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South Fellowship Church

Sermon Series

Let Us Go | 1 Samuel 14:1-15

[vc_row height=”small” el_class=”dailyBody” css=”.vc_custom_1465516518912{margin-top: -25px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][us_image image=”31113″ size=”tnail-1×1″][us_separator height=”20px” size=”custom”][us_sharing providers=”email,facebook,twitter,gplus”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Have you realized that life moves at an alarmingly consistent rate? It doesn’t stop, it never slows down. Just last week I was reflecting on how quickly my kids are growing up. My oldest is asking more intelligent questions and using more advanced reason. My youngest is throwing temper-tantrums instead of embracing the sweet disposition he had for his first three years – oh, the good old days! I’m reminded of the old saying, “the days drag on, but the years fly by.” Like a river flowing, if we wait for time to stop, we will never jump into it and the moments will pass us by. It’s true of parenting, and it’s true of life in general.

Jonathan refuses to let life pass him by. He doesn’t receive a direct command from God, he simply sees an opportunity in front of him and seizes it. It’s reflected in the phrase “let us go” that appears two times in the narrative (1 Sam. 14:1, 6). Jonathan decides to live rather than being content with life passing him by. He decides to be an active agent in his story, rather than a passive observer. While it was a step of faith, it was also a decision to take initiative. The Apostle Paul encourages the church at Ephesus to be ‘opportunity seizing’ people. In Ephesians 5:15-16 he wrote, “15Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” The phrase “making the best use of the time” could literally be translated “buying back the opportunities.” We buy back the opportunities by making the most of every moment and refusing to be sidelines observers of our own lives. Jonathan modeled this for us well.

Buying back the opportunities is a challenge because it requires initiative. If we choose to take the posture of letting life happen to us, we become passive agents in the life we live. The scriptures never to call us to ‘let go and let God.’ The scriptures invite us to see and discern the world in front of us, and then to ask God how he might want us to imaginatively live in a way that brings his kingdom, goodness, and love. Just like Jonathan, we face opportunities in front of us brilliantly disguised as obstacles. What opposition is God inviting you to step into with a renewed “let us go” attitude? Listen to the song Oceans and ask God what steps he’s calling you to take. Existing is a given, but living is a choice. Today, choose to live.

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By Ryan Paulson |

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Let Us Go | 1 Samuel 14:1-152017-04-24T03:49:36-06:00

Becoming Human | Genesis 1:26-2:7

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The way you define what it means to be human WILL determine your outlook on life.

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26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27 So God created man in his own image,
    in the image of God he created him;
    male and female he created them.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

4 These are the generations
of the heavens and the earth when they were created,
in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.

5 When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, 6 and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

 

What does it mean to be human? If you ask a geneticist, you’d get an explanation of human beings on a molecular and DNA level. They might even explain to you the Human Genome Project undertaken in the 1990’s and completed in June of 2000. If you ask a biologist, they might inform you that homo sapiens are the most developed mammal species on the face of the plant. They’d tell you that human beings have one of the biggest brain in relation to their body weight – it’s one of the things that makes us human. If you ask an existential philosopher, they’d tell you that because we have the ability to think, reason, and to sustain life, we’re human. All of these definitions are correct to a certain extent, but they’re all incomplete and they all lack the essence of what it means to be human.

Definitions determine the way we see things. If you define and describe a hammer as a staple remover, that’s most likely the way you’ll use it. First of all good luck with that. But, you’ll miss out on all the things you could use it for as a hammer. If you define and describe a cell phone as a paper-weight, that’s what you’ll use it for, and then you’ll miss out on all the things it can do as a cell phone, like playing games and sending text messages. Our definitions and descriptions inform the expectations we have and the way we go about interacting with different objects. That’s why it’s so important to define what it means to be human. This will determine your outlook on life.

It’s important to wrestle with what it means to be human and come to a thoughtful, biblically-based answer. Have you ever heard someone say, “It feels like I was made for so much more?” Or maybe they expressed it by saying, “I want my life to count. I want it to matter. I want it to mean something.” All of those sentiments are the realization that being human includes far more than being a collection of matter and molecules. It’s more than just having a physical body. It’s more than being able to think and rationalize. We know intrinsically that life has meaning and purpose. There is a design, a reason behind it, and a goal for it. Today, listen to Switchfoot’s song Live it Well and think through the areas of your life you want to live more fully.[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]

By Ryan Paulson

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Becoming Human | Genesis 1:26-2:72019-01-23T22:34:11-07:00

Loved | Psalms 130:7-8

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son.

