Love Story of Redemption

April 14, 2013
Love Story of Redemption
Book of Ruth
Scott Howard

Kinsmen Redeemer: close relative, in close kinship, one who will purchase, restore and provide for

He said, "And who are you?" She said, "I am Ruth, your maiden; take me under your protecting wing. You're my close relative, you know, in the circle of covenant redeemers - you do have the right to marry me."    --Ruth 3:9 (The Message)

The book of Ruth is only 4 chapters long, read it to enjoy a beautiful love story that parallels what Christ did for us.

1.      Ruth realized the need for her redemption.

• Ruth’s past was not clean – she was a Moabite woman.  Moabites were known for their immorality and idolatry.

• Ruth’s future was not certain – she had no family, no heir, she was a widow

2.      Ruth trusted in the love of her redeemer.

• The Kinsmen Redeemer had 3 qualifications

1.      He must have the right to redeemer.  He had to be in very close relation to her.

2.      He must have the resources to redeem her.  Needed to be able to provide.

3.      He must have the resolve to redeem her.  He had to want to.

However, there was another who was in closer kinship than Boaz.  So Boaz gave that man the right to choose to be Ruth’s redeemer.   When that man heard she was a Moabite woman, he did not have the desire to redeem thus allowing Boaz to be the only redeemer for Ruth.  (see Ruth 4:1-11)

After their marriage, Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David who became King.  This is the family line in which Jesus was born.

Which brings us to how the love story of Ruth and her redeemer parallels our redemption through Jesus.  He came to a world filled with people whose past is not clean and whose future is dangerously uncertain.

 How can a sinful world be reconciled to a God that is Holy?  We needed a Holy Redeemer.  One who can cover our past and secure our future.  And we need to trust in the Love of our Redeemer.  (see Ephesians 1:7-8)

1.      Jesus alone has the right to redeem us.  He is both God and Man—He has kinship to us

• He is Devine over us

• He is human like us

2.      Jesus alone has the resources to redeem us.

• He has power over sin—He is set apart as sinless.  In order for one to redeem from sin, one must have no sin.

• He has authority over death—He is set apart because He arose and lives again

3.      Jesus alone has the resolve to redeem us.

• He seeks us as His own (stepped off His throne in Heaven to come to us)

• He saves us by His mercy (God is infinite in His goodness, He has Holy wrath and judgment against sin.  God is dead set against anything that will hurt us, so He is merciful to send us a Savior.)

• He serves us at His table (we are invited into His eternal home, not as guests, but as family, and His home becomes ours!)

Romans 3:23-25

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in his blood.  He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished.”

Choose eternity with God and partake in the riches of His goodness.  It is way better than anything this world can offer.  He will never fail to satisfy the deepest longings of your heart.

From the Pastor's Heart - April

"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut." Revelation 3:8

Each one of us are given a number of opportunities every single day. It is what we do with those opportunities that matters. As I look back on all the opportunities that the Lord has given me, there are so many that I did not take advantage of and I now see the affect that has had on my life and the lives of those around me- be it family, friends, neighbors, etc...

I realize that I cannot do anything about the opportunities in the past that I have let slip by. The only thing I can do now is to not allow future opportunities to fade into obilivion. I believe that SRWC is sitting on the brink of some incredible, God-sent opportunities. Opportunities to grow; opportunities to see our lost loved ones and friends saved; opportunities to transform our community and impact others for the glory of God.

As I look at Jesus' letter to the church at Philadelphia, I feel like He could be writing directly to SRWC. As with all the other churches, Christ told them He knew their deeds. The entire panorama of the church's witness was before Him and Jesus gives them words of commendation for their faithfulness. Because of their faithful testimony and witness, Jesus places before them an open door. Most likely the door Christ opened for them was the same one He had earlier opened for Paul at Ephesus, a door of effective service (1 Cor. 16:9).

The Lord of the Harvest was saying that if they would walk through the door of opportunity, He was opening they would find the fields white unto the harvest.

It would not be easy, for this church had only a little strength. It was not a large church. It had not many significant members. It lacked financial strength, but with what spiritual strength it had, it was faithful in using for the glory of Christ. It would be wise to invest our life not on the basis of where there are large numbers or finances, but where the people are faithfully dependent on the Lord.

Christ also entrusted them with an open door because they had kept Jesus' Word. They were committed to the Word of God and would not depart from its teachings. This open door of opportunity was there for this church because they did not deny Jesus' name. In spite of open opposition and persecution they continued bearing witness of and to Jesus Christ. May the Lord help us to learn from the church at Philadelphia.

