In Plain View

Sermon Outline for January 6th, 2008

Sermon Title:  Dealing With Unfamiliar People

Scripture:  Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
Mt 2:6 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.' "
Mt 2:7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

I. Background
A. Several months, perhaps two years, after the birth of Christ.
B. Magi were learned men from Persian, and Syria who studied the stars.
C. Thy were not Jews and they were not Christians.
D. We do not know their names, how many there were, nor whether they were really kings.

II. The Magi were strange, unfamiliar people who were seeking Christ.
A. Gentile – the nations outside of Israel.  ie: outsiders
B. Strange and unfamiliar dress, language, beliefs.
C. Unfamiliar with the customs and the politics of the region.
D. Seen by many as a threat or a sign of a coming threat.
E. Unfamiliar people seeking Christ in familiar ways.

III. God sought to reveal Christ to the world, including unfamiliar people.
A. Jews are the chosen people yet they broke their covenant with God and rejected His son as savior.
B. Jesus took his message first to the Jews but always was willing to minister to the needs of Gentiles.
C. The apostle Paul focused his life and ministry on taking the gospel to the Gentile world.
D. We are here today because God chose to reveal Christ to unfamiliar people.
E. The Magi were protected and guided at every step.  They could not fail as long as they kept seeking.

IV. Unfamiliar people require us to make adjustments.
A. Consider the faith and courage (adjustments) required for unfamiliar people to enter into worship with others.
B. Consider the humility (adjustments) required for Saul to become Paul.
C. Consider the love (adjustments) required for Jesus to leave his heavenly home and dwell among us and then die for us.

V. We should embrace unfamiliar people who are willing to embrace God.

A. We are God’s people by the same grace that He extends to others.
B. As God’s people, He expects us to have the heart of Christ, which is to love those whom he loves (God and others).
C. Our mission is to follow Christ and make him known to a world filled with unfamiliar people.

Week One Focus: Choosing a time and place for contemplative prayer.

Is it possible to experience contemplative prayer at any time and in any place?  Yes!  In fact, we should adopt contemplative prayer as a mindset throughout each day.  However, the reality is that it is difficult for most of us, especially beginners, to focus deeply enough without taking some steps to eliminate distractions.  Even the experts need to set aside a special time and place in addition to the practice of contemplative prayer throughout the day.  The act of scheduling a time and place for contemplative prayer makes it a central part of the plans for your entire day and assist us in having our minds and hearts prepared when the anticipated time arrives.  A mind that is harassed and fragmented by external affairs is hardly prepared for contemplative prayer.
Choose a time that will likely be free of interruptions and when your mind is clear.  The best time is when the children are asleep, or the family is out of the house.  For most people, early morning is the best time, but others do well with contemplative prayer at night or even as a break during the day.  The key is quietness, a clear mind, and keeping your scheduled appointment with God.
The choice of a place is equally important.  It should be a place of peace and quite without any distractions.  A tranquil outdoor setting is good, but comfort should be considered.  If you choose a place inside your home or office, be sure to turn off all phones and other devices.  If you cannot completely disconnect from the world, it is a good practice to involve a trusted friend or spouse in guarding your quite time.  They can handle distractions by simply saying, “he/she is in prayer now, can I take a message.”
This week, set aside a time and place and begin by reading your Bible, say your normal prayers and then sit quietly for a few minutes and listen for the voice of God.  Next week we will focus on the process of contemplative prayer.

Adapted from Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster

January Focus: Contemplative Prayer

Perhaps nothing robs us of the fullness of life more effectively than the distractions of noise, hurry and crowds.  These prevent us from perusing anything more than the superficial elements of life.  Many of us have become so accustomed to the distractions that we become anxious if we are alone without some kind of noise like a television or radio playing in the background.  If we are going to have fullness of life as God intends we must make a conscience effort to return to the type of quite contemplative prayer practiced in the Bible by the prophets, by the apostles and by Jesus himself.
Contemplative prayer is not related to mysticism and even differs from the more well-known traditional Christian prayers of adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication.  Contemplative prayer is the ability to hear God’s voice and obey his word.  It involves creating a physical, emotional and spiritual place which welcomes Christ to come and creating an inner sanctuary in our hearts where we meet with Him, listen to Him and learn from Him.

Focus on the Spirit

I believe that God means for every Christian to enjoy fullness of life.  Though all of humanity is seeking fullness of life in their own way, few ever find it and most of those who do, find it impossible to keep. Our greatest need today is not for more or better elements of life but for the deeper elements.  It is the deep spiritual elements that are most needed and that are usually missing in our lives.  By focusing on the lost practices of true discipleship and spiritual disciplines, we can rediscover the fullness of life God means for us to have.  These are not new thoughts.  As a pastor I have been concerned about the destructive elements that are having increased influence in the lives of God's people.  After reading Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster I wanted to find some way to help share some practical suggestions that may be helpful to counter these destructive elements.  As time allows, I will try to include some thoughts on the topic of spiritual disciplines.  As time goes along, feel free to comment or ask a question.

Sailboat Hidden In Plain Site

My wife and I debated on where to store our little sailboat during Christmas so that it would be out of the way of our outside decorations.  There just was not a good way to hid it.  We finally decided to hid it in plain site.  I used rope lights to outline the hull and the rigging.  It kinda looks like a giant Christmas tree.  Then for good measure we added an inflatable tree and snowman.  It may be a little too whimsical, but it has been a lot of fun. Merry Christmas!

