The Monday After

Well......

2010-05-05T11:08:00.000-04:00

So yesterday Jeremy Nuckolls (Youth Pastor) and Nick Ballenger (Executive Pastor) for Summit Church met with the Charleston Baptist Association and were confirmed regarding their application for Ordination. Jon Davis was on-hand to celebrate the event and was delighted to hear the response from the board members. When asked about how he felt about his ordination Ballenger said, "I feel good about it". Jeremy Nuckolls responded by saying "What's that mean? How do you feel? I feel...hold on...normally when people say...they're going to quote you, they tell you that. You can't go quote people and not tell them you're quoting them. I feel...good about it...pretty excited that the local church has confirmed the ordination that the Lord has placed on my life".

Summit will celebrate the confirmation of the two "staff" members shortly, and we look forward to seeing everyone there!

- Ballenger

John Piper on "Common Grace"

2010-04-15T08:41:00.001-04:00

This Past Sunday

2010-04-12T11:00:00.001-04:00

Isaiah 40:1--3

1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.

Joshua 3:2--8, 11--4:3

I. First way the culture is penetrated (or make a difference), someone is convinced of GODʼs

power! (penetrated idea from Alvin Reid, via HOLY SPIRIT; see vv. 2--4)

A. “barrier of culture”: “The canaanites worshiped the fertility gods...baal, the god of water, rain, storm, wind, thunder, lightning, depths of the water (Joshua 3:15)...the river represented that Rahab was shielded from the Israelites and their GOD. [baal] is protecting us [because of the river].” (Ray Vander Laan)

B. “The dividing of the Jordan river, when separated, GOD was making a declaration that HE was stronger...than the gods of the culture...water miracles [during desert wanderings] which had to impress upon their hearts GOD was not a GOD of limited location, but a GOD of everything. And, HE was bigger than all other gods in the culture. (Ibid.)

C. Application: “We need to decide if GOD is the GOD of everything, or there are some things that are outside of HIS control.

D. v. 4: even if “you have never been this way before” / Key is reverence! (“keep a

distance”)

II. Second way the culture is penetrated (or make a difference), GODʼs “priests” (or people) go first. (v. 14)

A. Who are “priests?”

B. “priests”

1 Peter 2:9--12

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people

belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out

of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now

you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you

have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in

the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing

wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

a) “What stands between you and your calling in life...what [GOD] want[s] to do through

you, [HE’ll] take care of it. But nothing will happen until you put your foot in the water....” (Ray Vander Laan)

b) “Once the ‘priests’ stepped in, they were going to be over their heads, or...” (Ibid.)

c) “If they [hadn’t stepped into the water] theoretically, the whole nation would still be

standing on the bank. But what loosed the power of GOD [if you will] GOD whether

[we] live or...die we’ve got to make a commitment. And they stepped in over their heads...” (Ibid.)

C.They didn’t go empty handed. They had a symbol of GOD’s presence:

1. “the ark”: “the place where GOD’s presence was...” (Vander Laan)

a) HIS mercy seat and HIS Word. (vv. 10--11, 14)

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we

may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Psalm 56:3--4

3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

b) Also, we have the HOLY SPIRIT!

Ephesians 1;13--14

13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of

truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in

him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.

c)“GOD acts often when people are willing to make that total commitment.

d) Application: Do I want GOD to remove all the barriers and then step out, or will I

make a “total commitment...step in, I’m yours because I believe when I make the total

commitment GOD acts?” (Ibid.)

e) Can you imagine “one priest saying to another priest, ‘Wasn’t I in front yesterday?’”

When we take the first step, then “someone else will have the courage to step forward.”

(1) “We must confront the power of the culture, but we can’t sit and wait until HE

[GOD] figures it all out for [us].” (Vander Laan)

(a) “Determine where you think GOD wants you to go...determine where you

think your abilities and interests are...has to be a total life commitment...

III. Application:

A. Do I feel like I am in way over my head? Call out to GOD! Is GOD’s “arm too short?”

Isaiah 50:2

When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to

answer? Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert; their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst.

B. In what area[s] do I need to make a “total commitment?”

2010-04-06T13:46:00.002-04:00

This Past Sunday

2010-03-23T16:27:00.001-04:00

Matthew 26:36--46

I. When we feel like we have “the weight of the world” on us (i.e., pressed), prayer is the answer! (Ray Vander Laan)

A. Insight #1: We will all be pressed.

John 15:20

20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

1. v. 36: “Gethsemane” = “Olive Press”

2. “Many “Olive press[es] in Capernaum where JESUS did most of HIS three year ministry.”

3. “That olive press came to symbolize the weight that JESUS carried, the weight that JESUS

felt as HE went to the cross.” (Ray Vander Laan)

4. Olive oil: “connected with anointing and MESSIAH” (Ibid.)

5. “The olive tree was considered the MESSIANIC tree. Two reasons:

a) One...the MESSIAH means to be anointed with olive oil, priest were anointed, kings

were anointed, prophets were anointed...indicated they were gifted an called by GOD”

b) “The second thing about olive trees...when an olive tree gets old they cut it down

because there’s too much trunk for the leaves...the following year, a new branch comes

out of the old olive tree...new fruit and lots of healthy branches.... Now GOD in the Old

Testament compares the unbelieving nation of Israel to an olive tree and HE says, ‘You

didn’t produce any fruit.’ But I was patient. I dug around you. I fertilized you. I kept you

growing, and after a while I see now fruit...so I cut you down.” (Ibid.)

Isaiah 11:1--4

1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch

will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him-- the Spirit of

wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit

of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD-- 3 and he will delight in the fear

of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by

what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the

needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will

strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will

slay the wicked.

c) “If JESUS is the ‘Branch,’ then you, Paul says have been grafted in. That means [our]

roots are the Jewish people. That’s our stump.... JESUS is where [we] get our life and

[our] energy, but the key is the olives [we] produce. And if GOD cut down the natural

tree....

