Monday Morning Bible Blog

You Are Here!

2012-02-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

Click Hereto Hear the Sermon for Sunday, February 5, 2012 by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference: Acts 9:1-6 & Acts 17:26-27

You Are Here!

The Bible is God’s story. It is the History of God and His people. It is the account of humankind’s rebellion against God and His work toreconcile us back to Him.

What you may not realize as you read your Bible, but thereis a space between Jude and Revelation. If you have your Bible near you now, open it up to the end of Jude,right before the beginning of Revelation. Put your hand there and think about this. Genesis through Jude is history of God’s story. Revelation is the future of God’s story. What’s in between here?

God’s story doesn’t stop and wait till Jesus Christ comesback. God’s story has continued for thelast 65-70 generations, almost 2000 years. Men and Women have been fighting in this battle between good and evilfor all this time. Some for God, someagainst Him. Many who formerly wereagainst God, turned, they changed sides and fought for God. Many died for Him. All are part of history. All arepart of His story.

You, too, are part of history, of His story. With your hand laying on the Bible betweenJude and Revelation, take a moment and say to yourself, “I am here,” Like those signs in parks and malls, thatsay, “You are here.” This is where youfall in God’s story, somewhere between Jude and Revelation, about 2000 yearsafter Christ’s resurrection. You arehere.

The question for you, as you recognize that you too, arepart of His story, is this, “What part do I play in this?”

There is a story from the historical account of theAlamo. Surrounded by the enemy andoutnumbered as much as 50 to 1, and with no hope of relief, Colonel WilliamTravis stepped forward and spoke to his men. He offered them a chance to leave and live to see another day, but hechallenged them to stay and fight to make a difference, knowing that none ofthose who stayed would make it out alive. He drew his cavalry saber and scratched a line in the dirt. Those who wished to sacrifice all they hadfor something bigger than themselves were to cross the line. Those who wished to live could stay on theother side. History tells us that oneman, Lewis Moses Rose, did not cross the line. He left the Alamo and escaped with his life. All of the others died in less than 13 dayswhen the Mexican Army overran the fort.

In God’s story, the battle between good and evil, we all aregiven a choice. None of us are making itout of here alive. Will you fight forthe side of good, conforming your life towards God, serving Him by doing Hiswork in this world, providing for widows and orphans, feeding the needy and thepoor, sharing the Gospel with those who don’t know Jesus, giving of your timeand money to make ministry happen, and standing up for what is right againstthose who would do evil? Or will youchoose the way that seems easier, making as much money as you can for yourself,spending your life entertaining yourself, and closing your eyes to the veryreal evil that is occurring around you?

You are here, now.

The line is drawn in the sand.

Will you stand up and fight?

Will you matter in this world?

When God’s story is told in the future, will you’re part ofthe story be told with respect and awe as someone who fought the good fight, whosacrificed for something bigger than themselves, or will you be just a footnoteas another selfish person who cared only about themselves and never made adifference?

Pastor Rodger

The Greatest Worship Concert in History

2012-01-31T13:55:00.003-07:00

ClickHere to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, January 29, 2012 by Pastor Rodger S.Loar

Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 12:27-47

The Greatest Praise Concert of All Time!

What do you do when life takes a turn for the better? Whathappens when you’ve been in the depths of depression and despair and youfinally come back into the light? What’snext when you’ve gone from unimaginable grief to unspeakable joy?

You praise God!

Our only hope in this world is God and when He gets youthrough all of that, you worship Him with everything you’ve got.

Nehemiah and his people encountered that. They came from absolute defeat to totalvictory. So they threw the greatestpraise concert of all time. They mountedtwo choirs on either side of the city of Jerusalem, on top of the walls, andthey sang and played instruments and praised God with total abandon.

Imagine what it would be like to worship God with all youhave. Picture the joy, the passion, thecrazy, wild fever of love for God. It’dbe like Times Square at midnight on New Years, but even better.

That’s what heaven is described like in Revelations 7:9-10.

But we don’t have to wait. Surrender yourself to the Lord. Express your thankfulness and love for Him throughout your life. Sing of His great works, dance for Him, raiseyour hands, and stomp your feet.

Next Sunday when you are in church, don’t worry about whatthose around you might think: worship with all you have and everything youare.

Pastor Rodger

Turning Back to God

2012-01-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

ClickHere to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, January 22, 2012 by Pastor Rodger S.Loar

Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 8-10

Turning Back to God

When was the last time you wept at hearing God’s word? Have you ever? Has God’s word every broken your heart? Have you ever stopped to consider the depthof your sin, the distance between a sinful human being and a holy God?

In Nehemiah, the people wept upon hearing God’s word. Theyrealized that they had been away in a foreign land. They realized that they had lost touch withGod. They realized that more than theirphysical city was lost, their very holiness was gone too. So, they wept.

Nehemiah reminded them that this day was holy and thatcalled for joy and rejoicing.

The same holds true for us. God’s grace is cause for ultimate rejoicing.

But sometimes I wonder if we need to take a moment. Let’s stop and not rush to the rejoicingwithout first recognizing how far away from God we are, how much we need Him torescue us. When we realize that, thenthe joy at knowing that Christ died to bring us back in reconciliation with Godwill be that much more powerful.

Let me encourage you to take some time in the comingweeks. As you read God’s word, as youlisten to sermons, as you pray to Him; take a little extra time to explore thegulf that lays between you and Him, so you can better experience the joy atknowing that He reached out to you across that divide.

Pastor Rodger

Leading the Way through Troubles

2012-01-31T13:47:00.002-07:00

ClickHere to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, January 15, 2012 by Guest Speaker,Pastor Josh Anderson

Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 4-6

I recently heard a quote from a friend:

“Management is about taking care of what you have;leadership is about moving forward.”

As Nehemiah built the Jerusalem wall to protect the God’speople so they could worship in peace, the threats of physical harm, exhaustionand poverty were constant. Instead of “managing” the problems, Nehemiah stayedfocused on the task at hand: to build the wall. It was what God had called himto do. He was not going to be deterred in moving forward with the task. Whenthe obstacles arose, he prayed fervently, believed that God was working, anddecisively acted toward the problem and the goal. And in fifty-two days, thewall was built!

Where do you need to take decisive action in yourrelationship with God? Are you moving forward or are you dealing with what youhave? Are you leading decisively, or are you managing hesitantly? Following Godmeans leading, not managing. Whatever obstacles may come, don’t let them deteryou from the focus in your life: to build the wall!

Pastor Josh Anderson

From Discouragement to Action

2012-01-31T13:43:00.004-07:00

ClickHere to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, January 08, 2012 by Pastor Don Allen

Scripture Reference: Nehemiah Chapters 1-3

What challenges do you face today that tempts you to giveup? Is your faith in God challenged to the point that you doubt Hisfaithfulness? Today’s Bible Blog invites you to explore these questions byreviewing Nehemiah’s life.

As you learned in yesterday’s message, Nehemiah was a keyofficial in the Persian Empire (as ‘cupbearer to the king’ (see Nehemiah 1:11),Nehemiah functioned as a top advisor). Like many Jews who lived in Persiaduring the years of exile from Palestine, Nehemiah was keenly interested in thewelfare of his homeland. In fact, Ezra the scholar-priest took a group offellow priests to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, which was the center ofworship for the Jewish people. After 14 years, the Temple was nearly finished.

You might expect that Nehemiah would be encouraged by therestoration of God’s temple, but in fact he was heartbroken! The reason: thewalls surrounding the Temple and the city of Jerusalem were destroyed, leavingboth the city and God’s Temple vulnerable to its enemies. Unless someonerebuilds the walls, the Temple would fall and Ezra’s mission would fail.Nehemiah was deeply troubled by this, because God’s reputation was at risk. Thepeople of the Empire may mock the God of the Hebrews. Why would anyone believein the God of the Jews, if He cannot even protect His place of worship?

This story teaches us a lot about God’s character and how Heuses His people to accomplish His purposes. As you face your faith challenges,consider Nehemiah’s life and what he does to restore God’s honor.

1. ReadNehemiah 1:1-4. In v.4, how does Nehemiah respond to the news from Jerusalem?How is this different or similar to what you did when you last responded to badnews?

2. Readverses Nehemiah 1:5-11. List the ways that Nehemiah describes God’s nature inthis prayer. After listing this, try to summarize the part of God’s characterthat Nehemiah focuses on in his prayer.

3. Basedon what you discovered from Nehemiah’s prayer to God, how would you change yourprayer to God when you face difficult situations?

4. Howgrieved are you about the physical and spiritual state of God’s people? Enoughto mourn? To fast? To pray? What do you think is God telling you to do aboutthis?

5. Whenfaced with the spiritual brokenness of other people (or other dangers), someare tempted to cast blame, or to become angry at the terrible state of things.Still others pray and act. What do you think God is telling you to do aboutthis?

Pastor Don

Rebuilding the Wall

2012-01-31T13:40:00.001-07:00

ClickHere to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, January 01, 2012 by Pastor Rodger S.Loar

Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 8:10, Romans 8:28, 2Samuel11:1-27

Is God at Work in Your Life?

As we read Nehemiah, we see that God can work throughnon-believers to accomplish His goals. And, He can definitely use believers to accomplish His goals. God was at work in this world, helping theJews get back to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, rebuild the wall, andrebuild the city. God was at work inhistory and God is at work today.

That’s right, He is at work in your life today. Did you know that? Have you stopped to notice what He is doing?

This year, we are rebuilding. We, at MVCC, are working on rebuilding ourchurch body and rebuilding the individuals within. This year, we invite you to take notice thatGod is at work in you and He is at work in us.

Like Nehemiah, we may look at this task as daunting, but itcan be done. Like Nehemiah, we will havethreats from the outside, people who don’t like faith, don’t like Christians,and don’t want to hear from us. We willalso deal with threats from the inside: gossips, complainers, and thelike. But we are God’s people and weknow that He is at work, so we just need to look for the places that He is atwork and join Him!

Make a commitment this year to turn back to God, to rebuildyour relationship with Him, and to become active in the work that needs to bedone.

Pastor Rodger

I’m Here, You’re Here, We’re Here, They’re Here, and He’s Here… Now What?

2012-01-17T17:10:00.001-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Christmas Day Sermon for Sunday,December 25, 2011 by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference: Ephesians2:10

Sometimes the message just needs to be short and sweet. Works don’t save us. We cannot earn salvation. We cannot buy God’s love. It’s a free gift that we just need toaccept. Once we have accepted anddecided to follow Jesus, he does have some work for us to do, not to pay himback (as if we ever could!), but out of love for Him and for all the otherpeople in this world whom He loves also.

Service is a form of worship and obedience to God. He calls us to feed the hungry, give drink tothe thirsty, help the widow, provide for the orphan, give shelter to thehomeless, clothes to the naked, and truth to those who don’t know Him yet.

At Mountain View, we often discuss ways we can do this. Here are a few:

1. Serve some meals at a local homeless shelter.

2. Take food to the elderly shut-in down thestreet, then sit there and spend time with him or her.

3. Buy a grocery gift card next time you goshopping and then take it out in the parking lot and look for someone who coulduse it. Perhaps that mom with severalchildren. Perhaps that elderly gentlemanwho doesn’t look like he has much. Perhaps the person asking for help in the parking lot. Or maybe the person elsewhere in your lifethat you know is struggling.

4. Give money to your church Benevolence fund so wecan help others who often show up at the church office looking for assistance.

5. Volunteer as a mentor through the Boy Scouts,Big Brothers & Big Sisters, or a similar program.

There are many selfish ways to spend your life, doing thingsfor yourself or for your immediate family and friends. But, I challenge you to spend your time andmoney serving others, being generous and loving even when it’s difficult. I promise you that your life will be muchmore rewarding.

Pastor Rodger

Why Is He Here?

2012-01-17T17:06:00.001-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Christmas Eve Sermon for Saturday,December 24, 2011 by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference: Ephesians2:8-9

“Why is He Here?” There is no better or more appropriate question to ask onChristmas. This holiday isn’t aboutSanta, Frosty, Rudolph, Trees, or Mama’s shoes. Those things are all fine, but ultimately, Christmas is aboutChrist. It’s about the promised one, God’sson, who came to bring reconciliation between God and humankind. It’s about a baby, born in a manger, whowould one day grow up to die on a cross, not as an example of spirituality, butas an actual sacrifice to pay for each and every one of our sins.

God offers everybody a free gift through Jesus Christ. The free gift is eternal salvation, eternallife with God. He also offers you achance at a new life. No matter who youare, no matter what you have done, no matter where you have been, no matter whomyou have hurt or who has hurt you, no matter what!!! God gives you a chance ata new start, a clean slate, a fresh beginning.

