Sunday, June 28, 2009
when dying is gain
This week, I preached Colossians 1:24-2:5...one of the most challenging passages of Scripture to me. Several years ago, I was riveted by a sermon by John Piper first preached to students at Wheaton College in 1996. The title of the message--"Doing Missions When Dying is Gain"--is convicting enough to make most folks not listen to the message at all. However, I promise that you will never think the same about suffering and the Kingdom when you're done. You may download an audio copy or manuscript HERE.
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Turned off the TV tonight, David, and listened to Piper's no-holds-barred message. Half of me is wanting to buy a one-way ticket to the worst place in the world and the other half is thinking about how much I love a nice bathroom. Seriously, God is wrestling with me and my suburban self. Thank you for your shepherding of Pantego as you lead us closer and closer to the edge of the nest. BTW, your message this morning was (dare I say?) God-breathed. Please please please continue to let God use you...let your words be His words.
This morning's Scrolls told the story of Clarice Morant who cared for her younger sister and brother even though she was more than 100 years old! The link below goes to the Washington Post with an article about her AND a heartwarming "audio slideshow". Take a few minutes to check this out...you will NOT be sorry. Blessings to everybody. (And I promise I'm going to bed now...no more comments tonight. LOL)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/01/AR2009050101793.html
Thanks Suzy. I love how the Scriptures challeneg us! Tonight, at Home Group, we talked about the "chasm" that is between where we're living right now and martyrdom. While most of us may never pay the ultimate price for our faith, we can move further down the way of suffering so that, through our afflictions, we show the world how much we prize Christ and mow much Christ paid for them.
God bless you, friend!
David,
There is the scene in "Jesus of Nazareth" where Jesus tells the rich young ruler to sell all he has and give to the poor. The look on the young man's face as he walks away captures how I felt after listening to Sunday's message. My problem with Scripture challenging me is that it never tells me what to do next. I'm left to wrestle with my thoughts and feelings, trying to sort out which ones are from the Lord and which are merely the pain of an ego trampled underfoot. There is much discomfort in my prayer life at times like these. So far, two things are clear: 1)I don't prize Jesus as much as I should and 2) I don't know how to change that. Is it something I do, or is it like the fruit of the spirit, that must come from the Spirit's work within me?
Batman,
Thanks for a very honest assessment. I imagine that lots of people feel the way you feel...me too sometimes. The challenge I faced on Sunday was not becoming prescriptive and legalistic (I'll deal with that problem this Sunday!). Yet, I agree with you that some "handles" to hold onto would be nice.
Let me encourage you to ask the Lord what sacrifices you could begin making in your life to elevate the supremacy of Christ in your living. Perhaps: a) you might begin financially supporting a missionary; b) you might start saving for a mission trip and make plans to go in the next 6 months; c) you might begin to take more risks with your neighbors--getting to know them, offering to help, inviting them over; 4) You might "fast" from television for a week/month and read all you can regarding God's priority for unfolding the mystery of Christ tio the nations [I'd recommend John Piper's "Let The Nations Be Glad"]; 5) You might choose to begin volunteering at a local compassion agency where you have frequent interaction with those who need to see extravagant grace demonstrated by a Christ-follower such as yourself.
I hope this gets your wheels turning!
you got my wheels turning! looking forward to naptime today when kids are sleepning so i can watch the Piper video..thansk for all you are allowing God to do with you :) Its a great example to us all
Just listened to this message on podcast - a couple words "awesome" and "thank you". Keep pushing it David. I would love to see a series on this. I think it'd be an unbelievable experience to have Mark H. speak at least once (not just interview style), but the whole thing and tell about his adventures.
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