Sermon Series

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10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. – Ephesians 6:10-20

If you have toddlers or teenagers in your house you’ve received this advice, “pick your battles.” And if you don’t have kids, it can also apply to your spouse, or housemates, or coworkers. The cultural battle for the hearts and minds of people rages ruthlessly. The truth is we’re all in a battle, all the time, and for all time. Ephesians 6 outlines the ultimate battle we experience in the spiritual “heavenly places.”

The battle we find Jonathan and his armor bearer fighting in 1 Samuel 14 is not just for a piece of land. In this story, Jonathan choses the hill he’s going to die on, it’s a battle for the one, true, living God whom he loves and serves. It’s a battle in the name of God’s people Israel against idol worshippers. Jonathan’s best friend, David, chose his hill to die on when he faced Goliath and shouted to him, “I come to you in the name of the living God, who delivered me from the paw of the bear, and the paw of the lion and he will deliver me from you!” And, Jesus climbed the Hill of all hills, Mount Calvary, to die once and for all as the final sacrifice for man’s sin. His death on that hill gives us forgiveness and eternal life.

We didn’t chose the spiritual battle, but we need to acknowledge it in order to be very intentional in fighting it. The armor Paul describes is not some wearables to wave at windmills like a Don Quixote. These pieces strategically equip us for the intensity of battle between life and death in the spiritual realm. In our everyday battle, we look to Jesus for his strength, suit up with the armor he’s already given us, let him disarm the enemy, and fight with the unconditional love and grace he demonstrated for us. Jesus’ example spurs us on to charge up the hill, take it for God, for his glory, for the growing of his church and for the spread of the Gospel. Allow yourself to reflect on the real spiritual battle as you watch this Letter from the People of the Cross.

 

Let us all join the battle cry of Revelation 12:10-11.
“And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying,
‘Now the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Christ have come,
for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down,
who accuses them day and night before our God.
And they have conquered him by the blood
of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,
for they loved not their lives even unto death.’”

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By Donna Burns  

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So the Lord saved Israel that day. And the battle passed beyond Beth-aven. – 1 Samuel 14:23

In a generation of global philanthropic causes and entrepreneurial start-up businesses, we celebrate those who bring creative ideas to the table and we honor those ideas which influence our world for good. Now, many of us chase the dream of being that guy or that girl who goes down in the history books for leading a movement. We want the secret recipe for changing the world, so we read books on how to start an uprising, how to win friends, influence people, and how to inspire others to take action.

However, when we look back, we’ll notice how oftentimes the person who sparks a movement never sets out with such grand intention. People such as Dalai Lama, Rosa Parks, Albert Einstein, and Steve Jobs all took part in their own kind of movement without knowing what would result. I doubt Jonathan, in 1 Samuel 14, anticipated what would take place because of his actions either. Certainly, each person mentioned had hopes of what could be but all they ever did was set out to complete the work set before them. They used their moments to do the right thing, to take the risk, or to remain faithful to the task at hand.

The same is true for us. Whether we’re young or old, male or female, brilliant or mad, every one of us has been given moments of decision, tasks to remain faithful to, and opportunities to be influential. We all have a unique sphere of influence. What we do with our moments both good or bad are important. Even when we’re not the person to instigate or take the first move, we lead by standing together with a cause greater than ourselves. Imagine what might result when believers stand together in obedience to God’s word and risk their reputations for the sake of Christ. Watch this short TEDTalk about starting a movement and pray for what action you might take to join the movement Jesus began many years ago.[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]

By Yvonne Biel  

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And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land.  And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. – 1 Samuel 14:14-15

It’s not easy to forget a ground shaking event. The ground rolling, the loud rumbling and the walls shaking and you find yourself in a California earthquake, as I did.  The experience gave me a huge appreciation for the symbol of God’s presence every time an earthquake is mentioned in the Bible.  Not only is it a sign of his intervening, but it also makes me marvel at his magnificence.  It gives me faith and courage in who God is and his power.

