Resolved: to Hold Fast to the Past - part 3

RESOLVED: TO HOLD FAST TO THE PAST - part 3

Preached at Northwest Christian Church
David P. Kautt
Sunday morning, January 17, 2010

Acts 2:36-47: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has
made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard
this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’
doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread; and in prayers. Then fear came up on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers…”

Beloved, in a society and culture where the new, the different, the unique is esteemed - where styles and tastes change almost as quickly as you can switch the channels with the remote control – a verse like that verse, a verse about continuing steadfastly in something, may seem out of step, if not off the wall. But, listen, my friends – there’s a pattern here – Acts 2, verse 42, a First Century pattern meant for us, as twenty-first century Christians to follow. A pattern that pertains to Christ’s word – the apostles’ doctrine, Christ’s sacrifice – the breaking of the bread, Christ’s people – the fellowship, and, as I trust we will see today, a first century pattern that pertains to Christ’s power and program – the prayers.

Yes, my friends, what we have here is a pattern – a two-thousand-year-old pattern – worth maintaining and enhancing, rather than neglecting and abandoning. To be the New Testament Christians we claim to be, we need this pattern. We need to study it, we need to understand it, and – most of all – we need to imitate it, follow it!

Look again at the test with me, what does it say? And they, these earliest Christian believers, continued steadfastly in – they devoted themselves to – the apostles’ doctrine. They persisted in and held fast to what the Holy Spirit-commissioned apostles taught. Why? Because those were the things Jesus taught!

A friend of mine and I were talking sometime ago about the New Testament. We were sharing our thoughts and insights about various portions of the 27 books, when my friend had this to say, “David, I can handle Jesus had to say – and Peter and James and John – but Paul, he’s another story. I have trouble with what Paul had to say…” Now, listen. You think about that with me for a minute. That’s nearly half of the entire New Testament, my friend. I think he’s missing something here, I think he’s forgetting something. I think he’s overlooking the fact that ultimately Paul’s words are not Paul’s words! No! Ultimately, Paul’s words are Jesus’ words!

Ultimately, authentic Apostolic doctrine is that which comes from Jesus Christ Himself! To put it bluntly, whether he realizes it or not, my friend’s problem with Paul’s words means that – actually – he has a problem with the word of Jesus!

My friend, as good as he is, I don’t want to follow his pattern. No! I want to follow - I urge you to follow – the Apostles’ pattern! Their pattern!

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine”, that’s priority number 1. Then, next in line is New Testament fellowship – that uncommon unity. Having Christ’s people in one’s heart, in one’s head and in one’s hand. That’s a pattern, an example we need to follow today also! Psalm 133 said it so beautifully – so meaningfully – remember? “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers (and sisters) to dwell together in unity.” In unity!

Then there’s priority number 3, “And they devoted themselves to [they continued steadfastly in] the apostles’ doctrine - Christ’s word, in the fellowship – Christ’s people, and number 3 – they devoted themselves to the breaking of bread, Christ’s sacrifice. Oh, my Loved Ones. Oh, for us to know Christ through the breaking of the bread – through that regular time of communing with Him at His table – that’s what happened to Cleopas and his Emmaus Road friend! They recognized Jesus, they knew Him for who He really is! How? Luke 24:35, 1 Corinthians 11:23 and following. They knew Him, and we know and can come to know Him through, the breaking of the bread. Through the weekly observance of the Lord’s supper so as to remember Him! So as to remember Jesus!

“And they continued steadfastly in – they fervently devoted themselves to – the apostles’ doctrine and the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread…” And then, finally - priority number 4 for every New Testament Christian – and even New Testament Church… “And they continued steadfastly in, they devoted themselves to – prayer.” Along time ago, someone smarter than I am had this to say about prayer. Listen – prayer – what is it? It is communication between 2 people who love each other! Let me say that one more time and you make not of it. Prayer – what is it? It is communication between 2 people who love each other. Using that simple, and I believe scriptural definition of prayer as a grid, I’d like for us to take a look at four aspects of this loving, 2-way communication.

First of all, go with me, please, to Acts chapter seven, verses 54 through 60.

Acts 7:54-60: “When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they
gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed
into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of
God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at
the right hand of God!” Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their
ears and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and
stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man
named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord
Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice,
“Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell
asleep.”

What did we say prayer is? What is our working definition for it? Prayer is communication between 2 people who love each other! Here’s Stephen - this courageous servant of Christ, who is about to become the first martyr for the cause of Christ - stones are flying towards him, and with the stones, great hatred and malice on she part of these Jewish leaders, and what is he doing? What is he taking part in while this blood-thirsty mob is gnashing against him with its teeth? Do you see, my friends? He is praying. He is communing with the One he loves the most – he is speaking to Jesus, TO Jesus – as if He is right there with him! And, notice – not only is Stephen communicating with Jesus, by way of this marvelous heavenly vision of the glory of God, and the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand – guess what? Guess what? Jesus, the other participant in this heavenly love affair, is communicating with Stephen! Isn’t that amazing – evening breath-taking?! Set alongside the ugliness of these Jewish leaders’ hatred and vengeance, is the beauty – the matchless beauty – of Christ’s love for His child, and of His child for Him!

And they continued steadfastly in prayer – in the prayers! What do these words mean? They mean that the earliest believers in Christ – through prayer to Him – they enjoyed, and I believe were greatly strengthened and emboldened by this sweet and precious communion with Jesus! Prayer to Jesus – it is an avenue to commune with Jesus!

Secondly, in learning – perhaps for most of us – learning again about this blessed communication between 2 people who love each other; what do we need to realize? What do we need to remember? Mark it down – the second aspect of prayer. That it is not only to Jesus, but perhaps more commonly and more frequently, it is through Jesus. It is through Jesus!

There’s an interesting emphasis regarding the nature and procedure of prayer that Jesus makes known to His disciples in those final hours He spends with them in the upper room. Anybody know what it is? Jot down these verses for some further study later: John 14:12-14, John 15:7 & 16, and then John 16:23-27. Let’s take a look at the first of those clusters of verses, John 14:12-14, and see if we can’t discern this unique emphasis regarding prayer. Jesus - tell us, teach us – regarding the nature and procedure of prayer.

John 14:12-14: “ “Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works
that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go
to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father
may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

What is prayer, and how are we to go about it? John 14:12-14. Here are some answers to these questions. What is prayer? It is a way for God and Christ to carry out their will. Through prayer offered to God, through Jesus Christ, God and Christ involve us in the process of carrying out their will. The process of doing the works Jesus did! Furthermore, look at the procedure for all of this! How are we to pray? John 14:13 – Jesus shows us how, doesn’t He? He says, “Whatever you ask – in My name – that I will do…” And, the outcome? To where does all of this lead? Once again, verse 13, the outcome is this… “that the Father may be glorified, in the Son!” Glory to God! Praise to God in and through Jesus Christ is the outcome!

