UNSTOPPABLE
Following Jesus
July 13
Growing Means Changing
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
Revelation 21:5
The Model T
OPEN: Back in 1912, Ford Motor Co. had a production manager named William Knudsen - considered one of the best in his field. Knudsen became convinced that the Model T (which had been in production for 4 years now) had to be updated. But, the only problem was - Henry Ford loved his creation so much it was well known that he opposed changing anything about the car.
According to Robert Lacy (in his best selling biography, Ford: The Man and the Machine) Knudsen thought to convince Ford by building an updated and impressive model to show what could be done with a few changes in color and design.
Ford had just returned from a European vacation, and he went to a Highland Park, Michigan garage and saw the new design created by Knudsen.
On-the-scene mechanics later revealed how Ford responded. They say that the car was it was a four door job, and the top was down, painted gleaming red and built on a new, low slung version of the Model T. One eyewitness tells how "Ford had his hands in his pockets, and he walked around that car 3 or 4 times…. Finally, he got to the left hand side of the car, and he takes his hands out, gets hold of the door, and bang! He ripped the door right off!… How the man done it, I don’t know! He jumped in there, and bang goes the other door.
Bang goes the windshield. He jumps over the back seat and starts pounding on the top. He rips the top with the heel of his shoe. He wrecked the car as much as he could."
Knudsen left for General Motors. Henry Ford nursed along the Model T, but design changes in competitors models made it more old-fashioned than he would admit. Competitive necessity finally backed him into making the Model A, but his heart was never in it.
Henry Ford was one of the most creative men of his age. And yet… Henry Ford - one of the great minds of his day - resisted the obvious need for change.
Most people don’t like change in their lives any more than he did. One man once observed that the only people who DO like change are "wet babies" … and even they aren’t too excited about it.
Churches are notorious for that kind of attitude as well. You’ll find church boards saying things like “we’ve never done it that way before”
Someone once said that when it comes to change the church is often like the snail riding on the back of a turtle (repeat for emphasis)... and do you know what a snail does when it rides on the back of the turtle? It goes: "Whee!"
Many people balk at even the slightest change in their routine. Even when they’re fairly sure the changes would be something pleasing to God they still resist. Sometimes churches are even worse!
The simple fact is that people are afraid of change.
They worry about what they will lose. And that makes them anxious. Philippians 4 tells us that we should never be anxious… but that we should turn our hearts in prayer to God. This morning, when I woke up I must confess that I was anxious.
When I got to the office this morning I started to get ready to be here with you. Part of that getting ready is getting connected to Jesus. He is my friend and he is all about change.
In Revelation 21:5 He declares “Behold, I make all things new” God does all kinds of “new things” in our lives every day. When we first become Christians, we die to our past, are buried in the water’s of Christian baptism and rise up a “changed” person. A new creature in Christ – Our God is God of change, and God can do great things when His people allow Him the freedom to change their lives and their church.
2ndly we learn that God wants His church to reach out beyond it’s comfort zones to reach more and more people for Christ. The early Church was repeatedly challenged by God to do things they were uncomfortable doing so that more and more of the lost could be saved.
That’s why I’m so proud of this church. We are a church that’s not afraid of change. We are a church who looks toward God - with anticipation. We’re always asking – “What’s He going to do next???” From the day you hired me, I knew this was a church willing to take risks to please God.
Who’s in Charge
John Huffman in his book, "Who’s In Charge Here?", tells about Robert Dick Wilson, a great professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. One of Dr. Wilson’s students had been invited back to preach in Miller Chapel twelve years after his graduation. Old Dr. Wilson came in and sat down near the front. At the close of the meeting the old professor came up to his former student, cocked his head to one side in his characteristic way, extended his hand, and said, "If you come back again, I will not come to hear you preach. I only come once. I am glad that you are a big-godder. When my boys come back, I come to see if they are big-godders or little-godders, and then I know what their ministry will be."
His former student asked him to explain, and he replied: "Well, some men have a little god, and they are always in trouble with him. He can’t do any miracles. He can’t take care of the inspiration and transmission of the Scripture to us. He doesn’t intervene on behalf of his people. They have a little god and I call them little-godders.
