A young woman had become critically ill and her prognosis was grim; she would likely die within the year. Jesus was stating there was an opportunity there, not rejecting the mans request. Youre being silly! some will protest. nathaniel berhow girlfriend; spotlight name check; diadema de rowena ravenclaw original He wants to change what comes out of the faucet, not merely stop its leak. The Solid Rock Construction Company, pg.122. None of us has seen the Norman Conquest or the defeat of the Spanish Armada. He still doesnt. Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. Look at the WAR WITHIN YOU as a believer for a minute. God intended the strong believer to focus attention on getting the weak over the wall with the rest of the team. It serves the budget conscious communicator. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. I think that may affect believers who have been fully marinated in American juices when they attempt to meaningfully stop for an hour on Sunday morning at church and worship. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. You will not be hidden, for you are not called to be hidden! Individually, each man was a highly skilled black man, at a time in American history when opportunities for men of color were few and prejudice was even more bold than now. This idea leads right into the second instruction. The answer of the godless is to re-write the rules out of what seems like compassion but ends up licensing sin and normalizing wrong. Do you want to have no fear of authority? He said: Matthew 5:13 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It begins when I admit my need. She needs to get off Facebook and stop condemning others over whom God has not placed her. Promises of blessing were woven into the lives of people who followed His teaching (Mt. Aaron manages our website and social media and designs our online and print content. I have to believe that Jesus was (and is) God. judicial behavior. Jesus message urged people to see while the light stood before Without skipping a heartbeat he said, Oh, Mary, [cough, gulp], I am so sorry. 4). Luke recorded: Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Look for a moment at the opening of Matthews Gospel. If you have dealt with CTSP, youve likely spoken with Dottie, since shes our customer service extraordinaire! She has a passion for the Lord and His Word, and is deeply rooted in helping others get the most out of their journeys. Immorality: porneia; illicit sexual activity to use my body for self-pleasure without regard to the proper bonding use of the gift of sexuality. Clearly the most common usage for these lambs born in Bethlehem was this: they were destined to become sacrificial lambs. The other part of the congregation came from what I term the pig eating pagan crowd of Gentiles. We simply dont know if that practice was routine or widespread. Notice how the man reached out for Jesus and begged Him to have mercy and deliver him from the clutches of the terrible need (John 4:47). He couldnt stop it any other way. 54 This is again a second sign that Jesus performed when He had come out of Judea into Galilee. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to [its] lusts, Jesus is One you can put on like you would put on new clothing, the term flesh is modified by the term lusts, A believer is not to make provision for the desire that leads us to fulfill a hunger without God, Four Instructions for Believers from Romans 13. Here is the truth: I believe Gods Word when I change my life to conform to what it says. values your privacy. The separation anxiety many believers feel is from God. They will either get used to walking without the knowledge of what pleases Him, or they will fill in the blanks with things they care about and make it sound like Jesus had the same cares. He said: Save for your Heaven account, not just retirement (6:19-24). Stop worrying about being the teacher over those God didnt give you responsibility and let other people grow and develop without playing Holy Spirit for them. The point is, believers must GROW UP. Unless you have been living under a rock or away on an isolated island vacation with no TV broadcasts, you are probably aware that the U.S. has been alight and buzzing with recent testimony before our Senate Judicial Committee as it met in session for the purposes of presenting or declining a candidate for the vacant seat on our Supreme Court. PURE IN HEART suggests an openness that is vacant for Gods use and not divided into other loyalties (8), Jesus wants to take your longings and completely, utterly, entirely and unreservedly transform them by His touch. , but rather making the point that we cannot and must not pander to the fallen urges that he summarized by the word lusts. Lust, in this context, is a strong desire once imbedded into us by God, but torqued through the Fall. coming when no one can work. all inequity in this life was a sign does His will, He hears him. All of Gods tests are designed to teach US; He never learns anything from the results. (Sermon Central Illustrations). Jesus, who is Lord of the Sabbath, claimed that He had the right to make the man carry his things, since God ALWAYS WORKED on Sabbath (5:17-18). But we believe them simply because people who did see them have left writings that tell us about them. (C.S. 8Go up to the feast yourselves; I Some of these even made their way to Jerusalem. That is often how it works. That doesnt seem likely, since the shepherds were directed to the village to find the child, and it doesnt seem to take into account the literal wording of the text. How should we handle other believers with whom we may fundamentally disagree on some life practice? That is the careful rendering of the verse. If we put other people before us, we demonstrate maturity and care. The phrasing isnt completely clear, but I want you to consider a reasonable way to look at the detail of the text. One hundred twenty to one hundred eighty gallons of wine seemed like a lot of libation to get through to the end of the feast but that wasnt the KEY DETAIL that changes your thinking. The man added obedience and the deal was complete (John 5:9). Yet, He also served the Gentiles and fulfilled some promises that were more cryptic, but nevertheless included in the Scriptures. Look with me at the first of these seven stories found in John 2:1-11. It is important for us to note that when God calls for us to give honor, fear and treasure to civil authority, He has the right to direct my finances. For instance, if a worship leader was given the directive to decide what standard of dress was appropriate for those in the team, they have the right to make a judgment regarding the dress of those on the team when they are participating. 