(1) “Capernaum” “is the town JESUS pronounces a curse on.” (Ibid.)

Matthew 11:20--24

20 Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had

been performed, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to

you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in

Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22

But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment

than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you

will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been

performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it

will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."

(2) “Now what scares me about that curse is that I’m the ‘Capernaum’ of today. I’ve

heard it all...every miracle of JESUS. I’ve seen HIS hand in your lives...and when

you’ve seen JESUS in action, not to respond is an extremely serious thing. And the

strongest curses in the Bible are not for the most evil people, but for the people who

are evil who know better.” (Ibid.)

d) “The word for shoot in Hebrew is of the same word Nazareth.

Matthew 2:21, 23

21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of

Israel. 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was

fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a

Nazarene."

(1) “A ‘Nazarene’ is somebody from shoot town, branch town...JESUS came from

‘Nazareth’ to indicate HE is the ‘Branch.’

6.“Olive oil was not only food, but it was the oil in their lamps, lubricating oil..only preserving

agent, skin care, they used it for almost everything. Like we would use petroleum.” (Ibid.)

a) Which means, whatever is pressed out of us can be used for many different things.

b) “Capernaum”: “like the general motors for crushers...leading industry in...town” (Ibid.)

c) “Here’s how you processed [the olives]: First, you put olives in this sea...take...large

millstone with a stick through it...fasten to a stick in the middle...attach to a donkey...what

it would do to those black olives that were ripe, it would crack them.

(1) “When they would finish cracking these olives...they would put them into a

bag...bring them over to...a large stone column...then lift up...stack those bags of

olives...on base...sat back down large stone pillar on the olives...and leave it stand

there. As that enormous weight begins to sat down heavily on those olives after a few

minutes that very precious oil begins to drip down...into a pit where it is caught. ...they

take the olives out, get another squeezing” (Ibid.)

(2) “This olive pillar is called the olive press, we say ‘Gethsemane.’ Its job is to squeeze

out of the olive its precious oil.... JESUS takes HIS disciples to ‘Caesarea Philippi’ and

tells them to take on ‘the gates of hell’ and then HE shows them how. He goes to

Jerusalem...has HIS last supper then goes out to the garden of the Olive

Press...experienced the weight of what was going to be laid upon HIM...and the weight

of that was so incredibly heavy that it squeezed out of HIM HIS own blood...HE was

heavily pressed...”

(3) “...laid on HIM was the sin of the entire world...the weight was so enormous that HE

said, ‘GOD take it away, but I will do YOUR will.’” (Ibid.)

(4) “The olives are JESUS. What is the weight? [Us!]”... We are what squeezed out of

JESUS HIS own blood... [I] became JESUS’ ‘Gethsemane.’ HE went to hell forever in

six hours.” (Ibid.)

B. Insight #2: Spiritual battles are felt physically. (vv. 37, 41; Luke)

Luke 22:40--46

40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

1. “drops of blood”

2. “[S]orrow” produces physical exhaustion! But, it doesn’t reduce or eliminate the temptation.

3. Prayer heightens our “temptation” radar.

1 John 3:5

But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is

no sin.

Colossians 1:13--14

13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the

kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness

of sins.

Luke 12:47--48

47 "That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or

does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will

be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much

will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much,

much more will be asked.

C. Just when we think the pressing is over, we get pressed more.

II. Am I being pressed? Pray and trust in the one who went through it victoriously!

Churches Helping Churches Website

2010-03-22T08:28:00.002-04:00

http://churcheshelpingchurches.com/

John Piper at The Resurgence

2010-03-16T10:39:00.001-04:00

David Platt at Southern Seminary...goodness...watch this

2010-03-11T10:31:00.002-05:00

Couresy of TheResurgence.com

2010-03-09T14:42:00.000-05:00

Are you building the Kingdom of God or are you building your own Empire?
The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church, saying he had received reports of divisions among them. “What I mean is that each one of you says, ‘I follow Paul,’ or ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor. 1:12-13)

Followers Want a Hero to Worship

While Paul specifically addresses the factions and quarrels roiling the Corinthian church, implicit in the “I follow Apollos” and “I follow Cephas” charge is the tendency of some people to derive identity, sustenance, and life itself from obeisance to a leader. Following well is what followers should do, and giving honor to one’s teachers is biblical, but what is godly about hero worship?
Leaders can’t help that sin manifests itself through some people putting mere images of God on pedestals. It’s not the sin of good leaders but the sin of the idolatrous followers that pedestalizes mere humans.
That’s all on the demand-side.

Our Empire or Christ’s Kingdom?

The supply-side of the same problem is the temptation that leaders experience to create personal or corporate Empires. The Empire can be the organization or the part of an organization that one leads, or the Empire can literally be a cult of personality that a leader creates and fosters. While the supply-side problem of Empire-building occurs in any arena of human endeavor, this problem looks particularly grotesque when we recognize our imperial labors done in the name of Christ’s Kingdom.

But how could we not pervert the calling of Christ’s Kingdom? We sin. Our hearts are idol factories (Calvin, Institutes, 1.11.8). We pervert everything else we touch, so how would we not, at least in part, turn Christ’s Kingdom into personal Empire? If the telos of our call is to glorify God by building his Kingdom, the means for obeying that call can become, unwittingly, means of disobedience.

Hijacking God’s Gifts for Empire-Building

As Pastor Mark Driscoll taught in his message at the Advance 09 conference, the essence of idolatry is this: take a good thing, make it an ultimate thing, and that’s a bad thing. Our various specific callings within the call to build the Kingdom are good things that require all sorts of specific actions to fulfill the callings. Your special talent and mine? Perverting those good actions, hijacking the means intended for the Kingdom and diverting them into means of Empire.

