even if following Him costs you everything your reward far outweighs your earthly discomforts. 

My challenge for all of us is to pray that we would treasure Christ. We should love Him so much that momentary discomforts get swallowed up into the thoughts of our eternal rewards. Then we will be freed to live courageously. We will become passionate evangelists and we will become courageous missionaries and the Gospel will spread and our faith will grow. Suffering is the mark of passionate Christ followers. 

John 11- This Sickness Will Not End In Death

"This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God' glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." -Jesus

Jesus just received report that his friend Lazarus had fallen ill. It was obviously not merely a cold but a serious illness that was frightening his loved ones. We can assume that due to the nature of the sickness and the condition of Lazarus, they were concerned that he would not make it (otherwise they wouldn't bother Jesus with their request). But, it was a serious ordeal so they sent for Jesus to come and heal, and they waited anxiously for his response to the plea.

Surely, Jesus knew. He is all knowing and all powerful. He knew Lazarus was going to die. He knew it would be hard on everyone including himself. Yet, "he stayed where he was two more days." He hesitated. He didn't rush to their aid. He patiently waited two days while Lazarus grew worse and died. And his comment to his disciples shows us what he was up to, "this sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified."

Obviously, Jesus could have healed him. He could have spoke a word like he did in the instance of the centurion's servant (Luke 7), and all would be well. But, Jesus used this opportunity to be glorified.

Are you experiencing this in your life? A sickness? Something that you just don't understand why it is happening? Here is the truth: God uses the brokenness of this world, He uses sin, He uses what at a glance appears horrible and painful and terrible to glorify His Son. Jesus is magnified by taking situations that seem bleak and hopeless and by turning them for good. Just like Joseph telling his brothers that sold him into slavery, "you intended to harm me but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many. (Genesis 50:20)" God uses the ill of this world to glorify His Son Jesus Christ. I know when you are in the middle of the situation and weeping, falling at the feet of Jesus and saying, 'if you would have been here, my brother would not of died' it can feel crazy and out of control. But, as you continue to pray and cling to Jesus I pray that you would see how He was at work the whole time. He is at work. He is being glorified by reconciling the world to himself by the shed blood on the cross (Colossians 1:20).

Jesus called Lazarus from the dead friends... talk about a hopeless situation!? Lazarus was in the tomb. It was done. It was over. But, Jesus is never done. It is never over! He calls Lazarus from the tomb and Lazarus is risen from the dead. Jesus will speak that word to you. "Arise my child, I am at work and I am drawing all men to me." Though the world is broken Jesus is glorified!

Mark 13- You Will Be Handed Over and Flogged

I was just talking to Pastor Joseph (children's minister) about how the Gospel is unpopular. There are things in the bible that make me angry and I believe them to be absolutely true. I obey them no matter how uncomfortable they make me because I believe God knows a little better than me. Now, when you tell those things to people that do not want to hear it they are offended and think your message is crap. You will receive persecution on account of Jesus. The apostle Paul says it like this, "if I were trying to please man I would not be a servant of Jesus" (Galatians 1:10). Paul recognizes probably better than anyone that the Gospel is the absolute truth, and that it makes people uncomfortable, and that it might cost him imprisonment or beatings or you name it if he continues to preach the truth. Jesus says it like this, "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them" (Mark 13:9). This verse is talking about the end of the age but I am certain that it is a picture of trials we might suffer even today. It is unpopular to stand firm on your convictions at school. To tell people that Jesus is the only way to heaven. That people have broken the commands of God and that they stand eternally condemned and desperately in need of a Savior. It is unpopular to tell people that the world doesn't revolve around them. So expect persecution. Paul did. The saints before us all did. But please please please do not shrink back from the Gospel. Do not water it down or try to make it easier. Because Jesus didn't water it down. He died a brutal humiliating death to rescue me, the least I can do is proclaim accurately what he did.

Matthew 27

This week, the cross has crushed me with all its weight. I can think of two times this week when I thought about what Jesus did and literally I was sobbing. Tears streaming down my face, totally broken at the foot of that old rugged cross. And, there were many other times where my eyes welled up with tears. This is not normal for me. I am not a big cryer. I am a man. I grew up on a tree farm. My toys were engines and chainsaws. When I broke a limb it was inappropriate to cry... "walk it off." Me and my brothers are all that way (4 boys- you can read ''MEN"). Unfortunately that makes us slightly clueless about girls, but none the less, crying is foreign to me. And, this week I have done a lot of it. When you read about Jesus in Matthew, you realize how completely horrible the whole thing was. This was a man that was faultless. All he had ever done is help and heal and teach people. He was so selfless, so caring, so compassionate. Yet, in Matthew 27 we find him standing before accusers, and being ridiculed, and ultimately being crucified. And, the only crime they could post on his crucifix was, "King of the Jews."

