THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Garden Ridge showed its love for others once again! The collection of food for some families to enjoy over the holiday season was a great success. In the short time of an hour or two there were 45-48 baskets or boxes of food assembled and distributed to over 30 families. In addition, the pantry was completely restocked for us to be able to help out many more families in the next few months. There were reports of several tearful expressions of gratitude and surprise as food was delivered in Lewisville, Flower Mound, and beyond. May God be glorified as we recognize the opportunities within our community to share from the wonderful blessings we have received from Him and show His love!
To listen to this week's sermon, click Thanksgiving Sermon.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
What Are You Building?
Take a quiz—How many of these people do you recognize: Owen D. Young; Pierre Laval, Hugh S. Johnson; James F. Byrnes; Mohammed Mossadegh; Harlow Curtice? These are not obscure names! Each one of these people were designated “Man of the Year” by Time magazine. The major criterion for being selected as “Man of the Year” is that they supposedly had the greatest impact of all persons living on the earth within a given year.
When it is all said and done, what will you have built that will last? The Scriptures contain many teachings warning us about chasing after the things of this world and how temporary they are. The author of Ecclesiastes uses the terms “vanity of vanities” (used 38 times) and “striving after wind” (used 7 times) to share his understanding of the futility of making things “under the sun” (used 29 times) the ultimate quest. His point, as he experiments with many different areas of life in a quest for the meaning of life, from the beginning of the book (1:2) to the end (12:8), is that a focus on the things of this world will always end with the same conclusion—“‘Vanity of vanities’, says the Preacher, ‘all is vanity!’” Any worldview that doesn’t rise above the horizon of man himself is a waste of time!
Mark Twain, shortly before he died, wrote the following:
A myriad of men are born; they labor and sweat and struggle; . . . they squabble and scold and fight; they scramble for little mean advantages over each other; age creeps upon them; infirmities follow; . . . those they love are taken from them, and the joy of life is turned to aching grief. It (the release) comes at last—the only unpoisoned gift earth ever had for them—and they vanish from a world where they were of no consequence, . . . a world which will lament them a day and forget them forever.
How sad to view life this way, but this is “under the sun” thinking! It is the very trap the builders of the Tower of Babel fell prey to. In a quest to make a name for themselves, they forgot the most important thing—the will of their God!
The one thing we have seen show up over and over again as we have studied who God is and what He wants is that God has a plan for everything! Man was removed from the Garden of Eden—God shared a plan for their ultimate return. Cain killed his brother and God started over through the lineage of Seth. When the genealogies of Cain and Seth intermarried and every thought of man became evil continually, He saved the world through the flood and showed His planning through Enoch and Lamech. Now, as the people build the Tower at Babel, He will once again show His planning and intention through a man we know as Abraham. Through all of this He will show the difference in man making a name for themselves and His making a name for us!
So, what do we use as a basis for meaning, value and significance? What have you done that you believe in and are proud of? What will survive the test of time? Perhaps Paul’s words to the Corinthians provide a perspective we should consider:
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man be careful how he builds upon it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. (I Cor. 3:10-13)
Have you thought about whether what you are spending your time and energy upon will even last? Are you striving to make a name for yourself, or will you trust God to make your legacy? WHAT ARE YOU BUILDING?
To listen to sermon, click Making a Name for Yourself.
When it is all said and done, what will you have built that will last? The Scriptures contain many teachings warning us about chasing after the things of this world and how temporary they are. The author of Ecclesiastes uses the terms “vanity of vanities” (used 38 times) and “striving after wind” (used 7 times) to share his understanding of the futility of making things “under the sun” (used 29 times) the ultimate quest. His point, as he experiments with many different areas of life in a quest for the meaning of life, from the beginning of the book (1:2) to the end (12:8), is that a focus on the things of this world will always end with the same conclusion—“‘Vanity of vanities’, says the Preacher, ‘all is vanity!’” Any worldview that doesn’t rise above the horizon of man himself is a waste of time!
Mark Twain, shortly before he died, wrote the following:
A myriad of men are born; they labor and sweat and struggle; . . . they squabble and scold and fight; they scramble for little mean advantages over each other; age creeps upon them; infirmities follow; . . . those they love are taken from them, and the joy of life is turned to aching grief. It (the release) comes at last—the only unpoisoned gift earth ever had for them—and they vanish from a world where they were of no consequence, . . . a world which will lament them a day and forget them forever.
How sad to view life this way, but this is “under the sun” thinking! It is the very trap the builders of the Tower of Babel fell prey to. In a quest to make a name for themselves, they forgot the most important thing—the will of their God!
The one thing we have seen show up over and over again as we have studied who God is and what He wants is that God has a plan for everything! Man was removed from the Garden of Eden—God shared a plan for their ultimate return. Cain killed his brother and God started over through the lineage of Seth. When the genealogies of Cain and Seth intermarried and every thought of man became evil continually, He saved the world through the flood and showed His planning through Enoch and Lamech. Now, as the people build the Tower at Babel, He will once again show His planning and intention through a man we know as Abraham. Through all of this He will show the difference in man making a name for themselves and His making a name for us!
