Snoopy and the Red Baron - December 20, 2015 sermon

By Pastor Greg

            I know this is probably a silly question to ask, but do you know who Snoopy is?  Have you ever heard of the Red Barron?  Okay, have you ever heard the song “Snoopy’s Christmas” by the Royal Guardsmen?  It was recorded in 1967 by five guys from Florida.  In the song, rather than shooting Snoopy’s doghouse, the Red Barron instead makes him land behind enemy lines simply to wish him a Merry Christmas.

          This song is actually based on an event which took place during the first Christmas of World War I.  In the book Christmas Truce, the authors tell an incredible story – a story I believe happened because Christmas is a time when the hearts of humanity are thinking about the Baby Jesus.

          On the first Christmas day of World War I, British and German troops put down their guns and celebrated peacefully together in the no-man’s land between the trenches.  The war, briefly, came to a halt.  In some places, festivities began when German troops lit candles on Christmas trees on their side so British sentries a few hundred yards away could see them.  Elsewhere, the British acted first, starting bonfires and setting off rockets.  Private Oswald Tilley of the London Rifle Brigade wrote his parents: “Just you think that while you were eating your turkey, etc., I was talking and shaking hands with the very men I had been trying to kill a few hours before!!  It was astounding.”  Both armies had received lots of comforts from home and felt generous and well-disposed toward their enemies in the first winter of the war.  All along the line that Christmas day, soldiers found their enemies were much like them and began asking why they should be trying to kill each other.  The generals were shocked.  High Command diaries and statements express anxiety that if that sort of thing spread it could sap the troops will to fight.  The soldiers in khaki and gray sang carols to each other, exchanged gifts of tobacco, jam, sausage, chocolate and liquor, traded names and addresses and played soccer between the shell holes and barbed wire.[1]

          Growing up, I had never heard of this event.  On the other hand, if someone had mentioned it in history class, it didn’t quite hit me the way it does today.  Today, the idea that Christmas could almost end a war arouses such joy in me that I can scarcely contain it.  Talk about the thrill of hope!  Indeed, the weary world rejoices.  Last year the Sainsbury Supermarket Company, located in the United Kingdom, used this story as part of their televised Christmas Greeting to the people of England.  It depicts what this event must have looked like back in 1914.

          Did you ever find yourself growing weary of all the conflict, anger, and hate in this world?  Doesn’t it make you sick sometimes?  And the conflict isn’t always “out there,” is it?  Sometimes the conflict and anger work their way into our homes and into our hearts.  We become suspicious of others and don’t trust those who are different; they arouse anger and hatred within us.  Of course, deep down we get the feeling that we should not feel this way, but there doesn’t seem to be any way to make it stop.  And yet, I believe there is a way to put an end to the anger and hate and suffering in us and all around us.  I believe the answer is right in front of us. 

Let me ask you this: Do you think the soldiers in the trenches back in WWI felt that anything could interrupt their conflict?  Do you think they even stopped for a moment to consider that the “enemy” also had a relationship with the “Prince of Peace”?  Something beautiful began to happen when two armies at war realized that in spite of all their differences, there was one thing they had in common – a holy infant, so tender and mild.  Had it not been for the sounds of war, we are left to wonder just how long this “Christmas Truce” might have lasted.

Isaiah says that ⁵ “The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned.  They will be fuel for the fire.  ⁶ For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders.  And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  ⁷  His government and its peace will never end.  He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.” (Isaiah 9:5-7)

          Like those soldiers back in 1914, our conflict with others can come to an end, but only if we stop dwelling on our differences and instead focus on what, or “Who”, we have in common.  I understand that this is very difficult.  Today the song of Jesus is being ravaged by shouts of anger and violence.  Our society spends more time and effort pointing out how we are different rather than helping us see what we have in common.  Focusing on these differences gives rise to anger, hate, distrust, and suspicion.  Sure, Jesus is not always wrapped in a package that looks and acts like you or me, but He is there.  Yet even if that other person knows nothing of Jesus, we are stilled called to “Love our neighbor as ourselves” (Luke 10:27).

          I think we know this.  I think deep down we know we are to love our neighbor, but like the Lawyer who spoke with Jesus, so often we ask the qualifying question, “And who is my neighbor?” (compare Luke 10:25-29).  As we look at those who are different than us, as we are faced with a choice between hating or caring, the Lord asks us this same penetrating question: “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?”  We know the answer.  We know what we should do.  We know that the Lord desires us to show mercy toward those who are different than us.  Yet this command, this song of peace, is being suppressed by the noise of hate, anger, and suspicion.

          I believe there are people in this world who want to be angry.  I think some people thrive off of conflict.  Working for the adversary, they plant seeds of anger, hate, distrust, and suspicion in the hearts of humanity.  They point out how others are different, and tell us they are not to be trusted.   These people need to be stopped.  We must not allow them to spread their poison.  But, as we look at the rest of the world, we must allow Christ to transform our suspicion into love. 

I know, I know.  It seems like an impossible task.  How could we ever learn to love those who are so much different than us?  And yet, if we will let Him, this Little Child of Bethlehem has the power to change the way we see others.  He was able to stop a war for a moment.  Surely He can end the anger and suspicion festering inside of us.

The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now.  The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.^[2] (1 John 2:9-10).

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_truce

^[2] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. 1995 (1 Jn 2:9–10). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers - December 13, 2015

By Pastor Greg

          As some of you know, I enjoy the old classic Science Fiction movies.  You know, the kind that were designed to make you think instead of merely scaring you - like most Sci-Fi movies nowadays. 

