This is the first part of my three part series, based around Hybels book. If you missed it, or want to hear it again, you can hear it here, download it, or listen to it online. You may also want to have a look at the powerpoint slides, which I uploaded as well. Someone who lives a long way away asked me for this, and I am happy to oblige!
Ever been caught reading your bible by a member of your family?
This morning I was continuing my devotions from Jeremiah. Man, this is one depressed prophet. He has to give a message of doom, he has to, it is burning within him. Look at how the people react,
” 12 But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires.”
Thats pretty blunt. Imagine if people in our churches and community were that blunt to us! We might be a bit depressed ourself. In fact maybe they do do this to you.
God’s reply does not pull any punches either!
“I will reduce Jerusalem to ruins, making it a monument to their stupidity.”
If anyone does not think God is not blunt, sarcastic and downright funny, in the midst of tragedy, this book will change your mind.
The Inglewood Primary School Choir were great as well.
Throw a party this month!
Matthew 18
16 “To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,
17 ‘We played wedding songs,
and you didn’t dance,
so we played funeral songs,
and you didn’t mourn.’
18 For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.”
What results is Jesus talking about here? What is the conflict?
Well it seems the religious leaders of Jesus;’ day were getting very upset because Jesus was going to lots of parties, drinking and eating.
They did not like that Jesus was ‘hanging out with’ a whole bunch of sinners, and seemingly enjoying Himself!!
Yet Jesus replies, “wisdom is show to be right by its results”. In other words, what Jesus was doing would be proven right if it had good results. I reckon the results Jesus was talking about was people becoming Christians.
As Christians we can get very comfortable in our “holy huddles” . I know I can! Do you ever find yourself wondering if you have any non church friends? Maybe its time to make some!!
Throw a party!
Melinda and I are throwing a street party this year, and I dare say there will be lots of drinking and eating. Pray there are also some wonderful results. Maybe you could think of something you could do for your friends this year?
The last post on this subject went a little off skew, perhaps because I like to stir.
In an Aussie context, what do we mean by results?
Surely the key is leading people to Christ.
But how long will that take?
Some people say as much as 5 years, maybe more.
I do know this. If people are going to follow Christ, we need to befriend them, and that takes time.
Jesus, in the passage listed below, went to a lot of parties, and threw a few Himself, including supplying the drinks (no skippers required in Jerusalem though!)
Maybe we should do the same. Maybe the focus of our efforts should be borne out of love and friendship, not programs.
Programs can and should facilitate relationships. But having the best programs in the world wont do squat if people aren’t prepared to get out of their shells and make friends. I find that tough.
Matthew 11
18 For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man,[f] on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.”