March 17, 2012

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." Matthew 13:44

Perhaps you have seen this bumper sticker somewhere.

 

I doubt if you believe that, but the reason it gets a laugh is because there IS an element of truth in it. There are quite a few people who believe that happiness and contentment in life is the result of having lots of possessions.

This raises a legitmate question, "How much stuff does it take to make you happy?" I'll bet at some point in your life you have wondered about that.

I think the main point of this parable speaks to this very issue. Jesus is telling His disciples that real satisfaction comes not from having many things but commiting to the one main thing. That one main thing is the kingdom of God and the kingdom of God is God's reign and rule in your life.

Do you believe that? It runs counter to our materialistic consumer driven cultural norm and if you are not careful you can easily get sucked into that mindset. It happens almost unconsciously especially if you are not consciously guarding against it.

Jesus once encountered a young man who was confused at this point. He had a good education and everything that money could and money leftover besides. But he felt that something was missing so he came to Jesus to find out. Here's how it played out:

"As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’^" “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth." Mark 10:17-22

This young man had many things but his love of those many things kept him from the main thing and suspect there are people like that in this room this morning. You have lost your first love because you have lost your focus on that one main thing and become concerned over many things. And the cares and concerns of those many things keep you from receiving God's CRAZY LOVE. Am I close?

According to Jesus, here is what it looks like:

Comfort = having many things

Commitment = having the one main thing

If you are not experiencing God's CRAZY LOVE could it be that you have been trying to find comfort in many things rather than committing to kingdom of God and allowing Him to reign in your heart and soul?

Are you willing to sell the many things in order to take possession of the main thing?

There are three groups of people in relationship to God's kingdom:

1) The Cop Outs - They are unbelievers. They refuse to seek God or acknowledge him at all.

2) The Hold Outs - They are believers who want to please God but are not committed to putting Him first. Like the young man who came to Jesus, they want Jesus but they want to love all their stuff too.

3) The Sold Outs - They are believers who possess the CRAZY LOVE of God because they are surendered to Him and have given up many things to possess the main thing!

Which group are you in today?

March 16, 2012

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."  Matthew 13:44

Central to the teaching ministry of Jesus was the kingdom of God.

Why do you think that is so?

Could it be that until you acknowledge God as your king you can't actually acknowledge Him as your God?

You can't "kind of have Him for a God"! At least not as a capital "g" God.

So, for God to be your King you must commit to putting Him first in your life and make serving Him your chief passion! If He isn't your King then you aren't committed to His kingdom.

Being "kind of committed" is an oxymoron. It is like being "kind of pregnant" or "kind of dead" or "kind of married". You can't do it!

We have done a disservice to the kingdom and to Christians by implying that it is possible to be a Christian and not surrender to Christ. We have been negligent to allow believers to think that they can occupy the kingdom of God and not acknowledge God as King!

Jesus makes it quite clear with this story that those who wish to possess the kingdom must decide to make the kingdom their most treasured possession. The cost to enter the kingdom is exactly what this man did in the parable - sell out and buy in.

This man in the parable made a clear decision to treasure God's kingdom above all else. That is commitment! It cost him everything to cross the line into the kingdom.

There is no comfortable way to enter the kingdom and there is no comfort zone within. There is only a cross! There is only His cause!

You cannot comfortably arrange His kingdom around your preferences or your priorities. Do you think you could walk into the palace of a king and hand him your schedule and agenda and expect him to accept it? I don't think so!

So, how do you think you can presume on God to conform HIS kingdom to your comfort level? You cannot!

What part of kingdom do you not understand? What part of commitment do you not understand? What part of sell out do you not understand?

Could there be a connection between His CRAZY LOVE and His kingdom? Could there be a connection between your lack of commitment and your lack of CRAZY LOVE?

Is it possible that trading your comfort for commit to His kingdom is the price of CRAZY LOVE?

It was for Jesus! The cross was not comfortable! But it was the price of purchasing access to the kingdom for you and me.

Are you ready to sell out and buy in?

March 15, 2012

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."  Matthew 13:44

As much as I read and study I come across quotes all the time. But recently I heard one that really stuck. Maybe it is because to related to the topic I have been focusing on for several months - "CRAZY LOVE". Please let me share the quote and see it I can apply it in a practical way:

"The opposite of love is not hatred but indifference"

May I ask you a question?

How can you study about the "CRAZY LOVE" of God and remain indifferent? For Pete's sake, not even the devil is indifferent about the love of God!

Perhaps indifference is the result of knowing about God's love but no really knowing it. Believing it is one thing but receiving it is quite another.

What Jesus is advocating in this parable in the need for commitment rather than comfort. If you settle for comfort you are not in possession of "CRAZY LOVE". In fact, I believe the number enemy of "CRAZY LOVE" is comfort.

Let's examine some of the things that distinguish comfort from commitment:

Comfortable Christians are "hit and miss" about commitment to church.

Committed Christians commit to membership, ministry and give money.

Comfortable Christians give God a "tip".

Committed Christians give God a tithe off the top.