Prayer – communication between 2 people who love each other – it is to Jesus, it is through Jesus. Then, thirdly, did you know this about prayer? 1 John two verse one. Through prayer not only are Christians privileged to communion with Jesus – and to have access to the gracious throne of God. Listen to this - through prayer, and through the study of passage of the scripture like 1 John 2:1 – we come to realize that when we pray, we’re not the only ones doing so! Take a look.

1 John 2:1: “ My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."

Beloved, have you ever thought about it like this before? Why does God hear our prayers? Is it because we get all the words right? I don’t know about you, but there are times when the only words I know how to say are, “Lord, help me!” “Lord, please help me!” God doesn’t hear us because we get all the words right! And, He doesn’t hear us because we have DONE everything right. Just look at this verse, “If anybody DOES sin…” No! Take a look here with me, will you, please? Why does God hear our prayers? I love this verse, and it’s companion verses: Romans 8:26-27. Listen, 1 John 2:1. God hears our prayers – mainly – because Jesus Christ, our Righteous Advocate is praying with us and for us!

And they devoted themselves to – they continued steadfastly in – the apostles’ doctrine [that’s Christ’s words], in the fellowship [that’s Christ’s people], in the breaking of bread [that’s Christ’s sacrifice], and – last of all – they continued steadfastly in the prayers. Listen - through prayer – they devoted themselves to, they latched themselves firmly to, the power and the program of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer, what is it? This two-way communication between people who love each other – Jesus and you. Jesus and me. When we examine the nature and procedure of prayer through the lens of the Lord’s prayer – or, as many have called it, the Disciples’ prayer or Model prayer – what do we learn about it? What do we discover?

Matthew 6, verses five through thirteen. Why do we pray? And, how do we pray? Verses 5 and 6, do we pray to be seen of men? Do we pray so as to sort of show off our spiritually? No! Not unless that’s all we want to gain by way of it – the attention of other men! No, we don’t pray as to be seen of men. Nor do we pray using mounds and mounds, and more mounds of empty, meaningless words – as if – by the use of all these words, somehow we will wear God down, so that finally – finally – He will give in and give us what we want!

No! We don’t pray that way, nor do we pray for those self-centered reasons! Rather – can I say simply, and directly – if we’re going to pray in the way that those earliest Christians prayed, listen, we’re gonna pray like Jesus. To Him, through Him, by Him and number 4 – like Him!
Now, here’s the question: How did Jesus pray? With His eyes closed, with His eyes open? With his hands folded and His head bowed? With His head lifted and His hands raised heavenward? Stop!! Listen, my friends, as important as the physical posture of prayer might be [head up, head down – eyes open, eyes closed and so on], listen, what matters far, far more to God is the posture of one’s heart.

Now, let’s ask our question one more time. How did Jesus pray? Matthew 26:39 “Not My will… not My will – but Thine be done!” What was Jesus’ heart posture when He prayed there in Gethsemane?

So, what is to be our mode of praying to God? Matthew 6:9 & 10, so as to line ourselves up with not only the power of God, but more significantly, the program of God – the will of God. With humble hearts and even bowed heads, we pray as Jesus taught us to pray –

“Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name… Thy kingdom come, Thy
will be done on earth [in me], as it is in heaven… For Thine is the kingdom, and
the power and the glory forever. Amen!”

“And they continued steadfastly in – they firmly devoted themselves to – the apostles’ doctrine and the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread, and to the prayers…”

Let’s close in prayer.

Resolved: To Hold Fast To The Past - part 2

Preached at Northwest Christian Church
David P. Kautt
Sunday morning, January 10, 2010

Acts 2:36-47:
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are
afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread; and in prayers. Then fear came up on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily
with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate
their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor
with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were
being saved."

A new year – a time of changing of the calendar, and the way we write our checks. Usually when we come together in the first few days and weeks of the New Year our thoughts are on the bigger and the better, the new, the difference and the improved.

And, as you well know, with that – with all of that emphasis on the new, with all of the attention given to change in the New Year, we might forget that there are some things – some very important things that may be worth holding on to, worth continuing, worth maintaining and enhancing, rather than neglecting and abandoning.

And what are those things? What is it that we should continue to pursue, yes, even as we enter this New Year?

Acts 2. What a crucially important text this is for our understanding of what it means to be a New Testament church and a New Testament Christian. Lots of key verses and key truths that are communicated here. But, in the interest of time we’re going to zero in on one verse – and four items in that verse - as we consider what we DON’T want to leave behind, as we close the door on 2009, and walk forward into 2010.

Acts chapter two, verse 42 – take a look at it again with me, as we seek to know, to understand, and to do what the early Church did. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread; and in prayers.”

Priority number one – we looked at it in detail last Lord’s Day – remember? If we want to be a truly New Testament church then all the diligence and fervency, all the firmness and constancy that we can muster needs to be focused in the direction of the Apostles’ Doctrine. What they taught, as by the Holy Spirit they imparted to them the Apostles’ Doctrine. Teaching and preaching and DOING the Word of God. Some churches in this age - when so many are infatuated with the latest ‘innovations’ and ‘methods’ – are minimizing the Bible’s importance while still wanting to call themselves ‘The Church’. Acts 2:42 – how can they do it?! Acts 2:42, take a look. Regarding the habits and commitments of the early Church, the text simply, yet powerfully declares: “And they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles’ Doctrine…” There simply is no church, no truly CHRISTIAN church, without the Bible.

Beloved, I know it’s a new year, and I know that with the change of the calendar a lot of folks think it’s time for other things to change. But, listen, for this congregation of Believers in Christ, 2010 is not going to be any different that 2009. By God’s grace – with His help – we will continue steadfastly, resolutely, unwaveringly in the Apostle’s Doctrine. Amen? Amen!
Secondly, new year or no new year, through the power of the Holy Spirit, let us resolve to continue in – to devote ourselves – to the fellowship. To genuine, New Testament fellowship. Think again about what that means… “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers (and sister in Christ) to dwell together in unity.” Do you remember those precious words of the Psalmist, in Psalm 133? New Testament fellowship, what is it? That oneness of heart, and head and hand produced by the gracious work of God’s spirit. Do you yearn for that? Do you long to experience and participate in that? Let’s make New Testament style fellowship one of our goals for 2010, shall we?

