SERMON NOTES FOR DECEMBER 26, 2010

FOUNDING OF AMERICA

CRITIQUE OF CHRISTIANITY

Many today criticize Christians for saying that our Country was founded as a Christian nation and argue that the founders of this country wanted a purely nonspiritual and secular country. Anne Gaylor, the President of the Freedom From Religion Foundation says, “America has never been a Christian Nation.”

THE FOUNDING OF AMERICA WITHOUT CHRIST

We would not have our nation the way it is today nor would we be governed the way we are were it not for Christianity.

THE FOUNDING OF AMERICA WITH CHRIST

Though there are some who hate the very mention idea that America was founded as a Christian nation the facts of History are not easily dismissed though often times ignored.

Numerous historians believe that Calvin has made the greatest—certainly not the sole, but the greatest contribution to American liberty, government, economics and education. Though just a humble Reformer from Geneva, Switzerland, his principles taken from the very word of God are believed to be the same principles that have made our country great. German historian Leopold von Ranke said, “John Calvin was virtually the founder of America.” French historian Hippolyte Taine said concerning the Calvinists, “These men are the true heroes of England…they founded Scotland; they founded the United States.” Lastly, One of America’s great historians, George Bancroft, who wrote a 10 volume History of the United States of America called Calvin simply “the father of America” and added: “He who will not honor the memory and respect the influence of Calvin knows but little of the origin of American liberty.”

During the time of the revolution, it is estimated that of the 3 million people who lived in colonial America, there were 900,000 Scots or Scots Irish, who are the founders of the American Presbyterian Church, 600,000 Puritan English, and 400,000 German or Dutch Reformed. All of these groups had their roots in the Reformed Church movement which claims John Calvin as its founder. So were it not for Calvin, there would not be these groups and were it not for these groups, most importantly the Presbyterians, The American Revolution would not have happened the way it did.

Not only were these groups formed because of Calvin, but also their convictions which led to the Revolution stemmed from Calvin’s teachings. The Presbyterians because of Calvin’s influence were very outspoken against oppressive and monarchial government. This explains why they were the first religious body to declare openly and publicly a separation from England in 1775?

The Presbyterians were also extremely influential in the Revolution of 1776. So much so that the event was actually referred to as the Presbyterian Rebellion in England. One passionate supporter of King George III who resisted the Revolution wrote the following words: “I fix all of the blame for these extraordinary proceedings upon the Presbyterians.

And this only scratches the surface of our Nation’s Christian Heritage. We do not even have time to get into discussing the founding fathers and how they and other members of Congress were greatly influenced by the Christian faith.

Just consider the quote by Patriot Patrick Henry when he said, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!” Also consider the slogan adopted by supporters of the American Revolution that said, “NO KING BUT KING JESUS.”

MODERN SCIENCE

CRITIQUE OF CHRISTIANITY

Many today believe and teach that religion and science are not compatible. They say you cannot be both a person of faith and science.

Many also believe that as ones knowledge of the natural world increases what results is the erosion of religion.

MODERN SCIENCE WITHOUT CHRIST

John Calvin once compared the Bible—God’s special revelation—to glasses that must put on if one is to correctly see and understand the world. Unfortunately many today in science have thrown away these glasses and have chosen to explain the world apart from the existence of a personal God. But though many modern scientists reason in this way, did you know that were it not for Jesus, Modern Science as we know it would not be.

MODERN SCIENCE WITH CHRIST

Scripture is clear that understanding our world doesn’t lessen ones belief in God, it affirm and strengthens it. Psalm 19:1-2 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.” Paul also says in Romans 1:20, “(God’s) invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”

Although science began 6 hundred years before Christ with the Greek Philosophers, these philosophers did not attempt to change anything in the natural world. They just wanted to understand it. Their philosophy was, “The world is not meant to be changed or to be used—just meant to be understood.”

It was not until, the time of the reformation that that changed. It was in fact Christians during this time who used the observations of these Greek philosophers to make changes to the natural world, which birthed modern science.

Some of the greatest pioneers of science were committed Christians who believed in a rational God who created a rational world. For example, Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) viewed science simply as, “Thinking God’s Thoughts After Him.” What he meant by this is that when a scientist is engaged in the study of nature, what he is looking for are the laws that God has set up. Another godly pioneer of science was Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) who once wrote, “Faith tells us what senses cannot, but it is not contrary to their findings.” Also, Isaac Newton (1642-1727) said, “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.”

So were it not for Christ, modern science as we know it would not be.

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

CRITIQUE OF CHRISTIANITY

Many have argued that Christians have done more to hurt people than help them. Atheist’s like Bertrand Russell say that the only contributions that Christians have made to humanity is human misery. He writes, “The views of traditional Christianity promote insanity, disease and cruelty.”

HEALTH AND MEDICINE WITHOUT CHRIST

In short, without Christ, there would be fewer hospitals, not many if any facilities that care for all people, medicine would not be as widespread, there would be many more deadly diseases and healthcare would be lacking a key component, which is compassion.

HEALTH AND MEDICINE WITH CHRIST

Christianity has made significant contributions in the area of health and medicine.

Prior to the influence of Christ, we find that in some cultures there were only a few places for the sick. For example, in ancient Rome there were military hospitals for Roman Soldiers, but they did not care for everybody.

That all changed with Christianity. In the 4th century, there was an important church council that met and decided that Hospitals were to be established alongside churches and throughout history we see this trend continue.

In the US, before hospitals, Christians began starting what are known as almshouses, which were refuge centers for the poor and sick. Later, came some of the first hospitals also started in large part by Christians. One of these was the Pennsylvania Hospital started in Philadelphia in 1751.

Christianity has also given rise to nursing care. Christian Florence Nightingale is considered to be the founder of modern nursing. Her influence came from Lutheran pastor Theodor Fliedner (1800-1864) who founded the first nursing school.

In 1860, she followed in her mentor’s footsteps by opening her own school—the Nightingale School for Training Nurses at St. Thomas Hospital in London and this act is said to be the beginning of modern nursing.

Also without Christ we would also be without the influence of Henry Dunant (1828-1910) who was a Swiss banker, humanitarian, and devout Christian who founded the Red Cross. This organization with its roots in the Christian faith has served to save the lives of millions. So were it not for Christianity, there would be no Red Cross.

We would also be without the input of Louis Pasteur. In the area of medicine and health, we live with the positive effects of his work to this day. His research into bacteriology gave rise to sterilization and the development of vaccines against many deadly diseases including rabies, diphtheria, and anthrax.

Not only was Pasteur a brilliant scientist, he was also a devout Christian. In a biography on his life, his biographer writes, “Absolute faith in God and in eternity were feelings which pervaded (Pasteur’s) whole life.”