Comfortable Christians want to please people more that please God.

Committed Christians please God even when it displeases others.

Comfortable Christians don't hate sin they just don't want to be punished for it.

Committed Christians hate sin and set their heart and mind against it.

Comfortable Christians like hearing testimonies and stories about committed people and think it is amazing.

Committed Christians do what Jesus did and consider it normal.

Comfortable Christians claim to love Christ but are comfortable giving Him second best.

Committed Christians prove their love for God by giving their best.

Comfortable Christians love the people who love them back and add value to their lives.

Committed Christians love everyone who God calls them to love.

Comfortable Christians choose personal comfort above Christian commitment.

Committed Christians obey God above personal comfort.

Comfortable Christians choose safety and security rather than sacrifice.

Committed Christians are willing to sacrifice safety and security in order to serve Him.

Comfortable Christians would rather feel good for a few moments than do good continually.

Committed Christians are willing to do good even when it is painful.

The difference between committed Christians who know God's "CRAZY LOVE" and those comfortable Christians who don't is - indifference.

Are you committed or are you comfortable?

March 14, 2012

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." Matthew 13:44

Have you ever found a $10 bill or a $20 lying on the ground or in the grass. Maybe it was a breezy and it had blown out of someone's hand and you happened upon it. How does that feel?

That might give you an idea of the excitement this man felt in Jesus' parable when he happened to stumble on this treasure.

In those days there weren't banks or credit unions readily available like we have today and safes had not yet been invented. So, if you had a large amount of money or jewels or other valuables you had to find a safe place to hide your valuables. Sometimes that meant digging a hole somewhere on your property and burying them in the ground. Apparently that happened here and the person who buried the treasure probably died without telling anyone where he hid the valuables. So, whoever bought the land from Him or his heirs was not told about the buried treasure and this man was lucky enough to discover it. Realizing His good fortune he hurried home to have a huge garage sale to raise the money to buy the land and take legal possession of the treasure, too.

What a lucky day!

It is an equally lucky day for you or me when we discover the kingdom of heaven!

In my last post I described why the kingdom of heaven is such a valuable treasure. Today I want to give you another perspective on the treasure that is worth giving all to possess.

How is it that God can demand that we sell out in order to possess His kingdom?

Because He loves us and He wants the best for us and He knows what is best for us is HIM!

But even better, He loves us and regards US as a pearl of great price! How much was He willing to pay to purchase you and me? HE WAS WILLING TO OFFER HIS SON on a cross to pay the price for our sins and redeem us to Himself!

Wow!

The kingdom of heaven is such a valuable possession because it is a place filled with crazy love! Love designed it! Love purchased it! Love permeates it! Love makes it available to those who will receive His love!

Do you belong to the kingdom of heaven?

How do I know for sure, Brad?

Have you sold all to follow Him?

Have you made given Him first place in your life?

Have you received His love? Are you living in His love? Do you love what He loves?

Have you noticed powerful and positive changes in you attitudes and your behavior?

Those are characteristics of sold out kingdom people!

So, are you a "sold out" or a "hold out"?

March 13, 2012

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." Matthew 13:44

What is the kingdom of heaven and why did this man in the parable consider it worth selling everything to obtain it?

Let's take some time to think about that important question.

First, the kingdom of heaven is where ever God reigns in the hearts of believers. God reigns in those who place their faith in Him, love Him with all their heart and live in obedience to His Word.

Where God reigns there is peace and joy and justice! When God reigns there is safety and security!

So, the kingdom is where God reigns AND where there is spiritual relationship with Him through Christ. Those who live in His kingdom live according to His will in order to please Him and become like Him. Living to please God allows you to receive His love.

What you be willing to give up to live under God's reign and in relationship with Him? Tell me what could be more valuable than that?

But there is more!

In the kingdom of heaven there is righteousness! Righteousness is being right with God and trying to be right with others while making right decisions according to the Word of God.

What is the alternative to being right? It is being "not right" or wrong. When you are right you get to go to the right place when you die.

Would you rather be right or wrong? What price would you place on being right?

Why would you sell everything to purchase the kingdom of God? What is there in this kingdom that is worthy of such a high price tag?

In the kingdom there is the reign of God and there is a relationship with God and the righteousness of God!

But there is still more!

There is a reward in the kingdom of heaven! What IS that reward?

The reward is God! The reward is heaven! Heaven is being in the presence of God forever! The reward is spending forever in a righteous place with other righteous people!

Jesus told this parable to illustrate the primacy and the urgency of making sure to be in a personal saving spiritual realtionship with God! The man in this story saw the value of this "pearl of great price" and considered it more valuable than everything else that he possessed.

What do you value in life? What do you hold most dear? Is it more valuable than the kingdom of heaven? What else can you obtain that when you have it you will have all that you will ever need?

March 12, 2012

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." Matthew 13:44 

What determines the value of an object?

Is it what you think it is worth?

Is it what it's worth to you?

Is it what you wish someone would give you for it?

Is it what Consumer's Report says you should get for it?

Ultimately, the value of an item is determined by what someone is willing to pay you for it.

