Opening Video Illustration: What if? (3 min)
Theme: Time Management
“God created me—and you—to live with a single, all-embracing, all-transforming passion—namely, a passion to glorify God by enjoying and displaying his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life.”
― John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life
Last week I asked the Question: How many here want to change the world for the “Good?” Most of you raised your hand and said you did. Did you have a chance to do that this week? Did you reach out to someone and help them? Do a random act of kindness for someone not expecting it?
This week is another week with an opportunity to change the world too – Yes, its election week so go vote for people who stand for Biblical Values!
Share about the warning letter you received last week from “Americans United for Separation of Church and State” about what could happen to me and the church if I try to influence people on how to vote. I could be reported to the IRS, lose our tax exempt status for church, be fined, and incur personal liability. This letter fired me up! This letter is filled with intimidation to tell me not to tell the church people to vote for Biblical Values this election – really?
To change this world and this country will require a resurgence of Biblical morality, Biblical values and a promotion of absolute truths based from the Bible. We need a divine intervention of the Holy Spirit to turn this country around. It’s going in the wrong direction! We have to discover the political candidates in our districts that stand for these Biblical values and vote for them. We need to pray to God for wisdom on who to vote for. We need you to do your home work and look at who we are voting for, check their voting records, look at their character, their belief system, and their value system. Do your homework! Be a wise voter!
Just look at what happened in Houston Texas these last few weeks, rogue mayors pushing their twisted belief system onto others, rejecting legal petitions, rogue judges attacking anything Biblical, look at the attack on Biblical Marriage, the attack on the right to life for babies, the attack on our children to move them away from a Biblical value system in our schools. Have you had enough Christian? It starts with your one vote! Let’s change this country and get it back on track like our founding Fathers set it up in the first place:
Remember some of their great quotes on the Bible and politics:
George Washington said: “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” (America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations page 660.)
Daniel Webster said “If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity.” (Page 669, AGCEQ).
Thomas Jefferson made this statement in 1781 and the quote is on his memorial in Washington DC, “God who gave us life and liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God. That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever” (Page 323, AGCEQ).
John Jay (1st Chief Justice of the US) stated October 12, 1816 this, “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christians nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers” (Page 318, AGCEQ).
My challenge: “Stand against the attack on Biblical Christian values in our country. If we don’t stand up who will? If you don’t at such a time as this –
what do you think will happen to your kids and your grandkids? What do you think will happen to your religious freedom in this country to believe in Biblical values?”
Once again be reminded “Use your time wisely – don’t waste it – invest it into Heavenly truths not humanistic lies.”
Thesis: The world we live in knows the importance of Time Management but where they miss the mark is on what they prioritize - which usually is some of following: personal gain, financial success, fame and power. The Bible also speaks about Time Management but God through His Word prioritizes things differently than our world. His big four in regards to Time Management are faith in Him, fellowship with Him, relationship with others and sharing your story with others.
God wants us to use our precious time wisely and not foolishly. You may be thinking how do we do this? We do this by using our time wisely –remember wisdom comes only from God - by investing it in eternal things rather than temporal things – those temporary things will rot a way, fade away and in the end have no eternal value. The goal of time management according to Jesus and His parables is to use your time wisely and not waste it on the wrong thing. We need to be focused on the Kingdom of Heaven/The Kingdom of God in our Christian lives. We need to build things that have eternal value and reward - not waste our precious time on things that have no real value.
So what is effective time management according to Jesus?
Paul answers that question for us in Colossians 3: 23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
T.S. - Our current series is based on Jesus Parables and learning how to effectively use our time for the Kingdom of Heaven.
Sermon: Helping Hands!
Scripture Text:
Luke 10:25-37:
25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ ; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 11:5-8:
5Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’
7“Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
Introduction:
Today we may be looking at one of Jesus top parables – the Good Samaritan.
We actually have “Good Samaritan Laws” on the books of this country in reference to this parable.
The title itself “The Good Samaritan” is known for someone who reaches out to help another. They are real life heroes who help people in need with no expectation of anything in return.
Many mission’s organizations, medical centers, inner city missions and especially hospitals have named their place after this parable. There have been many paintings, stain glass windows and murals, mosaics created to picture this parable of Jesus. It’s one of Jesus most famous parables. Books have been written about this parable and the media like to highlight this parables message too.
We have had Tv episodes named after this parable. Frasier – Did a TV episode called the Good Samaritan! Combat the old Tv series did an episode called “The Good Samaritan.” So did Bonanza, Gomer Pyle, The Greatest American Hero, The Blacklist, Switched at Birth and many others have done episodes on this parable of Jesus. There is even a Good Samaritan Reality TV show.
There are many news stations that highlight the Good Samaritans who step in to save the day. I watched a few on You Tube this week it is amazing really to see these people who put their lives at risk to save and help others.
