The Plowman

Demands of Following [ 44:17 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (46)

Demands of Following: 2016 Gospel of Luke #37

This is an exposition of Luke 9:51-62. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 13, 2016.

Intro:

Bonhoeffer called it “Cheap Grace”.  Some modern day Bible teachers have called it “Easy Believeism.”  You might call it “nominal Christianity.”  Whatever name you choose it all boils down to people giving “lip service” to the Kingdom of God.  People claiming commitment but showing little or no fruit of genuine life.  They’ve walked an aisle, they’ve filled out a card – many have been “dunked” in water – but have never genuinely been born again.  To look at many of them you would think their love for Christ was a mile wide.  But scratch the surface and you will find it is about an 1/8 of an inch deep!  There have always been those who are quick to jump on the band wagon.  Those who are carried along on a wave of emotion.  Who rise and fall on the ebb and tide of feelings.  Throughout the history of the church there have been those who “join the church” for the same reason they join a country club.  They want something that will help their public image.  Some are seeking a balm for their aching conscience.  There is no repentance, no change.  There is not a desire to surrender all to Christ – they simply want to feel better about themselves.

Of course we, as the church, cannot point the finger of blame at a corrupt society and say, “Shame on you for trying to use God in such a self-serving way.”  We must bear some of the blame for the message we have preached.  Where did they get the idea it was okay to believe in God for their own benefit?  We told them that!  This is the result of our preaching a “Burger King” gospel that says, “Have it your way!”  A Gospel that allows the sinner to set the terms of surrender.  We do not come to God in our own way – we come His way or not at all.  By the way, we are not even comfortable with using language like “surrender.”  I remember being told as a young person that, “You do not surrender to God.  That is the language of defeat.  That is not the language of love.”  But take a good look at the Gospel.  Apart from Christ we are the enemy of God.  We are the object of God’s wrath.  Our only hope is to throw ourselves on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. 

It is a surrender.  I give up my life.  I must die to myself and begin to live for Christ.  That is demanding.  That is defeating.  And that, is the Gospel.  It is a costly thing to follow the Lord Jesus.  And if we are to be faithful to our call as witnesses of the Gospel we must be prepared to, “Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help us God.”

Our text this morning is found in the 9^th chapter of Luke’s Gospel.

Text: Luke 9:51-62

Our text marks a major shift in Luke’s Gospel.  Note the opening verse, “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.”  The word translated, “To be taken up” in this form is only used in this one verse.  Its root is used several times and always in connection with the ascension.  Here it refers to everything our Lord referenced in Luke 9:22 – his suffering, rejection, death and resurrection.  “The days drew near to the work of redemption” thus, “He set his face to go to Jerusalem”

He fixed his gaze.

He determined.

He set his course.

His journey to the cross begins in earnest at this moment.  It will take several months and he will teach and minister along the way.  He will also continue to train the 12.  It is as much a spiritual journey as it is geographical.  This is the focus of Luke 9:51-19:27.  Ahead of him lies a murderous plot, the betrayal of one of his own, arrest, false charges, abuse, scourging, crucifixion and death.  He knew this and yet he set his face to go to Jerusalem.  He joyfully, willfully embraced the Father’s plan.  This is why he came.  This is the purpose of his mission.  We are called to join him on his journey.

What does it mean to follow him?

What will it cost?

Let’s consider the text before us [read text].

Thesis:  The life of a Jesus follower is no walk in the park but rather a life requiring mercy, self-denial, urgency and unwavering commitment.

There are 4 things I want to point out as we explore this text.

1. Following Christ demands a heart of mercy and compassion not merely a head filled with doctrinal certainty.  (9:51-56)
2. Following Christ demands you willfully embrace a life of self-denial and homelessness in this world.  (9:57-58)
3. Following Christ demands you set the kingdom agenda above all other loyalties.  (9:59-60)
4. Following Christ demands a laser focus and an unwavering commitment.  (9:61-62)

The life we are called to, is not an easy life.  It is a demanding life.  It is a life requiring mercy, self-denial, urgency and unwavering commitment. 

