Chicago Fire - Jesus and a Church Provides Protection

1 Timothy 4:12-16
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Acts 15:1-21
But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, “‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.’ Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

Protection in Life

It doesn't matter how long you've been walking with God.  If you get disconnected from church community where you can sharpen one another in the faith, are building towards a common purpose in Christ's kingdom and have people with whom you are transparent and can peer into your life to see how things are truly going, deception will inevitably creep in to lead you astray and away from an ardent pursuit of Christ.

Protection in Doctrine

The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
      the Father almighty,
      maker of heaven and earth,
      of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
      the only Son of God,
      begotten from the Father before all ages,
           God from God,
           Light from Light,
           true God from true God,
      begotten, not made;
      of the same essence as the Father.
      Through him all things were made.
      For us and for our salvation
           he came down from heaven;
           he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
           and was made human.
           He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;
           he suffered and was buried.
           The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.
           He ascended to heaven
           and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
           He will come again with glory
           to judge the living and the dead.
           His kingdom will never end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the Lord, the giver of life.
      He proceeds from the Father and the Son,
      and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.
      He spoke through the prophets.
      We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
      We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
      We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,
      and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried;
      he descended to hell.
      The third day he rose again from the dead.
      He ascended to heaven
      and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic* church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen.
*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places

"This creed is called the Apostles' Creed not because it was produced by the apostles themselves but because it contains a brief summary of their teachings. It sets forth their doctrine "in sublime simplicity, in unsurpassable brevity, in beautiful order, and with liturgical solemnity." In its present form it is dated no later than the fourth century. More than any other Christian creed, it may justly be called an ecumenical symbol of faith."
- Christian Reformed Church

Protection in Purpose

God wants to raise up mothers and fathers in the faith in the house of the Lord. 

"If you want to go quickly, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together."
- African Proverb

Second City Church: Chicago Fire Sermon Series 2017

Chicago Fire - Jesus and a Well Built Church

There is a way that Jesus built His church to last through the living stones of real relationships.  To truly find your place in God's biblical story of kingdom advance, you will need to build your life in like fashion.

Acts 14:19-28
Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

They Gathered Around Paul

"There is no way to have a real relationship without becoming vulnerable to hurt."
- Timothy Keller

They Returned to Those They Knew

There are three things that you can do with the life opportunity bricks that you are given by God.

1) Scatter Them - In no way does this build a useful dwelling.

2) Throw Them - You can injure others in your bitterness.

3) Lay Them - It takes time and consistency building into people's lives to make a true impact for the kingdom of God.

They Stayed

We need to be careful of millennial tendencies living as if there is nothing bigger than me.  

Going out of town or on vacation at every opportunity is like throwing bricks/stones at random and hoping to build a house.

Your decisions matter to those to whom you are connected in Christ. You need to live that way.

There is a difference between our generation's obsession with personal calling versus knowing God's purpose in the kingdom of God and finding your place in that.

“A man came across three masons who were working at chipping chunks of granite from large blocks. The first seemed unhappy at his job, chipping away and frequently looking at his watch. When the man asked what it was that he was doing, the first mason responded, rather curtly, “I’m hammering this stupid rock, and I can’t wait ’til 5 when I can go home.”

”A second mason, seemingly more interested in his work, was hammering diligently and when asked what it was that he was doing, answered, “Well, I’m molding this block of rock so that it can be used with others to construct a wall. It’s not bad work, but I’ll sure be glad when it’s done.”

”A third mason was hammering at his block fervently, taking time to stand back and admire his work. He chipped off small pieces until he was satisfied that it was the best he could do. When he was questioned about his work he stopped, gazed skyward and proudly proclaimed, “I…am building a cathedral to the glory of God!”

“Three men, three different attitudes, all doing the same job.”

Ephesians 2:17-22
He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. 

Meet Jesus at the cross where you can die to your own ambitions and preferences that you might truly live for His.  This is the power of real resurrection life in Christ.

Second City Church: Chicago Fire Sermon Series 2017

Chicago Fire - Jesus and a Church Fully Aware of His Love

The gospel that drew men to repentance and faith in Christ was potent in the early church because it demonstrated the love of God in both word and deed.  It is to be the same today. 

Acts 14:8-18 
Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them. 

God's Love Affirms

God begins all things by affirming His love for us. 

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
- Frederick Douglass

Psalm 145:8-9
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” 

God's Love Comforts

Through life's afflictions, we are often torn down only to be driven into the loving arms of God for comfort. 

Isaiah 49:13-16 
Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

“The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one's 'own,' or 'real' life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life -- the life God is sending one day by day.” 
- C.S. Lewis, The Collected Works of C.S. Lewis 

Isaiah 66:13-14 
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the Lord will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes.

People need encouragement, not just another word of what's wrong in their world or what they're doing wrong, but how Jesus came to make all things right. 

Matthew 5:43-48 
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

God's Love Heals

In Jesus and the cross, God's love is perfectly demonstrated as He is both the healer and redeemer of broken lives. 

Romans 2:4
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

When you are wooing someone, you begin with what you like about someone, not dislike. Blessings always precede curses in the covenant. God shows us who He is and His goodness prior to the consequences of our rebellion, even when we are in it. 
 

