The Love of God

THE LOVE OF GOD

John 3:16-20

Introduction: On Friday morning during my regular exercises at the Gym this news got my attention. “Grinch Slashes 12 Inflatable Christmas Decorations in Natick. When Angela Hoyt went to shut them off just before 9 p.m. she noticed almost all of them had been destroyed. Just days before Christmas, the family is now struggling to explain why a Grinch made a mean visit to their house. Angela Hoyt has been adding to the expensive collection for years. “Heartbroken. My heart sunk,” Hoyt said. “I’m sad for my kids. And the kids in the neighborhood and the kids in the community who come around the streets to look at the decorations at night, my spirit of Christmas has been deflated”

  On this fourth Sunday of advent, I have good news for all those whose spirits may have been deflated. Some Grinch may slash or steal your Christmas decorations, but he cannot steal the true spirit of Christmas; Joy, the Hope of Christmas; Jesus and His message of Christmas; Love. Appropriately the candle we light today is called the, “Candle of Love.”

            Our focus today is on how God expressed His love to mankind that is so desperately in need of and searching. I would like to expand on the scope and the purpose of God’s love so that our Christmas celebrations will be more meaningful, purposeful, hopeful and enjoyable. Here is the background to our passage.

Background:  As Christians, we can all quote John 3:16 by heart, but do we understand in what context those most powerful words were said? Let me draw your attention to a conversation between a highly learned Pharisee, in fact a ruler and teacher of Israel and Jesus. The pharisee’s name was Nicodemus. He came to Jesus at night, that tells us that perhaps he was afraid of his fellow Jews or to avoid embarrassment of not knowing the answers to his questions. Nicodemus here is a protype of a seeker with burning questions searching for answers.

            Jesus is the only one who can answer all of life’s complex questions. While answering Nicodemus, Jesus was respectful of his position as a teacher of the law. He gently leads him to a profound truth of being Born Again. Within that context of personal salvation, Jesus unfolded God’s plan for the salvation of the whole world. Three themes run through this passage.

I. GOD’S ALL-INCLUSIVE LOVE

            Is God’s love inclusive or exclusive? The answer is not either or but both and. Let me explain this apparently contradicting statement. God’s love is both inclusive and exclusive at the same time. First, we want to see, how inclusive God’s love is.  In Vs 16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son.” This phrase talks about the all-inclusive love of God. There is no place on earth, and no person living on the earth is outside the scope of God’s love.

            We see this all-inclusive love of God throughout the scriptures. Consider the call of Abraham.  Genesis 12:1-3, “The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” From one-man named Abraham, God made a nation of people called, “Israel.”

            As the history unfolded, we know that the nation of Israel was disobedient to God’s will to be a light onto the nations (Isaiah 49: 6) So, God had to humble the people of Israel by scattering them to the four corners of the earth, with a promise to bring them back into their land. Isaiah 11:11-12, “In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to bring back the remnant of his people… He will raise a flag among the nations and assemble the exiles of Israel. He will gather the scattered people of Judah from the ends of the earth.” In order to fulfill this promise when the fullness of time came, God sent his son to the earth.

            That is the essence of Christmas, on that day God demonstrated His love by giving Jesus Christ his Son as a gift for everyone. We may argue about the exact birth date of Jesus, but on 25^th December every year, around the four corners of the earth, over 2 billion Christians (over a third of the world's population), celebrate the birth of Christ. God’s love is all-inclusive. God loves all people, regardless, of their race, gender, ethnic, education and economic background.

            I Timothy 2:1-4, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”     What does this mean for us today when we say God’s love is all-inclusive? It means loving people regardless who they are. God loves sinners and hates sin. Therefore, we too are to love sinners and hate sin. During this Christmas how is your love for others? You may say I can love all people but that one person I cannot love. Really!

            God’s love compels us to love all people including those who hate us and intend to harm us. St. Augustine once said, “If all mankind had been righteous and only one man a sinner, Christ would have come to endure the same cross for this one man, He so loved every individual.” God’s love is all-inclusive but also at the same time it is exclusive. How could that be? Let me explain. Yes, God loves all people, and wants all of them to be saved, but would all people everywhere automatically get saved? Or will only a few be saved?

II. GOD’S EXCLUSIVE LOVE

            Vs 16b, “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.” This scripture shows God’s scope of love and at the same time narrows it down to only those individuals who believes in his Son

            That is what I call God’s exclusive love. It does not mean that God loves some and doesn’t love others. But it does mean that there are some who will respond to his love and others reject his love. The exclusivity here is not so much on God’s part, but on man’s part. Consider the following scriptures: John 1:9-11, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”

            Salvation came first to the Jews as promised, some accepted Christ as their savior but many couldn’t resolve the fact that He indeed was the promised Messiah. So, God extended his offer of salvation to all who will believe in his Son. John 1: 12-13, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

            What does it mean to receive Jesus the word of God? It means to acknowledge his claim, place one’s faith in him and thereby yield allegiance to Him. Then God will give them the exclusive right to become “Children of God.” Romans 8:17, “And if we’re children, we are also heirs: heirs of God, and fellow heirs with the Messiah...”