Repent, Believe, Obey

I spend a lot of time trying to build an Empire, Docent, in the name of the Kingdom of God. My failures in this regard prove that one doesn’t have to have a reputation or lead a large organization. All that is required is a heart that longs for significance found anywhere but in Jesus. So I repent, believe the gospel, and seek by the Spirit’s power to follow Christ again in Kingdom-building. Over and over I repeat this three-fold gospel rhythm of repent, believe, obey.
With renewed recognition of the gospel, knowing that Jesus has already redeemed your sin of Empire-building, and has already made you righteous—knowing that you’re not under condemnation—would you ask yourself this question? Better yet, ask your spouse, your close friends, your colleagues to ask you this question:
Are you doing what you’re doing for your Empire or for the Kingdom of God?

Interesting Article

2010-02-25T08:34:00.001-05:00

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_8559/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=4DjQ2SR5

Eternal Questions

2010-02-15T15:38:00.002-05:00

“Eternal” questions: You better get these right! (Part 2 of heaven and hell series)

Luke 10:17--20; Romans 8:28--39 [NIV]

I. Our eternal security rests on Romans 8:32?

A. How? Giving us eternal life is easy for GOD?

B. Why is giving us eternal life easy for GOD? (v. 32) “The Logic of Heaven” (John Piper)

1. “But what puts Romans 8:32 in a class by itself is the logic that gives rise to the promise and makes it as solid and unshakable as God’s love for his infinitely admirable Son.

Romans 8:32 contains a foundation and guarantee that is so strong and so solid and so

secure that there is absolutely no possibility that the promise could ever be broken. ...ever present strength in times of great turmoil.” [John Piper, Future Grace (Sisters,

OR: Multnomah, 1995), 112.]

2. What makes this verse so powerful? “...two parts. The foundation and the promise.” (Ibid.)

a) “The foundation”: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us

all....”

Acts 2:23

This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and

foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by

nailing him to the cross.

Isaiah 53:4, 10

4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we

considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.

10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and

though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring

and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

(1) Ex. Abraham and Isaac / “Just as Abraham lifted the knife over the chest of his son

Isaac, but then spared his son because there was a ram in the thicket, so GOD the

FATHER lifted the knife over the chest of his own Son JESUS---but did not spare

HIM, because HE was the ram; HE was the substitute.” (Ibid, 112--13)

(2) * Piper: “Why did GOD not spare HIS SON? GOD did not spare HIS own SON,

because it was the only way HE could spare us.” (Ibid, 113)

(a) We deserve “hell” because of our sins. But...

Isaiah 53:5--6

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed

for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was

upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like

sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own

way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

(3) Now we have the privilege of eternal life because we have been set free!

b) “The promise”: “majori ad minus. This means arguing ‘from the greater to the

lesser.’” (Ibid, 114)

(1) Piper: “Overcoming the greater obstacles assures you that I will overcome the

lesser ones.... Paul is reasoning in 8:32 from the hard to the easy, or from the

greater to the lesser.”

(2) “If GOD did not spare HIS own SON, but gave HIM up for us---that’s the hard thing,

the great thing. The reason it’s the greater thing is that GOD love[s] HIS SON

infinitely. HIS SON did not deserve to be killed. HIS SON [is] worthy of worship by

Intro: The snowman we made and how he melted. When it comes to eternal life, can I be eternally secure?

Every creature, not spitting and whipping and scorn and torture. To hand over HIS

beloved SON...was the incomparably great thing.” (Ibid, 114--15)

Colossians 1:13

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought

us into the kingdom of the Son he loves…”

(3) Two examples:

Matthew 6:28--30

28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the

field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not

even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today

and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe

you, O you of little faith?

(a) Piper: “Don’t jump to the conclusion that JESUS is arguing from ‘lesser to

greater.’ Yes grass is lesser than people. But clothing grass is more unlikely

than clothing disciples.... HE says in effect that it is highly improbable that GOD

Almighty would waste HIS time clothing field flowers which last only a day. This

high improbability is the ‘greater thing.’... On the other hand, there is a small

amount of improbability that GOD would neglect HIS SON’s disciples and not

clothe them.” (Ibid., 114)

Mark 2:5--11

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son,

your sins are forgiven." 6 Now some teachers of the law

were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 "Why does this

fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins

but God alone?" 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that

this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said

to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is

easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to

say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10 But that you may

know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive

sins . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11 "I tell you, get up, take

your mat and go home." 12 He got up, took his mat and

walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and

they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like

this!"

(b) It is easy for GOD to “forgive sins,” because the “greater” thing was sending

JESUS to die in our place and pay our penalty. Therefore, forgiving “sins” is

easier than healing! Why? Forgiveness is what we really need: more than

physical healing!

c) “This is why...the promise of Romans 8:32 is as sure as GOD’s love for HIS SON....

[GOD] did not spare HIS SON. ANd therefore it is impossible that HE should spare us

the promise for which the SON died--- “how will he not also, along with him,

graciously give us all things?” (Ibid., 115; Romans 8:32b)

C. “But what does this promise mean---that GOD will freely with CHRIST give us all things?

1 Corinthians 3:21--22

Intro: The snowman we made and how he melted. When it comes to eternal life, can I be eternally secure?

21 So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, 22 whether Paul or

Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future---all areyours,

II.

Luke 10:1--20

III. First way heavenly minded is better, we live with a sense of urgency. (vv. 3--4)

A. “missionary work” remains crucial in CHRISTianity! (Joel B. Green, “The Gospel of Luke,” The New International Commentary on the New Testament, Gen. Eds. Ned B. Stonehouse, F. F.Bruce, and Gordon D. Fee (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1997), 410.)

B. The “seventy-two” had authority! (v. 17)

1. “sending” “incorporates...the provision of the competence necessary to achieve the

missionary end for which person are sent.” (Ibid.)