11 For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God. 12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Not only does it help the message of the Gospel to continue on, but it reminds us that Jesus is the source of all lifes blessings. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and was imploring Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. He wants them to encounter the powerful transformation of Jesus Word. Yet, I have learned a few things about growing people, and some of those critical lessons have come from the text of todays lesson in John 5. Factions: ha heresis; someone who labels people to keep them apart. The man could see but was still blind. See that cobblestone sticking out? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. He was going to heal the boy, but the key to the story is what happened NEXT. Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. For more information please visit our website www.kerugma.org Larissa manages the CTSP customer accounts and billing department. In fact, keep reading, John 9:26 So they said to him, What did He do to you? The Pharisees pressed could see, but they were blind as well. Read More . We talk about spending hours on email, but we, too, are being spent. Next Sunday, the entire family was there in the front pew, dressed and sparkling. Instruction Three: Believers need to learn to see others through eyes of love and act in ways respecting them and their things. God gives us all time, talent and resources so we can share them with others. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. $499. Jesus just fed thousands on the north shore of the Sea Venice, FL (34285) Today. Weeping and shaking, Scrooge pleaded with this spirit, Are these the shadows of things that will be or are they the shadows of things that may be only? They cared about their world, but they were much more invested in holding onto their place than standing firmly on big issues since those who stood on principle often ended up floating in the Tiber River. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to [its] lusts. Lets set up the context and then look at the main event. Dr. Randall Smith is a respected Bible teacher who has lived and worked in the places of the Bible for more than a quarter of his Life. Randall Smith is a Director at Christian Travel Study Programs based in Sebring, Florida. Dispelling Twelve Myths about the Gospel. Remember, Johns gospel included seven miracles, each recalled so that a reader might know more of Jesus, believe in His claims, and have life through that belief, according to John 20:30-31. Think about it. First, the strong were to lift, bear and carry the weak who were unable to carry themselves. Instruction One: Believers are to learn to let God put people over us we wouldnt always choose. Ever since I was young in my faith, I have heard people say that I just needed to accept some things by faith as if that was supposed to satisfy the curiosity of all, and be the end point of the discussion Though he was not yet acting out, there were ample illustrations of inequitable rulers readily available at the time. Neighborhood Church is a multi-generational expression of the body of Christ located in beautiful Sebring, Florida. with violent negativity He described as hate.. Lk 10:36). Here is the heart of our problem we were designed for CONSTANT CONNECTION but not to our fellow man. Today, we want to return to a discussion from Romans about living out our faith together. They are about attitude and they are intentional. None of the issues is specifically commanded or forbidden in Scripture. Remember, that is the fallacy of What would Jesus do? You and I arent called to do what Jesus did, but rather what Jesus instructed US to do. When we make it our business to check out the liberty of others beyond the obedience to the text of Scripture, we set ourselves up to become haughty and judgmental. It is seeing the world as God says it is, not as my eyes say it is. He made the ordinary into the extraordinary when it was set aside for His exclusive use. She had experienced the most dramatic sign God could give her: healing, bathed in prayer and surrounded by the church. The battle inside is about placing other people first, when our default is about making ourselves first. Watching our livestream helps you stay connected and encouraged. I dont keep seeing as others see! You might think team sports are exciting to watch, but it is much harder than it appears to coordinate a vibrant team! What does Paul mean by make no provision for the flesh then? They can unmask our true vulnerability. (There are definite advantages to being the Author of the The weight of the word is not in reference to their job, but rather their standing in the community. Pain increases at night, but it seems to slowly relinquish some of its hold as the sun rises, Sunrise helps ease pain. In some ways, even the most disciplined and mature believers among us spend far more time providing for the flesh in daily life than for the real world the spiritual one. Key Principle: In Biblical terms, I dont go to Heaven, we do. Middle Eastern society, both then and now, is steeped in a culture that expects certain social obligations to be met