Romans 5:6-11
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Second City Church: Chicago Fire Sermon Series 2017

Chicago Fire - Jesus and a Church Driven by His Word

At the beginning of Acts 13, we see that Paul and Barnabas were sent on their first missionary journey by the spoken word of the Lord, the voice of the Holy Spirit.  Just as importantly, as they begin their journey, we see that the written word of God defines and drives their mission.  In the same way, the written word of God should be the driving force behind all church life and activity for the Christian today. 

Know the Goal of the Game

The Word of the Lord is integral to all aspects of worship and service to God. 

Acts 13:13-15
Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” 

Jesus was the Savior in fulfillment of the Scripture. 

Acts 13:16-26
So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’ “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. 

Your life is part of God's larger, ongoing story of redemption whose history began to be recorded in the pages of Scripture and continues to this day.  The road to reconciliation began as God set Abraham and his family apart to form the Jewish nation, reached its climax in the birth, life, miracles, death, burial and resurrection of the prophesied Messiah Jesus, and will culminate with His triumphant return to earth to judge the living and the dead, restoring all things.  

How would you live differently if you actually embraced this reality?

David a man after God's own heart-  He knew God's heart by His Word. 

Do you aspire to be one after God's own heart? 

Don't be Caught Offsides

Acts 13:27-31
For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people.

*Your life has already been described in Scripture. Make sure not to be found on the wrong side of the field. 

It is possible to sit in church every Sunday, hear the Word of God and leave without being properly aligned in your heart to follow Jesus. 

Acts 13:32-41
And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, “‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’ And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ Therefore he says also in another psalm, “‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’ For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: “‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”

David fulfilled God's purpose in his generation. 

The Word of God is eternal (Psalm 119:89-91).  This means it has both an application in context and a prophetic ongoing revelation, brought to life by the Holy Spirit which generation by generation directs Christ's church. The seemingly disconnected Scripture of the Old Testament prophets gave direction for what the church was to do after Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Paul's proper application of the Old Testament Scripture determined the church's activity in his then present day. 
 

5 Steps to Interacting with God's Word

1) What does it say in context? (Proper Hermeneutics)
2) What does it say about God? (Proper Theology)

All Scripture points to and is properly understood through the person of Jesus Christ.  Everything in the OT foreshadows his reconciliatory work on the cross.  Everything in the NT looks forward to his restorative work through his resurrection from the dead whereby in his inevitable return he will both judge and rule over his creation.

"Jesus Christ is perfect theology."
-Bill Johnson

3) What does it say about me? (Proper Psychology)
4) What does it say about the world around me? (Proper Worldview)
5) What does it say regarding my present situation? (Prophetic Application)

Commit to the Right Team

The Word of God will produce either undivided love for Jesus or competition with Him where you will be forced to expel His influence from your life. 

Acts 13:42-52
As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Meet Jesus at the cross and give Him your undivided devotion today.

Second City Church: Chicago Fire Sermon Series 2017

Chicago Fire - Jesus and a Church That Has Only Just Begun

Acts 13:1-16
Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician for that is the meaning of his name opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.

The reason that we are here today is because God set us apart for a work to which He called us. 

What happens if/when your Mark deserts you?   It's not an end but a beginning. 

What if Paul said it's over at that point?  His first, second and third missionary journeys would not have taken place.  Acts 13-28 would not be a reality and the Western march of the gospel that has impacted the entire known world for centuries would not have been a reality. 

Meet Jesus in your Second Half Life 

Second half of the book of Acts - the gospel to the Gentiles 

Abraham until 75, childless with barren wife Sarah. At 100 has Isaac and the nation of Israel begins.

Moses - first half in Pharoah's court until age 40, age 40-80 on the backside of a desert as a shepherd. Age 80-120 leading the Israelites in their historic exodus out of Egypt with signs and wonders to the precipice of the promised land, modern day Israel. 

Joseph - rejected by brothers and imprisoned until age 30. At 30, ruled as second to Pharoah and saved the known world from starvation by God's wisdom. 

King David - rejected by family and on the run from King Saul until age 30, Age 30 - King in Hebron; 37-death, King of all Israel extending its borders. 

Elizabeth and Zechariah - barren until older age and birth of John the Baptist. 

Jesus - until age 30 being prepared in obscurity.  Age 30-crucifixion and resurrection saved the world from its rebellion against God, triumphing over sin, death and hell. 

The enemy tries to feed you the lie that the best is behind after a trial. However, it was after Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for our sins that He experienced His life saving resurrection from the dead through which the Holy Spirit was poured out, the church was built, the world was turned upside down and we now have access to eternal life.  Meet Jesus in your second mile life today!
 

Second City Church: Chicago Fire Sermon Series 2017

Chicago Fire: Jesus and a Holy Church

The book of Acts is largely about the Holy Spirit, who is God Himself, the third person of the Trinity. It chronicles His activities to create a worldwide movement in cities as He works through the efforts of the church, who He is forming into a holy people. As we continue through the book of Acts, today we learn how Jesus intends to continue His work as we reflect on what it means to serve a holy God, pray holy prayers, steward holy possessions, and fight for holy private lives.