2. We should expect success!

C. Sending shows “concern for all the peoples of the world.” (Ibid., 411)

1. “the rejection of JESUS and his message among Galilean towns, set against the claim that a mission oriented toward Gentile settings would certainly have produced

repentance....” (Ibid.) (vv. 13--15)

D. Application: But, it takes “single-minded devotion” (Luke 9:57--62)

IV.Second way heavenly minded is better, we experience supernatural “peace.” (vv. 5--12)

A. “Peace will be pronounced....”

Romans 8:6

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;

Ephesians 4:3

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

B. “...to reject JESUS’ messengers is to reject JESUS and HIS message, to reject JESUS is to reject GOD, to reject GOD is to align oneself with satan, and to align oneself with satan is to place oneself in a position to be cast down into judgment.” (Ibid.)

1. Luke 9:51--56

C. v. 17: “Lord”: key term in the disciples obedience and salvation!

V. Third way heavenly minded is better, we experience consistent “joy!” (vv. 17--20)

VI.

Intro: The snowman we made and how he melted. When it comes to eternal life, can I be eternally secure?

Fire from Heaven

2010-02-10T09:49:00.001-05:00

Heaven: “leave[s] us breathless in wonder” (J. Oswald Chambers, 10)

Hebrews 12:18--29 (NIV)

“For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned." Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear." But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly [fn] of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." his phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken--that is, things that have been made--in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe…”

I. What has “fire” got do with heaven? It is “consuming!” “God is...consuming”

A. For non-CHRIST-followers, GODʼs “fire” devastates.

Psalm 97:1--6 [***NIV; emphasis mine]

1 The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. 2

Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are

the foundation of his throne. 3 Fire goes before him and consumes his

foes on every side. 4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and

trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord

of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the

peoples see his glory.

1. “devouring” (NLT) / “consuming” (NIV): “to use up” (v. 29)

Leviticus 10:1--2

1 Aaronʼs sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added

incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his

command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed

them, and they died before the Lord.

Psalm 106:16-18

16 In the camp they grew envious of Moses and of Aaron, who was consecrated

to the Lord. 17 The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it buried the

company of Abiram. 18 Fire blazed among their followers; a flame consumed

the wicked.

Psalm 18:7--8

7 The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook;

they trembled because he was angry. 8 Smoke rose from his nostrils;

consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.

B. For CHRISTians, GODʼs “fire” reveals who we are! [*Illus: fire out west w/settlers]

1. See Psalm 18:8

Deuteronomy 4:35--36

35 You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God;

besides him there is no other. 36 From heaven he made you hear his voice to

discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, and you heard his words

from out of the fire.

Acts 2:

Jeremiah 23:29

29“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks

a rock in pieces?

Jeremiah 5:14

Therefore this is what the LORD God Almighty says: "Because the people have

spoken these words, I will make my words in your mouth a fire and these

people the wood it consumes.

2. “fire” reveals GODʼs “word;” which in turn reveals our strength.

Proverbs 30:5 [***NASB]

Every word of God is tested ; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 18:30 [***NASB]

As for God, His way is blameless ; The word of the LORD is tried ; He is a

shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 119:105

[Nun] Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

1 Kings 18:38

38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the

stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.

3. “fire” reveals our home.

Revelation 22:3--5

3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be

in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his

name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not

need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them

light. And they will reign forever and ever.

4. “fire” reveals our works.

Revelation 1:12--15

12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned

I saw seven golden lamp stands, 13 and among the lamp stands was someone

“like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a

golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as

white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze

glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16In

his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

1 Corinthians 3:12--15

12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood,

hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will

bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of

each man's work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.

15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as

one escaping through the flames.

5. “fire” reveals our strength.

Exodus 3:1--4

1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of

Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the

mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of

fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not

burn up. 3 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight--why

the bush does not burn up." 4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to

look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses

said, "Here I am."

II. Application: Will you ask GOD today to consume you?

Tim Tebow

2010-01-28T17:57:00.000-05:00

TIM TEBOW on ESPN (click here)

Yes, I am a Texas fan, but this is pretty amazing. Especially the part where he's speaking with the inmates and he says "If you want to accept Jesus Christ, come stand with me".

That's bold.

- Ballenger

Eternal Things

2010-01-18T10:33:00.002-05:00

ENTERNAL THINGS: Living as a Missionary (part 2)

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

How do we live as a missionary?

Psalm 17:5

My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

A. It has something to do with our steps.

2 Samuel 22:29--37

For you are my lamp, O Lord , and my God lightens my darkness. "For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. "This God--his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. "For who is God, but the Lord ? And who is a rock, except our God? "This God is my strong refuge and has made my [fn]way blameless. "He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. "He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. "You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great. "You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet [fn] did not slip;"

Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

The only way to live as a missionary (and fulfill our calling) is to be consumed by GOD’s word!

First fact, when consumed by GOD’s word circumstances don’t matter! (vv. 29--30, 34)

2 Kings 6:15--18

15. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.

16. "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

17. And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

18. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, "Strike these people with blindness." So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.

v. 34: When there seems to be no way out...GOD provides a way! HIS Word gets me out of any situation (or sees me “through” it).

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Must get around people who believe! Who has the gift of “faith?” (Believing GOD in impossible circumstances)

B. Second fact, consumed by GOD’s Word means one day it will all make sense! (vv. 31--33)

1. “perfect”: “faultless, upright in one’s conduct, blameless...especially toward God” (Warren Baker, Gen. Ed., The Complete Word Study Old Testament (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 1994), 2381.)

2. How?

a) v. 37: “You enlarged my path under me; so my feet did not slip.”

(1) Walking with GOD is not like walking on a balance beam. Illus: Francis Chan holding on to a balance beam.