Not long ago I re-watched “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (thank you Netflix).  In this film, aliens from another world plan to take over the earth by replacing real humans with almost exact duplicates.  They looked like regular humans and appeared to be the same person they’ve replaced on the outside.  But if you would look closely, there was something absent in their behavior.  They had no emotion - no anxiety, no sadness, but neither any faith, hope, or love.  This invasion process took place when a person fell asleep.  Of course, like most of the classic tales, there were a few people who knew the truth.  And, as the rest of the world marched on in oblivion, this handful of hero’s seemed to be the only one’s who noticed.

          Picture it, a society of loveless conformist without personality or emotion; a society of people that looked human but had no heart; no passion.  At the end of the movie, our hero runs through the streets trying to warn people of the coming menace, yet no one listened; they turned a deaf ear to the warning of one shouting in the streets.  The movie sadly ends leaving the viewer without any hope.

          In a way, I too feel a bit like the hero in this movie.  It happens every December.  I keep talking about Jesus during the Christmas Season, yet it seems very few actually listen.  Christmas is about Jesus, not the tinsel covered retail sales event it has become.  In a land that continues to shop for hope, peace, joy, and love, it feels I am a voice crying in the wilderness.

          One of the forgotten players in the Christmas story is John the Baptist.  Luke believes that John’s story is so important that he starts his Gospel account with John’s birth, not the birth of Jesus. “Now it was time for Elizabeth's baby to be born, and it was a boy.  The word spread quickly to her neighbors and relatives that the Lord had been very kind to her, and everyone rejoiced with her.  When the baby was eight days old, all the relatives and friends came for the circumcision ceremony.  They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father.  But Elizabeth said, ‘No! His name is John!’  ‘What?’ they exclaimed. ‘There is no one in all your family by that name.’  So they asked the baby's father, communicating to him by making gestures.  He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone's surprise he wrote, ‘His name is John!’  Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.  Wonder fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills.  Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, ‘I wonder what this child will turn out to be?  For the hand of the Lord is surely upon him in a special way" (Luke 1:57-66).

John’s own father says that he will “Prepare the way for the Lord” (Luke 1:76).  Isaiah described him as “A voice of one crying in the wilderness” (Isaiah 40:3).  In a land that had forgotten what it meant to be a Child of God, one lone voice cries out in the desert.  What difference would one man make in a nation filled with empty, meaningless, ritual?  And yet, crowds flocked to John.  Many people in the land traveled to the little town of Bethany where John pointed them to Jesus (John 1:29).

John’s story becomes our story.  As he pointed people to Jesus, so must you and I.  Yet in a land that has allowed Christmas to become empty and meaningless -where the people rush madly in an attempt to purchase hope, peace, joy, and love - what difference will one voice make?  Our society will continue to move about this Holiday as it has for decades now, completely oblivious to what the Christmas celebration is really about.  It appears that the dirt and straw of a manger will continue to be invaded by the red velvet of a Jolly Elf riding a Sleigh.  What difference will our voice make this year during the Christmas season?  More than you could possibly know.

          Once, while walking through a store during the height of the Holiday shopping season, I was overwhelmed by all the packages, boxes, and bags.  Christmas, it seemed, had become a retail extravaganza.  Just as I was about to become completely disgusted, I overheard a young child peacefully singing as she rode in a shopping cart.  Among the craziness, a child came along and broke through the madness.  To me, it was one of the most incredible scenes I have ever witnessed.  Although it appeared that everyone around her had forgotten what Christmas was really about, she was singing “Away in a Manger.”  God love that little girl.  A voice crying out in the wilderness.

          Although it seems that Christmas is being invaded by the sounds of cash registers ringing and sleigh bells jingling, we must continue to be a voice crying in the wilderness.  And, not unlike the Sci-Fi movie, all it takes for evil to overcome this world is for good people to fall asleep; to give up all hope and allow the truth of this season to be invaded by the sounds carolers singing “ho, ho, ho.”  The real message of Christmas will be lost if Christians refuse to be the voice of one crying in the wilderness.  The truth of Christmas will be invaded by the retail industry if we Christians fall asleep.  That’s all it takes.  While we are sleeping, the birth of Jesus will be replaced with a holiday that offers no hope, peace, joy, or love.  While we are sleeping, Christmas will slowly become nothing more than a holiday.

The people who move about this holiday season might look like regular people, but their life is empty and meaningless.  They have no passion or hope.  They’ve been led to believe that the emptiness in their heart can be filled with coupons for a special Black Friday sale.  This is why it is so important that Christians never sleep.  We, like the small girl in the shopping cart, must become a voice crying out in the wilderness.  You never know whose heart or soul you might awaken this Christmas season.

Counting the Cost - December 6, 2015 sermon

By Pastor Greg

A man had just finished reading his book "Man Of The House" while making his commute home from work.  When he reached home, he stormed into the house and walked directly up to his wife. Pointing his finger in her face, he said, "From now on I want you to know that I am the man of this house and my word is law! You are to prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I'm finished eating my meal, I expect a sumptuous dessert afterward. Then, after dinner, you're going to draw my bath so I can relax. And when I'm finished with my bath, guess who's going to dress me and comb my hair?" His wife thought for a moment and responded, "The Funeral Director is my guess.

Here is an example of a man who never counted the cost. He did hot think through his actions. An oddly, this happens more often than we imagine. Christians do the same thing. Christians do not realize the cost of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Too many Christians are simply consumers, not disciples. Too many Christians take rather than give, which is why our nation seems to be in distress. Too many Christians have never considered the cost of being a disciple of Jesus. We never finish what we started. We turn to Jesus for salvation but do not realize that by following Jesus we are to become his servants. We never counted the cost.

