FEBRUARY 2020.........WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE....A MESSAGE FOR EVERYONE
by Dr. Keith J. WiseI. INTRODUCTION: February is the month of "Ground Hog Day," "President's Day" along with "Valentines Day." What a contrast of anticipation of the future and a wholesome reflection of the past. In a humorous fashion we think about pulling a "ground-hog" out of its den after hibernation and determining if we are going to have six more weeks of winter, or if Spring is just around the corner. On President's Day we recognized the office of President of the United States. There have been all kinds and types of Presidents in the Oval Office. However, the idea behind this day is to remember that "God guides the heart of the king..." We as Americans have always understood that this country was conceived in an unusual providential fashion. Its leaders, to be effective, must look to God for wisdom and understanding, both of its people and the knowledge that their tenure is temporary. Furthermore, that future generations with judge them in their time. What about Valentine's Day? Where did it start? The tradition tells of a young Christian named Valentine, so one of the variations stories goes, was imprisoned in ancient Rome because of his faith. Longing for his loved ones, he sought a way to let them know of his well-being and affection for them. Within reach outside his cell window grew a cluster of violets. Picking some of them, he pierced the heart-shaped leaves and with these words, "Remember Your Valentine," he sent them off with a friendly dove. On subsequent days he sent more messages that simply said, "I love you." Since that time, it has become a tradition to send cards or flowers or remembrances of love.
II. DIGGING DEEPER... A Greek word study on "Inheritance"
In at least sixteen New Testament references our eternal hope as Christians is described as an "inheritance." The most visual and beautiful of these pictures is found in I Peter 1:3-5. Since all three words begin with the negative "a"in the Greek, is it good to use a devise in English to better understand their emphasis as "uncorruptible," "undefiled," and "unfading." Barnes, the commentator, aptly describes the glory of the inheritance, saying "Here, (on earth) no one can be heir of a large inheritance of gold or houses without danger of sinking into indolence, wickedness or vice; but there the inheritance may be enjoyed forever and the soul continually advance in knowledge, holiness, and active service of God..."
Some inheritances disappear through waste or dishonesty before they are claimed, but Peter affirms that this one is reserved for us by God the Father. Not only so, but we are "guarded" so that we shall be able to receive and enjoy it. This is a military term describing a garrison sentried carefully so that no enemy might intrude, and also that none within it might go out.
Finally, three prepositions explain fully the way we are garrisoned with the sacred enclosure that insures our inheritance: In the power of God; through our own faith; and unto salvation. In dramatic fashion these three prepositions declare respectively the 1.)means of our security--"the power of God" without which we would have no more chance of obtaining the inheritance than an ancient city would have for safety without a guarded wall; 2.) the method of our protection--"our faith" without which we would in fear or treachery forsake the fortress; and (3) the motive for the guardianship that we might receive the prepared salvation in heaven.
III. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... A Sermon Outline of the Lord's Prayer
Title: "God Talk...Vistas of the Lord's Prayer"
Text: Matthew 6:5-13
Introduction: Have you ever thought about how you address God? If God the Father was so concerned about our lives to save us, then through Christ create a vibrant, loving relationship with us, it must be important in the way we address Him. Jesus in his masterful Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew chapters 5-7), prescribes and invites us to listen in on how we should address God. It reveals dynamic principles that can change us into a new reality of rebirth and life concerning our walk with God. In Luke's rendering of this occasion, the disciples were so impressed with the pattern of Jesus Christ that they beseeched him and and asked, "...Lord, teach us to Pray."(Luke 11: 1ff.) Let us take a minute and consider this as a beginning point of our intimacy with God as we finish the first month of 2020, and begin the second.
I. CORRECTIONS OF OUR DIRECTIONS TO OUR "GOD TALK."-Vs. 5-8
II. THE AWESOMENESS OF THE PERSON WE ADDRESS- BEYOND US YET 'WITH US.' (Immanuel)- Vs. 9
III. PROJECTION IN POSSIBILITIES OF OUR "GOD TALK." "KINGDOM COME", NOW AND NOT YET. Vs. 10 also note Mark 9:1-The Church as kingdom.
IV. PROVISION OF OUR "GOD TALK." Vs. 11 "This day.." living in the "NOW." Question: What is your provision need today?
V. ILLUMINATING OUR HEARTS WITH A NEW GRACE. Vs. 12, also 14,15)The Father wants nothing to spoil our hearts.
VI. OFFENSIVE HELP IN EQUIPPING US FOR OUR BETTER SELVES. (Vs. 13)
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