The Walking Wounded - January 29, 2017 sermon

By Pastor Greg

A rich millionaire throws a massive party for his 50th birthday. During this party, he announces to his guests that down in his swimming pool are two great white sharks.  "I will give anything of mine to the person who swims across that pool."  So, the party continues.  SUDDENLY there's a great splash, and all the guests run to the pool.  In the water is a man swimming as hard as he can.  Fins break the surface and jaws are snapping, and this guy just keeps swimming.  The sharks are gaining on him, but finally, he reaches the end and gets out, tired and shaken.  The millionaire says, "I am a man of my word. Anything of mine I will give: my Ferraris, my house, absolutely anything, for you are the bravest man I have ever seen. Sir, what will it be?"  Breathless, the guy says, "Why don't we start with the name of the jerk who pushed me in!"

Far too many people in this world are swimming with sharks.  Many have been bitten by life and are deeply wounded.  These are the people who walk around every day bleeding from the wounds inflicted by life; affected by the harshness of this world.  Their day to day life is one of frenzied panic, trying to stay ahead of the things they fear, not knowing that they could be rescued and healed in a moment.

There is no sunshine in the lives of many.  People need joy; oh, so desperately do the children of this earth need joy.  These are angry and vengeful times where many are filled with hate; spiteful to a wrong and unforgiving to an offense.

This world needs peace.  This land needs love to spill over into wounds that have been cut deeply.  But where will they find these things?  Surely, they will not be healed by the World; it is the World which has wounded them; secular values, worldly passions, and human greed.  Where can the wounded find healing?  Jesus insists that the people of this world can find joy, peace, and love through those who pass along the Words of Jesus.  To share Jesus is to pass along healing.

Praying to the Father, Jesus says, ¹³ “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. ¹⁴ I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. ¹⁵ I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. ¹⁶ They do not belong to this world any more than I do. ¹⁷ Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. ¹⁸ Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. ¹⁹ And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

²⁰ “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. ²¹ I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” (John 17:13-21).

The words Jesus spoke to His apostles brought them joy (verse 13).  The Words of Jesus helped the disciples become Holy (verse 17), set apart from the world; different from the world in the way they lived, the way they dealt with tragedy and sadness.  Through the Words of Jesus, these apostles would find joy, peace, hope, healing, and love.  Because of this, those who follow Jesus would no longer be part of this word.  They would be in the world, but would not be overcome by the world.  In other words, they would experience life just like everyone else, but when life would bite, these followers of Jesus would be able to stand firm in their faith, love, and joy.

Yes, these followers of Jesus would act in ways contrary to the world.  In a pool with dangerous sharks, these Christians remained steadfast.  When the apostles were arrested, and beaten for teaching about Jesus, their response is incredible.  There they stood, facing the “sharks” who would wound them.  Yet, in Acts 5:41-42 we read, “⁴¹ The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. ⁴² And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”

What kind of person rejoices when they suffer disgrace?  The person who has been made Holy by God’s truth; God’s Word.

As I said earlier, the people of this world need joy.  There is no sunshine in the lives of many.  Most of the people of this world have been bitten by life; life with all its selfishness and vain conceit.  Worldly values, passions, and greed have wounded many, and they walk among us every day.  This is why Jesus asked God to send these believers out into the world.  He prayed, “Don’t take them out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one” (verse 15).  He also said, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” (Verse 20).

Don’t miss this significance.  Jesus prayed for you and me.  He prayed that while we are in the world, we would be safe from the evil one.  He is also sending us into the world into the “shark-infested waters.”  Why is He doing this?  Well, Jesus kept the apostles in the world so they could teach and preach the message of Jesus.  He keeps us in the world for the same reason.  Through us, the walking wounded can find the same hope, peace, love, and joy we experienced through a relationship with Jesus.  Our neighbors, friends, and classmates have no idea where to turn when they are threatened by life.  You and I have found hope and strength in Jesus.  And He is the hope this world needs.