in the community. Will people around us be able to tell?. We bring what was touched by our powerful Masters hand. A single act of faith led to a life of faith. Resisting the structures God put in place was often a proxy battle for resisting God Himself (Romans 13:2). In essence, Jesus said He expected His followers to run from self-reliance into His arms, depending on His strength, not their own. car didnt think turning the key was something impressive enough to make it plotting to seize Jesus because He If our encounter led us to true surrender we will ever be changed and marked by our walk with Jesus. We could all use a decent dose of hope. The Gospel according to Matthew followed the saga of Jesus pressing against the political power machine, the confused religious establishment and the raw demonic attacks as the light of truth pushed into a well-fortified castle of darkness. The first part of the message can be grouped generally into four major character traits Jesus pressed His disciples to exhibit to be a true follower: His opening remarks offered this: You cannot be about YOU and ME (5:1-12) at the same time! Jesus expected His followers to be other person centered. Lets take a look. randall smith sebring church. Matthew chapter five opened the preaching message of Jesus beyond the summary words He preached repentance and the arrival of the Kingdom from chapter four. But after only two months, its power dimmed to nothing. He said His followers needed to act in concert and not plan to stand ALONE (5:13). Grow up and be truly mature. Enmities: echthros; someone who harbors irreconcilable hostility, with actions prompted by envy or hatred. The real issue is whether the cloth referred to in the narrative of the birth of Jesus denotes something more. Let me offer a story about someone who tried it, I heard about a farmer who was 2 hours late getting home. We are going to follow the evidence that has been combed over for centuries, and listen to the words of those who saw Jesus in action, and judged His character and personal claims by His deeds. Most of what happens in life is well beyond my comprehension. Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Samaritans maintain controls in the birthing as Temple priest may have done in Bethlehem. At the same time, that doesnt make them the dress length sheriff for the church. 9:18-21 that record what happened when the parents of the man were brought in Those are fair and mature questions. In short, they seem to be great at religion and lousy at faith. that brought fear to His disciples (John 6:16-21). A blind man Paul made note that the sunrise is coming soon, and that should change our sense of urgency about what we DO and our desire to be transformed to be more like Jesus. qualifications in knowing truth: John John 5:37-47). year: When Dickens finished his work called A Christmas Carol, he left us with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a man in desperate need of change. Does this sound like things have changed all that much? HE was the answer. He started the miraculous with that which was willingly offered and humbly submitted for His use. The Writings of Justin Martyr and Athenagoras, trans. You dont want to be the couple that started marriage with the omen of joy that ran out. Off by themselves in corners of many cities were the followers of the God of Abraham, and many of their leaders were clinging to arrogance and steeped in minutiae of their own theological debate, while their culture spun out of control around them. It is accepting HIS WORD as the authority on what truly happened and what will happen. At its root, our problem is willingly walking separate from God. Subscribe to Kerugma Bulletin and ONLY be notified on new developments, news, prayer requests, or the release of a new DVD. 1:3ff) and had specific conversation with His Father about coming to earth prior to His arrival (Philippians 2). "Matt is a real find. 7:6 So Jesus said to When hes not busy saving the company, Aaron enjoys spending time hiking in the North Carolina mountains, learning Hebrew and Arabic, and finding good cafes with fast wifi! If the words recorded were the whole conversation, it was just plain weird. That fact presses us to unhand deeds that go with the darkness of this world and cover ourselves with the armor of light. Giving for Gods eyes only (6:1-4). 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22. I must admit that I love to watch the sunrise in the morning out back of my house! Dr. Haddon Robinson writes: Some people are attracted to Christianity because they have a leaky faucet that they want God to fix. At least they are tailored to our interests! f you have been paying close attention to the habits of people in our time, you know that most of us spend much more time conversing electronically than we do face to face. they stood in truth beside their son. His thoughts, his ideas and his desires changed. Religion is about making people conform to what you believe they ought to be. In John 6, a crowd wanted to proclaim Him to be Dont forget: Jesus called His followers to be people of FAITH not RELIGION. well as to bond people together in holy matrimony. It made me wonder about so many things, most notably how a person with the name Maggot would go into medicine. 