Legacy Church

Sunday, July 4, 2010

   Living a Life of Commitment
In 1776, colonists signed their names to a radical document that would change the world. These men signed the Declaration of Independence knowing that they were risking their lives by doing so. The final sentence of the Declaration says this,

“And for the support of this declaration and with firm reliance and the protection of the divine providence we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

56 men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in much suffering for themselves and their families.

Of these 56 men:

• Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died.

• Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

• Two lost their sons in the war.

• Another had two sons captured.

• Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war.

• Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British navy.

• He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty.

• At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Cornwallis had taken over Thomas Nelson's home for his headquarters. Nelson quietly ordered General George Washington to open fire on the Nelson home. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt.

• John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed. For over a year, he lived in forest and caves, returning home only to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion.


Now THAT is what I call commitment. These men, many of them not much older than my fifteen year old sons pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor for something that they believed in. Is there something that you are so dedicated to, passionate about that you would be willing to risk your life for? What about your relationship with Jesus Christ?

2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” Did you notice the key word in that passage? FULLY! God is looking for people who are fully committed to Him. Many Christians struggle with this mindset of complete devotion to God. We will commit to serving Christ on our terms, when it’s convenient for us and as long as it does not conflict with our desires. Often times our church attendance is sporadic and dictated by our schedule. Now we know Church attendance is not the method of salvation, but God does mandate that we become a part of a church family. Why? So we can become a part of the body of Christ. So we can give and receive encouragement from other believer’s. So we can be active in working in our giftedness to carry the gospel message to the world. We are called to be fully committed to God.

Jesus Himself illustrated full commitment when He called His first disciples. Matthew 4:18-22 says, “One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.” Matthew 4:18-22

In this passage we see what it means to be truly committed to Christ. The early disciples had heard Jesus’ message, they had believed that He was the Messiah, and now they abandoned their own lives and followed Jesus. Commitment to Christ requires more than just hearing His message. People every week enter into churches and “hear” the message but their commitment level ends there. Commitment requires action. Living a life of commitment requires that we not only hear the message of Christ, but we act upon what we’ve heard and believed and follow Him. Following Him indicates that He is our leader. The Apostle Paul explains this concept in Galatians 2:20, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Why should we be fully committed to Jesus Christ? Because He is fully committed to us! Jesus fulfilled God’s plan of redemption for mankind. He could have avoided it. He could have abandoned it half way through. But He didn’t. Jesus was fully committed to being crucified, buried, and rising again in order to bridge the gap between God and man caused by our rebellion and sin. And the best part is He is STILL fully committed to us! Shouldn’t we return that commitment by being fully committed to Him?

Our Founding Fathers were totally committed to establishing independence in America. Jesus’ first disciples were fully committed to following Him. Are you fully committed to Christ? Only you can answer that question. I urge you to do a self-evaluation. Have you committed your life to Christ? If so, are you living for Him?
posted at 11:10AMcomments

Saturday, September 26, 2009

   Marching Orders Matthew 28:16-20
For the past three weeks, we’ve been looking at the armor God provides for us in the heat of the battles of life. And if you’ll remember, I told you that when we’re engaged in battle with the enemy we are called to stand firm and fight, defend our ground. But Christ has also given us an offensive strategy. When it comes to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are to be on the OFFENSIVE. (NOT be offensive) strategically offensive!! The U.S. Military dictionary defines Marching Orders as Instructions from a superior officer for troops to depart. We are called by Christ to DEPART and engage people for the cause of the gospel. Allow me to show you 4 steps to successfully carrying out the orders of Jesus to share the gospel to ALL nations.


1.We must make ourselves available to Jesus.