For this to work, you and I, as Christians, will need to become Holy -set apart and different than the world.  Isn’t this what Jesus is saying here?  Christians are to be made holy by God’s truth – God’s Word – and become separate from this world.  I mean, the wounded people in this world don’t need more of the world from the Church; they don’t need Christians reflecting the attitudes and behaviors of the world.  It is the World that has wounded them; a world filled with selfishness, anger, conceit, greed, and reckless living.  The wounded have lived each day of their life in a world that has turned its back on God; a world filled with drug abuse, alcohol, and no sexual restraint.  These are the things which have wounded many in this world, so why would the church tell them God approves of this stuff?  The walking wounded needs the Church to reflect Jesus and God’s Holy Word, and for their sake, the Church must continue to be separate from the world.

How will the wounded believe they can find healing in Jesus if we act just like them?

Wonderful Joy - January 22, 2017 sermon

By Pastor Greg

As some of you are aware, I spent my earlier years ignoring God.  I really didn’t think about Him too much and, quite frankly, didn’t believe all the religious things I heard in church.  I didn’t care about God and was sure He didn’t care about me.  Oh, don’t get me wrong.  I put on a good show.  I acted religious when needed, but when no one from the church was around … well, you get the point.  I even attended a Christian College.  But honestly, my heart wasn’t really into it; I didn’t take Christianity seriously. 

That all changed when a former coworker invited me to a young adult Bible Study.  A teacher showed me God’s love.  He answered my hard questions about the Bible and, late one night, I was changed.  I felt the Holy Spirit wash over me.  In a moment, my opinion about God began to change.  I started looking for ways to build a relationship with Him and ways to understand His word.  I began to care about God and began to see Jesus in a whole new way.  I remember burning music that had turned my heart away from God.  That really shocked my family.  The Apostle Paul was right.  “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” ^[1] (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

But, I continued to worry about my past; all those years I had offended God.  When would He hold my past against me?

On the day my first daughter was about to be born, deep in my heart, I was convinced that God would punish me for my past sins, and He would punish me through my unborn child.  However, when the doctor pronounced her healthy, you can’t imagine the joy I felt; joy in knowing my healthy child, but also the joy in finally understanding what the Lord meant when He said “I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins”^[2] (Hebrews 8:12).

I tell you this story because it is that “Joy” which continues to drive me today.  I cannot contain the joy I experienced in God’s forgiveness.  Simply because I trusted in Jesus to pay the penalty for my sinfulness, God no longer held my sins against me.  I am a new creation, and I feel compelled to tell this to as many people as I can.

This is what Jesus was trying to teach His disciples after the last Passover meal.  He sat with them in that upper room and tried to calm their fears.  They were beginning to grasp the idea that Jesus would soon be gone.  In a little while, they would not see Him, and this troubled their heart.  Sensing their fear and their worry, Jesus made several promises.  He said that one day they would all be together in the Father’s house.  He promised to send the Holy Spirit to be their comforter, guide, and advocate.  He told them these things so they would not abandon their faith (John 16:1).  And He promised them joy – joy that would overflow (John 15:11).

Jesus says to His followers ²⁰ “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. ²¹ It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. ²² So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. ²³ At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. ²⁴ You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

²⁵ “I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. ²⁶ Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, ²⁷ for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. ²⁸ Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.” ^[3] (John 16:20-28).

What joy do you suppose the disciples experienced when they learned of Jesus’ resurrection?  Yeah, they were happy that their Lord was no longer dead, but what else?  What other joy did the resurrection produce in them?  The resurrection of Jesus proved that all His promises were true.  When Jesus promised everlasting life, His resurrection proved this promise was true.  When Jesus promised to forgive sins, His resurrection proved this promise was true.  And for those whose sins were great (think of the woman in Luke 7:47 who washed the feet of Jesus with her tears), to learn of the resurrection is to know those sins have indeed been washed away and are remembered no more.

