The love of God compels us

2 Corinthians 5:11;14-21

Text V :14

“The sin of our times is the sin that believes in nothing,

Cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing,

Interferes with nothing, enjoys nothing, hates nothing,

Finds purpose in nothing, lives for nothing and

Remains alive because there is nothing for which it is willing to die” (Dorothy Sayers)

Indifference and greed is the root of all evil.

The love of God compels us to be actively involved in spreading the Gospel, because He wants

every single person to know that He loves them.

What practical ways have you experienced God’s love this year/month/week?

To persuade means to convince someone through reasoning.

Your testimony is more powerful than a theological debate or argument.

Persuasion should not be forceful, but a subtle interchange of facts based on your personal

experience.  

God’s love compels us to…….. :

1. Live a new life(v17)

2 Reconcile people to Him (V18)

3. to be His ambassadors (20)

1.New life

·         Decide to love God with all your heart and be done with sin and bad habits

·         This does not imply sinless perfection (not possible in our mortal bodies)

·         Be sinless in character (integrity-speak the truth, let your yes be yes & no be no)

·         Be authentic-don’t pretend to be someone you are not (don’t fit in like a chameleon-when with believers you are one of them and with worldly people you are one of them)

·         This will place a huge burden on yourself and you will not enjoy life.

·         The more you do the right thing, the more natural it becomes.

·         No pretence is necessary

·         God’s Spirit will help you do the right thing.

2. Be reconciled to God

·         Don’t keep Him at a distance

·         He wants to be part of every facet of your life (ie-decision-making; health, social life, thought life, Career/work-life)

·         Be quick in repentance-confess any wrong doing then you will always feel free to communicate with Him.

·         As you walk with Jesus, you will draw others to Him too.

3. Be an ambassador

Represent Jesus wherever you are.

·         Give life where there is death

·         Hope where hopelessness

·         Peace where strife and anger

·         Joy where sorrow and pain

·         Build people, don’t break them down

2 Peter 1:3-God’s Spirit has given us everything for life and godliness/holiness.

Is it an impossible goal to achieve?

We have a Rolemodel in Jesus Christ.

Study His life through the Word

·         Jesus reconciled us to the Father

·         He gave us a brand new life

·         He was the Great Ambassador of the Father on earth

Was Jesus ever forceful in persuading people?

·         He persuaded mankind with His love by dying on the cross

·         He patiently taught the people

·         He showed compassion

Conclusion

The love of God compels us into action!!!

His love was revealed through action

   

CORNELIUS Salvation to all who believe

Acts 10

10:¹ At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.  ² He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.  ³ One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"  ⁴ Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.  ⁵ Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.  ⁶ He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."

 ⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had gone Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

Cornelius was one of the first Gentile converts to Christianity. 

He was senior officer in the Roman military forces whose Italian regiment was based in Caesarea; a man, an officer of integrity.

Considering the extent of pagan religions in his area of jurisdiction, it is quite surprising to find a Gentile of his quality, adopting the Jewish monotheistic religion.

(“The Prevenient Grace of God”)What would attract a senior Roman military officer to the Jewish religion?  He probably visited a Jewish synagogue at some time and was influenced by what he experienced in their synagogue. Or it could have been the sincerity of their worship that attracted him

However, Cornelius took on their religion and lived up to the standard, according to all the limited light he had of the knowledge of God.

I.  He was a devout worshiper of the true God of Israel.

(2) “He and all his family were devout and God-fearing” 

Even his soldiers respected him to such an extent that at least one of them took on the same religion as his leader.

This is something to think about.

Can it be said of you, or of you and your family?

Cornelius and his household is what draws people to you and possibly to your church; depending also on how much you love your church.  

a.  The family was united.

We can also see that not only was he a good man and a good leader, but a good husband and father.

b.  He was generous

(v2) He gave generously to those in need.

c.  He was sincere

(v2) He prayed to God regularly.

I.   If you seek me…

 a. An angel visited him

³ One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"  ⁴ Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.  

While he was praying at his regular time (a man of discipline), a messenger sent from God (angel) came to him.

It is always a frightening experience when someone appears out of nowhere and calls out to you by name, “Cornelius!”. Cornelius, the brave Roman soldier stared at him in fear. 

Like the angel of God said to Daniel,  “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that

you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard,”

The angel said nearly the same thing to Cornelius.

