April 29, 2007 by admin.

#275, Forgiven…Forgive, Sunday, 04-29-2007

Text: Matthew 6:9-15 The Lord’s Prayer
Theme: If you are really forgiven, you’ll show it.

Introduction:

1. If you follow Jesus you’re living in two worlds at the same time, in a Kingdom within a Kingdom (subculture).
   1. What makes us different, is the King in us.
   2. One day the King taught us how to pray.
   3. In this prayer we discover the basic DNA of all prayer (the language of the Kingdom)
   4. Text: Matthew 6:9-15 The Lord’s Prayer
2. In this prayer our hearts are directed towards heaven and earth. (The Christianlife contains both a vertical and horizontal dimension.)
   1. Jesus directs us first to out Father in heaven.
   2. Jesus then brings us to our daily needs on earth.
   3. We are not surprised when Jesus speaks of food. But, what is surprising is Jesus’ emphasis on the subject of forgiveness. (Forgiveness is also a need!)
   4. After the prayer is over, Jesus gives commentary on this subject only! (vv 14-15)
   5. Why is forgiveness so important?
3. Forgiveness is a critical evidence that we are truly in God’s Kingdom.

Theme: If you are really forgiven, you’ll show it.

How does your life show forgiveness?
We inhale forgiveness, and we exhale forgiveness.

1. Are you willing to ask and receive God’s forgiveness?
   1. Jesus teaches us to ask, “Forgive us our debts” (v 12)
   2. This simple prayer brought life into me.
   3. I thought I was alive at one time, but I was a walking dead man among the living dead.
   4. When I admitted my need, the spirit rushed in.
   5. Sin is described as a debt.
   6. By our own sin we become debtors.
   7. We are in debt to both God and Satan.
   8. Satan wants to keep us as his slave. (you took my bait now you must live with my hook)
   9. God must have the crime judged and paid for. (Thank Jesus for His indescribable gift!)
   10. When God forgives, He doesn’t just “barely forgive”.
   11. “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.” Joel 2:13
   12. God’s forgiveness abounds. He is lavish in his love
   13. He casts our sin into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19), He covers them (Psalm 32:1), He washes them away (Psalm 51:7), He takes us from the red to the white (Isaiah 1:18), He removes them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12)
   14. Is this forgiveness just at salvation?
   15. We need daily cleansing.
   16. Jesus instructed Peter that he who has had a bath need only to wash his feet.
   17. When you breathe in forgiveness you’re changed.
   18. Before –> After
   19. Guilty –> Innocent
   20. Anxiety, Dread –> Joy, Peace
   21. Stressed –> Blessed

There’s more to life than being forgiven. You demonstrate true life by breathing forgiveness out. (exhaling forgiveness)

2. Are you willing to give forgiveness to others?
   1. Jesus teaches an undeniable connection between being forgiven and forgiving others.
   2. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (v12)
   3. People will sin against us and owe us a debt.
   4. Will we respond like God or the devil?
   5. Example: the parable of the unmerciful servant (a man who owed 10 million wouldn’t forgive someone who owed $10.00.)
   6. How does this forgiveness of others look in everyday life?
   7. We must forgive immediately, quickly.
   8. Right after the nails went in, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
   9. Immediate forgiveness is for our freedom.
   10. Most of what we forgive will be “minor stuff”.
   11. “Love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
   12. forgiveness of major stuff requires extra grace.
   13. There may need to be guidelines and stipulations.
   14. Sometimes, the law needs to step in.
   15. To forget sin doesn’t always mean to ignore it.
   16. The key is we don’t give in to hatred, revenge

Conclusion:

Example – my dad
God showed me how much I have been forgiven.
God has given me a love for my dad.

Are you alive in God today?
Are you breathing in forgiveness?
Are you breathing out forgiveness?

Posted in Podcast, Sermons, Pastor Mark | Print | No Comments »

April 29, 2007 by PastorMark.

How often have we wished for God to speak to us in an audible voice with direction, comfort, or wisdom? Job suffered and wondered why God seemed silent and distant. He was upset that God didn’t answer him. A messenger from God, Elihu, spoke to Job about this and said, “For God does speak—now one way, now another—though man may not perceive it” (Job 33:14). So, the real problem isn’t God’s silence as much as it is our need to hear. God gave us His Word and His Holy Spirit. He has spoken and He is willing to speak into our lives and circumstances. Are able to perceive?

Pastor Mark Boucher

Posted in Pastor's Paragraph, Pastor Mark | Print | No Comments »

April 22, 2007 by PastorMark.