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7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
8 And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.

 

Children are wonderful and amazing creations. They’re sincere in the things they say, regardless of who they’re talking with. You can ask them what they think, and they will certainly tell you, sometimes with biting truth. But one thing is for certain: when they say they love you, it is the truth. Few earthly things do my heart better than to hear my granddaughter say ‘I love you, papaw.’ The notes of truth behind it have a timbre whose beauty rivals the most wonderful song. This is similar to the true love we can experience from God.

We’re reminded of God’s love in John 3:16, which seems to be memorized by nearly every Christian, and rightly so. When we quote this verse, we might miss the first phrase. But, let’s stop and reflect on how it’s so densely packed with love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son.” Sit back in your chair and think about this for just a moment, consider the depth of love in these few short words.

In Romans 8:39, we see the strength of God’s love for us and the psalmist says God’s love is steadfast. It’s not going anywhere. Nothing can get in its way. Nothing can dissuade God from having love for us. In addition, the love of the Father is most potently reflected in the Son by Jesus willingly laying down on the cross to be nailed there to die. With these images of love, read the words to ‘And Can It Be That I Should Gain?’. Remember once again the sacrifice caused by God’s steadfast love made on our behalf when it wasn’t at all deserved.

 

16 “For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have eternal life.
-John 3:16

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor rulers, nor things present
nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Romans 8:39

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By Rich Obrecht

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Loved | Psalms 130:7-82016-08-26T05:00:33-06:00

Opposition versus Opportunity | Matthew 5:43-45

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Every person who crosses your path becomes an opportunity to live your purpose.

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43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:43-45

 

In life, we all wonder about our purpose and attempt to define our goal. If you haven’t asked yourself these kinds of questions yet, it’s almost certain you will at some point. It’s a part of being human. Humans wonder what life existence is all about – what we, individually, have been designed for or what we will ultimately fulfill or accomplish by the end of life. These are good questions to ponder. In these times, we find ourselves considering what kind of legacy we want to leave behind or how we want be remembered.

The legacy of Mother Theresa is known virtually worldwide. She spent her life caring for the dying and she becomes a perfect example of Leviticus 19:13-18, where God calls us to live justly and love our neighbors. Mother Theresa was committed to a life-long demonstration of loving her neighbor, always giving dignity to those God placed in her path – both poor and rich. In fact, all the commandments focus on this very topic: loving our neighbor as ourselves (Romans 13:8-10).

Reading these scriptures today, we actually find our goal and purpose. We’re on earth to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Perhaps you’re quick to write this purpose off, thinking you’ll never be a Mother Theresa with such devotion to the dying, but with every person you love, you too, are loving the dying – as all people will one day face death. Every person who crosses your path becomes an opportunity to live your purpose. Take the next few moments to consider how to love others in the same way you love yourself and how to make the most of every opportunity with others today.

 

8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other,
for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,
You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,”
and any other commandment, are summed up in this word:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor;
therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
– Romans 13:8-10

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By Rich Obrecht

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Opposition versus Opportunity | Matthew 5:43-452016-07-08T05:00:36-06:00

Power versus Influence | Matthew 5:38-42

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Jesus models how to gain influence without striking back or withholding. 

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38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic,  let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. – Matthew 5:38-42

 

Our culture tells us to desire power and influence. We want power to cause things to happen and influence to change unfortunate situations into desirable ones. In this season, we even desire a leader to lead us with power and influence into a free world. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we contrast these desires with what Jesus says. Jesus gives four examples of where power and influence appear to be cast aside – when struck, he says to turn the other cheek; when sued, he says to give more; when told to march, we are to double the distance; when someone begs, we give or lend without regard to the person’s position.

Jesus’ direction seems to demonstrate a lack of power or influence. But, maybe not? Being struck on the right cheek indicates a blow by the back of the hand – the way a slave would have been struck. By turning the other cheek and not retaliating actually shows which person is really in control (or having influence) – the one struck. By giving one’s cloak as well as one’s tunic away in the courtroom would leave the person naked and perhaps embarrassed, but actually sheds light on the injustice of the scene, thus giving influence to the naked person.