Jesus talks about the cost of discipleship in Luke 14:28-30. But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’ And oddly enough, scripture becomes reality. I saw this lesson lived out across the read from my Grandparents house. Across the road from my Grandparent’s house was a partially built home. The foundation had been dug, the basement walls had been built, but nothing more. The house stayed that way for years; poured basement floor and cinder block basement walls. As a child, it seemed strange to me that someone would not complete what he or she had started. Eventually I asked Grandma Jones why the house was never finished. She told me that the person ran out of money and could not complete the project. Of course, Jesus is talking about discipleship here; about the commitment and sacrifice a person must make as they follow Christ. Yet few Christians seem aware that the Lord expects each of His followers to do the work of the Kingdom.

Scripture becomes reality as we look at our nation. As we look at the sadness and the hurt of those still living in darkness, we see the very problem Jesus saw as He looked at His nation of Israel. One day, as Jesus was traveling through the land, He noticed how distressed the people were. They seemed lost and confused; a people without hope. So turning to His disciples, Jesus says, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields" (Matthew 9:37-38). In other words, Jesus points to the problem, then tells His disciples that they need to get involved. They should not just be praying for revival, but they should be praying that the Lord might call them to get actively involved in reaching and touching the lives of these people. Instead of sitting idly by doing nothing, Jesus tells His disciples to pray for an opportunity to become a player, not a spectator; to become a servant, not a consumer.

Scripture becomes reality during the life of Nehemiah. As God looked at the remnant of Jews living in and around Jerusalem, seeing their dismay and hopelessness, He planted the idea of service in Nehemiah’s heart. And after praying, Nehemiah was willing to make sacrifices, willing to submit, and willing to interrupt his life in order to be God’s servant. He was committed to follow wherever God might lead him. I believe Nehemiah was one of those rare individuals whose commitment to God was greater than anything else in his life. Nehemiah was not someone who looked out after his own interests. He considered the needs of others as more important. Nehemiah was a servant, not a consumer. As we wrap up this series looking into the leadership of Nehemiah, there is one last thing I'd like to point out about his ministry. As I said, Nehemiah was a rare individual, especially by today’s standards. Here was a man who made personal sacrifices in his life in order to accomplish what God had placed within his heart. He had counted the cost, yet was still willing to allow his life to be interrupted in order to fulfill what God was calling him to do. He was a giver, not a consumer.

Because of Nehemiah’s example of service and commitment, the people of Jerusalem came together and rebuilt the wall of that city in only 52 days. An incredible feat that happened, I believe, because the entire community joined with Nehemiah and got involved. The entire community was willing to make the commitment, make personal sacrifices, and allow their lives to be inconvenienced. But not only was a great work completed for the community, there was revival in the hearts of the people as well. (Read Nehemiah 9:1-4).

During Jerusalem’s six hour church service, no one seemed to grumble. No one seemed to be inconvenienced. How many confessing Christians do you know who would tolerate a six hour Church service? How many Christians do you know who are willing to inconvenience their lives for the good of others?

The Church in North America seems to be withering and dying. The life inside many congregations is parched and dry. Many Christians in America are thirsty for revival. There is a deep desire to see people become committed to God just like in the good old days. But why is revival so seldom seen? I believe it’s because most congregations are plagued with a consumer mentality instead of a servant’s heart.

Have you ever noticed how inconvenient Church has become to some individuals? Have you noticed the self-centered attitude of some Christians? They grumble and complain when their life is inconvenienced. When asked to serve, many Christians today complain about how they are far too busy to get involved. Of course, their schedule cannot be interrupted. Oh, they will participate in Church activities only if there is nothing else better to do. But don’t ask them to give up some of their time. The North American Church is plagued by Christian consumers; people who are involved with a church because of what THEY get out of it.

I don’t believe a Christian’s faith can fully develop until they get involved in kingdom work. Our faith is not strengthened when we sit idly in our pew watching the world pass by. Paul insists that what God began, he desires to complete. The faith we found at Salvation is to grow and become perfected (Philippians 1:6). This will not happen by being a spectator. We must get involved. We need to view others with a love that calls us to action, not “merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

This, my friend, is the cost of discipleship; where we make sacrifices and commitments not just for the Church, but for those still living in darkness. However, instead of training disciples, today’s Church has been raising spectators. We know this is true because of what many Churches are doing today; creating an atmosphere that is attractive to those looking for a church to meet their needs or starts and ends according to their schedule; that offers the programs and a worship style THEY want. Some Christians even withhold their giving simply because THEY don't like what's happening in THEIR church. For many Christians in our land, Church has become a spectator sport. There is no sacrifice. There is no giving. There is no “doing for others”. There is only “me”. Is it then any wonder that the North American church seems to be dying? Is it any wonder that revival is seldom seen today? And why should we expect it to happen, especially when there are so many taking instead of giving? I believe this is why we don’t see revival. Few are willing to serve. Few are willing to give. Very few are willing to make any sacrifice at all. This is why the example of Nehemiah is so important for us. He reminds us that to be a Christian is to be a servant obedient to God when He calls us and where He sends us. And where there are servants, there will be revival.

Called to be a Servant - November 29, 2015 sermon

By Pastor Greg

          A frog goes into a bank and approaches the teller. He can see from her nameplate that her name is Patricia Whack.  "Miss Whack, I'd like to get a $30,000 loan to take a holiday."  Patty looks at the frog in disbelief and asks his name. The frog says his name is Kermit Jagger, that his dad is Mick Jagger, and that he knows the bank manager.

          Patty explains that he will need to secure the loan with some collateral.  The frog says, "Sure. I have this," and produces a tiny porcelain elephant, about an inch tall, bright pink and perfectly formed.  Very confused, Patty explains that she'll have to consult with the bank manager and disappears into a back office.

          She finds the manager and says, "There's a frog called Kermit Jagger out there who claims to know you and wants to borrow $30,000, and he wants to use this as collateral."  She holds up the tiny pink elephant. "I mean, what in the world is this?"  The bank manager looks back at her and says..."It's a knickknack, Patty Whack. Give the frog a loan. His old man's a Rolling Stone."

