Monthly Archives: January 2013

Sunday – January 27, 2013

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January 27, 2013 – Read the Word on Worship

Who Does Jesus Think Is? from Sunrise Community Church on Vimeo.

The world of wicked tenants described in the parable given from Jesus is very much like the world we live in. The tenants will stop at nothing to get what they way. They do not care that they have made obligations of themselves for the fruit of their labor, in the end they want what they want and will take it by any means necessary. They have not forgotten who owns the land, but their covetousness knows no bounds and leads them to say “mine is the power, the kingdom and the glory”. Do humans think that by erasing God from their lives that they can control their earthly and eternal destinies?
Join us Sunday as we continue in our study of the Gospel of Mark as we look at “Who Does Jesus Think He is?” as we study Mark 11 verse 27 through chapter 12 verse 12.

Word On Worship – January 27, 2013 Download / Print

Mark 12:6-10
“He had one more to send, a beloved son; he sent him last of all to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’  “But those vine-growers said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours!’ “They took him, and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. “What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vine-growers, and will give the vineyard to others.”

The world of wicked tenants described in the parable given by Jesus is very much like the world we live in. The tenants will stop at nothing to get what they want. They do not care that they have made obligations of themselves for the fruit of their labor; in the end they want what they want and will take it by any means necessary. They have not forgotten who owns the land, but their covetousness knows no bounds and leads them to say “mine is the power, the kingdom and the glory.” Do humans think that by erasing God from their lives that they can control their earthly and eternal destinies? Even when they have killed the son, they still have God to contend with.

To many, God seems to be the absentee landlord and a foolish one at that. They want to establish themselves as the lords of their little world rejecting the reality that they are creations of God and live in God’s vineyard. People think they will get away with it, but God’s judgment will inevitably come. The parable assures us that God will win even when it seems He has lost. Those who reject God’s claims on their lives and God’s call to repentance will always be losers, even when it seems they have won. They sow the seeds of their own destruction.

This parable particularly applies to the church today. Israel was chosen by to fulfill God’s gracious purpose for the whole world. God equipped them for the task, but they mistook that assignment as a special privilege and wanted to be accountable only to themselves, not God. If you ask what fruit God requires from us today, the answer comes from what immediately precedes and follows the parable. God requires that our place of worship be a house of prayer for all people and that our community be a forgiving one. We are to render to God what belongs to God and to love God with all of our heart, strength and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves. In other words, God expects the vineyard –  God’s people – to be an accepting, prayerful, forgiving, devoted and loving fellowship of people built around His Son, Jesus Christ. Whenever we fall short of this standard, we invite God’s judgment.

Sunday – January 20, 2012

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January 20, 2012 – Read the Word on Worship

Jesus & The Original Occupy Jerusalem Movement from Sunrise Community Church on Vimeo.

Sadly most readers, and many commentary writers, are shocked to read that Jesus could be so spiteful to curse a poor fruit tree. Instead of seeing the guilt of an unproductive tree in full leaf, many people instead think Jesus is being irrational and petulant as He curses the tree. Yet would they wring their hands in disbelief when a chicken farmer assigns a chicken that no longer produces eggs to the stew? What we fail to see is both the fig tree and the activities of the temple failed to produce the very thing they created to produce. The tree was created to produce figs and the temple was created to be a house of prayer for all nations. What should the Master do when the when the proverbial chicken does not produce what it was created to produce?
Join us tomorrow as we continue in our study of the Gospel of Mark as we look at “Jesus and the Original Occupy Jerusalem Movement” from Mark 11 verses 12 to 26.

Word On Worship – January 20, 2012 Download / Print

Mark 11:12-14
“On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry. Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening.”

The last miracle of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark is the most unusual. For the first time, a miracle of Jesus brings about death, not life. Needless to say, this raises many questions. How is it that Jesus can tell the disciples where to find a colt tied up from outside the city and yet He can’t see from a distance whether a tree has edible fruit? How is Jesus able to feed five thousand people with five fish and two loaves but one fig tree frustrates Him to the point of cursing it?

Sadly, most readers and many commentary writers are shocked to read that Jesus could be so spiteful as to curse a poor fruit tree. Instead of seeing the guilt of an unproductive tree in full leaf, many people think Jesus is being irrational and petulant as He curses the tree. Yet would they wring their hands in disbelief when a chicken farmer assigns a chicken that no longer produces eggs to the stew? What we fail to see is that both the fig tree and the activities of the temple failed to produce the very thing they were created to produce. The tree was created to produce figs and the temple was created to be a house of prayer for all nations. What should the Master do when the proverbial chicken does not produce what it was created to produce?