.  The Angel gave Cornelius directions.

⁵ Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.  ⁶ He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea." ⁵ Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.  ⁶ He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."

He was instructed by the angel to find a man named Peter and to bring him back to his house.

The object was to get someone who was filled with the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to Cornelius so that he could be saved. But, you might say.

“He was a good man. Look at what the Bible says about this man!

a.  Cornelius worshiped God.

b.  He prayed to God regularly and he lived a very good life.

c.  Surely God would accept such a man into His kingdom”.

How good is good enough?

It was because of his sincerity in wanting to worship God that an angel was sent to show him how to find the true way to God’s heart.

The Bible says, “If you seek me, you will find me, if you seek me with all your heart.”

The trouble is people believe that God will only punish the murderers and criminals who cause trouble in the world. But the law-abiding, good-doers He will accept.

The sons of Adam both worshiped God. Cain brought the best of the produce that he had cultivated and presented his offering to God. Abel brought a little lamb as his offering. God accepted Abel’s offering and He rejected Cain’s. Why?   

There is nothing good enough to buy our way to God. The Bible says, even our best deeds are like filthy rags. If we owned the whole world and we gave that to God –

What then is the offering that God will accept? Nothing! The price has been paid. 

That’s the problem with the Gift of Salvation. We can’t believe that it is free.

Cornelius was led to believe that he had to earn his salvation. God saw Cornelius’ heart, so He sent an angel to help him. Why didn’t the angel tell him how to find God? Why send for Peter?

The angel said to Cornelius, “Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter…”

Meanwhile, God spoke to Peter and prepared him to help a Gentile to salvation.

Immediate obedience

⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had gone Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

It is an interesting story to read how God dealt with Peter’s reluctance to deal with a non-Jew about his need of Christ. Peter was of the opinion that only the Jews were God’s people. He had to learn that God loved the whole world; that Jesus died not only for the Jews but for “whoever believes in Him”, will inherit salvation.

There is no such thing as a specially elected group of people who are predestined for salvation. This is a lie that is being taught in many Christian churches today. They call it “Reformed Theology” (Calvinism – or neo Calvinism)

Peter had to learn that there is no favouritism with God. There is neither Jew, nor Greek nor pagan nor gentile, nor male, nor female, but all are the same in God’s view. When Peter arrived at the home of Cornelius, he found a large gathering of friends and relatives of the Centurion. Peter now had a congregation (10:24 – 27). What it really says is that Cornelius wanted to share his faith with as many as possible. That is one of the signs of a new Christian.  He wants the world to know that Jesus loves them so!    (Rom 10:9,10).

III.  Peter’s Sermon (34 – 43)

Peter’s sermon had three parts:

A.  Divine impartiality; B.  Universal Lordship of Jesus Christ; C. The way of salvation for all men.

a.  Divine Impartiality

He starts his sermon off with the statement that “God shows no favouritism but that He accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” (John confirms this idea in Jn 1:11-12.)

Peter’s own Jewish prejudices were shattered by the vision God sent him.

Salvation has always been offered to the entire human race, but the message of salvation was entrusted to the Jews.  

What was once entrusted to the Jewish nation has now been given to the Church : 

“Go, make disciples of all nations…”

b. Universal Lordship of Jesus Christ

He told how they killed Jesus on the Roman cross. That he died and was buried. But God raised him on the third day and that the resurrected Jesus was seen by those whom God had selected to be witnesses of His resurrected life.

c. Salvation is for “whosoever will…”

He concluded his sermon with the words that “God appointed Jesus Christ to be the judge of the living and the dead. He showed how in the Old Testament the prophets testified about him, “that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name “ 

His concluding remarks:

1. that we are all accountable to Christ as our Judge; it was commanded of the Apostles to testify to the world, that this Jesus is ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. (42, 43).

2. That if we believe in him we will all be justified by him as our righteousness The prophets, when they spoke of the death of Christ, did witness this, that through his name, for his sake, and upon the account of his merit, whoever believes in Him, Jew or Gentile, will receive remission of sins. 

Conclusion:

What do we learn from this scripture?

1.  There is no religion or religious thing that can bring us to God.  The Bible makes it clear that Jesus is the only way. Nothing is good enough that can replace Jesus Christ as our Saviour.