Holy God

The God that we are here to learn about, relate with, and worship is holy. This means that in His nature, He is all together higher and greater than us (Isaiah 55:8,9). He is perfect, being pure and untainted by evil. He is loving without fail, good without deviation, righteous beyond our comprehension, just beyond our liking, and kind beyond compare. He is the Hebrew God of the Jewish patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. There has never been, nor will there ever be, anyone who is like Him who is omniscient, meaning all knowing; omnipresent, meaning always there; and omnipotent, meaning all powerful. He gave us an example of His flawless nature in Jesus, His unique and only begotten Son. The mind-blowing thing is that this is the God that cares for you and desires for you to call Him Father through Jesus' reconciliatory work on the cross. He then calls His people to be holy in all that they do so that we might love Him, represent Him well, and forward His purposes in the earth.

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV)

The Holy Spirit's primary responsibility is to make you holy like Jesus. This is your destiny.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:29, 30 NIV)

The definition of holy (Greek word: Hagios): It is someone or something that has come into right relationship with God, something having a sacred purpose, or someone having special significance to Him. It is someone or something that belongs to Jesus, is of special interest to him, and one who is, therefore, devout. Articles such as those used in the temple to offer sacrifices for worship were consecrated as holy, and now we are called to be living sacrifices in service to Jesus.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)

Ultimately holiness is important, because the writer of Hebrews says: Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 NIV)

Holy Prayers

The first thing that should be holy in your relationship with God should be your prayers. How do my prayers become holy?

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “ ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one. ’

Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:23-31 NIV)

Because he is a loving Father, there will always be a place for personal relating, repentance, requests, and receiving from God. However, it does not end there. Prayer that is holy is directed by God's Word and purposes. Ultimately, since life is not about our fame, but honoring God, we manage everything with the goal of introducing people to Jesus so that His rulership might come on earth as it is in Heaven. This is how Jesus taught His disciples to pray (Matthew 6:5-13).

When our prayers have the right motivation, they are kingdom focused, and this structures how we perceive our time, relationships, careers, and possessions.

Holy Possessions

How are my possessions holy?

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them.

For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:32-37 NIV)

The church understood the truth that all things that they owned, whether their money or their possessions, had all been entrusted to them by God. This is what it means to have holy possessions.

What do you consider your own? What do you consider the Lord's?

Laying it at the apostles' feet

When Jesus spoke about building His church, He spoke about it as a family. Family takes care of one another, and this is what we are to do as the church. As the church gave generously, the leadership was able to direct resources to those who were in need. The same is true today.

You need to understand that all of your resources are not merely things that you own, but are stewardships from Jesus that are to be used for His purposes.

The gospel of Jesus will be able to transform a city when the mentality of stewardship versus ownership with our time, talent, and resources becomes a reality.

The reason for our generosity is well summarized in the following video: Why I Love Religion: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru_tC4fv6FE

Holy Private Lives

How is my private life made holy?

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.

Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. (Acts 5:1-11 NIV)

We may be able to fool and impress others, but it is clear that God will not be mocked. You really are who are when you think that no one else is watching. Ananias and Sapphira's sin was not merely that they did not fully share their possessions, but that they thought they could live in the sin of greed by hiding in plain sight. They lied to keep up their prideful appearances of being generous to maintain what we would call a cultural form of Christianity. They made it seem that they were really devoted to Jesus, His people, and his cause, when really they were merely a part of the community for themselves, possibly solely for the social comforts or rewards.

To have a holy private life means to love and honor Jesus no matter who you are with, what you are doing, or when you are doing it.

“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” ― Henry Ford

People often look at success in the workplace or in the world around us and do not know the background story to what it took for someone to get there. You long for something, but don't know what people were willing to give up to achieve it.

Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory. (Proverbs 25:26, 27 ESV)

God's value of integrity will keep you at the crossroads of decision. This should be a burning desire in a holy life.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9 NIV)

Like Ananias and Sapphira, if your secret life was displayed for all to see on the jumbotron at Soldier Field, what would God's verdict be for you - a life worthy of His reward or one that was hardly worth mentioning?

Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. (Proverbs 13:6 NIV)

What level of compromise in your priorities, godliness, or family life have you sacrificed in the secret place to reach a level of success? Never forget, it is your secret life that will be judged before the Lord, not your worldly success. What God has truly called you to, He will allow you to achieve through His righteous ways and means.

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4 NIV)

How do I develop a holy private life?

By definition, holy means sacred and consecrated, separated from ordinary and common usage. It is not simply limited to behavior, but is an internal attitude, heart posture, and frame of mind that governs everything that you say, pursue, and do. It means that everything, literally all of your life, is set apart to God. The old question, "What would Jesus do?" is a good one.

Ask these questions in your daily affairs to steer holy living:

1) Would the Bible say that what I am doing, saying, or allowing myself to think is pleasing to Jesus?

2) Would Jesus use my talent, time, or resource in this manner?

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NIV)

3) How will what I am doing be useful to the advance of God's Kingdom?

4) What type of reward would I expect to receive from Jesus for the use of this time, relationship, or resource that He's entrusted to me?

Because God is holy, we worship Him. Because our prayers and possessions are powerful when holy, we can turn them toward Christ today. Because our private lives are the foundation of holiness, we can trust that as we are holy, God will move on our behalf to bring good to our lives and glory to His name (Romans 8:28-39). Contrary to the stereotype, true holiness leads to freedom. Let's live in the joy and freedom of holiness that He's provided for us today!

