Key Point: God uses the difficulties of life (digging/dunging) to give us grace to grow into productive partners in mission

Planted on purpose for a purpose

Caretaker becomes caregiver – interceding with a promise

Process of care involved “digging and dunging” = promise??

Where are we being prepared for growth by the Caregiver?

Preparation is often painful

Preparation is often dirty and slow

Fruit = signs of the Caretaker

Process makes us empathetic “partners in pain”

Process makes us humble “there but for the grace of God”

Process makes us fruitful “fulfilling our destiny”

What is our destiny?  Apple vs. entire orchard!

“When God blesses us, God also has someone else in mind”

“Praise God from Whom all blessing flow” – we’re designed to be a conduit for grace

Key Point: God warns us against being tempted to use apparent good for inadvertent evil

Cry for rights = cultural characteristic

Where are we demanding our “rights” (covering our greed)?

Greed is an invisible, parasitical sin – cf. myth of King Midas

Parable invites us to reconsider our priorities:

It is not bad to have good things

But is too much of a good thing really good?

Many of our greatest temptations are not to do wrong – obvious evil; but to pursue too much of a good thing – to do good for ourselves, instead of serving God?

Only parable where God is a key actor Life is a loan with a “pay on demand” clause

God wants to give us His Kingdom of love; do we use resources to build a kingdom of self?

To be rich towards God = being generous towards others

Serving Jesus as our true Boss

“Psalm 23 For The Workplace”

16:22 “Now the poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 16:23 And in hell, as he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far off with Lazarus at his side. 16:24 So he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in anguish in this fire.’ 16:25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things and Lazarus likewise bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in anguish. 16:26 Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ 16:27 So the rich man said, ‘Then I beg you, father – send Lazarus to my father’s house 16:28 (for I have five brothers) to warn them so that they don’t come into this place of torment.’ 16:29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they must respond to them.’ 16:30 Then the rich man said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 16:31 He replied to him, ‘If they do not respond to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Luke 16:19-31 NET

Key Point: The Kingdom will not be a result of extraordinary, overpowering revelation; it comes in often unseen, surprising ways to repentant people who become “participants in the world of resurrection”

Jesus’ Kingdom’s welcome to ALL = sign of resurrection living

Point of parable?

Jesus 1st sermon = “Repent & Believe!”

Repent = Re _____ _____ _____ _____

How to become a Muslim?

Outcome: Change!

New eyes & ears=see a need and try to meet it in Jesus’ Name

Poor = invisible e.g. the “wretched of the earth”

Next steps: Where do we “fit” in the parable?

>For “Lazarus” Trust Jesus

>For “Rich Man” Get new eyes and ears

>For “5 Brothers” Don’t wait until it’s too late

>For “long-time disciples” Be “home-bringers”

Be the “gloves for Jesus’ hands” reaching out to a lost world

14:15 When one of those at the meal with Jesus heard this, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will feast in the kingdom of God!” 14:16 But Jesus said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many guests. 14:17 At the time for the banquet he sent his slave to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’ 14:18 But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please excuse me.’ 14:19 Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going out to examine them. Please excuse me.’ 14:20 Another said, ‘I just got married, and I cannot come.’ 14:21 So the slave came back and reported this to his master. Then the master of the household was furious and said to his slave, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 14:22 Then the slave said, ‘Sir, what you instructed has been done, and there is still room.’ 14:23 So the master said to his slave, ‘Go out to the highways and country roads and urge people to come in, so that my house will be filled. 14:24 For I tell you, not one of those individuals who were invited will taste my banquet!’”

14:25 Now large crowds were accompanying Jesus, and turning to them he said, 14:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 14:27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:12-27 NET

Key Point: The call to discipleship eventually has to supersede all other claims on our lives

Excuses, Excuses!

“Ya, But…!”

Possessions & even culturally valid family expectations can block our obedient response to the Divine invitation

#1 bought a field =

#2 bought 5 yoke of oxen =

#3 just got married =

We’re invited to a grand banquet – not a labor camp

2 invitations: _______________ _______________

What happens if we choose not to respond and come?