(a) “holding on...have my nice little family, keep to ourselves, live in a gated community,
make my kids wear helmets everywhere, I’m not going to let them outside because the sun has bad rays... live my life in safety...not doing anything crazy for GOD...go to church on Sundays and maybe give 2%...serve in the nursery because I feel guilty...your greatest prayer, ‘GOD, I would love to die in my sleep’... not even feel it...and just go up to heaven like this... [now dismount].

(b) “The boring, I do nothing crazy [routine] because I don’t want to fall...

(c) [Will GOD say] “Well done.” You lived the safest life possible...you didn’t slip...you
didn’t fall...that’s not the life GOD’s called us to...” (Francis Chan Video)

(2) Small can lead to big.

Matthew 25:21

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

1 Corinthians 13:12

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Psalm 17:5

My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

Psalm 27:11

Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.

(3) We look back and things begin to make sense.

II. [Now what?] Application: Where am I living safe? Will I commit to JESUS today to follow GOD’s Word, even if it seems small. Small can lead to big.

Haiti News

2010-01-13T09:04:00.000-05:00

J.I. Packer speaks to New Christians...what joy...

2010-01-12T16:44:00.001-05:00

JI Packer Speaks To New Christians from Mike Anderson on Vimeo.

This past sunday

2010-01-11T10:38:00.000-05:00

Eternal Things: Part 1

“seeming detours” and “Spectacular Sins”1

Genesis 50:15--21

"When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him." So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died, "Say to Joseph, Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people [fn] should be kept alive, as they are today. "So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them."

What am I saying: “GOD ordains spectacular sins for the global glory of HIS SON”---JESUS! (John Piper, Spectacular Sins, 105)

Sin might have seemingly “changed the course of history [but] never nullified the global purposes of GOD to glorify HIS SON and save HIS people.” (John Piper, Spectacular Sins, 97)

People’s “Spectacular Sins” might appear to have changed our circumstances, but their sins never stop GOD’s purposes!

What does it mean to us?

When “GOD’s sovereignty over sin take...place in [our] mind[s], they...have a profoundly practical effect in making you strong in the face of breath-stopping sorrows and making you bold for CHRIST....” (Ibid.)

First meaning, “seeming detours” most likely involve suffering. (v. 20)

Sometimes the suffering is long.

Genesis 15:13, 16

13 Then the LORD said to him, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.

16 In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure."

Acts 14:22

22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.

Joseph was “seventeen years old when they sold him into slavery (37:2). Now when he identifies himself, he is thrity-nine years old. (41:46, 53; 45:6).

Like Jamey Ragle said, it’s “like being “stuck in an elevator with the village people.”

Psalms 6:3

My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long?

Second meaning, “seeming detours” come by some vicious and undeserved attack. (vv. 17, 20)

Our suffering seems to come through some “spectacular sin.” (Ibid., 77) I mean, what did we do to deserve it?

Genesis 37:8, 11

8 His brothers said to him, "Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?" And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.

11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Why “jealous?”

2 Corinthians 2:15--16

15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?

Third meaning, “seeming detours” are still in “GOD’s invisible hand....” (Ibid., 78)

What makes this all the more amazing, “They are utterly oblivious to GOD’s invisible hand in their action.” (Ibid., 78)

Two things they are “oblivious to....”

First, “They do not know that in the very effort to destroy this dreamer, they are fulfilling Joseph’s dreams....

They tried to get rid of the dreamer, and in getting rid of him, they fulfilled his dreams.” (Ibid., 77--78) See v. 18

Second, GOD “takes the very sins of the destroyers and makes them the means of the destroyers’ deliverance.” (Ibid., 78) See v. 20

In other words, the sin they committed became the way GOD delivered them.

“The suicide of satan” (Ibid., 97)

John 13:2, 27

2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.

27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him,

Luke 22:3--6

3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

Piper: “satan does not take innocent people captive.” (Ibid., 99)

“Therefore, [satan] resolved that if he couldn’t stop it [Matt. 4:1--11], he would...make it as ugly and painful and as heartbreaking as possible. Not just death, but death by betrayal. Death by abandonment. Death by denial (Luke 22: 31--34). Death by torture.” (Ibid., 101)

Application: In light of “seeming detours”...Commit to finish!

Book List

2010-01-11T10:18:00.000-05:00

Every Christmas my relatives ask for my book list, and I split it up and give out pieces of it to each one, that way I don't end up with duplicates (how very good of me I'm sure). Anyways, I always ask them to buy used books because they're cheaper, and of course Amazon is a good place to buy, but not many people buy from Barnes and Noble's used and out of print section. At http://www.bn.com, you can find the exact books you want for pretty cheap, just remember to include shipping in your addition, because they certainly will.

- Ballenger
Summit Church
http://www.summitcharleston.com

Summit's New Site

2010-01-07T11:34:00.000-05:00

Hey Summit Nation!

We are so excited to be launching our new website this Sunday January 10th! Also, the CSU students will be back on the campus and geared up for their Spring Semester.

Hopefully everyone will be able to obtain information easily from the new site, with the same web address:

http://www.summitcharleston.com

Hope to see in the Spring!

- Ballenger

This Past Sunday

2010-01-04T12:56:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas and New Years holidays! I know it was nice to get to see family and get some rest for the home-stretch at my job. Here are the notes from this past Sunday at Summit, and be looking forward to the new Summit website launching on January 10th!

- Ballenger

2010...The Year of “eternal” things! (Focus on “eternal” things!)

2 Corinthians 4:13--18

"Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen."

1. What do I mean by “eternal” things? We are to be eternally focused!

2 Corinthians 4:1--18

A. First mark, the eternally focused openly live out “faith.” (vv. 1--2, 5--6)

1. Why should I be so “open?” I’m not saying be “odd for GOD?” (Jamey Ragle)

a) First reason to openly live out “faith,” itʼs not about us. Isn’t my “faith” personal? The
problem is in the question, “my ‘faith.’”