            You may wonder why when salvation is made available for everyone, only those who believe in Jesus Christ will not perish but have everlasting life? John gives the reason why in the following verses:  Vs 19, “And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.” Even though God’s light, (Jesus) is brightly shinning in the world, some people are afraid to come to the light, because they love darkness more than the light. If that is the case who are we to blame the light, or the people who remain in darkness because they love it so much? You be the judge.

            But those who come to the light their lives will be transformed and they can get to enjoy life to the fullest. Are you afraid to come to the light? You may be loving darkness more than the light and your actions may be evil. On this fourth Sunday of advent, God’s love is compelling you to come to the light and enjoy all those exclusive privileges of being part of God’s one BIG family. God’s love is not only all-inclusive at the same time exclusive, also it is the saving love.

III. GOD’S SAVING LOVE

            Coming back to the Christmas narrative we have been following: Do you remember what the prophet Isaiah said about the Son that God was going to be sending into the world? 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.”

            Or what the angel spoke to Mary and Joseph saying, that Mary was going to give birth to a son and they were to call Him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins. All these prophecies and the words of the angels were pointing towards a savior who would come to save Israel, and all the people from their sins. The scripture tells us that when the fulness of the time came God sent forth His Son who was born to Mary, wrapped in a swaddling cloth lying in a manger. The shepherds were filled with Joy when they saw the baby Jesus. The wise men worshipped and offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh acknowledging his kingship.  

            That baby in the manger did not remain a baby, he grew up to be a man. During his time on the earth, he loved all people, particularly, sinners, the prostitutes, lepers, and those who were tormented by demons. He preached the message of love by healing the sick, feeding the hungry and raising the dead. Finally, he was nailed to the cross, taking all our sins on Him. He died and was buried in a grave, but came back to life on the third day conquering sin and death.

            John explains the mission of Jesus on the earth. John 3:17-18, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

            During this Christmas as you come around the Christmas tree (if you have one), with your family or friends or all by yourself and unwrap the gifts, remember to unwrap the greatest gift of all times, the salvation of your soul by inviting Jesus Christ to be your savior and lord.

When you do that I promise, that you will find joy, peace, and the hope of Christmas that can only be found in Jesus the true reason for this season. Those of you who have already received that gift of salvation, don’t keep it for yourself but share it others so that they too may receive, Peace, Joy, Love and hope during this Christmas Amen!

Advent: A Season of Joy

ADVENT: A SEASON OF JOY

12/16/2018

Introduction: Everybody wants to be happy! What makes people Happy? Is it the Economic power? Or the Military power? Or receiving your favorite gift this Christmas? According to the World Happiness Report’s annual ranking of more than 150 countries, for the second consecutive year, the United States has taken a tumble. The United States ranked 18th.

That is down four spots from a year ago. Finland is No. 1, edging out Norway, the 2017 champion. Denmark was third, followed by Iceland and Switzerland. In spite of our wealth and apparent success there seems to be a lot of “Un-Happy” people in the USA. maybe we should have a new election slogan in 2020, “Making America Happy Again.”[1]

What makes People truly Happy and Joyful? We have been progressing through this advent season, so far, we have lit two candles. The first helped us to understand our Hope is in Christ Jesus alone; with the second we looked on how we are to prepare ourselves for the Messiah’s second coming. As we light the third candle, we remember the joy of waiting, because we know how the story ends! The pink color means joy! Which reminds us of the joyful angelic announcement about the savior of the world, and the eager response of the shepherds who rejoiced when they saw the baby wrapped up in a manger. Advent: A Season of joy

            Background Information: It would be helpful to know a little bit about the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem which was also called, “The town of David,” where David was born. In Genesis 35:19, it was called as Ephrathah where Jacob buried his wife Rachel. Situated five miles south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem (House of bread) was an insignificant town during OT times. In 737 BC Micah prophesied that the Messiah would come from this community.    

            Micah 5:2, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.” Archeologically, little is known of ancient Bethlehem.

            Very early church tradition locates, Jesus’ birth in a cave in Bethlehem, over which the emperor Hadrian constructed a shrine to a Roman deity. Later, the Christian emperor Constantine erected a church building over the cave. After its partial destruction by the Samaritans in the sixth century AD, the Church of the Nativity was rebuilt by the emperor Justinian and still stands today as one of the most ancient church buildings in existence.