Jesus is counter-cultural. His ministry demonstrated this fact all the time: talking, eating, and celebrating with the ‘wrong’ crowd, for example. Here, we have four lessons on being counter-cultural and learning to do what is least expected. In doing so, we are able to influence those around us by choosing a subversive way. This actually puts us in a position to be listened to and opens hearts to hear the Good News. Yet, this is a difficult task – it requires patience, risk and self-control. As you reread the passage today – write down the four examples Jesus uses and how each gains influence without striking back or withholding. Choose the one which speaks loudest to you and pray for God’s help to implement it this week.

 

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil.
But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic,  let him have your cloak as well.
41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
– Matthew 5:38-42

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By Rich Obrecht

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Power versus Influence | Matthew 5:38-422016-07-07T05:00:00-06:00

Vengeance versus Trust | Matthew 5:38-48

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Understanding the depth of God’s love, frees us to release our desire for vengeance.

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38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic,  let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. ’44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:38-48

 

Parents have innumerable opportunities to demonstrate love toward their children. When someone says something mean or hurtful to a child, a parent can hold them close and soothe their emotional pain. Knowing they’re loved, children can forgive and begin to forget the wrong they’ve experienced. Thus, experiencing love, deepens a child’s trust in their parent’s love and ultimately releases them into the freedom of forgiveness.

God’s love for us is far greater than a parent’s love for their child. As God’s children, we’re truly and deeply loved by him, and absolutely nothing has the power to change or remove his love from us. In Romans 12:14-21, Paul describes how Christians should reflect this same kind of love toward one another. Paul invites us to go against cultural norms and release the vengeance we feel by going to God with it. We can receive the strength of his love to then offer such counter-cultural love to those who do us harm. With God’s love, we might even have the power to meet their physical needs.

Understanding the depth of God’s love, frees us to release our distresses, frees us to forgive those who’ve done us wrong, and frees us to live in an abundance of trust. With this banner of freedom, we can live everyday with assurance – knowing God always cares for us, protects us and his perfect justice will fight for us. Before going about your day, stop for a few minutes to sit in the thought of God’s love for you. Write out a prayer of what God’s love means for your day and your tomorrow.

 

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty,
but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God,
for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink;
for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
– Romans 12:14-21

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By Rich Obrecht

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Vengeance versus Trust | Matthew 5:38-482016-07-06T05:00:08-06:00

Fair versus Merciful | Matthew 5:43-48

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As God loves, we love – and that includes our enemies.  

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43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:43-48

 

Friends and family can be some of the easiest people to love. Love toward them comes easy when we know they love us, but loving one’s enemy is more uncomfortable. What’s often more difficult is lifting them before the altar of God in prayer, yet this is the very thing we’re called to do. Jesus mentions the insignificance of loving those who reciprocate love compared to the complete love of God – demonstrated by loving his enemies.

As a simple example of God’s complete love, we notice how God sends both rain and sun on everyone. These two essential elements are necessary for life on planet Earth, and God supplies them for everyone regardless of whether they are ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Even more profoundly, Jesus laid himself on the cross, knowing the complete injustice of the act, and offers forgiveness to everyone through his suffering. Given the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, we’re now united with his love – which means we cannot do otherwise. As God loves, we love – and that includes our enemies.

We don’t to stop loving those who love us, but just as God loves all and lavishes his goodness without finding fault, we’re directed to love those who don’t reciprocate our love and furthermore to love those who oppose it. We’re called to pray for them! This doesn’t seem fair, but it’s merciful. As a reflective activity, listen to the song ‘Mercy’ by Matt Redman and pray for God’s mercy toward those opposing you or the people you love.

 

But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,’
– Matthew 5:44

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By Rich Obrecht

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Fair versus Merciful | Matthew 5:43-482016-07-05T05:00:00-06:00

Law versus Grace | Matthew 5:38-48

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Until we can take the teachings of Christ and root them in our hearts, the life Christ has for us can’t be fulfilled.

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38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:38-48

 

In this part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes dramatic comments for those who choose to live the Christian life.  Earlier in Matthew 5:17, Jesus describes how he comes not to abolish the law, but to fulfill the law.  As we read his words today, we witness a movement from understanding the law towards experiencing grace.  The short but very transitional phrase Jesus says is, “But I say to you.”