          I always appreciate a good joke, especially when the story keeps us off balance.  We don’t know what to expect.  And trust me, I’ve not met anyone who saw that punchline coming.  It blindsides you, hitting you square in the funny bone.

Unfortunately, life does the same thing.

          Too often, life blindsides us.  It hits us square in the heart.  It knocks us off balance.  For example, God places a burden in your heart to get involved in the work of the church.  You make sacrifices, give up your weekends, and pour your heart into some area of ministry within the church.  Then along comes some critic who makes you want to give up and walk away.  Who expects this?  You would think that people would be thankful for our involvement.  You would think the people of the church would appreciate our sacrifice.  Yet their criticism blindsides us.  We never saw it coming.

          How do we keep from becoming discouraged when critics attack our work, our motives, and even attack who we are as a person?  How do we remain steadfast in our service even though some want to see us fail?  How do we keep on serving in a godly way even though it seems many want to see us quit?  I think we can learn a valuable lesson from Nehemiah on what it means to be a servant.

Nehemiah was called to be a servant.  The Lord gave him direction and guidance.  It appeared that God was with Nehemiah, yet once he reaches Jerusalem, it didn’t take long for the critics to show up.  (Read Nehemiah 4:1-9)

          The only thing Nehemiah wanted to do was restore honor and glory to the home of his fathers.  He had no selfish ambition or desire for personal glory.  Yet he continually endured criticism from a group of people bent on destroying this work.  They criticized those working with Nehemiah (verse 2).  They ridiculed their work (verse 3).  They threatened them physically (verse 8).  They tried to distract Nehemiah’s leadership with pointless meetings (Nehemiah 6:2).  And they spread lies about Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:6-7).  Yet in spite of all this opposition, Nehemiah remained steadfast and immovable.  But how was he able to stay focused and undiscouraged while facing these attacks?  Where did he find the strength to continue serving?

When Nehemiah faced opposition, we find him praying.  When the antagonists criticized the workers, Nehemiah responded with prayer and action.  When there was a plot to attack the workers, Nehemiah responded with prayer and action.  When the antagonist slandered Nehemiah, he denied their lies and prayed.  When they planned to discredit him, he refused to cooperate and he prayed.  But above all else, Nehemiah knew he had entered this ministry with the king’s blessing.  It was the king who saw the burden on Nehemiah’s heart, so the king sent him to work with a blessing.

          Critics blindside us.  We don’t expect them.  We don’t see them coming.  That’s because our heart and mind are focused on the task the Lord has placed on our heart.  If, however, we knew to expect them, we might be better prepared for their attacks – anticipating them so we are not knocked off balance.  Yet, for some reason we simply don’t think about an adversary when we begin serving.  I mean, when you began serving the Lord, did the thought of critics or enemies ever cross your mind?  Yet they are real and will oppose us more times than we can imagine.

          So, what keeps us serving?  How do we stay diligent and steadfast like Nehemiah did?  How do we keep from becoming discouraged?  First, I would suggest you be prepared for the criticism.  Pray about it.  Ask the Lord to strengthen you.  And also remember that you are the Lord’s servant.  He has called you, and you are serving with His blessing.  I think this is why Nehemiah asked for papers indicating that he had the king’s blessing (Nehemiah 2:7).  It is the same with you and me.  God is the one who nudged our heart.  God is the one who placed the need before us.  God is the one who provides what we need for our ministry.  We have merely surrendered to be His servant.  We serve with His blessing.   So, I think you and I need to face the reality that criticism is going to happen.  It’s unfortunate, but true.  Why it happens is another story.

          Why do you suppose every other obstacle was removed for Nehemiah except these critics?  It’s because the critics and the antagonist were pawns in the hands of Satan.  He is the real adversary, and he will do everything in his power to keep you from making a difference in this world.  As we serve the Lord, Peter says we need to, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith”^[1] (1 Peter 5:8-9).  Paul encourages us to stay alert as well.  To keep Satan from destroying our work, we must be familiar with his evil schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11).

          If it’s any consolation, you are not alone in your battle against the critics.  Many other Christians endure the same thing.  I know what it feels like to have your motives called into question.  So please, when you suffer the criticism of others, please remember whom you are serving.  God – yes, God! – has called you to be His servant.  What you are doing in this world as His servant brings Him glory and honor, even though you and I and many others seem to be under attack.  In the end, “the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen”^[2] (1 Peter 5:10-11).

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^[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed.) (1 Pe 5:8–9). Carol Stream, IL.

^[2] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. 1995 (1 Pe 5:10–11). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

Doing God’s Work God’s Way - November 22, 2015 sermon

By Pastor Greg

          In autumn, the Indians asked their Chief if it was going to be a cold winter.  Not really knowing an answer, the Chief simply said that the winter was going to be cold and that the members of the village were to collect wood to be prepared.  However, being a good leader, he then went to the phone booth, called the National Weather Service, and asked, "Is this winter to be cold?"  The man on the phone responded, "Yes, this winter is going to be cold."  So the Chief went back to speed up his people and collect even more wood.  A week later he called the National Weather Service again, "Is it going to be a very cold winter?"  "Yes," the man replied, "it's going to be a very cold winter."  So the Chief goes back to his people and orders them to go and gather every scrap of wood they can find.  Two weeks later he calls the National Weather Service again, "Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be *very* cold?"  “Absolutely” the man replies, “the Indians are collecting wood like crazy.”

That tribe of Indians had no idea the effect they had on the world around them.  Honestly, I don’t think we understand this as well.  I mean, do you ever think about this?  Few people take the time to consider what influence their words or actions have on the people around them.  Few Christians are aware how they are affecting the lives of others, yet Christians are making a tremendous difference in this world.  Do not take your ability to influence this world lightly.  You have more of an impact than you imagine.  Just consider Nehemiah.  He had an incredible impact on the people of Jerusalem.  By being a Servant Leader, Nehemiah helped the people living in and around Jerusalem accomplish something amazing.

