Scott Lane

Max Q

Re:Verse reading– Mark 6:1-13 (day five)

Ever heard of “Max Q”. It’s a term from NASA describing the maximum amount of aerodynamic pressure required for atmospheric flight (stress while entering the atmosphere). All shuttles and ships are designed to perform and function effectively while in Max Q.

What about the disciples? They were experiencing social, theological, and political Max Q. Their assignment was specific and realistic (there would be hostility and opposition). Wonder if they felt the stress and pressure? Wonder if they felt prepared or optimistic? Wonder if they wanted to postpone or delay? Wonder if they would rather “play it safe”?
The words of Donald English are challenging and appropriate, “We go for safety in the faith, while trying to follow a Lord who risked Himself in incarnation and all that followed it… Our plea that we need more training is met by the simple observation that the disciples needed more training- much more training; yet they were sent out, and were effective.”

Ready to live effectively in 2017 with Max Q?

How Much? How Long?

Re:Verse reading– Mark 5:1-20 (day five)

In an unprecedented move, Jesus tells the demon possessed man to, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” Earlier (Mark 1), Jesus forbids people to tell others. So, why does this man get a different response? Why is he told to go preach when Jesus didn’t yet trust His disciples who had “little or weak” faith (Mark 4:40).

Maybe better questions for us to consider would be: How much do you need to know before God will desire to use you for His Purpose and Glory? Do you need seminary? Evangelism training? (Answer- All you need is your testimony (your life before you encountered and surrendered to Christ, how and when you encountered and surrendered to Christ, and what your life has been like since you have encountered and surrendered to Christ.) How long do you have to wait before God will use you? (Answer- God can use you immediately).

Do you have a testimony? Will you ask God to use you today?

Influence

Re:Verse reading–Mark 2:1-12 (day five)

⁵And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Who’s faith was Jesus referring to? Some scholars say the paralytic and the ones who brought him. Others say just the ones who brought him. What both of these viewpoints have in common: the ones who brought him, had faith and also influence on paralytic man.

A few observations of these “friends”: They believed that Jesus could and would meet the paralyzed man’s needs. They used their influence to get him to come encounter Jesus. They were persistent in finding an opportunity for him to be with Jesus.

Do you have intentional friendships with lost people to grow and leverage influence for the Gospel? Do you truly believe that Jesus could and would meet their needs?

George Barna’s research continues to show 47% of people indicate that they would come to church if invited. Researchers also tell us that the Christmas Season is a time that people are more open to spiritual discussions and attending events.

Will you “make the ask” this Holiday season? Will you be persistent? Christmas at First is this Saturday and Sunday. Christmas Eve Candlelight and Lord’s Supper Service begins at 5:30.

Something is Missing

Re:Verse reading–Mark 1:21-39 (day five) It was a long, hard, productive day by all accounts. There was teaching, then exorcism in the synagogue. Later, came the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law. After sunset more healing and exorcisms followed. Jesus was the focus of attention and the topic of discussion all around Capernaum. The people were amazed. The disciples were excited that Jesus’ ministry was off to such a great start.

Yet, after praying the next morning Jesus identifies that something is missing: The Gospel. We must always keep ”the Hand of God, the Face of God, the Heart of God, and Voice of God” together. Jesus didn’t quit meeting the “felt needs” of those around Him, rather He did recognize that the potential for the Gospel to be overlooked or ignored existed.

Everything we do or say in the service of God must be in harmony with the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

Christian Love

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 21:1-8; 22:1-7,16-17 (day five)

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.”

One of the sources of Christian love is the assurance and certainty of the age to come. The pictures and promise of eternal life give courage and conviction to the believer. The images and hope found in this week’s Re:Verse passage serve as a catalyst for the believer to risk and radically love, serve, and reach both believers and non-believers.
Paul gives the same explanation to the church at Collossae. 1:4-5 (“because of the hope laid up for you in heaven”). The hope of eternal security and comfort releases profound, unconditional love now.

The person who knows that his destiny is glorious and certain will be free to live the most radical life of love and sacrifice here on earth.- John Piper

Prayer

Re: Verse reading–Revelation 19:11-21, 20:1-10 (day five)

And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Have you picked up your “Pray First” wristband (a reminder to pray for the pastoral transition and succession at FBCSA) They are available at the “Ask Me” booths.

Will you join me in praying for our next Pastor today??

Will you pray for thoughts, a heart, and words to be filled with power and truth from the Spirit? (An example and passion that would stir our hearts and bend our knees)

Will you pray for a humble servant/leader that would always point us to worship and glorify the Living God instead of lesser things or people?

Will you pray that our church be led to always display and proclaim the matchless beauty and saving love of Christ?

Where Do I “Belong”?

Re: Verse reading–Revelation 17 – 18 (Day five)

Revelation 17:8 And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come.

Been thinking about these people a lot this week. Those who “dwell” on the earth. Another version used the word “belong” instead of dwell.

Scripture teaches this world is not “home” for believers. Jesus says in John 18 John, “My kingdom is not of this world. Those who have been saved through faith are citizens and members of God’s Kingdom. I did some heart searching, asking the question, “How much do I dwell/belong to this world?”

Here’s where I checked: Attention (What occupies my thoughts, dreams, perspective?), Affection (What activities, opportunities, and priorities capture my heart? Energy (Are activities and motivations more defined by work/productivity or ministry and service?) Passion (What is it that I want to be and do more than anything?) Longing (Are my values deeper, higher, and eternal?)

Singing Praise

Re: Verse reading–Revelation 15 and 16 (day five)

Revelation 15:2-3 “those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God. And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb,”

There is something remarkable about singing praise to God. It lifts eyes, perspective, and outlook. Regardless of past experiences or current circumstances, praising God creates opportunity for joy, peace, and determination. The busyness and rhythms of our lives often place praising God secondary. The hymn writer points out that we are often distracted and disrupted (hearts are out of tune) from praising God. “Tune my heart to sing Thy grace, Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.”

The descriptions given by John indicate that in heaven that won’t be an issue. We see in chapter 15, even those who have been persecuted, praise God for His character, sovereignty, and work.

How about you? Will you intentionally sing and praise God today?

They Won’t “Get It”

Re: Verse reading–Revelation 14 (day five)

14:3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth.

Even in the end times, there are truths and realities that only believers know, understand, and learn. These lyrics/lessons are counter-cultural to a world where hope, values, and priorities are self-centered and not God-centered. The world won’t “get it”.

That’s always been the case. Look at 1 Corinthians 2:14 “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”

Apart from the Holy Spirit’s help, man is incapable of learning these lessons.

Make a list today of the lessons/truths you’ve learned that are counter-cultural. Here’s a start: Sacrifice, Love, Purity, Perseverance…

Faithful and Devoted

Re:Verse passage: Revelation 12:1-6, 13-17; 13:1-4, 11-18 (day five)

The saints described in Revelation 12:11 remain faithful and devoted until the very end of the world. Their perspective has never changed or waivered. Their worldview remains biblically based.

Sin- Sin is too big a problem/condition for man to fix or solve. It is a man-made problem, but doesn’t have a man-made solution. The sacrificial death of God’s Son (the blood of the Lamb) is the only means by which to experience the forgiveness of sin.

Testimony- An experience deeper than emotion or intellect has forever changed the heart, mind, and soul of each believer. A life-saving encounter with Christ gives personal knowledge and understanding of the power of God. (power that opposes the attack and deception of Satan)

Life- Life is larger and longer than just the experience on earth. There is an eternal outlook and awareness. Physical death is not the end; therefore they need not fear it. (to live is Christ, to die is gain)

Will we be know as faithful and devoted?