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Matthew 28:16-17


Before his arrest and death, Jesus had told his disciples that he would meet them in Galilee. (Matthew 26:32) After his resurrection, he told the women at the tomb to go and tell the disciples he would meet them in Galilee. (Matthew 28:10) Galilee was the place where most of his followers were from, thus most scholars believe that this is also the occasion Paul mentions:
…he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time… 1 Corinthians 15:6

This would also explain why “some of them doubted.” Yet, they were still there! So, Jesus had told his followers that he would meet up with them in Galilee, and we see here that they had done what he told them too. They had made themselves available to go meet Jesus, they cleared their schedule, and nothing could stop them from going to where Jesus was. They didn’t have too, but they did! After seeing Jesus arrested, mocked, beaten, and finally crucified it’s amazing that they went. Even though some of them doubted, they still went!!

The first step in accepting our marching orders from Jesus is availability. Someone once said that the greatest ability is availability. If we are not available to God, it doesn’t matter what other abilities we have, they are no good. Sometimes people think God can’t use them because they don’t have any special abilities, or talents. But God never asks about our ability. He only asks for our availability.

Hudson Taylor, a longtime missionary to China once said, “I used to ask God if he would come and help me. Then I asked if I could come and help him. Finally I ended by asking God to do his own work through me.”

We live in a busy world. There are so many things we have to juggle (family life, work, social life, part-time jobs, and kid’s activities). Often times these things get in the way of our serving Christ. NOTHING is more important than surrendering our life and serving him and making ourselves available to being used by him. Are you available to Jesus? Are you being used by him in ministry? Are you too busy? Will you be like the prophet Isaiah who said:

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8


2.We must submit to the authority of Jesus.

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18


Before Jesus issues the Great Commission (which we’ll look at next), he establishes his divine authority to command it. It’s because of his authority that we as believers are to have a complete, humble submission to the will of God.
Authority: Refers to the freedom and right to speak and act as one pleases. In relation to God, that freedom and right are absolute and unlimited.

During his earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated his authority:

a)Over disease and sickness (Matthew 4:23; 9:35)
b)Over demons (4:24; 8:32; 12:22)
c)Over sin (9:6)
d)Over death (Mark 5:41-42; John 11:43-44)
e)Has the authority to judge (John 5:27-29; 17:2)
f)Had the authority to lay down his life and take it up again. (John 10:18)
g)Has the authority to rule both Heaven and earth and to cast Satan and his demons into the lake of fire. (Revelation 19:20; 20:10)

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

Jesus is given full authority over everything in Heaven and earth until the day when he will turn power back over to God, and rule as One, (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.) (1 Corinthians 15) as part of the Trinity.

Sam Bronfman, the late CEO of the Seagram Company, entered a crowded conference room and, anxious to get on with the meeting, plopped into the nearest chair. One of his young assistants immediately said, "No, Mr. Bronfman, you're supposed to sit at the head of the table."
"Young man," replied Mr. Bronfman, "wherever I sit is the head of the table." He was establishing his authority over his company.

Why was it important for Jesus to establish his authority before he issued his command to his followers? Because without it, the command would have seemed hopeless and impossible and they may have ignored it. Knowing that Jesus had the authority to give the order, and the resources to carry it out made it easier for them to accept the task. (TOTAL TRUST IN CHRIST!!)

Jesus has full authority over everything. Our society seems to reject authority. For some, there are no absolutes. Yet, Jesus reigns supremely. Have you submitted to his authority? Do you seek to be used by him, surrendering your will to his?


3.We must engage in the activity Jesus has commanded.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. Matthew 28:19-20

I want you to notice something here. It’s an important two letter word: GO!! Go is a command, NOT a request!! Yet MANY Christians miss this point. The central message of the Bible is God’s redeeming plan for man, yet not many Christians give it a second thought, or even worse THEY DON’T CARE!! (Most will say they support evangelism, AS LONG AS SOMEONE ELSE IS DOING IT!!)