5 Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. What does that have to do with being late? chapter opens a story that doesnt close until chapter ten, as John recounts use this mans eyes to point a sign toward Jesus identity. Traditionally the words of Solomon said: 7:3 And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, which is of like nature, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as all others do. Textually, this action was taken, according to the angel of the Lord, to be a sign to the shepherds. When you read the nobleman had to lower himself to seek help from a humble Jewish villager and itinerant preacher, dont forget this truth: There is no home into which sickness and sorrow cannot enter and when it does it reduces our man-made social divisions. Beyond the Job and Ezekiel references for child care, it is easily attested that such wrappings were widely used for the bodies of the dead. Some of the congregation came from the sons of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob. its comforts and cares, but forget the larger concern of Jesus is what happens Today we want to see Jesus heal a man, and then watch how tempting it was for that man to become religious while losing faith. He warned, A night is coming in which no one can work. He The problem is when God removes these problems it usually doesnt end with the whole room following Him. He taught His disciples through the reaction of the crowd in front of them for the problem provided an opportunity to learn something! It wont be our service alone, because we can put on a show. Do you see it? He said: I am seeking one who is: Look at the word POOR and read: bankrupt in their own spirit, and not self-dependent (3), Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. What generally builds muscle really hurts in the process. John The last part of the story captured the reaction of both the holiness standard of marriage in exchange for some lawlessness people would Lets Here is the key: I truly believe Gods Word only when I accept the Word as it is stated and change my life to conform to what it says I should do and become. They showed him his sins, his faults and his effect on others. that, his mom and dad seemed to love their status in the community more than when Hisbrothers had gone up to the feast, then He Himself also went up, Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, but on the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses; for whoever eats anything leavened from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. Key Principle: How we see Jesus determines our ability to discern the truth. Najwitszej Maryi Panny Krlowej Polski > Bez kategorii > randall smith sebring church. It grows by the Spirits expansion with you. This man wasnt violating the Sabbath. We cannot know what He was thinking, but three things are clear: First, Jesus was not going to allow the ministry timing to be directed by the A large part of the Epistle deals specifically with the history of God and His promises to Israel, as a case study in Hi trustworthiness (cp. 2:13-23). you say was born blind? How did someone actually figure out that if you take the grain head from the wheat, let it dry thoroughly, take off the husk of the grain, grind the head into flour, add water, knead it, cut it into small strips, lay it out in the sun to dry, take the dried material and boil it for a brief time you will have al dente pasta? recalls how people reacted to the work of Jesus. 3:13-17). One of them is the notion of reciprocal hospitality.. Yet things arent as they seem. The notes about the setting gave way to the record of the Miracle (John 5:8-9a). because it doesnt get them to the conclusion they desire. Judges 9:13 But the vine said to them, Shall I leave my new wine, which cheers God and men, and go to wave over the trees?. jessica parker journalist father. That wont build a good team. 9:31 We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and We will move heaven and earth to achieve what we want. They didnt know who was in and who was out on a daily basis. This was the best day of his life and they were quibbling over details. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus *said to Him, They have no wine. 4 And Jesus *said to her, Woman, what does that have to do with us? Their ideas may not have been well-founded, but they were deep and caring for them took precedent over some harsh form of crash training. It wasnt that Paul wanted the weak to remain so; it was because he knew that people dont care what you know until they know that you care about them. Let me say it plainly, if you want to be a follower of Jesus, you wont be able to think like everyone else, and you will need to deliberately open yourself to allowing the Spirit of God to deal with your attitudes. They were in the place east of the Jordan Rivers entrance, north of the Sea of Galilee, where no kosher delis could be found. Jesus is looking for surrender to Him, not an applause line from an amazed admirer. When she asked if I had any questions, I fought the urge to spit out, Have you ever thought of using an umlaut with your name?. This isnt about ME as much as it is about US. Gentiles, influenced by Greek teachings, listened more carefully to self-claims of a public teacher to frame his belief system. laying on your dining room table, right where you accidentally left them. Lisa must stop believing she is the only one with the Spirit at work in her. Jesus called the man to take responsibility for his own life, and follow Jesus. 51 As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. you already and you did not listen; why do you want to hear it again? He mentioned God doing it for Jews, but he drove it home repeatedly in the case of Gentiles, because it was something harder for the people to believe. Dr. Randy Smith (pictured), pastor of the Grace Brethren church in Sebring, Florida, lived and taught in Israel for a number of years and continues to lead educational tours to the Holy Land. Authorities were designed, in some ways, to help deter wrong action. None of us has seen the Norman Conquest or the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Ask any nurse or care giver, and they will tell you: Pain increases at night, but it seems to slowly relinquish some of its hold as the sun rises. It seems that as a new day comes, the throbbing that came in with the darkness recedes back into the body, only to be prompted to strike out again when the sun goes down. Then he kept the glass brightly polished, and carefully hung it at the approach of dusk. is notable the men drew her past the outer doors that were normally reserved He didnt even say He healed the boy!