2.  That anyone who sincerely wants to be saved will be led by God to someone who is specially anointed by God (and filled with God’s Holy Spirit) to help such a person to find his way to God through repentance of sin and acceptance of the finished work of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

3.  That Jesus is alive; that He lives; that He saves all who come to Him

4.  Another very important point: What we are speaks louder and more effectively when we want others, people we know, neigbours we often talk to and friends, family members, to come to salvation.  

Pick your Fruit

                                                                               

                                                Matthew 9 : 35-38

Intro

There is a TIME for everything, and a season for every ACTIVITY under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

In order to produce fruit, seed must be sown during a certain season.

The seed must be cared for by watering and removing weed it frequently.

Then you have to…….

MOVE

·         Jesus moved around from place to place preaching, teaching & healing people.

·         He moved out of HIS “comfort-zone” when He left heaven.

·         He was worshipped and adored by the Angels in heaven.

·         He was looked upon and rejected on earth.

·         Disciples /Followers of Jesus must be willing to leave your comfort zone too.

·         Be mindful that people may not accept you or praise you when you do this.

MOTIVATION

·         Jesus’ motivation for leaving His place of comfort was HIS love for His Father, WHO in turn loved His creation so much.

·         The TRIUNE God was heart-broken because humanity decided to turn their backs on HIM.

·         Jesus had compassion on the people when He saw the miserable conditions in which His people found themselves.

·         They were in distress/helpless because their problems were so great that they did not know who to turn to or what to do.

MORE

There are a huge amount of people in need .The work is great, BUT the

challenge is that there is not enough manpower.

Jesus solution……….

He made the profound statement that it is God’s harvest field-ie people so He will answer.

Ask for MORE workers

Ripe fruit eventually rots if it is NOT PICKED fruit from the tree.

Can it be that our society is “over-ripe” and are beginning to rot?

Rotten fruit is filled with worms and has a bad stench /smell.

Our society does reveal a state of “over-ripeness” with all the social ills that we are experiencing.

The picking of fruit must take place within a specific season.

B.TIMING

How will we know that the harvest is ready ie that it’s time to pick the fruit?

·         LISTEN

To conversations of people-not eavesdrop to gossip, but to pray for them. Speak to people and ask the right type of questions

·         LOOK

At their behaviour/facial expressions/body language/behaviour

·         LAY

At the feet of Jesus. He will make it known in our hearts.

C.SITE

 The work that needs to be done is outside the four-walls of the church ie.

workplaces, queues, travelling with public transport or wherever you may find yourself.

The work in the church is limited.

The church serves as a place to be developed and refreshed through teaching, fellowship, worship

and prayer.

A few Misconceptions about the work

·         The harvest field is within the confines of the church structure only.

·         Workers are confused about their role and function in certain instances;

·         The only means to influence others is through positions and titles  

Because of these misconceptions, believers are not as effective in their witnessing.

These misconceptions also lead to unhealthy competition.

Conclusion

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;

and he who wins souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30)

The fruit crop is ready to be picked.

Take your pick of fruit!!

Fruit-bearing Christians

Jn 15:1 -16

15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

What is this fruit spoken of by Jesus?

To whom is Jesus speaking?

Ps 80:8-9,13,19  You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. Boars from the forest ravage it and the creatures of the field feed on it. Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

Jesus is referring to the history of God’s people. The prophets also warned the nation that in the way they are living, they are departing from God.

Jer 12  “Many shepherds have ravaged my vineyard and trampled down my field”

 

Intimate; Closely Bound

Whatever else “fruit” may mean, it refers to anything that will extend God’s kingdom on earth, such as soul-winning, making disciples, etc.

There is a concept that needs to be addressed. Many people look to the pastor for growing the church.

It is not the shepherd who produces sheep; this is the task of the sheep, not the shepherd. Although the shepherd (pastor) is also a soul-winner.  

         

Pruning; Inflicting Pressure

2. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

Even the fruit-bearing branches enjoy God’s attention. Such pruning implies discipline. 

Heb 12 gives us insight into what it means to be shaped into a vessel suitable to ourseles and useful to God. Such shaping is also demonstrated in the Bible where Paul speaks of being molded into shape by the pot maker.  

Heb 12: 7-11 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? . . . . .10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Persevere.  If. . .  Then; Conditionally Granted

The disciples were chosen for the purpose of bearing fruit.