In Samuel 14, Jonathan had faith and said, “It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” Then he acted on that faith.  He trusted, he moved, he got out of his comfort zone, and he risked his safety.  He didn’t know how God would act or what God would do, but he knew he had to move with God.  Although, he was outnumbered, out equipped and going up the mountain, Jonathan’s confidence in God’s character and capability took his focus off what God’s will was for his life, and turned it into how could he give his life to fulfill God’s will. Then, God showed up. He gave Jonathan and his armor bearer victory in an utterly impossible situation. The Lord shows this victory over the Philistines in the camp panicking, the raiders trembling, and the earth quaking.

God promises victory when we fight with him (Joshua 23:10). We can be like Jonathan and keep advancing until the Lord tells us to wait!  It’s easy to get this backward and just sit still and watch.  We act as if the primary word from God is NO, when it’s actually GO! The Apostle Paul tells us, “God is in you to will and to work his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13) How different would your life look if you worked from a giant GO instead of a NO?  Today, praise God for the rumbles of God at work in your life and others. Praise him for showing up in you and around you, for answering prayers, and doing what can only be explained by a powerful act of God. Then, acknowledge God’s presence with you by sharing your praise with someone else.[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text 0=””]

By Donna Burns  

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So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” – 1 Samuel 14:11

 Some people say, “It’s the thought that counts,” but it’s funny how that saying completely contradicts another famous saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” In my experience, the second saying is far more true. My wife never enjoys it when I come home to tell her I thought about getting her flowers. It’s easy to see how thoughts without actions are silly in that context. Unfortunately, much of my Christian journey has been marked by the assumption that only thoughts count. I’ve even been frustrated when my sound theological thinking hasn’t suddenly transformed me. Why do I believe actions are louder than words in most areas of life and then live as if I can think my way to transformation?

Imagine what might have happened in 1 Samuel 14 if Jonathan and his armor bearer had stopped just before they stepped out of hiding. Imagine if they had made their plan and then changed their minds right before they took action. We wouldn’t be reading this story. When they “showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines” the story becomes compelling. It’s one thing to say, “God can save by many or by few” and a completely different thing to attack a huge army with only two men (1 Samuel 14:6).

In his excellent book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, Donald Miller proposes that the same elements used in composing a good story make up a good life. Every good story has an inciting incident that sends the protagonist down a new path. Sometimes those incidents are out of the character’s control while other times one decision can send a character into the center of the narrative. Miller writes about how we can self-inflict inciting incidents. That is exactly what we see in Jonathan’s story. When Jonathan shows himself to the Philistines, he changes the future outcome. In that moment, he and his companion begin a trust fall upon God and the ripple effect of that one action affects more than just Jonathan’s life, it affects all of Israel.

This is one of the powerful functions of community in the life of a believer. When we speak our intentions to obey God aloud it strengthens our conviction to follow through. What is an inciting incident that you need to self-inflict? It could be a decision to trust or to obey. Tell someone your intention to make that leap of faith and then, leap![/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]

By Aaron Bjorklund 

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Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! – Psalm 34:8

 

We’d done all the research and dreamed of places to explore. We wanted to have adventures and experience exciting things – zip lines, exotic snorkeling, and unique foods. We saw the pictures online, read about all the different attractions and planned our trip accordingly. But, nothing compared to actually being there. We could’ve read in detail about the vacation we planned, but reading about something is no substitute for experiencing it. The same is true when trying to understand God’s will. We can read about it, learn about it, and understand it – but there’s no substitute for experiencing it. In fact, the Scriptures teach that we only really know God’s will as we live in it.

In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Paul claims that finding God’s will involves testing. That means discernment is a subjective discovery, not an objective command. We see Jonathan embrace this type of approach as well. When he saw the opportunity, he stepped into it. As he moved, he depended on God to direct his steps. Through action, he asked, he evaluated, and he listened. Jonathan’s experience demonstrates the truth that we often know God’s plan from the inside, not from the outside.

