THE GIFT OF A NAME

Dr. Marty Baker / December 6, 2009 / Isaiah 9:6-7
Welcome to the Creek. We are so glad that you are here today. I would like to welcome all of the folks at our Grovetown campus and those watching on television.
How many of you are expecting a child? Let me see your hands. One of the biggest discussions that an expecting couple has is “what names should they select for their children.” They wrestle with using family names, Biblical names, rhyming names, relevant names or cultural names. Several years ago, there was a couple that served in our church named Bill and Carol Cheatham. They wanted their son to have a name that reflected their ancestral culture, so they took a chance and named him, Diolobe Mwatta Cheatham. They knew that one day, someone would probably make fun of his name.
When he was six, it finally happened. He came home from school crying saying he wanted to change his name. Now remember that his name is Diolobe Mwatta Cheatham. Carol tried to comfort him and said, “Son, what name would you like to change your name to?” Dio said, “Anything but Cheatham.” When Carol told us that we all had a big laugh. What we expected was not what we got.
Some people fall into a naming pattern that they feel like they have to continue when a new baby is born. Patty’s older sister is Pam. They share the same birthday, one year a part. She has a younger sister named Polly. So you have three girls, Pam, Patty and Polly. We had to continue the pattern when we named our kids, Stuart, Sarah and Samuel, but not only that but all of their middle start with the letter “l”.
Names are always interesting. Have you ever noticed how Southern girls have two first names, like Mary Ann, Ima-Jean, Lessie Mae and Northern girls have two last names like Smith-Jones, Price-Johnson or Rodham-Clinton?
Some time ago, Fox News did a story on men taking the name of their wives and they highlighted Jon Coleman who married Kelly Shubert and together they are Jon and Kelly Shubert-Coleman. That’s fine, but what happens when their child marries the Price-Johnson’s kid. What is his name? John Shubert-Coleman Price-Johnson. It sounds like a law firm to me.
Choosing the right name for your child can be challenging. Names have signifiance. They mean something. Your child’s name not only provides a heritage, but it also can speak of a destiny. A name is the first and one of the most significant gifts that you will give your child.
When God’s son came into this world, he was given a name that would be above every other name. In fact, we first learn about his name from Isaiah, a Prophet in the Old Testament. He penned these words over seven hundred years before the first Christmas. He said:
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
At this point in history, Isaiah is looking forward to a Messiah coming. He is telling his readers what to look for. He describes him with four phrases. Let’s look at them.
Wonderful Counselor
When Isaiah called him this, he used the Hebrew words: pele’ ya’ats. The word pele' (peh'-leh) means beyond understanding, too wonderful for words. The word ya`ats (yaw-ats') means to advise; to consult, to guide.
These words tell us that this child, this son would offer guidance and direction that would far exceed anything that you would commonly have. In fact, his guidence would go beyond our human understanding. It would be more than sixth sense; it would be more than enhanced perception. He would provide supernatural leadership and divine guidance.
Have you ever been at a place where you felt as though you were in over your head…that you were operating in an arena that was well above your pay-grade?
Life can be complicated. It seems that sometimes holidays and family gatherings have a way of increasing the complexity of our lives.
This year in addition to the normal challenges of getting our family together from three different states, we are adding a college graduation, and two weddings, one in South Carolina and one in Mississippi, at least seven Christmas parties.
If your life gets complicated during the holiday season, please remember that a child is born, to us a son is given and he is the wonderful counselor.
Isaiah is telling us that this Messiah would come and he would bring comfort and guidance to those who are stressed, to those who are fearful and to those who have lost their way. But, not only that, this child, this son will be called the Mighty God.
Mighty God
The original word here is El Gibbor which means warrior or champion or hero. These words communicate power and might. They were never used to describe a human being, but they point to a powerful deity, a mighty God.
Isaiah is saying that this child is no ordinary child. He is God in the flesh. He holds all of the power and all of the authority of Heaven.
John 1:3
“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
We find a similar message in Colossians 1.
Colossians 1:16-17
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
What we see here is that this child is God which means that he is:
• Omniscient.
He knows all things. There is nothing that is hidden from his view. We may try to hide something from our spouse or our friends, but God sees it all. Every thing done in darkness will eventually be exposed by the light. There are no secrets with God. He is omniscient. He knows, but that’s not all. He is…
• Omnipresent.
This means that God is everywhere. He is present here with us now. He will be at your house when you get home, but not only that, He will ride with you on the way. Some people try to run away from God. They think that by ignoring him, He cease to be there. But, that’s not the case. He is everywhere.
Psalm 139:7-10
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
There have been people in the past who have tried to run from His presence. We see people like Jonah who ignored God’s promptings and ran the other way only to discover that God continued to pursue him inspirte of his rebellion.
Could that be you today? Are you running away from God? Are you pushing God to side thinking that you can distance yourself from Him? Well, you can’t. He is omnipresent. He is here. He is here pursuing a relationship with you. Finally, we see that this child is omnipotent.
• Omnipotent.
This means that there is nothing or no one that has more power than He does. which menas that there is nothing or no one that has more power than him.
Jeremiah 32:17
"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
This is what I want you to write down. God can do anything. He is the mighty God.
Today we are talking about the gift of a name. We know Christmas is about the birth of a baby. Isaiah said that he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God and the Everlasting Father.
Everlasting Father
This name reminds us that this is more than just a season. This child is more than just a holiday event. Several months ago, Wes was organizing the service archives and it dawned on him that Dave typically preached on holidays like MLK, Masters Week, Memorial Day, 4th of July and so forth. When he realized this, he tagged Pastor Dave as … HolliDave. Well, Dave is more than just a holiday event.
This child that Isaiah is talking about is more than a holiday event, He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. He is eternal, from everlasting to everylasting. He is the everlasting father.
As a father, we see him as compassionate and tender.
Psalm 103:8
‘The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.’
He loves and cares for his children. That’s why he says this to you.