 4. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.  

We, as normal human beings have been given sovereignty as part of the image of God in which we were created. We are free to accept or reject whatever God offers us. But there are always consequences in whatever choices we make.

Productive Living;   Inevitably Fruitful

5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Notice the word “if”!

What is that fruit? Is it worth all the discomfort of divine discipline? Do I really have to be a fruit bearer? 

The fruit is actually LOVE! (agape love)  “A new commandment I give unto you…!” .

It is the fruit-bearing Christian who makes it easier for sinful men or women to believe in God and want to draw near to Him. Jesus: “Let your light so shine that others may see the glory of the Lord in you.”

v The light that shines the farthest shines brightest at home. –Baxter

v There is not darkness enough in all the world to put out the light of one little candle. -Epitaph

v  Joh 3:20,21 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.  But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.

Jn 15:6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

 

This verse seems to tell us that spiritual life is dependent on the fruit of the vine. Such a Christian who does not remain in Christ, is either one of those who will one day be classed with others to whom the words will be “Many will come to me on that day and say, ‘Lord, Lord, in your name we . . . .’ and I will say. ‘away from Me, you workers of iniquity!’”

Or it could refer to a young Christian who needs to grow spiritually into adulthood. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is the essential component of a disciple of Christ.  Entirely sanctified through total consecration is the key to being filled with the wonderful Perfect Love of God.

 

Promises Fulfilled; Quality And Quantity

Jn 15:7,8 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.  8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Notice again the conditional word, IF and the word, .  AND.

Ac 13:47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

Love Is The Bonding Glue

9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

v The people of God ought to be the happiest people in all the wide world.  People should be coming to us constantly and asking the source of our joy and delight. –Tozer

12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

The commandments of Christ are the commandments of love.

When our lives and actions are love-impelled, then is the Father glorified because we are bearing much fruit, and we are His disciples indeed. 

13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends

14 You are my friends if you do what I command.

15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

 

The Divine Duty: Go And Make Disciples!

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

MIND –BLOWING

MIND –BLOWING!!

2 Kings 5:1-15

Introduction

John 1:16-17

It’s mind-blowing that God loves us-(human-beings)- so much that He made His dwelling among us-

under the Dispensation of the Law through the Ark of the Covenant in the Temple and under the

New Covenant through His Spirit in our hearts.

It’s mind-blowing that we ALL receive blessings through the fullness of His grace-irrespective of age;

nationality; race; past, background or status in life.

God’s grace was always existent, but it became more visible to humanity through Jesus Christ.

God’s grace in the Old Testament is evident in the life of Naaman when he received healing from leprosy.

2 Kings 5:1-15

1.       INFIRMITIES

God’s grace is sufficient to heal ALL infirmities.

·         God allowed a young girl to be taken captive and then to serve as a servant/employee/labourer to the wife of a valiant soldier who won many victories for his country.  

·         She was the link for him to encounter the Living God.

·         How else would Naaman have known about Elisha the prophet who is able to cure him?

·         People of stature/importance have infirmities as seen in the life of Naaman.

·         God wants to heal them, but He needs us (His servants) to heal them.

·         It’s mind-blowing that God wants to use ordinary people like us to fulfil His plan of salvation and restoration.

2.       REPUTATION (4-5)

It’s mind-blowing that God’s grace is sufficient for any bad reputation.

·         Naaman told the king that the young girl had recommended a prophet in Israel who can heal him.

·         She did not realize that Naaman would follow her suggestion or even discuss her with the king.

·         She must have been a credible person for Naaman to follow up on her recommendation.

·         Elisha had a reputation as a man of God this is why the young girl knew about him.

·         What kind of reputation do you have?

·         No matter how bad our past or reputation may be, God is able to restore it.

3.IDENTITY (6-9)

God’s grace is sufficient for mistaken identities

·         The king of Aram mistakenly thought that the king of Israel possessed supernatural powers.

·         Maybe it was a reflection of his perception of himself?

·         Many believers do not fully understand who they are in Christ.

·         Some think more highly of themselves whist others think nothing of themselves.

·         People of stature are limited in power just like any ordinary person.

·         The difference with believers is that we have the power of God in us.

