Category: Sermons

  • Be With Jesus: The First Call of Discipleship

    Be With Jesus: The First Call of Discipleship

    Be With Jesus: The First Call in Discipleship

    Introduction

    In today’s fast-paced world, our culture often defines success by what we accomplish. Even in our spiritual lives, we can fall into the trap of measuring our faith by what we do for God rather than simply being with Him. But what if the most important part of following Jesus isn’t about our works but about our presence with Him?

    Jesus made this clear when He first called His disciples. Before they preached, healed, or performed miracles, Jesus called them to simply be with Him. Mark 3:13-14 tells us:

    “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.”

    This verse reveals an important truth: Discipleship begins with presence before action. Jesus invites us into relationship first, and everything else flows from that intimacy.

    The Danger of Distraction

    Many of us struggle to simply be with Jesus because of one major obstacle: distraction.

    Consider the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was busy preparing and serving, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His presence. When Martha complained that Mary wasn’t helping, Jesus gently corrected her:

    “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42, NIV)

    Martha wasn’t doing anything wrong, but she was missing out on the one thing that mattered most—being with Jesus. How often do we allow the busyness of life, ministry, or work to keep us from simply resting in His presence?

    The enemy doesn’t just want to steal your time; he wants to steal your intimacy with Jesus. If he can keep you distracted, he can keep you from hearing God’s voice and obeying His direction.

    The Invitation to Rest

    Jesus offers a better way. He calls us to trade our striving for His presence:

    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29, NIV)

    Unlike the world, which demands constant productivity, Jesus invites us into rest. This doesn’t mean inactivity, but rather learning to operate from a place of connection with Him. Before Jesus ever did ministry, He spent time in the Father’s presence. If He needed that, how much more do we?

    Two Practical Ways to Be With Jesus

    If we want to grow in our discipleship, we must intentionally create space to be with Jesus. Here are two foundational spiritual practices to help:

    1. Sabbath – Prioritizing Rest

    The Sabbath isn’t just an Old Testament law; it’s a rhythm God designed for our benefit. Taking one day each week to rest, worship, and enjoy God’s presence realigns our hearts and reminds us that our worth isn’t based on what we do, but on who we are in Christ.

    2. Prayer – Daily Connection with Jesus

    Prayer is more than presenting requests—it’s an invitation to intimacy. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16). If He needed time alone with the Father, so do we. Set aside intentional, distraction-free moments each day to talk with Jesus and listen for His voice.

    The Danger of Ignoring Rest

    Ignoring this invitation to be with Jesus can lead to burnout and spiritual exhaustion. In Japan, there’s a phenomenon called Karoshi, which means “death by overwork.” People push themselves beyond human limits, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and extreme stress. Many believe, “I can do more than what’s humanly possible,” but it comes at a dangerous cost.

    Spiritually, we do the same thing when we rely on our strength instead of resting in Christ. If Jesus—the Son of God—rested and prioritized being with the Father, shouldn’t we?

    How Does God Speak?

    One of the greatest benefits of spending time with Jesus is learning to recognize His voice. Mark Batterson, in his book Whisper, outlines seven ways God speaks to us:

    • Scripture – The primary way God communicates.
    • Desires – When we delight in Him, He shapes our hearts.
    • Doors – God opens and closes opportunities.
    • Dreams – He speaks through visions and revelations.
    • People – Wise counsel from mentors and friends.
    • Promptings – The Holy Spirit gives nudges and convictions.
    • Pain – God can use suffering to shape us.

    We must make space to listen if we want to hear His voice clearly.

    Reflection: Are You Making Space for Jesus?

    Take a moment to ask yourself:

    • When was the last time I truly rested in God’s presence?
    • Am I prioritizing time with Jesus, or am I too distracted?
    • What’s one thing I need to say “no” to in order to say “yes” to being with Jesus?

    Final Challenge: Be With Jesus This Week

    Jesus calls us first and foremost to be with Him. Will you accept His invitation? This week, make an appointment with Jesus and keep it like your life depends on it—because it does. Take 30 seconds right now to simply be in His presence.

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  • Resurrection Love

    Resurrection Love

    Resurrection Love

    Unlocking the Power of Resurrection Love: A Guide to Living Sacrificially

    Introduction

    In the fast-paced chaos of modern life, love often gets reduced to mere sentimentality—a word thrown around casually, devoid of its true meaning. Yet, nestled within the ancient text of 1 John 3:16-24, lies a profound truth: Love, in its purest form, is sacrificial. It’s not just a concept; it’s a way of life—a resurrection life.