Matthew 11:28-29
‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’
As the everlasting Father, He provides inner peace and spiritual rest for you. Some of you are troubled. Your lives are marked by fear and worry. You struggle to sleep at night because you are overly concerned about the coming days. You worry about what people think. You worry about health care. You are worrying yourself sick.
You worry about your weight. You worry so much that you need a bowl of ice cream just to calm down. You worry about your children. Your worry about your job. You worry about your finances. You worry about your debt. Listen to the words of Matthew 6:
Matthew 6:31-33
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
I want you to write down: Put your trust in God.
We are talking about the gift of a name. Isaiah said that he will be called the wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace.
Prince of Peace
The original words that Isaiah used for this name was sar shalom. The word sar (sar) means the one in charge, lord, chief and general. The Romans used this word and it became CZAR and it ultimately became Ceasar like Julius Ceasar and he was the one who was in charge. The word shalom (shaw-lome') was actually a greating that one person would give to another. Shaom means rest, tranquility, wholeness, completeness. If this child is the prince of peace then the one who is in charge provides wholeness, completeness and rest. He is the captain of rest. He is the chief of contentment.
But, when I look around I see too many people who are not content. They are not at peace. I see believers, people in our church, who are stressed out all of the time. I see Christian marriages where she knows Jesus and he knows Jesus and they should have a peaceful marriage, yet they don’t. Where’s the Prince of Peace in that?
I look at people financially. Most people I know make far more money today than they have ever made in their entire life. Yet, there have more financial pressure than they have ever had. Where’s the peace in that?
I look at the relational tension. People just can’t get along whether it’s at work, in the neighborhood or the family. Where’s the peace in that?
Here’s where you can find peace. True peace comes when you surrender to the Prince of Peace. It comes when you allow the sar shalom to be in charge, to be the leader and the lord of your life. As long as you are under Christ you can have his peace.
Does that mean that we can do anything we want and still have peace? Well, of course not. Can a guy get his girlfriend pregnant and go to church and have peace? No, because he is doing something outside of the Lordship or the Leadership of Shalom.
Can a couple get into a big hairy fight and go ballistic and call each other names and embarrass their kids and expect to have the peace of God? No. Why? Because they are outside of the sar shalom.
Can a person charge up all of their credit cards and spend more money than they make and expect to have a peace? No, because they are outside of the will of the sar shalom.
We can have peace when we place ourselves under the lordship of the sar, the one who is in charge. When we do that we will experience His peace.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The amazing thing is what when we have His peace it is beyond human understanding. You will be able to weather the storms. The storms will still come but you will have the inner strength to make it through them.
Just as the sar shalom can give you peace, he can also take that peace away.Why would he do that? Because he is the sar shalom. He may remove your peace to get your attention. He may remove your peace when you have left him to draw you back to Him.
Write this down: Make peace WITH God, then receive the peace OF God.
Today we are talking about the gift of a name. Isaiah said that he will be called…
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah was looking forward to the day that this Messiah would come. But’s what’s his name? Every baby has a name.
Let’s roll the pages forward to Matthew chapter one where we meet a young Jewish man named Joseph who is pledged to be married to a virgin named Mary. An angel appeared to Joseph and said:
Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
When I was a kid, they use to sing a song in our church called: There’s Something About that Name. That’s true. There is something about the name of Jesus. I can’t tell you how many times that I have been situations where life was spinning out of control and in those times I have found peace by just praying in the name of Jesus. Jesus told his disciples:
John 14:14
14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it
What do you need? The answers to your prayers are found in the gift of the name of Jesus. Today’s talk is focuses on the Gift of a Name.
We have been given the name of Jesus as a gift. What does that mean? We have his power. We have his authority. It’s like a heavenly check. When I sign my name to a check, I am giving that person the authority to use my resources. When Jesus died on the cross, he paid for our mistakes and he opened heaven’s door. Now, we can approach our Heavenly Father in His name.
In His name is healing. In His name is joy. In His name is forgiveness of sins. In His name there is new life. In his name there is hope.
The name of Jesus is more than just a good way to stop praying. How many times have I said, “In the name of Jesus, AMEN.” I use his name to signify that the prayer is over. But, it’s more than that. The name of Jesus is the most powerful word in your vocabulary.
You have been given the gift of the name of Jesus. His name is above every name. Listen to the words of Philippians.
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus came that first Christ so that you and I could be saved from our sins. I know that some of you feel that you have made too many mistakes. You have done too many bad things for God to give you the gift of his name.
The miracle of Christmas is that Jesus came so that you could be forgiven, so that you could have a new start. In fact, not only will He give you the gift of salvation, but He has a new name for you.
Today we have focused on the writings of Isaiah. Listen to what he said in chapter 62.
Isaiah 62:2-4
2 …And you will be given a new name by the Lord 's own mouth.
3 The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see— a splendid crown in the hand of God.
4 Never again will you be called "The Forsaken City" or "The Desolate Land." Your new name will be "The City of God's Delight" and "The Bride of God,"for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.
Closing Thoughts and Prayer
"Chuck Colson was a high-powered advisor under President Richard Nixon, but the Watergate Scandal ended his political career and landed him behind bars. While in prison, he found Jesus Christ and once he was released, he created a ministry called Prison Fellowship and he has dedicated his life to reaching prisoners and their families with the love and hope of Jesus.
Colson tells the story of a time he was delivering Christmas gifts to a needy family whose father was in prison. He was met at the door by energetic boy who gave a warm smile and introduced himself as "Emmanuel". Colson smiled in return and crouched down to hand the boy a gift and he said, "Merry Christmas, Emmanuel. Tell me, do you know what your name means." The child shook his head no. Chuck Colson smiled and said, "It's a beautiful name. It means 'God with us'". Emmanuel looked at his wrapped gift and then looked up with a huge smile and tears in his eyes. He took off running through the house looking for him Mom and shouting, "Mommy, guess what! God is with us! God is with us!"
At Christmas, we're not simply celebrating an excuse to overeat, and get presents and see distant relatives. We are celebrating the best news that this world has ever known.
We have a Savior who loves and forgives us. He is Emmanuel, Jesus Christ the Lord. Because of what He has done on our behalf, we have the joy of knowing that God is with us. God is with us. That is the real Gift of Christmas."

Saying Thanks

Dr. Marty Baker / November 23, 2009 / Luke 17:11-19

            Good morning and welcome to The Creek. I would like to welcome our Grovetown Campus and all those who are watching on television and StevensCreekChurch.com.

            When I was a kid, my mother made sure that anytime that I received a gift, a compliment or a helping hand that I would always respond with a kind-hearted, “thank you.”  Not only that, but she often encouraged me to write a simple note acknowledging the gift and expressing my appreciation to that person for that gift.  I am sure that most of you had parents that encouraged you to do the same thing.  Saying “thank you” is the right thing to do. It is just good manners.

            Today I want to talk to you about a story in the Bible when an individual went back to Jesus and said, “thank you.”  It’s found in Luke 11:11-17.  This story occurred when Jesus was traveling along the border between the border of Samaria and Galilee.  In those days, it was rare for a Jewish person to step foot in Samaria.  There had been a long and steady feud between these two nations and that produced a lot of tension.

            As Jesus was going into the village, he saw ten men with leprosy standing together near the entrance.  In those days, people who had leprosy were required to keep their distance from the normal population. Leprosy was the most dreaded disease of their day.  In the classic sense, it was a skin disorder that caused permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.  Many people with the disease became disfigured because it auto-amputated parts of their body.

            Leprosy was considered contagious so if you had it, you were required to live apart from your family in a camp outside the city. So people stricken with this disease not only suffering physically, but they were emotionally uprooted from their loved ones and forced to live alone or with a group of fellow sufferers.

            In this story, there were ten men with leprosy standing together.  When they saw Jesus, these men cried out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us.” These guys were desperate and they knew that Jesus was their only hope.

            Maybe some of you feel that way today.  You are not suffering from leprosy, or what we call Hansen’s disease, but you have seen your life deteriorate. You feel as though you have been banished and maybe feel like an outcast. You are alone and suffering by yourself. 

            Is there something inside of you that makes you feel as though you don’t belong? The guilt and shame you wrestle with silently pushes you away from those you love and those who love you.