It’s kind of like an Etch-a-sketch. Remember that toy from your child hood. You could try to draw something perfect, butthat’s almost impossible. But no matterwhat you drew, you could always shake it and wipe it clean.

Your life is like that. You can start over with God.

Each of us needs God. There is a place in everyone’s heart that calls out for God.

He’s there waiting.

If you would like to know God, please don’t wait. Give me a call at (602) 955-9414 or visit uson some Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. and we’ll help show you the way. We aren’t perfect, nor do we expect you tobe. We are all just people walkingtogether on a Journey. At Mountain View,we say, “Life is a Journey, You don’t have to walk alone.”

We hope that you will join us on that Journey together.

Pastor Rodger

Why Are They Here?

2012-01-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, December 18,2011 by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference: 1Tim2:1-7, 2Peter 3:9, John 3:16-17

Why are They Here? Why does God have people here on earth that don’t believe in Him or don’tknow Him? He could just make everyonebelieve. So, why are they here?

Most people live their life like the game of life. They make their decisions almost randomly,like with dice or spinners. They takelife as it comes and live as if this is all there is. Do they get married? Maybe. Do they get divorced? Maybe. School? Sure. Buy a home? Have a Child? Buy a car or go ona vacation? Possibly. How do you know if you win? Why, by the amount of money and stuff youhave. Or, by the amount of pleasure you’vefound this year. Their lives amount to afrenetic rush of entertainment and busy-ness in order to ignore theinconvenient and terrifying truth that one day this life will be over.

Then, it happens. Theycome in to work one day and the boss gives them the pink slip. Perhaps they lose their home to foreclosure. Maybe, they get arrested or sued. Or, the doctor gives that terriblediagnosis. Or, a loved one dies. Suddenly, all that other stuff doesn’t matterso much and they begin looking for the real meaning of it all.

Now that they are at this point… Where do they find meaning? Where can the go for truth? Hope? Salvation?

2Peter 3:9 and 1Tim 2:4 tells us that God wants all peopleto come to know him, and that he is patient, giving them a chance to know hislove.

We, as God’s people, are the very living example of this. Few of us are descended from the people ofIsrael who were God’s original chosen people. No, we are a new people who God has allowed to be added in, through thegrace of Jesus Christ. We have receivedthe gift of God’s patience, till we came to him, and now we need to recognizethat others receive this. We are calledto pray for the people of this world. Pray for them, love them where they are, andshare our faith in a gentle and sincere way.

One day, a time will come when they are open to hear. And God will be patient with them, just as hewas with us.

Pray for your friends, your family, your neighbors, yourcoworkers. Don’t be afraid, don’t beselfish, and don’t fall for the lie that anything else, other than Jesus Christcan save them. Be there for them, lovethem, and earn the right to share your story with them.

Pastor Rodger

Why Are We Here?

2012-01-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, December 11,2011 by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference: Matthew5:13-16

Why is the church here? That is, what purpose do we serve here on this earth? There are some people who would see thechurch as the police of the world, demanding obedience to God and requiringthem to change to follow a set of rules.

That’s not why we are here.

Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount (found in Matthew 5-7 inthe Bible) tells us that we are to be a light to the world. Light is a powerful thing. If you’ve ever driven in the desert in themiddle of the night, you can see the city coming up from many miles away, justfrom the light on the horizon. It’s agood feeling when you are worn out from traveling all night, to see that light,that hope, in the distance

The church is here to be like that city. We are here to point the way for others tofind Christ. Like a guide, we are toshow the way to Christ, to demonstrate the hope of salvation that comes onlyfrom him. Our actions, our faithfulness,and our love should reveal that God is there and that He loves the world.

In this season of Christmas and throughout the year, hereare some ways to be that bright, shining light of hope:

Be generous and giving: share your money and your time with those inneed.
Have integrity: Know that your coworkers, your employees, your friends and yourneighbors can see the choices you make.
Share your story: Let people know how God haschanged you, let people know how struggle and how you are overcoming theproblems you face.

Be a light –

Pastor Rodger

Why Are You Here?

2011-12-12T13:43:00.005-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, December 4,2011 by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference: 1Peter 2:4-10 and 2Timothy 2:2

People have some funny ideas about church.

The first one is that church is a building. It’s not.

The second is that church is a business that sells a productcalled God to the people who come. It’snot.

The third that going to church is just showing up on aSunday morning. It’s not

The church is the body of people who gather together. It is the living, breathing extended familyof God, gathering together to worship him and to encourage each other.

It’s about living together in that messy, knocked-around,whoops-I-made-a-mistake, let-me-help-you-up-when-you-fall, kind of way.

Peter calls us living stones, being built into a spiritualhouse with Christ as the cornerstone: The Church!

Like the toy bricks that you had as a kid, we build uponeach other to be a wall. We are strongbecause we stand together and we stand with Christ.

The church is US!

Why are you here? Whydo you come to church on Sunday? Whyshould you make it a priority to be together with your church family everyweek?

The answer is simple: We are stronger together. Weencourage each other. We build eachother up. The strong among us today helpthe weak. And tomorrow, when westruggle, they will be strong to help us.

Church isn’t about habit. It’s not about business. It’s notabout going to a building because that’s what your parents did? It’s about people.

Let me encourage you to make Sunday morning a priority. Be here with your family through thick andthin. Build them up and you’ll find thatthey build you up too.

Life is a Journey. You don’t have to walk alone.

That’s why you are here.

Pastor Rodger

Why Am I Here?

2011-12-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, November 27, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:27-31, Deuteronomy 6:5, and Matthew 22:34-40

Philosophers have been wrestling with the question ofexistence for millennia. Why am Ihere? The answers are there in God’sword. From the beginning of the Bible,God lets us know the answer to the question, “Why am I here?”

God put us here for relationship.

We are here to care.

Care for God.

Care for Each other.

and Take Care of Creation.

That’s why I am here.

God put us here to take care of the place. We are caretakers and we haven’t been verygood at it. All too often, Evangelicalsget so focused on heaven, that we are no earthly good. All arguments about global warming aside, weneed to take care of the planet, and yet, we often push away others who careabout the environment. We seem topresent the idea to the world that Christ is coming back, so it doesn’t matterhow we keep the place. But God caresabout creation and we are called to take care of it.

We are also called to care for one another. Do we do that very well? Christians are unfortunately known fortreating our own brothers and sisters in sin very poorly. We have similar divorce rates and even higherabortion rates as the rest of the world. God cares about our relationships with one another, so perhaps we shouldtreat those better too.

Finally, We are called to care for God; to love Him with allof our hearts and mind and strength. Sadly, we don’t do a very good job of that either. Worship on Sunday is just another activitythat might fall to the wayside for work or entertainment. We don’t spend time with God in His word orin prayer.

God put us here to care.

That’s the answer to the question: “Why am I here?”

The answer then calls us to get to work:

1. Let’s care for God. Make it a priority to spend time with Himeach week.

2. Let’s care for each other. Get counseling, build relationships, seekhelp, so that when times are hard we can turn to those closest to us forsupport, and know that they will be there to walk with us.

3. Let’s care for creation. Let’s show the rest of the world that we careabout the creation that God gave us. Let’s glorify God by living simply, by cutting our trash, by recycling,by cleaning up.

Let’s care and show the world that we care.

Pastor Rodger

We Are Back!!!

2011-12-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

After hours of technical support, changing to a new server, internet provider issues, and not one, but two computer crashes, the Monday Morning Bible Blog has returned. We will be restarting the blog beginning the first week of Advent (Sunday, 11/27/11). If you would like to listen to any of the sermons that are missing between August & November, please contact Mountain View Christian Church to obtain a CD of the sermon:

Mountain View Christian Church
2927 East Campbell Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 955-9414

We're Sorry

2011-08-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Due to computer network problems, we have not been able to publish the last two Bible Blogs. We are working on the problem and will put up any missing blogs and sermons when the problem is solved.

Wisdom - 31 Days of Proverbs: Wisdom versus Knowledge

2011-08-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, July 31, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Click Here for the August 2011 Proverbs Contest

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 1:1-33

Knowledge, Yeah, we’ve got. that Information, it’s all over the place. Data, it’s pouring out of our computers at an unbelievable rate. Trying to keep up with all of this is like trying to drink from a fire hose.

It’s been said, “Knowledge is power.” But, power needs control.

The problem with knowledge is that you need wisdom to apply it.

Wisdom, however, is not running in large amounts. In fact, it seems that the more information we have, the less wisdom that seems to be present.

Open any newspaper. Flip on the TV news. Look at the entertainment sites on the internet. There are plenty of intelligent people, people with college degrees, people in charge of companies and government agencies who are doing dumb things. These are smart people, but they lack wisdom.

The month of August is Wisdom month for MVCC. We will be reading the book of Proverbs, seeking wisdom. Proverbs 2:4 instructs us to seek wisdom as one would look for hidden treasure. We should search for wisdom as a thing of value.

Our challenge to you this month is to begin reading the book of Proverbs. Read one chapter each day, chapter 1 on August 1^st, chapter 2 on August 2^nd, and so on till you complete the 31^st chapter on the 31^st of August. Don’t worry if you missed yesterday, it’s easy to catch up. It should only take 5 – 10 minutes each day to complete the challenge.

Proverbs is a fun book of wise sayings. You’ll find yourself laughing at ones like Proverbs 25:24 (especially if you are a husband). You’ll find some that are humorous, but Oh so true like Proverbs 27:3 and others that are just plain wise advice such as Proverbs 22:24-25.

I encourage you to highlight the best proverbs that you come across. Share the advice on Facebook. Write them down and memorize them. Wisdom is a valuable thing.

Pastor Rodger

unBROKEN

2011-07-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, July 24, 2011 Sermon "unBroken Part II - Broken to unBroken" by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, July 17, 2011 Sermon "unBroken Part I - Unbroken to Broken" by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference: Romans 5:19

Much of the world believes that people are basically good. But are we? God's word teaches us that we are made in God's image, but that we are sinful and rebelious... Broken. It also teaches us that God has redeemed those who have believed in Jesus Christ, making us whole again... Unbroken.

What are we then? Broken or unbroken?

When we come to realize that humanity is both broken and at the same time can be unbroken, then it changes how we treat each other. If we recognize that the people we meet are children of God, made in his image, then it makes us treat them a little more special. If we also realize that they are broken sinners that need God, it also makes us a little more understanding and hopefully grace-giving. Finally, if we add in the idea that we are all redeemable through Christ, then it allows us to share hope with them where they are.

This isn't always easy, when you deal with someone who is a jerk, when you wonder about someone who has hurt a child, or who has murdered, when you deal with someone who time and again has hurt you.

But, when we balance the brokenness and unbrokenness of humanity, and we ultimately see that we too are the same, then we can be more welcoming, more grace-filled, more unconditionally loving and we can bring hope to a world that so desperately needs it.

---

P.S. I write this with a caveat: I struggle with this too. This very day, one day after giving the second sermon in this series, I encountered someone who was a rude jerk to me. Though patient at first, I ended up blowing up and yelling at her. I share this only to let you know that the struggle goes on and that even the rudest people you meet still need hope. Let's keep working on this together.

Pastor Rodger

The Big Story and Your Part in It

2011-07-16T14:56:00.002-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, July 10, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Don Allen

Sharing Your Story - Medic!

2011-07-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, July 3, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Click Here to Download the Four Neighbors Activity

Scripture Reference: Matthew 9:35-38

I’ve never been a farmer or a herdsman. I’ve worked in a small garden, and I used to spend summers with my Uncle and Aunt on their farm with chickens and cows. But, let’s face it, I don’t know a lot about the day-to-day goings on of your average sheep. You probably don’t either.

Yet, when Jesus, in Matthew 9:35-38, says he had compassion on the crowds, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, I have no problem visualizing what he is talking about. I can see a herd of sheep being scattered by the winds and rain, by wolves nipping at their heels, by vultures taking their lambs. They run to and fro seeking anything that will take away the bad things.

Now, look around. Look at your friends, your coworkers, your neighbors, and your relatives. Do you see it? Do you see the way the fill their schedules with anything that might distract them from the realities of this life? Funerals and Hospitals and other such things are to be avoided at any cost. Turn off the news and stay away from controversy. They turn their eyes away from the homeless man on the corner and keep your kids from hanging around ‘those kids’ that might affect them. They stay away from anything painful or difficult and keep themselves immersed in a world of entertainment and busy-ness. Why? Because, if they stop for even a second, they might actually see the dangers and realities of the world out their. They might have to question their mortality. They might just have to question the condition of their lives and the choices that they’ve made. This is often why they stay away from church. They often claim that Christians are judgmental, when it is really that they are afraid of their own conviction and the urging of God.

Harrassed & Helpless, they stay on this path of silent pain and hectic numbness which keeps them from God.