    Understanding Resurrection Love: An Overview

    The foundation of resurrection love lies in understanding its essence. In this passage, the Greek term “agape” emerges repeatedly, denoting an active, selfless, sacrificial love. It’s the love that propelled Jesus to lay down His life for us, setting the ultimate example of love in action.

    Resurrection Empowers Us to Love: Unveiling the Command

    Resurrection isn’t merely an event; it’s a transformative power that enables us to love as Christ loved. At the core of this transformation lies the command to love, reiterated by Jesus Himself in John 13:35. This command isn’t just a suggestion; it carries authority and demands our obedience.

    Beholding Jesus: The Key to Becoming Like Him

    To understand how to love sacrificially, we must fix our gaze upon Jesus. His life serves as a blueprint for our own, showing us how to love even the unlovable. From His treatment of enemies to His compassion for sinners, every aspect of Jesus’ life reflects the depth of His love.

    Practical Application: Loving Others in Action

    Resurrection love isn’t theoretical; it’s practical. It calls us to action on behalf of others, especially our fellow believers. This love isn’t selective—it extends to ourselves, our neighbors, and even our enemies. It’s a love that serves, forgives, and endures.

    The Object of Love: Who and How?

    Who do we love, and how do we do it? The answer lies in Romans 12:10: We love each other with genuine affection, treating one another like family. We serve one another, bear with each other patiently, and forgive as the Lord forgave us. This is the essence of resurrection love in action.

    Conclusion: Embodying Resurrection Love

    In conclusion, resurrection love isn’t a lofty ideal; it’s a tangible reality. It’s the power that transforms lives and communities, drawing people closer to God. As we embrace this love and live it out daily, we become beacons of hope in a world desperate for genuine, sacrificial love.

    Key Takeaway: Resurrection Love

    In a world filled with shallow affections and superficial gestures, resurrection love stands out as a beacon of hope. It’s a love that transcends boundaries and transforms lives—a love that mirrors the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Himself. As we embrace this love and allow it to permeate every aspect of our lives, we unlock its transformative power, becoming agents of change in a world hungering for true love.

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  • Resurrection Righteousness

    Resurrection Righteousness

    Resurrection Righteousness

    Embracing Resurrection Righteousness: Living Out Our Purpose in Christ

    Introduction:

    Welcome to the Open Door Blog, where we delve into the transformative power of faith and the profound truths that shape our lives. In this enlightening post, we explore the concept of “Resurrection Righteousness” and its significance in our journey of faith.

    Resurrection Righteousness:

    Living Out Our Purpose At the heart of the Christian faith lies the concept of righteousness—a state of being in alignment with God’s will and purpose for our lives. However, “Resurrection Righteousness” takes this idea to a whole new level. It reveals that righteousness is not merely about adhering to a set of rules or moral standards; rather, it is about living out our purpose and fulfilling our design in Christ.

    The Power of Jesus’ Resurrection Central to the concept of Resurrection Righteousness is the transformative power of Jesus’ resurrection. It is through His triumph over death that righteousness becomes possible for us. The resurrection of Jesus serves as the ultimate validation of His identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. As we embrace this reality, we are empowered to live out our purpose as righteous ambassadors of Christ.

    Behold to Become:

    Fixing Our Gaze on Jesus In our journey towards Resurrection Righteousness, discipleship plays a crucial role. The key is to fix our gaze on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Just as Peter walked on water until he looked away from Jesus, we become like Him by beholding His love. In a world characterized by distractions and competing influences, it is essential to anchor our identity and purpose in Christ. By consistently fixing our gaze on Jesus, we are transformed from within, becoming living testimonies of His grace and righteousness.

    Eager Expectations:

    Anticipating Christ’s Return Another aspect of Resurrection Righteousness is the eager expectation of Christ’s return. His resurrection power not only secures our present hope but also fuels our anticipation of His second coming. As believers, we are called to live with a sense of urgency, knowing that Christ could return at any moment. This eager expectation of His return shapes our priorities and actions, motivating us to live holy and upright lives out of reverence for God. As we await the fulfillment of God’s promises, we are reminded of the ultimate victory that awaits us in Christ.

    Cultivating Resurrection Righteousness in Daily Life

    So, how do we cultivate Resurrection Righteousness in our daily lives? It begins with a deliberate focus on Jesus and His teachings. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, transforming our hearts and minds to align with God’s will. Additionally, we can cultivate eager expectations for Christ’s return by living with a sense of purpose and urgency, prioritizing the things of God above all else.