The door is open in front of us SRWC -  what will we do with it? The Lord is putting us in a great position to make a difference in our community and in the lives of your families.

GOD HELP US NOT LET THIS OPPORTUNITY SLIP AWAY!

To the church of Sandy Ridge Wesleyan the Lord says,: "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut." May we have faith to walk through it!!

Believing in you,
Pastor Scott

Lord, Awaken Your Church to Your Mission

April 7, 2013

Lord Awaken Your Church to Your Mission

Acts 1-2

Scott Howard

 
(Get out your Bibles, this is a page flipper!)
 
Most of us have read these first few chapters of Acts about the Great Commission and the empowerment of the disciples and the early church.  We will get into the parallels of the Old Testament as well.

• The driving force behind the Mission of the early church was the Person of Jesus Christ.  They not only had the opportunity to walk and talk with Him, but when He was taken to Heaven, He left His Spirit to dwell in and empower them.

CHARACTERISTICS OF JESUS CHRIST: Jesus is…

• The Risen Savior (Acts 1:3) –We now have victory over death through a Risen Savior.  How will we respond to this Risen Savior?  He is worthy of praise and all that we have.

• The Exalted Lord (Acts 1:2, 1:9, 1:11, 1:22, Philippians 2:5-11) Jesus is on the throne in Heaven, He as control.  So when we are confused, when things aren’t going well or as we planned, we can trust Him and have faith in His plans.

•   The Coming King (Acts 1:11) Knowing that Jesus will come back for us to bring us to our eternal home that He has prepared for us, to be co-heirs with Him to the Kingdom of Almighty God, that is a God worth following!

Passion for the Kingdom of God is fueled by passion for the King.  When we truly begin to grasp His goodness, His Holiness, His sovereignty then we will have the passion for Him and His mission.

God, awaken our affections so that we obey Your Spirit.

THE HOLY SPIRIT ENABLES US TO...

• Experience God's Presence (Acts 2:2, Ezekiel 37:13-14) --the symbol of God's presence is wind.  The passage said it "sounded" like a mighty wind.  Just the sound was enough for the people to know that this was a supernatural event.

• Obey God's Commands  (flip back to Exodus ch19:16 - ch20:21) --At the time of Pentecost (our main text) the reason so many Jews from so many different countries and languages were in town was because they were celebrating.  On the 50th day after Passover (which, consequently, was happening when Jesus was crucified) the Jews celebrated another feast for the giving of the Ten Commandments.  So when we read about how and when the commandments were given we see God's fire on the mountain, whereas now we see God's fire as individual tongues of fire on each person.  This shows the relationship between God and man became more personal because of the sacrifice of Christ.  Also after Moses came down the mountain we see God's judgment against the people for creating their own god (the golden calf) and forgetting God.  3000 people died because of a plague that God allowed to strike them, however, when we go to Acts 2:41 during Pentecost we see how many people were saved because of their new belief in Christ: 3000!   

And how did all these people (from different lands) come to believe in Christ?  They spoke languages that the Holy Spirit enabled them to speak.  Which brings us to the third thing the Spirit enables us to do:

• Fulfill God's Purpose (Acts 2:4-12) --The people could hear the Good News of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection in their own native languages.

The Spirit wants this place and the world for Christ.  The Spirit's passion is to exalt Christ in this place and in the world.

When the Spirit fills the Church:

• The Church stands in Awe

When the Spirit fills His people:

• The world stands Amazed

Lord, give us your passion.  A passion for Christ and His mission so that the people will see God's power in and among His people.

Announcements 4-7

Men's Prayer Breakfast

Sunday April 14th @ 8:30 AM. All the men of the church are invited to join us for a great time of fellowship, food, and much needed prayer.

Baptism Service

Sunday PM, April 14th. Please see Pastor Scott if you are interested in being baptized. 

Walk to Cure Diabetes - JDRF

Catawba Valley Walk. Saturday, April 20, 2013. Lenoir-Rhyne University. Check-In: 8:30AM. Start:  9:30 AM. Length: 5K. If you are interested in walking or supporting someone who is walking see Jeff & Melinda McFarlin.

Mother-Daughter Banquet

Moms and Daughters: You are invited to the Mother/Daughter Banquet. Saturday, April 27th. See the Bulletin Board in the Foyer for more information and a Sign-Up Sheet.