            Maybe it’s not an inner struggle, but you feel like you like you just can’t get ahead. You feel pushed to the side because of the economy. You’ve have done what you know to do, yet no doors have opened for you. Your nightly routine consists of internet searches on job sites hoping that one of the applications that you have filled out makes it to the right person.  Every day the financial pressure seems to increase. You try to cover it up, but it’s there eating at you.

            Some of you have a different routine.  You put the kids to bed and you scan the internet dating sites wondering if this is the night for that you will find a meaningful relationship. Your biggest fear is that you will grow old alone. Night after night, this routine continues and your loneliness seems to grow. You are starting to feel hopeless.

            These ten lepers standing outside the city gate were hopeless, that is, until they saw Jesus passing by. Once they recognized him, they cried out, “Jesus, have mercy on us.”

Luke 11:4 

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”

            This was a test for them. Were they willing to obey the words of Jesus?  Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests. In those days, the priests were responsible to protect the larger community from a contagious disease.  It was his duty to decide if a person was healed or not.  Jesus respected their process and was he ultimately giving the priests the opportunity to be a part of a miracle from God. Look at the rest of the verse.

Luke 11:4 

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. 

            Notice the words, “As they went.” These ten lepers had to do something for their situation to change.  They had to go show themselves to the priests. It was in their going; it was in their doing; it was in their obeying that they found healing. They demonstrated their faith in Jesus by doing what he asked them to do. Faith is not only believing; it is doing.

James 2:17

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

            Jesus calls us to take action.  We must do something.  This week … what are you going to do to change the direction of your life?  What steps are you going to take to find the help that you need?

            Jesus said, “Go, show yourselves to the priest.”  These ten lepers obeyed his words and in doing so, they were healed. Look at what happened.

Luke 17:15-16

15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.

16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him–and he was a Samaritan. 

            Only one out of the ten remembered what his mother taught him: “Always say thank you.”  Only one of the ten, made the effort to come back and express his appreciation for the miracle of life that Jesus had given him.

            We read this in disbelief wondering how could they not say a simple thank you. Their lives were changed.  No longer would they have to live in camps outside the city. No longer would they have to cry out, “unclean, unclean” as they walked along the road. 

            No longer did they have to be alienated from their friends and family. This was a life-changing miracle.  All ten received it, but only one came back and said, “thank you.”

            There is an added twist to this story. In verse sixteen, we see that the one that came back and said “thank you” was a Samaritan. The Samaritans were hated among the Jews. It is hard for us to imagine the feeling of contempt that Jews held for Samaritans in the first century.

            Seldom in the history of the world has there been a racial prejudice that was so extreme in the intensity of its mutual loathing. Jews and Samaritans hated each other for 450 years. Samaritans were only half Jews and that is why pure Jews despised them.

            It’s interesting that the hated Samaritan was the only one to come back and acknowledge the miracle. Jesus responded to him by saying, "Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?”

            When we hear this story, we are shocked at the lack of gratitude coming from this group of former lepers.  We wonder, “How could they be so insensitive? How could they be so ungrateful?”  Could it be that some of us are just as guilty?

            Let’s bring it closer to home. When you study the Bible you will learn that many events, persons, and objects in the Old Testament were "types" or foreshadowings of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, leprosy is a spiritual picture of sin.

            Here’s what I mean. There is no one in this auditorium today suffering from physical leprosy, but all of us at one point in our lives have be plagued by a spiritual leprosy called sin.

            We are like the ten lepers crying out, “Jesus, have mercy on us.”  We have a spiritual case of leprosy and Jesus is our only hope of healing.

            Sin separates us from a holy God.  Sin places guilt and shame on us. It makes us feel alone, unworthy and unclean. It is a spiritual disease that left untreated will eventually take us to an eternal death.

            But the good news is this: Jesus Christ came to heal us from this dreadful sin disease. Jesus left heaven and came to this earth to save us from our sins. He died on the cross and on the third day he rose from the grave so that we can be forgiven.  He made it possible for us to have a new life, a second chance to be the people that we were meant to be.

            You can be healed today. You can be forgiven, but you must do something. You have to take the next step. Cry out to Him. Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins. Ask Jesus to make you spiritually clean. If you will ask in faith, he will do it.

            Now, I know that scores of you have already done this. You have experienced God’s blessing. You have been healed of your spiritual disease, but have you ever said, “Thank you?” Are you like the one who returned with gratitude or like the other nine that went on about their business?

Luke 17:17-19
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”

19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

            Ten were healed, but only one returned to say “thank you.” The message today is simple.  We need to express our appreciation for what Jesus has done for us. We need to say, “Thank You.”     How do you do that? How do you express your gratitude to the Lord?

            Today I want to give you some practical ways to help you say “thank you” to the Lord and possibly to others. How can you express your appreciation? 

Four Ways to be Thankful

1.       Say it.

            You have to speak it.  When was the last time that you said, “Thank you” to the Lord? I know that you may think it. You may even feel a sense of appreciation down inside, but when have you actually mouthed the words, “Thank you Lord.”

            God has been good to you.  There are many here today that have not made a personal decision to follow Jesus. You are not a part of his family, yet He has blessed you in spite of your decisions. God is good.  In the Old Testament says:

1 Chronicles 16:34 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 

King David made it personal. He said…

Psalm 7:17

 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. 

            When was the last time that you said, “Thank you to the Lord for his goodness in your life?”

            Let us take this one step further.  When was the last that you said “thank you” to your family and friends for their kindness that they have shown to you?

            You know we tend to take things for granted. We forget that someone has sacrificed so that we can have the life that we have today.  Maybe it’s our parents, our spouse, a friend, a co-worker?  Have we taken the time to say, “Thank you.”  Not only do we need to say it, but secondly we need to write it.

2.       Write it.

            Like I said, when I was growing up, my parents always insisted that I write a “thank you” note to people who gave me gifts. There have been times that I have been slow to do that and my mother would ask, “Have you sent them a thank you card?”

            On occasion Patty has taken that practice to the next step by saying that you are not going to spend any of the money or use the gift until you write a card.  It’s amazing how that speeds up the process.

            There’s something about a hand-written note. It gives you the opportunity to express your gratitude, mention how it’s going to be used and so forth. The point of writing the note is to express your heart.  

            Have you ever written a note to God?  In today’s vernacular, we call this journaling. This is the practice where we write out our feelings and our prayers to God. 

            There have been times in my life when I would kneel to pray and instead of praying, I was distracted by all of the things that I had to do before the end of the day.

            Have you had that problem?  You want to pray, but instead of praying, you create a grocery list.  How do you conquer this?  Try journaling.  Write out your prayers.  Write out a “thank you” list to God.  Express your appreciation for what He has done.   

            There are several models to follow that will help you pray.  One of the models that many people use is the ACTS model. This stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.  When you write out your prayers, include a “thank you” note to the Lord. He has been good to you. How can we express our thanks? We say it, we write it and thirdly, we show it.

3.       Show it.

            We need to show our appreciation.  To show means to exhibit, to display, to make known. We need to make it known to God that we appreciate what He has done in our lives.  God has given you special gifts, natural talents and abilities. We show our appreciation for those gifts by using them in a way that gives honor to Him.