Through spirit directed prayer, through practical deeds of service, and through generous expressions of giving and sharing, this year let’s keep Christ’s people here [our heart], here [our head, or mind], and here [our wallet], shall we? And they continued steadfastly in the fellowship… As we progress through the remaining 355 days of this year, let’s keep that focus as one of our primary goals again this year.
Apostolic Doctrine… genuine Christian fellowship. Those are the first two of these New Testament church priorities. Then, number 3 – priority number 3 we want to hold onto, and even enhance in the New Year – is that precious time with one another and with the Lord Jesus we call… the breaking of bread.

My brothers and sisters, I need to ask you a question right here, right now. Here is the question: what does the Bible mean – what is the Word of God trying to tell us – when it says that the New Testament Church, the very first believers in Jesus, devoted themselves to the breaking of the bread? Does it mean that they devoted themselves to a small wafer and a tiny cup of juice? Does it mean that they busied themselves with the external details of a particular religious ceremony? Does it mean that? Or, does it mean something different? Something higher? Something more significant?

Two passages of Scripture give us some very helpful, and I believe very needed insight into how to answer my questions. Luke chapter 24, and John chapter 6. Before we move too quickly to answer my questions, let’s take a few minutes to examine what these passages teach us regarding the meaning and significance of this third New Testament church priority: the breaking of bread. Luke 24, please find that chapter with me, would you?

Luke 24:13-35
“Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called
Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all
these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned,
that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained,
so that they did not know Him. And He said to them, “What kind of conversation
is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Then the one
whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in
Jerusalem, and have you not known the things which happened there in these
days?” And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things
concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before
God and all the people. And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him
to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was he
who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day
since these things happened. Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived
at the tomb early, astonished us. When they did not find His body, they came
saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. And
certain of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the
women had said; but Him they did not see.” Then He said to them, “O foolish
ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought
not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And
beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the
Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And he went in to stay with them. Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen
indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” And they told about the things that had
happened on the road, and how He was know to them in the breaking of bread.”

I know that was a lengthy passage to read, especially at this point in the sermon. But please notice this interesting account’s connection to our discussion of priority number 3, the breaking of bread. It’s a connection made clear at verses 30 through 35. Look again at it with me, please. Jesus sits at the table with Cleopas and his friend. Jesus takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them. Then what? Then their eyes are opened and they knew Him… Yes, they know Him, as verse 35 indicates, in the breaking of the bread. Now, while you’re contemplating that, find the sixth chapter of John with me. We won’t read this lengthy passage. But allow me to summarize it for you. John 6, verses 1 through 14, the text records how Jesus performs one of His most famous miracles. He feed the 5,000 with the 5 barley loaves and the 2 small fish; and as verse 14 indicates, the people saw Jesus perform this miracle. When they saw it, they exclaimed, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world…” End of the story? Not quite. Now skip over verses 15 through 21, and pick up the account in verse 22 and following. It’s now day two of Jesus’ ministry to this hungry crowd. And what are these people looking for? What do they really want when they find Jesus on the other side of the sea? Jesus knows their hearts, doesn’t He? He knows our hearts, too, by the way. Yes, Jesus knows their hearts, and He confronts them with that knowledge – verses 26 - 27,

“Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but
because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which
perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of
Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

Now think again about my questions from a moment ago… What does that text in Acts 2 mean when it says that the early Christians continued steadfastly in the breaking of the bread? Does it mean that they were laboring for perishable food, you know, for a small snack made up of unleavened wafers and a tiny cup of juice? Or, does it mean that their hungering and thirsting was for the one who IS the Living Bread, the Bread from Heaven, the Lord Jesus Himself? Once again the words from Acts 2 are, “And they continued steadfastly in [they devoted themselves to]… the breaking of bread.

My Loved Ones, did you know that Judas Iscariot broke bread with Jesus in the Upper Room? Did you know that? And do you realize that this crowd of people who had eaten Jesus’ free bread and fish meal the day before - when they heard Jesus’ words describing Himself as the Bread of Life – many of them, according to verse 66 and following, withdrew and no longer walked with Him?

My Dear Ones, what does the Scripture mean – Acts 2:42 – when it says, “And they devoted themselves to the breaking of bread”? Priority number 3 for the new year, what is it? It is the breaking of the bread. But is that simply a commitment to the externals of a ceremony? Is it a devotion to a tiny wafer and a little sip of juice? Is it a weekly tasting bee? Is it?

Listen one more time to the words of Cleopas and his Emmaus Road friend in Luke 24:35.
“And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in [literally by means of] the breaking of the bread.”

Hear me, my Loved Ones, would you? Hear me well, please… Priority number 3, if we’re to be a truly New Testament church, then our breaking of the bread in not, I repeat, is not to be a devotions – a steadfast continuance in – the externals of a cold, sterile ceremony. Nor is it to be a fervent pursuit of a small Sunday morning snack of wafers and juice! No! Rather, the 1st Century pattern, and our 21st Century priority, is that of complete commitment to the Sinless One we can know in the breaking of the Unleavened Bread. And the Sacrificial One, we can know in the drinking of the Fruit of the Vine!

And they continued steadfastly in the breaking of the bread… My Dear Ones, I love the simplicity, and the power of Jesus’ words of explanation in this regards, don’t you? And with His words I will close: 1 Corinthians 11:23b – 26

“The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when
He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is
broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”

Let’s pray.

Resolved: to Hold Fast to the Past - part 1

Preached at Northwest Christian Church
by David P. Kautt
Sunday morning, January 3, 2010

Acts 2:36-47: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that
God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when
they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of
the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Then Peter said to them,
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for
the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For
the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many
as the Lord our God will call.”
And with many other words he testified and
exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day
about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in
the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread; and in prayers.
Then fear came up on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through
the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had
need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from
house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the
church daily those who were being saved.

Two thousand and ten – can you believe it? We are now fully one decade – 10 years into this new century – this new millenium. And, as we are wont to say at the beginning of a New Year, it’s time to make a fresh start. It’s time to turn over some new leaves. It’s time perhaps to begin some new habits.

However, before you and I head off to pursue the fulfillment of our “New Year’s Resolutions,” allow me to make to you a suggestion of a different sort. Today, as we begin this New Year and this new decade together, I’d like to suggest to you that there are some things – some very important things, I believe, that are worth holding on to – worth continuing in – worth maintaining and enhancing rather than neglecting and abandoning. But, what are those things? What is it that we should continue to pursue, in the midst of our pursuit of other worthwhile new ventures?