That’s why we are all called to bring the good news of Christ to the world. It’s not just the job of one or two pastors, but the job of every Christian to share with those around them.

Remember the old 70s television show, M.A.S.H.? That’s what we must be like. We are called to be medics who go out into the battleground of the world and bring the wounded back for healing. Church is a hospital for the sick and hurt. It is a place to get revitalized and then sent out to rescue others.

Take this challenge. Go and share your story with your friends, relatives, neighbors, and coworkers. Don’t be a jerk, don’t be obnoxious, and don’t be fake. Be yourself and listen to them and then share your hope with them. Pray for them. It matters, and it is what we are called to.

Pay attention and you’ll see that the people you care about are out there on the battlefield, they are wounded and crying out for help. Have the courage to brave the fire and you could save someone.

Pastor Rodger

Sharing Your Story - Earning the Right to be Heard

2011-06-28T14:51:00.001-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, June 26, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Click Here to Download the Four Neighbors Activity

Scripture Reference: 1Corinthians 9:19-23

“How much do you have to hate someone, to believe that everlasting life is possible, and not tell them about it?” That is a quote by Penn Jillette, a performing magician and known Atheist. Can you believe an Atheist said that!?!?!? ! Why is it that someone who doesn’t even believe in God gets it, and those of us who follow Jesus, so often do not?

There seems to be two very strong views about evangelism in our Christian Culture. There are those who believe in abusive and manipulative tactics such as canvassing a mall with tracts, holding up signs or using bullhorns on street corners or at stadium events, or vomiting Jesus in every conversation they have with every person they meet. Then there are those that use the quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel always, and use words if necessary,” as an excuse to say, “My actions should show Christ without having to say anything.” This then becomes an excuse never to share the hope of Jesus with others.

Somewhere in the middle ground must be the truth. We must be willing to share our faith without being a scary, obnoxious, jerk. Even then, people may have an issue with it, but at least we are doing our part.

I wrote in my personal blog about a couple of girls talking about the issue of proselytizing. Like so many others in our world, they didn’t believe that a person should share their faith. I don’t understand that point of view. I am more like Friar Tuck in the 1991 Movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, when he says to Azeem the Moor, “Let us open a bottle and do our best to save each other's souls.” If you are a Muslim, an Atheist, or just about any other belief system, I’m willing to sit down and have an open line of discussion.*

Don’t you think there is more of an issue with a person who has a belief that is life changing who doesn’t want to share it with those they care about? Especially when it is something as important as eternal life!

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, they you are called to make disciples. You are called to share your faith with your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. What’s more, I would hope that you urgently desire to do so. You would warn them if they were in a burning building. You’d try to save them if a car was bearing down on them on the street. Why in the world wouldn’t you care enough to share the hope of our Lord with them, a hope that could save them for eternity?

Yes. It is scary to put yourself out their and share your faith. Yes. Some people take offense to any mention of religion. Yes. They might reject you.

Or… Maybe they won’t. Maybe if you have spent the time getting to know them, concerning yourself with their values, listening to their story, touching their life: then maybe they will listen. You have to earn the right to be heard.

This isn’t about manipulation. It isn’t about false pretenses or pushy sales tactics.

It is about relationships.

It’s about caring enough about those who care about you that you can share hope with them.

I would much rather you share Christ in small ways on a regular basis with those ten to twelve people who are close to you in life than to hand out a thousand silly tracts to people you don’t know. One way is making disciples, the other is annoying and provides little or no follow-up to help a potential new disciple take more steps.

Whatever happens, we CANNOT let the our fear keep us from sharing our hope with those close to us.

God calls us to it, and if we care enough about someone else, then we must share in love.

Pastor Rodger

* I have a standing offer: If you want to talk about God, have questions about the Bible, are interested in spiritual things, want to talk, or just want to share your story: I’ll meet you at a local Phoenix coffee house or restaurant and buy the first cup of coffee (or tea, soda, etc.) Just visit www.mvccaz.com and click on the ‘Free Cup of Coffee’ button at the bottom of the page.

Sharing Your Story - Speaking of Spiritual Things

2011-06-20T14:34:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, June 19, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Click Here to Download the Four Neighbors Activity

Scripture Reference: Acts 8: 26-38

Sometimes, we Christians get in our own way. We get our panties in a bunch (that’s a theological term) about our non-believing friends acting like non-believers. Our culture is full of books and movies that are spiritual in theme, but we get upset when they don’t line up with our Christian belief system. Last time I checked, a non-Christian, by definition, isn’t going to line up with Christian ideals – hence the ‘non’ in front.

Books like the Da Vinci Code or the Secret raise ideas that aren’t biblical. Books on angels skirt the edge of biblical truth, often leaving the realm entirely. Movies come out such as Eat, Pray, Love, or The Last Temptation of Christ. Oprah often recommends books with spiritual undertones. People like Deepak Chopra, Emmet Fox, or Edgar Cayce are read by many. There are books on lost gospels and prophecy and self improvement through meditation and prayer.

Most of these things are absolute hooey (another theological term). But, hooey or not, they raise people’s interests in spiritual ideas. They intrigue our friends, neighbors and coworkers and get them talking about and considering creation and the creator. They get people thinking about the divine, the sacred, and about the mystical.

And what is our reaction as a Christian community?

Picket, Protest, Boycott, Whine, and Complain.

Now, wait a minute here. Shouldn’t we be excited for the chance to openly discuss religious topics with our non-believing friends? Wouldn’t this make a great opportunity to compare ideas and let God’s truth speak for itself? Don’t you think this could be an opening to share Christ?

I do.

The simple truth is, though most of these books and movies are full of ideas that are ultimately anti-biblical and false, they often include kernels of truth that will allow discussion to take place and ideas to be shared.

The book of Jude in the Bible contains a quote from a non-biblical source (1Enoch). Paul quotes from secular poets in Acts 17 and from a Cretan prophet in Titus 1!

The truth stands up for itself and can endure questions. So, why do we get all fussy about books and movies that question the Bible or our belief system?

Let’s take the example of Philip in Acts 8. When we see someone reading something scriptural or spiritual, let’s open up lines of discussion with them. When our friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers are interested in the divine, let’s take the time to encourage that behavior, but point them to the real truth that’s out there.

Pastor Rodger

Sharing Your Story - Daring to Know the Unknown God

2011-06-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, June 12, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Click Here to Download the Four Neighbors Activity

Scripture Reference: Acts 17:16-34

“I believe in God, I just don’t need to go to church. You see, God and I have got this agreement: I don’t bother him and he don’t bother me.”

This quote sums up the opinion of many people. They believe in some vague notion of a god who is out there, but not one that actually affects their life or might actually require something of them. It’s a nice neat way to box up the spiritual portion of your life and put it away and it’s a nice way to dodge conversation that might be a little uncomfortable or make you think. It works great, all the way up to the point where you have to deal with hard times, the death of a loved one, or your own impending death. Then the discussion about God gets personal.

The truth is, the idea behind this quote is pretty silly. If you really believed that there was a being who was powerful enough to create and destroy the very universe, then it would probably be pretty urgent to discover who that being is and, more importantly, discover if that being expects anything out of you.

As Christians, we are called to bring hope to the world, to share the truth about a Messiah who came through our Creator, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We can do this by challenging our friends to consider the vague god that they believe in, and wonder who that god might be.

Blaise Pascal, a physicist and philosopher suggested we consider belief in God as a wager. He proposed it is better to bet on the existence of God and be wrong than to bet against there being a God and be wrong. That is, it is in our best interest to look into belief in God, because, if we are wrong, then it is no big deal. We’ve lost nothing. But, if we bet against the existence of God and we are wrong, the consequences could be drastic.

Now, I don’t believe that Pascal’s Wager (as it is formally called) is a good enough reason by itself to believe in Jesus; there is much more evidence and understanding of history and prophecy needed before you arrive at that destination. But, I do believe it is an excellent evangelism tool to challenge someone to consider whether or not there really is a God and then to challenge them to the importance of further consideration of who that God may be.

Because, if there is a god, any god, then the consequences of non-belief could be dire and must affect how we live:

If god is Kali of the Hindu pantheon then we may be required to perform self-mutilation as a form of worship.
If god is Gaia then we must revere nature above all things and prepare our lives for a constant battle of kill or be killed.
If god is Allah of Islam, then we would be required to extreme submission and obedience or face total annihilation.
If there is not God at all, then we are wasting our time being ‘good’ and should logically take whatever we can get, from whoever we can take it from, and in whatever way we can get it, so that we might live as comfortable as possible in our short brutal lives.
And, if God is YHWH, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and He is the God that sent a promised Messiah to redeem the world from sin; then we should recognize him and joyfully share the love and hope that he promises. (and this is obviously what I believe based on the evidence that I have found).

It really is OK to talk about ideas, to challenge people to think about spiritual things, and even to be challenged yourself in your thinking on these things.

As followers of Jesus, we Christians have received the most amazing free gift in the world and have the added bonus of being able to share that gift with others.

Won’t you encounter the people you care about and challenge them to consider Pascal’s Wager?

Won’t you take the time to listen to their story and share your own?

Won’t you care enough to share the hope of Christ with them?

Won’t you dare them to know the unknown God?

Sharing Your Story - Evangelism and the Problem of Sin

2011-06-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, June 5, 2011 by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Click Here to Download the Four Neighbors Activity

Scripture Reference: John 4:4-26

Evangelism is a scary word for many Christians. We know we are called by God to share his word with our friends and neighbors, but we are scared. Evangelism brings up all kinds of negative connotations because of the rude, obnoxious, and pushy ways that people have been taught to do it.

The truth is, if you are living your life as a believer and making a positive difference in this world, you are already doing basic evangelism. You don't need a big testimony of conquered drugs or prison life, you have a story that you are sharing, just by being you. Don't be afraid to share your story, and don't forget to ask your friends and neighbors what their story is.

One of the largest stumbling blocks of evangelism is our attitude towards sin. Yes, we should hate sin for its effects on us and on the people around us, but a condescending judgmental attitude will show people a God who is unforgiving and hateful. God does hate sin, but he loves the people he created. He loved us so much to send his Son to die for us!!! All of us! That includes the woman who is single and pregnant, the homosexual at work, the new age lady at the grocery store, and even you.

We must learn to use care in how we deal with sin. Don't be afraid to ackowledge it. Jesus acknowledges the sin of the woman at the well in our scripture today, but he gives her hope. We need to give the world hope.

Share your story with others, live your life out in front of your non-believing friends, but for goodness sake, don't be an overbearing, judgemental, jerk.

Philippians 4 - A Hero for the Next Generation

2011-06-02T13:25:00.002-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, May 29, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Click Here to Download the Philippians Outline Chart

Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:4-13

Sometimes I think we Christians talk too much about our brokeness. We say things like, "We're all just sinners," as if that explains everything or that is all that God wants us to be. While it is biblically true that mankind is fallen, we also need to recognize that we are made in God's image and that we were made for something more than our brokenness.

The church today desperately needs people who are heroes. We need people who rise above our broken state and demonstrate that God is working in our lives. This demonstration isn't for our own glory, but for God's. We do ourselves and our Lord a disservice if all we focus on is our sin, because other people are watching. Why would someone want to come to Christ if all they see is a bunch of self-focussed, navel-gazing, whiners who project defeat? How are our children supposed to grow into a vibrant and powerful church for a new generation if the message they get is that we cannot live up to God's expectations, so why bother?

Have we read 1Timothy 1:7? We aren't supposed to be a bunch of shrinking violets or milk-toast weaklings! God gives us the power to conquer sin in His name! Can I get an Amen?!?!?!

In Philippians 4:8, Paul calls on us to focus on the good things, to ingest a diet of healthy thoughts about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. God's word is at the heart of all of this, but it also includes the stories we read, the shows we watch, the art we see, and the actions we contemplate. How far these things truly are from the steady diet of mental junk food that we get from television, movies, and much of what passes for entertainment in our world. Paul tells the Philippians to fill themselves up with good stuff, not garbage. The same holds true for us today.

He then goes on to tell them in Philippians 4:9 that thinking about good things isn’t enough. His message, which is consistent throughout the Bible is that we are supposed to put these things into practice. He tells the Philippians that any example they saw in him should be put to work in their own lives.

This is where we need to take a hard look at our church today, and let’s not stop there, we must look into our own lives as well.

Where are the heroes? Who are our examples? Where are the older men and women who we can look to in order to see faith put into practice in daily practical ways?

If you are a parent, ask yourself honestly; “Are the daily choices that I make in my money, my schedule, and my actions an excellent example or a poor one for my kids?” Do you teach your kids to be generous and thrifty with their money or do you demonstrate wasteful spending and rampant materialism? Do you teach your kids the importance of solitude and simplicity, or do you allow them to fill their schedules and your own with an overload of activities? Do you teach your children selflessness and service, or do you put your own selfish wants and desires first?