#274, Thy Will Be Done, Sunday 04-22-2007

Text: Matthew 6:9-14

Theme: Jesus challenges us to become Kingdom minded.

Introduction

1. We have more choices than ever about things to do in life.
   1. Are we so busy doing that we’ve forgotten why and what we’re doing?
   2. Example: My dad working on a puzzle – the particulars make sense in light of the big picture.
2. We struggle with receiving and keeping “the big picture.”
   1. Many believe there is no big picture – life is just a pile of pieces.
   2. Those who do believe in God’s big picture also can struggle with “the pieces” (How does this fit in?!)
3. Jesus sat down on a mountainside and taught His disciples.

Text: Matthew 6:9-14

In His message, Jesus unveiled to us a new way of life. This life would possess a central vision, unifying focus the big picture. Can you see it? “This, then is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’” (Matthew 6:9-10)

~The King and His Kingdom~

Theme: Jesus challenges us to become Kingdom minded.

(It’s thy Kingdom not my Kingdom)

The Kingdom of God is like a string, bringing the pearls of truth into a beautiful necklace.

What in this world is the Kingdom of God?

In order to become “Kingdom-minded” we must receive his truth in our minds …

Truths about the Kingdom:

1. There is a King.
   1. He’s the forever, all-powerful King.
   2. “The Lord is King forever and ever; the nations will perish from His land.” (Psalms 10:16)
   3. “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.” (Psalms 24:1)
   4. He spoke the galaxies into existence by His all-powerful word.
   5. He’s not going away or stepping down from His throne.
   6. You can’t impeach Him, overthrow Him, or vote Him out of office.
2. Our human nature rebels against the King.
   1. In the garden, the first pair walked with the King.
   2. The king gave them everything (including a boundary), but they wanted thrones of equality.
   3. They believed the lie that by rebellion against God, they would become “gods.”
   4. We are easily deceived by illusions and lies.
   5. Our human nature cries “my Kingdom come.”
   6. “The Kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.” (Psalms 2:2)
3. God wants us in His Kingdom.
   1. God wants to adopt us. (The King wants to be our Father!)
   2. “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O god are strong, and that you, O Lord are loving” (Psalms 62:11)
   3. God tells us about adoption into His Kingdom (on His terms, not ours).
   4. “I tell you the truth, no one cam see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3)
   5. “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
   6. How can we possibly change this radically?
4. The King sent His own Son. (the Co-Regent) (The King left Heaven, dressed as a peasant.)
   1. In Jesus the Kingdom has come.
   2. His message was, “The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
   3. The King and the Kingdom arrived together.
   4. His coming jump-started all the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament.
   5. In Jesus, the Kingdom comes.
   6. The Kingdom of God grows and expands wherever Jesus is exalted and honored.
   7. He sent His Spirit (Christ in us) to empower Kingdom living.
   8. The Kingdom now is not of territory, but a “realm” of spiritual conquest. (the rule and reign of Christ.)
   9. We conquer in this Kingdom by yielding to the Holy Spirit.
   10. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom” Matthew 5:3
   11. In Jesus, the Kingdom is coming. (The best is yet ahead …)
   12. One day faith will become sight.
   13. “We shall see Him as He is.
   14. The Kingdoms of this earth will be as dust and all will bow before the King of Kings.
   15. In that day it will be proclaimed …
   16. “The Kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
For the believer, this life is the worst it will ever be.

Conclusion:

Our only reasonable response … to the King … “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Posted in Podcast, Sermons, Pastor Mark | Print | No Comments »

April 22, 2007 by PastorMark.

He had everything, except God and satisfaction. Haman’s dissatisfaction led to his downfall. Here is what happened: Haman was elevated to the second most powerful position in the Persian Empire. He had great wealth, power and respect from others. However, Haman fixated on Mordecai the Jew because Mordecai would not bow down to him. This obsession eventually destroyed Haman. The lesson from Haman’s pitiful life is this: We must honor and obey God and find our satisfaction in Him. Focusing on the approval or praise of people leads to anxiety, anger…and eventual destruction. We can be delivered from the “Haman syndrome” if we repent and pray to God.

Pastor Mark Boucher

Posted in Pastor's Paragraph, Pastor Mark | Print | No Comments »

April 15, 2007 by PastorHarv.

After Resurrection, Then What?, Sunday, 04-15-2007

I BEGIN WITH A STORY…

This is a true account as recorded in the Police Log in Sarasota, Florida.