Marks of Faithfulness [ 42:33 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (39)

2016 Gospel of Luke #36: Marks of Faithfulness

This is an exposition of Luke 9:37-50. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 6, 2016.

Intro:

It was exhilarating.  They had never experienced anything like it.  They had seen and heard some pretty amazing things over the last two years but nothing to compare to this.  The Lord Jesus was gloriously transformed from the inside out.  They had never seen such brilliance.  Then to see and hear Moses and Elijah – there were simply no words to describe it.  Peter didn’t know what to say so he spoke up!  “It’s good we were here Lord.  Why don’t we build three tents.  One for each of you?”  Who could blame him for wanting to extend this time?  But as he spoke the cloud of God’s glory descended and then they heard the voice of God, “This is my Son, my Chosen One.  Listen to him!”  They were thrilled, frightened and overwhelmed.  Their goosebumps had goosebumps.  As they started back down the mountain they couldn’t stop talking.  “What did it all mean?”  They were talking about His exodus?  An exodus that is about to be accomplished in Jerusalem.  “What does this mean for our future?”  “I can’t wait to tell the others what we saw.” As they reach the foothills they are confronted with absolute chaos.  A large crowd has gathered.  There is a heated argument involving some of the apostles with some Scribes and Pharisees.  There is a distraught father weeping.  As our Lord approaches the father throws himself at Jesus’ feet and pleads, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child.”  So much for the wonder and grandeur of the mountain top.  Welcome to the real world.

Text: Luke 9:37-50

We live in a sin-cursed world.  This is not the world God created.  This is the world God created marred by rebellion.  Through the temptation of the serpent Adam rebelled.  He openly, flagrantly defied God’s clear command because it seemed to suit his own wants and desire.  As a result man was separated from God and given over to corruption.  That corruption not only separates us from God but it alienates us from one another.  All of creation has been affected by sin.  The story of redemption is the story of God, in love and grace, restoring what was lost.  This restoration is made possible by the coming of the Lord Jesus.  He is Immanuel, God with us.  He is God become flesh so that he could give his life in payment for our rebellion.  This is the Gospel, it is the message Luke wanted his friend, Theophlisus to understand and embrace.  In Luke 9 of Luke’s Gospel we come to a turning point in the life and ministry of Jesus.  He is turning from the crowds and focusing more intently on the 12 as he moves into the final year of his earthly life and ministry.  In our text Luke paints a vivid picture contrasting wonder and glory of the mountain top experience with the pain and heartache of the world below.  As the story unfolds we find the Lord Jesus bringing peace to chaos and confusion.  We find Him correcting warped and distorted views about the nature of the Kingdom of God.  Through it all we are reminded that:

Thesis: Mountain tops are glorious but the true test of faithfulness is found in the pain and heartache of everyday trials, petty jealousies and misguided zeal.

Thank God for those “mountain top” experiences but that is not where we live.  Most often we live in the valleys, the hard and difficult spaces.  There we find the true tests of faithfulness.  It’s not hard to be faithful to God when dramatically confronted with his glory.  It’s not hard to sing his praise when engulfed by the glory cloud but it is tough to sing when confronted with your own powerlessness in the face of the demonic.  It’s hard to testify when you’re consumed with your own importance or trying to protect your brand.  As our text unfolds there are some signs, or indicators of genuine faithfulness.  These are the markers we must keep before us if we are to walk the path of faithfulness.

I want to point out 4 demands of faithfulness.

1. Faithfulness demands that we trust God to do what only He can do.  (9:37-43a)
2. Faithfulness demands we keep our eyes fixed on the great work or the ultimate mission of our Lord.  (9:43b-45)
3. Faithfulness demands we seek God’s glory not our own prominence.  (9:46-48)
4. Faithfulness demands we focus on our own assignment rather than trying to police others.  (9:49-50)

Conclusion:

May we be found faithful.
Faithfully trusting God to do what only he can do.
Faithfully fixing our eyes on God’s great work, the work of redemption.
Faithfully seeking God’s glory rather than our own prominence.
Faithfully focus on our own assignment rather than policing others.

The Glory of Christ [ 39:21 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (37)

The Glory of Christ: 2016 Gospel of Luke #35

This is an exposition of Luke 9:28-36. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, October 30, 2016.

