Monday, April 18, 2016

April 16-18, 2016 Pastor Timothy J. Spaude Text: John 10:22-30 “WHAT A JOY TO BE JESUS’ SHEEP!”



GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY
April 16-18, 2016
Pastor Timothy J. Spaude
Text: John 10:22-30

“WHAT A JOY TO BE JESUS’ SHEEP!”
1.     Sadly some refuse to be.
2.     Happily we are!

John 10:22-30 (NIV 1984) Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24The Jews gathered around Him, saying, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in My Father’s name speak for Me, 26but you do not believe because you are not My sheep. 27My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. 29My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30I and the Father are one.”

          Have you ever taken a personality test? There’s all kinds of them out there. They ask you questions about your likes, dislikes, how you would likely respond to different situations. Many of the tests of the past used animals to describe your personality and so you might test out to be a lion, a beaver, an otter, or a golden retriever. I saw one that claimed to use over 50 different animals to really nail you down. I’m guessing that under most circumstances it’s not considered good to test out as a sheep. And yet the Word of God before us clearly shows that a sheep is exactly what each of us wants to be, at least when we are talking about Jesus’ sheep. What a joy to be Jesus’ sheep!
          Sadly some refuse to be. Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.” John chapter 10 in the Bible is known as the Good Shepherd chapter of the Bible. Because of God’s constant pictures of His care like that of a shepherd with his sheep, most notably in Psalm 23 Jesus used the picture too. As he revealed Himself again and again as God’s Son, the Messiah, the Savior from sin, He called himself the Good Shepherd, a picture the Jewish people would readily recognize from everyday life and Old Testament Scripture. He is the Good Shepherd. It’s now about two months after Jesus revealed that truth. He’s at the Temple at a time when many would be there.
           “The Jews gathered around Him, saying, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Now at first this sounds pretty good. It sounds like they are eagerly seeking truth. Until you hear Jesus’ response. “Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in My Father’s name speak for Me, 26but you do not believe because you are not My sheep.” In many different ways Jesus had already told them who He was. He used the Bible’s titles for the Messiah. Every time Jesus said “I Am,” he was telling the people who he was, God. They knew it because sometimes they tried to stone Him. The specific miracles Jesus did, causing the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear were all specifically mentioned in the Bible as the miracles the Savior would do. They already knew. That’s why Jesus spoke to them some of the scariest words of Jesus that a person could possibly hear. “You are not my sheep.”
          “You are not my sheep.” There are some words you don’t want to hear. “You failed the test. You’re fired. You were 20 miles over the speed limit. You’ve got cancer.” These are so much worse. “You are not my sheep.” While those other words mean some consequences for earthly living, these are for eternity. For those who are not the sheep of Jesus are the goats to whom He said, “Depart from me you who are cursed into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.” Who hears these words? Those who don’t believe. Those who don’t believe Jesus is God’s Son and Savior. Brothers and sisters, hear these words and take them to heart and join me right now in praying, “Lord Jesus, please do whatever you have to do so that I am my loved ones never reject you. We do believe, help us overcome our unbelief. Amen.” Sadly some refuse to be Jesus’ sheep.