          Because of Nehemiah’s positive influence, the people of Jerusalem took a pile of rubble and transformed it into a fortified wall in just 52 days (see Nehemiah 6:15).  Priests and Levites worked alongside government officials.  Temple servants worked with the local merchants and artisans.  Men and women, people of all skill and trade, came together and rebuilt this wall.  And their work, by the way, was not as shoddy as Tobiah the Ammonite claimed it would be (“That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” ^[1] - Nehemiah 4:3).  A portion of Nehemiah’s 2,500-year-old wall still stands today in Jerusalem.  This is what happens when God’s people do God’s work God’s way.

          Contrast Nehemiah’s influence with that of Tobiah or Sanballat.  To discourage the people of Israel, they resorted to intimidation, trickery, lies, and deception.  Their only desire was to keep Jerusalem in ruins.  They did not want to see the walls rebuilt.  These two men, along with Geshem the Arab, worked diligently to discourage the people of Jerusalem, keeping them from rebuilding their city and restoring their honor.  Their tactics worked until Nehemiah came along, and suddenly his influence turned the people around.

Nehemiah did not merely help rebuild the wall.  In the twelve years he spent in Jerusalem as governor, he instituted many religious reforms.  Once the two-month building project was completed, Ezra returned to his teaching program, and Nehemiah called the people to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Shelters.  Revival had come to Judea, and Nehemiah’s leadership sparked enthusiasm for God within the hearts of the population.  They even took an oath to uphold God’s commands and had the leaders sign the document (Nehemiah 10:28-29).  Glory, Hallelujah, Amen.  Revival comes when God’s people do God’s work God’s way.

We may be tempted to disregard Nehemiah’s influence here, but truthfully, he had a greater impact than he imagined.  You see, not long after he leaves, the spirituality of the people begins to fade (read Nehemiah 13:1-12).

          Once Nehemiah was gone, Eliashib gives Tobiah a room WITHIN the Temple, opening the door for his destructive behavior to take root and grow.  Because of this, giving had stopped.  Eliashib and the rest of the people in Jerusalem tolerated the actions of a sinful man within their midst and giving decreased.

          I know we could focus on the spiritual laziness of the people.  We could criticize them for allowing someone to lead them away from their commitment.  Their faith was tossed around like waves on the ocean.  However, I want to save that discussion for another day.  Instead, I wish to focus on the positive influence Nehemiah had on the people.  While he was around, things happened.

“Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?”^[2]  The same thing could be said about you.

          I don’t think you fully realize the difference your godly influence has on others.  Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” ^[3] (Matthew 4:14-16).  I don’t believe Jesus would have said these things unless He felt that we Christians could actually become a positive influence in this world.  For some reason, the Lord Jesus calls us to let His light shine through us, even though we are nothing more than fragile jars of clay (“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure” ^[4] - 2 Corinthians 4:7).  We are also instructed to “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near” ^[5] (Philippians 4:5).  My friends, because faith in Jesus has transformed us, we are, you are “royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” ^[6] (1 Peter 2:9).

          “How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”[7]  Do not take your ability to influence this world lightly.  You have more of an impact than you imagine.  Because of you, the world understands the difference between right and wrong, good and evil.  Because of you, the world knows what Love should look like.  You just don’t know the difference you are making in this world. This is what happens when God’s people do God’s work, God’s way.  By stepping up and getting involved, the people of your church are impacted by your faith.  Lives are changed because you had the courage to say, “I will.  I will help”.  Christian, let you light shine.  You are guiding a wondering world back to God.

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^[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed.) (Ne 4:3). Carol Stream, IL.

[2] Clarence the Angel, from It’s a Wonderful Life.

^[3] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. 1995 (Mt 5:14–16). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

^[4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed.) (2 Co 4:7). Carol Stream, IL.

^[5] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. 1995 (Php 4:5). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

^[6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed.) (1 Pe 2:9). Carol Stream, IL.

[7] William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Submitting to God’s Vision - November 15, 2015 sermon

By Pastor Greg

A pastor was telling the children a story one Sunday.  He was discussing the story of Jonah.  The pastor read, "And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah; and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish.  Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land".  When he finished, he asked, "What does the fish vomiting Jonah out on dry land indicate to us today?"  One of the youngsters replied, "It proves that even a fish can't stomach a bad preacher!"

Some of us can’t stomach a bad joke either.

All joking aside, being a worker in God’s Kingdom is very difficult.  I mean, think about this for a moment.  Here you are, just a regular person who comes to church faithfully.  Then one day God interrupts your life with a concern or a situation that breaks your heart.  You think to yourself, “Someone should do something about this”, and then God jumps out from behind the organ and says, “You!  You should be the one to get involved”.  After your heart slows down a bit, you make every excuse WHY you are the wrong person, but God does not relent.  Finally, you cave, and agree to get involved.

Has it ever crossed your mind how others might respond?

          This is where it gets really weird.  I mean “what will everyone think about me” weird.  You wonder if anyone will listen.  You wonder if people will think you are nuts.  This is what I mean when I say being a worker in God’s Kingdom is difficult.  It’s difficult to step out of your comfort zone.  It’s difficult to place your trust in God instead of your own skills and talents.  And it gets really difficult trying to get others to see the same problem you see.  Just ask any pastor.  Ask anyone serving in the church.  Ask Nehemiah.  (Read Nehemiah 2:9-20) 

          Did you notice how the people responded to Nehemiah?  How do you get people to show that much enthusiasm?  I mean, put yourself in their shoes.  Some outsider rides into town.  He didn’t grow up in Jerusalem.  He talks differently, acts differently, and even dresses differently.  Would you follow a man who seemed quiet and distracted?  You can tell something is on his mind, but nobody you ask knows what it is.  A few people from the next county have been saying bad things about this guy.  Then, three days after arriving in town he points out how run down the place is, how he had a vision to fix the problem, and that God had given him an idea on how to solve the problem.  What would you say?  How would you respond, especially once those opposed to the idea begin slandering this man and try to sabotage his work?