Take a closer look at our text with me today, as we seek to answer that crucial question. Acts Chapter two. I wish we had time to read the entirety of this important portion of Scripture. It’s full of a lot of key verses that let us in on the very earliest events of – the “birthday” we might say – of the Early Church. However, in the interest of time, and the other important things in this text we need to examine this morning, I want to direct your attention primarily to one verse from the passage we read a moment ago. That verse is verse 42. Read it again with me if you would, please:

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread; and in prayers.

As we begin a New Year – even a new decade – there is a lot of talk about new starts, fresh beginnings and so forth. However, I’d like for you to consider with me what we don’t want to leave behind as we close the door on 2009. Notice again what Acts 2:42 says – how this verse begins – as it describes the practices, the habits, (there’s a New Year’s resolution word for you) – take a look at Acts 2:42 and seek with me to know, and understand and to do what the Early Church did.

Look first of all at how this verse begins, the first few words of it. It says that “they continued steadfastly….” Some translations put it: “They devoted themselves to….” What does this portion of the text mean? And what are we to do about it? Steadfast – steadfastly. It’s kind of an older, less common English word – but I found it interesting to learn that it has to do with a constant, firm, fixed resolution. Resolution to do something or to BE something. We know a lot about people who are fickle, don’t we? We know a lot about people who waver and waffle in their decision-making, don’t we? But when the Bible says here of these earliest believers that they “continued steadfastly in…” fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer, what it means is that with great diligence, and great fervency, they directed their strength TOWARD these four priorities.

Acts 2:42. As I said, when we come to a crossroads, like a year-ending and a new one beginning, we may have a desire - even a habit - of doing what my sons did on New Year’s day. Time to clean out the garage and haul off some things, time to let go of, turn our back on some things. But, listen. WE call ourselves a New Testament Church, don’t we? Don’t we? Well, then let’s act like one! Let’s follow their example, and not set aside these four key priorities! Think of it this way, would you, my Loved Ones? When the Holy Spirit inspired historian, Dr. Luke – details these things for us here, what he is really says is this: “Day-in-and-day-out, from one month, one year, one decade, one century to the next – what the early church did was they busied themselves with these four things.” 21st century Christians – 2010 Christians – should do the same!

Okay. Okay. But, what does the Bible mean when it says, “the apostles’ doctrine?” What does it mean when it says they held out and held on to the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayer?

Well, let’s take a look, shall we? Four priorities worth continuing – worth maintaining and enhancing – New Year or no New Year – what are they? How are we to go about pursuing them?

First off, priority #1 is the one Luke describes as “the apostles’ doctrine,” the apostles’ teaching. What does this phrase mean? Well, first, let’s uncover what it doesn’t mean. When looking at a phrase like “the apostles’ teaching,” we might be prone to say that Luke is talking here about their activity – that the emphasis of the text is on the DOING of the teacher’s task.

But if that were the emphasis, what good would that be for us who live not in the first, but in the twenty-first century, seeing that the apostles are not still around to carry out that task? “And they devoted themselves to – continued steadfastly in – the apostles’ doctrine, the apostles’ teaching.” What does this phrase mean if it is not emphasizing the activity of the apostles?

Here’s what I believe the Holy Spirit meant for us to understand by this phrase: “Day-in and day-out, the early church held out and held on to – they directed diligent and fervent strength toward – WHAT the apostles taught! The emphasis, in other words, is not on the activity so much as it is on the outcome of that activity, the content of their teaching!

Now, before we move on from here, maybe you’re wondering, what’s the big deal, the content rather than the activity?

Let me take you to two or three passages to see if you might grasp this more clearly.
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

In verse 20, notice the emphasis Jesus makes when He details what’s involved in the process of making disciples. Is the emphasis on the activity, the teaching, OR is the emphasis on what the disciple-maker teaches? Jesus says, “Teach them.” Teach them what? “Teach them to observe – literally, ‘to keep, to guard, to obey’ – all that I have commanded you….” The emphasis is on what? On the teaching of the apostles’ (Jesus’ hand-picked representatives, sent out by Him with His authority). To teach others what – there’s that word again – to teach others WHAT He had taught them!! Take a look at John 14:25-26. Take a look at John 16:12-15. Take a look at 1 John 2:20-27. Take a look even at Acts 1:8, where Jesus commissions His closest men with the words, “You shall be witnesses – to Me!’ And you’ll discover that for the early church, the priority was not the so-called insights of pop-psychology, or of the advice of Dear Abby or Ann Landers or, even of the words of some supposedly lost, but now found, previously unknown portion of “Scripture.” (Like in Dan Brown’s book0) Rather, the priority was on the Word of God, the words of Christ, handed down to us through the apostles, the teachings of Christ, to be learned, to be understood, to be obeyed!

We say we want to be a New Testament church? I agree! Let’s do so. Let’s be so! [Hold up Bible.] “And they continued steadfastly in the authentic, authoritative words of Jesus through the apostles.” There’s a great place to begin! There’s a perfect place to start!

Priority #2 – They devoted themselves – they held out and held on to – the fellowship – the fellowship.

Fellowship. That’s a word we use quite often as twenty-first century Christians. But do we know what it means, what it entails from a New Testament, from a first-century church perspective? Fellowship. In our era, that word most often is linked with another word – one that you and I might wish were true for today. I’m talking about the word “DINNER.” “FOOD.”
But again, I ask you to consider the teaching of this text and other texts, to see if that is what fellowship really means. While you’re mulling that over, allow me to read three or four passages for you. Please listen closely.

Psalm 133:1-3 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the LORD commanded the blessing –
Life forevermore.

Acts 2:44-47 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

1 John 1:3-4 …that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 9:10-15 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you; who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

“And they continued steadfastly, they diligently and resolutely directed their strength towards… fellowship….” What is the meaning of this word? What difference does it make to us?
Allow me to suggest, first of all, that the meaning of the New Testament term “fellowship” has to do, as Psalm 133 put so beautifully, fellowship has to do with brotherly unity. It has to do with genuine believers in the Lord Jesus Christ drawn to Him by His love and grace towards us, and bound to one another by His Holy Spirit. Fellowship – in one New Testament sense of the term - has to do with people of like precious faith having all things in common, sharing our hearts, our tender affection. “Greet one another with a holy kiss,” the Bible declares. Sharing our heads, our minds, as they are fashioned into the mindset of Jesus Christ. By the way, according to Philippians 2:5-11, the mindset of Jesus Christ is the mindset of unselfish servanthood, washing the feet of the saints (1 Timothy 5:10).

