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.