An elderly Florida lady did her shopping and, upon returning to her car, found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle. She dropped her shopping bags and drew her handgun, proceeding to scream at the top of her voice, “I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car!”

The four men didn’t wait for a second invitation. They got out and ran like mad.

The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags into the back of the car and got into the driver’s seat. She was so shaken that she could not get her key into the ignition. She tried and tried, and then it dawned on her why….for the same reason she did not understand why there was a football, a Frisbee and two 12 packs of beer in the front seat!

A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces farther down. She loaded her bags into the car and drove to the police station to report her mistake.

The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn’t stop laughing. He pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale men were reporting a car jacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large handgun.

No charges were filed.

If you’re going to have a Senior Moment, make it a memorable one!!!!!

The title given to this message is After the resurrection, then what? Go with me to a study of two of the most prominent disciples of Jesus, Peter and John, and let’s examine them before the resurrection and after the resurrection, especially when the Savior admonished them to stay in Jerusalem until what he had promised would be sent to them.

INTRODUCTION:

The disciples were in a time of crises. Peter, Philip, James, James, Bartholomew, Thaddaeus, John, Matthew, Simon the Zealot, Andrew, Thomas, and Judas Iscariot, the one who dropped out after turning Jesus over to the those men who would later crucify Him.

Twelve men—Jesus main focus of instruction. These men became disciples of Jesus and were selected to let the world know of God’s love, that God sent Jesus to redeem the world. In a time of prayer, recorded in John 17:23, Jesus prayed, “I in them and you in me, that they may be one as we are one. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” They were instructed to be a tight group, stand together, and get set for a fantastic experience.

Jesus was put to death on the cross. He was laid in the tomb. One day passed. Second day passed. The death of Jesus was beginning to tear them up! And then the news: the grave is empty! Two women went to the tomb to place another application of spices, colognes, but HE IS NOT THERE. AN ANGEL TOLD US!

I. HE AROSE FROM THE DEAD

“What is this?” I imagine the disciples said. “Oh, this is what He meant when He taught us!”

Paul writes to the Corinthians, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, you are still in your sins!”

(Also read I Cor. 15:35.) The resurrection is the climax to the price Jesus paid with His death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven.

TRANSITION

INCLUDED in the list of the disciples are two men I want us to focus upon, not to sit in critical judgment of them by citing all the things they did wrong, and “If only they would have done this or that, things would have been different for them, but rather to see what is evident with Peter and John before the death and resurrection of Christ, and what they were like following the resurrection and subsequent out pouring of t he Holy Spirit.

II. A STUDY OF PENTECOST

Before we look at the temperament of Peter and John, let’s say a word about Pentecost. Technically, Pentecost means “fiftieth” and it was so called because on the fiftieth day after the waving of the sheaf of first fruits in the OT, they waved two loaves for first fruits. It was an annual time to celebrate the harvest with exhilaration and rejoicing. It was a landmark day to assist the Jews to remember God’s blessing upon them.

Acts 2 describes the Day of Pentecost just after the resurrection of Jesus. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” The disciples and others numbering 120 were waiting together in prayer and fasting as commanded by Jesus before His death and resurrection.

“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

The Heavenly Father chose the Day of Pentecost to fulfill the promise of Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

It is interesting t o observe that when Jesus was on earth, he was in a human body and could only be in one place at a time. He promised the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to His disciples and audiences, who is able to be everywhere at once.

This is an experience subsequent to the experience of salvation available to all who have accepted Christ’s offer of salvation.

III. A LOOK AT PETER’S TEMPERAMENT

The disciple called Peter is an interesting study of humanity. He was born in Bethsaida. (John 1:42-44) He lived in Capernaum. ( Matthew 8:5-14) His livelihood: Commercial fisherman. He had one brother, also a disciple, named Andrew, and his fishing partners were James and John. He was married. Matthew 8:14.