And yes, my friends, if we are to be a truly New Testament church, consistently engaging on a day-by-day, year-by-year, decade-by-decade basis in Biblical fellowship, we will not only share our hearts with our brothers and sisters, and our heads with our brothers, but our hands [reach into pocket and pull out wallet] with our brothers and sisters (2 Cor 9:10-15). By the way, thank you one and all, for how you’ve done that with my family and me for all these years!
New Testament fellowship. How can I say, and put it more simply? Just like with the breaking of the bread, just like with prayer, just like with the apostles’ doctrine – Jesus Christ is central! The breaking of the bread – Jesus’ sacrifice is central! The prayers – Jesus’ power and program is central! “Hollowed be Thy name – Thy kingdom – Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven….” The apostles’ doctrine, Jesus’ Christ’s words are central. And then there’s the fellowship, the brotherly unity of heart and head and, even of hand. And what’s the focus?
Listen closely. They continued steadfastly in the fellowship. What that means is that they kept Christ’s people central! Through prayerful intercession, through humble service, and yes, through generous, even sacrificial giving, they showed, that they remembered Jesus’ words: “In as much as you have done it to the least of these, my brothers, you have done it unto Me!”

Beloved, I’m looking at the clock, and certain that we must close out our study this morning. But the Lord willing, we’ll come back to it next Lord’s Day. But before we bow in prayer, let me say it again like this: When it comes to moving from 2009 to 2010, we may want to close some doors behind us and we may need to put some periods on some sentences, and shut the book on some chapters of our lives. But listen. As New Testament Christians, let us never, ever tire in doing what is right. Let us never, ever stop, or even slow down, our pursuit of, our busying ourselves with, our giving our all to Christ’s Word (the apostles’ doctrine), Christ’s sacrifice (the breaking of bread), Christ’s power and program (the prayers) and Christ’s people (the fellowship).

Let’s pray.

What the Bible Says about Godly Manhood & Godly Fatherhood

What the Bible Says about Godly Manhood and Godly Fatherhood - David Kautt 6-21-2009 Northwest Christian Church - Father's Day Sunday.

• Godly Men Cling to their Own Wives: Genesis 2:23 "And Adam said: 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man.'" Verse 24 concludes with, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
• Godly Men Rejoice in their Own Wives: Proverbs 5:18 "Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth."
• Godly Men Love their Own Wives: Ephesians 5:25, 28-29 "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church."
• Godly Men Give Honor and Respect to their Own Wives: 1 Peter 3:7 "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered."
• Godly Men Show Their Love for Their Children by Training Them, Disciplining Them and Guiding Them in God's Way: Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 13:24 "He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly." Proverbs 19:18 "Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction." Ephesians 6:4 "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord."
• Godly Men Show Their Fitness for Church Leadership by Leading Their Wives and Children in a Godly Way: 1 Timothy 3:1-5 "This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)"

Some important truths that David shared with his congregation this past Sunday (Father's Day). Are you a Godly man? Are you a Godly father? Take some time to study your role as the head of your house.

The Nobility of Godly Church Leadership

Preached at Northwest Christian Church
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 A.M. service
by David Kautt

1 Timothy 3:1-13:
1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop,[a] he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,[b] but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

It has often been said that no group – whether that group be a company of workers, a gathering of soldiers, a collection of athletes, or, for that matter, a family or a congregation of Christians - ever rises above the level of its leaders. And…that the success of any group lies, in great part, in the hands of its leaders.

Beloved, I know that those old truisms about leadership are not inspired Scripture, that they don’t come ultimately from the mouth of God. Nevertheless, I think that there is quite a bit of truth contained in them that is worthy of one’s consideration.

LEADERSHIP – Godly leadership that begins first in the Christian home, the proving ground, so to speak, for any worthwhile endeavor. Godly leadership that, is then exercised in the context of the local church. As we delve a little further into some of the foundational truths of the Christian faith early in this new year, I find it quite interesting and, yes, quite instructive to note that one of the first ‘faithful sayings’ – one of the first of the five so-called ‘trustworthy messages’ found in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus – is one that deals with the subject of leadership – godly church leadership. Notice again 1Timothy one, and note, in particular what the apostle Paul says:

Led as he is by the Holy Spirit of God, he’s writing in an era of the early Church, when the Church and in particular, the Jesus Christ-commissioned apostle of the Church are having to address assaults on the Church from within and without. He’s writing so as to safeguard the Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ as they [the apostles] will soon be passing off the scene, and others – like Timothy and Titus - will be leading in their places. He’s writing – aware of the fact that already false teachers and phony believers are creeping in – to men who were trying to lead the faithful away from inspired Scripture and apostolic doctrine, and into an unholy allegiance to these false brothers and their unhealthy doctrine.

Take a look at 1 Timothy 1:3-7 and you will see what I mean:
3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Paul is writing, urging Timothy to "instruct the brethren…in the words of faith, and of the GOOD doctrine," so as to be a good minister of Jesus Christ, and to reject the profane and old wives fables, the doctrines of demons that many were seeming to promote within the context of the local Church. (1 Timothy 4:1 and following). Furthermore, the Apostle Paul is writing, knowing full well the background, going all the way back to the garden of Eden, and the sin of woman and man that’s underneath it. Yes, furthermore, Paul is writing - having that Garden of Eden perspective in mine [with the realization and the complete understanding that leadership - godly male leadership – will be a struggle], whether we’re talking about in the home, or in the church. It will be a struggle between man and woman, a husband and a wife, because it has been a struggle going all the way back to the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. (Please read 1 Timothy 2:8-15 for more on this.)

LEADERSHIP. Godly leadership that begins, first, in the Christian home, at the proving ground, and then that carries over [or ought to carry over] into the life of the local church. As I said a moment ago, it is not only very interesting, but also very instructive to observe that one of the first of these faithful sayings Paul used in his letters of encouragement to his young ministry colleagues Timothy and Titus, is the subject of leadership, godly church leadership.

1 Timothy 3:1. Take note again of what Paul has to say here. He says, "This is a faithful saying:" literally, a ‘trustworthy word’… "If a man desires the position of a bishop" (an overseer, or we might use the terms ‘elder’ or ‘shepherd’)… "If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work’ – he yearns to take part in a noble task.

Brothers and Sisters, in thinking through the background for this passage [as we have already briefly laid out for you a few moments ago] and in digging a little deeper into this passage, into its message and meaning so as to teach it to you today, I couldn’t help but ask myself (and desire to urge you to ask yourselves) this question: "This is a true saying, a faithful, trustworthy word – if a man desires [sets his heart on] the position of church leader, he desires a good work. He yearns for a noble task." Beloved, in light of that statement, I couldn’t help but ask myself, "What is it about the work – the task of godly church leadership, leadership, as we noted, that begins first in the Christian home, and then that can rightfully be carried over into the local church – my loved ones, in light of this, I found myself asking the apostle Paul, "What is it about the task of church leadership that would cause Paul to say of it "It is a good work, it is a noble task"?