Medical Missions has also served to improve the health of people groups around the world. To this very day, tens of thousands of Christian missionaries are providing basic medical services to millions of people in the Third World.

Christians have also constructed tens of thousands of hospitals all over the world. Even in the most remote jungles—there are hospitals that have been built to provide care to lepers, to the blind, to the deaf, and to the crippled of every sort.

So were it not for Christ, we would not be where we are today in the field of health and medicine.

THE IMPROVEMENT OF HUMAN LIFE

But of all the issues discussed, none are more important than this final one. While the others dealt with culture, country and the world as a whole, this one deals with the individual. If Jesus had never been born, what would that mean for us as individuals?

CRITIQUE OF CHRISTIANITY

Many today believe and teach that what is truly life changing and liberating is coming to the realization that God doesn’t exist and that there is no need for Christ.

THE IMPROVEMENT OF HUMAN LIFE WITHOUT CHRIST

In the nineteenth century, Charles Bradlaugh, a prominent atheist, challenged a Christian man named Hugh Price Hughes, to a debate on the existence of God. Hughes told Bradlaugh that he would agree to the debate on one condition. He says, “I propose to you that we each bring evidences of our beliefs in the form of men and women whose lives have been changed for the better due to our system of belief. He said, “I will bring 100 such men and women, and I challenge you to do the same.”

Hughes then said that if Bradlaugh couldn’t find 100, then he could bring 50 and if he could not find 50 then he could bring 20 and he finally whittled the number down to one. All Bradlaugh had to do was find one person whose life had been improved by atheism—Bradlaugh finally withdrew!

I believe if a debate like this were offered today, it would have similar results. Paul affirms this by saying, “If all we have is hope in this life only, we are to be pitied.”

Bottom line, without Christ there is no significant improvement in human life.

THE IMPROVEMENT OF HUMAN LIFE WITH CHRIST

Because of the person and work of Christ there have been countless numbers of lives that have been changed for the better.

There was Zacchaeus a dishonest and greedy tax collector who after his encounter with Christ became a generous man. There was also Mary Magdalene who had a questionable reputation and was demon possessed, but after encountering Christ the Scriptures tell us that she left a life of sin and followed Him. She was also the first person to see Him after His resurrection.

You also have Paul who was adamantly opposed to Christ and his followers who made it his business to find and arrest Christians and was even an accomplice to the murder of Stephen who was a faithful follower of Christ.

When Paul encountered the risen Christ everything changed. He went from being greatest enemy of Christ, to being His greatest supporter and went on to make the biggest impact for him in all of history.

AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO

The story of Christ changing hearts and lives also goes far beyond the pages of Scripture with men like Augustine of Hippo. He was a brilliant philosopher who early in life was critical of the Christian faith. Not only was he a skeptic, but was as immoral as anyone. Looking back, Augustine said of himself, “The evil in me was foul, but I loved it.”

He had a mother who was a committed Christian who longed for him to commit his life to Christ and continually prayed and pleaded for his conversion. God eventually answered her prayers and Augustine eventually surrendered his life to Christ and became one of the most gifted theologians in all of history.

JOHN NEWTON

Before salvation and writing one of the most famous hymns ever, Newton worked in the slave trade. It was said of him, “His livelihood was earned on a ship that traded human cargo.” He said of himself, “I sinned with a high hand and made it my study to tempt and seduce others.” God eventually did a great work in his heart and life and he was transformed by God’s grace. Newton not only wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace,” but knew firsthand what God’s amazing grace was all about.

C.S. LEWIS

Early in life, after the death of his mother, Lewis became an atheist. However, as he continued to read from Christian authors like George MacDonald and G.K. Chesterton and because of the influence of friends like Christian J.R.R. Tolkien, Lewis eventually surrendered his life to the Lord.

After coming to Christ, he became one of the greatest Christian writers in all of history. His classic “Mere Christianity” is still widely used today by many apologists as a defense for the Christian faith.

And to this day, human lives are being transformed by the grace of God. Though many have tried to take the Christian faith to task on a number of issues, life change is tough to dispute. They find it difficult to explain how murders become men of God, how wicked slave traders become worshipful songwriters, how atheists become apologists.

Believers have the answer from God’s word. Lives are change because of the person and work of Christ. So without Christ lives would remain unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Without Christ hope is lost—not just when it comes to the value of human life, Mercy and Compassion, Education, Ethics and Morality, Government, Science, Health and Medicine, but more importantly because of the fact that without him, lives remain unchanged, because without Christ there is no chance at being made right with God and transformed by His grace.

Had God not sent Christ and had Christ refused to empty self by taking on flesh and dwelling among us and had He not been obedient to the point of a painful death on a shameful cross, we would all be dead in our sins waiting to stand in judgment before a Holy and Just God.

But Christ did come and came to save sinners and the changing power of God through Christ that has been transforming hearts and lives of people throughout history is the same transforming power that is available today for anyone who will trust in Christ alone for salvation.

"Quote" of the Week

"If Jesus had not been born there would be no mediator between God and man, for the man Christ Jesus would not have been born. We would remain dead in our trespasses and sins, the veil not yet rent." -Sam Crabtree

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23

SERMON NOTES FOR DECEMBER 19, 2010

The overwhelming impact of Christ’s life on planet Earth has been positive and not negative.

THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE

CRITIQUE OF CHRISTIANITY

Many in our world think that Christianity is too hard on people, because it teaches that all mankind is sinful and deserving of God’s judgment. In response to that, most man made belief systems teach that man is inherently good not evil.

Many also think Christianity is to blame for the discrimination against women and that the Scriptures condone slavery.

THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE WITHOUT CHRIST

Prior to the coming of Christ, and also in certain parts of the world where the Christian faith is non-existent, life was and is exceedingly cheap.

CHILDREN

In our culture, we as Christians fight for the rights of our children because we believe that their lives are equal in value to ours. But these feelings are not universal. For example, in the ancient world, nations surrounding the children of Israel partook in child sacrifice. Also, in ancient Rome life for an infant was not any better. While killing a Roman man was a serious offence, killing one’s child was a common practice.
WOMEN

The value of human life for a woman was also exceedingly cheap. In ancient Rome a woman’s fate was not much better than a child’s. In India, prior to the influence of Christianity, widows were voluntarily or involuntarily burned with their dead husbands. This brutal practice was known as suttee, which is translated “good woman.” Because the Hindus believed that good women followed their husbands in death.

THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE WITH CHRIST

God’s word continually teaches the value of human life. We are told in the Scriptures that we are created in God’s image.