You know that from going to yard sales or from buying and selling on eBay. The market drives the value.

That is the point of this parable Jesus is telling.

What determines the value of God's kingdom?

Jesus did!

That's right! When Jesus offered Himself up as a sacrifice on the cross to redeem it and to redeem us, He attached the price tag to the kingdom.

If you want to enter the kingdom of God it will cost you everything! You must commit to loving God more than anything else in your life to take possession of His kingdom.

There are no discounts or mark downs or clearance sales in the kingdom of God. It is either sell out or miss out.

In sharing this parable Jesus is posting a sign that says, "Casual Christians need not apply!"

God gave His Son to purchase the kingdom and the Son gave His life.

Are you willing to sell out in order to get in?

March 11, 2012

^"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”  Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing."  Matthew 26:36-44

God the Father loves us to LIFE with His tender love.

God loves us to DEATH

God’s love has a tough side to it.

Committed love means:

1)    It Has A Purpose

“There are two great days in a person’s life -- the day we are born and the day we discover why”.  SOURCE: William Barclay

YOUR PURPOSE IS TO LET GOD LOVE YOU SO YOU CAN LOVE HIM AND BEGIN TO FEEL LOVED SO YOU CAN LOVE OTHERS.

2)    It Has A Price

In The Cost of Discipleship Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:  “The cross is laid on every Christian. As we embark upon discipleship we surrender ourselves to Christ in union with his death–we give over our lives to death. The cross is not the terrible end to an otherwise god-fearing and happy life, but it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ. When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”

To know the love of the Father in its fullest you will need to die. You must die to sin and self which keep you from receiving all the love God has to give you. If it required a cross for Jesus what makes you think the price will be lower for you?

3)    It Has A Promise

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Heb. 12:1-3

Our Lord Jesus was willing to endure the unspeakable shame and agony of the cross because He knew the promise that awaited Him - and all those who would believe in Him.

In these two great portions of Scripture - The Prodigal Parable and the Prayer in the Garden - we have seen three different responses to  God's love:

REBELLION – The Prodigal

The story is told (by Ernest Hemingway) of a father and his teenage son who had a relationship that had become strained to the point of breaking. Finally the son ran away from home. His father, however, began a journey in search of his rebellious son. Finally, in Madrid, in a last desperate effort to find him, the father put an ad in the newspaper. The ad read: “DEAR PACO, MEET ME IN FRONT OF THE NEWSPAPER OFFICE AT NOON. ALL IS FORGIVEN. I LOVE YOU. YOUR FATHER.”

The next day at noon in front of the newspaper office, 800 “Pacos” showed up.

This younger son who became the Prodigal did not receive the love of his father. Instead, he took advantage of that love and indulged himself at the expense of the father's love.

Is that how you treat the love of your Father? Do you selfishly grab the rewards but refuse the responsibilities and the relationship?

You will never know the love of God if that is how you respond to His goodness and grace.

RELIGION – The Older Son

“Religion is hanging around the cross, Christianity is hanging on the cross.” — Stephen Hill

Buddhism has a story similar to the story Jesus told about the Prodigal Son. In the story Jesus told, the father sees his wayward son, and runs to greet him. The prodigal says he no longer deserves to be considered a son, but the loving father throws a party for him and freely restores him to his full honor as a son.

In the Buddhist story, the father finds his wayward son and arranges for him to be given a menial job. Through many years of working as a slave, the son eventually earns his way back into his father’s good graces.

Those two stories illustrate the biggest difference between Christianity other world religions. It’s really simple. You study all the religions of the world and they come down to one word: DO. What can you DO to have religious success in life? What must you DO to earn favor with God? All the religions of the world come back to the word DO.

Here’s the difference. Christianity is all about DONE. It’s about what Jesus Christ has already DONE for us. It’s about God giving Himself to us in the person of Jesus. It’s about Him dying for our sins so that we can enter into salvation. It’s not about what we must DO to earn salvation. It’s about responding to what has already been DONE for us. That is a huge difference.

The older son was not rebellious like his foolish little brother, but neither did he enjoy the relaitonship with his father that he could have and should have. He tried to earn the Father's love and felt entitled to all the status, the security, the safety and the supply he enjoyed by virtue of his birth.

He illustrates those who hover near God and faithfully perform their religious rituals but never really know relationship with the Father or receive His love.

Does this describe your spiritual condition?

RIGHTEOUSNESS – Jesus

The third response to the Father's love is how Jesus responded. Even after He experienced the tough side of God's love, after He had heard the Father refuse Him three times when He had prayed to be spared from the cross. Still He chose to do the right thing and obey the will of the Father despite the incredible suffering it would cost Him.

Jesus valued relationship with the Father greater than His own life. He decided He would love God more than life itself. As a result, He received the love of God in ways that few others ever have known.

Is that how you love God? Are you more committed to being right and remaining in relationship with God than playing it safe and avoiding the pain?

Three ways to respond to the CRAZY love of God:

Rebellion?

Religion?

Righteousness?

Which will you choose?