His personality and character are as follows:

1. Impulsive Matthew 14:28, yet cowardly. Matthew 14:30. (Story of walking on water) He is the kind of person who always buys candy or a magazine while waiting in line at the grocery store.
2. Hot tempered, yet tenderhearted. John 18:10. (He cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant with his sword at the time of Jesus’ arrest just prior to crucifixion. Jesus rebuked him, commanding him to put his sword back, and don’t interfere with what the Heavenly Father had in store for Jesus. But it was later recorded where he denied that he even knew Jesus when confronted by a servant girl who accused him.
3. Insightful, Matthew 16:16; yet dense. Matthew 16:21-23. He as insightful when he responded to the question, “Who do men say that I am?” and Peter said, “You are the Christ, t he Son of the Living God.” He was dense when Jesus was sharing what he must go through…the cross, etc. And Peter responded, “This shall never happen to you.” Peter could not see the big picture—the purpose of the cross as a remedy for our sin. Jesus again rebuked him, “Get thee behind me, Satan. You are a stumbling block to me, you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

What kind of a preacher/teacher will Peter make? What kind of a fellow is he? How can God use him in the ministry for the spread of the Gospel? I look at this man and say, “Do I love this men? Yes, I do.”

Jesus loved Peter. All this is before Pentecost. This is an interlude in Peter’s life.

Then came Pentecost. Peter was there when the promise of “but ye shall receive power” was fulfilled! Let’s go see what Peter was like after receiving the Holy Spirit baptism, which was marked by speaking in tongues.

Turn to Acts 2:14, “Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd…” This is the picture of a fisherman on fire—not a fire that is natural, but a fire in his soul, which is now filled with the Holy Spirit. God used a blunt, rough, strong fisherman, and turned him into a preacher! He was changed radically from the inside out. Of the disciples, some of whom were more refined, Peter stood up and brought a sermon that is a part of the Bible! (read the opening)

Acts 3;1 Peter prayed for the crippled beggar, and began preaching again. He was doing what the Bible says one would do after being filled with the Holy Spirit, “But ye shall receive power…” Peter was courageous and solid after Pentecost. Acts 5:27-30

IV. A LOOK AT JOHN’S TEMPERAMENT

The disciple John was a man of peace and was beloved by Jesus. It is recorded that he was the disciple that Jesus loved.

He, like Peter, was a fisherman with his father and brother, James. Though a strong man, he was more gentle in spirit than was Peter. He was made one of the pillars in the Jerusalem church (Galatians 2:9)

His temperament had these features:

1. He was vengeful and fiery. Luke 9:54. The story is that Jesus and his disciples set out for Jerusalem, and had to pass through Samaria. Jesus sent messengers on ahead, who “went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was headed for Jerusalem.” James evidently couldn’t take rejection, and when they saw this, they asked Jesus if He wanted them to call down fire from heaven to destroy them. Now this was before Pentecost. Jesus in turn rebuked them and they went on to another village.
2. He was judgmental. (Mark 9:38) “Teacher, said John, we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us. 39. Do not stop him, Jesus said, No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whosoever is not against us is for us.”
3. He was selfish. He asked the Lord if he could sit at his right hand when Jesus would come in his own kingdom.

But after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, John was changed. He became bold, loving and compassionate after he was filled personally with the Holy Spirit.

He was one of the three disciples in the core group of disciples. He was known as the EVANGELIST!

He wrote the Book of Revelation, a book of eschatology, where he wrote prophetically about the conditions on earth prior and during the return of Jesus to this earth, at which time we shall rise to be with Jesus!

V. IS THE HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM GOOD FOR TODAY?

1. What Jesus promised here was a filling. It was a pouring out of the Spirit as Joel prophesied, (2:17, 18, 33); a receiving of a gift, (2:38); a falling upon (8:16); a pouring out of a gift (10:45), and a coming upon.
2. Since the Holy Spirit is a Person, we are talking about an experience that brings a relationship. Each term brings out some aspect of the Pentecostal experience for today.
3. And, since they were together and in one accord, it is saying all 120 were filled. Later, after Peter’s sermon about what was happening, it is suggested the Holy Spirit filled 3000 who believed.
4. As soon as they were filled, the 120 began to speak (and continued speaking) with other tongues (languages). Began to speak is significant in that it shows, as in Acts 1:1, that what was begun was continued on other occasions, thus indicating that tongues were the normal accompaniment of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
5. They used their tongues, their muscles, but spoke the words that did not come from their minds or thinking. The Spirit gave them the utterance, which they expressed boldly, loudly, and with obvious anointing and power. This is one sign of the baptism in the Spirit that is repeated.
6. There is no evidence that any believer spoke as if forced to do so. They retained their senses and spoke in willing cooperation with the Holy Spirit.
7. The “tongues” mentioned in I Corinthians 14, are one and the same. In Corinthians, Paul indicated that tongues are a sign to unbelievers. They were used of God to draw people together, as well as to edify the believers. In all his writings, Paul did not rule them out, they are still good today.

Acts 5:29

“Peter and the other apostles replied: `We must obey God rather than men!’”