Then there are those who have a great God. He speaks and it is done. He commands and it stands fast. He knows how to show Himself strong on behalf of them that fear him. You have a great God; and He will bless your ministry."
He paused a moment and smiled, and said, "God bless you," and turned, and walked out.
Do you have a little God… or do you have a big God?
Values
Welcoming
From Visiting to Belonging
Worshiping
From Watching to Worshiping
Growing
From Seeking to Following
Serving
From Consumer to Contributor
Reaching
From Transformed to Transforming
For the last couple of weeks we’ve been talking about the five core values that we hold to here at MCC. These are core values that form the mortar for the building and hold us together.
We have explored the first two through the lives of Barnabas and Thomas. Barnabas was an encouraging man who welcomed everyone into the 1st Christian of Jerusalem. He later became one of the key leaders of the Antioch Christian Church. We want MCC to be a welcoming church where you can be a guest but very quickly feel very much like you belong here!
Thomas started out seeking the savior and when he got it he fell to his knees and worshiped him when he cried out, “My Lord and My God.” We want MCC to be a place where you learn what it means to fall on your knees and worship Jesus as your Lord and your God – along with a whole passel of like-minded brothers and sisters.
Today we look at the third value through the life of another. As we look at his life we will see that there were no less than four times that he came to a decision point for change and growth – which is the way it works. We don’t grow steadily through life. In fact we are more like climbers – working our way toward the top of the mountain. The progress is not steady – we grow through a series of valley, mountain peaks and plateaus.
The valleys are times of brokenness and weariness. The climbs up the steep sides are tough and invigorating. The Plateaus are times of rest and restoration. Every great man or woman of God can point to a time of breaking in his or her life where a time of conflict, a time of pressure, or a time of decision transformed them from an ordinary piece of coal into a precious diamond, that is pliable in the master’s hand. Abraham; Isaac; Jacob; David; Solomon; the prophet Jonah; Job; The disciples... Peter – who is my personal favorite. I relate to him on a number of levels.
We’re going to look at Peter’s life – the four times that he had to make a critical decision to follow Jesus and to grow in God’s ways. Each one was different and tough in its own way. Let’s look at the first…
Your Business… or God’s?
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:1-11
Let me tell this same story in a different setting. You’re in business for yourself and sales are really down... you’re wondering when the next payday is coming. You’ve just put in an all nighter at the office and you are depressed, worried, and not just a little concerned. On top of all that you are exhausted – and not just from a long night without sleep – you are emotionally wrung out.
As you gather up your briefcase you turn to lock the door in walks a new client. After a brief conversation this new client makes a deal with you that will save the business. As he hands you a large sum check... you start thinking of the bills you can pay, the food you can buy, the family obligations you can meet, the vacation you can take... and you are on top of the world!
Your head is spinning. But before you can catch your breathe... this stranger asks you to walk away, and leave everything behind you and go with him.
What would you do?
That makes it a little more real doesn’t it! Let me ask you, what is a growing relationship with God worth to you?
Peter had a choice. He left the world’s security behind him and chose to walk with Christ. When we follow Christ... it’s a walk of faith. He commands us to follow. Peter did.
He left that boat, the net, the bankroll of fish and began a new fishing enterprise: Peter and Co. Fishers of Men. “We catch ’em, God cleans ’em” The choice was before him, and Peter chose Jesus.
Just like Peter, God has called you to leave your nets and follow Him. Brothers and sisters continue in your walk of faith, and God will never let you down.
You don’t need to quit your jobs today – but you do need to stop trusting in yourself, your strength, your skills, and your abilities.
Here is the first decision on your way to the mountain top of real living! But wait, after you make that decision – there is another…
Influenced… or Influential?
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:13-16
Peter and the others had followed Jesus for a while when Jesus asked the question “what do others say?” That was the easy question to answer. But when Jesus personalized the question and asked “but who do you say that I am.” It was Peter who spoke up.
It’s one thing to quote what others say about God. It’s quite another to speak about God from your own personal experience.