            Jesus taught us not to hide our light under a bush. In the same way, we should not hide the talents and abilities that he has given us, but use them to help others.  

            How do you show it? Here’s something to think about. We have all made mistakes and God has forgiven us. One way that we can show our appreciation to God is by forgiving those people who have hurt us.

            Some of you are holding a grudge against someone for something that happened months ago.  It’s time to forgive.  God has forgiven you and it’s time for you to forgive them.  It’s time to lay down your weapons. It’s time to make peace.

            How do you show it? Be nice. Be kind to the individual.  This week you may see some family members that you have had a long standing feud with. Be kind to them. Extend grace to them. As you do that, you are saying “thanks to God” for the grace that He has extended to you.

            How do you show it? You can show your appreciation in tangible ways by giving to the Lord.

Proverbs 3:9 

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.

            All throughout the Bible, you will see examples of people expressing their appreciation for what God has done by giving an offering.

            In addition to the tithes that we collect on a weekly basis, we make it a practice here at The Creek to bring a special offering to the Christmas Eve Service each year.  It’s a tangible way that we can say, “Thank You” to God for his blessings in our lives throughout the year.

Exodus 25:1-2

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.

Over the next few weeks, you will hear more about our Christmas Eve Offering.

We encourage you to follow your heart and do what the Lord prompts you to do. How do we say “thanks?” Not only do we show it, but we must live it.

4.       Live it.

            I want you to live a life of thankfulness. God has graciously poured out His blessing on us. We should live in a way that expresses our appreciation for what He has done.  We are to live with a thankful heart in the good times and in the bad. It’s God’s will for us to be grateful.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.

            We say thanks to God by the way that we choose to live. The choices we make express our appreciation for God’s work in our lives.  Practically speaking, if God has forgiven us of our sins, we must make a conscious effort to turn around and not repeat the same mistakes that we have made in the past. The Bible calls this repentance.

            In other words, when you repent you are declaring that you are going forward and not backwards. It means that you allowing Jesus to lead your life. You are going to walk in his footsteps and use his life as a model for your own.

Colossians 3:17 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

             Today we are here to give thanks.  We want to be intentional as we express our appreciation for God’s blessing on us. We want to say “thank you” for giving us a second chance. We want to say “thank you” for the forgiveness of our sins. We want to say “thank you” for the families that He has given us.  We want to say “thank you” for the friends that we have.  We want to say “thank you” for our church family. We want to say “thank you” for providing for us.

We want to say “thank you” for allowing us to be a part of what His work in this world. We want to say “thank you” for the hope of a better tomorrow.

            Today we want to say “thank you” to Jesus for what He did on the Cross. Throughout history, Christians have gathered on a regular basis to remember his sacrifice and offer thanks through communion.

            Today we have five different communion stations set up so that as you feel prompted and prepared you can say “thank you” for his grace.

            I realize that some of you are unfamiliar with this ancient practice. Just before Jesus went to the cross, he met with his disciples and shared a meal. Some people call this the Last Supper. Jesus said that in the future when you meet together re-enact this meal and as you do it, remember what it means.

            Communion symbolizes Jesus’ death on the cross. As we take communion, we remember that Jesus, who is always present—at all times and in all places—is present in a special way when we come to the Table.

            On the night before he was crucified, Jesus gathered His friends, and

He took a piece of bread and said:

I want you to do this and eat this bread on a regular basis, and, as you do, I want you to remember My body broken for you, My hands nailed to a cross, My side pierced by a sword, My head torn by a crown of thorns.

He took a cup of wine, and He said:

I want you to drink this cup on a regular basis, and I want you to remember it is My blood poured out for you. I died so you could live.

He said:

Luke 22: 19

Do this in remembrance of me.

YOU CAN HAVE A NEW LIFE

Dr. Marty Baker | John 3 | November 1, 2009
Good morning. I am Marty Baker and I would like to welcome you to Stevens Creek Church. I would also like to welcome those that are watching on television and on the web.
Have you ever needed a second chance…another opportunity to do something right? Yes, all of us have. I will never forget when I made the transition from college to graduate school. I had a good time in college which meant that when I applied to graduate school, I was accepted in the program on academic probation. I felt pressure out of the gate.
When my first exam rolled around, I thought that I was ready for the next level. The night before the exam I was called into work because of a tragic accident. I was up all night and by the time that I sat down to take the exam, I was nervous and very tired. When I looked at the questions on the exam, it was much worse than I expected. I did not know any of the answers to the questions. I could feel my blood-pressure rising as I wondered what this exam was going to do my career.
I realized that I could not bluff my way through this exam so I humbly walked to the front of the class and explained my situation to the professor. He gave me a second chance and allowed me to take the exam later that week. Not only that, but he gave me the same exam so when I arrived to re-take the test I knew all of the questions. What could have been a rough start to graduate school actually became a second chance opportunity that helped me to gain confidence to do what I was there to do.
Today I want to talk to you about second chances. I believe that you not only turn over a new leaf but you can have a new life. You cannot change your past, but you can start over and change your future.
We are in a series called Amazed. It is a group of messages based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Today’s talk is called “You Can Have a New Life.” It is taken from the most famous conversation in the Bible.
In John 3, we meet an individual named Nicodemus. He met Jesus late one night for a conversation that ultimately changed his life. Nick was a noted and highly respected member of the community. He was well-versed in religion and politics and was a member of the Jewish Ruling Council called the Sanhedrin. This meant that he was one of the 70 leaders in the community that regularly met with the high priest. This was a big deal.
Nick had everything that most guys wanted…respect, position, influence and upward mobility, but there was something missing in his life. He was empty inside. This emptiness drove him to risk his entire career. It drove him to have a conversation with Jesus. Let’s look at John 3.
John 3:2-4
2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
Today I want to talk about the most important question that has ever been asked: “How can I be born again?” Being born again is all about having a new start; it’s about having a second chance. Before we leave today, you will have the answer to that question.
Today we have a special guest with us, Ruby Gettinger. She understands what it means to be born again. She has a new life in Jesus Christ. Her life has been changed on the inside and now she is on a journey to change her life on the outside. She is on a journey to health.

VIDEO Introduction for Ruby:
Later on today we are going to have Ruby share her story, but before she comes, I want to share with you some of the principles that she has used in her own transformation.