          Yeah, I’m impressed with Nehemiah’s willingness to surrender to God’s calling, but I’m also impressed with the people of Israel who submitted to God’s vision.  How do you suppose that happened?  How did Nehemiah gain the people’s support?  Let me show you something in this story.  Nehemiah came to town and didn’t say anything to anyone about his plans.  In other words, he didn’t march into town telling everyone what was wrong.  Instead, he took a few people on a tour and showed them the problem.  Then, when he finally did address the people, he said, “You know very well what trouble we are in” (verse 17).  The people saw their problem.  They knew they had a problem.  Once they recognized the extent of their problem, they were eager to hear the plan God placed in Nehemiah’s heart.  They were ready for a solution, and Nehemiah tells them what God has planned.

          Nehemiah demonstrates a concept known today as Servant leadership.  This is a model of Christian Leadership that does more than simply point out a problem, but becomes part of the solution as well.  So the lesson for you and me is quite plain.  When God interrupts our lives and shows us what needs to be done, our responsibility is to be part of the solution, not simply grumble about all the problems we see.  This is what it means to be submitted to God’s vision.  God placed the concern on your heart so that you might be the instrument through whom He works.  He didn’t call you to be a Jr. Holy Spirit running around convicting people and showing them what is wrong.  He wants you to become part of the solution.

Incidentally, did you know there is another Man who did the exact same thing?  There was another Man who became part of the solution rather than simply grumble and pass judgment.  Another Man rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.  He came offering to solve a problem.  He said that God had given Him direction and a purpose to fulfil.  He came with the King’s blessing.  This Man’s name is Jesus.

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem nearly 2000 years ago, he rode on a donkey because He came offering a peaceful solution to our problem.  Our sin has separated us from God.  We are still people marked by death.  But Jesus came with an offer from the King – a solution to our problem.  And that solution was that Jesus would offer His life as a ransom for ours.  He didn’t simply point out the problem; He became the solution.  And to all those who admit they have the problem – that they are a sinful person – Jesus offers eternal life.

I know we bad preachers sometimes end up smelling like fish spit.  I know we Christians are quick to point out the problems in this world, but that is not what God has called us to do.  He has shown us what is wrong not to simply give us something to complain about, but so that we might be involved and become part of the solution.  The “King” calls us to a task so that through us the problem might be solved.  Sometimes we get sidetracked and focus on the little things, but ultimately the problem that needs to be solved is our relationship with God.  It’s broken.  And those of us who know the solution have a responsibility to help others find Jesus.  Sometimes God calls us to be part of the solution through our acts of service.  Sometimes God calls us to be part of the solution through teaching.  Sometime God calls us to be part of the solution through leading.  However, in every circumstance, every servant must be showing the world the One who came to save.

Preparing to Serve - November 8, 2015 sermon

By Pastor Greg

          In 1966, Don Knotts starred in The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.  It’s the story of Luther Heggs; a typesetter for a small town newspaper in Kansas who is given a great opportunity.  Unfortunately, this great opportunity would take an enormous amount of courage on Luther’s part.  He would have to spend the night in a haunted house.  However, Luther was a scaredy cat.  He was scared of the haunted house.  He was scared to talk to girls.  He was scared of strong men.  He was scared of his own shadow.  He was scared to talk in front of people (Show Clip).

          Luther had been given a tremendous opportunity to speak at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Picnic in Rachel, Kansas.  What an honor.  However, for a nervous, timid man like Luther, the idea petrified him.  He even asked himself, “Who are you, Luther Heggs, to be a guest speaker”.  This is what happens when we try to do something in our own strength.

Last week we talked about the call God placed on Nehemiah’s heart.  When God revealed the situation in Jerusalem to Nehemiah he knew something needed to be done, he knew God had placed him in the king’s palace for this very reason, and he knew he was the one God was calling to get involved.  But Nehemiah doesn’t walk up to the king that very day and explain his calling.  Nehemiah waits four months before an opportunity presents itself to share this calling with the king.  It is during this time that God was at work preparing Nehemiah to serve (read Nehemiah 2:1-8).

          Nehemiah had waited before he spoke with the king.  He received the news and the calling in December but didn’t speak with the king until April.  And I think there are lessons you and I can learn from this waiting time; this time between calling and serving.  Before Nehemiah began doing what God had placed in his heart, Nehemiah prayed.  Based on this prayer, there are three things that troubled Nehemiah’s heart.

1) It’s clear Nehemiah realized that to accomplish this calling, certain things would need to happen, such as the king agreeing to let Nehemiah take some time off.  2) If Nehemiah were to accomplish this calling, the people in Jerusalem would have to be willing to cooperate.  And Nehemiah would need an official document from the king signifying that he had permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem – which actually meant that the king would have to rescind an earlier decree (see Ezra 4:21).  Truthfully, these were enormous obstacles.  But it was not just the obstacles that stood before Nehemiah.  He wasn’t overly confident about his ability to accomplish God’s calling in the first place.  Nehemiah knew that not only did God need to take care of all the other obstacles that stood in the way, but 3) his fears needed to be conquered as well.