Jesus has taken the place of the temple during His ministry. Jesus announced in John 2 that He is the Temple. From there, Jesus proclaims throughout the gospels the forgiveness of sin, healing for the sick, and the restoration of people to society. He has replaced the tables of the money changers, where worshippers had to pay for atonement, with the Lord’s Table, were He presents the free offering of His life on the cross as payment for the forgiveness of sins to all who come to the Father through Him.

And that leaves one last question for you and me. What were we created for? Were we merely created to make sure we make arrangements with God to get our fire insurance in order? Or should we have learned from the parable of the soils in Mark 4 that the desired end is for our lives is to be people of the fourth soil producing fruit? The Lord is very serious about His people growing in maturity so that we produce good fruit. Do not miss the lesson of the fig tree. Realize how God deals with things that do not produce ­– especially when they outwardly profess to be fruit bearing.

Sunday – January 13, 2013

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January 13, 2013 – Read the Word on Worship

The Triumphal Entry from Sunrise Community Church on Vimeo.

But have we gathered to welcome Jesus on our terms, in order to bow to a king who will give us what we want? Many in churches this day welcome a Jesus who will bring them wealth, health, success and the tokens of pleasure recognized by the world. Like the crowds at gates of Jerusalem, they will loudly acclaim Jesus as King as long as they believe He will satisfy their desires. Is that why you are here this morning? Is it to prepare for the return of the King, or just a hollow and empty pretense? The words of the multitude were right as Jesus entered Jerusalem, but their hearts were not. How does your worship this morning differ from the worship of the crowds at the triumphal entry?
Join us this Sunday as we look at Jesus entry into the city of Jerusalem before Passover from Mark 11 verses 1 to 11 and look at “The Triumphal Entry”

Word On Worship – January 13, 2013 Download / Print

Mark 11:9-10
“Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!”

As Jesus is entering Jerusalem, He is completely surrounded by a throng of humanity cheering His arrival. Some in the multitude spread their garments in the roadway as Jesus approached. Others were cutting palm branches, the symbolic picture of joy and salvation, and spreading them in the road before the Lord. There was such great excitement and ecstasy as this multitude gave praise to the Rabbi from Galilee who taught with such authority and healed the people from every illness and even raised the dead. Their expectation that the Messiah would bring deliverance was so great, even strangers were caught up in the euphoria.

The praise that comes from their mouths is the fulfillment of prophecy. The Hebrew word HOSANNA means “save now.” They acknowledge Jesus as the Son of David. They were crying out for the Messiah’s deliverance today, to save them now. They were celebrating that their King, the Son of David, had arrived to remove the Roman oppressors and establish His Kingdom. Now at last, they thought, Jesus will manifest Himself as Conqueror on the very week of Passover where Israel commemorated the Lord’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage. What better occasion could there be for the Lord’s anointed to deliver His people from Roman tyranny.

Now fast forward almost 2,000 years. Is what is taking place in this building on this Sunday morning any different from the throngs did as Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem? The words of our songs are entirely appropriate for the occasion. We lovingly speak about the reigning Messiah to come; who will lift the yoke of injustice and usher in the rule of the Son of David today. And we acknowledge His authority as a teacher, a great healer and one who casts out demons. Listen to the words that are spoken calling Jesus Lord and Savior and feel the enthusiasm that comes when people with a common desire feed each other’s passion for the coming of a new heaven and a new earth.

But have we gathered to welcome Jesus on our terms, to bow to a king who will give us what we want? Many in churches this day welcome a Jesus who will bring them wealth, health, success and the tokens of pleasure recognized by the world. Like the crowds at gates of Jerusalem, they will loudly acclaim Jesus as King as long as they believe He will satisfy their desires. Is that why you are here this morning? Is it to prepare for the return of the King, or just a hollow and empty pretense? The words of the multitude were right as Jesus entered Jerusalem, but their hearts were not. How does your worship this morning differ from the worship of the crowds at the triumphal entry?

Sunday – January 6, 2013

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January 6, 2012 – Read the Word on Worship

James & John Make Their Pitch and Strike Out from Sunrise Community Church on Vimeo.

Jesus did not choose His disciples because they were more qualified or more compassionate than others. Human nature has not changed over the years and the gospel has not eliminated pride and selfish ambition from the people of God. You will still find people in the church put meeting their ego needs before meeting their obligations as a disciple. Somewhere along the way, we have taken the cross out of discipleship and replaced it with a purpose that meets material and egotistical needs and thus produces fruit of selfishness and materialism in the church.
The church cannot thrive when the people in the pews are competing with one another for positions of power. Too often we look to the world of business for role models when we should be looking to Jesus. The life and teaching of Jesus Christ turns the world’s understanding of what is great on its head. The greatest work ever done was accomplished by One who gave His life for others. It is not as the world judges great things but through self-dying service that greatness is recognized by God. Only those who give of themselves for others will be recognized by God as great in His Kingdom.
Join us tomorrow as we explore Mark 10 verses 32-52 and See”James & John Make Their Pitch and Strike Out”.