I know we talk a great deal about God’s love, but do we truly understand what that means?  Have we really experienced His love?  Jesus reminded His followers that God loved them because they loved Him, but something else needed to happen for those words to sink deep into their hearts.  The same thing happened to me.  Even though I had turned my heart back to God, and took my relationship with Jesus seriously, something needed to happen for God’s love to really hit home.  The truth of forgiven sin needed to move from my head to my heart, and that happened during the birth of my first child.

If we are honest with ourselves, what we want from God is to know He truly loves us, that He forgives our sins, and that He is pleased with us.  It’s what every child wants from their father.  It’s what we want from God.  I’m not sure what it might take for you to finally experience this, but what I do know is that the disciples need to experience sadness before they could experience this joy.  I needed to experience guilt before I could experience this joy.  So maybe God is using what you are going through right now to help you experience His love, grace, and forgiveness.  Maybe He is trying to move His love from your head to your heart.

I do know this.  Sadness, guilt, and pain are not the end of the story because Jesus promised to turn our weeping into joy.  And His resurrection proves that His promises are true.

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^[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed.) (2 Co 5:17). Carol Stream, IL.

^[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed.) (Heb 8:12). Carol Stream, IL.

^[3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed.) (Jn 16:20–28). Carol Stream, IL.

Sanctity of Human Life - January 15, 2017 sermon

By Pastor Greg

Human life has always been considered sacred, at least from God's perspective, but not from a human viewpoint.  From the world's perspective, human life has been, and probably always will be, viewed as expendable.  For example, in ancient cultures, one community would attack and kill another for land, money, or animals (compare Genesis 14:12).  King and tribal leaders, when ascending to the throne, would kill all remaining family members of the former king (see 1 Kings 15:29 and 1 Kings 16:11), making sure no one was left to threaten their rule.  In some cultures, Child Sacrifice was part of a bizarre worship ritual.  The worship of Molech, the pagan god of the Ammonites, involved passing a child through fire (see Leviticus 18:21).  I know.  It sounds barbaric, but this is what the world was like back then.

This barbaric behavior is the main reason God called the people of Israel to be separate from the world.  He instructed Israel to act in ways contrary to the rest of the world.  They were to be His holy people - set apart from all the rest.  Several of God's commands concerned the taking of life, be it on purpose (murder) or accidental (killing).  God explicitly commanded His people to look at others through His eyes.  "Look, every life belongs to Me,” said the Lord in Ezekiel 18:4).  “The life of the father is like the life of the son—both belong to Me."

As Christ walked the earth, He also demonstrated this teaching as He treated people with dignity, showing concern toward those the world would not - even those the world would cast aside.  This is why it seems appropriate that we, Christ’s followers, would share that same view; that everyone’s life has value and worth.  As a follower of Christ, a Christian's actions and attitudes toward another human being should stand apart from the views of the world.  The people of the world should be shocked at just how much different our actions are when compared to their own.  Like David's grace, love, and concern extended to Mephibosheth, our grace, love, and concern for all people should become the talk of the town.  It should cause people to stand up and take notice.

Roughly 3,000 babies are aborted each day in the United States.  Twenty-two percent of all pregnancies in the USA (excluding miscarriages) end in abortion.[1]  This becomes one more testimony of how indifferent the world still is toward human life.  Now, not all abortions are performed out of hate for the child or because the pregnancy was unwanted or inconvenient.  There are health related issues that come into play.  And we can’t pass judgment on a family that is forced to make a difficult choice.  But what about these “Unwanted pregnancies” (I know, today they are called “unplanned”)?  But regardless of what they are called, the truth remains; a baby's life is terminated, and our society doesn’t seem to mind.