Here’s the marching orders:
Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. John 17:18

Jesus was sent by God to redeem the lost. Then he chose his disciples to teach, and train to carry out the gospel message. And NOW these disciples are commissioned to:
a)GO (action)
b)Make disciples (dedicated follower of Christ)
c)Baptize (Initiation into the church, identifies you as a believer. (Death, burial and resurrection of Christ.)
d)Teach these new disciples God’s word. (NOT JUST CONVERT)

For the most part, this pattern, rather this ORDER, is neglected.

“In many respects, we have departed from this pattern. In most churches, the congregation pays the preacher to preach, win the lost, and build up the saved, while the church members function as cheerleaders (if they are enthusiastic) or spectators. The “converts” are won, baptized, and given the right hand of fellowship, then they join the other spectators. How much faster our churches would grow, and how much stronger and happier our church members would be, if each one were discipling another believer. This is the responsibility of every believer, and not just a small group who have been called to go.” Theologian Warren Wiersbe

Why is this so important to Jesus?

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9

And God’s plan, for whatever reason, is for us to carry the message to the world. Out of love for us, God forgave us. Now, shouldn’t we carry that same message? The Great Commandment tells us that we are to love others. Do we really love others if we do not tell them how they can have eternal life?

Penn Jillette is one half of Penn and Teller, a duo that has been headlining Vegas shows for years with comedy and the art of illusion. Penn is a self-proclaimed Atheist and has never been shy about his disbelief in God, often writing about his conviction in articles and best-selling books. Yet in an on-line video blog that can be found on YouTube, Penn shares a story about the time a gracious Christian businessman gave him a Bible as a gift. Penn goes on to use the story as an opportunity to point out that Christians who don't evangelize must really hate people. Here's the direct quote from his video blog:
I've always said, you know, that I don't respect people who do not proselytize. I don't respect that at all. If you believe that there's a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life or whatever, and you think that, uh, well, it's not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward—and atheists who think that people shouldn't proselytize, [saying] "Just leave me alone and keep your religion to yourself"—uh, how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize them? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? I mean, if I believed beyond the shadow of a doubt that a truck was coming to hit you, and you didn't believe it, and that truck was bearing down on you, there's a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.

Jillette goes on to say that the man was polite, sane, and kind and he looked him square in the eye. “He cared enough about me to give me a bible with 4 or 5 contact numbers in it. He was a good man.”

Our commander, our leader Jesus Christ has issued a COMMAND. Not a suggestion, not a recommendation, a COMMAND. Do you follow orders? This is the purpose of the church, not just fellowship!

4.We must remember that we have the ability because of Jesus.

…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20


Here is the beauty of this command: You are not alone!! Jesus says he is with you always!!

Matthew ends his gospel reminding us of something he mentioned to us in the first chapter: God is always with us:

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23

The mission can be accomplished because Jesus is with us the entire time.

Remember Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 God answered, “I will be with you. Exodus 3:11-12

Moses: “But I don’t know what to say!! (Have you ever used that excuse?)

But Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” Exodus 4:11-12

Stephen was a young man who preached the gospel unashamedly. He was eventually arrested, and right before he was stoned to death, he looked up at the sky:

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." Acts 7:55-56

Even in the difficult times, God was with Stephen. He was able to complete his mission because he knew God would be with him no matter what.

Just as God gives us his armor in the battle of life, and is with us in the fight, we are not alone in his command to carry the gospel to the world. It’s this promise that gave the disciples the confidence they needed to evangelize. And it is the same promises that will help you too. You have the ability to reach people for Christ. Do you do it? Do you operate in the power of Christ, knowing he is with you? Or do you make excuses?

The Great Commission is NOT a request. All of us who have been called as a follower of Christ are REQUIRED to share the gospel. We do so by the lifestyle we live, but we also have to do so with our mouth! Is it scary? Sometimes. Is it uncomfortable? It can be. BUT WE ARE STILL CALLED TO DO IT. But remember, you are not alone.

That is our purpose here at Legacy Church, reach the lost for Jesus Christ in our community. THAT’S WHY WE ARE HERE!!

