Category: Preaching in Shorts
Developing a Disciple’s Heart – Part 16
On the other hand, the word used for daily has an interesting Kingdom connection. We talked briefly about the kingdom of God last week. His rule and His reign. The kingdom was inaugurated when Jesus came. It will be consummated when He returns. The kingdom (His rule and reign) is here but not yet fully here (your rule and reign come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven). We live in the present, in the tension of the now and the not yet. So, the root word for daily is the same word we get tomorrow from. In effect, you could translate Matthew 6:11 to say, Give us today, the bread of tomorrow. This is the spiritual or supernatural understanding of this verse. It helps us to increase our faith. The kingdom dynamic, His rule and reign, is presented like this. God, since you are going to set everything right when you come back, we ask that you do it now. We don’t need to worry about tomorrow, and we have faith that all the promises of the kingdom can break through into today.
Category: Preaching in Shorts
Developing a Disciple’s Heart – Part 15
Before we talk about the practical application of this verse I want to look at a couple of things with you. First, let’s start by talking about the Kingdom of God. What is it? The Kingdom of God is not a place, the Kingdom of God is His right or authority to rule and reign. The Kingdom of God exists anywhere Jesus is king. In this part of the Lord’s prayer we are in effect asking for His rule in our lives, not doing things my way but doing things His way.
Second, why do we need to pray for His will to be done? Isn’t His will always done? The answer is no. Not everything that happens is God’s will. Yes, He is in control, but He has also allowed us to make choices which often have consequences. People tend to want to blame God for all the bad things that happen, without thinking about the deeper issues.
Category: Preaching in Shorts
2 Corinthians Chapter 2-3
Paul is talking about what happened to Moses after entering the tabernacle of God and then returning to speak to the Israelites. When he would come out of the tabernacle he would have a noticeable radiance and splendor that could be seen by the Israelites.
Moses was leading a group of people that were a lot like the Corinthians. The Israelites were constantly complaining about and challenging the leadership of Moses. The visible radiance of God had to go a long way in quieting the constant complaining of the Israelites. But then Moses noticed that the splendor faded, so he tried to hide the fact that the glory faded by putting a veil over his face so the Israelites couldn’t tell.
Category: Preaching in Shorts
Developing a Disciple’s Heart – Part 14
What does hallow mean? It means literally sanctify. It means that we are praying that who He is and His name be set apart in our lives and in the lives of others for the awesome and beautiful reality that He is.
But hallowing God’s name is even more than what we do in prayer and worship. Essentially, we are to hallow God’s name in our daily living, as our Father’s character and purpose are expressed in our lives. By faith in Christ we bear the family name.
Category: Preaching in Shorts
2 Corinthians Chapter 1
Troubles, pressures, distresses, hardships, are mentioned nine times by Paul in 2 Corinthians. It is in these troubles, that our perspective changes from the temporary to the eternal. This is not as good as it gets. Something better is waiting for us as believers. It is, however, the best life available until then.
Paul reminds us that God is the source of our comfort. Paul uses three titles to help us remember who God is. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion, and the God of all comfort.
Category: Preaching in Shorts
Developing a Disciple’s Heart – Part 13
Once again we need to look at Jesus as our model for life and ministry. He was never in a hurry. He is never recorded running in the scriptures. When He came into Jerusalem for His final week, He wasn’t riding a horse, He was riding a donkey. Jesus took breaks. Made time in his life for friends. Went to sleep at night even with an entire world that needed something. Made time for prayer. Got away by Himself.
And Jesus had more of an impact in the world in three years than anyone has ever had before or since.
Category: Preaching in Shorts
Developing a Disciple’s Heart – Part 12
We have talked about this question before, and it is one of the most important questions you will ever answer. Do you want to get well, or do you just want to get by. The question has far reaching implications that impact the temporary and the eternal. Do you want to be whole, (healed) or do you just want what you think you want to feel better. One is temporary, the other eternal. What we usually want is whatever it takes for pain free, white picket fence living. We want to hear that we can achieve it now, but the promises of pain free no more tears living are eternal. Do you really want to get well, or do you just want to feel better? The heart of a disciple will choose to get well over just feeling better.
Category: Preaching in Shorts
Galatians Chapter 6
The freedom that we have in Christ is not a license to sin. We reap what we sow. Reaping and sowing is an important biblical concept. If you do things you shouldn’t do, you will get consequences, which is really mercy, so that you can learn to quit doing things you shouldn’t. If you are trying to live by doing the next right thing, it still doesn’t mean that you will never experience difficulties or trouble, (this is a fallen world and a broken planet) but all in all life is simpler. Many people try to find others to reap what they sow. Family members, friends, are basically tossed under the bus while the one sowing what they shouldn’t tries to escape the consequences. This is where we have to put up some boundaries, but boundaries are difficult when we are also commanded to love. Often times, real love is allowing people to reap what they have sown.
Category: Preaching in Shorts
Developing a Disciple’s Heart – Part 11
The peace of God. Without the peace of God in our lives, it is really easy to get distracted, to get weary, and to lose heart. Without His peace we quickly become self-focused and anxious. It is necessary to be experiencing His peace if we are to live as His disciples, and when we are not experiencing His peace, it is a sign that something needs to done on our end. We need to experience His peace in our heart and mind.
Category: Preaching in Shorts
Easter Changes Everything 2012
The problem with thinking you are a good person is that somewhere deep down you can’t help but think that God owes you something. And, who defines what good really looks like? Are you good if you are good most of the time, or just some of the time? Are you good if you have done more good stuff than bad stuff? It is hard to define, to the point where one of the criminals says to Jesus, Hey, if you are God, then save yourself and me because I am really not all that bad.
Category: Preaching in Shorts