Word On Worship – January 6, 2012 Download / Print

 Mark 10:35-38
“James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.”

Once again the disciples are competing for first place, looking for ways to outmaneuver their brothers for power and advantage. They are interested in dominion not humility and service. They want a Messiah who is beyond suffering and will offer them their heart’s desires. But no one can understand Jesus Christ without understanding His suffering and the cross. It is the cross that distinguishes Jesus as Messiah and ours as disciples. To know Jesus as Messiah is to accept Him as One who dies for others and accept that destiny for ourselves.

Jesus did not choose His disciples because they were more qualified or more compassionate than others. Human nature has not changed over the years and the gospel has not eliminated pride and selfish ambition from the people of God. You will still find people in the church put meeting their ego needs before meeting their obligations as a disciple. Somewhere along the way, we have taken the cross out of discipleship and replaced it with a purpose that meets material and egotistical needs and thus produces fruit of selfishness and materialism in the church.

The church cannot thrive when the people in the pews are competing with one another for positions of power. Too often we look to the world of business for role models when we should be looking to Jesus. The life and teaching of Jesus Christ turns the world’s understanding of what is great on its head. The greatest work ever done was accomplished by One who gave His life for others. It is not as the world judges great things but through self-dying service that greatness is recognized by God. Only those who give of themselves for others will be recognized by God as great in His Kingdom.

We cannot forget that Jesus holds Himself up as the example to be followed. He does not explain atonement as much as He shows the disciples the way of atoning life. The only way the disciples, and ourselves as well, can live up to the demands of Jesus is to realize He has gone before us, broken through and cleared the way for others to follow. We can either look to Jesus as our example, or James and John. Hopefully, looking at James and John in this passage will be like looking in a mirror where we see the reflection of our own selfish and foolish thoughts.

Sunrise – December 30, 2012

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December 30, 2012 – Read the Word on Worship

What Does Not Get You to Heaven? from Sunrise Community Church on Vimeo.

Who rules over your life? Is it God or money? Jesus is calling this rich young man to join a community of believers who will take care of others material needs. And the challenge given to this man should be a warning to all of us who live in a materialistic culture that possessions, even when they are few, can be a hazard. Wealth possesses many dangers because so many people crave it. No Christian is immune to its seductive lure. Covetousness is a virus which takes residence in the soul and then slowly begins its work of destruction. Once the anesthetic of self-gratification is applied to our heart, the call for self-sacrifice deadens into numbness the things of eternity.
Join us this Sunday as we continue our study on the Gospel of Mark chapter 10 verses 13 to 31 and we look at “What Doesn’t Get You to Heaven?”

Word On Worship – December 30, 2012 Download / Print

Mark 10:23-25
“And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

It is easy for many in our culture to dismiss the command by Jesus to sell all we own and give it away as a statement of hyperbole because it appears so unreasonable. The central point of the passage is not Jesus denouncing the having of possessions, but rather one’s ultimate loyalty. Jesus did not insist Zacchaeus sell all of his goods and give them to the poor before He would agree to eat in his home. Zaccheaus voluntarily offers to give half of his possessions and restore fourfold whatever he gained from his treachery. Very few are willing to divest themselves of whatever provides them security in this life to enter a new life under God’s rule.

Who rules over your life? Is it God or money? Jesus is calling this rich young man to join a community of believers who will take care of others’ material needs. And the challenge given to this man should be a warning to all of us who live in a materialistic culture that possessions, even when they are few, can be a hazard. Wealth possesses many dangers because so many people crave it. No Christian is immune to its seductive lure. Covetousness is a virus that takes residence in the soul and then slowly begins its work of destruction. Once the anesthetic of self-gratification is applied to our heart, the call for self-sacrifice deadens into numbness the things of eternity.

Jesus told the man he lacked one thing, yet in human terms he lacked for nothing. He had plenty to live on, but nothing to live for (a sad truth of our culture today). Money brings us many things, but neither holiness nor eternal life. Yet for all the rich young ruler had, the emptiness became a gnawing hunger. What must I do to have life beyond this life? Yet when confronted by Jesus with the invitation to sell all and follow Him, he counted possessions dearer than the hope of eternal life with God and a meaningful life on earth.

Possessions can easily deceive us into thinking that they offer security and the abundant life. Having money leads us to the false conclusion that anything can be had for a price – even salvation when it is given to the right charity. We must sound the alarm to our generation about the dangers of committing ourselves to possessions and share with those who are looking for eternal life to look to Jesus Christ alone. Eternal life will only be found by people who are willing to lose their lives and their possessions for the sake of Jesus and the gospel.