Getting Back to the Basics of Christmas

During this advent season I have been led to prepare sermons dealing with simple concepts that too often get overshadowed by the hectic frenzy that we have allowed to creep into our celebrations.  The angels outside Bethlehem proclaimed that peace was available to those who would receive it.  However it seems that peace is the farthest thing form our minds at Christmas.  The pressure of finding or receiving the perfect gift, preparing the perfect meal, decorating the perfect home and throwing the perfect party often overshadow and rob us of the true joy and peace that was intended with the birth of Christ.  Now don't start feeling too guilty, we all have responsibilities and obligations to family and others during this time.  You may not be able to remove the obligations, but let us be resolved to not let the perfect fulfillment of those obligations become so primary in our thinking that it begins to overshadow the true and basic message of Christmas.  May we all have a truly joyous celebration and at the same time make a conscience effort to keep Christ as the center of everything we think, say and do this Christmas.

Lee's Chapel Volleyball

We are grateful for those who have been representing our church in such a dedicated good-sportsman-like way this summer on our volleyball team.  In recent years, we have had winning and loosing seasons, but have managed to win the championship tournaments for the past two years.  The next tournament game for this season will be Thursday, June 14th at 6:30 p.m. at Stoney Run Church.  Please come out and support our team.  Hope to see you there.

A Quick Update

Hello all (I just realized my Aunt Vel use to begin her letters to the family that way).  Anyway, I have taken a moment to just update everyone.  Angela and I have had a pretty rough year so far in 2007, but God has seen us through every circumstance.  I have preached that message countless times to many of you and now I am glad to say that it is true, God will give you the strength. 

Classes with Campbell Divinity are wonderfully rewarding; remember me in prayer because mid-term exams are coming up and them I have some research papers due.

At church we are about to go through our Valentine programs (banquet, variety show, marriage vow renewal), and we are making plans for upcoming ministry efforts.  We have just returned from a fantastic ski trip.  Everyone had a great time with skiing, but the best part was the opportunity we had to strengthen our bonds of love and to form new ones.  One down side was that one of our youth broke his leg very badly and had to have surgery.  We are grateful that he will return home tomorrow to complete his convalescence.

Take care.  May God bless and keep you until the next time.

Life Upgrade: Is It Right For You?

Sermon Outline for Sunday, January 7, 2007

I am excited about a new sermon series for the month of January entitled "Life Upgrade".  As we begin a new year, one of the things I believe God wants us to understand is that our lives can be better than they currently are.  Like an upgrade to a better rental car, theater seat or computer software version, the life upgrade God has planned for us requires us to accept the offer and then be prepared to make some changes in our plans.  Our theme verse for this series is John 10:10, and the first sermon in this series is entitled "Is It Right For You?"  Below are the main points and some of the scripture references from the first sermon.

There is something better than our current life. (John 10:10)

Having a better life requires us to be obedient followers of God. (Deuteronomy 28:1-14)

Making a choice for or against obedience to God cannot be avoided. (1 Kings 18:21), (Joshua 24:15)

Choosing obedience to God leads to blessing, but not choosing obedience to God leads to curses.  (Deuteronomy 28:15-20)

Now is the time to choose the upgraded life. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

If you or someone you know and love needs to upgrade their lives in 2007, then invite them to hear this sermon series.  For information about obtaining CD's or DVD's of this sermon or sermon series, contact Ernie Holder or call the church office at 910-892-7855.

Barriers to Christmas Joy, Part 1 – Conflict with Our Fellow Man

Message outline for Sunday, December 10, 2006

When we read the gospel accounts of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, we see that there were many sources of conflict that were delt with properly.  Because conflict was handled well, the joy of Chirstmas, the birth of Jesus into a safe and stable environment, was not prevented.

Often today, we fail to experience the true joy of Christmas because our lives are also filled with conflict.  We all have stress caused by concflict with family, betrayal of friends, hectic schedules, etc.  These things rob us of our joy at Christmas and every other day of the year. The point of this message and the next is that we can learn how to deal with the conflict that robs us of Christmas joy by following the example of the characters in the original Chrsitmas story.  I this first message, we deal with the conflict of man with his fellow man and next week we will deal with the conflict of man with God.

Scripture:
Mt 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Mt 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (KJV)

I. Conflict with family, and friends - Joseph vs. Mary
Mt 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

Mt 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

A. Joseph and Mary were getting off to a very bad start as a couple.
B. Often we attempt to experience the joy of Christmas while harboring ill will in our hearts towards others.
C. When the angle appeared to the shepherds, they were given the promise of peace to everyone of good will.
D. If we want to remove barriers to Christmas joy, then we have to make peace with our families and friends.
E. Like Joseph, often we cannot reason our way into making peace, we must allow God to speak to our hearts.

II. Conflict with society - Joseph and Mary vs. public opinion
Mt 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. (KJV)

Mt 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. (KJV)

A. For Joseph, Mary’s pregnancy was an embarrassment and a great source of emotional pain.
B. For Mary, the pregnancy meant that she could lose her future husband, her respect in the community and possibly even be stoned to death for adultery.
C. Often today we do things at Christmas and at other times of the year not necessarily because we want to, but because we think we have to for the sake of public opinion.
D. Like Joseph, we find that the joy of Christmas comes by striving to please God not by pleasing public opinion.

III. Conflict with government – Mary and Joseph vs. Cesar Augustus.
Lk 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Lk 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Lk 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Lk 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Lk 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (KJV)

A. I am sure that Mary and Joseph were not happy about the decree requiring them to travel to Bethlehem.
B. Often today, we feel treated and robbed by the policies of government that seem to threaten the observance of Christmas.
C. The joy of Christmas can never be taken away from us by outward forces.

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder (KJV)

IV. Conflict with our selves in the physical realm.
Lk 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Lk 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)

A. For Mary and Joseph, the final barrier was to overcome the physical limitations they encountered.
B. The travel, the finding of suitable lodging and the physical difficulty of child birth were barriers that would send most of us into spiraling emotional and mental breakdown.

C. Many of us today get so physically run down, that we lose the joy of Christmas.