Indeed, nothing has changed in this world.  Here we have the execution of a living child, and our society, in general, feels it is acceptable – a person’s Constitutional Right.  44 years after Roe v Wade (which is called a Landmark Decision), our nation continues to debate this subject.  Years ago, we argued over when “Life” actually begins.  That argument was simply full of holes.  It’s not 8 weeks, 10 weeks, or even two weeks.  The baby was always alive.  Conception happened because the seed from mommy and daddy were alive.  Well, today the argument surrounds “viability”; when is the baby able to survive outside the womb.  That’s the debate today.  But still, nothing has changed.  Doesn’t it seem a bit barbaric that we are even discussing this issue – whether it is acceptable to end the life of an innocent baby?

So, how is the Church to respond to this?  As followers of Christ, what should we say or do that sets us apart from the world?  Do we pass laws?  Do we protest?  Do we condemn those who have an abortion?  Does the Bible teach us how to respond?  Listen as Dr. Joseph Stowell explains how the early church responded to unwanted babies in Ephesus.

The real problem is not whether we are pro-choice or pro-life.  The problem facing the church today is how to respond to the abortion epidemic.  Unlike the church at Ephesus, babies today are killed before they are thrown away. It’s difficult to adopt what is not alive.  And we have not been able to convince people to keep the baby full term because abortion has become so easy.  Truthfully, I see a need not to create a new law or repeal an old one, but a need to preach Christ.

What can the Church do to stop abortions?  The answer is found not in protesting abortion clinics, but in being a witness for Christ.  See, this is the greatest need facing the world today. The world needs Jesus. And perhaps just as important, the world needs to see Jesus in you and me. Rather than making someone feel guilty about their choice, maybe we need to help them make the most important decision of their life, and that is to choose Jesus. He is the hope they need. He is the hope these innocent babies need.  He alone can change the heart of someone, and transform them into a person who makes a choice for life.

The idea behind Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is not to judge the world for its blatant disregard for human life, but to realize the great need to preach Christ to those still living in darkness. The Church needs stirred to action - not aroused to protest or complaining, but to evangelism. I pray that this particular Sunday might teach us that our work in this world is not done. There are far more important things we need to be doing in this world than balancing a budget or printing bulletins or identifying who is a sinner and who is not.  For the sake of the baby not yet conceived, we need to share Jesus with the people of this world who don't know Jesus. Then, when Christ transforms their heart they will not need some law to tell them what to choose, for guided by the Lord Himself, they will choose life.

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[1] http://www.worldometers.info/abortions/

Lost to the Mob - January 8th, 2017 message

By Pastor Greg

I am trying to make friends around town while applying the same principles used in Facebook. Every day I walk down the street and tell passersby what I have eaten, how I feel at the moment, what I have done the night before, what I will do later, and with whom.  I give them pictures of my family, my pets, and of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering the lawn, standing in front of landmarks, driving around town, having lunch, and doing what anybody and everybody does every day.  I also listen to their conversations, give them the "thumbs up" and tell them I like them.  And it works just like Facebook!  I already have four people following me: two police officers, a private investigator, and a psychiatrist.

Officers, how often do you meet nutcases like this?  I think most of us don’t have a clue what it is like to be a public servant.  We simply have no idea what it’s like to hold back the tide of lawlessness and brokenness in this land.  Just the other day I was sitting in an emergency room and noticed the poster listing the rules of conduct.  It never occurred to me that people would come into the emergency room of a hospital and misbehave.  Talking with one of the nurses, she says it happens all the time.  And I don’t know why this never occurred to me – drunks, drug addicts, and aggressive people behaving in an unruly manner.  Public Servants indeed have given their life for the good of others.

Jesus has said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” ^[1] (John 15:13).  And while His statement was directed toward His death on the cross, it also speaks a truth that goes beyond the payment for sin.  These words speak a truth that can be seen in ordinary people who have made an extraordinary sacrifice.  These people are willing to lay down their life for a stranger – for someone they did not know.  In our nation, right now, there are thousands of people who are risking their lives for total strangers.  To me, that is an incredible act of service.  These people rush in, while most of us flee.  They see trauma that most of us cannot imagine.  They step in where there is conflict, making every attempt to keep the peace and enforce the law, not knowing what the outcome might be.