We are also told of the great lengths God has gone through to save us because he loves us.

Concerning children—God’s word has a lot to say. In the Old Testament God and His people speak harshly against the shedding of the innocent blood of children.

10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire…these things are an abomination to the LORD. Deut. 18:10

Christ also showed the value of children during His earthly ministry.

Jesus gathered the little children unto Himself saying, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them” (Mt. 19:14).

Christians have followed His example. In ancient Rome Christians saved many abandon babies and brought them up in the faith and throughout history you have believers doing the same thing. For example, in the 1800s you have George Mueller who started many orphanages in and throughout England, which have served to helped thousands of children.

WOMEN

There are countless examples of how God looks favorably on women. Think of the women used by God in the Scriptures:

Ruth-The Moabite who becomes the ancestor of David and Jesus.
Esther-the chosen queen who intercedes for her people and prevents the
destruction of Israel.
Mary the mother of Jesus-who is greeted by the Angel
Gabriel with the words, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you.”

Christ also goes out of His way to show the value of women during his earthly ministry. He commends the poor widow for her offering, he ministers to Mary Magdaline who had a questionable reputation and was demon possessed, he ministers to the woman at the well and brings Jairus’ daughter back to life after death. These examples found in the Scriptures have also been modeled by His people.

For example, you have missionary William Carey who was influential in putting a stop to the practice of Widow Burning in India. Also, missionary Amy Carmichael fought against the practice of childhood prostitution in India and weaned many girls out of this situation and into a Christian community.

SLAVERY

It is clear from the beginning that the scriptures do not condone slavery. For example, God delivers His children from Egyptian bondage and allows them to be taken as slaves by the Babylonians as punishment for their disobedience.

In Paul’s letter to Philemon, he sends back a runaway slave named Onesimus to his master. In this letter he encourages Philemon to “Receive [Onesimus] not as a slave, but as a beloved brother.”

Over the centuries, Christians have followed these examples. For example, committed Christian William Wilberforce worked tirelessly in an attempt to stop the slave trade from Africa to the West Indies and eventually was successful in doing so. He then worked day and night to free slaves in the British territories. Because of the commitment of Wilberforce, in 1833 700,000 British slaves were freed.

So were it not for Christ we would not be where we are today when it comes to the value of human life.

COMPASSION AND MERCY

CRITIQUE OF CHRISTIANITY

Many argue that compassion and mercy are not a result of being a Christian, but the result of being a decent human being. There are many non-believers today who are involved in all sorts of community service and many organizations that claim no religious affiliation who say that they care for others out of a sense of civic duty, but not because they are Christian.

With that being said, it is important not to simply look at the state of things now, but go back to the source of what makes individuals charitable and to look at the roots of the charities themselves.

COMPASSION AND MERCY WITHOUT CHRIST

Prior to Christ we learn that people were not too charitable. Ancient Greek historian Polybius reports that the Romans did not have a charitable bone in their body. He says that in Rome, “No one ever gives away anything to anyone if he can help it.” This lack of charity is also seen in other groups as well.

COMPASSION AND MERCY WITH CHRIST

The Scriptures have a lot to say about compassion and mercy.

Solomon says,

21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. Proverbs 14:21

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, he set a great example for us by helping the poor and caring for the down and out and calls for his followers to do the same.

He says,

35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…and His disciples said, “Lord when did we do all these things…” He said, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Mark 25:35-40

From this teaching come many of our charities.

Apart from Christ we would be without the YMCA which stands for Young Men’s Christian Association which God has used to greatly minister to the physical and spiritual needs of millions of underprivileged people in the urban areas of our world. We would also not have the Salvation Army, which is fueled on today by the love of Christ and is constantly helping the poor in countries around the world.

Internationally, much of the work being done to help the needy is being carried out by the church through various missions’ agencies. There are numerous para-church groups like World Vision international, Samaritan’s Purse, Food for the Hungry, Christian Children’s Relief Fund, and Compassion International that are each making a huge impact when it comes to providing Hope and showing compassion.

So a world without Christ would be a world without charity as we know it.

EDUCATION

CRITIQUE OF CHRISTIANITY

Some today argue that people are one of two ways. They are either superstitious religionists or rational secularists, but never both. They also argue that to be a person of faith, you have to some extent abandon learning. Atheist Richard Dawkins says that living by faith “…teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding our world.”

EDUCATION WITHOUT CHRIST

Although people were educated before Christianity, education was not for all people—it was a privilege and there was little concern for the larger numbers of the uneducated and illiterate.

EDUCATION WITH CHRIST

Education for everyone is a Christian idea. This idea grew directly out of the reformation. The reformers pushed for education for everyone because they believed that the only way the Protestant Reformation would hold would be for people themselves—laypeople—to be able to read and understand the Bible in their own language.

EDUCATION IN AMERICA

Many may not know this but the push for education in America was also made by Christians. When the Pilgrims and the Puritans first came to the US, education was a high priority. It was not long until they began to require education for everyone in their colonies. They also used the Bible and other Christian literature when educating their children.

We not only have Christians to thank for lower education but also for our universities. Almost everyone of the first 123 colleges and universities in the United States had Christian Origins—started by Christians for Christian purposes. For example, Dartmouth was founded to train missionaries to the Native Americans and Columbia university, which opened in 1754, put out an early advertisement for the school that read, “The chief thing that is aimed at in this college is to teach and engage children to know God in Jesus Christ.” Past president of Princeton, Rev. John Witherspoon once said, “Cursed be all learning that is contrary to the cross of Christ.”
So were it not for Christianity we would be without prestigious schools like Oxford and Cambridge and Harvard, Yale, William and Mary, Brown, Princeton, New York University and others.

CHRISTIANITY AND WORLDWIDE LITERACY

Many of the world’s languages were first set to writing by Christian missionaries who wanted all peoples to be able to read and understand the Bible in their heart language. This work is still taking place today. Today many tribal languages are being codified by Christians out on the mission field.

Wycliffe Bible Translators (the second largest missions organization in the world) spend most of their resources and send most of their missionaries to obscure areas of the world to learn the language so they can translate the Scriptures into the heart language of the people so the people can then teach the nationals how to read and understand the Bible in their own language.

SO WITHOUT CHRIST MANY OF US WOULD BE UNEDUCATED AND MAYBE EVEN ILLITERATE

ETHICS AND MORALITY

CRITIQUE OF CHRISTIANITY

Many believe Christianity along with other belief systems are to blame for the evils in our world. Atheist Bertrand Russell once said, “I say quite deliberately that the Christian religion, as organized in its churches, has been and still is the principal enemy of moral progress in the world.”

