Brian Newman on Isaiah 60

After reviewing the plight of the Jews last week, we now focus on God's glory in Isaiah 60 which  to us, is overwhelming.  A brilliant sermon based first on Brian's personal experience and his "dreams" and then exploring Isaiah's words about God's dream, where we explore, 1) what it is, 2)  who this dream is for and 3) how it's attained.  The service begins as Kerry sets the atmosphere for our study with "Fairest Lord Jesus" and sums it up at the end of the service by observing that our ultimate goal is to have "no barriers between me and Christ".

Sermon notes:  Brian had two dreams:  Based on his experience living in New York's jewish culture, he had permission to hate Arabs; the second was "they will get theirs some day".  Then 9/11 came along and validated his belief, this icon, came true!  Then in December, 1980, John Lennon died and this event "really resonated" with Brian. Lennon believed the complete opposite of Brian and his hating.  Imagine, there is no heaven,  Lennon's utopia is still not true.  Now, there here is a conflict seeking resolution, a sense of vengence vs. "peace", where everyone gets along.

Isaiah 60 presents a different dream, represented by the Hebrew word "Kabod": God's overwhelming glory.  There are not human words to describe God and heaven.  We, live in our rational minds, but not so with God.  "My glory will come upon you and you will worship me". Now, the dwelling of God is with people.  God's #1 priority is "being" with people.
Then, "lift up your eyes and look about you".  (What the Jews saw were "Arabs" -Kadar) but "nations will come", all- will be in heaven.  Isaiah 60 is God's dream.

Finally, who is this dream for?  The nature of God is diversity.  (note here Pastor's Bill's comments two weeks ago, " we are here to reconcile" .)  If God's nature is diversity, how does this dream come true?
The answer is that Jesus empties Himself, so we can have life.  Therefore, our mission becomes "Don't put your light under a bushel ", let no barrier exist between you and Christ (the idols) and, as James reminds us, "Count this joy", PERSEVERING JOY!

Reflections on "Persevering Joy"

From memory, state the second Commandment:

Search the soul if unable to do so; persevering joy can be attained only by "giving up one's idols".
Pastor Bill has led LMCC on an amazing journey over this past year.  The theme, demonstrated by many different experiences in church life, resounds the message:  "Therefore, give up your idols!"  (note, it may take a lifetime to understand what they are.)

Now, if one wishes to take a "next step", memorize the second commandment so that one may fulfill the first commandment.  One should not waste time on the other eight (please don't quote this out of context), as the first two are the spiritual foundation, sequentially necessary to begin experiencing "true joy" while persevering over the others.  May God continue to bless you!
RJ

Ralston Elementary

Today is 1/11/11.  Ten days ago, our church flooded.  Our service Sunday was held at Ralston Elementary School and it was one of "perserving joy"!  It was a time to "begin...again".  The short sermon was:  Christ died for our sins, our punishment has been paid, so get on with glorifying God by reconciling ourselves and the world to Him.  James reminds his brethren that we should rationally THINK in responding to the testing of our faith and "realize" these experiences worketh perseverance!  Hence, the title of the sermon, "Persevering Joy", an ideal place to begin for those of us in the desert or those of us that are "all wet".

The long sermon began in the snow at our deserted church building, reminding us of our roots, when Rev. Lyle Schossow held the first service at our pioneer church in the valley.  He stood on the front step and wondered if anyone would come.  There have been many trials and temptations since then, and now, we begin, again, which, incidentally, is an American institution.

We now take "the next step", individually and corporately, lead by an experienced, committed team.  In a week or so, we will have the opportunity to participate in a new, inspiring way.  To prepare, pause and think about James I and also about your dreams and your story as you begin 2011.  You will have a unique opportunity which begins simply by writing down answers to two questions:  1) What are your dreams? and 2) What is your story?  Our goal is "persevering joy"!  Your answers may reveal whether you are choosing to just react to life or that you realize you're standing in the gap and can proactively,...become.  Should you trust enough to share your story, prepare for a miraculous 2011!
RJ

1/1/11: Time to begin,...again

"Everybody needs a little baptism once in a while"  Pastor Bill

"Sounds like there are some good things going on there" Fuller seminary graduate student Tim J.

"God is always at work around you"  Henry Blackaby

"Count it pure joy, my brethren, when you face trials of many kinds, for the testing of your faith worketh perseverance."  James 1:1  Pastor Bill adds, "Therefore, give up your idols!"

Yes, it's 1/1/11,  a sign of the time to begin...again!

RJ