This parable resonates with the hearts of people. People like Jesus’ short story-giant idea message here – your neighbor is anyone in need and you need to help them if you can! We need to be each other’s helping hands it’s just the right thing to do.
The parable was given by Jesus to respond to a lawyer’s question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus asks him a question back, “What does the Bible or the Pentateuch tell you that you must do to gain eternal life?”
The lawyer responds, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Jesus applauds his answer: 28“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
So Jesus answers the lawyers question but the lawyer presses the issue even more with Jesus and starts splitting hairs about who is a neighbor. Lawyers by the way like to do this. We see Lawyers and Judges trying to redefine what something really is today – well like Biblical Marriage to be exact.
So Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to make it clear what a neighbor is to this hair splitting lawyer.
Jesus main point is whoever is in need – down and out – in trouble you need to reach out and help them.
About 4 years ago we brought Steve Sjogren into Christian Hills Church to challenge us about the importance of doing random acts of kindness for others. We went out on a Saturday and handed out bottled water to people at Walmart until they made us stop. Some of our team went out and cleaned bathrooms for restaurants and gas stations blowing the people’s minds. First question from most of them was “Why would you want to do this?” We also went to coffee shops and paid for the next 25 people in line and then let the Barista know we would be in the corner if they wanted to thank us or ask for prayer. Most people thanked us and about ½ of them asked for prayer. Share story of the ladies whose mom was dying and how our coffee and our prayer encouraged her that God really did care what she was going through.
Show his Book: Conspiracy of Kindness by Steve Sjogren:
In the book are many stories of how reaching out and helping others can impact their lives – the book and website share ideas that you can do to show people the love of Jesus as told by Jesus in this parable of the Good Samaritan:
Five simple projects that can be used by ordinary people to show kindness every day . . .
1. Go to the same watering hole ever day and spread God’s love by being generous to the next customer in line. Develop regular places where you go for coffee, or orange juice, or for a burrito as big as your head! As you near the front of the line and begin to engage the cashier, turn to the next person in line and say: “What are you having, this one’s on me.” Be prepared, with a big smile on your face to answer protests and questions with inspired responses. One response: “I know you can pay for your own, but I just wanted to show you God’s love in a practical way.” Hand them a “connect” card for your church or a Kindness.com card and be open to any way that you might answer a question or meet their need.
2. Pass along a little sweetness. This kindness touch involves, tic tacs, Hershey Kisses, or chewing gum. As you meet receptionists, customer service people, or others in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, hand them a pre-prepared baggie containing some Hershey Kisses, tic tacs or chewing gum with a Kindness.com card attached, and say “You look like you could use a spoonful of kindness today, and God sent me here today to give you one!”
3. Give a little recognition. A friend of mine was flying recently and had a persistent cough. The flight attendant was particularly attentive to keeping his water cup full. He took out a Kindness.com card and wrote a little note: “Thanks for being so kind to me today. You really did a great job!” and signed his name.
4. Leave a generous tip. Recognize when a waitperson provides extra special service and leave a Kindness.com card attached to your minimum 30% tip. Write a personal note saying “Thanks for doing such a great job serving me.” On the way out, seek out the manager and tell them what a great job your waitperson did.
5. Top off the tank. Be alert when you are filling up your car with gasoline, and most of us are doing more and more of that these days, more and more often! Pay attention, someone nearby could use some extra gas. Offer to add $5.00 or $10.00 to the tank, and simply hand the person the cash with a Kindness.com card. This is guaranteed to bring a response! Be ready to follow God’s lead.
Note: We do have some of my church cards in the back you can pickup to hand out when you do a random act of kindness or grab some church pens and hand them a pen so they have a point of connection!
T.S. - Let’s look a little deeper at our parable today and Jesus’ message about what it means to love our neighbors! Let’s look at the characters in this short story - giant idea parable and learn something about doing the right thing even if it costs you something in return.
The victim in the story:
Who was he? It’s not really mentioned but some assume he must have been Jewish. Others say he was a business man that was robbed and beaten left for dead.
So he was a respectable person from the popular community of the day.
I am sure some people thought it was his own fault for traveling that road by himself and at the wrong time of day. He should have been wiser – he deserved to be mugged!
Ever heard people say this about victims? Criminals do this all the time blaming the victim and justifying their criminal behavior.
But he was in the wrong place at the wrong time!
The fist passerby was a Jewish priest.
He was a pastor a spiritual leader – most people would assume he would have helped. Yes he should have reached out to help this person in need but he did not.
Why?
Could it be fear – this section of road was called “The bloody path” because of all the muggings and robberies and maybe he thought it was a set up. He was by himself and maybe he thought if he goes over to help this person he will be mugged. He could discover if he reached out that the man was faking it and other robbers were in the shadows waiting to pounce on him.
He might have been afraid that other robbers were still around just hiding - just waiting to get him to0- so he ignores the man and scurries off.