If you don’t have children, or if your children are long grown and out of the house, then ask yourself; “How can I be an example to the next generation of Christians?” Can you volunteer time as a mentor to a new believer? Can you help out with Sunday School? Can you lead a service project to give others in the church an opportunity to experience God’s work? Can you bless a ministry with your time and money in a sacrificial way?

Let’s build a vibrant church of powerful men and women of God. Let’s be an extended family of people who can be honest about our shortcomings but not let them defeat us. Let’s grow together, passing the message of hope and power to others.

Let’s be heroes that provide examples for the next generation to follow.

Here are five practical ways to become a hero:

Read the biography of a hero such as John Wesley, Jim Elliot, Corrie Ten Boom, or John Newton. Read the writings of Charles Sheldon, Shane Claiborne, Chuck Colson, Erwin McManus, or others who call you to action in your faith. Then brainstorm some ways you can follow their example in your own life. Then do something about it.
Make a commitment to turn the television and internet off for a week. Use the time you would have spent on these activities to serve others by volunteering at Neighborhood Ministries or at one of MVCC’s ministries (call the church office at (602) 955-9414 for some ministry opportunities.
Select a ministry and begin helping out. Make a donation that is over and above what you would normally give to bless this ministry. Volunteer your time to work in the ministry. Commit to support the ministry with your time and money for a year.
If you are a parent, take a break from extra-curricular activities, team sports, clubs, and the dozens of other outside activities your kids have taken on. Commit to coming to church as a family every Sunday for the next three months. After church, go to lunch as a family and discuss what each person learned at church that day. Talk with your kids about how they (and you too) can put the lessons to work this week in practical ways.
Join one of our Revo Groups at MVCC. The focus of these groups is on putting faith in action through regular meals together, regular study together, and regular service together. For more information on joining one of these groups, contact our church office at (602) 955-9414.

Pastor Rodger – 05/2011

Standing Firm

2011-05-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, May 22, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Chip Moody

Click Here to Download the Philippians Outline Chart

Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:10 - 4:1

Stand firm. Stand fast. Stay faithful. Keep the faith. Never give up. Stand your ground.

We all want to be that guy who never gives up when the chips are down; to be the one who remains strong and faithful to his family, his friends, his principles. It takes the courage we want to have; it takes the determination we want to exhibit. We want to be faithful to Jesus Christ in a world that assaults us with their insults, their skepticism, their impatience, their intolerance.

Stand firm. Oh, how we want to do so.

Here is what the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:1: “. . . THAT is how you should stand firm in the Lord!”

Whoa, wait a minute. I need the HOW part to help me stand firm in the Lord. Where is that part? In one of those ironies that pop up now and then, Stephen Langton, who established the Bible’s chapter divisions in the year 1205, made a booboo here. Verse 4:1 should have been in chapter 3. (To his credit, he got most of the chapter divisions right.)

So we back up to chapter three to find out HOW to stand firm in the faith. But the HOW isn’t what you think it is.

No talk of church business meetings, committees, building funds, Sunday Schools, or seminaries. No talk of degrees, certifications, titles, or pedigrees. In fact, Paul makes clear that these things are “of the flesh.:” He means that they have no eternal value, and are in fact tainted with the brokenness of the fall as much as anything else we bring to the table of life. He thinks that compared to the glory that is to come that these things are trash:

“. . . I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord . . . I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him . . .” Philippians 3:8-9

He was telling the disciples at Philippi that standing firm is something other than what we can do for ourselves. It is something God must do in us. He uses the athletic imagery of the Roman games to illustrate:

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Forget what lies behind. Strain toward what lies ahead.

That’s it? That’s how you stand firm in the faith?

Yep.

The passage goes on to say:

“Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

I boldfaced the words I wanted you to see most. Note that he says our citizenship IS in heaven. Present tense. It is now that you are citizens of the Kingdom of God. It is not something we are waiting for.

Second, the power that transforms us into his likeness is his. We can’t do it. God says he can. No, actually he says he will. Done deal.

So we are citizens of the right kingdom by Jesus’ sacrifice for us. And it is he who empowers our ongoing progress in becoming like him.

That’s why Paul can write: “Forget what lies behind. Strain toward what lies ahead.”

The past? Forget it. It doesn’t count anymore. Sure, learn from it. But it isn’t worth worrying about.

The future? It belongs to God, not to you or me. We only think we influence it. (For some reason we keep thinking we are in charge of our life.) Paul is telling us to keep our eyes on the Christ who has saved us, is saving us, and will save us.

“Forget what lies behind. Strain toward what lies ahead.”

And THAT is how to stand firm.

Sound too simple? Maybe it’s meant to be.

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One final note: This was the last Sunday for Chip as Pastor at Mountain View Christian Church. Pastor Chip has retired from the day-to-day life as a pastor at MVCC. This doesn't mean that he's slowing down, heaven's no. Chip is the Dean of Students at Phoenix Seminary and is teaching the next generation of Pastors and Church Leaders for God's church. We, at Mountain View, wish many blessings on Chip and Gina Moody and thank them dearly for the 22 years of service that they have given this community.

Philippians - Now, About that Attitude of Yours

2011-05-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, May 15, 2011 by Pastor Chip Moody

Click Here to Download a Copy of the Philippians Outline Chart

Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:1-16

“Be like Jesus.”

Yes, you read that correctly. Be like Jesus. It astonishes me that we can say this so blithely.

Be like Jesus. You’re kidding, right?

Is there anything else you would like me to do? Leap a tall building in a single bound? Stop a speeding locomotive? Catch a bullet between my teeth? It shouldn’t be a problem for someone who can “be like Jesus.”

But there it is in Philippians 2. Be like Jesus.

The precise words are “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus . . .” What attitude? Oh, only absolute unfettered selflessness, that’s all.

Really? Selflessness? I suppose there are times when I am somewhat selfless . . . maybe.

Sorta.

But Philippians 2.5-8 describes this selflessness in a not so “sorta” kind of way.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who,

although He existed in the form of God,

did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

but emptied Himself,

taking the form of a bond-servant,

and being made in the likeness of men.

Being found in appearance as a man,

He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,

even death on a cross. [NASB]

Nothing sorta about this. The attitude we are to have is that of Jesus as he emptied himself of his glory to become incarnate in human flesh and offered himself to crucifixion for the sins of the world. You know. Selfless.

Oh, that attitude.

Paul the Apostle wrote to this church of Philippi, a solid, healthy, and joy-filled church, to concentrate on selflessness, for in it they would find what all humans seek, as well as what God desires us to have--harmony with one another. Peace in the flock. Healthy relationships with brothers and sisters in the Lord. Peacemaking.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent,

children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,

among whom you appear as lights in the world,

holding fast the word of life,

so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory

because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. [NASB]

I find it fascinating that Paul seems to be saying that at then end of the age Paul will be most proud to be able to say, “In a selfish world I planted churches in which everyone got along nice.”

That would take a miracle, you say. Well . . . yes, I think it is a miracle. Selflessness is a miracle that only comes about because of the transforming work of God in my life. Because of the presence of God in me, thanks to Jesus, I can choose to put myself last, consider others better than myself (v. 3), and we can achieve a level of love for one another the world without God can’t experience.

Call it abundant life. After all, most of our most troublesome problems are about relationships, especially relationships with those we are supposed to love and who are supposed to love us. Most other problems don’t keep us from abundant life. Bad relationships always do.

So be selfless, Paul writes. Doesn’t he know how difficult this is? Doesn’t he see the inherent complexity and confoundedness of getting along with others? Yes he does. And he knows the only successful solution for our inability to get along is—you guessed it, selflessness.

So be like Jesus.

NOTE: OUR APOLOGIES THAT IT TOOK SO LONG TO POST THIS SERMON AND DEVOTIONAL. WE HAVE BEEN UPGRADING OUR COMPUTERS AND THIS INTERRUPTED OUR USUAL POSTING

Philippians - Joy in All Circumstances

2011-05-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the May 8, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Click Here to Download a Copy of the Philippians Outline Chart

Scripture Reference: Philippians 1:1-30

How do you have joy in all circumstances?

Life is deucedly tough sometimes. Can I get an ‘Amen’? As a pastor, you get a glimpse into the pain in a lot of people’s lives. It seems that every day, someone close to me is going through their own private hell.

Here’s just a few from the last few weeks:

An old friend sent me the news that a mutual friend from Junior High and High School had murdered his wife and then shot himself.
A friend of mine got THE diagnosis of the ‘C’ word.
Another friend is in the suffering in the hospital and the doctors cannot seem to find out what’s wrong.
Several friends are going through varying degrees of serious marital problems.
Several friends have lost their jobs.
Others are dealing with serious workplace conflict.

There’s divorce, medical problems, family fights, betrayal, death, and a thousand other real life problems.

The question then is: How do you be joyful in your circumstances?

Our current series at Mountain View is on Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. Paul is writing them a letter of thanks and encouragement. He is thankful for their support and encouragement and he is encouraging them as they work through problems of persecution and internal conflict within the church.

The irony is this… Paul was in prison, facing possible execution. You’d think that he would be the one that needed the encouragement, but here he was encouraging them.

Encouragement. Joy. Unity. These are all powerful themes in this letter. They are also things that should naturally flow out of being a believer. We have received the greatest gift in the entire universe, the hope of salvation in a loving God. It would seem that nothing else should phase us. Why fear death if we know where we are going? Why fear persecution when we have a Lord that gives us strength? Why worry about squabbles and fighting when we are part of the greatest world-wide body of people?

Those are three great questions, but the simple truth is that we are all human. We do get discouraged. It is possible to get so overwhelmed that we forget our joy. Disunity does happen due to our selfishness.

Well then, what’s a Christian to do?

God has given us a gift that makes a difference: Each other.

We can encourage each other. We can share joy with each other. We can be unified with each other.

Encouraging another person can be simple. Write a short letter to them. Take someone to coffee or lunch and let them vent. Pray with them. Drop a short line on Facebook or by email. Call them up during the week or give a hug on Sunday. This brings them joy and it builds unity.

The funny thing about encouraging someone else is that it builds our own joy too.

We live in a world of discouragers. There’s always someone ready to tear you down at work, at school, and often in our own families. That’s why we need our fellow Christians to be encouragers and that’s why each of us must make the decision to be an encourager.

Our practical application during this series is to send an encouragement letter to someone. Sit down with paper and pen and write a good old fashioned letter or card to someone that you know needs encouragement.

Do this and you’ll make a difference in someone’s life.

It might just be your own.

NOTE: OUR APOLOGIES THAT IT TOOK SO LONG TO POST THIS SERMON AND DEVOTIONAL. WE HAVE BEEN UPGRADING OUR COMPUTERS AND THIS INTERRUPTED OUR USUAL POSTING.

Deacon Means Servant - Deacon Ordination Service 05/01/2011

2011-05-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, May 01, 2011 by Pastor Chip Moody

Click Here to Listen to the Deacon Ordination Service for Sunday, May 01, 2011

Scripture References: Acts 6:1-8 and 1Timothy 3:8-13

“Deacon” equals “Servant”

There are two offices in the church that have the distinction of a job description. One is that of Pastor/Elder and the other is the office of Deacon. Sunday we ordained, or “set aside” for God’s service, two of our number as biblical Deacons.

What are deacons? For background lets look at Acts 6. It records a problem in the fledgling church of Jerusalem:

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ² So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. ³ Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them ⁴ and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." ⁵ This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. ⁶ They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them”[NIV]

These men, chosen to solve the sin of discrimination in the church, were specially chosen for their spiritual integrity and servant hearts. The duties of the biblical Deacon have not changed over these 2,000 years. There is still a need for godly men and women who will look after the day-to-day service of the flock so that the pastors might give themselves fully to prayer and to the study of the Word of God.

And then there is that job description I told you about:

“Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 3:8-13 [NASB]

So what does the biblical deacon look like?

A deacon has a right relationship with the Savior - The church was commanded to choose from among the members of Christ’s body. Make sure they are part of the flock of God, one submitted to God in faith in Jesus Christ. Many churches have paid a terrible price for elevating unsaved men and women to positions of leadership in the church.

A deacon has a right relationship with the flock - Notice that the saints were to "choose from among yourselves." They were to recognize from among their own fellowship persons they had observed. Men and women they trusted. This corresponds to a portion of the requirements of a Deacon listed in 1 Tim. 3:10: “They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.”

A deacon should have the recommendation of the Spirit of God. They were to be "filled with the Holy Spirit.” This term carries the idea of having behavior under the control of the Holy Spirit.

A biblical Deacon must be a servant. The very word “deacon” in your NT, in the Greek of the New Testament, can be translated as “servant.” In the early church, Deacons were chosen as servants overseeing the fair and equitable distribution of food to the needy.