2 Corinthians 4:5--6 [***The Message; emphasis mine]

5 Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is

messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. 6 It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!"

and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and

beautiful.

(1) It might be a personal decision, but it’s not a secret decision!

(2) We don’t have to be fancy, just be real! (v. 2; “by setting forth the truth plainly”)

2 Corinthians 4:2 [*** The Message; emphasis mine]

We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we

don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the

whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.

(3) “the whole truth” means “everything we do and say....”

b) Second reason to openly live out “faith,” we do it for “the glory of God.” (vv. 13--15)

(1) GOD is showing us what HE is doing! HE is our priority!

2 Corinthians 4:1--2 [***The Message; emphasis mine]

1 Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, [the NIV calls this a “ministry”] we're not

about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times.

2 We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And

we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open,

the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of

God.

[key for GOD’s conviction]

(2) GOD’s “doing” it so HE should get the credit! (Illus: being a group and doing all the
work)

B. Second mark, the eternally focused live in “power.”

1. GODly “power” must be defined. (v. 7) Having the HOLY SPIRIT’s “power” does not mean
our lives will be easy (i.e., like a king whose power protects him).
(a) vv. 7--10:

(1) First, GOD’s “power” doesn’t mean we will be beautiful, but HE will!

2 Corinthians 4:7--8a [***The Message; emphasis mine]

7 If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the

unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable

power with us. 8 As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to

look at.

(a) The Archaeological Bible, NIV footnote, 1890: (v. 7): “Treasures were frequently
concealed in clay jars, which had little value or beauty in themselves and did not
attract attention. Here they represent Paul’s human frailty and unworthiness.”

Intro: Vision...I wish I could see the big picture!

(b) Kenneth Chafin, The Communicator’s Commentary, 231: “...who would think
anything of value would be hidden in an inexpensive clay pot?”

(i) Do I have any “chipped places?” (“cracked from the many trips through the
dishwasher”) Ibid.

(2) GOD’s “power” doesn’t mean our lives will be easy, but victorious! (vv. 8--12)

(a) Don’t stop in the middle of the “sentence!” (Idea from the HOLY SPIRIT given to
Kenneth Chafin, 231)

(b) “...celebration...still functioning.” (Ibid.)

2. Illus: My uncle dying and looking at a picture of JESUS!

II. Application: Make a commitment not to hold “back.”

2 Corinthians 4:3 [***The Message]

If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these

other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention.

A. In what way[s] am I “holding back?”

B. How can I love more boldly?

Intro: Vision...I wish I could see the big picture!

Something You Should Hear From Matt Chandler Pastor of Village Church

2009-12-07T15:13:00.001-05:00

Amazing Song Called Joyful Noise by Flame, Lecrae, and John Reilly...for your enjoyment

2009-12-03T12:22:00.001-05:00

D.A. Carson on The Drifting of Evangelicalism

2009-12-01T12:05:00.000-05:00

Sermon Update

2009-11-30T11:23:00.000-05:00

For those of you Summit scholars who follow along, you'll be pleased to know that what follows is from this past Sunday, and that there will be the previous two Sundays listed on here shortly as well. Sorry for the delay, but with people traveling and the sound system issues we've had the last two weeks, it has been difficult to stay updated. Thanks!

SERMON FROM 11/29/2009

Advent #1: Hope

“The candles are traditionally lit in the following order: purple, purple, pink, purple, and white. The first is called the "Candle of Hope.

It symbolizes faith in God keeping his promises to humanity

The second is called the "Candle of Preparation," reminding Christians to "get ready" to receive God

The third candle is the "Candle of Joy. “It recalls the angels joyfully singing about the birth of Christ.

The fourth candle, the "Candle of Love," reminds Christians that God loves them enough to send his only son to Earth. The "Christ Candle," the white candle in the center, stands for Jesus Christ himself.” (Kim Kenney, “The Meaning of Advent Candles,” < accessed November 2009 > http://www.ehow.com/about_5385336_meaning-advent-candles.html)

John Piper:

1, “[P]urpose...GOD be prized above all things..... You can’t praise what you don’t prize.... (“Prizing is the authenticating essence of praising” Piper)
Ex. All the South Carolina fans!

2. Problem: “Sin is what [I] do when [my] heart is not satisfied with GOD. No one sins out of duty. We sin because it holds us until we believe that GOD is more to be desired than life itself.”

3. Solution:

Psalm 63:3

“Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You.”

4. What does a life captivated in GOD’s “love” look like?

a. “...the power of sin’s promise is broken by the power of GOD’s [promises]. All that GOD promises to be for us in JESUS stands over against what sin promises to be for us without HIM.” (Piper)

b. “Being satisfied with “the glory of GOD is what I call future grace.” (Ibid.)

5. Another question: What makes the satisfaction stick?

Alister McGrath: The church is “…failing to provide believers with approaches to living that keep them going and growing in spiritual relationship with HIM. ...enthusiasm fades.”

a. Not “gratitude!” It is an “indispensable CHRISTian affection. No one is saved who doesn’t have it.” (Piper)

b. But does “gratitude” inspire “obedience?” No!

c. “...gratitude for bygone grace has been pressed to serve as the power of holiness, which only faith in [the glory of GOD] was designed to perform…”

6. How do we live “…radical lives of CHRISTian love?” (Phrase borrowed from Piper)

a. Faith produces “…radical lives of CHRISTian love.”

> Faith in what? “…conditional grace…” (Piper)

James 4:6

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Matthew 8:5—13

When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly." And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.” I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, "while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; let it be done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment.

>> “[C]onditional grace” reminds us GOD will “help.”

7. “faith” in GOD’s promises (i.e., “conditional” and “unconditional grace”) “sustains the heart.” (Piper) “The promise of GOD overpowered the promise of sin, and produced a lifetime of sacrificial love.” (John Piper)

a. JESUS was “astonished” because of four things: What counted to JESUS was not his name, but his “faith!”