So, what do we use as a basis for meaning, value and significance? What have you done that you believe in and are proud of? What will survive the test of time? Perhaps Paul’s words to the Corinthians provide a perspective we should consider:
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man be careful how he builds upon it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. (I Cor. 3:10-13)
Have you thought about whether what you are spending your time and energy upon will even last? Are you striving to make a name for yourself, or will you trust God to make your legacy? WHAT ARE YOU BUILDING?
To listen to sermon, click Making a Name for Yourself.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
What is Your Perspective?
To please his father, a freshman went out for Track. He had no athletic ability, though his father had been a good runner in his day, particularly in the mile. The young man’s first race was a two-man race in which he was pitted against the school’s 3-year champion in the mile. Thus, he was beaten badly. Not wanting to disappoint his father, the boy wrote home the following message. “You will be happy to know that I ran against Bill Williams, the best mile runner in the school. He came in next to last, while I came in second!”
Perspective is an amazing thing! There are always at least two ways to look at things. One sees the glass half-full and the other sees it half-empty. One faces a trial or challenge and thinks it a punishment from God and another considers it an opportunity to be stretched and to grow in their faith. This is certainly true as we look at the story of Noah and the flood this morning.
Most of us know the major details of the account of Noah and the flood. We also typically understand that there are at least two perspectives from which we should view the events of this story. One is the side of judgment and the way God handles sin. The other is the side of salvation and the way God handles the sinner. We will see in the sermon this morning the effort of God to SAVE mankind, but the destruction that comes because sin must be dealt with according to the righteous nature of our God. What is interesting is that the whole story of Noah and the flood is laid out to make a powerful point that the author intends not to be missed.
According to Gordon Wenham in the Word Biblical Commentary series, the story of the flood from 6:9 through 9:19 carries within it the following pattern:
A. Transitional Introduction (6:9-10)
B. Violence in Creation (6:11-12)
C. 1st Divine Speech: Resolve to destroy (6:13-22)
D. 2nd Divine Speech: Enter the ark (7:1-10)
E. Beginning of flood (7:11-16)
F. The Rising flood (7:17-24)
Þ GOD REMEMBERS NOAH (8:1)
F. The Receding flood (8:1-5)
E. Drying of the earth (8:16-14)
D. 3rd Divine Speech: Leave ark (8:15-19)
C. God’s resolve to preserve order (8:20-22)
B. 4th Divine Speech: Covenant (9:1-17)
A. Transitional conclusion (9:18-19)
This is called a palistrophe, where the story builds up to a point and then builds out from it. The significance of an order like this is that the point in the middle is generally the main emphasis.
Do you see what the author is emphasizing? God always remembers those in a bond of covenant with Him! Isaiah would put it this way: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you!”—Is. 49:15.
Consider some other passages and what God provides for those in covenant with Him because He remembers them (Genesis 19:29; Exodus 2:24; I Samuel 1:19; Psalm 105:42). As horrific as the flood event appears at first glance, it sure demonstrates the heart of love God has for those who belong to Him. It is all a matter of your perspective!
To listen to sermon, click The Flood Was a Salvation Event.
Perspective is an amazing thing! There are always at least two ways to look at things. One sees the glass half-full and the other sees it half-empty. One faces a trial or challenge and thinks it a punishment from God and another considers it an opportunity to be stretched and to grow in their faith. This is certainly true as we look at the story of Noah and the flood this morning.
Most of us know the major details of the account of Noah and the flood. We also typically understand that there are at least two perspectives from which we should view the events of this story. One is the side of judgment and the way God handles sin. The other is the side of salvation and the way God handles the sinner. We will see in the sermon this morning the effort of God to SAVE mankind, but the destruction that comes because sin must be dealt with according to the righteous nature of our God. What is interesting is that the whole story of Noah and the flood is laid out to make a powerful point that the author intends not to be missed.
According to Gordon Wenham in the Word Biblical Commentary series, the story of the flood from 6:9 through 9:19 carries within it the following pattern:
A. Transitional Introduction (6:9-10)
B. Violence in Creation (6:11-12)
C. 1st Divine Speech: Resolve to destroy (6:13-22)
D. 2nd Divine Speech: Enter the ark (7:1-10)
E. Beginning of flood (7:11-16)
F. The Rising flood (7:17-24)
Þ GOD REMEMBERS NOAH (8:1)
F. The Receding flood (8:1-5)
E. Drying of the earth (8:16-14)
D. 3rd Divine Speech: Leave ark (8:15-19)
C. God’s resolve to preserve order (8:20-22)
B. 4th Divine Speech: Covenant (9:1-17)
A. Transitional conclusion (9:18-19)
This is called a palistrophe, where the story builds up to a point and then builds out from it. The significance of an order like this is that the point in the middle is generally the main emphasis.
