Its a Shepherd's Thing

Pericope: Luke 2: 8-15 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

Sermon Text: Luke 2: 8 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Sermon Title: Virtual Christmas Pt 3 It’s a Shephard Thing You Wouldn’t Understand

Point 1: They were honored to be picked. Vs 9 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

 

Point 2: They hurried. Vs 16 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 

Proverbs 6:9 How long will you stay in bed, you slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? 

Proverbs 19:15Laziness induces deep sleep, and a lazy person will go hungry.

Prov. 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

Point 3: The heralded what they experienced. Vs 17 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  

Point 4: They hallowed what they experienced. Vs 20 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 

Life Application: 

1. There is a little shepherd in all of us…

2. Be the shepherd God called you to be

3. There is power in rejection

Virtual Christmas - It's Personal

 

Pericope: Isaiah 7: 14 14 Matt 1: 23 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Sermon Text: Matt 1: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[a] (which means “God with us”).

Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Zechariah 2:8 8 For this is what the Lord Almighty says…—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye… Psalms 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; …

Psalms 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.;

Psalms 139:8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 

Point 1. God takes sin personally. Gen 3: 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Gen. 3:8-9 - 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

Gen. 3:15 - And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

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

Point 2. God takes your wandering personally. Luke 15: 1-3 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Point 3. God takes separation personally. Matt 1: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Romans 8:38 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 10:28-29 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Life Application:

1.  Accept God’s personal response to your sin.

2.  Accept God’s personal response to your wandering and separation – come back

3.  Accept that Christmas is about Jesus coming to take away the sins of the world not Santa and Christmas decorations.

My Angel

 

Pericope: Luke 1: 26- 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Sermon Text: Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Sermon Title: Virtual Christmas Pt 1 My Angel

Point 1. Angels aint new. Angels at the gate of Eden Gen. 3: 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

We first see them guarding the gates of the Garden of Eden preventing Adam and Eve reentry  Gen. 3:24  Angels appeared to Abraham Genesis 18:2  Angel walked the streets of Sodom and Gomorrah  Gen. 19:17  Angels appeared to Jacob ascending and descending on Jacob’s ladder Gen. 28:10 Jacob wrestled with the angel of God all night Gen 32:22 Angels looking over the ark of the covenant.  Ex. 25:20  Death angels Passover Egypt Ex. 12:25  David had to fend off death angels that were going to wipe out Israel 2 Sam 24:16  Angels fed Elijah 1 Kings 19 and Sampson Judges 14  Seraphim angels worship God at all times. Isaiah 6:2-3 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;    the whole earth is full of his glory.”  Warring angels stand ready to do battle Psalms 91:1, 11-12 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a] For he will command his angels concerning you    to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands,  so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  Arch Angels stand in the presence of the Lord. An Angel stood in the way of the Prophet Balaam’s donkey to prevent him from prophesying  Numbers 22:23

Angels protect us.  Luke 4:9-11 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:  “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands,  so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’]”  Inspire us Luke 1:28 and angels are forever present. 

Point 2. Angels carry out pronouncements. Luke 1: 26-30 26… angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Rev. 2: 1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

 

These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. “To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.

Luke 1:38 - 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Point 3. Angels bring clarification. Matt 1: 20-21  20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Luke 1:12, 18-20 - 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” 

Life Application:

1)  Employ your Angels

2)  Deploy

Communion

A Joyrful Noise

Pericope: Psalm 100: 1-5 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Sermon Text: Psalm 100: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 

Sermon Title: A Joyful Noise!

Point 1. The noise of injustice, elections.  

Point 2. The noise of self-centeredness. Rom 1: 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Romans 1:22, 24-25 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

Point 3. The noise of COVID 19 sickness and disease. Jer 30: 17, Jer 17: 14, Hos 6: 1, But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord… 14 Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise... 

he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.