Second City Church: Chicago Fire: The Spirit-Led Church in the City Sermon Series 2014

Chicago Fire: Jesus and an Unbreakable Church

As we continue through the book of Acts, we see that the early days of the church were met with both life transforming encounters with Jesus, and a curious resistance to that good news. In the midst of the unique obstacles that arose to the spread of the gospel, the church was built on a foundation that allowed its people to stand firm amidst the challenges of life. This section gives us a clear indication that God wants a people that will not crack under pressure, because they are rooted in the right place - in Jesus.

While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’ “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.” (Acts 3:11-26 NIV)

Three truths that Peter lived by that made him unbreakable after his initial failings:

1) It is not by our own power or godliness that people are healed, but only through the power of Jesus. When things are going well, give all praise to God.

Why you can't save the world (but Jesus can), is because we are prone to swing to two sides of the pendulum: You either have a hedonist mentality that disengages a charitable spirit while being absorbed with your own pleasures and experiences, or, you can develop a Messiah complex that leads to pressures that cannot be fulfilled by a mere human. You will eventually reach an emotional, mental, physical, or financial limit if you try to be someone's savior.

The godly attitude points all things toward Jesus, His Kingdom, and His cross that reconciles you to a Heavenly Father with a covenant. This is where the pressure belongs. The government will be on His shoulders; His are broad enough to bear them, and God's resources are inexhaustible.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death. (Psalm 68:19, 20 NIV)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11 NIV)

2) The gospel message is central to every endeavor of the church. It must be retold repeatedly since we are so quick to lose our center. There will also always be new people who have never heard or responded who must have an invitation to follow Jesus. How does the gospel shape your daily life?

3) Times of refreshing from the Lord come through repentance. You and I are blessed when we turn from our wicked ways, that which breaks the commandments of God. Of what do you need to repent to come into right alignment with God?

Once we receive this refreshing, we are set up to be people of faith, which is a deep-seated trust in Jesus in the midst of our daily affairs. We will be a people, a church, that does not crack in three areas:

Unbreakable under..

Judgments

Learn to serve an audience of one. The testing ground of life is found in the praise that you receive, either the praise that is given you, or the lack thereof.

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise. (Proverbs 27:21 NIV)

God will always test the motives of your heart - why you do what you do. He does this through your circumstances. The testing can be found in friendships, family, or the workplace. It can come in the form of compliments, criticisms, oversights, or outright neglect. What do you turn to when your relationships are strained? Where is the first place that your money goes? Who is the first person that you turn to for approval?

What you do when things are tight reveals your trust. What you do with your abundance reveals your priorities. Both your trust and priorities must be grounded in Jesus. You do this by building on truth.

Do not think too highly of yourself during the good times. Do not have too low of an assessment of yourself during challenging times. Be sober minded.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. (Romans 12:3 NIV)

"If our identity is in our work, rather than Christ, success will go to our heads, and failure will go to our hearts." -Timothy Keller

How do I know what is in my heart?

The term "God" in the Scripture meant ruler and the one that you serve. The things from which you attempt to draw your identity in life, outside of Jesus, whether it be your looks, your finances, your sexuality, or your relationships are really your functional gods. These other gods are tyrannical and unforgiving, many times acting as life-draining task masters. Jesus is the only one who is not.

Circumstantial Pressures

There are daily pressures that you feel mentally, emotionally, and relationally, with God or the important God-ordained relationships in your life, including family, friends inside and outside the church, co-workers, mentors, and mentees.

It is our challenge in the midst of them not to become anxious. The term "anxious" comes from the Latin root word for anxiety, which is angustia and means "narrowness." We begin to grumble when we have a narrowness of perspective about our relationships and life circumstances.

The things that can cause a believer to leave their trust in Jesus are (Matthew 13):

The Worries of this Life The Deceitfulness of Wealth The Desire for Pleasures or Other Things

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” ― Corrie ten Boom, Clippings from My Notebook

When the apostles were pressed about the source of their strength, they pointed to Jesus as the sole deliverer.

Persecution

This is the final place that you want to make sure that you do not crack.

The old adage, "only God can judge me," is right in a sense. You had better make sure, though, that you are on the right side of His judgment by knowing His Word and the Savior that all of it points to.

Faithful to God

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.

So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. (Acts 4:1-22 NIV)

Being persecuted for choosing to love what Jesus loves and turn away from that which He says to does not mean that you are doing something wrong. There is a bandwagoner's mentality that permeates our culture. The deception of the devil is that if the majority doesn't side with you, if everyone doesn't like you or agree with you, then you've done something wrong. However, it was the crowds who crucified Jesus.

It was Jesus who said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13, 14 NIV)

It was the 120 that stood with Him after His resurrection (Acts 1) to serve the world with the gospel in love and turn it upside down. If you have to choose sides, choose Jesus.

There was a very famous and funny scene that we agree with from the movie Coming to America where the preacher said, "I love the Lord. I love the Lord. And if loving the Lord is wrong, I don't want to be right."

“Freedom is what we do with what is done to us.” ― Jean-Paul Sartre

What decisions in your life are you having to make that are forcing you to choose between obeying God or people? If you have to choose, obey God rather than man. He alone holds the keys to an abundant and eternal life.