It’s one thing to read about a great Christian’s conviction about God. It’s quite another to speak from your own conviction about God.
Can you say with personal conviction that God is great, that God is strong, that God is loving, that God is faithful? Because He is!!!! Some of you can. You’ve seen God in motion in your life...
Peter watched God in motion, up-close and personal. Working miracles; Healing hearts, Touching lives...
Peter knew God. And Peter made the choice to be an influence to those around him.
So can you. God is in you... he’s created you for great things.
He has created you to speak up for Jesus, when no one else will.
We have God’s power within us at all times. But God’s not done with Peter yet! There is a third decision that Peter faced on the way to becoming like Jesus.
Fearful… or Faithful?
55 But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”
57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.
58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.
59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.
61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Luke 22:55-62
Wow – What would you have done if you were Peter? You’ve just been had. Your hand is in the cookie jar when your mother walks in the kitchen – there is no way out of this one. What do you do?
Brothers and sisters, there will come a time when you’ll have to make a decision whether or not to stand up for Christ.
Peter blew it!!!!
There are two issues here. Neither have to do with the denial. The reality is that in our walk following Jesus we will all mess up because we are all imperfect. No the issues have to do with our response – when the rooster crows!
How did Peter respond? Well he wept – bitterly. And he changed. His guilt and his grief motivated him to become a different person in the future – he became a man of faith rather than a man of fear.
Contrast this Peter with the Peter who stood in front of the Jewish leaders just a few days into the beginning of the church when he refused to stop telling people about Jesus.
But there is a second issue here… How do we respond to someone who blows it? The world is notorious for shooting its wounded. Many a great leader has felt the wrath of an unforgiving pubic. Sometimes it happens in church.
Peter denies Christ 3 times, and after the resurrection Christ offers Peter restoration 3 times. Peter accepts, because Peter is a broken man!
Have you had a breaking experience in your life? Christ is here to offer you restoration, forgiveness, healing.
There is a final decision…
Passive… or Passionate?
29 “Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 2:14-40
Simon went from being "one who hears" to Peter the “rock”. Peter became a man who proclaimed Jesus with his whole life. Peter led the church through a dark time of great persecution.
Peter was passionate about his Lord.
How about you? Are you passive or passionate?
Part of that decision is to grow to the point where you don’t care what others think – you care only what God thinks.
The worst part of HS was having to try to be cool… when you suspected that you really weren’t cool and probably would never be cool. You know what I’ve discovered… even the cool people were suspicious and insecure about their own coolness. The best part of growing up is getting the point where you don’t worry about being cool – you just enjoy being what God made you in the beginning and what he is designed you for in his family.
Spiritual growth is exciting. It’s exhilarating. It’s full of passion and life – because you are sold out to God and his way… and that fire burns brightly!
Fire takes three things – fuel, oxygen, and heat. You are the fuel, God’s spirit is the oxygen, and life’s scrapes creates heat – you can turn into blackened charcoal – without the oxygen or you burst into passionate flames with God’s power in you! It’s up to you.
It’s your decision…
Every single day we make choices that show whether we are courageous or cowardly. We choose between the right thing and the convenient thing, sticking to a conviction or caving in for the sake of comfort, greed or approval.
We choose either to take a carefully thought-out risk or to crawl into a shrinking shell of safety, security and inactivity.
We choose either to believe in God and trust him, even when we do not always understand his ways, or to second-guess him and cower in the corners of doubt and fear.
Bill Hybels, Who Are You (When No One’s Looking)
Four key decisions in your pathway of following Jesus… Your business… or God’s; Being Influenced… or influential; Fearful… or faithful; Passive… or passionate.
The Christian who has been revived by the Holy Spirit of God will be the one who follows in spite of the masses; He influences in spite of those around him; He’s faithful in spite of public opinion; He’s powerful in spite of the lukewarm standards.
Welcoming… Belonging
Worshiping… My Lord and My God
Growing… Following Jesus
Determine who you will serve
Become a man or woman of influence
Let loose of your fear and live by Faith
Fire and Passion
MCC is 16 years old and ready to launch a bold new ministry to this community…
The Truth about Love – Sept 28 through November
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