"He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” ~ Exodus 15:26

"Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you…" Exodus 23:25

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ~ Isaiah 41:10

"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." ~ Isaiah 53:4-5

"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD" ~ Jeremiah 30:17

Point 4: The noise of God. Ps 100: 1-5 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. [you didn’t make yourself – Romans 1:21] 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Conclusion: 

Life Application: 

1) Check your frequency and wiring!

2) Don’t let the noise fool you!

3) Make your noise unto God continually!

Amazing Faith!

 

Pericope: Luke 7:1-10 - When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Sermon Text: Luke 7: 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”

Sermon Title: Amazing Faith!

Point 1: Amazing faith starts with your hearing – vs. 3a - The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him

Romans 10: 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Matthew 6: 22 – 24 says our eyes our light to our body.

Point 2: Amazing faith includes agreement – vs. 3b …sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.

        Matthew 18: 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Luke 5:19-20 - 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

Amazing faith is never alone, singular or individualized. 

Point 3: Amazing faith requires intercession – vs. 4 - 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this

Point 4: Amazing faith is concrete actions of generosity – vs. 5 - 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”  Vs. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.

Also, show a little humility like the Centurion.  Vs. 6-7 Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you

Point 5: Amazing faith believes in the authority of the word – vs. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Point 6: Amazing faith gets results – vs. 9-10 - 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Life Application:

1.  Connect with a body of believers to amp up your faith to amazing

2.  Live the word so you can be authorized to use the word.

3.  Activate your amazing faith by applying it daily.

No Matter What Part 2

 

Pericope:  Daniel 3: 24-30 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” 26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

Sermon Text:  Daniel 3: 29 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

Sermon Title: “No Matter What” Pt 2 The Shift

Review:

Lesson 1: Choices and Consequences aren’t new! 

a)  Adam and eve

b)  Saul

c)  Mathius

Lesson 2: Choices and Consequences, requirements, discernment, determination, and final decisions.

Lesson 3: Choices and Consequences can shift a nation.

Point 1: Maintain who you are. Vs 21 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace.

Point 2: Furnaces will reveal who you really are. Vs 24, 25, 27 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

·      Acts 17:28 - For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'

·      Genesis 1:27 - So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Point 3: The real you can shift the room. Vs 29, 30 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” Vs 30 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

a)  The real you will get promoted

b)  God need real people to shift a nation

c)   The real you wont smell like anyone else

Life Application:

1: God can’t bless you if you are busy being somebody else

2: Association brings on assimilation

3: Your why is essential to your survival

No Matter What

 Pericope:  Daniel 3: 16-25 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Sermon Text:  Daniel 3: 17-18 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Sermon Title: “No Matter What”!

Lesson 1: Choices and Consequences aren’t new!  

The first lesson we must learn before we ever begin to teach the text is choices and consequences are not new.

(a)        Adam and Eve started it all. In the Garden of Eden God showed the depth of God's love by giving Adam and Eve everything. Gen 2: 16, 17 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” 

(b)        Saul 1 Sam 8: 19-22 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the Lord. 22 The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.” Then Samuel said to the Israelites, “Everyone go back to your own town.” Saul was picked against the will of God

(c)        Matthias. Acts 1: 23-26 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Lesson 2: Choices and Consequences, requirements, discernment, determination, and final decisions. Vs 15, 16 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.   

        Hananiah, Mishel and Azaria (vs. 19) also known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego by their oppressors given name, had some tough choices. Four considerations come into play with their choices.

1.  Requirement – They had to vote for the most corrupt egotistical politician of their time.  Every time you saw his --- you had to vote with our worship.  When the music played you had to genuflect.

2.  Discernment – They had to discern the signs of the times.  They had to discern what was at stake.  They had to discern what was God going to do if they acquiesced or if they didn’t.  Their discernment lead to their determination. 

Lesson 3: Choices and Consequences can shift a nation. Vs 29 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

Verse 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Jesus will be with you and your decisions.

Life Application:

1: Vote like your life depends on it…

2: Get somebody else to vote like their life depends on it…,

3: Trust God No Matter What