1)Have you made yourself available to Jesus Christ?
2)Have you submitted to his authority?
3)Have you accepted your marching orders by engaging in the activity he has commanded?
4)Remember, he has given you the ability to accomplish the mission.
posted at 09:13PMcomments

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

   You Can't Drink Grapes
In my last seminary class, Biblical Exposition, we had to watch many sermons and critique them. It was a great learning experience as I saw many different styles of preaching. Some of the preachers I watched yelled at the top of their lungs to their congregation while others were more reserved. Some were laid back, speaking to their congregation as if they were having a one on one casual conversation. Others spoke as if they were giving a lecture in a university or seminary. Regardless of their style, all of these preachers were sincerely preaching the word of God in order to awaken souls to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage Christians in their walk with Christ.

One particular sermon illustration used by a preacher captured my attention. It was a quote of the late Oswald Chambers who said, “You can’t drink grapes.” Think about that, those of you who like to drink grape juice cannot pour yourself a glass full of grapes and drink them. In order to get the sweet taste of grape juice, you must crush them. You can’t drink grapes!! They must first be crushed in order to give you the juice.

How does this statement apply to our lives, you wonder? I’m glad you asked!! The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans chapter 5:

“1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

What a strange statement, “we also rejoice in our sufferings.” I don’t know about you, but in my pain rejoicing is the last thing on my mind. But Paul says that we can rejoice because our hope is in Christ, not our circumstances. Our circumstances may rob us of a lot of things, but it cannot take away what Christ has given us, our hope of eternal life! As Paul said in another passage, “Nothing shall separate me from the love of God.” We may hurt, we may feel as if our life is destroyed, but God’s love remains strong!!

The Greek word used for “suffering” means “being under pressure.” It was used to describe olives being pressed to extract the olive oil, or grapes crushed in order to get grape juice. Often times that’s how we feel when we are going through tough times. We feel pressed, crushed. But look at what Paul says about our suffering: It produces perseverance, which produces character, which produces hope! Enduring our hardships grants us the ability to handle future hardships. How we handle our suffering develops our character, our dependence of Christ, and our hope of eternal life made possible only through Him. We are never promised an easier, trouble free life when we come to Christ. But we are promised that Christ will go through all of the hardships WITH us!! How powerful!!

I know that MANY of you are going through trials, whether it is physical or financial, emotional or spiritual. But STAY STRONG!! Allow your hope in Christ to help you endure. Pray for wisdom from Christ and trust that He loves you and will carry you through, despite your circumstances. I love you all, and am here for you if needed in any way, whether it is to pray with you or talk with you, please let me know.

Trusting Christ in all things,


John
posted at 09:03AMcomments

Friday, April 10, 2009

  
Today is Good Friday. Have you ever wondered why the day Jesus was crucified is referred to as “Good” Friday? What the Jewish authorities and Romans did to Jesus was definitely not good. Jesus was falsely accused of crimes he did not commit, treated as a common criminal, beaten, tortured, and finally crucified. As I think about this, I am reminded of what Joseph said to his brothers concerning their kidnapping him and selling him into slavery, “what you intended for evil, God used for good.” The results of Christ’s death are very good!

Romans 5:8 says,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

1st Peter 3:18 tells us, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.”

Finally, Romans 10:9-10 says, 9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.”

As you go through your day today, think about how “Good” this day really is!! Jesus Christ suffered a painful, humiliating death for YOU!! Take time today, maybe even NOW as you read this and think about Christ’s sacrifice for you. But remember, his death was only part of the process. On Sunday, we will celebrate the completion of his redemptive work, his resurrection. It was because of his resurrection from the dead that death has been conquered, God’s plan of salvation completed, and we are accepted into God’s family when we confess our sins and ask Christ to be Lord of our life.
I hope you all have a wonderful day, and I hope you will join us this SUNDAY morning at 10:30 AM as we have a joint worship service with Palmetto Shores Church. Remember, no service this Saturday night, but will resume NEXT Saturday night. I truly love you all, and hope to see you this week. Please know that I am here for you if you ever have prayer requests, need questions answered, or would like a friendly ear to listen to you vent.
God Bless you all,
John
posted at 10:24AMcomments

Thursday, March 12, 2009

   Living the Godly Life
2 Peter 1:1-11:

"1 This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. 2 May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. 10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."