          Nehemiah realized that he was taking an enormous step of faith.  And part of the preparation that needed to happen was for Nehemiah’s faith and dependence in God to grow.  There would come a time when all his skill, all his experience, and all his knowledge would not be sufficient.  He would have to take a bold step in blind obedience.  It was either back down from this calling and remain troubled, or speak up in faith; trusting that God had indeed been preparing the king’s heart all along.  You can see the lump in Nehemiah’s throat when the king asks what’s wrong (Nehemiah 2:2).  You can feel the great leap of faith Nehemiah is about to make through his short prayer just before he answered the king (Nehemiah 2:4).

          Like Nehemiah, we feel God tugging at our heart.  Yet even before we begin serving, we are convinced that it will never work.  We are convinced that we will fail.  We are sure that God has asked the wrong person.  However, I think we feel this way because we have our eyes fixed on the obstacles and not God.  Too often we focus on our weaknesses and not God’s strength.  Too often we rely on our present faith instead of allowing God to strengthen and stretch our faith for the task He has given us.

It seems a bit strange to me that we would question the wisdom of God; that we doubt His power and grace.  When you consider that the creator of the universe, the Great I Am has placed a burden in your heart (that He has called you to a task or a ministry), do you really think He is unaware of all the obstacles that lay before you?  Do you really think He is unaware of your limitations and weaknesses?  Is He surprised by the shallow depth of your faith?

          Maybe this is why many people ignore God’s call in their lives.  Looking toward the desired results, they see nothing but a mountain of obstacles.  Oh, they’ve heard the call.  They’ve felt the tug in their heart.  But there are just too many things that stand in their way.  The sacrifices are too great.  They feel unworthy and unequipped for service.  Obedience to that calling would take a tremendous amount of faith.  So they attempt to ignore the call.  But no matter how much they struggle to silence the call, it will grow louder and louder each day.  Nothing will drown out the voice of God.  And in the end the burden becomes so great that even those around them can see that something is wrong (think about how the king noticed Nehemiah’s troubled look).  People who continue to fight God’s calling are not fighting with themselves; they are fighting with God, resisting His call, and refusing to be changed.

          So the Lord has placed a burden in your heart.  He is calling you to serve in some particular way.  Naturally you are hesitant.  It’s normal to feel unworthy and undeserving.  God chooses to work through ordinary individuals with weaknesses and failures (see 1 Corinthians 1:26-29).  It’s also normal to have your faith tested.  This isn’t the boss asking us to take on new responsibilities at work.  This is Kingdom work.  So what then should we do when God invades our life?  1) We need to spend time in prayer seeking God’s direction.  How will He accomplish this task through us?  What must we do to fulfill His calling in our lives?  2) We need to spend time with God seeking His instruction.  Are there attitudes and behaviors that need to change to make us more fit for service?  Do we need teaching or training or experience before we begin to serve?  3) We need to realize that God’s calling is also an opportunity to strengthen our faith.

          To ignore God’s call will lead to misery and distress.  We will spend a lifetime wondering what might have happened if we had obeyed.  Yes, the idea of obeying God’s call is scary.  Serving will involve sacrifice.  And obedience will test our faith.  But after all, we are considering doing the work of the Lord.  The calling will break our heart.  The serving will test our faith.  We would be deceived to think otherwise.

Developing Christian Priorities - October 25, 2015 sermon

By Pastor Greg

A sports fan was sitting in the top row at the Super Bowl, barely able to see the field. He noticed a vacant seat about 3 rows back on the 50-yard line. It was still vacant when the second quarter started, so he went down and asked the man seated next to it if anyone was sitting there.  The man said, "No, have a seat." A few minutes later he asked the man if he knew whose seat this was and why they weren't here at such an important event. The man said that it had been his wife's seat for ten years, but she had passed away.  Feeling sorry for the nice man, the fan asked if he didn't have a friend or family member that he could have offered the seat to instead of just leaving it vacant. The man replied, "No, they're all at the funeral."

This husband apparently had misplaced priorities.  It’s obvious who or what was more important than his wife.  He may have said, “I love you”, but his behavior and his actions indicate that she wasn’t the most important thing in his life.  I believe we can tell the same thing about Christians.  You can tell what kind of relationship they have with Jesus based upon their actions and their priorities.

Did you know that our priorities in life actually reflect our love for Jesus?  Did you know that saying you love Jesus means nothing unless you allow your life to be rearranged around Jesus?  Did you know that Jesus is aware when we make something else a higher priority than Him?  Peter struggled with this.  His priorities in life became confused.  After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the group of disciples returns to Galilee and Peter decides to go fishing.  He decided to go back to his old career.  He served his three-year term with Jesus, but now it was time for things to return to normal.  However, Jesus knew what was happening in Peter’s life, and when the group drags the net of fish up on shore, Jesus asks a very bold question.

¹⁵ After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”  “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.  ¹⁶ Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.  ¹⁷ A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep ^[1] (John 21:15-17).

Pointing to the fish, Jesus asks Peter which he loved more.  Did Peter love fishing for fish or fishing for men?”  To Jesus, it appeared fishing for fish was a higher priority.  By his actions, it was clear that Peter was more interested in his life on earth than in serving the Lord.  This is why Jesus asks the question.  Of course, Peter replies by saying “Yes I love you Lord”, but his present actions did not demonstrate this.  Twice the Lord asked Peter if he would demonstrate a sacrificial love.  Twice Peter said that Jesus was just his good friend.  In the end, Jesus points out that even a good friend should be a higher priority than a bunch of fish.

I understand that we read this story and think of Peter and of Jesus, but do we have the courage to read this story and think of ourselves?  Are we willing to allow Jesus to ask us the same question?  As we examine our own lives and our own priorities, to what would Jesus point and ask, “Do you love Me more than these?”

