The Lord taught me multiple things through the preached Word this weekend. The sermon was the second in a series about the institution of the church and what Jesus has to say about what it should look like. David summed up last week's sermon in a statement similar to this: "The church should be marked by a childlike humility that communally puts the world on notice that Jesus Christ is supremely valuable." This weeks might read: "The church should be marked by honoring Christ in humbly receiving one another, on the basis of the gospel!"
It's been only in the last year and a half of my life that I have embraced the "communal living" aspect of the church that we're called to as Christians. Father continues to reinforce the doctrine of the church that I denied for most of my life, by having it come up time and time again in my study of the Word as well as in the preaching at C3. God is showing me that He is a God of community, and we are called to love each other in a way that brings attention to the gospel we are saved by as we hold that gospel supremely valuable in our lives, TOGETHER.
My response for the sermons these past two weeks has to be one of childlike humility in which I forget anything the world will try to bring to my attention that could result in me treating my brother or sister in a way that doesn't reflect my attention upon the gospel. I must ask the Lord to humble me and have me submit to communal living the way we are called to. I must stand alongside my brothers and sisters, never denying another brother or sister that same fellowship, and further, reaching our hands out to them that they may be transformed and made new by the power of Christ-centered community.
-- Joshua Miller - C3 Student
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Sermon Reflections::Matt17:16-20
This past Sunday, Pastor David continued in Matthew 17:16-20. Here, the disciples are given the opportunity to perform a miracle while Jesus is away praying and the disciples come up short, finding themselves unable to heal this father's epileptic child. Last week we talked through the idea of works without faith and how worthless they are in such a state as the disciples were. This week, jumping off from that topic, Pastor David preached over what kind of faith it is that is described in verse 20 as "faith like a grain of mustard seed" which can allow you to say to a mountain "'move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."
In our sermon reflection Sunday night, we were given the question from Pastor David's sermon: What kind of faith is it that moves a mountain? As we discussed this, we found links to some other very interesting passages in the Bible. For instance, after agreeing that (in this context) doing the impossible (like moving a mountain) is solely within the realm of believers, we wondered whether the father of the young child believed. In looking at the parallel passage to this one in Mark 9, we found the father exclaiming "I believe, help my unbelief!" The father seems to have a genuine faith which is still working itself out within him. This idea of deliverance through genuine faith is echoed in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:17-18. These three faithful servants of God boldly proclaim that God will save them from the fiery furnace but that whether they are saved or not, God is still God and he can do as He wills. This connection really blew my mind, especially in the context of Pastor David's sermon. He explained that when Jesus said "nothing will be impossible," he meant that nothing which serves your created purpose will be impossible. That created purpose is to do God's will and glorify Him. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had a genuine faith that God's will would be done regardless of whether they were saved from a fiery death or not. That is the faith that moves mountains.
When talking more about the impossible via Romans 8:28-29, we recognized that, honestly, all things are impossible for us as fallen humans, especially our salvation. Though we are saved initially from death through belief in Christ, we are going through progressive salvation in that we are daily being saved from our sinful nature by being molded into the image of Christ. So how is it that we are being conformed into the image of Christ when we are in circumstances from which we are not being saved? How is that sanctifying? Well, just as Christ cried tears of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane for God to take his cup from him if it be God's will and God did not, we must see that in our circumstances, God's will is still working and that His glory is still supreme over all our plans. When we look at it this way, we see that God is saving us and gaining glory for His name IN our circumstances, whether it be through deliverance or enduring through our hardships. Also, we see that Jesus' example, as always, shines through as a wonderful example for what we are to do in our own lives. We are to be about the same business as Jesus was, namely, God's will and His glory. That begs this question: Do I have genuine faith in the sovereign will of God? Am I allowing myself to be molded into the image of Christ daily through radical submission to God's will? Am I praising God daily through every situation, good or bad? Or even more challenging, am I relying upon God and His will through every situation, big and important AND mundane and small?