    Conclusion:

    In conclusion, Resurrection Righteousness is not just a theological concept—it is a lived reality for every believer in Christ. By embracing the power of Jesus’ resurrection, fixing our gaze on Him, and eagerly anticipating His return, we can experience the fullness of righteousness in our lives. As we strive to live out our purpose in Christ, may we be empowered to shine brightly as beacons of hope and truth in a world in need of God’s love.

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  • Meeting in the Dark

    Meeting in the Dark

    A Meeting in the Dark

    • Title: A Meeting in the Dark
    • Scripture: John 3:1-21

    Point 1: A Man in the Dark

    • Nicodemus, a trusted teacher, is perceived as enlightened, yet Jesus reveals his darkness.
    • Actions speak louder than words; misalignment indicates shadowed living.
    • Nicodemus, a Pharisee leader, epitomizes the influential religious-political faction opposing Jesus.
    • Coming to Jesus under the cover of darkness, Nicodemus is confronted for his hidden intentions.
    • Despite his stature, Nicodemus remains ignorant of salvation, the Kingdom, and the Spirit.

    Point 2: The Way Out of Darkness

    • To enter heavenly light, one needs heavenly guidance.
    • Jesus, meeting Nicodemus in his darkness, symbolizes meeting individuals where they are.
    • Through His sacrifice, Jesus transforms earthly darkness into the brilliance of God’s love.
    • The venomous serpent story illustrates God’s ingenious use of poison to create an antidote.
    • Satan’s blindness to God’s plan in Jesus’ death reveals divine mastery over darkness.

    Point 3: The Challenge of Coming out of Darkness

    • Jesus’ fiery love pierces Nicodemus, urging him to step into the light.
    • Embracing light means exposing oneself to God and the world, requiring vulnerability.
    • Nicodemus’ belated emergence from darkness highlights missed opportunities.
    • Encounters with Jesus demand stepping out of comfort zones and into the unknown.
    • The call to step into the light beckons us to embrace God’s gifts, even if their contents remain unknown.

    Conclusion:

    • Encounters with Jesus prompt stepping out of comfort zones into the light.
    • Withdrawal from God leads to spiritual darkness, while embracing His presence illuminates our path.
    • Are there shadows God is calling you out of?
      • Confession lightens the burden of sin.
      • Serving breaks the inertia of complacency.
      • Embracing hope revives faith in God’s promises.

    Step into the light and discover the transformative power of God’s love in your life.

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  • Flipping Tables and Freedom

    Flipping Tables and Freedom

    Flipping Tables and Freedom

    What does Jesus flipping tables have to do with freedom?

    The Scene at the Temple

    As the Jewish Passover approached, Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem, witnessing a bustling marketplace within the Temple precincts. Tables were laden with goods for sale, and money changers conducted their business amidst the sacred space.

    Walking with Jesus

    Imagine traversing the miles from Capernaum to Jerusalem alongside Jesus and his followers. Three days of shared stories, parables, healings, and profound encounters that touched the lives of many, infusing hope and comfort where it was needed most.

    The Significance of Table-Flipping

    Jesus’ act of overturning tables was not a random display of anger but a profound statement. It symbolized a reorientation back to the true essence of worship and reverence for God. The Temple had deviated from its sacred purpose, turning into a marketplace rather than a sanctuary for spiritual connection.

    Embracing Fiery Love

    In his fiery love, Jesus purged the Temple of distractions and distortions that hindered true worship. Just as fire refines and purifies, his actions aimed to cleanse hearts and minds from all that deviates from God’s holiness and love.

    Reorienting Towards God

    The message behind Jesus’ table-flipping extends beyond that historical moment. It serves as a reminder to prioritize God above all else, avoiding the trap of self-centeredness that distorts true worship and ministry.

    The Father’s House: A Sanctuary of Grace

    Jesus’ poignant words, “Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace,” echo a call to honor the sacredness of God’s dwelling place. It is not a space for transactions but a haven for receiving divine gifts of freedom, grace, mercy, and love.

    Embracing Amazing Grace

    Jesus’ actions were not for the self-righteous but for those humble enough to accept the transformative power of grace. His fiery love seeks to refine us, molding us into vessels of his redemptive love and grace.

    “Jesus comes not for the super-spiritual but for the wobbly and the weak-kneed who know they don’t have it all together, and who are not too proud to accept the handout of amazing grace.” – Brennan Manning

    In essence, Jesus’ table-flipping signifies a call to realign our hearts with God’s intentions, embracing His fiery love that purifies and leads us towards becoming more like Him. Let us heed this call to reorient our lives towards true worship and embrace the freedom found in His unending grace.

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