          But oh what a joy for those who are! “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. 29My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30I and the Father are one.” Hey, let’s take one of those animal tests. What are Jesus’ sheep like? Maybe you want to jot down or underline these words. They: listen, are known, follow, have eternal life, are safe. First, Jesus’ sheep listen. They listen to His voice. Now this makes sense. Those who are not Jesus’ sheep do not believe. No one can believe on their own. That only happens when the Holy Spirit works in hearts and he does that in God’s word. This is where Jesus’ voice is. Now take the test. Are you listening to Jesus’ voice? Well yes here and that’s great but do you have a habit of daily listening? I’m not asking for a show of hands but do it inside. Jesus’ sheep hear His voice and listen to it.
          Jesus’ sheep are known. What a joy filled truth. Jesus knows each one of us personally. He knows your name. He knows what gives you godly happiness. He knows what you need. He knows when you are hurting and just what happened. He knows all those things you try to hide from other people and would be so ashamed if they find out. He knows and loves you every day the same whether you had a good day of serving God or a sin filled one.
          Jesus’ sheep follow. They follow Him. Kids here today, what does it mean when your teachers tell you to follow directions? It means that you not only read what they say but you actually do them, right? Older kids called men here today, have you  ever had to put something together that had some assembly required and something didn’t quite fit only to hear, well did you read the directions? Of course not, we always follow the directions… or not. Jesus’ sheep follow Him. His directions. You know we could go through every one of the 10 Commandments and find out each one of them is really for our good, to bless us. When we don’t follow the directions, sin, it hurts us. Jesus’ sheep follow Him. Do you follow Him? Is He your authority or is it the latest self help fix your family in five easy steps guy or gal? Or your own ways, what makes sense to you? Jesus’s sheep follow Him.
          Jesus’ sheep have eternal life. Being a sheep of Jesus means all kinds of blessings for this life. He guides and guards us every step of the way. Nothing happens that he won’t work for good. But as the Apostle Paul once said, “If only for this life we have hope we are to be pitied more than all men.” But we don’t. We have more. Jesus’ sheep get eternal life. And when my short life is ended, by his angel hosts attended. He shall fold me to his breast, there within his arms to rest.
          Jesus’ sheep are kept safe. One of the top needs of children of all ages is security. They need to feel safe. One of the top concerns of parents for their children, you got it, safety. Now, while I really hate to remind you of elections and politics, have you noticed how high safety is listed on the candidates’ platforms? People have a need for safety. Jesus’ sheep are kept safe by Him. “No one can snatch them out of My hand. 29My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30I and the Father are one.” The Bible makes clear that the real enemy of God and people is the Devil. The Devil hates God. The Devil hates people. He would like nothing better than snatch us away from Jesus. In times of trial or when things are going easy Satan is right there trying to snatch us away from Jesus. Not going to happen. Jesus won’t let it. He has the power of God and is God. He and the Father are one. When you feel like you are slipping or just can’t go on Jesus holds you his hands. You are safe in the arms of your Shepherd. Oh the joy of being Jesus’ sheep.
          The people of the world might look down on those who are considered sheep like. But it’s those who aren’t Jesus’ sheep that we need to feel sorry for. They are missing out. We are not. We know the joy of being Jesus sheep. Today Jesus looks at us and says, “You are my sheep and you listen to my voice. I know you and you follow me. I give you eternal life and no one can snatch you out of my hand.”  What a joy to be Jesus’ sheep! Amen.