Did you know that God has given you everything you need to live the godly life? So many times, we make excuses as to why we do some of the things we do, and excuses as to why we can’t do other things. For instance, we may struggle with certain things in our life and instead of relying on God to help us get rid of them, we concede “I’m not perfect, God knows how I am, ““I can’t help it” and other excuses. I have a very good friend who used to use language that would make a sailor blush! But instead of trying to work on it, and get rid of it, she actually used the excuses I mentioned above. Others use excuses as to why they aren’t growing in their walk with God. “I don’t have time to read my bible,” “I don’t understand it,” “I’m fine where I am with God.” We are called to “grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.” And as we do so, not only will our love for God grow, but our love for others will as well.

Peter encourages believers to “make every effort” to live the godly life.” Are you doing that? He says to “work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen.” Do others around you know that you are a Christian? Is it reflected in your daily life? I had a lady tell me one time that she was a Christian, but she was a “closet Christian!!” What?? There are no secret service positions in God’s army!! Remember what we’ve talked about as we’ve studied love the last several weeks? “They will know you are my disciple by your love for others!!”

Don’t miss what I’m saying here. Living the Christian life is hard, and can be challenging, but it CAN BE DONE. But one thing is sure, YOU CAN’T DO IT ALONE. You can’t do it without Christ, and you can’t do it without others brother and sisters in Christ helping you along, holding you accountable, encouraging you, and building you up. That’s my prayer for you this week, that God will create a desire for you to grow in him, and help you to love others. Peter says that when we do this, “the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The body of Christ needs you!! Legacy Church needs you!! Be more productive and useful!! You can do it!!

Love you all, hope to see you Saturday night, and bring a friend!!

John
posted at 06:53AMcomments

Friday, February 27, 2009

   Love In Action
Hope you are having a good week so far!! As we are going through the 40 Days of Love, I wanted to share an awesome story from someone in our church:

Someone recently told me that after hearing last week's sermon, and reading The Relationship Principles of Jesus, she felt compelled to call her sister whom she has not spoken to in over a year. Her sister had hurt her in the past with her words and actions and after a while they stopped communicating. She even said that when her sister would call her she would see the number on the caller ID, and she would not answer. But this past week, she decided to put into practice what she has been hearing and reading about love. When she called her sister, she found that she was glad to hear from her and they talked for a long time. Now, here is the key: I asked the lady if her sister apologized to her and she said, "No, she did not, but she didn't need to." Isn't that a great response? So many times we dig in, entrench ourselves waiting for someone to apologize to US. We allow pride to stop us from restoring a relationship, and as we wait, the gap gets wider and wider!!

Three key questions for you today:

1) Is there someone in your life that you need to try and reach out to in order to restore a relationship?

2) Are YOU waiting for them to contact you instead of you reaching out to them?

3) Are you willing to try and take the first step? Remember as I've said often, they may reject you, but you are only responsible for YOUR actions and how YOU handle things. Also remember, as the lady I mentioned above said, you may not get an apology, but forgiveness is for you!! It keeps bitterness and resentment from destroying YOU.

I challenge you: Be bold enough to reach out to someone. SHOW them the unconditional, forgiving love of Christ. Remember this verse from the sermon last week:

“Let us love not with words or tongue but with action and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

I would encourage any of you who would like to share your story with me. We're all in this together!! Have a great day, and hope to see you Saturday!!

God Bless,

John
posted at 07:15PMcomments