Few marriages would survive if husbands and wives treated one another the way many people treat Jesus.  He gets our leftovers, at best.  We’re more passionate about the Orioles than we are about the Lord.  We fuss about chairs and pews, but will drive 500 miles to watch a race in the rain.  We give Him three years of our time and then go back to keeping a pew warm.  Then we wonder why the Lord seems distant in our lives.  It’s because we come to church when it is convenient rather than be the church even when it involves personal sacrifice.  Just like a marriage, saying “I love you” means nothing unless our actions and priorities demonstrate that love.  The Lord deserves our best, not our leftovers.

I’m not sharing this story about Peter to make you feel guilty enough to fill and empty leadership position in our church.  I tell you this so you might realize how important it is that we make Jesus the highest priority in our life.  Rearranging our life so Jesus is the most important thing is the best way to demonstrate the depth of our love for Him.  We say that He is our “All in all”; that He is the treasure that we seek.  If that is true, then our life should reflect this.  Jesus should never have to ask, “Do you love me more than these.”  He should know of our love by the deeds of our hands and the words of our mouth.

 “Do you love me more than these?  What a powerful question!  Can you imagine Jesus looking at you and asking this?  Would He need to?  That’s what makes this story so relevant for you and me.  So let’s end with an important exercise.  If Jesus were standing next to you right now, would He need to ask that question?  If so, then what in your life has become more important than your relationship with Jesus?  What “thing” draws you away from being the Lord’s servant?  What has become so important in your life that you rob Jesus of the time and attention He deserves?  Where is Jesus on your list of priorities?

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^[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed.) (Jn 21:15–17). Carol Stream, IL

Sinners Serving a Holy God - October 11, 2015 sermon

By Pastor Greg

A preacher is driving down the road.   He notices that he's low on gas so he stops at the gas station.  While he's pumping his gas, he notices that he has locked his keys in the car.  When he goes inside to pay, he asks the attendant for a coat hanger so he can attempt to open the door himself.  He goes outside and begins to jimmy the lock.  Ten minutes later, the attendant goes outside to see how the preacher is faring.  He notices the preacher outside the car moving the hanger around and around, while inside the car another preacher is saying, "A little more to the left... a little more to the left!!"

Preachers are not the “best of the best”.  Consider the fact that in my wallet there is a key that will unlock the doors to my truck (That’s all I’m going to say about that).  I hang around with a lot of preachers and sometimes we just don’t act too bright.  And yet God still called these men and women to stand before a congregation and lead.

I think one of the more unfortunate attitudes that has found its way into the church is intolerance.  And what I mean is an intolerance for mistakes.  We see this in the world around us.  One little slipup and a coach can find himself fired.  A CEO can be terminated for not turning a sizable profit for the company.  Public officials are held to an impossible standard of excellence.  The word expects nothing less than perfection from everyone, and those who don’t measure up are considered second-class citizens.   Sadly, this attitude infects us as individuals and, as I said, it has found its way into the Church.  Even in the life of a local congregation, people feel they must perform flawlessly.  And if they cannot, they conclude they are not fit for leadership and view themselves as unfit to serve.  That is, of course, a blatant lie the Devil wants us to believe.

In his letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul writes, “Think about the circumstances of your call, brothers and sisters. Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position.  But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong.  God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his presence” ^[1] (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).  Yes, some people are more qualified than others.  But God does not always call the qualified.  However, He does qualify the called.  This truth can be seen in the life of Peter, especially in the events shortly after the resurrection of Christ.

After Jesus appeared to the Apostles in Jerusalem, the group eventually returns to Galilee.  When they arrive, Peter makes a stunning announcement.  He says “I’m going fishing”.  So six of them head out to sea, not catch anything at all.

“⁴ At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. ⁵ He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. ⁶ Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. ⁷ Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. ⁸ The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. ⁹ When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. ¹⁰ “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. ¹¹ So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn. ¹² “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish” ^[2] (John 21:4-13).

Peter didn’t suggest they get their rods and reels and head out for a relaxing evening on the shore.  He got out the big boat, drug out the good nets, and headed out to fish all night – something a professional fisherman would do.  It seems that Peter decided to go back to his former life and end this whole “Fishers of Men” nonsense.  I suspect Peter wanted to return to his fishing career because he was ashamed of himself and he worried what people might say.  He had denied Jesus three times.  The whole group knew this.  Yet Jesus teaches him a valuable lesson during the “Last Breakfast”.  You see, even as a fisherman, Peter still needed the Lord’s direction and guidance.  Based upon what we read in scripture, Peter’s greatest successes in his personal life came when Jesus was involved.  It would be the same throughout his ministry.  What Peter needed to learn was that a servant of the Lord is not perfect.  They simply depend on the Lord, not on themselves. 

Not everyone is an apostle.  Not everyone is a teacher or a prophet.  Yet everyone has been gifted in some way that benefits the church and strengthens other believers.  However, I am aware that many Christians never utilize these gifts within the life of a church.  I suspect it’s because we are afraid of embarrassing ourselves.  We are convinced our brothers and sisters will not tolerate a mistake.  Like Peter, we are convinced that our past disqualifies us to serve.  Like Peter, we need to learn that this concept is a lie.  If the Lord was willing to reach into Peter’s personal life and make such a huge difference (they probably sold the 153 fish at the market), think about how much more willing He was to make a difference in Peter’s ministry.

Things are no different today.  Jesus continues to call those who are less than perfect.  He calls them to lead, to serve, and to be His hands and feet.  He still reaches into a person’s life so that in whatever way they serve, their toil for the Lord will not be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Each one of us is a sinner serving a Holy God.  Each one of us needs His direction and guidance.  A real servant of the Lord understands they are not perfect, and allows Jesus to direct their work and their labors.   A real servant doesn’t have all the answers, and they know this.  That’s why they have learned to let the Lord show them where to cast their nets.

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^[1] Biblical Studies Press. (2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (1 Co 1:26–29).

^[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed.) (Jn 21:1–14). Carol Stream, IL