Think it through with me, will you? Godly church leadership – leadership, both in the home and in the church – what is it about this task that makes it worthy of the descriptions ‘good’ and ‘noble’?

Beloved, before we take a run at answering that question, allow me to again point out to you, to remind you, that is we are to answer a question like this accurately, properly and above all, Biblically, we go where for our input? Right here. Right here. God’s word. If we want to know about godly male leadership, whether it be pertaining to the home (marriage and the family), or whether it pertains to the church, we must go here, first and foremost, for input! This is our source. This is our Guide Book.

What is it about the task of church leadership that would prompt the apostle Paul to refer to it as a ‘good work,’ a ‘noble task’?

Allow me to suggest at least two or three possible answers to that question for you to consider.

How many of you ever read the ‘want ads’? You know, the classified advertisement section of the daily newspaper?

And how many of you ever read, or ever have read that part of the ‘want ads’ section we might call the ‘job listings’?

Think about those listings for a minute with me, will you? What do they tell you? What do they indicate to a newspaper reader like you or me? Well, they inform, don’t they, about who is hiring, about who is looking for employees and how to contact such and such company for more information, right?

But is that all that these ads usually carry in them? No, usually they also tell the reader – the potential employee – something of what the prospective employer is looking for, both in terms of job skills and in terms of personal qualities.

Now, hold that thought in mind for a moment, and listen now to this ‘want ad’ – this ‘job posting’:
WANTED – man who "desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

How many of us have ever come across an ad like that one in the morning paper before? Beloved, it’s not there, is it? You simply won’t find such an ad in the paper anything like that ad. You know why that is? I think it is because the ‘job’ – if you want to call it that – the ‘task’, the ‘work’ of godly church leadership [and believe me, it is work] if it is carried out in this way. You will not find another job posting like this one found in the Bible anywhere. Why? Because it is a cut – really 3 or 4 cuts – above any other job! It is a good work, a noble task, and how do we know that? We know it by way of what Scripture says regarding the sterling qualities of godly character – real godly manhood – that are necessarily evident in those who are truly qualified to lead.

In other words, we know it because of the kind of men it takes, the kind of men God is looking for, to fulfill the task of church leadership!
Before we leave this point and move on to the next one, allow me to underline two or three other things for you right here. Sterling qualities like a solid reputation, blamelessness within the church and a good testimony to those who are outside of the church. Sterling qualities like self-control in matters pertaining to sexuality and money and, even emotions. Sterling qualities as to a track record of godly leadership in his own marriage, and over his own children – first. And yes, sterling qualities as to spiritual and even relational maturity, so as not to be susceptible to the devil’s snares and pitfalls – the snares and pitfalls of pride and arrogance. Sterling qualities therefore, that enable such a man to teach, to instruct God’s people both by word and by example.

Beloved, please note with me, that as far as this ‘Job Description’ [from God’s Word] is concerned, these qualities [qualifications] are not optional. You know, "great if you have them, but okay and acceptable if you don’t." Rather, they are a necessity, a requirement, a must! Once again, verse two: "A bishop then, must be blameless…" and so on. And, down a little further, in verses 7 and 8, and even verses 11 and 12 – the goodness of this work, the nobility of the task of godly church leadership is underscored by the fact that these qualities, these sterling characteristics are not optional. They are required!

Now, think about all of that with me for just a moment, and then – think again about the little truism with which we began our study: Remember? The saying went like this: "No group ever rises above the level of its leaders!" And, the success of any group lies, to a great degree, in the hands of its leaders!"

Yes, Beloved, the nobility of the task of church leadership is inseparably linked to the necessary qualities -–the got-to-have-them characteristics of qualified church leaders!

But then, think with me also, about this aspect of the subject. Where do men like this show up? Where are we to find men who are consistently and conscientiously displaying these kinds of qualities?

Well, ladies, you wives – you might be thinking, "The only men I ever find like that are in my dreams!" [Ha! Ha!]

You know, we may laugh at that, and perhaps even figure there is some truth to that. Hey, I am a man. A man, mind you, not God. And I know the weaknesses and frailties that we male types have, believe me! But listen. Listen, my dear Sisters. Maybe the reason you don’t find a man like that in the fellow sitting next to you is because you haven’t taken your ‘critical glasses’ off long enough to look. Or, perhaps part of the reason your man is not like this seemingly ‘ideal man’ is because you haven’t been praying for him as you should, asking the Lord to help him become this Kind of man!

But listen fellows, before I overdo it in my exhortation to your wives (and, perhaps, even your mothers and sisters an daughters), permit me to look you straight in the eye and ask you that very same question one more time: Where do men like this kind of men show up?

Well, let me tell you first of all, where they don’t show up! My Brothers, they don’t show up – for any of us fellows who think we still have the physique to flaunt it – they don’t show up in front of the mirror, flexing their muscles – oohing an aahing about how good they look! No, they don’t! No, they show up down here – down here – on their knees – before the One Who is all beauty and majesty and power! And, listen my Brothers, instead of lazing back in their recliners with a can of beer or soda in one hand, and the remote in the other – men like this show up with this Book [the Bible] on their laps, and their eyes wide open to what it says!

And you know why that is? Well, my Brothers, - and you sisters, too – Here’s why that is:

It is because of one reason and one reason only. Hear me well, would you, please? Men like this show up – godly men like this are seen and serving wherever the Holy Spirit is and has been active and at work in men’s lives! In other words, my loved ones, this ‘want ad’, this job description, full of these exceedingly lofty requirements – this ‘noble task’ can only be carried out by men who know, first and foremost, the truth of Zechariah 4:6 – the word of the Lord to a leader, a man by the name of Zerubbabel:
"Not by might (your might, my might), not by power (your power, my power), but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts!"

"This is a faithful saying, a trustworthy word: if a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work!"

Footnotes:
1 Timothy 3:1 Literally overseer
1 Timothy 3:3 NU-Text omits not greedy for money.

[Preview:] What's So Amazing About God's Grace? - Sermon Series Post Coming Soon

Perplexed?