Those who survive the traumatic incident go home trying to process what they have just seen and experienced, while the rest of the world lives on in slumbering ignorance.

You and I have no idea the weight and pain our public servants carry with them each and every day.  Which is why I feel we who are served should take the time to pray for these individuals.  They need our support and compassion.  They need our encouragement.  Most of all, I think they need to know that their sacrifice is making a difference in this world.

You know, there is an incredible story in the Bible about an amazing Public Servant.  I love this story in Acts.  It spans several chapters.  And each time we meet Claudius, he demonstrates the genuine heart of a servant. 

You should read the whole story beginning in Acts 21:15 and ending in Acts 23:35 when the Apostle Paul safely arrives in the city of Caesarea.

The Apostle Paul is attacked and beaten by a crowd of hateful Jews.  Yet into the mob rushes Claudius.  Most people would run away, but not a public servant.  They have dedicated their lives to maintaining peace and upholding the law.  Paul would have been executed on the spot had it not been for Claudius, and I’ve often wondered if he knew what impact his service would have in the kingdom of God.

Although he mistook Paul for some rabble-rouser, Claudius corrected himself when he learned of Paul’s citizenship and identity.  What is significant is that by his actions, Paul’s life was spared for several years (at least six).  During those years, Paul wrote many of the letters we see preserved in the New Testament.  In prison in Rome, he led some of Caesar’s household to the Lord (see Philippians 4:22).

Those of you who are public servants, do realize the impact your service has in this world?  Protecting, rescuing, and saving a life might seem like an insignificant act, but it can have a lasting difference in countless other lives.  Do you know how many “Paul’s” you have saved from an angry mob?  Of course you don’t.  But is it possible you may have saved the life of the next Billy Graham?  Or maybe you save the life of a preacher who one day leads a young soul to the Lord.  That young soul will spend eternity in Heaven because a pastor faithfully shared the gospel.  And that preacher could faithfully share the gospel because a public servant saved his life.  You simply do not know the lives you impact each and every day.

Like Claudius, you might simply be doing Your job.  But sometimes you literally become the hands and feet of God while serving.  You impact the Kingdom of God in more ways than you can imagine.  And please don’t forget that the life you protect today might impact the Kingdom of God tomorrow.  Keep serving.  Keep protecting.  Without you, we would be “lost to the mob.”

So, public servants – officers, paramedics, first responders, firefighters, and all others who risk their lives even for a stranger – let us pray for you and your family.  Let us serve you for a moment.  Allow us to ask for God’s protection and guidance as you make this world a better place to live.

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^[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. 1995 (Jn 15:13). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

The Gifts of Christmas - December 25, 2016 message

By Pastor Greg

We celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas day.  He is the reason Christmas exists.  Without Christ, we are left with a mess (get it … Christ-mas – Christ-mess).  However, long before Jesus was born, certain things happened to prepare the world for this special day.  These are the gifts God gave the world ahead of time, and I’d like to take a moment and talk about these extraordinary things today.

(Gift 1) The gift of a Stable, or Manger.  Long before the manger sheltered the baby Jesus, it sheltered animals.  A family decided to build this place to protect their livestock.  (Gift 2) Perhaps they had a cow for milk, some chickens for eggs, and maybe even a lamb for wool.  When they built this shelter, do you think they imagined that one day the Messiah would be born there?  Probably not.  I mean, surely the Messiah would be born in some other place.  Not a small barn in a little town like Bethlehem.  Yet God was preparing this place for the birth of the Savior.  I’ve often wondered if God was preparing our homes or even our church building for some special event that would take place years from now.  Did you ever imagine that God might be working right now in this place for a future glory?

(Gift 3) Joseph.  Long before Joseph became engaged to Mary, and long before the angel appeared to him, Joseph’s heart was being prepared.  Matthew tells us that Joseph was a good man.  He could have broken off the engagement with Mary.  I mean, who would believe Mary’s story.  Yet when the Angel appeared to Joseph, he obeyed (Matthew 1:24).  Apparently, he was listening during Sunday school.