Monday, April 4, 2016

April 2-4, 2016 Pastor Timothy J. Spaude Text: Revelation 1:9-16 “A COMFORTING PICTURE OF OUR LIVING LORD JESUS”



https://vimeo.com/161663541

April 2-4, 2016
EASTER 2
Pastor Timothy J. Spaude
Text: Revelation 1:9-16

“A COMFORTING PICTURE OF OUR LIVING LORD JESUS”
1.     He knows where you’re at.
2.     He has all power.
3.     He has all authority.

Revelation 1:9-16 (NIV 1984) “I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”12I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15His 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. 17When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

          For this past Lenten season and Holy Week we looked at many different portraits or pictures of Jesus during His passion. It was interesting to try to picture the looks on Jesus’ face during the various events. Now it’s after Easter, after Jesus rose from the dead. What does He look like now? Well we know that when Jesus wanted it to happen, Mary Magdalene and the Emmaus disciples did not recognize Him. Then they did. The disciples in the Upper Room recognized Him with his wounds still visible. What do you think the risen Lord Jesus looks like now? I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that none of you pictured Him as John saw Him in Revelation. It was about 95, 100 A.D. And John received a picture of our Risen Lord Jesus that is very comforting. Let’s see why.
          First it’s comforting because it shows Jesus knows where we are at. Where was John at? “I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” John was on a 40 square mile island of rock in the Aegean Sea. He had been exiled there by the Roman government I guess as an enemy of the state. His crime? He had been proclaiming the word of God as the truth and testifying that Jesus is God and Lord. I guess Rome hoped to minimize his influence. But did you notice how John saw himself in this book that is to comfort Christians until the end of this world? Your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus. Suffering, kingdom, patient endurance. In Jesus.
          Do you do Easter baskets in your home? If so, what did you get? The Easter baskets of those who follow the risen Lord Jesus can be filled with suffering, kingdom, patient endurance. Look at John. What was Patmos like? I’m guessing at the time if it was used for exile it probably held mostly prisoners. It was no Aegean Sea resort. I’m sure John longed to be with his fellow believers. He suffered for following Jesus. Kingdom. Jesus’ kingdom. Not like the ones of the world. It’s Jesus ruling in the hearts of His loving subjects through love and the Gospel. It lasts to eternity. Patient endurance. John would have to wait and endure patiently  for the Lord to help him. But Jesus knew where he was at. He was not abandoned.
          Neither are you. Jesus wanted John sharing this vision of him with all his followers, us included. That’s why God made sure it was written in the Bible. John is our companion in suffering, kingdom and patient endurance. That means as faithful followers of Jesus we will experience it too. I haven’t been exiled, not even beaten or whipped for that matter. But sufferings for Jesus still come. They might be the laughs behind the back when you stand for what is right, or the things you miss out on because Jesus comes first. There might be some more obvious ones coming down the road. Kingdom. We are part of Christ’s kingdom too. He rules in our hearts now through His love and we will rule all things with Him in eternity. Patient endurance. Ooh, yeah, there is a better way of handling things than complaining. Jesus knows where we are at.
          He has all power. “I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15His 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.”  I ask you again, is this what you picture the risen Lord Jesus looking like? Remember this is Revelation. The visions are pictures that teach truth. The seven golden lampstands are the 7 churches serving as light to the world where God had placed them. The stars are the ones who brought God’s message to those churches. One translation says angels. I think better the messengers are the earthly ones, their pastors. They are held safely in Jesus strong right hand. Look at the description of Jesus again. Brilliant like the sun. A robe with a golden sash. Sounds good. But then head and hair white as snow. Eyes like blazing fire. Feet of glow bronze. A powerful voice and a mouth with a double edged sword. Sounds kind of scary. And it is for some. Can you imagine being a soldier in WWII hunkered down in a foxhole. Enemies all around you. Nothing you can do. All of the sudden the ground starts shaking. You hear the metallic clinking of heavy armor and tanks approaching. Are you scared of them? Well it depends whose side they are on right? If they are yours those intimidating looking tanks will be one of most beautiful sights you could imagine. So is this picture of Jesus. John had enemies, the Roman government, the false teachers who were vexing the young Christian church, the devil, the demons. With the exception of the Roman government we have the same enemies John did. Our government’s disposition toward Christianity may change. Those enemies look at Jesus and shake in terror. We look and our comforted because He’s on our side, more accurately, we get to be on His! Jesus has all power.
          And all the authority. “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” You can understand John’s reaction. It’s the typical reaction a sinner has in the presence of a holy being, be it angels or God. But look instead at Jesus’ reaction. He put His right hand on John. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. And then Jesus gave John the reasons He did not need to have fear. Jesus is the living one. The I AM. Death had no authority over Jesus. It was the other way around. Jesus had the authority over death and Hell.
          Do you see what that means? The Devil can’t win. He’s already beaten. Hell isn’t his kingdom. It’s his prison! And Jesus has the key. All of the things the devil did to try to stop John from leading the early Church, no matter what he tries today, it is all under Jesus’ control. Just look at what happened with John. The government of Rome had exiled John to Patmos, about 40 square miles. What influence could he have there? So what does Jesus do but deliver the book we call Revelation with its messages to the seven churches and every other one after them, including us. John’s exile served Jesus glory. Thank you Roman government! You were used by Jesus. So are all the other plots and plans of the enemies of Christ and His followers. There is no need for to fret and worry. Jesus has all authority.
          It can be fun to look through picture books to see what you, your children, parents or grandparents look like at different stages of their life. We all have different pictures in mind of Jesus, mostly as artists have portrayed Him as a baby in the manger, a young boy at the Temple, a travelling teacher, the Good Shepherd, on the cross, in the upper room. The picture we looked at today is one God Himself provided. It shows our Lord Jesus at this stage with all power and all authority. He knows right where we are at, just what we need and everything that’s going on. As you leave today you can smile no matter what you are up against. This Jesus has your back!  Amen.