            This Historical background helps us understand the movement of God throughout History, for telling and fulfilling His promises and preserving the names and places of their fulfillment. Otherwise we would have missed out on this wonderful account of Jesus’s birth. In the passage we read, we will see two main characters: The Shepherds & The Angels

I. THE SHEPHERDS & THE ANGELS

            Vs, 8-9, “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified.” Have you ever wondered why the good news of the savior of the world was first revealed to the shepherds in the hills of Bethlehem and not to the wise and the learned in the palace?

            Bethlehem was nearby Jerusalem, and many of the sheep used in the temple sacrifices came from there. The surrounding hills were prime grazing land, and shepherds worked in the area day and night, all year round. It was one of those nights the shepherds were out in the field watching their sheep. “Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified.”

            Nearly every time an angel appears in the Bible, his first words are, “Do not be afraid!”  Is it any wonder? When the supernatural makes contact with planet Earth, the human observers usually end up flat on their faces in fear. Here it is no different with the Shepherds, the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” These days when we turn on the TV we hear and see a lot of bad and sad news.

             But the news that the angle announced to the shepherds was nothing but all good news. It was not sad news but joyful news.  It was just not meant for Israel only but for the whole world.

II.  WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT THE GOOD NEWS?

            Vs11-12 “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” For the past couple of weeks, we have looked at some ancient prophecies of Daniel, and Isaiah about God setting up an everlasting Kingdom and God sending a sign of the Messiah. Israel had been waiting and preparing themselves for their fulfilment. Several centuries passed, but they hadn’t seen the fulfillment of those prophecies.

            History tells us that for about four hundred years there was absolute silence from heaven. There was no prophecy, or direct word from God, as if the heavens were on strike. All of a sudden, we see the heavens engaging with the earth once again. The heavenly agents became super active, the angles were moving back and forth from heaven delivering messages from God.

            First to an elderly couple named Zacharia and Elizbeth and then to a young couple pledged to be married named, Joseph and Mary. In the passage we read, an angel on that starry night delivered mega news to a group of innocent shepherds. That angel said, it was “the good news.” To understand the goodness of the good news we need to see how bad the situation was.

            The prophets paint the picture pretty well. Darkness, gloom and despair was all around. For God’s people life was nothing but full of troubles. The Romans were in power, imposing their rules and customs on them, making their lives miserable. Yet int the midst of all that, the silver lining was the promises of God, which gave them hope. They were looking forward for the Messiah who would deliver them from the tyranny of the Roman government and establish a government of peace and justice.

             The irony in all this is that they were only looking for a temporary reprieve from their tormentors but whereas God had something far better for them. That was the good news. The angel said, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”     That was nothing but the prophecy of Micah, and a sign of its fulfilment for the Israelites who had been waiting for generations. Yet it was not delivered to the wise but to the shepherds. But why shepherds, you may wonder? Shepherds in an agrarian society may have small landholdings, but those would be inadequate to meet the demands of their own families, the needs of their own agricultural pursuits, and the burden of taxation. As a result, they might higher themselves to work for wages. They were then peasants, located at the bottom of society.   God in His sovereignty sends this good news, bypassing Augustus, the Emperor, Quirinius the governor and Herod the king of Judea to the lowly shepherds who were at the bottom rung of the society. By entrusting this news of great Joy, God recognized their worth and elevated them to a position of esteem and honor, they in turn spread this Joyful news all around.

III A JOYFUL NEWS FOR ALL PEOPLE:

            Vs 10, “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” How do we wrap our minds around this concept of Joy?

             The Greek word Chara means joy comes from another root word Charis, which means grace, as if Joy is a direct result of God’s grace.  It also may be related to the Hebrew word meaning, “a young sheep or lamb,” indicating the skipping and frisking of a lamb for Joy.          Skipping lambs are so adorable to watch. I don’t think nothing can bring more joy to a mother sheep, than watching their little lambs skip and jump for Joy. The biblical Joy was a shepherding concept. The shepherds who were in touch with nature and intimately involved in observing the joyful moments of their flock understood this concept of simple yet pure Joy.

            Those of us who are living in non-agrarian cultures, inundated by gadgets tend to miss out on these precious truths. When the angle said, “Do not be afraid I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people,” I am sure the shepherds jumped for joy just like the skipping lambs. An angelic choir joined the celebration in praising God, saying:

            “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Upon hearing all that, the shepherds hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

            The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”  What a beautiful narrative of the account of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have heard this story so many times, but I wonder how many of us are paying attention to the good news of great Joy that angles proclaimed? How many of us are eager to know and see Jesus like those shepherds who upon hearing without hesitation went and saw the baby in the manger? How many of us are sharing the good news of the gospel to others, glorifying and praising God as the shepherds did?