(Gift 4) Mary.  Like Joseph, Mary’s heart was prepared ahead of time.  I mean, it’s not like God rolled the dice to see who would give birth to His Son.  God had been grooming Mary for this particular day.  Luke says she believed that the Lord would do as He said (Luke 1:45).  That kind of heart doesn’t just happen overnight.  Did you ever feel like God was preparing you for something special?

(Gift 5) Donkey. Although not mentioned in the Christmas story, we traditionally picture Mary riding into Bethlehem on a donkey.  The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 70 miles, so considering Mary’s condition, she probably rode something.  We do know that Joseph was not a very wealthy man, so a donkey may have been his only means of transportation.   Do you think Joseph wished he could provide more for Mary?  Or do think he was thankful for what he had?

(Gift 6) Angel.  One significant gift from God was the Angels.  An angel spoke to Mary.  An angel spoke to Joseph.  An angel spoke to the shepherds.  This angel becomes the messenger of God.  Without the angel, a young girl from Nazareth would have become pregnant without knowing why.  Without the angel, this girl’s fiancé would have broken off the engagement, forcing this girl to raise the child on her own.  Without the angel, the birth of Jesus would have been simply a normal birth.  But because of the angel, the world learned just who this special Child really was.  What example can we learn from this angel?   We learn the without someone telling others about Jesus, the world might never know.

(Gift 7) Shepherds.  Do you think the shepherds were surprised when the angel appeared?  Except for Mary & Joseph, the Bible says these shepherds were the only other people to be given this special announcement.  How do you think that made them feel?  How would you feel if God said something to you and no one else?  Would you tell others?  The beautiful gift here is that God sent His message to people who would believe.  And as we learn later in Jesus’ life, many of the Religious leaders did not believe.  So a person does not need a college degree or some specialized training in biblical studies to be used by God.  God will speak to anyone, anywhere, if they have a heart willing to believe.  Isn’t that the kind of heart you have?

(Gift 8) Star.  Something we may not realize is that this was much more than an ordinary star (which is the sun from a different solar system).  And this is more than one of the planets lighting up the night sky.  Astronomers from the east saw His “star” in the east, which should have taken them away from Bethlehem.  But these Persian wise men knew what the sign meant.  It said the promised Messiah had been born.  So they headed west.  For those who are paying attention, God will give signs that point us to Jesus.  If we will open our eyes, and if we listen, signs of Jesus are all around us, even today.

(Gift 9) Wise Men.  So these Persian astronomers travel to Bethlehem.  How would Persian wise men know about the promised Messiah?  They knew because, for many years, the Jews were held captive in their land, and prophets (like Isaiah) spoke about the Messiah, and these Jews told their captors that one day their Savior would be born.  The point here is that while the Jews were living in captivity, most of them complained about their miserable life.  But God used this captivity to plant a seed in the hearts of some Persian wise men.  Sometimes the things we endure in life are not pleasant; not pleasant at all.  Yet during our trial, God may be using us to plant a seed in the hearts of someone else.  We may never see the reason, but God just might be working through us for some greater good in His kingdom.

(Gift 10) The Gifts.  Jesus was probably two years old by the time the Magi arrived.  To pay respect to this King of the Jews, these Wise men brought Gold, Frankincense (an incense used to worship God), and Myrrh (perfume).  Matthew tells us that King Herod wanted to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:13).  So Joseph and Mary probably used these gifts to escape to Egypt.  Yes, even when things seem hopeless, God will provide just what we need … in His timing, of course.  And sometimes He gives us these things in ways we never imagined.  Did God ever provide something for you in some crazy way; a financial gift or an answered prayer that you never expected?