What happens if we choose not to invite others?

We’re a megaphone for God

Lighting the dynamite “power of the Gospel”

“Hate” isn’t a feeling word = positional term = to stand in opposition to; to let go of loyalty to…all that a disciple could love most (including family, even self) must not stand between the disciple and the Master = denying the self

Action Steps:

Those who don’t know they’re invited – accept the invitation!

Those distracted by excuses – set them aside!

Those faithful servants – don’t give up; keep inviting!

16:10 “The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 16:11 If then you haven’t been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will entrust you with the true riches? 16:12 And if you haven’t been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you your own? 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Luke 16:1-13 NET

Key Point: While we live in a scheming world of individuals and institutions looking out for their own self-interests (often at the expense of others), we are called to live lives of grace-filled generosity Owner = picture of a gracious God

Manager = prodigal steward Do we live wastefully?

Mercy = not getting what we deserve

Grace = receiving what we did not earn

Giving = passing on what we have received out of gratitude

4 lessons:

#1 If we were as ingenious in our attempts to be righteous as worldly people are to gain money and happiness we would be far more effective as “children of light”

#2 Material possessions should be used for relationships of generosity rather than hoarding for sake of conspicuous consumption

#3 Integrity in little things equips us for greater opportunities for things/responsibilities

#4 We cannot serve 2 masters; serving God is not a part-time means of augmenting our “spiritual income”

Everybody serves something…who do we serve?

Ever had to deal with an uncontrollable situation?

Never give up – the rest of the story!

Persistence is a weapon!

The nature of God \= unjust judge;

Watch & pray = action & reflection;

Will Jesus find that level of persistent faith on earth?

What do we need the most?

Mercy = ________________

Grace = ________________

How do we perceive the spiritual through prayer?

How do we visualize Jesus in prayer?

How to experience God’s presence?

Pathway of Suffering;

Pathway of Ecstasy;

Pathway of Persistent Prayer

>Pleading Prayer = spiritual heart cry

>Expectant Prayer = spiritual statement of hope

>Persistent Prayer = spiritual discipline

Where are you hurting – need justice?

Where are you yearning – need love?

Where are you leaning – need hope?

Action Step:

For new disciple – trust Jesus instead of oneself

For longer follower – persist in prayer – don’t give up

For mature believer – walk with another who needs support

Key Point: Authentic prayer is the key to overcoming prideful piety or self-deprecating shame

What’s below the surface?

Parables help us see beneath the surface, invite participation (not to inform, explain or define) to get us actively involved in the ways and will of God in our normal life

Story of 2 people at prayer in church

Pharisee (reformer) & Tax Collector (collaborator)

“It”=passionate, risk-taking, love for God; care for lost people!

Sinners in the church: hypocrites (wallow in pride) vs. spiritual hypochondriacs (wallow in shame)

Both focus on the “kingdom of self”

Clueless vs. Conspicuous sinners

OT has 50 + words for sin; Pride is at top of list!

Hypocrisy is an “occupational hazard” for good people

Kingdom people are ________ people because of God’s nature;

Kingdom people pray for _________ because of God’s mercy;

Kingdom people can _____  _________ because of God’s grace

Next steps to living as “Kingdom people”:

>For Tax collectors:  admit your need for God; accept His provision; do an honest moral, spiritual inventory

>For Pharisees: admit your lukewarm pride to God; accept His grace; recover your lost love by spending time with Jesus

>For mature believers:  go find some sinners and reach out to them with God’s love!

Authentic Prayer is the key = starting and ending point for life in the Spirit

Key Point: Kingdom resources are given by Jesus to be willingly invested, not rejected, hidden or wasted.

Intro: what/why parables?

We behave as if God isn’t present

World doesn’t want Jesus – but Jesus wants us!

What do we teach our g/kids? Use God-given resources

“Mina” =_______  ?  What are we doing with it?

Are we “burying” the treasure of the Gospel?

What/Who are we waiting for?