MORALITY WITHOUT CHRIST

In the Old Testament there are numerous accounts of pagan societies surrounding the people of God who were involved in all sorts of godless and immoral practices. For example, the worshippers of the god Moloch offered up their own children as sacrifices and Baal worship was as sexually immoral as any practice. The Assyrians were barbaric and inhumane in the way they treated they treated others and the standards of morality for the Canaanites were probably the lowest of all.

Though we have many positives today from the Greeks a greater morality is not one of them and the Romans, as earlier discussed, were uncharitable and had little value for human life.

So without Christ things are not good morally.

MORALITY WITH CHRIST

Nothing in all of history compares to what Christianity has done for morality. The Western world in particular owes a great deal to Christ for the way the Christian faith has changed tribes, peoples and nations for the better.

PAGANS OF ROME

Into this cruel, vulgar and immoral world you have the birth of Christ and his impact on the world is unmatched. Historian and author Will Durrant mentions that the Romans took notice of Christians and their morality. He says, “Pliny [who was a governor] was compelled to report to [the emperor] Trajan that the Christians led exemplary lives. Galen described them as ‘so far advanced in self-discipline and (with an) intense desire to attain moral excellence.”

And the ethical influence of Christianity impacted Roman life in a good way.

BARBARIANS AND VIKINGS

Both the Barbarians and Vikings were some of the most ferocious, godless and warlike people this world has ever known conquering and killing everyone who stood in their way including woman and children.

Many Christians from Rome put their lives on the line to take the Gospel to these warring groups and in time, their work was extremely successful. Both the Barbarians and the Vikings were transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

And we learn that wherever the Gospel goes, so goes a greater morality.

MODERN MISSION MOVEMENTS

In the past two hundred years churches and mission agencies have been sending out missionaries into the far corners of the world to spread the Gospel.

One of the most incredible stories is that of Mary Slessor, who was from Scotland. She was converted to Christianity in her teens and later felt a call to serve as a missionary in Nigeria in 1876. After she arrived, she learned of the Calabar people who were so ferocious and fierce that even the government soldiers were fearful to enter into the land.

It was said that their customs were so vile that it stretches the imagination to consider the types of things they did to one another. This did not, however, stop Mary Slessor. And not only did God spare her from death, but used her to reach this people for Christ.

SO HAD JESUS NEVER BEEN BORN GOD ONLY KNOWS HOW IMMORAL OUR WORLD WOULD BE.

CONCLUSION

So though atheists like Friedrich Nietschze, Bertrand Russell and Richard Dawkins believe that our world would be better off without Christianity, history shows us otherwise.

Christ is not what’s wrong with the world, but what the world needs most. As you celebrate Christmas this week may you be reminded of the wonderful gift God gave by sending His son.

A CRUEL WORLD

by D. James Kennedy & Jerry Newcombe

The consequences that flow from unbelief are very real and very tragic...(they) flow as inevitably and as irresistibly from what we think, as water irresistibly flows through a broken dam. The Bible says that 'as he thinks in his heart, so is he' (Prov. 23:7). As people think in their hearts so will the world be in which they live. There are results that come from our thinking; and above all else, the greatest results flow from what we think about God.

MORAL RELATIVISM

With atheism there are no objective moral standards. Evolutionary humanism and all forms of various atheistic concepts have been trying for years to establish some sort of moral standard, and they have failed miserably. The Scripture says, "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Ps. 14:1) and goes on to say that they have "done abominable works."

This is not to say that all atheists are immoral people. In reality, there are many nice people who are atheists, but their niceness is borrowed capital from Christianity; it is not because of their atheism, but despite it.

The existentialist writer Jean-Paul Sarte saw very clearly what would happen if we got rid of God--as he had done. He said, "[Without God] all activities are equivalent....Thus it amounts to the same thing whether one gets drunk alone, or is a leader of nations." In other words, it doesn't matter if, when you see an old woman trying to cross the street, you stop your car and help her across, or whether you simply run over her. It doesn't matter whether you are Florence Nightingale or Al Capone--all activities are equivalent without God.

Thus when atheism takes hold of a society, moral relativism quickly follows. When moral relativism takes hold, then nothing is sacred and human life becomes cheap--as it was before Jesus Christ entered our world.

When you devalue God, you devalue human life. What kind of view of man is given to us by evolutionary atheists? Is man a noble creature with a noble origin and a noble destiny? Here is what the evolutionists say:

"A fungus on the surface of one of the minor planets" (Du Maurier)

"A hairless ape" (Schoenberg)

"An accidental twig" (Gould)

"A useless passion" (Sarte)

This is what man is to them. Next to nothing at all.

CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY

Once the evolutionary view of man was applied, appalling crimes against humanity began to be committed. The worst crimes were committed by the Communists, who felt they could build heaven on earth.

STALIN

As horrible and as inexcusable as the Inquisition was, it was rather like a tea party when compared with the purges of Stalin. It is generally agreed that the number of people Stalin killed was 40 million. Stalin persecuted the Church, sometimes ruthlessly. Dr. David Barrett says that in 1934, Stalin, "widely regarded as the Antichrist, attempted liquidation of the entire Christian church."

HITLER

Hitler, who hated God as much as Stalin did, had learned well from their mentor, Lenin, the father of the modern totalitarian state. Hitler was a total racist who wanted to remove from the world those he viewed as human bacillus. He killed Jews, Gypsies, Slavs, Poles, and others deemed racially inferior.

The Nazis worked out a system where Jews and others were to be worked until they were no longer able to work, then they were to be exterminated. The first victims of the Holocaust were 70,000 people. By the end, 6 million Jews and 9 to 10 million others (mostly Christians) were liquidated.

MAO

It is estimated that Mao Tse-tung alone killed more that 70 million Chinese. In the first ten years after Mao's takeover in 1948, 24.7 million were killed in "purges, famines, deaths in slave labor camps." From 1959-1962, about 25 million were killed or were starved to death in the collectivization effort and its failure. Dr. Barrett calls this "history's most systematic attempt ever, by a single nation, to eradicate and destroy Christianity and religion; in this it failed. Thus Mao was responsible for killing about 72 million human beings.

Kennedy, D. James and Jerry Newcombe. What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? Nashville: Nelson Books. 1994. 224-238

"Quote" of the Week

"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they have done abominable works." Psalm 14:1

Jesus Christ has given art its loftiest themes. Many of the greatest masterpieces in the world have had a Christian theme or base. The great cathedrals of Europe are among the finest architectural masterpieces known, and their inspiration comes from Jesus. It was a servant of Christ, Bach (a man who dedicated every note he wrote to the glory of Jesus Christ), who changed Western music for all time.

