Today's message was given by Pastor Shante' Buckley, and it is the third week of the "Not a Fan" series that has really been one of THE best sermon series that I have heard at LLUMC. Since I did not blog the first two weeks of the series, I will give a short summation of the first two parts of the series. Most of the quotes and notes that I have in this blog are directly from Pastor Shante's message to be accredited.
The series is based on one scripture, Luke 9:23:
Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me."
The first week in the series we learned that a fan was defined as "an enthusiastic admirer". Jesus never called us to be fans, but to be followers. We learned that fans don't have to "sacrifice", but followers do. Then the questions were asked "why we are here?" Why were there so many people hanging out with Jesus? Was it for what he could do for them? For the "show" of signs and miracles he performed? If so, these people were fans....
Pastor Shante' also challenged us in week 1 by asking "are you all in?" There are so many non-committed Christians in the churches. She used an example of a "flexitarian" which is a vegetarian that sometimes eats meat. Are we flexitarians when it comes to following Christ? And lastly in week one, Pastor Shante' asked "have you made it your own?" In other words, is your walk with Jesus yours personally: not your mother's religion, or your spouse's relationship with Him.
Week 2 emphasized Luke 9:23 on the single word "Anyone". Pastor Shante' spoke of University requirements and criteria to be accepted. Also, that in Jesus' day, Rabbi's had students that followed them that came from certain families, and held certain standards. Not just "anyone" could be a student of a Rabbi ....... but Jesus changed all of that. Even Jesus' pick of his disciples were random. "Anyone means Everyone." There are no qualifications, no prerequesits. "Following will not cost you anything, but it does cost you everything."
Finally, to catch up to today's message in week 3, Pastor Shante' started the sermon with a pic on the video screen of Jesus sitting next to a man on a bench in modern day times saying to him "No, I'm not talking about Twitter, I literally want you to follow me." It was a picture that was being passed around on email that she wanted to share that I thought was very appropriate for our modern day techno world to ponder upon..... including myself. Just yesterday, I was challenged by my girlfriend on how much time I spend on my phone Facebooking, Sports-tapping, ebaying, texting, and emailing instead of engaging with her in conversation, reading, or just being in the moment with her. I have found myself on more than one occasion being defensive of my socialistic nature and being "in the know". Little did I realize that being on my phone so much could be part of my "comfortable" existence. During today's sermon, I realized that my girlfriend is right. God showed me alot of things in Pastor Shante's sermon today about being "comfortable" that challenged me.
Pastor Shante' said that the word "comfort" is described as a state of ease and quiet enjoyment free from worry or trouble. We all strive to be comfortable, but there is a danger on being too comfortable as a Christian. She talked about how we like to come to church, sit in our normal comfortable seat, get our donuts and coffee, and we are "comfortable". Even the Pastor's sometimes make the sermons comfortable.
The part of Luke 9:23 this week that is emphasized is "TAKE UP YOUR CROSS".
Followers:
1 Deny Self- as followers, we must deny ourself and put others needs and the cause of Christ before our own needs.
2. Die to Self- Following Jesus MUST be a priority. Where does following Jesus rank in your life? Fans occasionally root for another team. A follower never gives up, even when times are tough.
3. Follow Jesus.
The cross, prior to Jesus' death and Resurrection, has been the symbol of weakness and death. It was something people looked upon with fear and gloom. Jesus' death and resurrection transformed the symbol of the cross.
1 Corinthians 1:18 says "The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God."
God takes what is foolish and demeaning, and uses it to show the power of salvation! It became a symbol of grace. What once was felt as condemnation, pain and death, now has hope and healing.
This is the part of the message that got to my heart, and I hope it does to yours. What God did for the cross, God can do for YOU! God took a symbol of weakness and gave it strength.
1 Corinthians 1:27 says "Instead God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful."
He chose the cross BECAUSE of it's weakness! God uses the weak all through the Bible. Pastor Shante' used a great term for these people, and for all of us that are used by Him: Imperfect misfits.
2 Corinthians 12:9 says "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." Verse 10, Paul speaking, continues to say "That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Our culture today does not like weakness. But Followers know there is no forgiveness without repentance...... no life without death......
This leaves us with just one thing to ask our Creator: Do for me Lord, what you did for the cross.
Father-God, thank you for showing us the true meaning of being a follower of your Son Jesus. Thank you for this revealing message on what the cross truly means and how it is the symbol of what was weak used to show Your power of salvation. Teach us how to take up our cross daily and follow you and not be a fan just through the comfortable times in life. Through our weakness, your strength be evident.
Amen
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