Similar to an elder, deacons are to live an uncommon life. When we look at the list of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3, it’s easy to see that Deacons are expected to live godly, separated lives.

Deacons are to be worthy of respect. They live lives worth imitating.
Not double-tongued. They say what they mean; they mean what they say.
Not greedy for money. They have a spiritual attitude toward money and who will not use their office to gain something from others.
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. They do not confess adherence to doctrine that they do not wholeheartedly believe. Plus, deacons are more concerned with what the Bible says than they are with what the church constitution and by-laws say.
Let them be proved. Examined to see if they live a consistent life of faith.
In control of their home. They have earned the love and respect of the family. They are family people. They are dedicated to a spiritually healthy home.

But most important of all is a Deacon’s function: Deacons are to serve the church--the family of God

Deacons don’t cut grass or paint the Sunday school classroom. They don’t constitute a board that competes with elders in overseeing the church. Deacons don’t count offerings or teach classes. A deacon serves people.

They visit the sick, care for the grieving; oversee benevolence gifts, food for the poor and other resources. They counsel the lonely and the worried. They encourage the hurting. They give godly wisdom to those they serve. And they help mobilize you to accomplish all these tasks with them.

SO WHAT SHOULD WE ALL DO WITH THIS KNOWLEDGE?

Support these Deacons that you have set apart to serve you.

Pray for them as you do your pastor and the other biblical elders of the congregation.

Recognize their wisdom and respect their dedication

What we have done in setting apart deacons for His service brings even more glory to God.

And that is what our lives, our obedience, our church is about.

Bringing all glory to God.

A Promise Made - A Promise Kept Easter Sunday 2011

2011-04-28T12:21:00.003-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sermon for Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 by Pastor Chip Moody

Scripture Reference: Mark 16:1-8

When Mary Magdalene and the other women went to prepare Jesus’ body for permanent burial on Sunday, they were met with an empty tomb and an angel’s promise:

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome

bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of

the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each

other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" But when they looked

up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered

the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were

alarmed. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was

crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his

disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him,

just as he told you.'" Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from

the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. [Mk. 16.1-8 NIV]

The promise is more like a prediction. Did you see it in v. 7? But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"

What do you mean “just as he told you?” You mean Jesus supposedly told them all this cross-death-rising stuff was going to happen? He sure did. More than once, I might add.

At first he tried to ease them into the horrific reality of what was to come by giving them only as much information as they could handle. "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40).

But he eventually began to be pretty explicit about his coming demise. “They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.” Mark 9:30-32 NIV

And then even more explicit still. Just after Peter made his great confession of the deity of Christ, the Bible says in Mark 8:31-32: “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.”

Seems he was getting explicit enough that they were beginning to put their fingers in their ears and go “la la la la la la!”

But he finally in Mt. 20 he makes things CRYSTAL clear:

"And Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside along the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him. And the third day He shall rise again."

There it was. Crucifixion. The most notoriously cruel and humiliating form of capital punishment ever invented. Used to both execute wrongdoers by Rome, it was also a very useful tool to keep occupied people intimidated and docile. People didn’t even like to say the word “cross” (staurion). It was spoken of in hushed tones as though speaking it would bring its terror into one’s life.

And probably this is what the disciples heard most loudly. The part about rising on the third day seemed to get lost in the shock of hearing that the heroic figure they had dedicated their lives to was going to be killed. And they knew they could be next.

But looked at another way, Jesus was not making predictions. He was making a promise. He was assuring his disciples that he was going to get killed, but they should hang on to their hope because he would be back just a mere three days later—in full bloom.

Prophecies about is crucifixion and resurrection are promises from Jesus.

--Promises to fulfill his mission to die for the sins of the world

--Promises to rise from death in order to verify his claim to be Messiah.

-- Promises to those who believe in him, that following him on the

Jesus Road would mean they too, would experience resurrection unto eternal life with Jesus one day.

Jesus kept his promises, didn’t he?

In fact the resurrection of Jesus is our best evidence that all God's promises are trustworthy.

Promises in scripture that we are loved and worth saving..

Promises in scripture that we will live forever.

Promises in scripture that peace and reconciliation with God are ours

So what do we do with this knowledge? Believe! Follow! Worship!

What Jesus promises, he delivers. He is risen!

God gets all the glory!

Jesus made appearances after his resurrection to a lot of people over a period of over a month. At one event, over 500 people saw him. One resurrection appearance early on has always been dramatic to me.

The disciple Thomas refused to believe the other disciples when they told him, "We have seen the Lord!" Thomas said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it!"

When Jesus showed up when Thomas was present (and I’m pretty sure Jesus made the appearance especially for Thomas), Jesus said, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas simply said the only appropriate words for such an occasion, “My Lord and my God.”

They are the only appropriate words for us, too.

The Red Carpet Treatment

2011-04-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Palm Sunday Sermon for Sunday, April 17, 2011 by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference:
Luke 19:28-40 and
Luke 19:11-27

What is it about celebrities that intrigues us so much about them? Why did thousands of teen girls turn into screaming fanatics at the sight of the Beetles. Why do they still do it today with Justin Beiber? What is so amazing about a sports start that makes us want their autograph? Why does their chewing gum, locks of hair, or other personal paraphernalia command a price on ebay? Why do millions tune in to watch the Oscars to see what their favorite star is wearing?

And, what about the dark side to celebrity? Why are there so many magazines and television shows to let us know about the latest gossip on Brad cheating on Angelina? Why do we revel in the latest life crash by Lindsay or Charlie? Why did O.J.’s trial halt an entire nation or Michael’s death leave so many grieving who didn’t even know him personally?

There is always a crowd to cheer the latest and greatest personality. They pour their hopes and dreams into this cult of celebrity. And, there are always those who cheer the downfall of a celebrity. There is something dark about humanity that likes to see others rise to the top and then fall to their depths, whether it be actors, politicians, or even pastors.

Jesus had a crowd like this at the Triumphal Entry. This historical event, recorded in all four of the gospels (Luke 19:28-40, Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, and John 12:12-19), tells of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem in the last week of his life on earth. As he came into Jerusalem, many people cheered him and lined his path. They gave him the red carpet treatment, lining the road with palm branches and even their cloaks. But, a few short days later, these same crowds jeered him as he went to his death.

They had their expectations and he let them down. They expected a military leader, a victorious politician, a charismatic rabbi, or an earthly king; someone who would kick out the Romans who were occupying the nation, and lead Israel back to a golden age. Jesus, on the other hand, had so much more planned. He was about to conquer death, forgive sins, and bring a hope for the entire world, but they were so caught up in the cult of celebrity, they missed it.

Jesus knew that they were going to be thinking this way, and so he told a story, found in Luke 19:11-27. He told of a master that was going away for awhile, but would be back. The master left his servants with money to invest while he was gone. When the master got back, some of the servants had invested the money, but one had not. He failed to follow instructions.

Jesus was letting his followers know that he was going to be gone for a period (at this point, over 2000 years), but he would one day be back. In the interim, each of his people would be given talents, abilities, money, possessions, and time to be obedient to God and do his work in this world. That’s you and me and everyone else. We are supposed to be doing the master’s work while he is gone. He also let the crowd of people know that there would be punishment for those who were disobedient.

The crowd missed all this and many still miss it today. They were caught up in the celebrity of Jesus. They were caught up in their hopes for a general or politician who would be king and save them from the Romans. And so, they were disappointed when he was crucified.

They missed the lesson that he would be gone and he would be back. While some saw his resurrection and got the lesson, many others still miss it.

Hopefully, you don’t miss it.

We have been left here to be obedient to God and do his work while we are on this earth. We are to worship him. We are to conform our lives to his word. We are to take care of each other, protect the innocent, feed the hungry, care for the widow and orphan, and otherwise invest the talents he gave us to do good work.

Let’s not get caught up in the cult of celebrity, building up movie stars, devoting ourselves to famous athletes, putting all our hope in politicians, or putting pastors on pedestals. Why waste our time on these people when we know the ultimate celebrity of all.

Instead, let's give him the ultimate red carpet treatment and honor him with our very lives.

Awww, Grow Up! - Pilgrim's Regress

2011-04-14T16:28:00.002-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, April 10, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Chip Moody

Scripture Reference: Hebrews 5:11-14 and Hebrews 6:1-3

“Grow Up. Baby!”

If you never thought the Bible talked about baby food, think again:

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. Hebrews 5:11 - 6:3 [NIV]

I learn some striking lessons from this passage.

It is possible to regress in our Christian walk with God.

I think it is probably also the case that if we are not progress and maturing in our obedience to Christ, we are, in fact, regressing.

By knowing and experiencing only the beginning stages of the Christian life, we cannot know how to live rightly in a wrong-filled world.

The solid food that brings about maturity is for the purpose of helping us not only know right from wrong, but also how to apply the wisdom from God about right and wrong to our life, especially those areas of life that look gray rather than black and white. The spiritually grown up person is equipped to apply the God’s desires/his word, to extremely complicated situations in life that we face at home at work, at church, or with friends and family.

We are told to “leave elementary teachings.”

Well, like what? What teachings are elementary? Well, they are some surprisingly important doctrines and practices:

Repentance of sins and dysfunctions long ago forgiven by God
The beginnings of initial faith in God
Instructions about baptisms and the laying on of hands
The resurrection of the dead at the last day
Eternal judgment; heaven and hell

These are by no means unimportant doctrines. Yet the writer of Hebrews is saying that these are elementary (my dear Watson), and that we are somehow supposed to move on from these to another level of maturity. There appears to be spiritual food that is “age appropriate” for one’s progress in Christ.

It further seems that this “solid food” has something to do with applying the revealed wisdom of God to actual day-to-day living situations.

But why?

Why indeed. Does it matter that we become people of holiness and faithfulness. We have our salvation. We have the reward of eternity in the presence of God. Why bother with holiness? Is it worth the effort? I’m saved; that’s enough for me. Why do I need growth?

I’m glad you asked that.

The answer has little to do with how good we can be or how much progress we make. The answer to why we should grow is about God himself; about his nature and his character. This can’t be yet one more sermon, in a seemingly endless line of them in our Christian culture these days, that is merely a moralistic admonition or ethical pep talk. The answer to “why grow” is a deeply theological one.

Here goes. God is alone worthy of our praise and worship. As the sovereign Lord of glory, he is Lord of our life, our world, our universe. Our transformation into the likeness of Jesus glorifies God. That’s why we are to grow. It pleases our creator. My growth glorifies Him.

You see, it does not matter enough to ME to grow in Christ. I am lazy, willful, and prone to letting important spiritual matters slide by me in the rush of the urgent. But my growth DOES matters to God. And because I love him, honor him, obey him, I live to please him and enjoy him. That is the only motivation strong enough to make me seek maturity.

God is glorified when we, his people, grow to resemble his Son.

So what does this mean for us?

What is it that God is looking for in your life and my life? I am reminded of what Paul writes in his letter to Ephesus:

“[God desires] that the body of Christ may be built up until we all ... become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching ... Instead, ... we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Eph 4:12-15)

What is the growth that God is looking for?

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son . . .” (Rom 8:29)

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory ...” (2 Cor 3:18)

God's goal is that we become transformed into Jesus’ likeness, attaining His fullness. Why? Because God is glorified when we grow to resemble his Son.

So no more swearing at other drivers in rage. NO WAIT! Let’s not trivialize this by being so shallow minded. Let’s think of what is most important to God as he has taught us in the scriptures and grow to make these the priorites of our spiritual life:

Help alleviate suffering in others.

Do something to help serve and lift up the poor and marginalized of our world.

Seek justice! No more tolerating public officials who are corrupt, or who oppress the powerless.

Seek reconciliation. No more broken relationships due to your own pride or stubbornness

Seek responsible stewardship. No more worshipping our toys, our money, our looks, our power. No more aggrandizing ourselves at the expense of others in the world who make our living-large possible.

Choosing freedom! No more choosing prisons of addiction or compulsions, or sexual irresponsibility, or out of control anger or lying, or stealing, or gossip.

Wow. From this angle (God’s perspective), growth looks pretty good! Solid food is sounding really nutritious.

So seek the solid food! And by your growth you, instead of being a baby on formula forever, will by growth and maturity become an example and coach to others on the Jesus road.

Years ago, Ruth Bell Graham, wife of evangelist Billy Graham, saw a sign by the road and said she wouldn’t mind its words being on her headstone: "End of Construction - Thank you for your patience."

There’s some wisdom there, I think.

- - -

Here is the Drama skit about maturing in prayer, performed in the Sunday, April 10 Service by our Drama Troupe:

School is In Session

2011-04-06T09:06:00.001-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, April 3, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference 2Peter 1:3-9

School is in Session

“School’s out for summer, School’s out forever, Schools been blown to pieces, No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks.” So goes the lyrics to Alice Cooper’s School’s Out song. I, for one, definitely daydreamed about the school being blown to pieces as a kid, especially before math tests.