One of the greatest evidences is given us in the change that came over the disciples after they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Before Pentecost they were unsure, unsteady, and unfaithful. In Matthew the Lord Jesus is arrested and sentenced to dying on the Cross, and where were the disciples? They deserted and fled.

But after Pentecost, they were brave as lions, and were willing to die for the Christ they served, as is related here and in the epistles. They were persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, and scorned for preaching the Gospel, and they kept right on preaching!

Acts 1:8

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Posted in Podcast, Sermons, Pastor Harv | Print | No Comments »

April 15, 2007 by PastorMark.

Jesus wasn’t impressed. As He and the disciples left the temple in Jerusalem one day, the disciples pointed to the massive buildings and walls and one of them said, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” (Mark 13:1). Jesus prophesied that all these would one day become rubble. About 40 years later (in 70 A.D.) Jerusalem was destroyed, along with the temple, by the Roman emperor Titus. The Bible teaches us that “fleshly” achievements and man-made things do not impress God. What God looks for is not “outward appearance” but qualities of the heart. Only He can forgive, cleanse, and transform our hearts. The willingness to humble our hearts and put our faith in Him…this is what touches and “impresses” God.

Pastor Mark Boucher

Posted in Pastor's Paragraph, Pastor Mark | Print | No Comments »

April 8, 2007 by PastorMark.

Who is this Man?, Sunday 04-08-2007

Text: Matthew 16:13-16

Theme: Are you willing to seek to know the answer to “who is this man”? How will you know unless you ask some question?

Introduction

1. No one person has changed the world like Jesus.
1. He has more . . . followers, books, songs, Bibles …
2. He wants everyone to know who He really is.

Text: Matthew 16:13-16

Are you willing to seek to know the answer to “who is this man”?

How will you know unless you ask some question?

1. “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (verse 13)

a. What did the people around Jesus think?

b. They saw His miracles, heard his words. Yet, most of them envisioned a Messiah who would conquer and divide.

c. They said He was John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, one of the prophets.

d. What do people think today?

e. Some see Him as a great historical figure.

f. Some see Him as a deceiver.

g. Some see Him as God in the flesh.

2. What did Jesus claim about Himself?

a. What did He say about His mission, purpose?

b. He came to bring us truth.
“Jesus answered, you are right in saying I am a King. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” John 18:3

c. He came to give His life as payment for sin. “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:20

d. He came to bring us true life. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

e. What did He say about Himself?
The high priest said: “Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” (Matthew 26:63)
Jesus answered: “Yes, it is as you say … but I say too all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64)

3. “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15)

a. “Humanity” always comes down to one … you.
You can’t ignore the question.

b. God has given you everything you need:
He came down in the flesh.
He spoke words of eternal life.
He lived sinless and died as a sacrifice.
He sent witnesses who died as martyrs.
He has saved millions all over the world.

Thomas said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

Posted in Sermons, Pastor Mark | Print | No Comments »

April 8, 2007 by PastorMark.

The following is an excerpt from an article written for Passion Week by Pastor Mark for the Leominster Champion.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest miracle in history! Jesus himself referred to His resurrection as “the sign” that would validate His life and claim to be the Savior of the world. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, we have no true faith. However, because Jesus did rise from the dead, we are assured that He was–and is–God. The Bible, in Romans 1:3, says that Jesus “was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.” Furthermore, the resurrection gives every true believer the confidence of final victory over death and the grave. Because He lives, we shall live also!

Pastor Mark Boucher

Posted in Pastor's Paragraph, Pastor Mark | Print | No Comments »

April 1, 2007 by PastorDave.

Sunday, 04-01-2007

Title: Life After Palm Sunday

John 12: 12-19

INTRODUCTION

1. Today is the celebration of what we call Palm Sunday. A day which was predicted back in the O.T. Zec. 9:9.
2. It is the fulfillment of the prophecy that says Israel’s King will come, the Messiah and he will be riding on a donkey.
3. It also ties into the prophecies of Daniel. The people’s ultimate rejection of this Messiah King marks the end of Daniel’s 69th week in Daniel 9.
4. But I am not here today to go over the historic event of Palm Sunday, nor am I here to unfold the prophecies of the Messiah.

Transition: This morning I would like to take you on a personal journey as we talk about Palm Sunday. Using this question to begin our journey: WHY DID PALMS AND SINGING TURN INTO NAILS AND YELLING RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES?