I hate reading about the public humilition of Jesus. When the soldiers are mocking him and spitting in his face, and slapping him, and pulling out his beard, I want Jesus for just one minute to display his Godness. I want him to display his utter power and crush his adversaries. I want him to show them that he is the Living God. But, like a sheep is silent before the shearers, Jesus did not open his mouth. (Isaiah 53: 7) He took it all. At Central's staff meeting last week we looked at how intense his suffering was. All of the gospel accounts display how horrid the time leading to his death was. And the reason that Jesus had to suffer in those ways is because of the wrath of God. God was pouring out on Jesus the fullness of His wrath. He was exhausting completely his wrath on Jesus. And, the thing that gets me the most is that I deserve it! He was faultless but I am guilty. He is an innocent man, but I have blood on my hands. My savior endured torture and ridicule and punishment that is due to me?! So when I have taken communion this week and thought about my Jesus being slapped by roman soldiers and ridiculed and spit on, my heart breaks. That should be me. Not him. Not him at all.

Matthew 24 -Stand Firm

Photo on right:
The Unknown Rebel - This famous photo, taken on 5 June 1989 by photographer Jeff Widener, depicts a lone protester who tried to stop the PLA's advancing tanks until he was pulled into the crowd by several onlookers.

Matthew 24 and 25 is Jesus's comments and teachings on the end of the age. He is telling the disciples and us to be prepared. There are a ton of amazing things in these two chapters but I don't want to overwhelm you with too much info. So, we will look at a couple key texts that are jumping out at me this morning. First, let me premise this chapter and chapter 25 with the fact that we have to understand this teaching fully! Jesus is preparing his disciples for how to live when the bridegroom(Jesus) is no longer around. If you haven't noticed Jesus peaced out a lil' while ago. So we are in a waiting period for his return and this teaching is important for us to get.

Jesus wants us to know that things will not be easy... as you read through chapter 24 there is very little comforting that Jesus is doing. He simply says, "You will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated because of me.... many will decieve people... there will be false teaching... there will be earthquakes and famines... how dreadful it will be for pregnant women and nursing mothers, pray that it doesn't take place in the winter." When I read all that, I don't look forward to dealing with the end of the age. But, Jesus is preparing us for the difficulties so we don't "[act] surpised at the painful trials we are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12) He is telling us that in the last days we can expect hell on earth. Christians being persecuted, false teachers leading many astray, natural disasters, wars and rumors of wars, increase of wickedness, and the love of most will grow cold. "But he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (vs 13) This is the picture that God is painting for us: STAND FIRM! Like the man in Tiananmen Square!(pictured at the top right) As true followers of Christ we are to stand firm in the faith even when the armies of the world are mounted against us and we are facing persecution and impending death! We are soldiers of the Most High and our treasure is in heaven giving us the freedom to live couragiously showing our families and friends that God is our everything and our allegiance is to Him alone and no matter what opposition comes our way we will endure to the end. Recieving our reward from the One who has all authority and power. That is the couragious lifestyle we are to live for the Kingdom and Jesus goes on to tell us in verses 36 and following. No one knows when the Lord will come so you better be ready. Don't settle in. Don't be found sitting on your hands or swinging your feet, like a child on a tall chair. "Be ready! because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (vs. 44) You should be like the good servant who is found working when the master returns. And then you will be placed in charge of all the masters possesions. But, you better not be the lazy servant who thinks the master is never coming!? Jesus is letting us know that he is coming! He is Close! He is in Charge! And you better be ready to answer to him when he arrives! Verse 32 says that his sign will appear in the sky announcing his arrival and ALL nations will mourn. I think the idea is of deep regret. All nations, many people will feel the pains of realizing they have lived wasted lives. When you stand in the Glory of Son of Man and all his angels I pray that you have a bitter sweet feeling. One of deep regret for all those who didn't come to know him but also one of greatest Joy because you know that you are called and confirmed in the faith and you will spend eternity with Him! So friends, STAND FIRM! Live your lives passionately for the King! Prepare for his return. Work diligently at the tasks he has placed before you because you will be accountable! We serve a Mighty God!