We also witness a movement from the external to the internal within the text.  When reading the Old Testament laws, we naturally relate them to outward appearances.  However, here we find Jesus describing external appearances as something rooted – an internal, deep-set, heart-anchored reality. Over and over, we find Jesus demonstrating that what resides in our heart will present itself in our appearance.

Until we can take the teachings of Christ – the same teachings from the Old Testament – and root them in our hearts, the life Christ has for us can’t be fulfilled. As you reflect on Pastor Ryan’s message and how he described kingdoms in conflict, take up the challenge to read Matthew 5:38-48 everyday this week with a different lens. Today, read the passage noticing aspects of law verse grace. Then decide on one way to show this type of grace to someone today (this might need to be yourself).

 

Do you think that I have come
to abolish the Law and the Prophets:
I have not come to abolish them
but to fulfill them.
– Matthew 5:17

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By Rich Obrecht

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Law versus Grace | Matthew 5:38-482016-07-04T05:00:50-06:00

Legacy | Genesis 48:21-22

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The sum of what we deposit into the lives of others becomes our legacy!

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21 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover, I have given to you rather than to your brothers one mountain slope that I took from the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow.” – Genesis 48:21-22

Whenever we go over to a friend’s house, my daughter immediately makes herself at home by taking off her shoes and socks and jacket. She has a way of depositing things in every corner of the house, making it quite the undertaking to find everything when it’s time to leave. When it’s time to depart, we give the instruction like any other parent, “Go find everything that you brought with you.” That works about 1% of the time, but we keep hoping. Inevitably, we get home and realize that we’ve left socks, jackets, and one of our children over at our friend’s house!

That’s the way life works, too. We’re always leaving things behind. In every conversation, we leave something behind. Whether the conversation is laced with encouragement or drenched with envy. Whether the interaction is sealed with a smile or a scolding glance. Whether infused with compliment or criticism. We always leave something behind, and eventually, the sum of what we deposit into the lives of others becomes our legacy!

As Jacob’s life is coming to a close, he wants the people closest to him to grasp the things most important to him. He delivers these in a way of blessing as he prays over his family. He reminds his family how God has provided every step of the way. He recounts God’s faithfulness to His promises. And he reassures them of God’s continuing presence just as God continued with him. Jacob knows that he is leaving this world, but he’s confident God will remain present! He intentionally sets up time with the people he loves most to ‘leave some things behind.’ It’s the way legacies are made and it’s the way important lessons are passed down.

As Jacob reflects on his life, he sees God’s faithfulness at every turn. Take some time today and reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life. Listen to Never Once by Matt Redman and soak in the reality that you, too, have ‘never walked alone.’ May this faith and confidence be the thing you leave behind every day and in every circumstance.

 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
– Lamentations 3:22-23

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By Ryan Paulson

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Legacy | Genesis 48:21-222016-07-01T05:00:32-06:00

Hindsight | Genesis 48:15-16

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Looking back helps you see how God is actively involved in your life.

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15 And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, 16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” – Genesis 48:15-16

Jacob reflects back on his life and can see God’s faithfulness. God went before his grandfather, Abraham, and walked with his father, Isaac. And, at the end of Jacob’s life, he can say with confidence, “God has been my shepherd all my [whole] life long” (Genesis 48:15). Of course, there were times when Jacob did not sense closeness with God or believe God would come through. Yet, when he looks back, Jacob sees God in every situation. Like a shepherd, God watched over him, prodded him, coddled him and directed him. Jacob even recalls how the “angel” wrestled with him and delivered him.

Unfortunately, with all the noise around us, it can be difficult to reflect and even more difficult to remain present. But for all of us, hindsight is 20/20. We can see God’s faithfulness after the fact – but only if we’re looking for it. When you look back over your life, do you notice God’s faithfulness? Can you name times when God has been your shepherd – prodding or protecting you? Looking back helps you see how God is actively involved in your life. Plus, reflecting will help you recognize and experience God in the present, too.

We all want to experience God and his character, not just recognize him in hindsight. Today, take time to listen to Eric Nevin’s podcast and hear how everyday believers are experiencing God – both in hindsight and in the present. Allow these stories to help you reflect back on God’s faithfulness in your story too. Feel free to return to this resource anytime you need encouragement in your walk with God.

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
– Hebrews 12:1-2

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By Yvonne Biel 

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Hindsight | Genesis 48:15-162016-06-30T05:00:38-06:00
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