Had Jesus never been born, art would depict only the finite. The attempt to capture the Infinite on canvas or in stone would never have been introduced. In short, had Jesus never come, the world would be poorer in the realms of art and music.

CHRIST AND ART

The Renaissance was a golden age of art, and biblical themes were among the most predominant motifs. Look at the work of Michelangelo (1475-1564). His great statutes are of biblical characters, such as David, Moses, and the Pieta--the crucified Christ in the arms of His grieving mother. His masterpiece is his work on the ceiling and walls of the Sistine Chapel, which is also biblical in nature. Not only did Michelangelo paint and sculpt great Christian works, but he himself was a devout Christian.

Other great artists of the Renaissance--whether they were Christian or not--painted on Christian themes. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), one of the most versatile human beings who ever lived, pioneered in a variety of fields. He too has left the world with great works of art inspired by Christianity, such as The Last Supper, St. John the Baptist, Annunciation, Madonna and Child, and Adoration of the Magi.

CHRIST AND LITERATURE

Jesus has also had a very positive impact on literature, providing us with some of the greatest themes and ideas. As one writer puts it, 'Literature and the gospel are bosom friends.' From Dante to Chaucer, from John Donne to Fyodor Dostoevsky, the Christian faith has influenced literature, and literature has helped to spread the gospel.

John Bunyan (1628-1688) gave the world one of the greatest novels ever written, Pilgrim's Progress. This parable of the Christian life is one of the all-time most published and widely read books in the history of the world.

Another towering literary giant who was inspired by the Christian faith is John Milton (1608-1674), author of Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained. These two masterpieces deal with the first Adam, who brought sin into the world, and Jesus Christ, the second Adam, who was the beginning of a whole new creation. Milton's inspired thought has lifted and enriched the lives of millions.

CHRIST AND MUSIC

Many music critics declare that Bach is the greatest musician that ever lived. His genius is unsurpassed. He is the father of modern music (who) left no musical form as he found it, says one critic.

There can be no doubt that Johann Sebastian Bach was a Christian. He was a Christian to the very core of his life. When he died there were found in his library eighty-three volumes of entirely religious works. Bach believed in the great doctrines of the Christian faith--In fact, several have noted that in his music and in his writings you can see an almost eager desire to depart this world to be with Christ.

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) has (also) ministered to millions with his sacred oratorios, most notably the Messiah. Handel composed this fantastic work in less than twenty-five days.

Kennedy, D. James and Jerry Newcombe. "What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?" Nashville: Nelson Books. 1994. 172-188.

"Quote" of the Week

"More poems have been written, more stories told, more pictures painted, and more songs sung about Christ than any other person in human history, because through such avenues as these the deepest appreciation of the human heart can be more adequately expressed." -Cynthia Pearl Maus

SERMON NOTES FOR NOVEMBER 29, 2010...

EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH THE RIGHT EXAMPLE

Society is always putting forth examples for us telling us what is hip, what sounds good, what tastes good, and what looks good and as these examples are being put forward there is this implied message that following these examples leads to joy.

In the text for today, I am going to discuss how to experience joy through following the right example.

As we have discussed, during Paul imprisonment at Rome, there are many uncertainties concerning his ministry. Although he mentions in the previous verses that he thinks he will be released, he is uncertain about when that will be. So in his absence he mentions that he hopes to send both Timothy and Epaphroditus to them. Not only that, he also explains in this passage the great characteristics of these two men and looks to them as great examples of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

First he says we should...

1. Follow the EXAMPLE of Timothy

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.

Timothy was a native of Lystra (Acts 16:1) and was thought to be a convert of Paul’s during his first missionary journey through Lystra. Over the years Paul became extremely fond of Timothy. In fact, Timothy becomes Paul’s right hand man in ministry.

Timothy was also no stranger to the Philippians. He was with Paul when the church was planted initially and was well respected by the Christians at Philippi. In the following verses, Paul puts forth Timothy as an example for the Christians at Philippi to follow.

First he shows that…

1. HE HAS A GENUINE INTEREST IN THE WELFARE OF OTHERS

In v. 20 Paul points to the fact that Timothy has no selfish nor ulterior motives in ministry, but takes a genuine interest in those he ministers to.

He says,

20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.

This is not the first time in this book that Paul stresses the importance of selfless service. The reason I believe he continues to show the need for it is because it is what is needed most in ministry, but what is seen the least in God's people. Paul is clear that genuine servants though needed are hard to find. He says,

I have no one else like (Timothy). 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

This is also true for us today isn’t it? The reason the Gospel is not making the impact it should in our world I believe is because there are too many in our churches and in Christian ministry who are looking to their own interests in ministry and too few like Timothy.

2. HIS SOLE DESIRE IS TO BE FAITHFUL
‎
22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.

The phrase "proven worth" means “proof after testing.” Paul is simply showing in this verse that Timothy has been tested and has proven character.

As I said earlier, Timothy was with Paul when the church at Philippi was started so the Christians in this city were well acquainted with Him. They had witnessed his continued loyalty, dependability and faithfulness to Paul and to the ministry through the years. For this reason, Paul thought highly of Timothy and for this reason Timothy was well received by the churches.

3. HIS PRESENCE MAKES A DIFFERENCE

23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. ‎‎
‎
This text clearly reveals Timothy’s importance to Paul and to the work of the gospel. Paul is clear in v. 23 that he needed Timothy a while longer. It’s unknown why Paul felt this way, but what is certain is that Timothy uniquely sustained Paul during this time of uncertainty and Paul felt as if he could hardly get along without him.

Paul also knew that Timothy was exactly what the Christians at Philippi needed as well. In sending Timothy, something was going to be amiss in the life and ministry of Paul, but something would be greatly added to the ministry at Philippi. In other words, Timothy’s presence made a significant difference in ministry.

What a great example for us to follow as believers. As we read about how Timothy’s presence makes a difference in ministry we should be reminded of how ours should as well.

2. Follow the EXAMPLE of Epaphroditus

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus,

Epaphroditus is the person the Philippians sent to Paul while in jail at Rome. He is sent to Paul to bring news of the churches love for Paul, to bring him a gift from the church and to stay for a time with him to minster alongside him and to comfort and care for him.

Notice the characteristics Paul gives of Epaphroditus.

1. HE IS COMMITTED

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

Notice Paul refers to Epaphroditus as more than just a fellow Christian. He says he is also a fellow worker and fellow soldier. In other words, Epaphroditus is a committed Christian who served faithfully alongside Paul.