It’s easy for us, as adults, to think that we are done with school; so, there isn’t any more learning to be done. As Christians, that just isn’t true! Growth is still expected of us, and that takes learning. It doesn’t matter whether you are 19, 49, or 99 years old. God still has some growing for you to do.

Peter lays out a growth path for us in 2Peter 3:5-7. He tells us to add to our faith, goodness; to our goodness, knowledge; to our knowledge, self control; to our self control, perseverance; to our perseverance, godliness; to our godliness, mutual affection; and to our mutual affection, love.

Faith is where it all starts. When we believe in Christ, that isn’t the end of the journey, but the beginning. This is the point where we start, ‘having escaped the corruption in the world’ (2:Peter 1:4). Yet, this is also the point where many believers stop. Like Lot’s wife, when the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, they can’t help looking back at the world they know and so they stay there, stuck between two worlds and not growing.

We then add goodness or virtue to our faith. This is the same word used to describe Christ in verse 3. No one is good all the time, but you start to practice being like Christ.

Then comes knowledge. If we don’t know God, then how can we be what he wants us to be? This knowledge comes primarily from studying the Bible. It also comes from sermons and lessons, but only when you apply a discerning ear to compare what is taught with God’s word.

After we gain knowledge, we must learn self-control. That’s a hard one in this society where we can have almost anything we want without waiting for it. Hungry? Microwave a pizza in a minute. Thirsty? just turn on the tap. Bored? Flip on the TV and grab any movie you want from online. Lonely? Heck, you don’t need to work at a relationship with someone, just go online and you can find all sorts of ‘entertainment’. Want to buy something, go to an ATM and get your money now. No money in your account? Swipe a credit card and pay it off someday.

Self control must be cultivated. You have to learn to save for things, to wait for things, to earn what is right and good or we are no better than toddlers who cry when they don’t get their every desire met instantly.

Self control naturally leads to perseverance. Learning to endure through the difficult can lead us to all sorts of good things, from losing weight to making it through pain and disease to surviving the death of those close to us. Our lives don’t have to completely fall apart when things get hard, it just takes perseverance.

Godliness is next, learning to be more and more like the holy people He calls us to be. This comes from putting godly values into practice. You don’t earn this one on the couch, you have to get out and do. This is not the false holiness that so many people project, but the real holiness of making the right choices in our life priorities, in our time, and in our money. Other people see this and can quickly tell if you really are living a holy life or if you are just living a holier-than-thou life.

Mutual affection. Brotherly love. Caring for one another. Walking together. That’s what the church is all about. Many people try to do the hard stuff on their own. Always smile at people and never let them know you are breaking inside. That path is destructive. We need each other and we must be intentional about it. Get to know your neighbors, learn to love your fellow Christians. Spend time, share, eat together, pray together, have fun. It’s almost impossible to grow past a certain point if you don’t have people close to you helping you to grow.

Finally, we get to love. This isn’t puppy love, brotherly love, erotic love, or the love you feel when you bite into a good cheeseburger. No, this is the practical love, love in action. This is serving others. This is intentionally loving those people who are hard to love. This is putting yourself on the line to touch someone else’s life. This is serving the homeless, even if they aren’t thankful for it. This is praying with the dying. This is visiting the little old lady next door and listening to her tell you all of her medical problems. This kind of love ain’t easy, but it is an incredibly important part of our growth.

God calls us to keep growing, to keep learning as believers. He doesn’t call us to be ‘Pew Potatoes,’ you know the type, the vegetable who sits rooted in the pew. Far too many of us feel that our faith is about ourselves and our own comfort. The problem is, you don’t learn and you don’t grow if you are comfortable.

It’s time to get back to school. It’s time to stretch ourselves and grow.

Summer break is over.

School is in session.

Pastor Rodger

Awww, Grow Up! - Craving the Good Stuff

2011-03-28T11:46:00.001-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, March 27, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Chip Moody

Scripture References:
1 Peter 2:1-3

“How much farther?”

“He’s touching me. Mom, make him stop.”

“Dad, Joey just threw up.”

“You’re a poo-poo head.”

“Stop calling me a poo-poo head!”

If you have ever taken a long road trip with children, then you have observed the phenomena firsthand. Once the adventure of beginning the trip wears off, the whining and fighting begins.

Now answer me this: Is this life not like a road trip, and we are all in the car together. In fact, the Bible calls our time on this planet our sojourn. Sometimes things are ok, after we’ve had a good meal and a nap. But other times we carp and snipe at each other. And when we are under stress it gets worse. We become people no one wants to be around.

When the apostle Peter wrote to his Christian audience, he had a specific purpose: to bring hope and calm and healing to a hurting people. People who had, under the stress of persecution, turned their emotions on each other. Carping, sniping, gossip, slander. As often happens when a group is under stress, they forget who the enemy is and treat each other badly.

So what is Peter’s prescription? 1 Peter 2: 1-3 reads, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

He lists five destructive behaviors we commit while on the road trip called life.

Malice: Being mean to people for whatever reason

Deceit: Lying, misleading others, being untruthful

Hypocrisy: Espousing one set of values, but living another

Envy: Jealousy over what others have in their life

Slander: Saying reputation-destroying things about people that aren’t true

Peter says we must rid ourselves of these things. The road trip of life is hard enough without behaviors like this ruining the journey for others.

And once he tells us what to rid from ourselves, he asks us to crave something different. Craving—let’s look at his illustration.

When a new baby is hungry, and is first put to the breast or bottle, it doesn’t know what to do at first. Mom has to help those first few drips into that infant’s mouth. Once that happens, and the child learns how to gain nourishment, then there is no going back. That child will become ravenous at the mere sight of their source of food. All else is forgotten in the child’s yearning for milk. The craving for nourishment is natural for growth, and that is true in our walk with God as well. Look again at verses 2-3.

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

Now it would be very simple for Peter to tell us to simply “sit quietly and BE NICE!” during our sojourn. But he does not follow this tactic. He does something far more effective.

His following verses are an admonition: Craving spiritual milk comes from remembering WHO YOU ARE! Take a look at the verses that follow:

As you come to him, the living Stone . . . you. . . are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.. . you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:4-5: 9.

So what does this mean for us?

We are to get rid of the cranky, whiny, meanness of spirit that stress can lead us to. We are to replace it with a CRAVING. A craving to consume the milk of Jesus’ own holiness as our spiritual milk, our nourishment, our fuel for life and growth.

The Bible says that under stress we turn to the wrong things. We act badly and sin against our brothers and sisters. (Ignore their needs, gossip about them, make snide comments, fail to support them in their walk with God. We get hung up on their faults and foibles and fail to see our own.)

Instead God asks us to CRAVE the pure milk of Christ, especially now that we have had a taste of it. Why? Because that’s who we are.

The most important aspect of this whole subject of growth is one I have not mentioned yet. So far, WE have been the subject of the conversation. But I don’t want to be guilty of a self-help gospel. The growth that comes as a result of taking in the nourishment of God’s word and God’s presence in our life through the Holy Spirit –the growth is from God. Not from us.

“He who began a good work in you will continue it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 1.6

Do we not have an amazing God? Is he not awesome who longs for us to receive the maturity he is ready to hand us. We need simply be willing to deny our selfish instincts and embrace who we are as apprentices of Jesus his Son.

CRAVE PURE SPIRITUAL MILK. CONSUME IT and GROW.

Jesus did not give his life on the cross, and rise from the dead, so that we could stay stunted and helpless. He did so that we might live a new life. Abundant life. And if we are mired in the junk of Malice, Deceit, Hypocrisy, Envy, Slander, then Peter has a harsh sounding exhortation to us: GET RID OF THAT GARBAGE.

Instead take into your lives the PURE milk of God’s truth and grow up! The riches of God are astounding and are waiting to be claimed by his child.

Awww Grow Up! - Saying Yes to No

2011-03-21T10:23:00.001-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, March 20, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Don Allen

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:17-24

So can you pass the marshmallow test? You may remember this experiment from yesterday’s message. What would you do if someone placed you in a quiet room for 15 minutes with a marshmallow on the plate (or for those who share my temptations, a Bavarian Chocolate Kreme from Dunkin Donuts)? If you could do it for 15 minutes, you would be rewarded with a second helping. Could you do it?

Yesterday’s message from Ephesians 4:17-24 focused on a major tension in our journey from childhood faith to adult faith. That’s right; I’m talking about self-control. You can also call it delayed gratification. Saying ‘no’ to something we want. Or even giving to others, even if you have to do without something.

Without self-control, we find it hard to manage our time. Keep our jobs. Keep a promise. Stay married. Or single.

Or growing in Christ. So it is no surprise that one of the fruit (results) of the Holy Spirit’s work in you is self-control (see Galatians 5:22-25).

Which is why I hope you will join me in a quest to grow in Christ by saying Yes to No.
I want to get better at saying no. I think you do, too. So let’s encourage one another.

Think for a moment about an obstacle you face in your walk toward maturity in Christ. It’s obvious to you: you know you should say No.

This guilty pleasure may be that trashy TV show. Or whatever keeps you from walking or jogging. Or losing your temper. Or eating that donut. Or [enter your self-control battle here].

Now find someone, a buddy, and challenge him or her to join you in the “Say Yes To No” effort. Invite your friend to try saying no to just one thing this week. Promise to pray for each other twice a day. Decide to touch bases by phone every other day, just for a couple of minutes: “Did you say No today? Good! Keep it up!”

If you fall down, get up and try again. Keep going until you can so No for seven days straight.
By the way, some church traditions have entered Lent season. That’s a season in which a person gives up something for Christ. So it’s a good time to Say Yes to No.
Let us know how it goes. I’m pulling for you!

Awww Grow Up! Don't Believe Everything You Hear

2011-03-15T14:57:00.003-07:00

Click Here to Watch the Awww Grow Up Video from Sunday, March 13, 2011

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, March 13, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Click Here to See the Slide Show of Urban Myth Pictures from the Sermon

Scripture References: Ephesians 4:11-16 and 1Corinthians 13:11

Don't Believe Everything You Hear!

It’s easy for kids to believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. Adults tell them the story as truth and so they believe it. There has to come a time when they start growing up and not longer believe in these types of stories. There is a time when they need to apply thought and question the things that people tell them.

It would be nice if that were always true, but we all know it’s not. Marketers make lots of money by convincing adults to believe things as easily as they did when they were kids. Of course you’ll lose weight just by taking this magic pill. Of course we’ll give you a good deal on a car if you’ll just come to our dealership. Of course you can afford that house with no money down.

Believing these types of lies can hurt you, but there are even worse ones. There are plenty of cults and false teachers out there who prey on those who aren’t mature in their faith. People like Dan Brown of The Da Vinci Code fame present fiction as fact. Televangelists sell phony miracles for money. Athiests such as Richard Dawkins repackage tired old ideas as seductive new ones to sell you on their faithless faith. Let’s not even get started on the twisted truths and outright lies that come out of politicians on a daily basis.

As Christians, we are called to grow up. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:11-16 that we aren’t supposed to be like infants who believe anything that we are told by crafty and deceitful people. We are supposed to be grown up. We are supposed to be able to make the right choices.

How do we learn how to make good choices?

How do we grow up in our faith?

How do we become mature believers?

Well, first of all, you just gotta do it! You can't just hope it will happen. You can't sit around waiting for some one else to do it for you. One of the first things an infant learns to do is feed themselves. As a Christian, you can't expect the pastor to be the one feeding you. His job is to equip you to feed yourself and others. There is no magical message from the mountaintop, it's just a set of simple steps that you just keep doing:

Step 1: Read, read, read, read, read. Know your Bible. God provided His Word to us for a reason. Make this a part of your daily routine. If you don’t have a copy of the liturgy book that we use at MVCC, you can purchase one in the lobby on Sunday or get one at the local bookstore. Then, read it each day so you begin to know your Bible.

Step 2: Ask Questions. We are called to love our God with all of our Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength. That third word there is ‘mind’. Use your brain. Ask questions. Struggle with your faith. Question what you are taught and study yourself. Never stop learning.

Step 3: Apprentice Yourself. Walk alongside more experience believers. Learn what they do. Visit people in the hospital, serve at a homeless shelter, volunteer to help others. Begin applying your faith by putting it in action.

Step 4: You gotta ask someone: Find a friend, a mentor, an accountability partner or small group. Begin purposely opening up and inviting them to open up to you. Encourage each other to grow. Ask for help in areas where you struggle. Pray for one another and be willing to speak the truth in love to help each other in your growth.