Do you see what the author is emphasizing? God always remembers those in a bond of covenant with Him! Isaiah would put it this way: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you!”—Is. 49:15.
Consider some other passages and what God provides for those in covenant with Him because He remembers them (Genesis 19:29; Exodus 2:24; I Samuel 1:19; Psalm 105:42). As horrific as the flood event appears at first glance, it sure demonstrates the heart of love God has for those who belong to Him. It is all a matter of your perspective!
To listen to sermon, click The Flood Was a Salvation Event.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
What Legacy Do I Want To Leave Behind?!?!?
Who wants to study a genealogy? Of all the sections of material in the Bible, could anything be as dry and pointless as a genealogy? For some reason Moses puts TWO genealogies side by side right near the beginning of his writings to teach us about our relationship with God (who He is and what He wants).
One of the great things about Scripture is the way God chooses to teach lessons about who He is and what He wills through both the good news and the bad news in people’s lives. One might think it prudent for God to choose one story of victory after another to show the benefits and plausibility of doing things according to His will. And, of course, there are many stories like this throughout the Scriptures: David & Goliath; Daniel in the lion’s den; Joseph in Egypt; Elijah on Mount Carmel; Peter walking on water; and the list could go on. However, God often shows the failings and weaknesses of individuals, as well. He does not try to hide them. In fact, it seems as though He willingly displays them so we might grow from the mistakes others have made. Consider David & Bathsheba; the grumbling of the Israelites in the wilderness; Noah getting drunk; Solomon and his many wives; Peter’s denials of Jesus; and Paul’s argument with Barnabas concerning John Mark, just to name a few. God uses these moments of sin or human weakness to teach us His will and ultimately bring Himself glory!
This morning’s sermon over the genealogies of Cain and Seth is a further example of the way God does this. As we see records of generations of two particular families, it becomes clear that we have a choice to make. What type of family legacy will we leave behind as future generations unfold? Will we leave behind a legacy of worldly success at the expense of our souls, such as we find in the genealogy of Cain, or will those who look back over our own genealogy see God working out His plans throughout our family line, like we see in the genealogy of Seth? What will those who look back at us say our priorities were? What Moses is emphasizing through these two genealogies is the most fundamental decision mankind must make—what legacy do you want to leave behind? When you know the answer to this question, pursue it intentionally! After all, what truly is more important than this?
To listen to sermon, click The Tale of Two Genealogies.
A Great Big Thank You!
It was such a nice surprise and a great encouragement to Deeann and me to receive the outpouring of blessings and kind thoughts that this church family bestowed upon us last week. Thank you for the cards and gifts and especially for the prayers and blessings we were given. We are excited about the work we get to do for the Lord with the church family here at Garden Ridge and look forward to growing together as disciples, servants and ambassadors for our Lord. Thank you again for showing us such love and appreciation even though we have been here such a short time. It is greatly appreciated!
One of the great things about Scripture is the way God chooses to teach lessons about who He is and what He wills through both the good news and the bad news in people’s lives. One might think it prudent for God to choose one story of victory after another to show the benefits and plausibility of doing things according to His will. And, of course, there are many stories like this throughout the Scriptures: David & Goliath; Daniel in the lion’s den; Joseph in Egypt; Elijah on Mount Carmel; Peter walking on water; and the list could go on. However, God often shows the failings and weaknesses of individuals, as well. He does not try to hide them. In fact, it seems as though He willingly displays them so we might grow from the mistakes others have made. Consider David & Bathsheba; the grumbling of the Israelites in the wilderness; Noah getting drunk; Solomon and his many wives; Peter’s denials of Jesus; and Paul’s argument with Barnabas concerning John Mark, just to name a few. God uses these moments of sin or human weakness to teach us His will and ultimately bring Himself glory!
This morning’s sermon over the genealogies of Cain and Seth is a further example of the way God does this. As we see records of generations of two particular families, it becomes clear that we have a choice to make. What type of family legacy will we leave behind as future generations unfold? Will we leave behind a legacy of worldly success at the expense of our souls, such as we find in the genealogy of Cain, or will those who look back over our own genealogy see God working out His plans throughout our family line, like we see in the genealogy of Seth? What will those who look back at us say our priorities were? What Moses is emphasizing through these two genealogies is the most fundamental decision mankind must make—what legacy do you want to leave behind? When you know the answer to this question, pursue it intentionally! After all, what truly is more important than this?
To listen to sermon, click The Tale of Two Genealogies.
A Great Big Thank You!
It was such a nice surprise and a great encouragement to Deeann and me to receive the outpouring of blessings and kind thoughts that this church family bestowed upon us last week. Thank you for the cards and gifts and especially for the prayers and blessings we were given. We are excited about the work we get to do for the Lord with the church family here at Garden Ridge and look forward to growing together as disciples, servants and ambassadors for our Lord. Thank you again for showing us such love and appreciation even though we have been here such a short time. It is greatly appreciated!
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