2. HE HAS A HEART FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.

Here we see that both Epaphroditus and Paul have a heart for people. Because the Christians at Philippi had become worried over news of his illness, Epaphroditus becomes distressed over their distress and develops a deep longing for them. Paul also shows his heart for them by longing for Epaphroditus to be reunited with them.

Because God has a heart for people, those who have been called by Him to be imitators of Him are to also have a heart for His people. This is true of Epaphroditus and Paul and is to be true of us.

3. HE HAS A SACRIFICIAL SPIRIT

This just means that Epaphroditus viewed the work of Christ to be more important than His own life.

Paul says,
29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Although there are certain risks that are not worth taking, at times risk is right especially when it is done for Christ. Here Paul is lifting up Epaphroditus as a model for the Philippian church to emulate because he has risked his life for the sake of Christ. Paul also calls for the church to welcome him with open arms and to honor men like him who sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.

CONCLUSION

Notice that these characteristics found in the life of Timothy and Epaphroditus are also the very characteristics of Christ and are to be found in us.

Our world is going to continue to put forth role models and there is going to be this implied message that by following these examples—we will experience joy. God’s word, however, tells us that we are to follow Christ and to follow those who are following Christ and in that following we will experience joy.

"Quote" of the Week

A good example has twice the value of good advice. -Unknown

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1

SERMON NOTES FOR NOVEMBER 21, 2010...

As I have said before, there are some obvious places that people look to find joy, but what Paul shows us in Philippians is that joy is found in some unlikely places and under some unlikely circumstances. The passage for today is no exception. What we are going find from today’s passage is that though obedience is a necessary mark of a believer, what results from obedience is not a life of misery, but one of joy.

EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH OBEDIENCE

I. “DON’T JUST STAND THERE” AND “DON’T JUST DO SOMETHING” (vv. 12-13).
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12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Verse 12 causes problems for some because by changing a single word in the verse ones “grace-based” theology, which teaches that “salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ alone,” is turned on its head. Notice, however, that Paul does not say “'Work up' 'at' or 'for your salvation,'” but says, “work out your salvation.”

Paul is speaking to believers and is simply urging them to prove that God has saved them in the past by acting and living and obeying like it in the present. He wants the Christians at Philippi to know that Christian maturity is not something that happens automatically, but is to be pursued.

Paul then goes on to say in v. 13, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” What we have here is a paradox because in verse 12 Paul calls for believers to “put in the work” and in the next verse informs them that God is working in them.

Paradoxs are found throughout the Bible. For example, Scripture clearly states that God is one and three, Jesus is fully God and Fully Man, and that God is Sovereign and Man is responsible. What many have a tendency to do when they cross these teachings in Scripture is to pick and choose or emphasize one at the sake of another. The proper way to interpret paradoxs in Scripture is to affirm both in measure.

The point Paul is making in these verses is that for us to be what God has called us to be we are going to have to put forth the effort, but are also going to have to see our need of God’s grace and be completely dependent upon Him to work in us so that we can work outwardly.

SO “DON’T JUST STAND THERE” AND “DON’T JUST DO SOMETHING,” BUT INSTEAD GO FORWARD BY THE GRACE OF GOD.

II. HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE BECAUSE THE WORLD IS WATCHING (vv. 14-16).

‎Paul says, Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

‎A popular saying we are all familiar with is “Actions speak louder than words.” Here Paul takes that point a step further by showing that “attitudes speak louder than actions.”

The problem with the Philippian Christians wasn’t that they were doing the wrong things; Paul is clear that they were faithful and had been since he first started the church. The issue was that they were doing the right things with the wrong attitude.

He goes on to say,

15 Be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

The reason why it is imperative that the church have the right attitude as well as the right actions is because we are representatives of God in a world that is hostile to Him. Paul is clear that the Christians at Philippi need to clean up their act in order to be an effective witness in the world. His advice for the church is summed up in the phrase “Be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish.”

Now know that Paul is not telling them to be perfect, but is just calling for the church to be “above reproach” or “without accusation” so they will be able to minister effectively in the world. Paul goes on to say, “…among whom you shine as lights in the world.” His point here is that when the church is blameless and pure, they bring the truth of the Christian message to light in this dark world. Jesus told His followers, “You are the light of the world…. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Mt. 5:14-16).

III. KNOW THAT OBEDIENCE THOUGH IT INVOLVE SACRIFICE BRINGS JOY (vv. 17-18).

But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Paul’s language he is using is the language of the Old Testament sacrificial system. A drink offering was a type of offering that involved pouring out wine onto an altar along with an animal or grain sacrifice. In this verse, Paul shows that this type of offering vividly illustrates how he has been poured out for God’s service.

Like I said a few weeks ago, people do not like to hear words like suffering, opposition and sacrifice. They want Christianity without these things. The problem is that a life lived for God—in obedience to Him—is not void of these things. Nevertheless, there is joy to be had in a life lived for Him even in the midst of difficulty. ‎

CONCLUSION

When God first created the world, all living creatures—man especially—lived under God’s rule and reign and in perfect obedience to Him and it was as God said “Very Good.” Believe me when I say this is still the case today even though the world tells us otherwise. We were made for God and will not be complete and experience lasting joy until we live for Him.

"Quote" of the Week

"I believe a fitting description for the church would be this: A community of people who stand firm in the truth over time against raging currents of opposition and who present living proof of a loving God to a watching world." -Robert Lewis.

SERMON NOTES FOR NOVEMBER 14, 2010...

In the passage from last week, Paul gives the Christians at Philippi a challenging task. He calls for them to be unified and shows that humility is the way to unity. His says in vv. 3-4, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Last week I also discussed that the reason this calling is challenging is because selfishness and pride are the most common problems in our lives. Paul knowing this is the case and knowing that good examples of humility are few and far between puts forth the perfect model for them to follow. He says in v. 5, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” In other words, "Look to Christ and follow His supreme example of humility."

EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH HUMILITY

I. DON’T THINK TOO HIGHLY OF YOURSELF

‎ 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

‎Paul begins by explaining that Christ has the highest status imaginable. In v. 6 Paul says “although He existed” showing that Christ has always existed even before coming to earth and then he goes on to say “in the form of God” meaning Christ is equal in person to God the Father.

Paul goes on to say that although Christ was equal in nature, essence and form with God, he tells us that Christ refused to selfishly cling to His equality with God.

This doesn’t mean he gave up his authority, title or essence as God, but just means that he did not cling to all the advantages that come with being God. What’s ironic is that Christ who is God who could have clung tightly to the advantages of being God chose to humble himself, while we, who are not even close to being what he is, refuse.

May we learn to think in this way--If Christ, who is infinitely greater than any thought of us did not consider his status as something to cling to, but instead humbled Himself then so should we.