Jesus is coming back!  Do we live “as if”? We are to be the “gloves” of Jesus Match vs. flashlight bulb

Next steps:

>For mature believers – continued faithfulness – don’t give up! >For nominal followers – there is more potential to be experienced – don’t settle for less! Invest! >For new disciples – resist the temptation to remain buried (secret service Christian) – don’t be afraid to take the risk!

Onesimus = useless, runaway slave;

Ever felt like you’d like to runaway from your job?

Ever felt useless in your role?

Ever had to “face the music” to be accountable for your actions?

Expectations higher for a fellow Christian; disappointments greater

Barriers between management and labor – history of conflict

Paul’s approach to Philemon

We need each other

Christians can offer a different model of “organic organization”

Where do we need to ask forgiveness?

How can we offer reconciliation?

What do we need to change?

What could happen in greater RST if we did?

Key Point: As we cooperate in building the “Kingdom” we’ll experience fulfillment and joy despite difficulties

Context: finishing the job against overwhelming odds

Easy to criticize – harder to take on difficulties

Key = Common vision

= see a need; design a solution; join together

Cooperation requires connections; self interest + collective support for others = building the “wall” without gaps

“Who else can we help?”

Communication is key to effectiveness;

“Who else needs to know?”

P.I.E = Planning, Implementation, Evaluation

Dedication isn’t enough; autonomy >> anarchy

There is no “I” in team!

Good intentions + shared resources + perseverance >> success

Success >> fulfillment of vision; joy = sharing in the victory

Glory to God; gratification to God’s people

Fulfillment and joy despite difficulties

Lament for Jerusalem Imagine the total destruction of the symbols of our way of life 9th of Av = anniversary of destruction of Temples Loss – history, presence (”Shekinah”), future Lament for our losses Anger comes from “not fair!” Fear comes from loneliness We grieve because we love – Broken dreams and promises lead to broken hearts What causes our tears?

Christian grief Faith – God will make it right Hope – God will make a way Love – God will make a ministry How do we need to sense God’s heart?

Key Point: As God’s people, we are to be thankful and resourceful, consistently putting our faith and beliefs into action.

1. The Lord is an _____________________ God. (vs. 1-13)
   1. He is ____________________ (3)
   2. He is ____________________ (4-5)
   3. He is ____________________ (7,9)
   4. He is ____________________ (8)
   5. He is ____________________ (11-12)
      1. Take Away: Give ____________________ =
2. The Lord is a God who _____________________ . (vs. 14-21)
   1. He will ____________________ (14,17,19b)
   2. He will ____________________ (15-16)
   3. He will ____________________ (7,13b,19a)
   4. He will ____________________ (18-20)
      1. Take Away: Give ____________________ =
3. As God’s people, our response to him is to  _____________________ Him.
   1. We are to ____________________ Him (1-3,10)
   2. We are to ____________________ Him (4-5,7)
   3. We are to ____________________ Him (6,11-12)
      1. Take Away: Give ____________________ =

Conclusion: What is our action plan?

• Encourage __________________________
• Use your ___________________________
• Each _____________, bring _______________!!

Introduction:    “Seeing God at Work”

Then (1862) . . .  Today (2009) . . .

1. Make Known the Truth of God’s Revelation (vs. 1-6)

The Mission:   “Share the message . . .”

Praise His Name (2)

Proclaim His Salvation (2)

Declare His Glory (3)

The Reason:   “For the Lord . . .”

He is Great (4)

He is God Alone (4-5))

He is Creator of All (5)

2. Give the Lord His Proper Place (vs. 7-10)

The Measure:   “The Lord reigns . . .”

Give God Glory (7)

Bring Him Tribute (8)

Come into His Presence (9-10)

( Grateful / Humble / Redeemed )

The Meaning:   “For the Lord . . .”

Gives Life (1,3)

Saves Souls (2,7)

Loves His Creation (10)

3. Worship the Lord with Holy Reverence (vs. 9, 11-13)

The Appeal:   ( Sing / Give / Rejoice )

The Approach:   “As people of the Lord . . .”