Step 5: Rinse, lather, and repeat. That’s right, keep doing these things. Growing up is a process, not an event. Whether you were just baptized or you’ve been a believer for fifty years; keep reading, keep studying, keep questioning, and keep serving. You still have places to grow.

Our memory verse this month comes from 1 Corinthians:

When I was a child,
I spoke like a child,
I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child,
When I became an adult,
I put away childish ways.

It’s time to put away childish ways.

It’s time to grow up.

Awww Grow Up! - What Does it Mean to Grow Up as a Christian?

2011-03-08T10:05:00.004-07:00

The Lazy Apprentice
by Mihaly Munkacsy

Click Here to Watch the 'Awww, Grow Up' Video for Sunday, March 6, 2011

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, March 6, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Chip Moody

Scripture Reference:
Matthew 28:18-20

A Disciple is an Apprentice to the Master:

Would You Be Fired for Loafing?

At the end of the day, on the last day that Jesus met with his disciples following his resurrection, he gave them one last order. It was their mission statement for the rest of their lives.

And Jesus came up 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 the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:18-20

Let me point out the “how to” specifics of this Great Commission to “Go, make disciples of all the nations (peoples).”

Step one: Baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit

Step two: Teaching them to observe (keep or obey) all that Jesus commanded his first disciples

Let me put it another way. We make disciples by inaugurating new believers in Jesus into the church through baptism. Then, we begin teaching them to observe what Jesus taught.

Simple, yes?

Since the day that Jesus spoke these words, those in this world who call Jesus their Lord understand that this mission has not changed. We are still to go into the world and make disciples for Jesus.

What does this churchy word “disciple” mean anyway? It means learner, student, or follower. In my opinion, the best word that defines “disciple” is the word apprentice. An apprentice is someone who learns from the Master craftsman. The new young apprentice, who sweeps the carpenter shop floor of sawdust, is beginning his apprenticeship on the bottom, learning the basics of keeping a clean shop. Other apprentices have learned more and are beginning to work on joinery and assembly. Those apprentices who are even further along under the instruction of the Master are doing fine woodcarving and inlaying. Everyone starts at the bottom and learns, working their way to more advanced skills.

Our discipleship is an apprenticeship with Jesus Christ. Becoming a disciple by baptism, we now begin the work of becoming like the Master Jesus in everyway he teaches us. Unfortunately, the typical Christ-follower throughout history has not been one who has been an apprentice, or gone on to train apprentices of his or her own. We seem to have left that up to professionals that Jesus never intended to be professionals: pastors, missionaries, church elders and church deacons.

So instead of asking you to become instant makers of disciples, I am going to approach this whole subject from the other end of the equation. Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? That is have you become an apprentice to the Master Jesus?

You may be tempted to say, “Sure, I am a Christian, therefore I am a disciple.” Hmmm . . . you sure? A disciple, by definition, is one who is becoming more like the Master. While you may have become a Christian by conversion, have you become an apprentice of the savior Jesus? Are you and avid learner? Do you watch what he does in scripture and do it in your own life? Are you in the learning mode all the time when it comes to the formation of your character and your actions? Do you learn today from others farther along in the disciple path than you?

I think we have in the church of Jesus, and in this church, people who are only “half-disciples.” They have embraced the first half of discipleship, but not the second half. They have embraced justification (God’s work to make us right with Him, culminating in our response of baptism) without embracing sanctification (God’s work in us to make us like Jesus).

Let me say that if I am not growing in my knowledge of what Jesus wants, followed by imitation of what he does, then I am half-disciple. I am an apprentice who shows up for work, but once I’m there, I pay no attention to the master in order to learn my craft. But my Bible says that growth is expected of a disciple. It is inherent in the word apprentice.

HEAR YE: A disciple does not stand still in his or her faith walk; a disciple learns and grows always.

Now, knowing that we are to be growing, I have to face the reality of my resistance. Yes, I resist growing. I resist it because it requires two of my most prized possessions that I don’t want to share:

Effort

and

Time.

I resist giving my effort and time. I have other things I like to do, other priorities. Out of my mouth I say Jesus is Lord; but out of my schedule I say, “My busy-ness is Lord.”

It is obvious that being an apprentice is a lordship choice.

Now, I have heard the Great Commission used nefariously. I have heard it used to badger people into giving to the building fund, for raising money for missionaries, for getting volunteers for a church program. None of these are bad things; in fact they are all necessary in their place. However, the Great Commission says the apprenticeship task is to learn “what Jesus has commanded us.”

--About living one’s neighbor, and even one’s enemy

--Being a peacemaker

--Loving others with acts of service

--How to pray

--How to persevere in tough times

--How to manage your possessions and your power

--How to worship in Spirit and in truth

So, as you view your spiritual condition, are you moving forward or standing still (which seems like regressing to me)? It’s not a hard question. Either we are doing our apprenticeship work with the Master or we are loafing on the job.

If my apprenticeship to Jesus were like my workaday job, would I be likely to be fired? I’m not saying Jesus would fire his people from being disciples. However, he can’t use us if we are malingerers standing in the corner, always waiting for break time.

Yet he can use me even if my start is simply sweeping up the shop.

Now where is that broom?

Our Faith may Be Personal, but it Is Never Private

2011-02-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Hear the Sunday, February 27, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Chip Moody

Click Here to Watch the Dramatic Monologue by Erin Paige.

Scripture Reference: Ruth 3-4

Our Faith may Be Personal, but it Is Never Private

Lessons from the Book of Ruth on the Public Life of the Disciple

The book of Ruth has several layers. Ruth is the center of the story, partly because she is the “damsel in distress,” but also because the book is somewhat subversive in nature. One subversive part is the subtext of a foreigner embraced by Hebrew society; and not just any foreigner--Ruth was a Moabite, and Israel and Moab had a history. Other layers of the story are about propriety and risk-taking, inclusion of immigrants, the huge disadvantage of being a woman without husband or son in that time and culture and the obligation of the culture to protect these women.

One of the most instructional layers of the Book of Ruth is the narrative about Boaz, the “kinsman redeemer” for Naomi’s family. The record presents him as an idealized embodiment of a law-keeping Jewish man. Yet his actions tell us of a man who acted “beyond the Law” toward Ruth and Naomi. “Beyond the Law” is not exactly what we would say in twenty-first century English. We would say, “He followed the spirit of the law, not just the letter of the law.”

We see Boaz in action throughout the book, but most powerfully in chapter four.

He was above-board in his public dealings, had no hidden agendas, displayed no fake friendship to get what he wanted.
He did not use people for his own ends.
He honored the right and legal way to solve a problem.
He was godly in being his submission to God’s law (most notably the law of Levirate marriage)

Moreover, Boaz was godly by being a man of integrity in his business life. He kept his hired hands from harassing the vulnerable immigrant Ruth (a lesson for today in both our immigration debate and the dreadfulness of human trafficking). He showed more generosity in allowing gleaning from his fields than the law required (he wasn’t stingy and legalistic). He personally knew his workers. They weren’t just nameless muscle for his farm.

Boaz understood God’s expectations of him. He understood that he was a steward of the place God had placed him in life, and that he must behave responsibly, openly and authentically.

So what does this mean for us? Well, obviously Boaz is a model.

We can sum up Boaz’ modus operandi in the following life principle. Our faith is personal, but it is not private. Everything we do before others makes a statement about who we are, what we value, and how we view God and our relationship with him.

How might the example of Boaz look in our life?

--Absolute honesty and integrity

--Seeking God’s way in practical decisions in life

--Takes care of those who are under his supervision

So if my faith is personal, but not private, what will those around me in the world learn about Jesus from me? And what will they learn about how seriously I follow him as a disciple?

Will they see hypocrisy? Or a man or woman of honor?

The most honorable man who ever lived was Jesus Christ. Not just because he was God in flesh, but also because he walked the walk. He lived with absolute integrity and honor. His yes was yes, and his no was no. What the disciples saw in Jesus publicly is what they saw in him privately.

May I have the integrity of Jesus as my model for life. And if Jesus seems too intimidating, then let’s imitate Boaz. J

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD . . . --Psalm 1:1-2a ESV

God's Love for the Poor

2011-02-23T10:32:00.001-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, February 20, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Chip Moody

Click Here to Watch the Dramatic Monologue by Erin Paige

Scripture Reference: Ruth 2 and Leviticus 19

Learning Grace from Law

“Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that

have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien.

I am the LORD your God.” --Leviticus 19:10 NIV

In our study of the book of Ruth we have come to learn well the verse from the Law of Moses quoted above. We have learned how this law benefitted Ruth and Naomi, and also how this passage speaks to the immigration issue, causing us to make important distinctions between our politics on the one hand, and our practice of love for the immigrant on the other.

Whenever we study the Law of Moses, it is important to clarify that this law code was for the Hebrew people in their culture and historical context. It makes up the core of the “old covenant” with his people. After the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have entered into the “new covenant, which fulfills the old covenant and replaces it. That is why most Christians, Gentiles that they are, do not follow kosher laws, ceremonial laws, laws of animal sacrifice, etc.

This does not mean that the Law of Moses is unimportant. Far from it. When we come up against a verse like Lev. 19.10, we have to take it seriously as part of God’s revelation to his people. But rather than ask “how can I do this law today” when we are not required to do so, we can instead ask a different question:

What does this passage teach me about the heart and mind of God?

I think you would agree that it teaches that God cares, in a special way, for the poor and the immigrant. Actually, it goes farther than that. This is not the only place we read of this command. We also see it in other places.

"Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt.” Exodus 22:21 NIV

“When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” Deuteronomy 24:19 NIV

So now we have immigrants, the poor, the widow, and the fatherless. I think you can see that God has his eye on those who are at a disadvantage in society. But how would this “law of gleaning” look in our world. We’re not farmers!

Here are some suggestions:

I need to have what God has: a heart for the poor and marginalized. I don’t have the luxury of ignoring those who live close to the edge of economic or social oblivion. I need to pray that God will sync my heart with his heart; my loves with his loves; my mercies with his mercies.
I can create a law for myself. This personal “law” for me is actually a “habit of the heart.” Maybe at the end of the day I’ll put my loose change, or all my dollar bills, in a jar. When the jar is full I’ll cash them in for grocery gift cards to give away, or help someone pay their rent, or put gas in their car so they can get to work. You get the idea.

I can identify the excess in my life in order to “bless others” with it. And believe me, most Americans have excess. Why not take all those canned foods from 1983 that are in the back of my cupboard and put them in the church pantry, or give them to a friend I know could use a boost? Why not let my tax return bless a homeless organization or the benevolence fund at my church? Maybe instead of selling that old couch on Craigslist so I can make a lousy fifty bucks, I first look to see if someone in my church or neighborhood could use a free couch?

Can you now see how this Law of Moses that does not bind us in this new covenant age, teaches us about the heart of God? And can you see how understanding God’s heart can “free us” to be better disciples?

So find ways to allow others to “glean” from your abundance.

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another,

for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 NIV

God's Love for "Those People"

2011-02-16T12:08:00.004-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, February 13, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Click Here to Watch the Dramatic Monologue on Ruth 2 by Erin Paige

Scripture Reference: Ruth 2 and Leviticus 19

God's Love for "Those People"

Those people. Them. You know who I’m talking about. They're different.

They look different from us.

They speak differently.

They don’t think like us.

They eat different food.

They have weird rituals and traditions.

You know….. Those people.

Ruth was one of those people, she came from Moab to Israel. Moab was across the Dead Sea. It was the other side. Them. They. Those People. Ruth had to travel miles up around the Dead Sea and cross the Jordan River to get to Bethelehem.

Ruth stood out and people noticed her as ‘That Moabite.’ In today’s terms, she would be an illegal immigrant. Now, borders and immigration laws were different then, but racism was the same then as today.

God’s people, the Jews, were often very discriminatory. It’s hard not to be when you know that you are chosen by God. You start to think of yourself as better than others and you start treating others that way.

Except, that’s now what God expects of them (or us). Throughout the Old Testament, God tells the people to remember that they were once foreigners in Egypt and that because of that, they should treat the foreigners that travel through their lands a little better. He commanded the Jews to leave the edges of their fields unharvested so there would always be food for the poor and the traveler. He commanded them to allow the foreigner to rest on the Sabbath, right along with the native born. He commanded the Jews to treat the foreigners fairly in court and not take advantage of them in the workplace.

Let’s be honest here: the Jews didn’t always follow God’s commands, and neither do we, today.

Most people know the famous Bible verse John 3:16: For God so loved the world, He sent His only begotten son. That whoever believes in him shall not perish. God so loved the world. That’s everyone, not just a select few. The world isn’t divided into ‘us’ and ‘them.’ God loves all people, and that includes the illegal immigrant.