(Gift 11) Jesus.  Of course, Jesus is the most significant gift God could ever give.  God took mercy on us a long, long time ago.  And way before Jesus was even born, God began working and preparing for His birth.  Long before Jesus was born, God knew when and where He would be born, how He would be born, and what would happen once He was born.  The birth of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem was no accident.  God planned it to happen this way.  Nothing is ever insignificant in God’s Kingdom.  Every little thing that happens is all part of His plan to save us from sin and death.

By themselves, each of these things seems insignificant.  But, when brought together, they complete the story of Christmas.  But there is still one more gift I’d like to mention.  The last gift of Christmas is people like you and me (Gift 12).  You and I contribute to the Christmas Story in small ways each day.  Oh, I know, we don’t think we are making a huge difference, but even something as small as a mustard seed plays a huge part in God’s story of salvation.  In Mark 4:30-32, Jesus says, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?  It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”

 Jesus reminds us that what may seem small at first will become quite large.  Which means that even though the little things that you and I do in the Lord’s name may appear simple and insignificant, we need to remember that God can use that small seed to change the world.  No deed done in the name of Jesus is too small or too insignificant.  We are called not to judge the size of the deed or the simplicity of the message we shared.  We are called to be faithful, and let God do the mysterious work within our land and within His Kingdom.

I want you to keep the gift you have received this morning.  I hope it reminds you that what might seem unimportant becomes part of an incredible story when brought together.  Just as each of these gifts becomes part of the Christmas Story when brought together, we do the same when we get together.  When Christians like you and me get together to worship Jesus, the story of Christmas become real and complete.  

Larry meets an angel - Christmas Eve Puppet Drama

I wrote this puppet drama for our Christmas Eve service.  Thanks to Alana Grove (Curly), Levi Keefer (Moe), and Nathan Keefer (Larry) for their help with this skit.

Moe – Yeah, but why did it happen in the manger?  I mean, you can’t tell me there wasn’t any room inside.

Larry – Listen, I keep telling you that it was all part of God’s plan.  Why don’t you understand this?

Moe – Well sure, I get that, but my point is WHY was that part of God’s plan?

Curly – Because, He’s God.  He can do what He wants.

       [Greg walks up to puppet stand, curious about what is happening.]

Greg – Hey there guys.  You’re up pretty early.  Have you been out all night long?

Moe – Why?  What time is it?

Greg – It’s six o’clock in the morning?  Did you guys spend the night in Bethlehem?

Larry – Oh, we went to see a new born baby?

Greg – In the Middle of the night?

Moe – I know, it sounds weird, right?  Well, let me explain.  We was sittin by the fire-n- I was playin my flute ….

Curly – Oh, let me! Let me tell ‘em!

Larry – He doesn’t need to hear about that.  Just tell him what happened when (whispers in Moe’s ear).

Moe – (impatient) Okay, okay.  Keep your robe on.  Anyway, I was sittin by the fire when …

Curly – The sun came up!

Greg – What?  In the middle of the night?

Larry – It wasn’t the sun.  Sheesh.  Don’t you guys know anything.

Moe – But it was as bright as the sun.

Curly – At midnight.

Greg – Seriously?

Moe – And then an angel spoke to us.

Larry – Yep.  And it weren’t no “Clarence looking for his wings” angel.  This was the real thing.

Greg – An angel.

Moe – Yep.

Greg – At midnight.

Curly – Yep.

Greg - … am I on Candid Camera?

Larry – Listen buster, you keep treatin us like idiots, we’re goin home.

Greg – Sorry Larry, it’s just … you want me to believe than an honest to goodness angel appeared to you last night.  I think you’ve been hanging around sheep too much.

Curly – I resemble that!

Greg – I mean, do you know how this sounds?

Larry – Well sure, until you hear the whole story.  Can we tell you the rest of the story?

Greg – Alright, alright.  Go ahead and finish your story Moe.

Moe – Well, I was sittin by the fire, playin my …

Greg – AFTER that!!!

Curly – We was frightened.

Moe – We couldn’t move.

Larry – That’s when we heard the angel talk.  He said, “Don’t be afraid.  I have good news”.