            During this advent season, where can one find true joy and happiness? Are you feeling depressed having lost all joy in life? Joy is a symptom of life and sadness a symptom of loss or something dying with in us. Are you trying to fill the void in your life by seeking material positions, pleasure and success? Listen to the angles and shepherds. Jesus who was born to be a king in Bethlehem, is the only one who can truly bring joy to the world.

            I will close with a prophecy from Malachi, the last prophet in the Old Testament. Malachi 4:1-2 “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all. “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.”  This blessing is promised to all those who fear the Lord. Therefore as C.S. Lewis wrote, "It is not so much the joy of the Lord we are seeking as the Lord of joy Himself." Amen!

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[1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/03/14/perhaps-tired-of-winning-the-united-states-falls-in-world-happiness-rankings-again/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.db2a71b959b5

IN-BETWEEN THE TIMES

IN- BETWEEN THE TIMES

Isaiah 40:1-8

Introduction: During my time with Youth With A Mission India, I traveled quite a bit to several countries. After clearing customs, security check, I would finally board the flight. I am now seated fastening my seat belt and the Airplane is lifted off the ground leaving my family, my home country and everything that was familiar behind and going to a country that is not my own.

            Once the flight is in midair a bunch of mixed emotions and thoughts used to flood my mind. It was like living in a no man’s land, scary and exciting at the same time. It was scary! Because I didn’t know what kind of reception I was going to receive in the new country. would I be accepted or rejected? Would I land safely in the first place? Will I ever return to my home country to see my wife and children again?

            It was Exciting! Because of the adventure of meeting new people, eating new food, and visiting new places. On the flipside of those in-between times were some of the most comforting times for me. I’ve learned to let go control over my life, and surrender into the hands of God who is my pilot and is more than able to lead me safely to my destination.

            Paul Tournier, in A Place for You, describes the experience of being in between: Between the time we leave home and arrive at our destination; between the time we leave adolescence and arrive at adulthood; between the time we leave doubt and arrive at faith. It is like the time when a trapeze artist lets go the bar and hangs in midair, ready to catch another support:  it is a time of danger, of expectation, of uncertainty, of excitement, or extraordinary aliveness.”[1] Advent is all about living, “In-Between the Times.” Whether we realize it or not Christian life is also about living, In-Between the Times.

            Last week we learned how Israelites held on to their Hope during trying times. This week, we will look at a prophecy regarding a people who were living In-Between the Times, and how God promised to move them from captivity to freedom and brokenness to wholeness.

A BIT OF BACKGROUND:

            Isaiah was an 8^th Century BC Southern prophet, a contemporary of Hosea and Micah. He is called “prince of the prophets” because of the grandeur of his prophecies. Chapters 40-66 address Judah during the Babylonian captivity as if it were a present reality, though that captivity did not begin until 586 BC. They focus on redemption and hope. But the scope of the book moves beyond Israel’s history to the redemption of the whole world.

            Chapters 40-48 deal with the coming of Cyrus and the fall of Babylon as proof of the power of the God of Israel both to foretell and to fulfill, in amazing contrast to the idols of the heathen, which could do neither. Let’s explore the passage. Isaiah 40:1-2, “Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.”  

I. FROM CAPTIVITY TO FREEDOM:

            Th is prophecy was primarily spoken to a captive people who were In-between the times of their captivity and freedom. They were living in a foreign land many miles from their home, and longing to return to their home country one day.  Two main themes we see in this prophecy: The brevity of human life, and God restoring the good fortunes of people through redemption. In Vs 1-2, Isaiah was instructed not to whisper, but to speak tenderly to Jerusalem, that her hard service has been completed, her sad days are over, and her sins were forgiven, though the Lord had punished twice over for all her sins. What comforting words these were to captive Israel!

            This scripture gives hope not only to Israel but to all those who are going through struggles. If you are one of those, be encouraged, take comfort in the Lord, your hard times will not last forever, sooner than later you will see relief come your way, may be during this advent season. On the other hand, there is nothing can give more comfort to a sin ravaged soul than to hear God say, “My son and my daughter, your sins are forgiven, now you are free to live, to love and to experience all the good things that I have instore for you.”

            The commission and the instructions were not only given to the prophet Isaiah only, but to all the Lord’s prophets. The Church is also given similar instructions to proclaim comfort to God’s people. To let them know in spite of their hardships, one day they will experience God’s grace, strength, peace and His abundant provision again. Their later days will be more glorious than their former days. That was the Hope of Israel. Let’s look at the brevity of human life.  

II. THE BREVITY OF HUMAN LIFE (Vs 6-8)

            Vs 6-8, A voice said, “Shout!” I asked, “What should I shout?” “Shout that people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field. The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so, it is with people. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”

            Just imagine, if God calls, you and instruct you to go to Hollywood and shout saying, “you people in Hollywood, you are like the grass, your beauty fades just like the flowers of the field and the grass of the wild, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” What kind of reception do you think you will get?  Probably, you will get some bottles thrown at you, or you may be arrested and put in jail. The prophets of the old were given a difficult assignment. They were to bring God’s message to a rebellious people who were bent on doing their own thing.