1. First, the “centurion” had a proper understanding of love. (vv. 5--7)

a. I mean, he could get a new “servant.” Why ask? Because he cared!

2. Second, the “centurion” knew his SPIRITual condition. (v. 8; James 4:6)

3. Third, the “centurion” trusted JESUS’ “word.” (v. 8)
highest form of flattery.

4. Fourth, the “centurion” believed JESUS had “authority!” (vv. 8--9)

a. The “centurion” knew power when he saw it.

Application: Where do I need GOD to “help” me? Do I need “help” in having sacrificial love?

- So what do you think about "conditional" and "unconditional" grace?

Knowing and Doing the Will of God Part 8: Suffering

2009-11-12T10:18:00.001-05:00

Knowing and Doing the Will of God means suffering. (Part 8)

Colossians 1:24-27

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

“When you choose the walk of a disciple (telmede in Hebrew) it is a walk that goes to the end”. (Ray Vander Laan…all quotes from him unless otherwise noted).

“We come to a place where people had to make a decision…to be like the Rabbi [see “valley of decision”]…very, very difficult and meant facing their own death.” (ibid)

It is a “…difficult path of taking up our cross like the MESSIAH.” (ibid)

Why does a disciple have to suffer?

Matthew 26:36-39

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go over there and pray." And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."

“’Gethsemane’ [‘oil press’ The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon]…the Rabbi suffered (far beyond what we can imagine). If being a disciple is to be like the Rabbi, we ought to expect Gethsemane moments too.”

1 John 2:6

"...whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."

Luke 9:23

"And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

“We want Jesus to carry His cross so we don’t have to.” (Ray Vander Laan)

Why? “In part because the Rabbi did.” (ibid)

Matthew 5:11-12

"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

John 15:18, 20

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you..."Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours."

Philippians 1:29

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake..."

2 Timothy 3:12

"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted..."

“We continue to suffer for others so they will know Jesus as Lord.”

Colossians 1:24

"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church..."

“What is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions?”

Not Jesus’ atoning work on the cross (John Piper).

“What is still lacking”…people do not know Jesus as Lord!

What will get me through the suffering?

1 Corinthians 15:30-32

"Why am I in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."

2 Corinthians 11:23-28

"Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one--I am talking like a madman--with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches."

“joy”…a daily choice (see 1 Corinthians 15:30-31)

"Why am I in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day!"
Hebrews 12:2

"...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Application:

"What stories will others tell of us? Are we "blessing [others] with [our] courage and fight?"

Where does the path lead? The disciple doesn't ask. All he or she knows is that more than anything else in the world, the disciple (the telmede) wants to be like the Rabbi right to the end." (Ray Vander Laan)

"If you're not WILLING TO SUFFER, you're not willing to be a follower". - Jon Davis

Here is a link to Foxe's Book of Martyrs for more information on the suffering of the saints for the sake of Christ. http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/martyrs/index.htm

Knowing and Doing the Will of God Part 7: The Unlikely Disciple

2009-11-04T11:59:00.000-05:00

Acts 13:36

"For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers..."

Acts 14:8-22

"Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he sprang up and began walking. And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!" Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. "In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. "Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them. But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

Main Point of Sermon: "We can trust God in knowing and doing His will because He has a purpose for us."

Things that cause people to believe that God does NOT have a purpose for them:

1. 1. Lack of ability.

2. 2. God does not exist.

How can I discover my purpose?

- - It’s housed in our passion for Christ.

We are disciples who are fully committed to being like Jesus.

What derails purpose?

1. 1. Lack of passion.

2. 2. Thinking I cannot accomplish this task.

We see Paul preaching and speaking in Lystra, and we read about how the people in Lystra wanted to deify Paul and Barnabas. Paul was beaten within an inch of his life, and then went back into the land to find God’s people.

Lystra was a Roman city on top of a hill, and the mythological story of Zeus and Hermes visiting Lytonia had already been established, so the transition from seeing a lame man walk to the mythological deifying of Paul and Barnabas would have been an easy one to make. http://www.bible-history.com/isbe/L/LYSTRA/

We heard the story of Timothy and how God had used the “unlikely disciple” to do great things for His people and for the church. What the world said was unacceptable and an outsider was given the same grace and gift of Christ that you and I have received.

How many times do we feel like the “unlikely” person just living a day-to-day life and job; and yet, God has something so much BIGGER for us. It comes with the understanding that we are not our own, but were bought with a price (1 Cor 6:20).

We must understand that even in a middle of nothing, nowhere job or city that God can and will do great things through His people because He chooses to do so. No matter how “unlikely” you and I may seem, the Lord knows who are His and He purposes everything according to His good pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2).

Knowing and Doing the Will of God Part 6

2009-10-30T23:50:00.000-04:00

“Communicating Jesus to a world of “leisure and pleasure” (Ray Vander Laan).

Galatians 5:1-8

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion {did} not {come} from Him who calls you.” (NASB)

The main point of Sunday’s teaching was: The way we run will show people that Jesus is King.

The main verse for the message is Galatians 5:7

“You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (NASB)

The question is not necessarily what keeps us from God, but who keeps us from Him. There are so many other things that get in our way, for example: our time, our money, our family, our religion…these things keep us from running hard after Christ effectively. But are the things in our lives really the inhibitors? Are we being kept from Christ because of our time? Or is it that we ourselves are keeping our relationship with Christ on hold? We looked this past Sunday at the idea that Paul was speaking from, and with regard to the imagery he was using at that time: the Olympian Games.