II. DON’T REFUSE TO SERVE BECAUSE OF STATUS

7 (Christ) made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Paul says tells us that Christ emptied himself by “taking the form of a servant”—by “being born in the likeness of men.” By becoming a man, Christ did something he did not have to do and took on a role that he did not have to take on.

If this is true of Christ, how much more so should this be true of us? Many often think that being in a certain position of authority means that there are certain areas of service that are beneath that status. Although Christ had every right to stay where he was and cling to all the benefits that accompany His divine status, instead He humbled Himself and came to us in our time of need. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8:9, ‎"Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

III. BE WILLING TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR OTHERS

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Paul shows us in this passage that Christ went above and beyond for us. He not only refused to cling to His equality with God and not only emptied himself by taking on flesh, but was also obedient to the point enduring a painful death on a shameful cross. And Paul says to make the point, “If Christ humbled himself to this extent, how much more so should we be willing to humble ourselves?”

Often times, believers are willing to serve others as long as it doesn't cost too much when it comes to ones health and wealth. What they are looking for is a cross that doesn’t cost. God’s word is clear, however, that if we are going to follow Christ’s example, we are going to have to sacrifice.

If the purest of all to ever live could endure betrayal, denial, trial, beating, mockery, crucifixion and the very wrath of God for us, how much more should we be willing to obey God and sacrifice by going the above and beyond for others?

IV. TRUST THAT THERE IS JOY TO BE HAD IN HUMILITY

9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Though Jesus humbled himself and put aside divine privileges that were rightfully His and became a servant and was obedient to the point of death on a shameful cross, it is imperative that we rememberhe did not remain in that lowly state. God the Father responds to Christ’s humility by highly exalting Him and by giving Him a name that is above every name. Paul goes on to say that there is also coming a day when every knee is going to bow before Him and every tongue is going to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The message here is clear. Though humility is tough, the joy to be had through it is unmatched. A reoccurring principle throughout Scripture is that God punishes the proud but exalts the humble. Proverbs 3:34 tells us, “(The Lord) mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.” Christ also says in Matthew 23:11-12, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Are you upset when you don’t feel appreciated for your service or feel as if you get taken advantage of when you put others before yourself? Know that God is pleased with your humility and rest in the fact that God blesses and brings joy to the humble.

"Quote" of the Week

"Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing." Dr. John Henry Jowett

SERMON NOTES FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2010...

Disunity is the most common problem in any church and is addressed by Paul in some way in every letter he wrote. The reason why disunity is so common is because selfishness and pride are prevalent in the lives of God’s people.

The more selfish we become as believers and the more we let pride rule in our lives the more divided we will be as a church. Also, the more divided our churches the more miserable we will be as individuals. Because let’s be honest, whether it be in the church, with our children, spouse, boss, and/or friends, when there is disunity in our relationships there is a lack of joy in our lives.

In Philippians 2:1-4, we discover that the church at Philippi, though healthy, had issues. So far, in the previous verses, there have been no mention of problems, but what we learn from this passage is that the Christians at Philippi struggled with being unified.

EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH UNITY

I. HAVE THE PROPER MOTIVES FOR SPIRITUAL UNITY (2:1-2a)

‎So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being like-minded.
‎
In v. 1 Paul gives several "if...then" statements to provide the proper motivation for the Philippian Christians when it comes to unity.
These are known as first class conditional statements, meaning these phrases can literally be translated "Because...then or assuming...then."

In this passage Paul is basically saying, “Because you are united with Christ and have fellowship with the Spirit then make my joy complete by being like minded.” Paul here is trying to motivate the believers by grace to be unified with one another. He is basically saying, “Look at all of the wonderful things that God has done for you and let that be your motivation to live for God by being unified with one another.”

II. IDENTIFY THE PROPER MARKS OF SPIRITUAL UNITY (2:2)

being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Here Paul shows the Christians at Philippi what true unity looks like. He says…

Being of the same mind

What this means is that each believer should have the mind (or attitude) of Christ, which is one of humility that values the thoughts and opinions of others and works to understand.

It's an attitude that says, “I may not agree with this person, but I am going to try my hardest to understand where that person is coming from and get on the same page with them.”

having the same love

The word love used here is agape, which speaks not of an emotional love, but a love of the will. It is not of preference or attraction but a conscious choice to seek the welfare of another.

This is the kind of love that God showed us. Romans 5:8 says, “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It is also the kind of love that Christ expects from us. In John 15:12, Jesus tells us "Love one another as I have loved you.”

This kind of love promotes unity, brings joy, and is the kind of love that is to be seen in lives of believers and the church.

being in full accord

This just means that believers are to have a kindred affection for one another. If believers are like minded and have the same love, what will naturally result is being in full accord.

and of one mind or also translated being intent on one purpose

We are not to be unified for unities sake, but are to be unified around the truth of the Christian message and are to have a common God given purpose. In Philippians 1:27, Paul says that we are to be putting aside our differences so that we can work together to advance God's Gospel.

So in this verse, Paul makes it clear that there is more to unity than simply not being at odds with one another. Unity takes work. It is important that believers examine their lives not by what they are not doing, but by what they are doing.

After reading this verse, believers should ask themselves, “Are these marks true of me and seen in my relationships with others? Am I working to understand one another—to be on the same page with them? Do I value the opinions of others even though I may not agree with them? Is agape love one of the marks of my relationships? Am I committed to and do I love others the way Christ is committed to and loves me? Do I have a kindred affection for one another and am I unified around the truth of the Christian message—putting aside pride, personal preference and petty differences to work together to accomplish God's purposes?”

III. TAKE THE PROPER STEPS TOWARD SPIRITUAL UNITY (vv. 3-4)

‎Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
‎
In this passage, Paul reveals what is causing disunity and gives the Christians at Philippi the proper steps to take for them to be unified. He says, "Do nothing from rivalry." This simply means that they should not be motivated by personal glory, but by the glory of God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 Paul says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Paul also says "Do nothing from empty conceit.” Here he is referring to those who think too highly of themselves—who think their opinions and ideas matter more than others. Paul is clear that this kind of mentality destroys spiritual unity.

Instead, Paul states that unity is possible when believers humbly put others before themselves and when they look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of others.

CONCLUSION

Let's be honest, being like minded with the same love, being one in spirit and purpose and putting others first are not characteristics we see in many relationships in our world. This is why Paul encourages believers to follow the example of Christ. He says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (2:5).

Jesus not only left us a perfect example, but has also provided us with a way to achieve spiritual unity. If we are to be on good terms with one another, we must first be on good terms with God Himself and that is only possible through the person and work of Christ. By becoming sin for us and being punished in our place, Christ offers us His righteousness and a way to be at peace with God so that we can in turn can be at peace with one another.

