A lot of what we do is protect ourselves…
We get locked into out roles and then we are not as effective as we can be, because we are holding onto people and things that are stifling us…
Letting go of what we are aware no longer serves us now, and walking into the unknown, is taking the next step as a warrior…It’s about being out front…moving beyond limits…there is an innate desire in all creatures to grow…
Yet in any type of growth and change something has to end for something new to begin…
Bible class audio for June 20, 2010: [audio:http://www.gregchaney.com/wordpress/audio/0620_092004.MP3]
Bible class audio for June 13, 2010: [audio:http://www.gregchaney.com/wordpress/audio/0613_091627.MP3]
We interpret the blessings of Matthew 5 through the eyes of materialistic and superficial Americans. In our modern world happy has come to mean a conscience state of a feeling well or ecstatic. If WE are happy WE feel good. I’m not doubting that if we love God and obey his command we will be internally happy, but I firmly believe the emotions Christ was trying to evoke were much deeper. Speaking to Jews he was asking them to recall familiar passages from the Torah (Deuteronomy 28) in which the Jews were brought into a state of blessedness because of their obedience. They were blessed because they were reconciled to God into the peace (Shalowm) He intended. The opposite state was cursed or separated from God.
Each beatitude pronounces the person who possesses that quality as “blessed.” We need to understand this word because, as some have rightly noted, the Greek word used by Matthew,makarios, can also be translated as “happy.” Happy, however, is not the correct translation in this context.Happinessissubjective; the same things do not always make everybody happy. And we can certainly rule out mourning as a producer of happiness. Instead, Jesus makesobjectivejudgments about the state of the citizens of God’s Kingdom. He declares, not what they feel like, but what God thinks of them. People with these qualities gain His approval. Because God thinks well of them, they are “blessed.” God’s blessing is far broader and exceedingly more important than merely being “happy.” From Ritenbaugh, John W. Forerunner “Personal” February 1999
Note: The colors didn’t convert well, but you will be able to see the concept for our new house. House plans will follow soon.
A warrior is a person experienced in or capable of engaging in combat or warfare, literally or figuratively. Most leaders are figurative warriors, those who show great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness in everyday challenges. Merely acting like a warrior is insufficient, a warrior leader must become one by consistently walking the path of:
1. Integrity – honest and sincere
2. Impeccability – faultless character
3. Outrageous – excessively bold
4. Personal Power – ability to act
The leader shows that style is not more important than substance, and that creating an impression is not more potent than acting from one’s center – Lao Tzu (500BC)
http://wordpress.org/development/2010/06/thelonious/
To every man there comes in his lifetime that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered a choice to do a very special thing, unique to him and fitted to his talents; what a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which would be his finest hour
– Sir Winston Churchill
Nicodemus
When: Sometime after he cleared the temple
Who: Ruler on the Jewish ruling council (71 members tasked the elite) V1
Motivation:
[SEGUE NOTE: Regardless of the motivation Nicodemus becomes flustered with Jesus’ answer to a question he never asked.)
The Message:
v3-5 The kingdom is experienced by rebirth not reform ILLUSTRATION: The president of a college of theology
v5-8 Rebirth is spiritual not physical
v13- 14Jesus is not from God he is God (Jesus finally answers implied question) Jesus must be lifted up on the cross (compare to Moses in Numbers 21)
Conclusion (The Cameos)
John 7:45-52 Nicodemus, knowing the law risks retribution to defend Jesus but was not yet willing to give up his status
John 19:38-42 Nicodemus gives Jesus the burial of a king
Call
John 3:16: The message to Nicodemus is clear Jesus isn’t just from God he is God. He was lifted on the cross so that whoever like Jews on the serpent gazes on it will be saved through a rebirth through the spiritual cleansing of baptism. Our rebirth isn’t just a new addition to our life or a way to reform it…we die to the old life. If Nicodemus can do it so can we.
Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Helen Keller
John 3:16: The message to Nicodemus is clear Jesus isn’t just from God he is God. He was lifted on the cross so that whoever like Jews on the serpent gazes on it will be saved through a rebirth through the spiritual cleansing of baptism. Our rebirth isn’t just a new addition to our life or a way to reform it…we die to the old life. If Nicodemus can do it so can we. Link to sermon notes