Transforming Truths
February 13, 2022 | Transforming Truths Part 2
February 13, 2022 • Pastor Ken Cline
There is power in both “yes” and “no.” Jesus didn’t always say “yes” to everything that everyone wanted him to do. It was important for him, and it is important for us, to know when to say one or the other. He learned what to say and when to say it by listening to the Father and receiving His wisdom. We must do the same. In the Gospel of Mark, starting in Mark 1:21-26, Jesus demonstrated his authority over demonic forces. A demon interrupted Jesus in the middle of His teaching. In the same way, the enemy wants to distract us. Jesus said “yes” to delivering the demoniac. He commanded it, and it happened. In verses 30-32, we see another power encounter when he healed Simon’s mother-in-law. After she was healed, she immediately began to serve (our New Life model). In verses 35-37, we see where Jesus received his strength–in his relationship with the Father through prayer. Sometimes we want the “cool stuff” of God but don’t want a relationship with Him. Jesus, however, didn’t always say “yes” to the requests others made of him. In Mark 1:36-37, everyone in the town was looking for him because of the healings he had performed. Instead of staying in that town and continuing to do miracles there, Jesus said “no” to the request and went to other towns (vs. 38-39). Like Jesus, we must also listen to God to understand when to say “yes” and “no.” Be free to say “no.” We are not bound to say yes to everything. Ask God. Everything isn’t an emergency. Failure happens when we try to please everybody. Saying “yes” to all equals chaos. In those instances, we are battling a fear of rejection and of not meeting others’ expectations. Pride occurs when we are relying on ourselves instead of God. Remember these three truths? 1. Jesus had authority. 2. Jesus had come from God. 3. Jesus was returning to God. (review of last week) In John 13 starting at verse 1, we see Jesus, near the end of his ministry, washing the disciples’ feet. Jesus says “yes” to God’s will, even though it was difficult. In verses 2-3, both Peter and Judas were doing Satan’s will. In verses 4-5, Peter says “no,” but Jesus says “yes.” In verse 10, Peter says “yes,” while Jesus says “no.” Jesus was confident in relationship with the father, and we need that too! We can learn how to say “yes” and “no” as well. Once we understand who we are in Christ, we must get discernment from the Holy Spirit by spending time alone with God. Then we will be able to judge what the will of God is through prayer and the Word of God (Prov. 4:20, Heb. 4:12-13). Finally, we should seek godly counsel from mature believers. Here’s the challenge: don’t believe the lies! Say “yes” to the Father. He is pleased with you! (Zeph. 3:17, Matt. 3:17, Matt. 25:21)
February 20, 2022 | Transforming Truths Part 3
February 20, 2022 • Pastor Ken Cline
Holiness Leads to Wholeness God's plan was to make a holy nation. ( Exodus 19:5-6 & 1 Peter 2:9-10) . Jesus created a new nation (a holy nation) of believers. All who believe regardless of their national identity, name, etc. are part of this. Holy means set apart for God’s purposes. What does it mean to be holy? Ephesians 1:3–6 Speaks about us being chosen to be holy and blameless (because Jesus took on our blame). This happens when we place our trust in Jesus. Also see 1 Corin. 1:2 We aren’t working for holiness or sainthood. We are in this position when we trust in God. Calling yourself a sinner is a lie because God calls us saints (once we believe) We need to live into who we’ve become and not who we used to be. How to live a holy life Hebrews 4: 14-16 Jesus is our high priest and he is able to understand & sympathize with our weaknesses. He is our “help-line”. We can approach him with confidence. Philippians 2:12-13 “....continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” You aren’t earning your salvation, you are already in a saved position if you have trusted in Jesus, but living it out will be challenging and work. You have to make hard decisions, but God is at work in you through the Holy Spirit. Without God working on the inside, you can work as hard as you want, but it won’t be effective. Some say that sin isn’t that bad, but it is. If sin isn’t that bad, why did Jesus have to die? Sin isn’t just breaking the law, but breaking the covenant and partnership we have with God. The principle of reaping what you sow is in Ephesians 6:7-9. Sexual immorality, impurity and greed are specified in Ephesians 5:3-4. The Bible defines sexual morality as between a man and woman in marriage. It is not up to us to decide whether that is too restrictive. There is no one more miserable than a Christian who keeps sinning because you're doing the opposite of what you are and what you know. Successful obedience comes from using the "3 legged stool" 1) Spirit of God 2) Word of God 3) People of God.