Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Christmas Past-Present-Future
Christmas is sometimes overlooked because we look for it in the most obvious of places. When in reality the first Christmas took place in the "not so obvious" place. We preachers are just as bad when it comes to preaching about Christmas. If the sermon doesn't lend itself to the obvious biblical texts of mangers, angels and predictions we believe Christmas is not to be found there. But I want to break from the traditional texts and search for Christmas in a not so obvious passage.
Colossians 1:19-22 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight;
In 1843 Charles Dickens penned these words that begin what is known to you and me as "A Christmas Carol" . . . "I have endeavored in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it."
Christmas holds for each of us as mortal creatures a past that must be faced, a present that must be lived, and a future that must be longed for. God's gift was not one to be purchased, but the gift would purchase you and me. From the manger to the cross we hear the whispered name of Immanuel, God with us.
Dr. Bruce Waltke said "The world is lost without a sense of God. Men and women everywhere desperately need to know that there is Someone in charge of life, and that there is a Source to whom they can turn for help and for deliverance. The world needs to know that Jesus Christ is God. If Jesus is not God, then I do not have a Savior."
So when the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4) had come God sent His Son into this world filled with the fullness of Himself (Colossians 1:19, 2:9), God in the flesh, so that you and me may receive of His fullness (John 1:16). Christmas at its best! Man in his best efforts comes to the manger emptied handed only to receive the blessedness of God's peace and good will that offers him ... Forgiveness of the Christmas Past ... Help in the Christmas Present ... and Hope for the Future.
Merry Christmas
Pastor John J. Dodd
Monday, August 27, 2012
Labor Day
LABORERS IN THE HARVEST
Matthew 9:37–38 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
As we observe Labor Day, it is a good time to talk about our labor for God and His kingdom. It is imperative that each Christian becomes apart of the labor force of God. Getting involved in the work of the kingdom is always a blessing to you and the area of your involvement. Let me give you just a few “requirements for Christian workers” that might be of help.
The first thing that a Christian worker needs is optimism. Paul said ". . . whatsoever things are of good report . . . think on these things" (Phil. 4.8). Some Christian workers fail because they are pessimistic. Their looks, tones, and gestures project a negative aura. Optimism is a requirement for doing God's work. Look for the best; expect the best; do your best. Positive attitudes stimulate joy and enthusiasm. Many people will go where they can find a joyous atmosphere.
Secondly, the Christian worker will need organization. Paul again encourages each Christian worker to “. . . show yourself a pattern of good works . . . " (Titus 2:7). Organization gives direction. It protects against frustration and failure. Organization benefits Christian workers. New methods also may be profitable when it comes to soul-winning. And you just may have some new thoughts and ideals that would be beneficial to the future of God’s kingdom.
Thirdly, the desire to fulfill a God given vision. In Acts Paul said ". . . I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision" (Acts26:19). Paul succeeded in doing God's work because he obeyed the Lord. He followed God's directions. Christian workers often fail because of not responding to God’s calling to become involved in His kingdom. Success in God's work means doing his will. Has God called you to be involved? If so, give it a try and I know that you will be richly rewarded.
And lastly, we need to look at the bigger picture. We do not exist just for our self. We have a responsibility to a lost and dying world that is in great need of a savior, not to mention the Christians that need taught and encouraged in the Lord. Paul again said "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God . . . " (Acts 26:18).
Paul's concern was for souls: that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified. . ." (Acts 26:18). Our ultimate goal must be the same as Paul's. We must reach out in love, with care and concern.
In His Service
Pastor John J. Dodd
Matthew 9:37–38 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
As we observe Labor Day, it is a good time to talk about our labor for God and His kingdom. It is imperative that each Christian becomes apart of the labor force of God. Getting involved in the work of the kingdom is always a blessing to you and the area of your involvement. Let me give you just a few “requirements for Christian workers” that might be of help.
The first thing that a Christian worker needs is optimism. Paul said ". . . whatsoever things are of good report . . . think on these things" (Phil. 4.8). Some Christian workers fail because they are pessimistic. Their looks, tones, and gestures project a negative aura. Optimism is a requirement for doing God's work. Look for the best; expect the best; do your best. Positive attitudes stimulate joy and enthusiasm. Many people will go where they can find a joyous atmosphere.
Secondly, the Christian worker will need organization. Paul again encourages each Christian worker to “. . . show yourself a pattern of good works . . . " (Titus 2:7). Organization gives direction. It protects against frustration and failure. Organization benefits Christian workers. New methods also may be profitable when it comes to soul-winning. And you just may have some new thoughts and ideals that would be beneficial to the future of God’s kingdom.