In Christ Alone by Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied –
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine –
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

Second City Church- Chicago Fire: The Spirit-Led Church in the City Sermon Series 2014

Chicago Fire: Jesus and a Healing Church

Conservative scholars estimate that the Book of Acts was written in the year AD 63 by the practicing physician Luke, who was a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul during his church planting missionary journeys throughout the Roman world. As we speak today about Jesus and a healing church, it will be interesting to begin with a doctor's perspective on healing.

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. (Acts 3:1-10 NIV)

What we can tell from this is:

1) God works naturally, as in the healing that comes through the skill He provided to the physician Luke; however, He also works supernaturally through the same power that was demonstrated in Jesus' earthly ministry.

2) Many times the thing that we want is not our biggest need. What is it that is on your heart of hearts that you desire most? What, if you were to look to God and His Word, do you think that He actually knows that you need?

God is kind and will give you wants (Psalm 37:4). However, because He is a good Father, He's going to get down to addressing what you actually need.

3) When someone reaches out, you need to reciprocate - like Peter with the cripple. It is the Christlike thing to do. You may not have other things to give, but you can give Christ-centered friendship!

Jesus heals people physically today, but He also empowers them to live relationally healthy lives. When your body is physically whole, you can forget that the thing that God wants to actually put His finger on is relational dysfunction or stunted growth. How have you been crippled in your relationship with Jesus or others? How does God want to heal you? How should you be strengthened?

This is not exhaustive, but it does highlight some of the specific challenges that we have in the city to developing and maintaining godly relationships. Make no doubt about it, Satan's plan is to separate close friends, destroy unity, and nullify the healing power of the church through offense.

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” (Psalm 2:1-3 NIV)

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. (Psalm 133:1-3 NIV)

How to be a good friend

Friendship that provides real healing in the church is a two-way street. There is both giving and receiving, attitudes to maintain, and obstacles to overcome. Remember that love believes the best about others and looks to give them the benefit of the doubt with their intentions, especially amongst others attempting to follow Jesus in the church. God gives us His word to provide wisdom in friendships so that we might learn the habits of healthy relationships and escape the trappings of poor relational skills.

Giving

Do not be prideful about those with whom you associate.

The city is full of a cross-section of people of different life stages and achievements. If you think yourself too mature, accomplished, or that others can't relate to you because you regularly work in a different sphere than those who surround you in the community of faith, you will end up in isolation. Jesus' church in the city is comprised of people from various professions, pedigrees, and levels of expertise, all coming together for the purposes of God. Remember, if the donkey can speak the word of the Lord to Balaam, then someone with a few less letters behind their name can speak the Word of God to you and benefit your life. Do not be prejudiced against those that you think have more than you, and do not distance yourself from those who you think have less to offer. Think of the motley crew that made up Jesus' original band of 12 apostles (Mark 3:13-19):

1) Matthew - the hated tax collector who would have worked for the IRS.

2-5) Peter, Andrew, James and John, sons of Zebedee - uneducated fishermen who would be Jesus' inner circle leading the early church. They weren't so full of themselves, so they had more room for Jesus to rule and lead (just a thought).

6) Simon - the zealot, revolutionary and modern-day activist.

7-11) Philip, Thomas, Barnabas, James (son of Alphaeus) and Thaddeus - those who had unnamed jobs that may have been simply working to provide a paycheck.

12) Judas Iscariot - found himself the company treasurer who ended up in embezzlement and the betrayer of Jesus.

When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 19:33, 34 NIV)

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:15, 16 NIV)

Initiate until they reciprocate.

We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 NIV)

“It is not that we keep His commandments first and that then He loves but that He loves us and then we keep His commandments. This is that grace which is revealed to the humble but hidden from the proud.” ― Saint Augustine of Hippo

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Be gracious as you patiently await the reciprocation. "No relationship can survive bad manners."

Look to bless/give gifts.

Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts. (Proverbs 19:6 NIV)

Be neither overbearing nor a leech.

If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you. (Proverbs 25:16, 17 NIV)

Be reliable;  be present.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 NIV)

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (Proverbs 17:17 NIV)

Set up regular times for connection.

It was "at the time of prayer" (Acts 3:1) that Peter and John were able to relate to the cripple.

The thought of spontaneity can be a destructive idol if it keeps you from the value of the structured building of relationships with Jesus and others. This is true in marriage, parenting, and is no less valid in the relationships that God is developing.

Help take people to Jesus (this is what Peter did in Acts 3 and the friends did with their paralytic friend in Matthew 9).

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. (Exodus 3:7, 8 NIV)

Be a good listener.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (James 1:19-21 NIV)

Do your best to make sure that people understand your heart intentions.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV)

Receiving

Learn to go to Jesus first.

In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians. (2 Chronicles 16:12 NIV)

Don't take everything as a rejection when your efforts seem unreciprocated.

This is also the way that we need to approach others in our relationship with them. A spirit of rejection is subconsciously repulsive to people and, unfortunately, invites further rejection.

God responds to faith, a quiet confidence in His benevolence and ability. People are similar in the fact that they don't respond positively to someone who is double-minded or needs to spend all of their time being reaffirmed in the other person's acceptance of them. Rather healthy individuals spend their time embracing, celebrating, and contributing to their relationships.