Have you ever asked yourself the question, "What is so amazing about God's grace?" Well, in his recent sermon series entitled "What is So Amazing About God's Grace?", David Kautt answers that question - Biblically - and gives us a greater sense of awe and appreciation for God's Grace. Not only that, he also touches on some of the hot-topics of this age; such as the recent shootings in Alabama and Illinois, the economic turbulence, and social problems being encountered all over the world.

Please check back in a few days to view this message in it's entirety.

J.C. Ryle - The Eye of God

J.C. Ryle - The Eye of God, Thoughts for Young Men

- Special Rules for Young People -

(3) For another thing, resolve never to forget the eye of God. The eye of God! Think of that. Everywhere, in every house, in every field, in every room, in every company, alone or in a crowd, the eye of God is always upon you. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." (Prov. 15:3), and they are eyes that read hearts as well as actions (Heb. 4:12, 13).

Endeavor, I beseech you, to realize this fact. Remember that you have to deal with an all-seeing God, - a God who never slumbers nor sleeps (Ps. 121:4), - a God who understands your thoughts afar off (Ps. 139:2), and with whom the night shines as the day. You may leave your father's house, and go away, like the prodigal, into a far country, and think that there is nobody to watch your conduct; but the eye and ear of God are there before you. You may deceive your parents or employers, you may tell them falsehoods, and be one thing before their faces, and another behind their backs, but you cannot deveice God. He knows you through and through. He heard what you said as you spoke to people today. He knows what you are thinking of at this minute. He has set your most secret sins in the light of His countenance, and they will one day come out before the world to your shame, unless you take heed.

How little is this really felt! How many things are done continually, which men would never do if they thought they were seen! How many matters are transacted in the chambers of imagination, which would never bear the light of day! Yes; men entertain thoughts in private, and say words in private, and do acts in private, which they would be ashamed and blush to have exposed before the world. The sound of a footstep coming has stopped many a deed of wickedness. A knock at the door has caused many an evil work to be hastily suspended, and hurriedly laid aside. But oh, what miserable driveling folly is all this! There is an all-seeing Witness with us wherever we go. Lock the door, draw down the blinds, close the shutters, put out the light; it does not matter, it makes no difference; God is everywhere, you cannot shut Him out, or prevent His seeing. "All things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Heb. 4:13). Well did young Joseph understand this when his master's wife tempted him. There was no one in the house to see them, no human eye to witness against him; but Joseph was one who lived as seeing Him that is invisible: "How can I do this great wickedness," he said, "and sin against God?" (Gen. 39:9)

I ask you to read Psalm 139. I advise you to learn it by heart. Make it the test of all your dealings in this world's business: say to yourself often, "Do I remember that God sees me?"
Live as in the sight of God. This is what Abraham did, - he walked with Him. This is what Enoch did, - he walked with Him. This is what heaven itself will be, - the eternal presence of God. Do nothing you would not like God to see. Say nothing you would not like God to hear. Write nothing you would not like God to read. Go no place where you would not like God to find you. Read no book of which you would not like God to say, "Show it to Me." Never spend your time in such a way that you would not like to have God say, "What are you doing?"

7 C's of History - 3rd C: Catastrophe

Preached by David Kautt on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at Northwest Christian Church

Scripture passage: Genesis 6:5 – 8:

5 The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them." 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

Genesis 6:11 – 22:

11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. 16 Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. 17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you. 19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. 21 You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them."
22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

The Seven ‘C’s’ of History…

So far in our look at these central events of human history their Biblical back ground, and their significance for our lives we have examined what we need to know from Genesis chapter one and two regarding ‘C’ number one: Creation. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." and, you and me, too! And, as created we are accountable to Him! He made us to please Him. He made us, and we shouldn’t try to return the favor! ‘Creation’, that’s ‘C’ number one.

Then there’s Corruption. ‘Corruption’, when we move from the final words of Genesis chapters one and two, into Genesis chapter three and beyond, we move from what God said and said was "Very Good", into sin and into its awful ‘wage’; its horrible ‘payoff’: DEATH and all that goes with it! Corruption, why is there sickness and suffering and disease and death in this world? Is it because it has ALWAYS been that way? That’s evolution’s answer! Evolution teaches that DEATH is a friend! Or, is the reason for sickness and suffering and death because man’s sin turned God’s good (very good) creative plan upside down? That’s the answer, the Divinely-supplied answer, found in this Book.

Creation, Corruption; what is ‘C’ number three? ‘C’ number three of History is what we are calling ‘Catastrophe’.

Before we look at this important aspect of our 7 ‘C’s’ of History outline (taken primarily from Genesis chapters six through nine) allow me to ask for a quick show of hands. How many of you have had the opportunity, over the last few days, to view any of the photographs or TV film footage of the damage caused in the Southeast Texas area by Hurricane Ike? It’s a horrible, and horrific scene, if I do say so myself. But listen, first thing, the first thing we need to know and remember about this third ‘C’ of history (‘Catastrophe’) is this: whether it be the storm of wind and rain, that effected our gulf coast region, the meteorologists called "Hurricane Ike", or the global flood, the world-covering flood or Noah’s day (as recorded in Genesis chapters six through nine); lets remember: what we’re talking about, what we’re looking at in those newspaper photographs and TV film footages (and what Geologists are digging up and discovering all over the face of the earth) is not the evidence of incredible displays by ‘Mother Nature’ at work! No! Rather, what we’ve seen and heard and yes, most of all read, is undeniable evidence of God’s power at work in His world!

The hymn-writer put it so well, when He penned the essence of Psalm 50, verse 12, in these immortal words, "This is my Father’s world… I rest me in the thought, of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, His hand the wonders wrought." "Mother Nature!" Fooey! That’s a pagan religious concept, beloved, do you know that?! Whether it be the localized storm of wind and waves and water we’re calling "Hurricane Ike", or more significantly – for the sake of this study – that world-encompassing, mountain-peak-covering flood of Noah’s day, look at it! Look at it please, through this window (the Bible) and you’ll see: these are not illustrations of the hand of ‘Mother Nature’, there is no such person! No! These powerful cataclysmic events are none other than the powerful hand of our God at work! What an awesome and mighty God we serve, Amen?! Amen!
Secondly, and I believe much, much more seriously and soberly, the flood – the world-wide deluge of Noah’s day – what was it?

Can’t you just imagine the skeptical, political cartoonists of Noah’s day? Mocking at Noah’s family building this huge boat! A barge-like ship that was 450 feet long, beloved, that’s a football field and a half long! It was large! 75 feet wide & 45 feet high! This was a huge boat; and, from what scientists and engineers have surmised, an incredibly well-designed one, also! Built not only to house a pair of animals – from each kind – you know, two: a male and female of the dog kind (of the canine family), and two, male and female, of the cat kind (of the feline family), and so on.
This incredibly well designed boat not only was built to house the animals and Noah and his family – and all they would need for more than a year of time that they would spend on that boat – but, it also was intricately fashioned so as to withstand all the upheaval that would go with a deluge of this might! 40 days and nights of rain pouring down, down from the windows of heaven; and other things spewing up, up, up when the fountains of the great deep were broken apart.