Moe – He told us that a very important baby had been born in Bethlehem.

Greg – Why is this baby so important?

Curly – Because, silly.  He is Christ the Lord – our Savior.

Greg – How can a baby save us?  They can’t even feed themselves.  What do you mean “Savior”?

Larry – Listen, see, a long time ago we humans got separated from God cause we sinned – we disobeyed.  And ever since then, we and God can’t get together.  We are people who disobey God; it’s just than plain and simple.  So instead of specting us to fix the problem, God says that He’ll take care of things.  He said a long time ago that someone would come along and make things right.  That person would be called the Messiah.  So right here in Bethlehem, just as He promised, the Messiah was born.  And me and Moe and Curly went down to see Him.  It was amazing.

Greg – And you’re sure you found the right place? 

Moe – Absolutely.  The angel said He would be in a feeding trough wrapped in strips of cloth.  And we walked down there and BANG, there He was, just like the angel said.  Except this man Joseph wanted to know what we were doing creeping around a cow shed at 2 o’clock in the morning.

Greg – So let me get this straight.  God has been promising to send this … what did you call Him?

Curly – Messiah

Greg – This Messiah, and God promised this a long time ago, right?

Larry – Right.

Greg – And lots of people knew about this? 

Curly – Yup

Greg – Then doesn’t it seem a bit odd that God’s Messiah would be born in a little town like Bethlehem, and then have Him be born in a stable?  I mean, Jerusalem is just six miles up the road.

Moe – See, that’s zakly what I’ve been wonderin.  How does all of this fit into God’s plan?  I don’t get it.

Curly – (softly) I think it happened this way because God’s plan was for us to tell people about Jesus.

Larry – Listen, I keep telling you it’s because this is what God planned.  God said a lot of things about this Messiah, and they just had to happen this way so people would believe.  You see? 

Curly – (a little louder) I think it happened this way because God’s plan was for us to tell people about Jesus.

Larry – I mean, what are the odds of one person fulfilling all those Old Testament prophecies.  That’s like, what, 1 in 10 gazillion million.

Moe – I don’t think “gazillion” is an actual number.

Curly – (a bit more forceful) I think it happened this way because God’s plan was for us to tell people about Jesus.

Greg – Listen, I don’t care about the odds.  I want to know why this angel announced this to you guys and not to the religious leaders in Jerusalem.  I mean, that would make more sense to me.  You’re just a bunch of shepherds!

Curly – (shouting) Will you listen to me for a minute.  I said, it happened this way because God wants us to tell people about Jesus.  Remember what all those angels said?  “Peace to those with whom God is pleased”.  God must have wanted us to tell others about Jesus because He is pleased with us.  He told us about the Messiah because He trusted us to do exactly what He said.  We went to Bethlehem and told everyone about what we had seen and heard which is exactly what He wanted.

Greg – So … you’re saying that …

Larry – we were told the story because God knew we would tell the story.  Get it?

Greg – Oh, I get it, I just wonder if they do (nodding head toward the audience).

Curly - “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Greg - Larry, Moe, myself, and Curly want you to know that Christmas is much more than a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  What the angel told these shepherds is the real reason we celebrate.  In Jesus, we find God’s answer to humanity’s greatest problem – how can a sinful person become reconciled to God.  We are not reconciled by following a list of rules.  We don’t become sinless by praying the correct number of times each day or by making a pilgrimage to some distant city.  Sin does not go away simply by rewriting the list or even by denying our sinfulness.  Since we can’t change our human nature, we simply cannot work our way back to God.

But that’s where God steps in.  Knowing we are helpless to change who we are, God offers to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.  He sends His Son to ransom us from a life of sin and death.  And He does this for everyone.

All People, says the Angel.  “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”  And “All people” means everyone everywhere, regardless of race, nationality, or social standing.  Everyone can find reconciliation with God through faith in this Savior.  THE Messiah is OUR Messiah.

And we just wanted to make sure you knew that.