Let us Respect our Creator (9)

Let us Rejoice and Be Glad (11)

Let us Acknowledge His Return (13)

( Sensibly / Righteously / Faithfully )

Conclusion:   “Be an Inspiration”

1. Shine Your Light
2. Speak Out for Christ
3. Share Him with Others

Main Point: We need to look to Scripture in order to have a more full and clear view of who Jesus really is.

What do our experiences and what does culture say about Jesus?

1.   Jesus is often viewed simply as a Failure.

2.   Jesus is often viewed simply as a Foe.

3.   Jesus is often viewed simply as a Friend.

What does Isaiah tell us about Jesus?

1. Jesus is not a Failure.

a. Isaiah 6:1; Job 1; James 2:19

2. Jesus is to be Feared.

a. Isaiah 6:2-5; Proverbs 1:7

3. Jesus is our Friend.

a. Isaiah 6:6-7; Colossians 1:13-14;

1 Peter 3:18; John 15:13

Passing on a vision

“Warning Words”

v. 3 “Contend for the faith”

Apostasy = wrong behavior (based on heresy = wrong beliefs)

immoral actions justified by extravagant claims of greedy gain

“cheap grace” covers sinful lifestyles

“Whatever Became Of Sin?”

v.23 show God’s love, compassion and rescue sinners

“be tender on sinners, but not soft on sin” (Msg)

“Good words” = blessing for a mission!

Link to Youtube video for “The Impossible Dream”

Obadiah = “God’s servant”

Fulfillment of prophecy re: Esau Jacob’s twin bro (Gen 25:21)

Edom = “red land” with people descended from Esau

Proud of their power, known for wise men and military control

v. 3 “The pride of your heart has deceived you…”

Where/how are we “standing by” playing safe, making profit?

Exist never more cf. v. 16b “…and will be as if they had never been.” (Muslims \= offspring of Esau - despite contrary claims)

No such thing as “national security” = invulnerability

> Promise of judgment

v. 15 “The day of the Lord is near for all nations.  As you have done, it will be done to you; you deeds will return upon your own head.”

Call: Depend on God; recognize reality of judgment of evil

Outcome – live in humility, give mercy to needy and justice to downtrodden

> Promise of hope

v. 17 “But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will possess its inheritance.”

Friendship Evangelism = key to stopping growth of radical Islam; exchanging love for violence

2 Peter 1:3-8 NET

Key Point: To grow in godliness requires that we trust Jesus’ promises, instead of following those who teach wrong beliefs Signs of transformation

What is a “heresy”?

What are main heresies confronting church today?

1. __________   __________

If we don’t accept Biblical authority we can’t expect His promises to be trustworthy

2. __________ /__________ of Jesus

If we don’t accept the divinity/humanity of Jesus, we can’t expect His provision of salvation to be trustworthy Outcome of wrong beliefs

Where/how are we heretics? Benefits of right beliefs

Action:  v. 5 –8 Add characteristics

How?  v 4 = God’s “very great and precious promises” gives us everything we need by knowing Jesus (= love commitment)

Where/ how are we growing in godliness?

Key Text: Esther 4:14 NET

Key Point: We must have the courage to stand true to Christ in order to influence human institutions positively

Story set in 483 – 479 BC in Persia - reign of Xerxes the Great

Warning: “Don’t touch the apple of God’s eye”! Zechariah 2:8

Do we believe and obey even when God isn’t evident?

Text: God will guide us

Theme: Sovereignty: “God’s in charge but He’s not in control”

Free will gives freedom and responsibility for partnership

Courage = heart and action in line with God’s plans

Esther 4:14 “…for such a time as this…”

What time is it?

Fast & pray like Mordecai = Take a break

Christians are called to act in government - HOW?

Extremes:  civil religion (defined by political parties & power)

Anarchist religion (defined by philosophies of cynical, critical disengagement)

Prayer is primary, revolutionary “weapon”

Our mission:  Infiltrate, Influence, Inspire

= seek Holy Spirit inspired transformation

Bless the poor = helping hurting people

Sharing the Gospel = finding lost people

Interdependence Day!