Imagine the skeptical, political cartoonists of Noah’s day, mocking Noah and his family, making fun of their huge work project, and scoffing at their humble, yet very fervent preaching about getting ready! "Ha! World-wide flood! Ha! What does old Noah thinks God’s gonna do, turn on heaven’s sprinkler system and forget about it? World-wide flood! Ha! It will never happen!"

Beloved, what was the globe-covering deluge of Noah’s day? A cartoonist’s depiction that never came to pass? No! Listen and listen well to this very sobering fact! It was the Justice and Judgement of God with respect to sin! "Be sure," the Bible says, "Be sure, your sins will find you out." They will! "Be not deceived," don’t let Satan fool you, like he did the people of Noah’s day, "God is not mocked!" The massive fossil record of our day – the unbelieving, skeptical geologists don’t recognize it, but beloved we ought to - what is that fossil record? It is the testimony of a grave-yard, a world-wide ‘grave-yard’ bearing witness to the wickedness of man and his rejection of God’s offer of an ark of safety, God’s provision; a way of escape from the judgment!

‘Catastrophe’, that’s what ‘C’ number three is. Then, notice also, with me, beloved, that ‘C’ number three of History – this one we’ve labeled ‘Catastrophe’, because it refers to the globe-covering flood of Noah’s day – what is it? What does it picture for us?

Genesis 6, verse 8 – I love this verse – set over against God’s just and righteous response to the pervasive wickedness of mankind in that day and time: "I will destroy man whom I have created…for I am sorry that I have made them…" Set over against the sad and painful message of verse seven, is the very next verse in the text: Genesis 6, verse 8, and notice what it says, notice it’s marvelous emphasis in contrast to verse seven’s emphasis on God’s judgment: "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord…"

My friends, I know it may be hard to see – at first, especially considering all the devastation that a world-wide judgment on sin and sinners would bring to pass – but listen, and look, Genesis 6, verses seven and eight; or, take one of my New Testament favorites: Romans 6, verse 23; and, what do you see? What do you hear? Do you see and hear only, "the wages of sin is death?" Is that all there is in this third ‘C’? No! Genesis 6, verse 8 – and the rest of Romans 6, verse 23 – "The wages of sin is death," yes! "But, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Our Ark of Salvation!

‘C’ number three (Catastrophe) it isn’t all gloom and doom! No! The mercy of God! The kindness and compassion of God, do you see it? You need to see it, beloved! Even with the gloom and doom for every one else, there was grace – God’s amazing grace for Noah, his wife, their three sons and their three sons’ wives – for eight people. Eight precious souls God rescued and delivered from those horrible flood waters through His divinely ordained mechanism an ark of safety! This book – way over in the New Testament – indicates that, ultimately, Jesus (God’s dearly Loved Son) is the ultimate Ark of Safety! Are you in Him? Are you?
‘C’ number three of History, what is it that God wants us to see though this real event, from Mankind’s history, the catastrophic world-wide flood of Noah’s day? He wants us to see the power of God, doesn’t He? Yes! He wants us to see the justice and judgement of God, doesn’t He? Yes! And He wants us to see the mercy of God, doesn’t He? Yes! He wants us, as we look again at these critical early chapters from the Book of Genesis, to see all these things, my friends. But, listen, He also wants us to see His faithfulness! God also wants us to make careful notice of the fact that our God keeps His promises! Genesis six, verse seven, what was God’s promise there? "I will destroy man and beast and bird and creeping thing." "I will." And did He do it? You bet he did! Those billions of dead things, buried in rock layers all over the earth, they weren’t put there over the course of millions and millions of years of gradual erosion and decay and deposition! No! They were laid down by water, a huge globe-covering amount of water, all at once. Why? Because God is faithful! But, you know something else, my friends? A world-wide catastrophe wasn’t the only thing God promised in Noah’s day! No! What else did He say He would do? Genesis 9, verses 8 through 17:

8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: 9 "and as for Me, behold, I will establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. 11 Thus I establish My covenant with you: never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." 12 And God said: "This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. 14 It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; 15 and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." 17 And God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth."

Beloved, when God sent that incredible global deluge upon those wicked people, what was He doing? He was keeping His promise, He was showing His faithfulness! Guess what? Every time you and I watch the storm clouds gather ,and see the lightning and hear the thunder and watch the rain, guess what? When that magnificent rainbow comes out afterwards what is it declaring you and me? Do you know? Beloved, it is declaring loud and clear – for all to see and hear – that our God still keeps His promises! That our God still is faithful!

Genesis chapters six through nine and their record of a world-wide flood and an ark that saved eight precious souls, and a pair of animals of each kind – I don’t know about you – but, when I read something like that, I’m tempted, my friends, to relegate it to the past, to that part of my bookshelf marked "History". And to wipe my hands and be done with it! But, listen! This Book won’t let you and me be done with it!

No! Rather, if you go over to the New Testament – to passages like Matthew 24 and Luke 12 and 1 Peter 3 and 2 Peter 3 – you know what you will find out? You will find out that this moving account from our ancestor’s History points forward to our future destiny. Beloved, just as in Noah’s day, there is COMING a day, when God will separate the sheep from the goats and the wheat from the tares and the fruitful branches from the unfruitful ones! And, on that day a cataclysm of even greater magnitude will come like a thief in the night to destroy the entirety of the created realm; no, not with water, but with consuming fire. And, those who are in the Ark of Safety will come through it unscathed, only to enjoy and posses God’s New Creation afterwards, and forever! But, such is not the case for those who scoff, and refuse to believe that anything like what happened in Noah’s Day would ever happen again! But, believe me, my loved ones, it will! It will!

2 Peter three, verse 9 – read it sometime, my friends. In essence it says that God’s slowness in keeping this promise – the one about the future catastrophe – is not an indication that He won’t keep His promise! No! Rather, it is a signal to all, to all who delay, that He is being patient, incredibly patient with you, in hopes that you will repent and get in the Ark!

Tick…tick…tick…tick. How much time is left on God’s clock? Anybody dare to venture a gues? Tick…tick…tick…tick. ‘C’ number three declares loud and clear: "Behold, now is the acceptable time, behold, now – today – is the day of salvation!"