The Olympic Games declared that Caesar was in fact god, and that he was the son of god when he took his seat in the seat of the lord…in the royal box (Ray Vander Laan; all other quotes will be from him unless noted). “Decrees would be made…his herald would stand and read from a copy and say ‘These are the words of the great, divine, supreme, etc…’. And he would tell them what they’ve done right or wrong…what they can expect by way of reward and punishment…because after all he is god…The choir stands around him…the priest from all the local cults surround and chant his praises…he would stand and open the scroll declaring the games could begin…and only he had the authority…then the athletes in white robes would proceed in procession…communities of crowds would chant for their favorite…assembling before the throne with palm branches in their hands…they would give their lives to the god of the games…declare that their running would show the world who is god…”.

   There were 40,000 people cheering in the stadium all agreeing that Caesar was god, and the athletes would sacrifice themselves to run the race without giving up no matter the consequences to show their honor to the god. Paul’s imagery in Galatians is effective for so many reasons, but namely it brings us to this concept: the runners would give everything to run for the Caesar’s approval and glory.

   Are we giving everything for God? Are we running to the best of our ability, or are we holding something back? What if we gave our all? What if we chased and surrendered to God as if He was and is the best thing in our lives, that He had and is doing the best thing for us, and that He is all-satisfying and worthy to be desired relentlessly? We should.

   We should worship our God through running, through our running towards Him and showing others how we run for Him and to Him. We should run so that in the end there is NOTHING left to give!

   Christ gave everything and all, He emptied Himself and drew close to death so that we might live; how much more should we draw closer to Him so that He be lifted up and we decrease to His glory.

   What is valuable? What is valuable is whatever the "authority" places value on. In our world the multitude determines how valuable something is by how much they desire it. The multitude does not desire Christ, they desire (like the Greeks) "leisure and pleasure", but to we Christians, the ultimate Authority, the One who places value on everything because He created it is the Lord, and He says that Christ is supremely valuable to everything that is constantly being chosen over Him. God knows what is valuable, and it is Christ. So if we are to put our lives behind what we believe to be most valuable and most satisfying and most worthy of our lives... this must be Christ.

   Run to grace, run for Christ, and for His glory alone. It's not like we are sponsored by Nike or anything, but we are lifted up and pressed on by a greater Presence, and He is saying compete.

COMPETE AGAINST THE WORLD.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." <---- 1 Corinthians 9:24

Continuing the Series: Knowing and Doing the Will of God

2009-10-19T09:24:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday Pastor Jon brought a follow-up message to the sermon series “Knowing and Doing the Will of God”. This series has been insightful for many people, because the “Will of God” is often a mystery.

Jon began this message by stating his main premise before beginning his talk was: “To know the will of God, you need to get as close as you possibly can to Him”.

So how do people draw near to God? Many people draw near to Him through prayer and fasting, others draw near through the reading and meditation of His Word, still others seek wise counsel and try to think with the mind of Christ. All of these methods are good and necessary but we must see how Christ drew near to God.

Most people who have been to church will have read the gospel before, but there are many times that we do not dwell on regarding Christ’s time with the Father. Christ got alone with God, whether He was in a garden, on a mountain, or in a boat. He sought after the Father’s will intently and it proved so definite in His life, that He said He could only do what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19).

We should be with other Christians for it is truly good to worship with those who love God, and we should desire the fellowship of a local church because it is expressed that we need to take of communion, have baptism, and be a part of (if necessary) church discipline; it’s expected of us. But we should not negate the times also necessary for us to be alone with our Father. Christians must be filled with the Holy Spirit if they are going to try and give of themselves. I have always heard the saying “Give out of your saucer, not your cup”, and that means that God should fill us up so much that we give out of an overflow of His love, but how many pass up that time to meet with Him and be filled. If we are to know and do the will of God we must spend time with Him and learn to know His thoughts for our purpose, and to know His love for our joy.

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Jon spoke from Matthew 22:15-22, reading how Christ taught on “rendering to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21). Jon explained how Caesar in the days of Rome would have been viewed as a god, and that the tribute the people paid to Rome would have been viewed as an offering, and also a confirmation of Caesar’s godhood.

Christ taught to “render to Caesar what is Caesar, and to render to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). The Pharisees had sent their disciples to question and trap Christ (Matthew 22:15-17), and they accepted paying tribute to Caesar because they had misconstrued Jeremiah 27:6-7; they were applying a prophetical text about the Persians to Caesar’s position as a servant of God.

The best point that Jon made Sunday was stating what Christ had said “render to Caesar what is Caesar, and to God what is God’s”; Christ separated the two: saying that Caesar is one entity, and God is another, thus showing that Caesar was in fact not God. This is an amazing point and one that is easily overlooked while reading through the conversation of Christ and the Pharisee’s disciples.

Another amazing point was that Caesar’s image was on the coin; therefore it was Caesar’s and should be given to him. Christ said that whatever was God’s should be given to Him as well (Matthew 22:21), and being that man is made in the imago Dei (image of God), man is the Lord’s. We must, as Christians, render ourselves

(Romans 12:1-2) unto the Lord so that we may know and do His will, His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Jon said “We must be driven to understand this...whatever we give our lives to is god”.

So what does God want? Jon answers with the first and greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

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For more study on this I would recommend Bill Hybels Holy Discontent, and to hear Jon’s sermon series on Knowing and Doing the Will of God, visit http://www.summitcharleston.com, and click on “Summitcasts” under the “Resources” section.

- Ballenger -

The Monday After

2009-10-13T11:10:00.000-04:00

Greetings Summit Nation!

   The Monday After is Summit's new blog to assist in developing further study on the previous Sunday's message. For example, this past week was Mustache Sunday at Summit Church, so there would be some content and discussion regarding that as well as Jon's teaching on the concept of a Jewish disciple.

   This blog will also be a place for posting any questions regarding Scripture, the Christian walk, or the past sermons at Summit. We hope that you will grow in Christ, and the knowledge of God through this blog, while understanding that reading Scripture and prayer are both very effective and essential ways as well.

   Look for future updates every Monday on here for discussion on this weekend's sermon from Summit!