INTERVIEW with Ruby

Ruby shared with us that she was addicted to food. When I saw her on Oprah, one of the statements that spoke to me was not “what are you eating, but what is eating you?” That’s my question for you today. What’s eating you?
We all have our struggles. Some of us wrestle with food, some of us with work, video games, self-esteem, alcohol … there are so many things that can lead to unhealthy addictions in our lives. This simply means that we lost our freedom and have become enslaved to something outside of our control.
2 Peter 2:19
…for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
What’s mastered you? What’s the area in your life where there is an imbalance? What is the thing that has become an unhealthy obsession?
For Ruby it was obvious, she had a struggle with food. Your struggle may not be so obvious. It may be something that you can hide. Just because it’s not as visible does not mean that you do not have a problem.
So, what is it? What’s that one thing or that one relationship that you are thinking about right now and justifying in your mind that it is okay?
I know that some of you are getting defensive about it. You rationalizing your behavior and have a list of reasons why you are living the way that you are living. Some of you are saying that it’s not a problem. I can quit at any time.
The truth is that you are in bondage. You are enslaved. Every day you are giving up more and more control. You have given up your freedom.
You don’t have to continue to live like this. Today is the day that you get set free. Today is the day that you let Christ do a divine work in your life. I want to share three Biblical principles that have the power to set you free.
Steps to Freedom
The first step is simple.
1. Take it to God.
The “it” maybe different for all of us, but whatever “it” is to you, whatever the baggage is, whatever that problem is, whatever the addiction is, we are taking “it” to God.
Romans 6:12-14
12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God…
14 For sin shall not be your master…
Some of you may remember the old cartoon Pop-Eye the Sailor Man. The cartoon revolved around a weak-looking sailor who would break open a can of spinach when faced with great adversity and, after the first bite, he was suddenly endowed with incredible strength.
One episode featured Popeye’s girlfriend, Olive Oyl, being mistreated by Brutus and his friends. Popeye took it all in stride hoping the bullies would leave her alone. However, the situation escalated and the bullies just wouldn’t leave Olive Oyl alone.
Popeye reached his breaking point. He grabbed a can of spinach and uttered his famous line. He said: “I’ve had all I can stand. I can’t stands no more.”
Some of you this morning are at your breaking point. Maybe you’ve had all you can stand and you can’t stand it anymore. Something has to give. Something has to change.
Today is the day for you to come clean. You are going to say, “I am not going to live in darkness anymore. I am not going to let the spirit of darkness control my body.” I am not going to go there. I am not going to worry about what’s going to happen to me. I am not going to be in bondage to something that is not the presence of Christ. That’s all I can stand. I am going to take it to God in prayer.
When you get serious and you take it to God like you have never, ever taken it before, you will find deliverance. I am not talking about some sterile Sunday School prayer. I am talking about getting serious with God. I am talking about on your face, crying out to God saying: God if you don’t come through to me I am not going to get out of this. God I am desperate. God take it away. God take it away.
Today is the day that you will take it to God and He will do a work like He has never done before. Cry out: God set me free. Some of you may look at the addiction and say, “I just cannot overcome it, it’s too big.” What’s bigger? Beer or God? Cigarettes or God?
Do you remember the story of David and Goliath? All of the Israelites looked at Goliath and said, “He’s too big.” David heard them say this time and time again. He finally came to the point where he said, “That’s all I can stand.” Who is this guy to come against the armies of the living God? My God is bigger and He will deliver us. Which is bigger? God or your problem? Scripture says it this way:
2 Corinthians 10:4
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
The weapons we use have the explosive, miraculous power of God. So, what has mastered you? The first thing that we are going to do is Take it to God. Next, take it public.
2. Take it Public.
We are going to confess it publicly.
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
The problem is that so many people are afraid of what other people may say. You’ve got to get passed that. You will not be completely free until you take it public. You don’t need to have a news conference. You just need a few trusted friends like the ones in your small group.
Ask your friends for help. Ask them to help you in three ways.
Ask for Help
• Help me with prayer.
Will you pray for me? I believe that prayer is the key that will unlock the door to spiritual blessings in our lives. We need God to move in our lives. The power of God is released through prayer.
• Help me when I fall.
Chances are that you will fall and you need someone to help pick you up and encourage you. We all make mistakes. You must be willing to ask for help when you fall.
• Help me with accountability.
You need a friend to help hold you accountable. Do you have someone that knows you well enough to confront you when it is evident that things are not right?
There are many of you that need to put these steps into action. You need to go public. You need help. You need to confess. Some of you, however, will be on the receiving end of a confession. Some of you may have a spouse come to you and say, “I am addicted to this or to that.”
Some of you have known it for a long time and you will say, “Finally.” Others of you will be shocked and you will say “What?” You will be tempted to take it personally. You may be offended by it. You will be tempted to be hurt and angry.
If you are receiving a confession today, receive it with grace. Don’t get angry. Don’t take it personally. Understand that your response to that confession is critical in the healing process of the one who is making the confession. Love them. Hold them. Pray for them. Help them. Realize that they really want to be free. Take it to God. Take it public.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Today is the day to get free. You are going to take it to God, take it public and finally take it down.
3. Take it down.
How are you going to take it down? It’s time for you to take the first step. Do what you can do. You do the possible. Trust God to do what you cannot do. It’s that simple. You are going to do what you can do and you are going to trust God to do what you cannot do.
If you are addicted to alcohol, then you are going to pour it out because that’s what you can do. In three days when you think that you are going to die without it, God is going to come through for you. If it is cigarettes, today you are going to throw them in the garbage can on your way out. Go straight home … not by a convenience store. That’s what you can do.
If it is Internet pornography, it’s time to take action. Maybe you need to cut your internet subscription and if you cannot do that, then you need some sort of web accountability. Go to www.xxxchurch.com and you can find help.
It’s time for you to walk away from sin. It’s time to say, “That’s all I can stand, I will not stand it anymore.” I will not be in bondage to something. I will not let sin master me.
Today is the day you can be set free. The Bible says:
Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
It’s time to take those things that have mastered you and master them. You can have a new life. How? Take it to God; Take it public and take it down. You can do all things through Christ. Today is your day. You can be free.
We started this message with the story of Nicodemus in John chapter 3. As you remember, Nicodemus had a void in his life. He sought to fill that void with education, prestige, and success, but even with all of that, he knew that something was still missing. He needed a new life. He needed to be born again.
He said, “How can a man at my age be born again?” Jesus responded by saying that he could have a new life from the inside out. He’s not talking about a physical birth, but a spiritual birth. He is calling you to the same thing.
How does that happen? Jesus continued the conversation with the most famous words in the Bible.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
If you believe these words, you can be born again today.
You can experience the joy that Ruby has talked about and that so many people in this room have experienced. You can have a new life. It can all begin right now.
A Call to Prayer
Today we are going to close with two prayers. The first one is for those of you who have never said, “Yes to Jesus.” Today is the day that you are set free from your sin. Now is the time. Surrender your life to Him. I want you to pray this prayer with me:
Heavenly Father. I am ready to give you my whole life just as you gave Jesus for me. I believe that Jesus is your son who died for me. I want to live for you. I want to be born again. Save me. Heal me. Deliver me. Make me into the person that you would have me to be. Fill me with your Spirit today. I pray this believing that you have heard my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, the second prayer is for those of you who have struggled with some of the issues that I have mentioned. You need God to break some strongholds in your life. You need a breakthrough.
James 5:14-15
14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
As April leads us in a song, I want you to come down front and there are people here to anoint you with oil and pray over you. We believe that this is your day to be free.