·         The king of Israel knew his limitation and possibly tore his robe as a sign of shame and disappointment in this fact.

·         Significance of a robe: Symbol of royalty and authority.

·         Elisha knew his identity as a result of his relationship with his Heavenly Father and was therefore able to help Naaman.

PERCEPTIONS (9-12)

God’s grace is sufficient for all wrong perceptions

·         Naaman’s wrong perception almost cost him his healing.

·         Firstly, he attempted to impress Elijah with his entourage of chariots and horses.

·         His perception was that the prophet would be impressed by his stature and therefore treat him with special favour.

·         Elisha was clearly NOT intimidated or impressed that easily that is why he did not even greet him as he stood outside his door.

·         Thirdly, he thought that a simple act of faith cannot heal him. He anticipated some spiritual/religious

·         act. A dip in the Jordan River just seemed too natural and simple.

·         It’s mind-blowing that a simple act of faith can bring about a miracle.

·         In spite of his perceptions and possible doubts, he did as he was instructed because his desire to be healed was much greater.

·         God often test our obedience and trust in Him through (what might seem like) foolishness to us.

CONCLUSION

Naaman is remembered as a great warrior/soldier, who was also very teachable and humble enough to accept the instruction of his servants after he stormed off in anger.

Naaman received one blessing after another-ie favour with the servant of God and kings because he obeyed a foolish instruction.

Plus his skin was restored like that of a young boy.

Mind-blowing!!

The act of Baptism too is a simple one, but the outcome is a miraculous one-a new person

Mind-blowing!!

From the full ness of His grace, we have ALL received one blessing after another.

Mind-blowing!!

Greater than the greatest…

                                                                Greater than the greatest…

                                                Luke 9:18 -20

Intro

Who do you rank among the greats of the world in History and Modern day?

If you had to live during the time of Jesus, would you have considered Him a great Man?

What are the characteristics of a great person?

·         inspires others

·         exemplary/ role-model

·          well-known

·          good reputation

·          influential

·         powerful legacy

Moses (Excodus 1:15-22 ;  2:1-10)

Purpose

“Every generation is strategic” (Billy Graham)

Moses was born during his generation for a specific purpose to deliver the Hebrew nation from the oppressive rule of the Egyptians

He was the instrument God entrusted the blue-print of life- the 10 Commandments and other Rules & Laws to.

The enemy could not destroy God’s plan of deliverance for the Hebrews. His plan was indestructible.

The same person who intended to destroy Moses ended up raising him. Moses was raised in the luxury of a palace as a result of this decree that meant to harm him.

Whatever the enemy wants to use against you to destroy you, will turn to your advantage.

Character

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial & suffering

can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired & success achieved”(Helen Keller)

 Moses’s character was shaped during the years of hardship when he fled from Pharaoh after he killed an Egyptian slave-master.(2:15)

Humility (he was the most humblest man in-spite of meeting God so directly)

Temperamental

Strong personal convictions (led him to commit murder)

Service

“Success is never final and failure is rarely fatal .It’s the courage to continue that counts”

(Winston Churchill)

Moses served his people with dedication and commitment until they reached the land of Canaan, even though he never entered it himself. He never benefitted from his efforts.

He was hardworking and passionate (father in law gave him some guidance during his visit to not suffer burn-out)

Self-sacrificial-(he left the comforts of the palace to go and observe what was happening at the workplace of the Hebrews. There was a time that he had to leave his wife and children in his

father-in law’s care when they started out their journey .

The characteristics of a great person is also:

·         fulfils a specific purpose

·         has an impeccable character

·         is humble

·         honours the Lord through selfless service

Conclusion

·         Moses was the deliverer of the Hebrew nation

Jesus –the Deliverer & Saviour of –ALL nations

·         Satan wanted to stop God’s  plan by stirring Pharaoh’s heart to kill all the Hebrew male babies.

He did the same thing when Jesus was born (Matthew 2:13)

·         Moses was a great man of faith and is therefore recognised as such among the major religions of the world.

Jesus is greater than Moses, yet He is rejected by the other faiths of the world.

He is greater than the greatest temple….(Matthew 12:6)

He is greater than the greatest prophets….(Matthew 12:41)

He is greater than the greatest kings….(Matthew 12 :42)

Who is Jesus to you???

Is He greater than the greatest ………in your life?