--Sermon Reflection Small Group (Sun pm @ Peron's)
In our sermon reflection Sunday night, we were given the question from Pastor David's sermon: What kind of faith is it that moves a mountain? As we discussed this, we found links to some other very interesting passages in the Bible. For instance, after agreeing that (in this context) doing the impossible (like moving a mountain) is solely within the realm of believers, we wondered whether the father of the young child believed. In looking at the parallel passage to this one in Mark 9, we found the father exclaiming "I believe, help my unbelief!" The father seems to have a genuine faith which is still working itself out within him. This idea of deliverance through genuine faith is echoed in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:17-18. These three faithful servants of God boldly proclaim that God will save them from the fiery furnace but that whether they are saved or not, God is still God and he can do as He wills. This connection really blew my mind, especially in the context of Pastor David's sermon. He explained that when Jesus said "nothing will be impossible," he meant that nothing which serves your created purpose will be impossible. That created purpose is to do God's will and glorify Him. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had a genuine faith that God's will would be done regardless of whether they were saved from a fiery death or not. That is the faith that moves mountains.
When talking more about the impossible via Romans 8:28-29, we recognized that, honestly, all things are impossible for us as fallen humans, especially our salvation. Though we are saved initially from death through belief in Christ, we are going through progressive salvation in that we are daily being saved from our sinful nature by being molded into the image of Christ. So how is it that we are being conformed into the image of Christ when we are in circumstances from which we are not being saved? How is that sanctifying? Well, just as Christ cried tears of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane for God to take his cup from him if it be God's will and God did not, we must see that in our circumstances, God's will is still working and that His glory is still supreme over all our plans. When we look at it this way, we see that God is saving us and gaining glory for His name IN our circumstances, whether it be through deliverance or enduring through our hardships. Also, we see that Jesus' example, as always, shines through as a wonderful example for what we are to do in our own lives. We are to be about the same business as Jesus was, namely, God's will and His glory. That begs this question: Do I have genuine faith in the sovereign will of God? Am I allowing myself to be molded into the image of Christ daily through radical submission to God's will? Am I praising God daily through every situation, good or bad? Or even more challenging, am I relying upon God and His will through every situation, big and important AND mundane and small?
--Sermon Reflection Small Group (Sun pm @ Peron's)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Student Sermon Reflections::1Tim 1:1-2
K evin taught about the reproducibility of discipleship. He said that just as Paul discipled Timothy, and Timothy then discipled others, Kevin is to disciple J.T. who is then to disciple others. When we think rightly about God, our authority to disciple is authenticated in Jesus' name. He said the DNA of discipleship is Jesus, and that it is easy to fall into idolatry by placing value on anything other than that which should rightly be placed on Jesus. In quoting A.W. Tozer, he said that we have lost the ability to imagine how great God is. Therefore, it is easier to imagine that other things are as great as He and thus to fall into idolatry.
In the light of this sermon, I am challenged to see if I am placing undue value on anyone or anything. To do so is idolatry. Are the hours I spend in front of the T.V. an indication of a heart that has lost the ability to realize how big God is? Do I mistakenly think that time spent with Him can't measure up to some hokey T.V. show or even an excellent movie? Can I truly view myself as an idolater, or do I think so highly of myself that I don't think that is even possible. Open my eyes Lord that I may see You in Your glory. The things of the world will grow strangely dim…
--David Canzoneri - C3 Deacon
In the light of this sermon, I am challenged to see if I am placing undue value on anyone or anything. To do so is idolatry. Are the hours I spend in front of the T.V. an indication of a heart that has lost the ability to realize how big God is? Do I mistakenly think that time spent with Him can't measure up to some hokey T.V. show or even an excellent movie? Can I truly view myself as an idolater, or do I think so highly of myself that I don't think that is even possible. Open my eyes Lord that I may see You in Your glory. The things of the world will grow strangely dim…
--David Canzoneri - C3 Deacon
Student Sermon Reflections::1Thess 5:16-18
This week Ron reminded the body of our need for prayer as a substitute for the want for self-sufficency. We studied 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, pulling it into three parts as an application to prayer. First we unpacked the phrase, “Rejoice always,” learning that it is better understood as “Rejoice always in the Lord.” This does not mean Christians are incessantly happy, but incessantly hopeful, since God is always working out things for the good of His chosen people, even in the sufferings. Next we studied the command to “pray without ceasing.” This does not necessarily mean that we are constantly on our knees, but it is a mind-set we live out, always looking upwards. Two things this does for us: it protects us from temptation (Mark 14:38), and it keeps us alert (Eph. 6:18). Finally, we focused on “giv[ing] thanks in all circumstances.” When considering the almighty God and His wonderful works, all that is left is gratitude.