A PLACE AT THE TABLE

Dr. Marty Baker / Luke 14:14-24 / October 25, 2009
Good morning and welcome to The Creek. I want to specifically welcome those in our Grovetown Campus and those that are watching on television and at www.StevensCreekChurch.com.
Have you ever felt like an outsider? I have. When I was in the seventh grade, I joined the high school band. (Some of you watching today may remember this because this service is on channel 11 in Abbeville.) After the first competition that fall, it was evident that my legs were too short to hit the line or I was just uncoordinated. For whatever reason, I was just not measuring up, so I, along with six other folks, were pulled from the show.
From that point till the end of the season every time the band performed we had to stand at attention on the sidelines. As a seventh grader, this was not cool. It was humiliating. On more than one occasion, I can remember going home in tears because I wanted to be a part of the group and not on the sidelines.
Has there ever been a time where you felt like that? Maybe you were not in the band, but you were cut from the football team and your friends made the team. Or maybe you failed to get into the college that you wanted, or you were passed over for a position or left off the guest list at a party you wanted to attend. Along the way, every one of us has felt left out or have experienced some sort of rejection.
At times we bring those feelings into church thinking that because we have been rejected at other places that God has rejected us too. But, I have good news for you. God has a plan for you. He has a seat of honor for you. He has a place at the table for you.
Today, we continue our series, Amazed, with a look at a story that Jesus told about a great banquet. This parable shows us the incredible heart of God. In it we see His passion to include people, people who have been on the sidelines, people like you and me.
Luke 14:16-17
16 Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.
17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
To understand this passage, you have to look at it in light of their customs. In Biblical days, people typically received two invitations to celebrations. When a feast was first proposed, a nonspecific invitation would go out to the intended guests, announcing the event and highlighting its significance.
They did this way because planning was so unpredictable. The host did not have the luxury of running down to the grocery store to stock up on supplies, so they may have to wait for certain ingredients to become available or they may have to wait for the cow to fatten up before they would slaughter it.
People typically sent out the first invitation without a specific day or time stipulated. Guests would then anxiously wait for the much anticipated second invitation that said, “The feast is ready, it’s time to party!” Those invited never quite knew when that second message would finally be delivered, but they prepared to be ready to go as soon as the invitation was extended.
The banquet that Jesus was referring to was a big deal; it was a great banquet. It was a big-time, guzzle-and-gulp-it-down feast. They did not use plastic-plated deli trays or cheesy cheese logs. They did not have rubbery chicken-ALA-king or dry sheet cakes. It was a meal fit for a king.
In those days, people knew how to throw a party. So many of the banquets we go to begin a 7:00 and we are out by 9:00 PM. In those days, people came early and stayed until all the food was gone and their energy ran out. Banquets were huge celebrations. It was a banquet that people look forward to attending; well that is, most people.
As the story goes, there were several people who excused themselves from the party. At times we have all made excuses. We’ve all had our schedules change for one reason or another and are forced to give an excuse for not being somewhere. We give an excuse. If we miss an appointment, we give an excuse. If we are stopped for speeding many of us try to give an excuse. If we are a few minutes late to the office we give a detailed explanation.
As a pastor, I am always on the receiving end of somebody’s excuse. They want to explain to me why they were not in church. I hear this a lot, “Pastor, things are crazy right.” What does that mean? When are things not crazy? One of the most random excuses for missing church came to me several years ago. Someone said, “Pastor, I am sorry I missed church because I had to get my oil changed?” Really, an oil change? Is that the best excuse that you can come up with? Just tell me that you had a hang-over.
Sometimes our excuses are elaborate and have very little truth in them. That’s what’s happening in our parable today. Jesus is telling a story about a generous host who wants people to come and share in a rather glamorous feast, but several of the people make excuses for not attending. What are they?
Luke 14:18-20
18 "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'
19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'
20 "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'
On the surface, these seem somewhat logical, but let’s look a little deeper. The first one said, “I’ve just bought a field and I must go and see it.” How many people buy land sight unseen? Very rarely do people make large land purchases without walking the property, examining the lay of the land, and admiring the view. This excuse was not realistic.
The next guy said, “I’ve just bought five yoke of oxen and I want to try them out.” In those days, five yoke of oxen would be like buying five John Deere tractors. If you are going to buy a tractor you are going to kick some tires and test drive it. Before anyone buys a yoke of oxen, he is going to check them out first. He is going to see if they are strong enough for the job.
The final excuse seems a little more logical. The guy said, “I’ve just got married so I can’t come.” That man was not out of the gate good and he was hen-pecked.
What is Jesus really saying in this story? He is using this story to teach us a lesson about God and His passion to bless His people. You see, God has invited us to a great banquet. It’s a celebration. It’s a family dinner where you feel accepted, loved and cared for. It’s a place where you feel secure and you feel like you belong. It’s life in His Spirit.
God sent out the invitations, but instead of accepting His invitation, many people have excused themselves from any kind of connection with you. They have excused themselves away from any spiritual experience.
When they are asked to come, they simply say, “I am not interested.” Many people are like the man who just bought a field, they allow their possessions to keep them away from God’s will for their lives.
Some are like the second man who felt like his business expansion was more important than his spiritual life.
Others are like the last man who allowed relationships with other people to take precedence over their faith. Each one of these individuals gave an excuse and thus rejected the offer to the great banquet.
Today, God is reminding you of His invitation to join Him. What’s your excuse? You have seat at the table. God has a place of honor for you. He is looking for you. He wants you here. God is not mad at you. He has not rejected you. So, what’s your excuse for rejecting Him?
This invitation is for all of you. It does not matter where you came from or where you are right now. God is searching for you. He has room for you at his table. Let’s look at God’s response.
Luke 14:21
21 "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
This is very interesting because the people that we would normally exclude from our guest list are found on God’s list. So, at this table here today, there is room for everyone.
Luke 14:22
22 "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'
God is bigger than we think He is. His heart is bigger. His compassion is bigger. His plans for you are bigger than you imagine. Just when you think that you have asked too much, God says, “There’s more.” There is still room.
Luke 14:23
23 "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.
This story is not only about those who are on sidelines, but here he speaks to those in the game. He told his servant to go. We, as believers in Jesus Christ, are his servants and we have the responsibility to go and make them come in.
We take this so lightly. We have bought into the cultural view of tolerance to the point that we do not care if someone dies without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We are too afraid that we may offend someone so we remain silent. Remain silent about the greatest gift that you have ever received.
You cannot watch a good movie without telling ten of your friends how great the movie is. You cannot go to a good restaurant without telling a number of people how good the food is.
Yet, when you go out of here, you are so timid to tell anyone what God has done in our life. Tell your story. Tell your friends how you felt before coming to Christ and how you feel today. Tell your friends what it feels like to be forgiven. Your friends aren’t looking for a lesson in theology, they are looking for hope.
When you talk to them, don’t talk down to them. Don’t preach to them. Don’t judge them. Just love them enough to share some good news. Just tell your story. Just tell that Jesus has changed your life and that He is room at the table for them too.
Jesus is telling us to go. He said, “Make them come in.” We need to be pro-active. We need to take the initiative. There will be people that we will see this week that are headed for a Christ-less eternity. Will we even notice them? What do they look like? Let go back to verse 21.
Luke 14:21b
21 ...Then the owner ... ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
He specifically mentions the poor, the crippled, blind and the lame. He said to begin with the hurting people. Some of us immediately think about folks that under-resourced and disenfranchised. So, we sign up for a First Saturday Missions experience here at The Creek. I appreciate that. We need to be in the inner city. But, I believe that our vision must be broader.
When Jesus refers to those who are poor, could he be referring to those individuals who are poor in spirit? These are the people who are depressed and discouraged.
Here’s his message. There’s room at the table for people whose lives are broken and hurting. There’s room for people who are not perfect. This is a healing place for a hurting world. You can find healing. You can find hope in Jesus Christ.
What about the crippled? Could this include those individuals that have been crippled by life? What about those folks who have and are suffering through a divorce?
You never dreamed that your life would turn out like it has. When you exchanged rings on your wedding day, you thought that it was till death do you part, but it has not turned out that way. God hates divorces, but He loves divorced people. If you have been crippled by divorce, there’s room at the table for you.
Maybe you have been crippled by a financial reversal. You never thought that you would be in this situation, but here you are.
There are some here today that have been crippled by an unexpected death of a loved one. There’s room at this table for you. You can find comfort in Jesus Christ. If you are grieving a loss, there are people here at The Creek that will walk along side of you. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. We have a grief share group that meets on Mondays at 7:00.
Luke 14:21
… 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
What about the blind? There are many people who are blinded by the world and cannot see the light of God’s love. Maybe we are to extend a loving touch to these individuals.
What about the lame? These are the people who have never been given a chance to walk. Could it be that God is calling us to help them get on their feet and get started on a new path?
Our vision must be broader. There’s room here at The Creek for people who have suffered, people who have lost their way, people who have stepped out of bounds. There’s room for you.
When you look back over this passage, the message is very clear: we are to bring them; we are to make them. God wants you to be involved in this work.
For years, we have encouraged you to invest your life into people and then invite them to church. Here’s an empty chair. We are the hands and feet of Jesus in this community. It is our responsibility to have a conversation with the people that God brings our way.
But, not only that, we are to go into our week and compel people to come to the banquet. There’s a place here for you and your friends.
God’s arms are open wide and He is saying to come to the table … those of you who are wounded, hurting, sin-laden and lost. Come, come to His table today.