            Yet the prophets spoke boldly for which they dearly paid with their lives. The message of Isaiah to the captives in Babylon applies to all mankind, yet we don’t like to hear the truth. We all are like the grass. No matter how hard you try to cover up, or do face lifts and apply all other beauty treatments, I have sobering news, our beauty will quickly fade away just like those flowers and the wild grass. The prophet says, God can blow it away just like that by his breath.        But this was not what God had in mind, when He created man. He had great plans for him. Here is what God intended for man. Psalm 8: 3-6, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority.”

            How did man fall from that great height to a very depraved low? Adam and Eve the first couple were deceived by the Devil. They believed and exchanged the truth for bunch of lies. They disobeyed God’s command by eating the forbidden fruit. In the Bible that whole situation is described as, “The fall of Man.” With that fall man lost his glory and honor.

            The bible says, “everyone who sins is a slave of sin.” John 8:34. That is the truth, because Jesus was the one who spoke those words. The Bible also says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23. In the passage we read, ancient Israel sinned therefore it was exiled to Babylon. In between their captivity and freedom, God spoke words of Comfort and Hope. No matter who you are, we all are sinners, slaves to sin. We are in need of forgiveness and redemption. Our lives that were supposed to have been wholesome now are riddled with brokenness. Who will deliver us from captivity to freedom? Who can put our broken lives together and make us whole again? Who can restore our lost glory and honor?

III. FROM BROKENNESS TO WHOLENESS

            Vs 3-5, “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken” This prophetic voice, told Israel to prepare for the revelation of God’s glory.

            Israelites were to clear the way through the wilderness, make a straight highway through the wasteland, fill the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. They were to clear all those obstacles first, only then, they and all those who were around them could see the glory of God. In other words, they were to repent of their sins and turn their hearts back to God.

            Nearly five hundred years later, this prophecy was fulfilled in John the Baptist, who preached the gospel of repentance. “When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals.

            He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” (Mark 3:4-17). John the Baptist, became the forerunner preparing the people for the Messiah’s first coming, by preaching to people to repent and turn their lives over to God. Many have repented and turned to God

            What makes people totally free and truly experience all that God has for them? It is “Repentance.” Eugene Peterson, in his book “A long Obedience in the Same Direction” notes, “Repentance is not an emotion. It is not feeling sorry for your sins. It is a decision. 

            It is deciding that you have been wrong in supposing that you could manage your own life and be your own god; it is deciding, that you were wrong in thinking that you had, or could get, the strength, education and training to make it on your own; it is deciding that you have been told a pack of lies about yourself, and your neighbors and your world.  And it is deciding that God in Jesus Christ is telling you the truth.”[2]

            Only through repentance and by His grace we are saved. A few final thoughts: Israel was living in between their captivity and freedom. They were living in between their brokenness and wholeness. They were looking for someone who could move them from their In-between places to a spacious place where they once again enjoy life the way it meant to be. They were given hope by the prophetic words of Isaiah; that prophecy was later fulfilled in John the Baptist.

            As people who are living in between the first coming and the second coming of Christ how are we to live and prepare others for the Lord’s return? The Lord Jesus told us what to do. “So, you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42. Keep watching means to prepare ourselves, to live Holy and Christ honoring lives.

            Keep watching also means, like John the Baptist the cousin of Jesus we are to do the work of an Evangelist. Jude another brother of Jesus warns us we must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. May the Lord help us all to be powerful voices of hope and repentance to people around us during this Advent. Amen!

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[1] Eugene Peterson, A long Obedience in the Same Direction, page 20

[2]  Eugene H. Peterson, “A long Obedience in the Same Direction.” Pages 29-30

Jesus is the Hope of all Nations

JESUS IS THE HOPE OF ALL NATIONS

Introduction: In December 1903, after many failed attempts, the Wright brothers were successful in getting their "flying machine" off the ground. Thrilled, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: "We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas." Katherine hurried to the editor of the local newspaper and showed him the message. He glanced at it and said, "How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas." He totally missed the big news--man had flown!  Since then we have made great strides in the area of aviation.

            On November 26, 2018, NASA's InSight lander, successfully made the touchdown. It was a BIG news. We saw these pictures of scientists at mission control erupting in cheers and handshakes. The craft sent back its first set of photos. As I saw this, I wondered how many of them have actually paused, to give thanks and glory to God for this successful mission!

            In the hustle and bustle of Christmas, the business of buying presents, decorating the Christmas trees, if we are not intentional, we too are in danger of forgetting the biggest news in the history, that “The savior of the world finally made His entry on to the earth.”