This is a wonderful model for prayer after one has considered traditional models such as the Lord’s prayer. Related to it, Christians can keep in mind the APTAT guide for Christian living put together by Pastor John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN. Praying is our communication with God. It’s part of our sanctification, and it glorifies the Trinity in our faith. It is an often overlooked hinge in Christian living that should consciously be addressed, “without ceasing.”
--Chris Ramos - C3 Student
This is a wonderful model for prayer after one has considered traditional models such as the Lord’s prayer. Related to it, Christians can keep in mind the APTAT guide for Christian living put together by Pastor John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN. Praying is our communication with God. It’s part of our sanctification, and it glorifies the Trinity in our faith. It is an often overlooked hinge in Christian living that should consciously be addressed, “without ceasing.”
--Chris Ramos - C3 Student
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Student Sermon Reflections::1 Peter 5:1-5
Speaking from the perspective of an average collegiate, the roles of church positions such as eldership, are shrouded in misinformation and cultural biases. Kevin taught on the doctrine of eldership, focusing primarily on 1 Peter 5:1-11 and accompanying scriptures. He began by defining first what eldership is not. Eldership in the Bible is not a rogue dictatorship, does not consist of a lone ranger activity and is not the elite special forces of the church. In contrast to these things, eldership absolutely consists of shared leadership, gentleness, humility and an overall attitude that is to be an exact comparison to that of a shepherd. Eldership is not to be taken lightly, as the qualification can be seen in scriptures such as 1 Timothy 3:17 and the weight of the position can be seen in scriptures such as Hebrews 13:17.
All in all, Kevin defines the genetics and purpose of the eldership in what is equally to be defined as the role of any and all followers of Jesus, and that is to simply BE LIKE JESUS. John 13:14 is evidence of this as Christ provides an example to be followed. Although imperfect, elders should be aspiring toward and likewise posses the characteristics that are found in Christ and shepherd the congregation with these attributes until the Chief Shepherd, who is Jesus, returns.
So how does this apply? Just as an elder's responsibility is wrapped up in shepherding the flock, I, as a member of the body, should responsively strive to be "shepherd-able". This involves being open, accountable and obedient to the elders, not with a motivation founded upon impressing them, but rather respecting them as leaders guiding me toward the ultimate desire of my heart and their's which is growth in a relationship with Jesus Christ - the source and perfecter of our faith.
--Austin Lambert - C3 Student
All in all, Kevin defines the genetics and purpose of the eldership in what is equally to be defined as the role of any and all followers of Jesus, and that is to simply BE LIKE JESUS. John 13:14 is evidence of this as Christ provides an example to be followed. Although imperfect, elders should be aspiring toward and likewise posses the characteristics that are found in Christ and shepherd the congregation with these attributes until the Chief Shepherd, who is Jesus, returns.
So how does this apply? Just as an elder's responsibility is wrapped up in shepherding the flock, I, as a member of the body, should responsively strive to be "shepherd-able". This involves being open, accountable and obedient to the elders, not with a motivation founded upon impressing them, but rather respecting them as leaders guiding me toward the ultimate desire of my heart and their's which is growth in a relationship with Jesus Christ - the source and perfecter of our faith.
