December 30, 2018
Morning Service

I thought this morning we would take some time to reflect on the year we are leaving and the one that is about to begin.  Now don’t worry we will not be making New Year’s Resolutions that we would all follow for about a week or less before we break them.  I just want us to leave 2018 with gratitude for all God has done for us, and enter 2019 with our eyes wide open with expectations.  I have chosen three hot topics and thought we could be proactive and prepare ourselves to react to some of these situations as Jesus followers.  I want us as a church to move forward and not just be “hearers of the word, but doers as well.”

A Divided Nation-  Our country is as divided as I have ever seen it in my lifetime.  Our political views and issues have become a wall that separates us right down the middle.  I am not here to choose sides at all, but just to remind you that our ultimate perspective on this subject must come from our faith.  God is in control of our government.  He has put the people He chose into the positions of leadership that they now occupy.  I believe it is our right and duty to vote and let our voice be heard in a loving and peaceful way; but we are not called to point fingers in a critical, judgmental, or a divisive manner. Paul explained it like this to the Romans.

Rom 13:1-2  Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  (2)  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

        When we “resist the authority” set over us, we are resisting the commands of God.  It is God that has put them in place.  We have elections, but it is God who decides who wins and who loses.  That is to be our perspective whether we agree with those in charge or disagree with them.  Paul was writing this to a church that was under the authority of the Roman Emperor Nero, who outspokenly despised Christians and openly persecuted them, yet he instructs them to be in subjection to him.  Paul instructed Timothy this:

 1Ti 2:1-3  Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,  (2)  for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  (3)  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

        I challenge you in 2019 that your pray for our leaders more than you criticize them; that is God’s will for His followers. Be one who speaks with love to all those we encounter and take heed to James’ advice:

Jas 1:19-20  So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;  (20)  for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

        Our anger does not “produce the righteousness of God.”  Think before you speak and use your words to build people up and not tear them down.  Listen to what they are trying to say and answer back with God’s wisdom and His love.

1Co 16:13-14  Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.  (14)  Let all that you do be done with love.

            Let love define us in all that we do.

 

Drug abuse epidemic-  I think all of us have been affected one way or another by the escalating problem of drug abuse and the devastation that it leaves along its way.  This is quickly becoming the single biggest issue in our small community.  What can we do as the church and as individuals to bring some sort of healing to a terrible situation?   We can’t just ignore this problem and hope it goes away because it will not.  Prayer is where we start.

 Php. 4:6-7  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  (7)  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Worry is not the answer, but we should be praying “with supplication and thanksgiving.”  Pouring our heart out to a God who cares and is able to change each and every situation.  Peace should abound knowing that God is in control.  Is that enough?  Not according to James.

Jas 2:14-17  What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?  (15)  If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,  (16)  and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  (17)  Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

            We not only need to pray, but we must be ready to roll up our sleeves and get involved.  We need to find some avenue to bring some real help to those who are abusing and to the families that are suffering because of it.  Love should again define us.  Care enough to invest in those who are suffering and be the hands and feet of our Lord to them (song).  We as a church financially support Dave Norris’ ministry that deals directly with the abuser that wants to come clean with God’s help.  There may be others who are doing the same thing that we are not aware of and I believe we need to find them and support them.  Please be praying and looking for God to lead us to these ministries that are working in this area or to lead someone in our fellowship to start one; that person may be you.

Children at risk- Satan is very busy in our world today because he knows his end is near.

1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

  As they grow, children ask questions in order to be able to process and understand what is happening around them.  They then make choices based on that information. This is what is called their world view.  Satan is using our television, the internet and even our school curriculum to deceive and confuse them and their maturing world view.  Is that where you want your kids to find answers to who they are?  He even has small children questioning what gender they really are?  We need to follow Peter’s advice and be “sober and vigilant” knowing our kids are in spiritual danger.  We use car seats, lock our doors, and protect our children from physical harm, but are we protecting them spiritually?  Paul admonished this subject like this:

 Eph 6:4  And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

            Teach your children that God loves them and has wonderful plans for them.  Let them define themselves from the truth of the Bible, not from the deceiving lies of the world.  Admonish them to be complete in Christ and not to feel they need all the things the things the world is offering.  Draw closer to God yourself and live the example of a Godly life before them to imitate.  That is probably the single greatest thing you could do for your children, because they look up to you and want to be just like you.  Talk to them about the importance of being in church and doing things for others in the Name of Jesus; not living in a self -centered world that is all about me.  Teach them to have respect for those who have authority over them.  You must be proactive in these teachings because they do not come naturally and Satan is working against you as well not to teach them the Truth of God’s love.  This is very time consuming and takes a lot of effort, but aren’t your children worth it?  Take time to discuss this together and come up with a plan to act upon.  You are the only set of parents your children have and the responsibility stops with you to act.  There is a roaring lion seeking to devour your children, what are you going to do about it?

 

These are just 3 of the many subjects we could have discussed today.  My prayer is that we all begin to put our faith into action and try to make this world a better place.  Jesus said this about us:

 

Mat 5:13-16  "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  (14)  "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  (15)  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  (16)  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

Heavenly Father, build our faith strong enough to allow us to be the “salt of the earth” and to “let our light so shine before men” as we strive to reflect Your glory.