            Around 480 AD or so a beautiful tradition emerged in the world-wide Church to help Christians slow down, pause, remember and reflect on this greatest historic event and remain forever grateful. That is called “Advent.”  At Hope Church we will be joining many Christians around the world who are observing advent. I encourage you to celebrate this season with us.         Over the course of the next four weeks, different individuals and families will be lighting up the candles. We will be reflecting on various passages that talk about the expectations of the coming Messiah, the announcements of Christ’s arrival, the joy of the shepherds and the adoration of the wisemen of the King who was to be born in Bethlehem.

            My prayer is that this Advent season you will be intentional, set aside some time where you will slow down and remember and anticipate the promises of God.  

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

            A little bit of background will explain the condition, the hopes and aspirations of the nation of Israel that are presented in the passage we read from Isaiah 9:2, 6-7. If you remember from our studies of the CASKET & EMPTY series, the time before the Messiah coming into the world was known as, “EXPECTATIONS.” During that time the nations were waging wars. Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians and the Israelites were taken into exile in Babylon.

            Israelites were living in fear, complete destress, and hopelessness. In one way they were living in utter darkness. They thought God had abandoned them and forgot His promises. But God had not left them, He was building expectations for a future King. God spoke through several prophets that he was going to restore their kingdom and their future will be glorious.

            One of such prophets was Daniel who worked in Nebuchadnezzar’s court in Babylon. Daniel interprets dreams. He prophecies about Four kingdoms (“beasts”) that will rise and fall, but God will establish His everlasting kingdom. (Daniel 2, 7). Based on these prophecies Israel was expecting the Messiah. Awaiting the Kingdom of God as the coming reign of God (Zech 14:9). And they were looking for the Royal Son of Man. (Dan 7:11–14)

            Around the 8^th Century BC, another prophet named Isaiah prophesied how God would end the dark days of Israel by sending them a King who would establish a different kingdom they had ever known. Can you imagine what it must have been like among the exiles when these words in Isaiah 9:2, 6–7 were first spoken? They may have welcomed these words with gladness in their hearts and rejoiced over the fact that soon their troubles will be over, joy and prosperity will return. These words of Isaiah must have come as relief to the weary Israelites.

I. WHO NEEDS HOPE?

            Vs 1-2, “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future, he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Let’s pause and reflect on these two important verses of prophecy by Isaiah.

            The regions of Zebulun, Naphtali on the northern border in northeast Galilee, west of Jordon River were the first to suffer from the invasion by the Assyrian King, (2 Kings 15:29), marking the beginning of dark days for Israel. In the former time, God humbled them, and the days were to be full of gloom, but in the later time God would exalt Galilee among the nations and transform their gloom into honor.

            In the N.T we will see this prophecy of Galilee’s honor to the time of Jesus Christ’s first advent. Matthew 4:15-16, quotes Isaiah 9:1-2 directly. Ultimately, its fulfillment will come at Jesus’ second advent when the enemies of God are toppled down and people are freed from the yoke of bondage to sin and death. Let’s ask ourselves this question, Who, needs hope? 

            Is that the person who is financially challenged? Or those whose marriages are hurting?  Or those who are struggling to quit drugs and other dilapidating habits? Or those celebrities who seems to have everything yet their lives are unravelling? Who really needs hope? In one way it is you and I, we all need Hope, especially one who is feeling hopeless.

            At the time of this prophecy the Israelite’s situation looked gloomy, and hopeless. The world we live in today is waging all kinds of wars. Many refugees are moving to safer places escaping suffering and danger on their lives. People are living in constant fear of invasion.

            Dread diseases, famine and hunger are killing people. Crime and violence are increasing. Under such circumstances where can we find hope? On a personal level, how are you feeling today? Are you overwhelmed and felling hopeless? Commonly speaking the word hope means, “a wish.” Its strength is on the person's desire. But the Biblical hope is the confident expectation of God’s promises. Its strength is not on the person, but on God’s promises and his faithfulness.

            Numbers 23:11, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Hebrews 6:18, “God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.”

            These two scriptures tell us that we can indeed trust God no matter what. Retrospectively speaking we have more reasons to trust God than the Israelites did then, because we have the scriptures and they just had to hold on to the spoken prophecies and the words of God.

II. THE HOPE OF ISREAL

            Vs 6-7, “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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Earlier, in chapter seven Isaiah prophesied that God would send them a sign.

            Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” In the passage we read, he goes into more details about the child, how he will be called and what he will do for Israel and for everyone else. What was unique about this prophesied child and the son?

            The names by which he would be called and the kind of government and kingdom he is going to establish. At the time of this prophecy and since then, there were and are many counselors, but none can be called, Wonderful Counselor. Many gods but none is called Mighty God. Many fathers but there is only one Everlasting Father.