The priest represents someone who should have helped this person but instead said, “If I help him what will happen to me?” His focus was self-centered rather than other centered. His focus was not centered in love but in selfishness. In the parable Jesus says those who inherit eternal life are not self-centered but other centered! It does not matter if you are a priest!
See slide with quote from Dr. Martin Luther King.
In defense of the priest we were warned of such setups when I was in India:
After a day of Jesus festivals and praying for thousands of people we would come back late at night on a dark deserted road – we were told not to stop to help people out because this one stretch of road was known for its robbers who posed as hurt people on the side of the road and then when you stopped – the others come out from hiding – they will beat you, rob you and steal your vehicle.
Some cultural information may be helpful here for you today too about another reason why the Priest did not help.
He may have thought he was already dead.
Scripture says he was half dead!
In Jesus' culture, contact with a dead body was understood to be defiling. Priests were particularly enjoined to avoid uncleanness. The priest and Levite may therefore have assumed that the fallen traveler was dead and avoided him to keep themselves ritually clean for Temple service.
But they should have checked! They should have taken the time to reach out to this man but instead they passed him by!
In a sense I think the priest is saying “I am too holy to reach down and help a person like that!”
Jesus never acted that way he laid hands on lepers and people in need all the time – he was the most holy being to walk on the earth and it never stopped Him!
The second passerby was a Levite (a worker within the Temple in Jerusalem).
This was a deacon in the church – one who serves others surely he would help this hurting man. But he too maybe is having the same fears as the priest so he ignores the man and chooses not get involved.
Maybe the deacon thought “I am too busy to help!” – he had a lot of work to do that day and could not take the time to help this hurting man on the side of the road.
How many people today use the excuse “I am too busy to help out!”
“Too busy” is an excuse for not helping others out, “Too busy” is the main excuse of not going to Church and honoring the Lord on His Day. “I am just too busy!”
I am so glad Jesus did not say “I am too busy to save the world!”
“Too Busy” is an excuse for not to praying too.
“Too Busy” the modern day slogan of excuses for not doing the right thing with and in our lives.
But let’s be honest with ourselves. Are we really too busy or is that the lie we tell ourselves or others when we really don’t want to do something we don’t like doing.
Like serving others or helping others?
In truth I’m too busy is the code-word for a less acceptable excuse of not wanting to do something:
“I’m busy I cannot help!” – Really I am telling you I am far more important than that task or helping that person. I am an important person and that is beneath me.
“I’m busy sorry” – Really I am too lazy and I don’t want that serving opportunity to mess with my day off – I want to sleep until noon!
“I’m busy” -I’m afraid of doing that – I have never served in a homeless shelter before and I am scared – afraid of what might happen.
“I’m busy so – very busy” – It’s my excuse to get me off the hook for doing anything else!
The third person to pass by Jesus says is a Samaritan.
The Samaritans were hated by the Jewish people of Israel for being “half-breeds” for compromising the Word of God and the Samaritans did not like them in return.
Tensions were high between these two groups and this is why the disciples were shocked to see Jesus even talking to a Samaritan woman at the well.
The Samaritans did not help their case with the Jewish nation when they did an act which desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem.
They believed in worshipping in their own way and not in the Temple.
Most people today would have known very little of the hatred between these two people groups.
The parable has been updated to signify things like the following:
Quote: Christians have used it as an example of Christianity's opposition to racial, ethnic, and sectarian prejudice. For example:
Anti-slavery campaigner William Jay described clergy who ignored slavery as "following the example of the priest and Levite".
Martin Luther King, Jr., in his "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech, described the Samaritan as "a man of another race".
Sundee Tucker Frazier saw the Samaritan more specifically as an example of a mixed-race person.
Klyne Snodgrass wrote: "On the basis of this parable we must deal with our own racism but must also seek justice for, and offer assistance to, those in need, regardless of the group to which they belong."
The above from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_Good_Samaritan:
Conclusion:
What do we need to know from this sermon?
We need to be like the Good Samaritan!
Why do I need to know this message?
So when the time comes I help a person out.
What do I need to do?
I need to be willing to help out people in need at any time.
Why do we need to do this?
It’s what people do who are part of the Kingdom of Heaven and what people do who have eternal life.
Places that need a helping hand this month:
Southside Side Christian Center
Coats Drive
Boots
Blankets
You can drop these items off in the connect room after service on Sundays.
Love Inc:
Need personal care items:
Toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, deodorant, shaving cream, disposable razors, soap, lotion, and other personal hygiene products.
Volunteer Hours:
Help transformation class which will do 6-8 weeks long – practical parenting, cooking healthy, spiritual growth, Search for Significance, discipleship, basic doctrine, and budgeting.
Deliver furniture that is donated.
Help in their warehouse which they are seeking to open – gap ministry.
Need people on committees to help with fundraisers, hospitality and plan events.
Office help
Sorting of goods
See their table in the back.
Altar Call – Plug movie tonight!