The attacks on same sex friendships can be palpable at times, but we must persist and endure to experience the full blessing that God has for us (David and Jonathan).

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (Matthew 15:21-28 NIV)

Literally, our attitudes need to be like Jim Carrey's character from Dumb and Dumber. (Pastor Rollan showed a clip of the "So you're telling me there's a chance" video, starting at time signature 0:25 - http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gqdNe8u-Jsg).

It's not you, it's me.

Realize that people have limits to their time, energy, and emotional stamina. Be ok with planning something out for a later time if someone is not immediately available, and, in the meantime, continue building relationships with others that will act as multiple anchors with whom you can relate.

Don't expect people to read your mind: communicate.

“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless. “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest. If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset, because that cloak is the only covering your neighbor has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate. (Exodus 22:21-27 NIV)

Avoid offense; pray through it.

You cannot expect relationships to be perfect, without bumps in the road, misunderstandings, or challenges. We are not clones of one another, but different, and, in building trust, need to allow room for mistakes and growth.

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. (Proverbs 12:16 NIV)

When people get offended, they rehearse the initial scenario over and over again in a vacuum until we no longer think rationally about a situation. We are merely driven by the compounded hurt that has grown in the speculations and assumptions of our own mind. It is easy to find people in this place who will cheer and exacerbate these feelings, as they are susceptible to the same patterns. We are no longer open to conversation, merely the intensity of our emotions which isolate us and, many times, seem driven by an unnatural force. We become bitter and find all means of nonsensical accusation against those who, like Christ, were only trying to love us.

“By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

Forgive quickly.

If your first response is to vent about someone that you have had a rub with, then you are going to fall into gossip and slander. You can be sure that the person you are venting to is now going to have a hard time seeing the situation clearly and dealing with the person who offended you objectively. Call it what it is, your sharing is sin and can ruin any potential relationship that you or anyone else would have with the person or group about which you are speaking. This is true in your marriage, family, friendships, church, and workplace. Be careful with your words and contain the virus. Intercede in prayer for those who offend you, and God will give you His perspective as you do so.

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9 NIV)

One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. (Proverbs 22:11 NIV)

If you are in a romantic relationship, do not expect to get the totality of your healing from your spouse or significant other. You need other relationships, even of the same gender.

God gave us not only the ability to be healed in our physical bodies by the power of Jesus Christ, but to be healed from the dysfunction of unhealthy relationships. He provides family through the church that is meant to be interdependent rather than co-dependent.

From what do you need healing today? Cleansing streams is coming.

Second City Church- Chicago Fire: The Spirit-Led Church in the City Sermon Series 2014

Chicago Fire: Jesus and a Devoted Church - Pt. 2

A Disciple's Devotion

To keep a car operating at peak performance, there are basic things that must be done as a part of its ongoing maintenance - a regular oil and filter change, balancing and rotation of the tires, and, finally, putting gas in the car.

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. (Acts 2:42-47 NIV)

In summary, the believer's life is to be marked by devotion. This is a discipleship moment.  As Jesus commissioned His followers to go into all the world and make disciples, these are the practical things that you are to live and teach so that others might learn how to effectively follow Jesus.

What does devotion to the apostles' teaching look like?  To fellowship (shared life through a devotion to His church)?  To the breaking of bread?  To prayer?

The fellowship (this is the rotation of the tires)

The biblical word for fellowship (Greek word: koinonia) literally meant a shared life.  It meant that the people were not just occasionally or sporadically hanging out with one another, but there was a unified story that was being built through their lives together as they each participated in and contributed to the plans of God within their local community.

This generation is terrible to a new level at relationships.  It is so easy to think that you have what you need by watching your favorite sitcom or talking to someone via cyberspace, but never have the transparency that comes through devoted relationship.

The Innovation of Loneliness: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c6Bkr_udado

Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away. (Proverbs 27:10 NIV)

You must have ongoing, sincere, and devoted local church community if you are going to truly thrive and fulfill the purposes of God where He has you in each season of life.

“Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike.” ― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

1) Community Counts - Not just anyone will do.  You need to find your identity with Jesus and His family, not just those you happen to be associated with.

You need real Christian friends to have the true biblical fellowship that God is speaking about here.  They are those that love you, know you, provoke you to a greater love for, pursuit of, and obedience to Jesus.  Speaking by the Holy Spirit, Paul said it this way:

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NIV) Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV)

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22 NIV)

Have you been truly added to His church?  Are you sharing life with other Christians and playing a vital role in the local community of faith?

As a result of the entire church being on mission with Jesus, more and more men, women, and children were continually saved and added to the church.

What you need to develop in God will not rest in you alone.  He often deposits it in someone else, another part of the body, so that you might not be allowed to live in self-sufficiency and isolation.  What local believers have you connected with and ventured to share life with?  This is true biblical fellowship in every season of your life.

2) Consistency Creates Character

Consistency is the essence of devotion.  Much of the instability that people feel today in their relationships and souls comes from a lack of consistency that was demonstrated toward them in the most formative relationships in their lives.  The good news is that God in His character is faithful, and expects nothing less from us.  If you only do things when it seems convenient to you or easy for you, you will never become or achieve much.  The way of the cross is one of extreme sacrifice but exceeding joy.  It is the way of Jesus.  Don't show up only when it is easy.  Put God first, and He'll take care of what is best for and important to you.