What if we started to view the quest to live in God’s will not so much as a direction we’re to take, but as a discovery we get to make? Paul claims that discovering God’s will leads us to the place where we get to enjoy God and the life he’s given us. His will is good, pleasing, and perfect. As the Psalmist invites us, “Taste and see that God is good!” This doesn’t mean that living in the will of God is easy, but it does mean that it’s the deepest and fullest life available to us. Following God might mean journeying away from safety, friendships, and known commodities – but, it will also mean experiencing joy and meaning we could never have imagined. Today, put your life to the “test.” Are you living in God’s will? As you seek to follow him, remember that he is good. Let his grace wash over your soul as you listen to this great song, King of My Heart.[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]

By Ryan Paulson 

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Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

 

This passage offers good news – a two-step formula for knowing God’s will. First, don’t be conformed to the world. Second, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. If you do these simple things you can, “discern the will of God.” Much easier said than done, isn’t it? What does it really mean to “not be conformed” and to “renew the mind”? Well, to quote our pastor, “I’m so glad you asked.”

Paul tells us not to be conformed to the world. There are a set of values and ways of thinking natural to the world – things like revenge, materialism, and the pursuit of power. They may come natural to the world, but they’re not of the Kingdom of God. God’s culture is different. God’s Kingdom is full of counterintuitive design. Commands like: love your enemies (Matthew 5:44), turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), the first shall be last and the last shall be first (Matthew 20:16), and the weak will be made strong (2 Corinthians 12:9). When Paul tells us not to be conformed to the world he is telling us to relinquish our desires to follow the world’s natural inclinations.

Paul goes on to tell us to “be transformed by renewing our minds.” This is the other side of the same coin. Discerning God’s will takes rewiring our minds to see the world through God’s eyes and requires embracing God’s counter-cultural values. The good news is that this can be extremely practical by using a set of regular practices. Spiritual disciplines are kingdom exercises designed to rewire our souls to the kingdom of God. Practices like prayer, scripture reading, silence, solitude, service, fasting, and more are all tools God gives us to help us renew our minds.

Learning the difference between what the world values and what God values happens when we familiarize ourselves with God’s word. As we learn the teachings of Jesus and learn the explicit commands in Scripture, we begin to learn the character and personality of God. We learn how he would do things if he were in our situations. Saturating your life in the truths of Scripture – especially the life and teachings of Jesus – is key to transformation. Surrounding yourself with others who operate under kingdom values is helpful, too. God’s will is an acquired taste that is learned through exposure to his ways. Today, consider what values you’re following. Are you currently valuing something not within God’s values? Ask God to reveal where you might be aligning with the world’s values over God’s values. Begin by relinquishing your need to follow the way of the world in that area. Then, commit to a spiritual practice that counteracts your false value.[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]

By Aaron Bjorklund 

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“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” – 1 Samuel 14:7

 

It’s rare to hear the words “I am with you heart and soul” from anyone.  These words fit best into fields of battle where opposing forces are in combat and where acts of bravery and valor are required to win the day. But on that day, as they face the Philistine enemy which exceeded them in every aspect of earthly power, Jonathan heard these words from his armor bearer.  The two of them stand there with only one of two swords Israel possessed about to head uphill to engage the enemy.  This sort of action can only take place when ultimate trust and surrender come together.

In Romans 12:1, Paul urges his hearers to remember God’s mercy and calls them to surrender their lives as living sacrifices to God.  Paul just finished outlining the process of ‘grafting them in,’ bringing them into the Kingdom of God and giving them a precious and nourishing relationship with God (Romans 11).  This isn’t something God had to do.  This was solely the mercy of God, demonstrated by Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of all, and given to the undeserving.

Just like the Romans, it would do wonders for us if we could remember the mercy God’s shown to us and surrender once again, living our lives as a sacrifice to God.  While surrendering isn’t a natural response in humans, especially in our own culture, it is a critical part of our relationship with God. “I Surrender All” is a classic hymn and speaks highly about surrender. As you read the lyrics to this song, present it as a prayer of surrender to God.

I Surrender All

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow;
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

 All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame;
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!

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By Rich Obrecht 

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