In my sermon, I mention two people, a man who had signs against illegal immigration painted on his truck and another man who suggested that we station snipers on the border to kill anyone coming across. In addition to the angry signs on his truck concerning ‘illegals,’ the truck man also had bumperstickers for a local Christian radio station and a local church. The man who suggested shooting people was a man that I knew to periodically attend a church. I don’t know the real religious status of either of these guys, but I do know they have taken the compassion for human beings that God calls us to and lost it to angry rhetoric.

I don’t like the word ‘illegal.’ Actions are illegal, not people. Referring to people as things dehumanizes them. Then, people become a problem. And, you deal with problems by solving them as expediently and efficiently as possible. Thus, ridiculous ideas like rounding up millions of people and dumping them across the border or shooting women and children as they cross the border suddenly begin to sound reasonable.

God calls us to have compassion, to love people, to be gentle, and to be kind.

Yes, we must be good stewards of our resources, but let’s be honest here, we are the richest nation in the world and we have money, resources, and jobs to spare most of the time. It’s far too easy for us as citizens of the United States to think we are special. We won the cosmic lottery by being born in this land. It’s something to rejoice in, because just about anywhere else would be worse (despite our incessant bellyaching). When God blesses you, it isn’t for you to keep it for yourself: God blesses you to bless others.

Yes, we must protect ourselves from terrorists and those who hate us just because we exist and don’t believe the way they do. But, we can accomplish that in reasonable ways without turning into the same kind of monsters that hate us.

As Christians, believers in God, we must remember compassion and gentleness. It is not wrong to provide water for the thirsty, food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, clothing for the naked, and company for the lonely. In fact, we are called to it.

Whatever side of the immigration issue that we fall on, we must remember to keep an open and compassionate heart for those who are suffering , the needy, and for those who endure conditions beyond what most of us could even imagine.

I’m pretty sure that Jesus would be ministering among those who are crossing the border illegally.

When this debate heats up again, and it will, are you going to add to the heat and anger, or will you take the gentle approach of love?

Will you support practical solutions that provide good stewardship and protect our borders while offering realistic options for legal immigration and guest workers?

Will you prayerfully remember the people of both sides whom God loves equally?

And, when the time comes that everyone is yelling about this issue again, will you be an example of gentleness and love, as every Christian is called to?

Practical Applications:

Begin learning another language or study another culture.
Visit ethnic restaurants and engage someone in conversation that you might not normally speak to.
Listen to others with an open heart and thinking brain.
Look for someone at church or workplace who looks different from you – get to know them.

Love in Action in the Family

2011-02-09T12:29:00.005-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, February 6, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Chip Moody.

Click Here to Watch the Dramatic Monologue on Ruth 1 Performed by Erin Paige.

Click Here to Download the Outline on the Book of Ruth.

Scripture Reference: Ruth 1:1-22

Chesed? [Gesundheit!]

Chesed is one of those strange sounding Hebrew words that require a bit of phlegm to pronounce correctly. Its pronunciation is halfway between HES-ed and CHES-ed. Give it a try!

Chesed is one of those words that doesn’t have an exact equivalent in English. But if you put together the meanings of the following words you come up with a blend that looks a lot like chesed:

Kindness + Compassion + Loyalty = chesed

The concept of covenant is also present in the meaning of chesed. It is a one-sided loving-kindness. Just as God loves us before we have done anything to deserve his love, so we can be like him by loving others before they have done anything to deserve our notice.

Think about it. Chesed is showing compassionate loving kindness toward someone when we don’t get anything out of it.

The book of Ruth that we began studying last Sunday is the account of real people showing real chesed in real-life situations. The recipients of chesed come empty-handed; the givers of chesed have no ulterior agenda. Wow! Think of a world full of chesed and you have described heaven.

Which is precisely the point of the book of Ruth and why it is included in the Old Testament canon. It is a literary picture of God’s attitude of chesed toward his creatures. God’s attitude toward his covenant people (first Old Testament

Israel

, and now the church as grafted into God’s covenant family -- Romans 11.11-24.) is like Ruth’s love for Naomi, and Boaz’s love for Ruth.

Chesed is neither an emotion nor sentimentality. It is attitude-in-action. In the case of our Lord it looks like this: “God loved the world so much (chesed) that he gave his only begotten Son (when we didn’t deserve him), that whoever believes in him will not perish . . .” you know the rest.

So even if you can’t pronounce chesed, you can certainly revel in receiving it—and you can commit your life to practicing it.

Revolution Sunday

2011-01-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sermon for Sunday, January 30, 2011 by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference: Acts 2:42-47

Read the news and it’s easy to see what the world’s idea of revolution is. As a follower of Jesus, revolution is something different. There are no guns or bombs, we don’t hate or kill; he calls us to something more.

At MVCC, we’ve been challenged to give up New Year’s Resolutions and make a New Years Revolution in our community. We’ve been studying Acts 2:42-47 in light of the first church, historic revivals, and the conditions of today’s church. We have decided we want to start a revolution at our church. We are going to spend the next year exploring what it means to be a church like the first church, a group of people that are so caught on to Jesus’ mission and calling that our very lives change.

We want to be radically generous, givers in a world of takers, sacrificially sharing our resources and time to make a difference in this world. We will learn to live on less so we can give more generously. We will purposely reduce our busy schedules so we can volunteer more.

We want to be revolutionary with our love, welcoming in those who the world casts out, loving the ones that no one else loves, and practicing forgiveness and reconciliation in our relationships. We will be intentional in building bridges, inviting people in, and getting to know one another. We will eat together, pray together, worship together, serve together, and reach out to others together.

We want our faith to reform us, to change who we are because we follow Christ. As we become new beings in Christ, our lives will begin to look so different that it should amaze others. We will change from takers to givers, from haters to peacemakers, from those who worry to people of prayer. And we will do this together.

Jesus called us to shelter the homeless, clothe the needy, welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, visit the prisoner, adopt the orphan, reach out to the outcasts, and support the widow. He told us to be known by our love and our action, not by politics or protest signs. He taught us to be useful in the world now, not just hope for future in heaven. He wants us to be unified in our community and to be busy about his work. This is our challenge and this is the journey we are on.

This last Sunday, we began this journey. We had a different type of worship service. We began in the sanctuary with prayer and praise, and we continued in the fellowship hall with a meal together and a presentation on our new step in ministry.

We are beginning a new small group ministry called REVO Groups. These groups will be unlike the old idea of small groups where one person teaches a lesson and a few other people passively listen. These groups will be focused on putting faith in action. They will study Acts 2:42-47 and begin practicing what that will look like in 2011. Though the whole group will meet only once each month, individuals and families in the groups will be encouraged to have meals together or call each other throughout the month. Each group will take on a service ministry that they will perform throughout the year. The intent is for us to get our hands dirty and put our faiths to the test as we do real life-to-life ministry.

There is much more to these groups, but the heart will be intentional relationships that help us to grow in our own Christian walk and help us to reach out to our community and make a difference.

I challenge each person who reads this to consider joining one of our REVO Groups. Give me a call at the office at 602-955-9414 or send an email to email@mvccaz.com for more info. If you are not in the Phoenix area, please take the challenge and find a local church in your own community that encourages personal growth and small group ministry. Make the needs of others a personal call to action in your own life.

Pastor Rodger

A Shiny Imitation or Real Gold?

2011-01-25T16:11:00.001-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, January 23, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar

Scripture Reference: Acts 2:42-47

A Shiny Imitation or Real Gold?

As a child, I saw an ad in a magazine for a free gold coin. The ad actually said “FREE Solid, Gold Coin*.” I fell for the advertisement and mailed in the form. At the time, I didn’t recognize the significance of the comma after solid and the asterisk at the end. When I received the coin in the mail weeks later, I was sorely disappointed. A real gold coin is 1.25 inches in diameter and 3mm thick. The coin I receive is less than ¼ inch in diameter and about the thickness of a few sheets of paper stacked together. It was solid all right, just not solid gold. My father had to explain to me what marketing was and how you had to watch for the small print. Needless to say, I learned a valuable lesson that day and I have never forgotten it and I still have the coin to this day.

It is disappointing to expect one thing and receive something less. Sure, the coin I received was shiny and gold colored. It is also solid. But it isn’t the real thing.

Through my 15 years as a Christian, I have often felt the same way. We have so twisted Christ’s message over the last two-thousand years that most people don’t really know what it means to be a Christian.

Acts 2:42-47 shows us what the first church was like.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

What an awesome vision. How cool might it be to experience that kind of community today? Maybe we can, if we are willing to ask ourselves some hard questions.

What if the people of today’s church started acting like this first church?
What if we intentionally built a close community together by eating together, praying together, and serving others together often?
What if we shared what we have, giving out of every paycheck to help the needy?
What if we worshipped God in our daily actions, in our business dealings, and in the way we treat people, not just by coming to church once in awhile?
What if we loved and welcomed everyone, no matter who they were, what their skin color what, what their sexual orientation was, what their economic status was, what their past mistakes were, or what their legal status was?
What if the prayers of others became calls to action in our own lives?
What if it really mattered in our lives that we follow Jesus?
What if each of us actually made a difference in this world, because we love God and love all the people He created?

Why, that just might be revolutionary…

Our challenge from this series is for Christians to become part of a community that serves Jesus. If it’s Mountain View, then commit to being here and commit to intentionally getting to know your fellow believers. It takes time, it takes work, it takes sacrifice… But, it’s worth it.

A community that catches Christ’s vision to love the world is a rare and precious thing. Like the real gold coin, it has weight and value. We can choose that kind of community or we can choose the shiny imitation that has little value.

Community like this can change the world. It has in the past. Will you take the personal challenge to make it happen again?

The Revived Church

2011-01-18T14:49:00.001-07:00

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, January 16, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Chip Moody

Scripture Reference: Acts 2:42-47

When God Works a Special Awakening upon His Church

In times past (and not so past in some places) the annual “Revival!” signs would sprout on church lawns. Known by insiders as a “week of meetings,” the annual revival event was expected to draw a large crowd to hear a proven preacher expound the gospel so folks could walk the aisle at decision time to be saved (or for you Calvinists, to walk the aisle to confess you have evidence you are already elect).

I have always been troubled, however, that a mighty work of God’s Spirit can be scheduled by a church committee a year in advance on the church calendar.

How would we know when God was going to “revive” his church?

What if God didn’t show up?

Is he allowed to show up at some other time during the year?

I’m not trying to be sarcastic here. These are legit questions. So I did some digging.

I found that “awakening movements” or renewal movements have happened many times in history. They are always unexpected. They surprise the revived church as much as anyone else. Real revival, one finds upon a little research, is an act of God. An act from God.

It is not an event planned by his church (complete with tent and a neon “Jesus Saves” sign).

And it usually appears during a time of immense dissatisfaction with the reigning spirituality. It seems that when people are hungry for God, he shows up in a special way. (Isn’t that just like him?)

Periods of renewal have specific characteristics. Renewal periods documented in the UK and the US include up to four major spiritual awakenings in the past three centuries. You may know about some of them from your history classes. One spurred the end of slavery in England under men like William Wilberforce. Another was a return to the ideals of personal piety and the study of scriptures in the new American colonies (think John Wesley and Methodism). Yet another was the awakening of the early 1800s that spread the gospel west of the Allegheny’s during westward expansion. Awakenings had great impact on oppressed labor, the poor, gave rise to hospitals, orphanages, colleges and schools. Most recent was the revival that spawned a huge Pentecostal/charismatic movement in early to mid 20^th century ( a movement that continues globally to this day).

OK, that was a long paragraph. The point of it was to show that spiritual awakening movements really changed how people live, both inside and outside the church. Societies were changed. In fact, the church during these awakenings looked strikingly like the very first church in Acts 2.42-47.

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. [New International Version]

Maybe this church in Acts is the official Bible snapshot of a church in the midst of awakening! This church determined that they would not disregard God’s empowering moment. They would and did resist being sucked in to the values of the culture around them. They would be the weird ones; the “different” folks. They would do their best to try and exhibit the heart of God and his priorities for human beings.

· Personal devotion to God was more important than simple identification with a religious group.

· Relationships of affection with one another became primary.

· Society outside the churches was transformed by the transformation of the Christians

· Prayer, disciple-building, and service characterized churches.

So what does all this mean for us today?

It means that rather than planting a sign that revival is going to happen next month, we acknowledge that God is in charge of awakenings, not us. And we should desire his coming to awaken us by his Holy Spirit. We should long for it. We should pray for it. This is not without precedent:

“Revive me according to Your loving kindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.” Psalm 119:88

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone thirsts let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said. Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' John 7:37-38

For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah.57:15

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your Presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. Psalm 51:10-13

Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Psalm 85:6

I believe we should pray for renewal and repent of our complacency.

I believe YOU should pray for renewal and repent of your complacency.

I believe we must pray for a move of God upon this church and the churches of this city.

“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14