The Breaking of Bread (this is the balancing of the tires)

The breaking of bread has been cited by many scholars to imply the sacrament of communion. Communion is a continual re-centering on the atoning work of Jesus on the cross to bring us reconciliation with Almighty God.  In addition to this, the believers ate with one another and enjoyed one another's company, encouraging and being encouraged in the purposes of Jesus.

Corporate Prayer (this is the gas for your car)

It is the reliance on an individualized faith that eventually sucks the life and zeal of God out of any follower of Jesus, because it was never meant to be a solo sport.  A devotion to corporate prayer allowed the disciples to move from a place of solely being concerned about their personal needs to having a lifted vision for the Kingdom of God in their city.  It does the same for you and I today.  Every Friday night, we have an opportunity to cry out to God together for His gospel-centered, renewing work in our lives, the city, and the nations.  We invite you to join us.

The result of the church expressing that type of devotion to Jesus is that they saw God add to their number daily those who are being saved.  This is what we believe to be a part of through the God-fearing, Bible preaching churches in the city.  Those who came to Jesus were discipled (taught how to obey the commands of Jesus and live as a Christian in their everyday world), baptized, and trained to be multiplying leaders (II Timothy 2:2).  This is the content of our "Next Steps."  We encourage you to find your place in the process to serve in the church and through it.  This week, we will finish our first round of the Roots class, followed by the Making Disciples Class starting next week for anyone interested in becoming a future community group leader.

“The church exists primarily for two closely correlated purposes: to worship God and to work for his kingdom in the world ... The church also exists for a third purpose, which serves the other two: to encourage one another, to build one another up in faith, to pray with and for one another, to learn from one another and teach one another, and to set one another examples to follow, challenges to take up, and urgent tasks to perform. This is all part of what is known loosely as fellowship.” ― N. T. Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense

Second City Church- Chicago Fire: The Spirit-Led Church in the City Sermon Series 2014

Chicago Fire: How Great Is Our Salvation?

 By Guest Pastor David Houston with Every Nation Churches

For both believers and those exploring faith, this statement is true: The doctrine of eternal judgment is important, because it is the only way to know how much Jesus loved us and how much He did for us.

The fact that God is angry every day with the unrepentant sinner should make us appreciate, all the more, that every day God withholds judgment, is a day of unspeakable mercy and patience. Every day He allows the sinner to live is a day he does not deserve.

"The earth, O Lord is full of Your mercy." (Psalm 119:64)

The Bible clearly teaches that believers who repent of their sin and trust in Jesus for salvation will not be judged for their sin. We will only be judged for the good deeds we have done and what rewards we are to receive.

“...Why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment...Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.” (Romans 2:3b-5)

1. Paul is obviously driven by urgency. He declares that there is a window of opportunity for every person to change, but that window will close; and it will be too late.

2. Paul declares that God has been kind, tolerant, and patient, and that should lead you to repentance.

3. Stubbornness and refusal to turn from sin and receive God's forgiveness and mercy will result in terrifying, righteous justice.

4. God's judgment is being stored. God's righteous anger is not like ours; it is not an emotional outburst. It is precise, just, and fair.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

God will judge sinners, because He hates sin. It is offensive to His holy nature. It is abhorrent to a Holy God. He hates sin, because it is a cancer that destroys people He created in His image.

In Romans chapter one, Paul declares three times that “God gave them up,” or “God gave them over.” In other words, God will not strive with a person forever, but will eventually give them their desire, however self-destructive that may be.

“So we declare therefore, that sinners are determining their own fate. They have said ‘No’ to God’s love and forgiveness, and He has given them their own stubborn will.” -C.S. Lewis

Concerning the Doctrine of Hell:

"the worst and fairest punishment God can give a person is to allow their sinful heart's deepest desire. What is that? The desire of the sinful human heart is for independence. We want to choose and go our own way.” (Isaiah 53:6) -Tim Keller

"Scripture sees Hell as self-chosen. Hell appears as God's gesture of respect for human choice." -J.I. Packer

This is why God warns:

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Romans 3:7)

“God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day.” (Psalm 7:11) This should build a holy fear in unrepentant sinners. God sees every act and every motive.

God is patiently delaying justice and judgment, but do not mistake this patience for a lack of determination. “All things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” (Hebrews 4:13)

“Think how we feel when we see someone we love ravaged by unwise actions or relationships. Do we respond with benign tolerance as we might toward strangers? Far from it...Anger isn’t the opposite of love...God’s [anger] is not a cranky explosion, but His settled opposition to the cancer....which is eating out the insides of the human race He loves with His whole being.” -Becky Pippert, Hope Has Its Reasons

If God did not judge sin, He would not be just. If God is not just, He would not be worthy of worship. If God did not judge mankind, there would be no ultimate justice on our planet.

“God made us to love, honor, and obey him in thought, word, and deed. Every time we fail to do that perfectly, we accrue a debt to God.