RESTORING YOUR SPIRITUAL PASSION

Dr. Marty Baker | October 18, 2009 | Mark 12:28-34

Welcome to Stevens Creek Church! We are glad that you are here. We want to welcome all of the Creekers in our Grovetown campus, those watching us on television, and on the net.

When I was a kid my Dad always said, “Son, I want you to go to school so that you can do more than I have done.” I think that’s the goal of most parents. Over the years, I have grown to understand that just maybe my Dad had an underlying message, “Son, I want you to go to school so that you can get a job and get off of my pay-roll.”

When I look back over my formative years, there has always been a teacher that inspired me to go further than I thought that I could go. I think about Leland Scott in high school. He taught me the value of leadership and how to lead people. I think about Winston Elliot in college who taught me to dream of how things could be. In graduate school, W.A. Cowley taught me to press through mental barriers that were keeping me from moving forward.

A teacher has an unusual ability to shape a student’s future. They help mold our thinking. They inspire our visions and help direct our footsteps. Throughout history there have been many teachers that have captivated the imagination of their students, but there has never been a teacher like the one that I am going to talk about today. His words shaped not only a generation, but a movement that has transformed the world. When people heard him speak, they were simply AMAZED at what He said. Today we are starting a brand new series based on the Teachings of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 7:28-29

²⁸When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Over the next several weeks, we are going to open up the Bible and see what Jesus taught. His words will instruct you, encourage you and most of all give life to you. You will find his words written in the Bible and what you will discover is that His words are not only for the hearing but for doing. They are action steps to a better life. When we apply His word to our lives, we will become the people that we were meant to be. So, let’s get started.

One day a man walked up to Jesus and he said, "Lord, what’s the most important thing in the Bible? What’s the greatest commandment?"

Mark 12:29-31

²⁹"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.³¹The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these."

Jesus is teaching here that our interaction with God should be more than an old worn-out ritual. It should be more than just following the rules and regulations. Instead, it should be a life-giving relationship that flows from your heart to His. In scripture, the heart is more than an organ. The heart is the center of a person. It is the seat of his emotions, passions and appetites.

To "Love the Lord with all your heart" means to make a conscious decision and commitment to serve God above everything else. Jesus is saying that I want you to be sold-out, fully devoted and passionate about your faith.

You know in America, it is okay to be passionate about anything except God. I can be passionate about movies. I can be passionate about sports. I can be passionate about politics. I can be passionate about fashions and clothes. I can be passionate about restaurants, but I cannot be passionate about God. That’s a no-no.
This past week I went to www.Amazon.com and typed in the phrase "a passion for..." I found scores of books with that title like: A Passion for Nature, A Passion for Opera, A Passion for Publishing, A Passion for Chocolate (that’s understandable), A Passion for Fashion, and even A Passion for Motor Sports.
It seems to me that in our culture it is okay to be passionate about anything except your faith, except your relationship with God. I can go to a rock concert, or a political rally or a football game and I can shout my head off. I can get excited. I can get hoarse from yelling so loud.

When my team loses I could cry. Nobody thinks that’s a big deal. When my team wins I can jump up and dance around and wave my hands in the air.

If I do that at a game people go, "He’s a real fan!" If I do that in church some people may say, "He’s a fanatic! He’s a nut case." You don’t want to get too emotional about your faith. Jesus approached faith very differently. He taught us:

Mark 12:30

³⁰Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

We need to give God our all. Many of us here today would say, “Okay. I am going to do that. I want a passionate and dynamic spiritual life.” So, you make a decision to say, “Yes” to Jesus. You turn your life around. Things get better. You are free from your past. Your sins are forgiven. You start to see God’s hand on your life. You filled with joy.

But, then life happens. Storms blow in. Challenges come. Things get tough. Before you know it, you have lost your joy. You have lost your peace. You lost your contentment. You have lost your spiritual energy. Where did it go? Where did you lose it?

I see this happen a lot. People get excited about faith, but then their spiritual fires burn low. They lose focus. They lose passion.

How does this happen? Let’s be practical. There are several things that work against our spiritual growth. These things get us off track. They invite confusion to come in. They slip in and rob the joy right out of your life. They steal our spiritual passion.

Over the next few minutes I want to help you pinpoint some of the things that are draining the life out of you and hopefully offer some help along the way.

Restoring Your Spiritual Passion.
1. Take a realistic look at your schedule.
I talked about this a few weeks back. When your schedule gets out of whack, it creates a spiritual drain. When you are overworked or under worked, you are going to lose your enthusiasm for life and you are going to lose your passion for God and other people.

Remember that life is a series of seasons. There’s a season for everything. There’s a rhythm to life. You need both input and output. You need both rest and work. And too much of either will cause you to lose your enthusiasm. Too much work will affect you and too much of doing nothing -- boredom -- will affect you too.

Probably in a crowd this size, half of you need to work less and half of you probably need to work more. There’s a temptation to go either way.

Some of you are struggling because you are always giving out. You’re always helping, you’re always sharing, you’re always serving, you’re always working, you are always being generous and you never take time to recharge. You cannot sustain a passionate spiritual life with that schedule. Here’s what is going to happen. You are going to burn out from too much work.