Welcome our Newest Members

We will be receiving new members on Sunday, April 21st.

Local Church Conference Vote

Sunday AM, April 28th all members are asked to stay after the morning worship service to elect church officers.

BBQ Buffet

Saturday, May 18. Mark your calendars and set aside this date to help in the BBQ. Begin spreading the word!

Mall Madness Youth Event

April 12th @ Valley Hills Mall. 6-10pm. Scavenger Hunts, Games, Prizes, and Great Fellowship. Bring a friend!

Scentsy Party

Monday, April 8th 6:00 PM @SRWC. A fundraiser for Jessica Shook's Girl Scout Gold Award. Come stock up on some wonderfully aromatic candles.

Youth Camp is Approaching

Dates: Sunday, July 7th - Friday, July 12th. Cost: $225 early registration. ($85 deposit & forms postmarked by May 10), $250 Standard Registration ($85 registration & forms postmarked by June 14th) $275 late registration (anytime after June 14)

Hot Dog Sale

April 20th @ Sam's Club of Hickory. 10:00am - 2:00pm. This is a fundraiser to benefit youth camp. Any donations of condiments, chili, slaw, buns, chips, or even willing hands to help out would be greatly appreciated.

Spaghetti Dinner

April 24th @ 6:00PM at the SRWC Fellowship Hall. Fundraiser to benefit youth camp. Cost: (Dinner by donation.)

Hickory Crawdads Game (Youth and Adult Event)

May 3rd @ LP Frans Stadium. Van will leave the church at 6:00PM. Tickets are $6 each. Please let Pastor Drew know if any adults are interested in joining us.

Salvation Army Soup Kitchen

Team #4 will be serving on Sunday April 28.

Open Arms Food Pantry

As of March 25th: Open Arms Food Pantry served a total of 348 pounds of food to 11 families - 26 people all together. We received 1,172 pounds of food: 

From SRWC: 446

From Clyde Campbell School - 518

Regal Place TH - 55

Girl Scouts - 126

SRWC Youth - 27

The Open Arms Food Pantry is in great need of food donations. Your help with this vital ministry would be greatly appreciated. See the food list on the bulletin board & the food pantry.

The Cross of Christ DEMANDS My ALL

March 24, 2013

The Cross of Christ DEMANDS My ALL

John 19:25-30 / Matthew 27

Scott Howard

 

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son.’ And to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’  From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.  Later, knowing that all was now completed, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’  A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on the stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.  When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’  With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”  ---John 19:25-30

 

Ø  Sacrifice means that you look out for the needs of others even when you are hurting.

o   “Here is your mother” (John 19:26-27)

In the middle of his pain, Jesus had compassion on his mother and her agony.  He made sure she was taken care of.

Ø  Sacrifice means that you will experience dry times.

o   “I am thirsty” (John 19:28-29)

Sacrifice is unpleasant.  Comfort and sacrifice do not go hand in hand. (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-31, and Mark 8:34-35)  However, when the mission is complete, then our needs will be met, in Heaven. (see Revelation 7:13-17)

Ø  Sacrifice will tear down barriers.

o   “the curtain of the temple was torn in two” (Matthew 27:51a)

Before Jesus’ sacrifice, the presence of God, the Holy of Holies in the Temple, was limited to one priest once a year.  The priest offered offerings of sacrifice to God for the sins of all the people.  When Jesus died, God ripped the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple in two from top to bottom.  God removed the barrier between man’s sin and His holiness thru His Son’s sacrifice.  (see Hebrews 4:16)

Ø  Sacrifice will shake the world.

o   “The earth shook” (Matthew 27:51b)

The early church radically shook the world as they shared the Gospel.  Let’s shake things up and share the Gospel, and not assume everyone has heard the good news.  (see Acts 17:6-7 and Romans 12:1-2)

Ø  Sacrifice will bring life to dead things.

o   “…bodies…were raised to life.” (Matthew 27:52-53)

Jesus’ sacrifice also brought new life to us since he paid the price to make a way for us to have a way to escape eternal death.  (see Ephesians 2:1-2a, 4-5:     “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world…But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”)

 

                Jesus sacrificed everything for me in order that I might have life!

What am I willing to sacrifice for Him; in order that I might worship Him; in order that I might help others to accept that sacrifice as payment for their own sins?