--Austin Lambert - C3 Student
Monday, May 2, 2011
Student Sermon Reflections::Romans 8
Romans 8 begins Paul's explanation of the lifted condemnation in Paul's argument to the Romans. Previously Paul has been laying the foundation for the condemnation we all face as sinful humans, but here is the hinge in Romans where Paul spells out how Christ takes that condemnation away from us. Pastor David offered a summary of the process of our salvation in that God has saved us (justification), is saving us (sanctification), and will save us (glorification), then pointed us to Romans 5:18, explaining that our salvation comes "in Christ." Christ is the link that binds us all together in equal justification (everybody including Moses, Paul, and you and me). How? When God sees us, He sees His adopted children because of Christ. Christ's blood is the marker of our salvation, just as the lamb's blood marked the Jews for salvation in the Passover. There is no other way to salvation; not through works, not through a good attitude, not even through love (though those are the marks of salvation), but only through the mark of Christ's saving blood.
This proves to be an easy concept for me to grasp intellectually, but much more difficult to practically apply in my daily life. My problem is the culture in which I live and in the preconceived mindsets I have about individuality and work ethic. I have only to wait inside and in faith for the Spirit to pass over me, yet I am often uncomfortable in sitting still. I want to move, out of the safety of a blood-stained door frame, and take my chances against God in the world. I too often ask the foolish question, "How mad will Pharaoh be if our God does what He says He's going to do?" I worry about my success in this world, and how I might be able to overcome it. And when I might turn my thoughts to Heaven, I wonder how I can insure my entrance there by proving myself to God. What I must realize is that "trying to be a Christian" is not just futile; it's fatal. I am a Christian only because of Christ, and I did nothing, nor can I do anything, to insure it. God is the merciful giver; all I can do is set my thoughts on Him and glorify Him in all that I do. I fail often, but God has looked over my shortcomings on account of Christ, and He is sanctifying me into the Image He intends me to be. And then I simply love because Christ first loved me.
--Chris Ramos - C3 Student
This proves to be an easy concept for me to grasp intellectually, but much more difficult to practically apply in my daily life. My problem is the culture in which I live and in the preconceived mindsets I have about individuality and work ethic. I have only to wait inside and in faith for the Spirit to pass over me, yet I am often uncomfortable in sitting still. I want to move, out of the safety of a blood-stained door frame, and take my chances against God in the world. I too often ask the foolish question, "How mad will Pharaoh be if our God does what He says He's going to do?" I worry about my success in this world, and how I might be able to overcome it. And when I might turn my thoughts to Heaven, I wonder how I can insure my entrance there by proving myself to God. What I must realize is that "trying to be a Christian" is not just futile; it's fatal. I am a Christian only because of Christ, and I did nothing, nor can I do anything, to insure it. God is the merciful giver; all I can do is set my thoughts on Him and glorify Him in all that I do. I fail often, but God has looked over my shortcomings on account of Christ, and He is sanctifying me into the Image He intends me to be. And then I simply love because Christ first loved me.
--Chris Ramos - C3 Student
Student Sermon Reflections::Matt 17:1-8
Easter weekend at C3, Pastor David preached through Matthew’s account of the transfiguration found in the first 8 verses of chapter 17. This is the special time in the life of Christ when he took some of his closest disciples to get a sneak peak of his full glory and splendor. The same kind of thing happened with Moses, when he received the commandments on Mt. Sinai and his face literally radiated from being in the presence of God. We learn that it is no coincidence that these two events are so similar, because what Jesus came to do was the fulfillment of what Moses was sent to do so many years before. Moses came to free the people of God from bondage and slavery to Egypt, which was to foreshadow what Jesus came to do. That is, Jesus came to free the people of God not from bondage to a national or political power, but from spiritual slavery to sin and death.
So what does that mean for me? Well, it means that the radiance of Jesus is something so powerful that it breaks the power of cancelled sin, and sets the sinner free, as one of my favorite hymns says. It means that our exodus from sin is found when we turn our eyes upon Jesus and watch the things of this world grow dim.
[1 Corinthians 3:18 - And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another]
--Ryan Shelton - C3 Student
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