Others of you here, you’re the exact opposite. You’re always taking in but never giving out. You go to Bible studies, you listen to teachers on the radio, you listen to podcasts, you go to Christian concerts, you go to workshops, you come to church all the time. You’re always learning, always taking in, but you’re not giving out any.

You don’t have any ministry, you don’t have any mission. You’re not really helping anybody. It’s not healthy. You need balance in your life. You need both … an input and output. You need work and you need rest. You need balance in your schedule. When your schedule is out of whack, it creates a spiritual drain in your life. Take a realistic look and then reorder your schedule. Here’s another spiritual drain.
2. Ignite your passion by using your gifts and talents to help others.

Every believer has been given gifts and talents to be used to serve Christ and His Church.

1 Peter 4:10

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another

God gives you these gifts, talents and abilities. These gifts are not for your benefit. They’re for the benefit of other people. My gifts are for your benefit. Your gifts are for my benefit. You are to use those gifts in the service of other people.

God has given you a special role in this world. He wants you to make a contribution with your life. God did not give you special abilities just to sit on them and do nothing about it.

An unused talent will cause you to lose your enthusiasm for life and your passion for God. Again, let’s be practical. If you are stuck in a job that does not use your talents to any degree you are inevitably going to lose your passion. You will eventually burn out.

Studies have shown that 70% of all Americans are in a job that does not use their talents. That’s tragic. That makes God sad. Because God did not give you talents and then say, "Don’t use them. Just go make some money." There’s something more important than money. That is using what God gave you.

If you’re in a job right now that uses only 30% of your talent that’s going to give you a 70% boredom factor. Some of you know what I am talking about. You are bored by your job because it’s not using the talents that God put in you.

The reality is you’re never going to find a job that uses 100% of your talent. You’re never going to find a job that is 100% fulfilling.

Why? Because God never meant for you to find 100% fulfillment through your job.

Your life is more than your job. He wants you to have a ministry. That’s why you need a ministry in the church so that you can use the talents you are not using in your job.

You need a job but you also need a ministry that expresses what you’re good at. That’s why we here at Stevens Creek encourage everybody to find a ministry. Ignite your passion by using your gifts and talents to help others.
3. Make peace with your past and move forward in forgiveness.

This is a big one. Few things rob you of spiritual passion, confidence and joy more quickly than guilt. This guilt typically comes from un-confessed sin.

When we allow sin to stay in our lives un-confessed, it subconsciously gnaws at us. We try to push it aside by saying, “I’m okay. It’s no big deal. Everybody else is doing it. We try to justify our actions, but the guilt eventually comes back.

Most of you work with computers. Have you ever had one to crash? That’s when some program tries to write the wrong thing to the wrong place and it crashes.

Guilt does that to us. Guilt can cause a system crash in your life. We’re not made to live with guilt. God wants us to deal with it immediately that is why He sent Jesus to this earth to die on a cross. Through Christ we can be forgiven and our guilt removed. You can be free from your guilt. Confess your sins to Christ. Ask him to forgive you.

1 John 1:9

⁹ But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

That’s His promise. To confess just means you agree with God. You just say, "God, I agree with You. It’s a sin. What I did was wrong. Please forgive me. I want to live the kind of life that you want me to live.”

You don’t have to carry this guilt around with you for days or weeks. Right now in your heart, say, “Take it, God.” Say, "I confess it. Forgive me of my sins. Restore my joy. Restore my passion.”

4. Do your part to resolve the conflict that you have with others.

You are going to have conflict with others. There will be certain people that know how to get under your skin. There are certain people that rub you the wrong way. When this happens, you get angry and before you know it you are in conflict with them.

Conflict drains the passion right out of you. Your joy goes out the window when this person comes in the room. Your attitude all of a sudden just goes flat.
Some of you are in the middle of it right now…at home, at work, or with a relative. It feels as though conflict is constant. It’s time to work at resolving the conflict. Do what you can to minimize the conflict. You do the possible.

Romans 12:18

¹⁸If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

As you work at it, be careful to protect yourself. You must guard your heart. Don’t allow resentment, jealously and prolonged anger to stay inside of you. You must let it go. You have to forgive.

Forgiveness is the key to healthy and growing relationships. If you don’t forgive, then resentment and bitterness will control you. Don’t let that happen. Let it go. Put them in God’s hands and let Him handle it. Our scripture today says….

Mark 12:30-31

³⁰Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. ³¹The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.

You must love God and love people. Learn how to love even when it’s not easy to do so.

5. Stay fresh in your spiritual life through connecting with God and other believers.
I want you to have a vibrant spiritual life. I want you to be passionate about your faith. How do you do that? How do you stay fresh?

You need times with God. You need to get to know Him personally. I want you to join this church, but church membership is not as important as developing your relationship with Jesus Christ.

You need regular times that you connect with God in pray. You need to learn how to listen to His prompting and respond to His directives. You need to learn how to worship, not just in this auditorium but in your everyday life.

You need to read God’s word and grow to be more like Christ. You need to have a ministry where you’re using your talents to help other people. And you need a mission in the world where you’re sharing your faith.

If you want to restore your spiritual passion, you not only need to connect with God, but you need to connect with other believers.

You need fellowship with other believers. Sometimes you lose your enthusiasm for God because you’re not spending time around other people who have a passion for God. You’re not spending time around other Christians. You’re not getting any fellowship. We need each other.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

⁹ Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

¹⁰ If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

We all stumble at times. So we all need people to help us up in our lives. This is why you have to be in a small group. Do not wait until the crisis comes and then think, “Now I need a small group.” Do it today. Every one of us needs a group of people that we can do life with.

Human beings were made for relationships. We’re made to live in community. Whether you’re married or single you need relationships with others. If you don’t have the support of other believers, there will be a higher probability that you will lose your enthusiasm for faith.

Here’s what I have seen over and over. A person stops coming to church. They stop hanging out with other believers. They rationalize it by saying, “I’ll just watch it on the Internet or on FOX.” I’ve got other things to do... I’ll get back to church soon.”

When you do this, your heart starts to turn cold. You start to feel far from God. You start to feel like God’s far from you. God did not move. You did. It’s time to come back. It’s time to re-connect with God and other believers. You need Him in your life. If you don’t make room for God in your life, your heart will shrivel up.

I don’t want to see that happen. I don’t want you to continue living an isolated life. You don’t have to walk alone. God wants to walk with you. Jesus loves you. If you could boil the whole Bible down to one verse, it would be John 3:16.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God really loves you. The real focus of today’s talk is for you to respond to His love. Do you love Him?

This past week I watched the closing moments of the classic movie: Fiddler on the Roof. You may remember the scene when the husband asks his wife in song: “Do you love me?” She responded in song with all of the things that she has done for him. She said, “For 25 years I have washed your clothes, cooked your meals, cleaned your house, given you children, milked your cow.” The husband responded over and over, “But, do you love me?”

This morning Jesus is asking you, “Do you love me? There are so many people that respond to that question with a list of things that they have done. I have attended church. I have given money. I helped with a special project. I even joined a small group. But, Jesus is saying, “Do you love me?”

That’s the question that I want you to answer today. Do you love Him with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength?