So do I have to wear a mask?

[NOTE: We're living in a time where we're seeing executive orders, new ordinances, recommendations, and such in areas we never imagined we'd see. What is the Christian's obligation to follow these rules that are, in many cases, quite controversial? The full sermon will help you determine that, and the blog below is a summary of what you'll hear in the sermon. There's a lot that's left out in the blog, so be sure to listen to the sermon so you understand the big picture....]

Colossians 1:13-14 – He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

We must always consider ourselves first and foremost citizens of the Kingdom of God 

above all else. We owe our allegiance to our King - the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Period. End of sentence. End of discussion. 

As Christians, as we strive to follow Jesus, the Bible teaches that we are to be in submission to the authorities in the various areas of our lives. 

Romans 13 gives us the basic framework for how we are to submit to the governing authorities. That submission, however, isn’t to be blind, automatic acquiescence to every single law or order. 

For a full explanation of what our submission should look like, watch the full sermon here.

(the sermon starts at the 29:43 mark)

Below is the basic outline and principles outlines in the sermon:

The meaning of “Submission” 

Subject - as a soldier is required to obey his superior officer, we are to obey the governing authorities.

governing authorities - This isn’t about a particular person - but the authority that is over you. Ultimately, in America, our final authority is the constitution. It is to be mediated through the various levels of government. 

Verse 1b – there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

God is the one who ordains authority.

God ordains that we are all under authority.

He ordains authority in four areas (all of life)

Home

   wives are under the authority of husbands

   children are under the authority of parents

Church

   believers > the church (through leadership)

Workplace

   employees > bosses

Society

   citizens > governing authorities

You don’t just submit when the authority is good, competent, moral, or reasonable. 

The God-ordained role of government:

• Restrain Evil (including punishment)

• Protect Citizens (Life & Property)

Ultimately, the role is to Implement Justice

Verses 3-5 – it’s not fear of punishment that drives our obedience, but our obligation to God

The summary command:

The basic thing that should characterize us: Submission to Authority, including the Government.

Christians must recognize that God’s delegated authority runs through all of life. Submission to that authority part of how God keeps order in the world, guides His children, and protects them. 

As followers of Christ, we know that He humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross at the hands of an evil government that was breaking their own according to their own laws.

While we are to submit to the governing authorities and be known for submission, rather than rebellion, submission doesn’t mean that we automatically obey every single point of law like a robot.

 

Acts 5:29 – Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

This was their highest court.

Their governing authorities

The Real Question at Hand:

• Do I have to wear a mask?

• Do we have to stop gathering?

• Do I have to quarantine?

• There will be many more questions that will come up in the future. 

When are you free to not submit?

Four principles for determining this:

1. Examine Your Heart

Are you known for submission or rebellion? 

For pursuing peace & unity or stirring things up?

Are you looking for an excuse to NOT wear the mask? 

Or are you truly trying to do the right thing?

If you’re absolutely convinced that wearing a mask is going to help others - you should wear one whether it’s a law or not. 

Make sure you have the right heart attitude first. If you don’t, get that right before moving on.

It starts with the heart!

2. Follow your Conscience

Your conscience must be Scripture Saturated and Spirit-Led

God gave us the ability to reason and discern right and wrong. 

Your conscience must be informed biblically, factually, and must be Spirit-Led.

3. Consider Others First 

Philippians 2:3-4, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 7:12

With or without the governments involvement and command: We must pursue that which is for my neighbors’s good and reject that which would bring them harm. 

This necessarily includes fighting against injustice. 

4. Resist and Seek Reform

Psalm 109:8 – (of the wicked man) May his days be few; may another take his office! 

Remember: as you follow God’s law first and foremost you will always be in conflict with the tyrants who scoff at it. 

And when you submit in the moment while disagreeing with someone - be sure you continue to respect authority. You are free to pursue the path of seeking reform.

Keep in mind, however, that even doing the right thing with the wrong heart attitude - almost always becomes a sinful pride thing. 

Doing the right thing can quickly and easily become the wrong thing

SUMMARY:

We are to submit to the governing authorities because it honors Christ. 

It’s not automatic, blanket submission. 

Before deciding to NOT submit, you must think and proceed carefully always striving to honor and obey the Lord first and foremost. 

I hope this helps as we all wade through every situation and opportunity the Lord brings our way. 

Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Rob 

SUBMISSION

Ephesians 5:21-6:9 concludes Paul's teaching on what the Spirit-Filled life looks like

The Spirit filled life isn’t measured by personal spiritual experience. Your attitudes and actions toward other people is the real indicator of being Spirit-filled.

• Wives and Husbands

In our culture, the roles of men and women are on a constant state of flux, but God’s design has not changed and will not change.

God’s will for your family is simple:

• wives submit to your husbands

• husbands love your wives sacrificially

as you both look to Christ for the example

• Children

Children - these instructions are mandatory

Parents - you need to teach this to your children

Obedience is about actions

Honor is about attitude

In the Lord - when you honor and obey your parents, you are honoring and obeying the Lord.

Disobeying your parents is disobeying God

Outside of your parents commanding you to sin - to disobey God (not going to happen here), you simply must obey them. 

Parents are responsible for three things: 

1. Don’t Provoke

Provoke - a repeated, ongoing pattern that causes anger and resentment to build up.

How you provoke your children:

1. Be overbearing

2. Show Favoritism

prefer one child over another

Compare them - why can’t you be more like your sister!

3. Have Unreasonable Expectations

It’s never good enough

4. DIScourage - never encourage

only point out what they do wrong

5. Don’t Sacrifice for them

Do the bare minimum: food/clothing/shelter

6. Don’t let them grow at a normal pace

Don’t allow them to be their age. 

7. Use your Love/Affection as a tool

Reward good punish bad with your love, time, etc. 

8. Abuse

whether physical, verbal, emotional, etc. sbuse is never 

acceptable

Do Four things:

A Harvard study points out that when families do four things, there’s a 90% chance that the children will not grow up to be delinquent. Obviously this isn’t a guarantee, but it’s reflective of biblical principles:

• Dad: firm, fair, consistent discipline

• Mom: supervise and be their companion

• Mom & Dad: Love one another - affectionate

• Spend time together as a family

2. Discipline

Training in the rules of life, how to behave in all situations, education, correction/punishment Proverbs is full of instruction on Training

3. Instruction

To insert into the mind. Starting with information and pointing toward right attitudes and behaviors.

The key is of the Lord

According to Scripture

Through the Spirit

In the name of Jesus

To the glory of Jesus

• Employees/Bosses

In every aspect of our lives, God ordains authority - and requires submission

HOME - WORK - CHURCH - SOCIAL - ETC.

Do your job well - to the best of your ability

Don’t brag

Don’t complain

Don’t criticize

Be the best employee you can be. 

1 Peter 2:18-20 – [Slaves], be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. ¹⁹ For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. ²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.

• The Motive: Christ

Out of love for Christ (He commands, you obey)

Bby the power of Christ (He enables you)

To the glory of Christ (this adorns the gospel)

Bosses - you’re called on to express the same kind of humility and love toward those who work for you as they do to you. 

The bottom line about submission:

Submission points inward not outward. 

Submission is willing and gladly giving up your rights to another’s authority.

If your submission is begrudging,

It’s not submission - It’s pride

EVERYONE has SOMEONE they are to submit to. 

(probably more than one)

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of humility

He Is God, And He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a [slave], being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2)

Jesus modeled this in His incarnation, life, and ministry. The cross was the culmination. 

The resurrection brought the ability to submit.

In Christ - we CAN joyfully submit!

WE can because He did

Submission is one of the primary ways you demonstrate the change that has happened in you because of the gospel.

Submission and humility go hand in hand and are one of the primary evidences of the change that the gospel brings in your life

Quarantine Lessons and Livestream Worship

So this past week, Amy and two of the three kids were sick. For families with young children, this isn’t unusual. What is unusual is the whole Coronavirus thing going on. Normally, when your kids are sick, you just  stay home with them, but it’s not so simple these days.

After a couple of conversations with our doctor, we headed out Thursday afternoon to get tested for the virus. We were told only one family member needed to be tested because “if one of us has it, we all have it” (ask Amy how fun it was to get tested).

They told us that they’d call Saturday or Sunday and that we’re all in quarantine until we find out. So that meant that unless we get a “negative” on Saturday, no church for me on Sunday. I’m thankful for Ed Willoughby and his willingness to step in and be ready to preach for me. (it’s after Noon on Sunday and still no word…)

So here we are - Sunday morning - a few minutes before church starts. Trying to get the kids settled in to join the livestream. I’m headed to the living room - I’ll finish this after the service is over….

Just finished the service - and it’s certainly a whole different experience. During the “lockdown,” my Sunday routine stayed pretty much the same.

• Wake up at 5:00 a.m. - final sermon run-through - then head to church

• Gather for worship (only nine other people, but still in the sanctuary)

• Preaching in the same room with the same pulpit, just to the camera, not a live congregation.

Until today…

So while preparing for the worship service this morning, I thought through some things I’ve learned through all this:

1. The importance of routine & rhythm.

I’m a creature of habit. I need routine. I like my rhythm. Just knowing that I wouldn’t be able to go to church threw me off a bit. I’m absolutely thankful for the livestream, but I’m already longing for routine and to be back physically present with my church family. 

2. Distractions abound

Being physically at church is not just routine - it’s singularly focused. There for one purpose. Only one thing going on. Only one option. At home, there are 1,000 distractions and you really have to be ready to begin. 10:30 comes much faster than you expect. It’s hard to stay focused in the living room.

3. Singing is congregational! 

It’s weird to sing at home in my living room while watching the service. Even streaming through our TV with the volume up, it was just strange. It certainly highlights for me the joy of congregational singing. No wonder God commanded us to sing together! I’m already looking forward to singing with everyone again. 

4. There’s no Substitute for Gathering

I’m very thankful for the livestream, but it’s clearly no substitute for gathering with my brothers and sisters for church. In one sense, I’m glad that we had to do this because now I have a better grasp of what it’s like for those who still aren’t able to join us. Just one week and I’m already longing to see everyone. Those that are in week 15 of all this - I can only imagine the longing you have to gather. 

The Bottom Line:

Let’s all be intentional to pray for and reach out to those that are still unable to join us in person. While I’m sure it becomes more “normal” to do church like this - it’s not what we were designed for - it’s not what we need. We’re made for relationship. We’re made for face-to-face interaction. 

I’ll certainly let everyone know what the test results are when we get them (hopefully sometime today). In the meantime, let’s redouble our efforts to pray for and connect with one another. Let me know if you want a one-page printout of all our church members to keep in your Bible as a prayer list. I’ll email you a PDF. 

I love you all and can’t wait to see you again!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Rob

P.S. – if you haven’t signed up for a Home Group - get in touch with me and I’ll get you in a group. We have room in several groups, including one that with a huge living room where you can participate and social distance at the same time. 

What is "Filled with the Spirit"

Walking Carefully

Ephesians 5:15-20

Three elements of our walk

We should be Care-Full, not Care-Less.

1. Walk with Wisdom (vv 15-16)

Wisdom is the practical application of acquired knowledge.

How you spend your time? Not so much hours-minutes-days, but How you respond to the opportunities that the Lord brings to you?

You need to look for, see, acknowledge and take them.

2. Walk with Understanding (v. 17)

This further expands wisdom. Go to Proverbs and look for all the wise/foolish references. 

Only in the Lord’s will can we accomplish anything good, and lasting. His will is found in the Bible.

1. Know Jesus - be saved

2. Be Filled with the Spirit 

3. Pursue Sanctification

4. Suffer for His sake

5. Be Thankful

6. Be Submissive to Others (next week)

3. Walk in the Spirit (vv. 18-20)

Do not be drunk with wine - is a reference to pagan worship, which involved drinking anddepraved, immoral behavior. 

For us today, the prohibition is about not seeking fulfillment or joy in things other than God.

It’s vital to know what it means to be filled

Be filled - completely full

With - pointing to the cause

Spirit - the third person of the trinity

What being filled is NOT

• An Ecstatic, emotional experience. 

If it looks like something a drunk person might do, it’s NOT being filled with the spirit. The charismatic movement is a good example of what filled is not.

• A Second blessing - later in Christian life

  Speaking in tongues as evidence is false teaching.

• Bland checklist obedience void of emotion.• Something only a select few “spiritual elites” receive.

All believers are commanded to be filled.

What being filled IS

• A command

• A conscious, intentional pursuit

It won’t happen on its own. 

• Moved along - wind in sails. Active and moving.

• Permeated - like marinated meat

• Total control

2. How to Be Filled

First, have a right attitude:

John 3:30 – He must increase, but I must decrease.” 

To be filled with the Spirit

you must be filled with the Word

Notice parallel elements in Ephesians 5:18-20 and  Colossians 3:16-18.

Galatians 5 parallels led, walk, and living in the Spirit. 

You must:

• be open to filling.

• seek filling.

• empty your life of wrong pursuits.

• fill yourself with the Word.

• obey the Word. 

Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

When you’re doing all of this, and seeking to delight in the Lord, His will and your will merge into one will as He not only places right desires toward His will in your heart, but also fulfills those desires.

3. What It Looks Like to be filled with the Sprit. 

(vv. 18-20)

Do you see these things in your life?

Pursue these things:

• Horizontal Edification

It’s not a solo pursuit. Then Christian life is mean to be pursued with others. (Ephesians 4:29)

• Sing and making Melody

“From the heart” - Your heart should overflow with joy. 

• To the Lord

Don’t focus on yourself, your needs, desires, wants, or preferences. Our focus is the Lord. 

Finally: 

Thankfulness

Not thankful = not filled with the Spirit.

When should we be thankful? ALWAYS

For what? For Everything!
That’s impossible if you’re not filled with the Spirit.

Thankful to God the Father.

He is our Audience of One

We are to thank Him!!

In the name of our Lord Jesus

Reminding us of the cross. Pointing us to the gospel.

497 Words for Fathers

Faithful husbands & Fathers

To be a faithful father you need to put your love for Jesus on display. The most practical way to show your love for God is how love your wife. 

Ephesians 5:25-33 lays out how husbands should love their wives.

(These principles are also good for everyone in all of their relationships, so even if you’re not a husband or father - this is the kind of love you should show to others.)

Husbands, love your wife with a:

1. Sacrificial Love

Love her sacrificially - as a reflection of Christ’s love for us.

You’ll never see a better picture of sacrificial love than when you look to the cross..

2. Sanctifying Love

The main goal of the Christian life is: 

The pursuit of sanctification. 

Jesus desires us to be holy (Ephesians 1:4, John 17:17, 1 Peter 1 :15)

One of your goals in marriage must be that your wife is growing in holiness

A Word-Focused Family is Dad’s responsibility.

3. Caring Love

Do you care for her as much as you do for yourself? 

Put as much energy into her wants and needs as you do into your own

4. Permanent Love

Hold fast - means permanent

Again: a reflection of the gospel. 

There is literally nothing a believer can to to cause Jesus to stop loving them. 

Your commitment to your wife should be the same as the commitment Jesus has to all Christians.

5. Gospel Love

Your love for your wife should be a living picture of the gospel. 

Jesus is the Groom - we are His bride.

(click here for an explanation of the gospel) 

When you talk with your children about the gospel - about sacrificial love.  About how our Father in Heaven loves us. How Christ loves His bride. They should be able to understand all of that because they’ve watched how their Father loves their Mom - His bride.

Memorize this Acronym:

You’ll be blessed when you love your wife B.E.S.T.

B - Blessing Her

• speaking good words

both to her & about her (never speak poorly of her ever)

• behavior

show kindness in both big, grand gestures and in the little things

• be thankful and appreciative (words again)

• prayer to God on her behalf

Constantly think of ways to bless you wife

E - Edifying her

Building her up - Cheering her on

Always encouraging her

When you build up your wife in every way you can - you are literally building up your family

S - Sharing with Her

Sharing time, activities, interests, concerns, resources , money, ideas, deep thoughts, goals, and your spiritual walk

You’re One Flesh - that means sharing everything. 

T - Touching Her

(More than the bedroom)

Start by holding her hand whenever possible.

Touching will foster an affectionate closeness in your marriage. 

When you keep these “BEST” practices in mind, it will help you love your Bride as Christ loves the church! And God will be honored in your marriage.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Rob

Being Imitators of God

A Faithful Church

Part 9 - Imitating God

Ephesians 5:1-2

To listen to the sermon on this passage, click here.

Ephesians 5:1 stands as the centerpiece of the second half of Ephesians. 

First half - a beautiful explanation of the gospel.

Second half - how we live in response.

There are two words that summarize Ephesians 4, 5, & 6, and the central activity of the Christian Life:

• Pursue Sanctification

It’s both a command and a description of living as a follower of Jesus.

The passage begins:

Be Imitators of God

a startling command.

there is no higher standard

no more lofty goal that could be pursued

We CAN do it because we are His dearly loved children. And that’s what children do - they imitate their parents

The primary way we imitate God is laid out in the next verse

Walk in Love

…as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us

The entire Christian life is contained within this:

• imitating God

• as He is revealed in Jesus Christ

To know Jesus is to know His forgiveness

To imitate God and Jesus means first and foremost - to be forgiving. 

Nothing highlights a heart of stone more than a lack of forgiveness.

Set in your now that you will forgive, it won’t be instant in every situation, but it must be a foregone conclusion. 

Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin on the cross, so how can we hold any sin against any person?

This is one way the gospel changes us and catalyzes godly living. 

One final detail:

Jesus’ offering was called:

a fragrant offering and sacrifice

This is a beautiful insight into the gospel

To be an imitator of God you must also be an imitator of Jesus Christ. Your life should also be a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

This happens in two ways:

1. You bring something - an offering

there must be tangible personal investment

2. There is Sacrifice - dying

It’s tempting to talk about the Christian life in terms of the benefits:

life will be better

have true meaning & fulfillment

there’s certainly truth to that

beware though - the prosperity gospel….

If you would be like Jesus,

you must offer yourself like Jesus did

there must be sacrifice - like Jesus did

Martin Luther said: if we are to truly imitate Christ, then we must also suffer for others in some way

A full-on pursuit of Jesus will hurt. 

There will be pain. 

You will be tempted. You’ll struggle, You’ll suffer. It will be hard. No pain probably means no sacrifice. 

BUT - remembering our identity in Christ, that we are God’s children gives me the strength to endure.

Suffering, difficulty, and pain should be a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice for us. 

Ultimately the Christian life is not about pleasing myself or being satisfied and fulfilled

It’s about pleasing God

And in that - we also point others to His majesty and beauty and grace and mercy and forgiveness and kindness…..

that leads to repentance

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 – But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. ¹⁵ For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, ¹⁶ to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.

May your life be a living sacrifice to God!

Pastor Rob