Intro:

In a fast-paced, exciting, changing world that emphasizes information, sensationalism and the spectacular it is easy for the church to get sidetrack with its message.  There is a constant demand for attention to social issues, political concerns and theological debate.  Some are drawn to the “hot topic” approach to ministry.  They jump on and ride out the latest fades.  Their preaching tends to gravitate to whatever will tickle the ears of a fickle generation.  While I agree that preaching needs to hit us where we live and relate to where we are as a society, I do not believe that the society or issues should dictate our message.

We do not need more preaching to help us feel better about  ourselves or to stroke our egos, we need men of conviction to declare the unsearchable riches of God’s grace in Christ.  We need lay men and women who will boldly declare to a lost and searching world that Jesus is the answer to life’s questions.  We must stand up and without apology declare that Jesus Christ is the Savior, the Son of God and that meaning and purpose are discovered in a personal relationship with Him.

The Lord Jesus is The message of the church.  He is the message of the Bible.  Why settle for helping meet the “felt needs” of people when we can meet the “real need?”  There is no greater message.  There is no more important message in all the world.  Jesus is the central figure of the human story.

That is the good news that Luke desired his friend, Theophilus, to grasp.  Luke wanted him to have an accurate account of the life and ministry of Jesus.  One that would stimulate his mind and penetrate his heart.  Thus Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, pulled together various events, stories, and teachings from the life and ministry of Jesus and wove them into a life history.  A history with a purpose.  This morning we will explore Luke 9, Luke 9:28 through Luke 9:36.

Text: Luke 9:28-36

As we approach our text, you will remember Jesus has been asking the disciples what the word on the street is.  “What are people saying about me?”  “Who do they say I am?”  They gave the various answers, some say Elijah, and others John the Baptist raised.  Then Jesus asked the big question.  “Who do YOU say that I am?”  Peter, moved by the Holy Spirit, declared “You are the Christ of God.”  You are the Messiah – you are Prophet, Priest and King.  Revealer, Redeemer and Ruler.  Then Jesus really threw them a curve.  He told them that He must be rejected, must suffer and must die.  He told them it was morally imperative.  This was not an option.  It must happen.  The result was a group of confused followers.  They really could not make sense of it.  The event in our text follows on the heals of that.  In fact within a week of that conversation!

What went on during that week?  We don’t know.  I’m certain there was a lot of head scratching.  I’m sure there was some serious contemplating.  Then comes the experience recorded in our text.  We have recorded for us one of those rare occasions in which we get just a glimpse of glory.  We are given the privilege of a foretaste of glory divine.  We call it the transfiguration.  This morning’s message is going to deal with some fairly heavy theology and doctrine.  I hope that does not frighten you.  Theology simply means a word about God.  Doctrine simply means authoritative or official teaching.  This is not something strange or unusual and it’s not boring!  Some of you got “excited” when you heard we were going to deal with theology because you thought, “Good I could use the sleep!”  Biblical theology is practical, it relates to us where we are.  It gives us an anchor and a hope.

I am tempted to envy the apostles.  After all they lived the gospel.  When Jesus calmed the storm they were in that boat.  When he healed the sick, they were there to see it.  They were the first to learn the Lord’s Prayer.  The were to the first to puzzle over the parables.  They witnessed his dying and then saw him after the resurrection.  They stood, gazing into the sky, as he ascending into glory.  Oh, what it must have been like to be there but of all they experienced nothing was more spectacular then their vision of the glorified Christ.  The encounter in our text.

Thesis:  In the transfiguration we see, in the Lord Jesus, the glory of the incorruptible God.

This event demands that Jesus Christ be seen as a totally unique figure on the stage of human history.  There is not another like him.  As we work our way through this text we are going to note 2 grand truths and 2 profound implications.

1. This Jesus is the exact representation of the glory of God.  (9:28-29)
2. This Jesus is the ultimate expression of the message of God.  (9:30-31)
3. We must not settle for a “lesser” glory.  (9:32-33)
4. Our supreme loyalty and ultimate allegiance belongs to Him alone.  (9:34-36)

Conclusion:
This Jesus we preach is no ordinary man.  He is not just some religious figure from an ancient past.  He is the exact representation of the glory of God – he is God.  He is the ultimate expression of God’s message to man – the only means of salvation.  So, do not settle for a lesser glory and give yourself fully, wholly to him and to him alone.