"Quote" of the Week

"Too often our churches are rent asunder not by theological differences but by selfishness, pride, and lack of love." -Thomas Schreiner

November is a big missions month for our church. We are currently gathering gifts for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and have a team preparing to leave for Nicaragua at the end of the week. So I thought it a good time to discuss why we as believers should value missions.

What we learn from Scripture about missions…

1) MISSIONS IS FROM THE MIND OF GOD

From the beginning, we learn that God’s interest is not for one single nation, but for the nations. In Genesis 12:1-3, God enters into a Godless culture, picks a pagan in a wicked city from a Godless family (Josh. 24:2), and blesses him so that through him the nations will be blessed. God says,

2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

Although this was not fulfilled in Abraham’s lifetime and has not yet come to fruition with us, Scripture teaches that one day all the families of the Earth will be blessed because of the person and work of Christ. Though this clearly does not refer to every single person, Revelation 7:9 teaches us that in the end there will be a multitude of people from every nation, which no one can number, who will stand before the throne and enjoy the blessings of the Lord’s gracious rule.

2) MISSIONS IS A MANDATE FOR THE CHURCH

In Matthew 28:18-20, Christ gives His Great Commission to the church. Four times in this passage, He uses the word “All” to clarify this task.

First, Christ says He has “All Authority.” This simply means He has absolute right over both Heaven and Earth—therefore, what He says goes.

Second, He says the church should make disciples of “All Nations.” Once again, although there are no Gentile believers or churches at this time, we see God’s heart is for the nations.

Third, Jesus says the church should be teaching converts “All that He Commands.” Here He calls for His followers to invest in new believers, teaching them how to live under His Lordship.

Finally, Christ assures His followers He will be with them “All the Days.” He has not (nor will He ever) abandon His followers, leaving the task to them alone, but promises to be with them always.

3) MISSIONS IS THE NECESSARY MEANS FOR WORSHIP

The third reason we should emphasize missions is because “you and I were made for worship,” and worship is what is lacking in our world. On page 17 of his book “Let the Nations Be Glad,” John Piper states, “Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because Worship doesn’t…When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But Worship abides forever.”

"Quote" of the Week

"God is so overflowingly, unashamedly satisfied with his own glory that he devotes all his energies to making this glory known. The creation of the universe, the history of redemption, and the consummation of all things are driven ultimately by this great passion in the heart of God--to exult fully in his own glory by making it known and praised among all the nations." -John Piper

HAPPY REFORMATION DAY!!!

Today is the anniversary of the day when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. This event took place on October 31, 1517 and launched the Protestant Reformation. Christians should be thankful for the way God used Martin Luther. The two most popular doctrines of the Protestant Reformation that became the battle cry for Protestants are sola scriptura and sola fida, which teach that Scripture alone has the authority to bind the consciences of believers and that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

"I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen."

Believe it or not lasting joy is found in a relationship with God and a life lived for Him. What’s truly unfortunate, however, is that there are many in our world today who are trying to find it without Him.

The reason why our book stores are filled with “self-help” books and why we constantly feel as if there is more to life than what is right in front of us is because there is. Each and every one of us has a “God-Shaped/God-sized void” in our lives that can only be filled by God Himself.

C.S. Lewis once said, “If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” And we are. The truth is there is no lasting joy in a life lived without God. Solomon is clear on this in Ecclesiastes 1 when he explains to his readers, “Life under the Sun, or life without God, is vanity.”

Fortunately for us, God did not intend for us to live life without him. Although Solomon diagnosed the problem, God provides the solution by sending His son.

"Quote" of the Week

"God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." -C.S. Lewis

SERMON NOTES FOR OCTOBER 17, 2010...

Many today are hesitant to commit to Christ because they truly believe that the enjoyment to be had through living worldly is better than anything Christianity can offer. Classical Greek Philosopher Socrates proved this mentality is nothing new when he said, “Happiness is unrepentant pleasure.”

What we find in Philippians 1:27-30, however, is that joy is found not through living worldly, but through living worthy.

EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH LIVING WORTHY

1) BE GOOD CITIZENS OF GOD'S KINGDOM (v. 27a)
‎
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ,
‎
The phrase “Let your manner of life” is very unique and literally means, "Behave the way citizens are supposed to behave.” This would have meant a lot to the people of Philippi because they were a Roman colony and took that association seriously. Knowing that, Paul uses this phrase to encourage the Christians at Philippi to conduct themselves as good citizens of God's kingdom and live worthy of that association.
‎
2) STAND FIRM WITH INTEGRITY AS BELIEVERS (v. 27b)
so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind.

Even though Paul comes to terms with the fact that he is going to continue on a while longer with the Philippians in ministry, he tells them that he does not know when he will see them again. Instead, he encourages them to live with integrity, which is why he says, "no matter what happens...live worthy" and also says "whether i come and see you or am absent...stand firm."

May this be true of us. No matter if we are at church, at home or in the workplace, may we live out our faith by valuing integrity, standing firm in the faith and being the church in the world.

3) WORK TOGETHER TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL (v. 27c)
striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

The word translated "striving side by side" is where we get our English word "athletics" and carries with it the idea of working together on the same team. Like athletes on a team, Paul expected the Christians at Philippi to work together with one mind focused on one goal—to advance the faith. For this to happen, Paul is clear that they have to be unified—putting aside personal differences so they can be faithful to do what God has called them to do.

How sad it is that so much time and effort has been lost because of internal issues in our churches? The one thing I think Satan wants to happen more than anything else is for the church to find opposition within itself so that it never gets around to fighting the real opposition in the world. For the church to make an impact in the world, believers have to die a bit to pride, personal preferences and petty differences for the sake of the Gospel.

4) EXPECT OPPOSITION FROM ENEMIES OF THE CROSS
28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.

When Paul says “those who oppose you” we don’t know with certainty who this group was. Were they inside the church or outside the church? Did they oppose the church with false doctrine or with a standard of living that was not consistent with the Christian faith? Paul doesn’t say. What we do know is that the Philippians had opposition and Paul tells them to not be alarmed by it because the future end for "enemies of the cross" is destruction. He also give a word of comfort for those facing opposition for Christ by assuring them that their opposition is proof that they belong to God and are faithfully doing what He has called them to do.

5) ACCEPT SUFFERING FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Paul shows in this passage that while suffering is unpleasant it is in fact a sign of favor from God. He tells the Christians at Philippi that in the same way belief has been granted, so also has suffering. Suffering, though difficult, teaches believers about and serves to strengthen their faith.