True Worship and The Mission

March 10, 2013
True Worship and The Mission
Mark 11:15-19
Scott Howard

"On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and begain driving out those who were buying and selling there.  He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry murchandise through the temple courts.  And as he taught them, he said, 'Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it a 'den of robbers.' '  The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.  When the evening came, they went out of the city."   ---Mark 11:15-19

A little history...
In this passage, Jesus is quoting first from Isaiah 56:7 and then from Jeremiah 7:11.  He is upset because the place where the Jews were setting up their merchandise and carting things back and forth was the outer courts of the temple, which was specifically set aside for the Gentiles and people of other nations to come and worship and experience the presence of God.  In addition to occupying the space for themselves, they were also showing disrespect for the sanctuary of Almighty God.  What kind of witness for God were they showing to the Gentiles and people of other nations if this is how they treat the temple of God? 

Ok, back to sermon notes...

When God is the center of our worship...

1.   We Revere His Greatness

• They had become uninterested in the Majesty of God.
• They had become unaware of the Presence of God.  ---see Isaiah 1:11-14  God wants sincerity of the heart.

      True Worship...

• Rediscovers His Majesty. --> if you truly worship, you will not grow casual with God
• Rejoices in His Presence. --> because we know He is with us, we can be joyful

2.   We Reflect His Holiness...

• The Church: A reflection of God, or the world?  --> in our text, Jesus came into the Temple courts expecting a place set apart for worship, but instead found a place that looked just like the market, same as outside the temple.
• We are the temple of God! --> after Jesus died, the curtain of the Holy of Holies in the Temple was torn, symbolizing our own personal access to God's presence.  This means we are the temple of God.  *See 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Personally: What areas of my life are not reflecting His Holiness?
Corporately: What areas of the church are not reflecting His Holiness?

3.   We Commit to His purpose...

• How we worship will greatly affect who esle worships.
• Worship is the fuel of this unstoppable mission.  -->others will see the Glory of God
• Worship is also the goal of this unstoppable mission.  -->we all will Glorify God for eternity

God-centered worship always leads to God-sized sacrifice and obedience. 

When we walk into the sanctuary at church, or even as we live our lives outside the church, are we really thinking about how we will Glorify God?  About His Greatness?  About His Holiness?  Most of the time we are consumed with what is going on in our earthly lives.  It is time we think on Heavenly things.  It is time we set apart the church, our hearts, our time, to truly worship our King.  When we are focused that much on Him, others will notice and come to know the Grace of God.

A Spirit-Filled Passion for a Passion-Filled Mission / Message 2

March 3, 2013
A Spirit-Filled Passion for a Passion-Filled Mission / Message 2
Acts 7:54 - 8:4
Scott Howard

One Truth: God desires for SRWC to have a Spirit-filled passion that moves Hickory and all nations for Christ.

Four Questions: the church (particularly in America) should ask itself

1.  Will we choose Mission over maintenance in the church?  (not just maintaining our routines)

2.  Is our worship driven by a God-centered passion or a man-centered production?  (we tend to think that worship happens at our place on our terms for our glory). 

     *See the sermon post from Feb 27, 2013 for more detail into these first two questions.

3. Will we embrace Suffering as the primary means for the spread of the Gospel on Earth?

• God ordains for our lives to mirror the sufferings of Christ.  Stephen's death, in our text, mirrors the death of Christ.  As a result many people came to know Christ, even Saul (Paul) who was there approving of the persecution of the church.  How will we show the love of Christ if everything always goes right for us?  We need to show our dependence on Him.  Not that we actively pursue persecution or hardship, but that when it happens, we trust in Christ so that others will see the power and grace of God.
• God's strategy for redeeming the world to Himself:  A suffering servant.  He showed His grace to the world through the sacrifice of Jesus.
• God's strategy has NOT changed. *See Philippians 1:27-29 and Colossians 1:24-27

4.  Is this mission unstoppable enough to die for?

• Death is peaceful for the believer who is on mission with Christ.
• Satan's strategy to stop the church actually serves to advance the church.  In our text the people of the new church were scattered after Stephen's death and the persecution of the church. *See also Acts 11:19-21
• Nothing will stop this mission!

Four Challenges:

1. Get involved and participate in the mission of the church.
2. Repent of self-centered worship that never leads to the proclamation of the Gospel.
3. Embrace suffering as a means for accomplishing the Great Commission in your life.
4. Die daily to your self and to this world so that you might gain Christ and make His glory known.