            Many kings but, there is only one Prince of Peace. Many governments, but there is only one great government of peace. Many thrones and kingdoms but none can last forever, except the throne of David. The one who sits on that throne will reign supremely forever. Who will sit on that throne? It is the promised Son of God, who is also known as the son of David.

            What are the two guiding principles of His kingdom? They are: enduring Justice and Everlasting Peace. That was the Hope of Israel. Many have held on to this hope for a long time, and are still holding on to it even today. Who is this hope of Israel, and the hope of all mankind?

III. JESUS IS THE HOPE OF ALL NATIONS

             In one sense the lives of many Jews and non-Jews lie in between two promises of God. One is the fulfilled promise and the other is yet-to-be-fulfilled. Jesus is the promise and the Hope of Israel, not only for Israel but for all nations. The first promise was fulfilled at the fullness of time, when God sent his only begotten Son Jesus into the world. That was the first advent of Christ. Unfortunately, many Jews missed that advent, they could not recognize Jesus’s coming.

            The second advent is about the promise is about the promise of Christ’s return to the earth for the second time which is yet to be fulfilled. That is our hope, and the hope of all those who are longing for His return. For the Jews this hope was and will continue to remain a mystery until the son of God reveals himself to them. Thank God, on the first advent God had revealed that mystery of the hope of Glory in the person of Jesus Christ. This is how the Paul explained the supremacy of Christ in Colossians 1:15-19, 26 Jesus is the Hope of all Nations.

            “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

            Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So, he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ. Vs 26-27 “the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” What comforting and hope giving words these are during this advent season.

            Our prayer is that, everyone in this world may come to experience the hope of God’s glory, in the person of Jesus Christ. May their hearts be softened and opened by the power of the Holy Spirit so that they will accept Jesus as their savior and God, and live lives that are worth of Him.  May the Lord continue to give us grace, fill us with joy as we prepare our hearts for His second coming. In the mean while let’s keep sharing our faith in Christ with everyone. Amen! 

LOVING RELATIONSHIPS AT HOME

LOVING RELATIONSHIPS AT HOME

“Children & Parents” Ephesians 6:1-4

Introduction: In our 24 years of married life, some of the most satisfying and fulfilling years have been, when we were raising our three young daughters in India. We took our parenting seriously, we read up books on effective parenting, and tried to apply parenting principles from God’s word. We sought to raise our children with a different set of values than we had been raised with by our parents. It is not that we have always done it right, but to the best of our ability we tried to model Christ. Now, we are in the season of launching young adult daughters.

            I remember one early child raising incident when Joanna dropped our tape recorder and broke it. Both Joanna and Jemimah sensed that I might get mad, so they got together and prayed. When I came home, they told me what had happened. I had a choice to make, either to react Christ like or do what my father did to me when I lost a toy, which was to give a good beating. Thank God! I chose the former and gave them a big hug for telling the truth and being honest.

            I am sure most of you agree, that parenting is the most important responsibility a couple could have, especially when you are raising young children. But we are often at a loss when it comes to knowing how to be better parents to our children. God has given us His word, the Bible where we can find some principles on how to raise God fearing children.

            For the past several weeks we have been working through the letter of the Apostle Paul to a young church in Ephesus, where he addressed how to live Christ honoring lives in a world that has either less or no regard for God or His principles. Last week we have looked at the case for marriage. Today we will look at another equally important relationship, which is the relationship between children and parents. “Loving Relationships at Home: Children & Parents” To understand this dynamic relationship between Children and Parents, let’s look at a typical Roman household. Roman writers commonly discussed family life in terms of three sets of relationships: Husbands and wives, parents and children, and masters and slaves. Fathers were expected to provide for their families, although mothers often imparted the most direct moral influence on young children. As a son grew up, however, the father would assume primary responsibility for his education and discipline. The Roman mother held a place of high honor in society and was expected to behave with honor and chastity. Mothers held the household keys and managed domestic servants. The welfare and the education of children was shared by both the parents.           What does a typical American household look like these days? In a culture where many marriages, families and homes are hurting, how are we as Christian households to raise our children? What keeps a home and family together? What are the roles of children and the parents in a Christian home? The Apostle Paul gives a few principles for both the children and parents to follow. First let’s look at how must children behave toward their parents.

I. CHILDREN OBEY YOUR PARENTS (1-3)

            Vs 1-3, Children, obey your parents in the Lord. This is right and proper. Honor your father and your mother, this is the first commandment that comes with a promise attached. So that things may go well with you and that you may live a long life on earth.” The Greek word for obedience here means: “To hear, to listen, give head, yield and mostly it means obey.