Thirdly, the desire to fulfill a God given vision. In Acts Paul said ". . . I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision" (Acts26:19). Paul succeeded in doing God's work because he obeyed the Lord. He followed God's directions. Christian workers often fail because of not responding to God’s calling to become involved in His kingdom. Success in God's work means doing his will. Has God called you to be involved? If so, give it a try and I know that you will be richly rewarded.
And lastly, we need to look at the bigger picture. We do not exist just for our self. We have a responsibility to a lost and dying world that is in great need of a savior, not to mention the Christians that need taught and encouraged in the Lord. Paul again said "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God . . . " (Acts 26:18).
Paul's concern was for souls: that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified. . ." (Acts 26:18). Our ultimate goal must be the same as Paul's. We must reach out in love, with care and concern.
DURING THIS LABOR DAY, PRAY ABOUT YOUR
INVOLVEMENT IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
In His Service
Pastor John J. Dodd
Thursday, May 10, 2012
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
Did you know that the idea for Mother's Day was born in a small church in Grafton, West Virginia? It was 1876 and the nation still mourned the Civil War dead. While teaching a Memorial Day lesson, Mrs. Anna Reeves Jarvis thought of mothers who had lost their sons. She prayed that one day there could be a "Memorial Day" for mothers. The prayer made a deep impression on one of Mrs. Jarvis's eleven children. Young Anna had seen her mother's efforts to hold the war-split community and church together. As she grew into adulthood, the younger woman kept Mrs. Jarvis's dream in her heart. On the day of her mother's death, Anna was determined to establish Mother's Day in her honor. On May 12, 1907, a local observance was held which later spread to Philadelphia. By 1910, Mother's Day was celebrated in forty-five states, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Elated, Miss Jarvis told a friend, "Where it will end must be left for the future to tell. That it will circle the globe now seems certain." On May 8, 1914, President Wilson designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day "for displaying the American flag and for the public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of the country."
And no one puts more value on motherhood than God and His Church! The whole idea of a "MOTHER'S DAY" sprang from the heart of a Christian woman. But being a good parent today is not an easy task! The job is made harder by the various enemies of the family unit: Busy lives of each family member with separate interests. Ridicule by the media of family life, especially traditional family life and the traditional values taught in Scripture. The extreme feminist movement and their ridicule of the role of motherhood. The fact that many parents work full time jobs and have children too.
You should know that Satan's first attack on the human race began with a future mom, Eve whose name means, "The mother of all living" or "living". Satan's thought that if you destroy the parents you will destroy the human race! However, a godly mother can destroy the enemy! The mightiest of nations can crumble to the power of a godly mother. You see, before Moses conquered Egypt, his mother Jochebed had already conquered it!
Pastor John J. Dodd
Did you know that the idea for Mother's Day was born in a small church in Grafton, West Virginia? It was 1876 and the nation still mourned the Civil War dead. While teaching a Memorial Day lesson, Mrs. Anna Reeves Jarvis thought of mothers who had lost their sons. She prayed that one day there could be a "Memorial Day" for mothers. The prayer made a deep impression on one of Mrs. Jarvis's eleven children. Young Anna had seen her mother's efforts to hold the war-split community and church together. As she grew into adulthood, the younger woman kept Mrs. Jarvis's dream in her heart. On the day of her mother's death, Anna was determined to establish Mother's Day in her honor. On May 12, 1907, a local observance was held which later spread to Philadelphia. By 1910, Mother's Day was celebrated in forty-five states, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Elated, Miss Jarvis told a friend, "Where it will end must be left for the future to tell. That it will circle the globe now seems certain." On May 8, 1914, President Wilson designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day "for displaying the American flag and for the public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of the country."
And no one puts more value on motherhood than God and His Church! The whole idea of a "MOTHER'S DAY" sprang from the heart of a Christian woman. But being a good parent today is not an easy task! The job is made harder by the various enemies of the family unit: Busy lives of each family member with separate interests. Ridicule by the media of family life, especially traditional family life and the traditional values taught in Scripture. The extreme feminist movement and their ridicule of the role of motherhood. The fact that many parents work full time jobs and have children too.
You should know that Satan's first attack on the human race began with a future mom, Eve whose name means, "The mother of all living" or "living". Satan's thought that if you destroy the parents you will destroy the human race! However, a godly mother can destroy the enemy! The mightiest of nations can crumble to the power of a godly mother. You see, before Moses conquered Egypt, his mother Jochebed had already conquered it!
Pastor John J. Dodd
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)