JOHN 12:12-19 PALM SUNDAY:

1. V.12- tells us that there was a great crowd ready to meet Jesus as he rode in
2. V.13- they took palm branches and were shouting Hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
3. V. 18- reveals that many people were excited because of the miracles
4. Matthew tells of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus and says the whole city was stirred
5. Luke records that whole crowds began to joyfully praise God in a loud voice.
6. John 12:19- tells us that the religious leaders note that the whole world has gone after him.

Jesus said, “But small is the gate and narrow the road the leads to life, and only few find it.” (Matthew 7:13, 14)

Just days later the Apostle John records this event (19: 5-7)

“When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” …They shouted Crucify! Crucify…The Jews insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claims to be the Son of God.” Matthew records this shocking statement” “Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us and our children.”

What happened? How can a people so in love and so excited with their Savior be so easily persuaded and with such passion desire He be crucified.

WHAT HAPPENED?

1. The church today experiences the same thing.
2. I have experienced the same thing.
3. Many today are confused with their relationship with God because of this same thing.
4. Romans 10: 9 –“That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
5. V.13- “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
6. LORD = kurios = master, owner, possessor, absolute authority
7. Why is the gate small and road narrow if whosoever calls on the name of the name of the Lord will be saved?
8. The key is to understand that Jesus desires to be Lord and not just Savior.
9. I will shout and throw out palms for my miracle worker, for my healer, for my sin forgiver, for my savior; BUT HE DESIRES TO BE THE BOSS OF ME.
10. Master, owner of my life. All my thoughts, attitudes and decisions are now put under the ownership of Jesus. I just wanted a savior; I’ll still be in charge though. I just need to be forgiven not taken over.

LISTEN TO THE NARROW THINKING OF THE MIRACLE WORKER

1. John 14:15 – “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
2. John 14:24 – “He who does not love me will not obey my teachings.”
3. John 15:5 – “Apart from me you can do nothing.”
4. John 15:19 – “I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
5. John 16:2 – “A time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.”
6. These are narrow and strong statements; I was looking for a Savior I wasn’t looking to have my whole life taken over and changed. I wasn’t looking for a Lord.

MY EXPERIENCE

1. I have experienced this struggle in my own life. When I was first receiving Jesus into my life and praising and thanking Him for salvation, I had areas that He wanted Lordship of and I struggled:
2. Authority - Romans 13:1, 2 – “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
3. Jesus wanted control over my attitude toward authority in my life.
4. Reconciliation - Matthew 5: 23, 24 – “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
5. Jesus wanted ownership of my relationships.
6. Lust - Matthew 5:28 – “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
7. Jesus wanted to be the master of my eyes and thoughts.
8. IT HIT ME LIKE A REVELATION: JESUS WANTED TO BE BOSS OF MY LIFE.
9. My resistance to authority, reconciliation, and lust was evidence that Jesus was not in control.
10. By choosing to walk in obedience in these areas I would be demonstrating that the Lord was the boss of my life! (I began to understand what happened holy week)

MY LAST CHANCE

1. How could I get out of this? GRACE. I will join the “grace” group. I can have a Palm Sunday savior, be the boss of my life and everything’s under grace!
2. Until I met my enemy: Titus 2:11, 12 – “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
3. Grace was not a ticket to do what I wanted, but rather the favor, power and desire to do what Jesus wanted me to do.

DECISION DAY

1. Romans 12:1 – “Present your bodies a living sacrifice holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
2. Then I got it- Jesus will be my savior, I will be his living sacrifice!
3. Now I was ready to truly make Romans 10:9 my prayer with understanding, Confess with your mouth Jesus is LORD, and believe in your heart God raised in from the dead.
4. Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Resurrection Sunday will come and go, and what will change in your life? Who would like to join me to present maybe for the first time, yourself as a living sacrifice to the Lord. Jesus you are my boss!

Posted in Podcast, Sermons, Pastor David | Print | No Comments »

April 1, 2007 by PastorMark.

An angel appeared to Joseph, the husband of Mary, while he was troubled concerning Mary’s unexpected pregnancy. The angel said, “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21). What jumped out at me from this was the “mission statement” for the God-man: “He will save his people from their sins.” Jesus did not come to save the Jews from the Romans. He didn’t come to improve the economy or to fix international relationships. Those who looked for a Messiah according to their own agenda missed him! He came to change us, to cleanse our hearts so we can be right with God. That was His mission. Do you know Him?

Pastor Mark Boucher

Posted in Pastor's Paragraph, Pastor Mark | Print | No Comments »