            Colossians 3:20, reads, “Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing (acceptable) to the Lord.” God is pleased when we are obedient to Him and to our parents. Do you sometimes find it hard to be obedient? It is not surprising if you do. Every one at times finds it hard to obey. How does obeying our parents look like in our times? 

            Children pay close attention to this. For example, when your Mom and Dad asks you to clean up your room and empty the dish washer that’s what exactly you do and do it cheerfully, and as quickly as possible. Some one said, “delayed obedience is equivalent to disobedience.”

            The scripture says obey your parents in all things. At the same time, it also says, “In the Lord.” What does that mean? It means at times you may have to disobey your parents because what they may say to you may not be God’s will for you. For example, if your parents were to tell you to go steal something, cheat, or to lie. All these things go against God’s will for us.

            Along with obedience children are also commanded to honor their mother and father. To emphasis this point, the apostle Paul referred to the fifth commandment that says “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” (Ex. 20:12). This is the first commandment with a promise.

            A long life is promised to those who honor their parents. In eastern cultures, children never address their parents by their first names. We see even grown up adults honoring and respecting their fathers and mothers. When they leave on a journey or come home after many days they bow down and touch the feet of their parents seeking their blessing.

            To my astonishment after moving to the USA I was shocked to hear young children calling adults by their first names. Some children and young people do not respect and honor their parents. They are often rude and disobedient to their parents, to their own determent.  How do we honor our parents? What does it look like?  It means being responsive and respectful.

            Pay attention to when your parents are talking to you. Put your cellphone away give eye contact. Don’t talk back disrespectfully. Follow through when asked to do something. Trust that your parents want the best for you. Love does not mean you always get what you want. Your parents love you that is why they want to train you and prepare you to be all that you can be, that includes character training.  A very vital part of a great life is to have a good relationship with your parents. Now let’s turn to Dads.

II. THE DO’S AND DONT’S FOR DADS

            Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” In Col 3:22 we read what happens to the children when they were provoked to anger, “they may lose heart.” Or become discouraged. Earlier we learned that both the mother and the father play important roles in raising children, however here fathers seem to have been given extra responsibilities to discipline, and to instruct the children.           Unfortunately, many dads are abdicating this responsibility as a result child are growing up to be unruly and disobedient. There are other fathers who provoke or exasperate their children to anger, subjecting many children to discouragement. Fathers remember we are commanded not to provoke our children to anger.

            Provoking to anger” suggests a repeated, ongoing pattern of treatment that gradually builds up a deep–seated anger and resentment that boils over in outward hostility. Here is a test to fathers and mothers, how do you know you might be exasperating your children? These are some of the ways you might be exasperating your children:  

            1 Over protection: It may be well meaning, but if you are constantly hovering over your child, it can be suffocating and your child may resent it in the long run. (examples, soccer moms or baseball dads). Some mothers smother their children, never leaving them to explore new things. No doubt you can love them, but also give them some room. 

            2. Showing favoritism. One child is favored over other children. I can tell by experience, in Indian homes, boys are often favored over girls. In my home it was the same case us two brothers were given better treatment then our three younger sisters.

            3. Pushing achievement beyond reasonable bounds. A third way parents provoke their children is by pushing achievement beyond reasonable bounds.

            A child can be so pressured to achieve that he is virtually destroyed. He quickly learns that nothing he does is sufficient to please his parents. No sooner does he accomplish one goal than he is challenged to accomplish something better.  That child will become competitive, will do anything just to get parental love. Your child desperately needs to know that he or she is loved for who he or she is apart from grades or accomplishments.

            My sincere advice to parents who are still raising young children. Please take a look at your parenting style, you may be exasperating your child by your over protection, showing favoritism and pushing achievement beyond reasonable bounds. This is how some secular homes may function, but Christian homes are to be different. My humble advice to fathers and mothers, is that you make sure to spend time with your children, hear what they have to say to you.

            Really seek to understand and affirm the uniqueness of each child. Fathers be able to say sorry when you are wrong.  All children crave for positive affirmation, and unconditional love from their parents. Above all keep the communication doors open. In the OT the Jewish parents were encouraged to instruct their children in the ways of God, this is what they were to do: “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates,” Deuteronomy 11:19.

            This shows how our faith is to be integrated into all aspects of our life. I am impressed when I see how Jewish parents walk with their children talking along the way when they go to the Synagogue. Let’s take advantage of our dinner times around the table. Let everyone put away their cellphones. Play board games or do a puzzle together. Use your long car drives to and from school to engage your children in meaningful conversations. At times I still find this the hardest thing to do, but when I finally get to do, I have great conversations with our daughters.

            These are just only a few suggestions, there are more, but you get the point. When parents show unconditional love, acceptance and appreciation combined with healthy discipline in that atmosphere children will thrive.  May the Lord help us to make our homes safe heavens for our children to grow and become all that God would want the to be. Amen!