Marks of a Genuine Disciple [ 40:55 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (40)

Marks of a Genuine Disciple: 2016 Gospel of Luke #34

This is an exposition of Luke 9:18-27. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, October 23, 2016.

Intro:

There he was standing behind the counter at a fast food place.  Ball cap pulled down tight on his head.  The nice gold earring, baggy pants dangerously close to falling off.  I wasn’t expecting it when he looked at Ben, who was wearing a Christian T-shirt, “Nice shirt dude!  I’m a believer too.”  He was a nice dressed man.  Very educated.  Well thought of in his profession.  In fact he was a tenured professor at a Baptist university.  “You don’t actually believe this nonsense that Jesus rose bodily from the grave do you?”  I guess it is true what they say, “You can’t judge a book by it’s cover!”  Unfortunately it is also becoming true, you can’t judge a book by what it says.  A large percentage of our population claims to be Christians – but their actions betray their words.  I recognize that seems to be judging, and in our “tolerant” society that is tantamount to the unpardonable sin, but I believe it is a valid judgement.

What does it mean to be Christian?  What does it mean to be a follower of Christ?  Is it merely a matter of saying, “I believe in God?”  Is it a matter of believing certain things or holding right opinions about certain issues?  Is it a matter of going to church or going to the “right” church?  In the book of Acts we have the first mention of the followers of the Lord Jesus being called Christians.  What was it about those folks in Antioch of Syria?  What was it that mark or distinguished them?  Their lives mirrored the life of Christ.  They lived out their faith.  As they followed Him, their life reflected His life.  We call that discipleship, and it comes with a price.

We live in a world of “easy believism.”  Our world is not big on commitment or hard work.  The concept of struggling to achieve is a foreign concept to an increasing number.  A growing number of folks in society have an attitude that says, “You owe me.”  That attitude has found its way into the church.  “Lord you owe me.  I’ve consented to believe in you, now do something for me.  Lord, I’ve believed now make all the bad things go away and bring me a double portion of peace, prosperity and the abundant life.”  The question we have to consider is whether  “this is a biblical concept?”  Just what does it mean to be a follower of Christ?  Is there a price to be paid?  What is the cost?  That is the subject of our text this morning found in Luke the ninth chapter beginning in Luke 9:18.

Text: Luke 9:18-27

Luke is writing to Theophilus – aimed at the head and the heart.
His purpose is to bring him to faith and establish him in that faith.
Luke is universal in his appeal, Jesus is the Savior of the world (not just the Jews).

We are at a turning point in the ministry of Jesus.
He begins to pull away from the crowds and focus more directly on the 12.
We are moving into the final year of ministry for our Lord.
The 12 have been with Him awhile.
They have recently returned from a training mission.
In our text we find a great confession and a sobering prophecy.
In the midst of it all we learn important lessons for following after Him in obedience.

This text is a vivid reminder of the fact that:

Thesis: God calls every believer to a life of genuine discipleship.

These words, while spoken originally to the 12, were not limited to them.
This is to be true of all those who would walk in obedience to Christ.
Sometime after the training mission and after the feeding of the 5000 Jesus pulled His disciples aside, away from the crowds following a time of prayer (Luke alone mentions the time of prayer) Jesus asked His disciples a question.  This initiates a discussion from which we learn three important principles concerning genuine discipleship.

1. A genuine disciple builds his life around the fundamental confession of the Church.  (9:18-21)
2. A genuine disciple willingly, joyfully embraces a life of sacrificial service.  (9:23-25)
3. A genuine disciple unashamedly identifies himself/herself as a follower of Christ.  (9:26-27)

Conclusion:
What does it mean to be a Christian?  To be a follower of Christ?
It means to build your life on the fundamental confession of the church – “You are the Christ of God.”  It means to willingly, joyfully embrace a life of sacrificial service and it means to unashamedly identify yourself as a follower of Christ.