Every person has sinned against God, and hell is the eternal prison for spiritual debtors who have stolen from God by living sinful lives.” -Mark Driscoll, Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe

“For God made Him, who knew no sin, to be made sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God, in Christ Jesus.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

“To whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” (Luke 7:47)

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but shall have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Second City Church- Chicago Fire Sermon Series 2014

Chicago Fire: Jesus and a Missional Church

 

As we crest over the hill of the celebration of Jesus' victory over Satan, sin, and death through the cross, we find ourselves in the book of Acts. Written in approximately 61 AD by the gospel writer, Luke, Acts is an account that introduces us to a pair of significant characters in the history of the world, the Holy Spirit and the church that Jesus is building. Though Jesus ascended into Heaven, He fully intended to continue His work through the church by creating Holy Spirit-led movements in the cities of the world. Having studied the life of Jesus, we will look today at two of the key foundations for Jesus creating a Holy Spirit-empowered movement in a city: a clear mission and committed leadership.

The Mission of the Church

"In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

"Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:1-11 NIV)

After the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, God's redemption plan to restore creation was fully initiated, and He left the church to enact that plan. Jesus had said during His ministry that He would build His church.

"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:18 NIV)

This was very clear in the minds of the writers of the New Testament as Paul instructed the Ephesians:

"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:10, 11 NIV)

Don't be mistaken. The key purpose of the church is to facilitate the love, fear, and worship of God Almighty, through Jesus His Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Since the time of Adam and Eve, we've lived in a world dominated by sin, selfishness, and the death of relationships with God and one another. Because of this, Jesus came to live perfectly, die as a substitute on the cross, and be raised from the dead to initiate a new world order through reconciliation with the Father. John Piper said it this way:

“Missions exists because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more” (p. 15).

"Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate." —John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad!

Congruent with the Holy Spirit's expanding influence in your heart, your witness of Jesus and God's Kingdom should be continually expanding. How are you being a witness for Jesus and His resurrection life?

God continued to show His love for cities and their people by starting His missional movement in the epicenter of Jewish religious life - Jerusalem. From this place, He would send His church to impact the region (Judea and Samaria) and the nations (ends of the earth) with the gospel. His pattern is clear and should not be overlooked. Jesus wants you to begin by being a witness where you live today. It is an encouragement to you to cultivate the same love for this city, having a long-term vision of your involvement in Chicago, that we might establish a base through which we will fulfill the Acts 1:8 mandate to reach this city, the region, the nation, and the ends of the earth with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What does it look like when people are willing to be witnesses of Jesus' love and resurrection life in a city? (Pastor Rollan shared Easter event recaps and pictures from the outreach at the shelter, the fundraiser, the service, and the Easter egg hunt and outreach. You can sign up on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.)

After a fantastic weekend like that, we can truly understand that there is no fulfilling the reformational mission that God intends for the church in a city without the development of Holy Spirit appointed and empowered leaders.

Leadership is Key in being a Missional Church

"The local church is the hope of the world, and its future rests primarily in the hands of its leaders." -Bill Hybels

What is the church? It is not a building or program, but it is the people who have put their hope in Jesus. It is you and anyone who belongs to Jesus, who is committed to following Him and fulfilling His Great Commission. In the church there must be leadership.

"Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

"(With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “ ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:12-26 NIV)

Do you know your God-appointed role in the church? Are you an artist, skilled with children, a writer, or a teacher? Do you have technological skill or administrative acumen; are you a servant at heart, or do you love showing hospitality to groups? Whatever way that God has gifted you, your contribution is vital to God's mission.

The Book of Acts was written by the physician and historian Luke, who happened to also be the only Gentile writer of the New Testament books. He was a traveling companion of the apostle Paul during His church-planting missionary journeys throughout the first century Roman Empire. For anyone who thinks that you have to be in occupational ministry to turn the world upside down with the gospel, here is your clear example as to why not. We need leaders in the marketplace as well as in occupational ministry who will be witnesses for Jesus and His resurrection.

Is my role ultimately important? In the Old Testament, only one of the eleven tribes were appointed by God to be occupational ministers (the Levites). The rest of the eleven tribes were meant to be a part of the army of the Lord to take ground as their inheritance as they worked in agriculture, government, law, homemaking, business, etc. The same will be true today as the majority of the church will be disciple-makers of people, communities, and nations as they work in the marketplace.

Paul made the importance of this mentality imperative when he said:

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and 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 and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV)

This means that your goal is to:

1) Know and grow in your love for Jesus.

2) Be committed to and grow within the family of God, the church.

3) Be equipped for service within and through the church.

4) Make disciples per Jesus' Great Commission.

What is your role in helping to build up the body of Christ? Following Jesus should be a continual process of development and faithfulness. You should never think that you have arrived or checked off all of the boxes on a list, but instead ask: What's next for me?

Be a part of our volunteer team and meeting next Sunday after church to find ways to deepen your involvement. (Pastor Rollan encouraged the believers to keep pressing ahead.)

“The resurrection completes the inauguration of God's kingdom...It is the decisive event demonstrating that God's kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven...

The message of Easter is that God's new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you're now invited to belong to it.”― N.T. Wright

To fulfill the Great Commission and see a city transformed, you first need to understand Christ's mission for the church and a mechanism for developing leaders. Next week with David Houston, we will speak about the message that must be understood if Jesus is to be worshiped and a city transformed by His love.

Second City Church- Chicago Fire: The Spirit-Led Church in the City Sermon Series 2014