STANDING STONE BIBLE
WEEKLY
September 18, 2023
A Point from pastor
“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?" - Jesus (Mt. 11:7).
Considering yesterday's sermon on the use of "seeing" in 1st John... look at the above question by Jesus. In this passage, Jesus was asked by messengers sent by his distraught cousin, John, if He was the Messiah. He sends them back assuring John that He is. He then speaks to the crowd about John's ministry asking them, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see?" Jesus encourages the crowd that John is not a weak reed cracked by the wind nor among the pampered wealth ("dressed in soft clothing"). John was a true prophet who proclaimed that the kingdom was at hand and the people should repent. He was the messenger preparing the way for the Messiah.
Yet, John was in prison.
His message and faith cost him his freedom and, soon after this, his life. Is it any wonder that this new kingdom would be subject to violence? Is it any wonder that evil men (don't forget the adversary behind the scenes) would be wanting to destroy this kingdom? Why should we wonder that this violence persists today?
Jesus stated of John that "among those born of women there has arisen no one greater" - and John doubted. When you doubt (you aren't John, so big assumption here you will doubt)... When you doubt God and His goodness, you might ask yourself what you went into the wilderness to see? Some are sold a package of "health and wealth" when they are presented Christ. Some are convinced that we merely repeat a quick prayer and heaven is secured without any real change in life (i.e. repentance). Others are just looking for the companionship promised. But, for those who are truly saved, it is not unlike going into the wilderness. It is, at the same time, an amazing, beautiful, glorious experience of peace, relief, and joy while also being a statement to the enemy that you are taking sides against him. Expect violence! Expect trouble! Expect a fight!
Yet, in the midst of that battle that all believers must endure, the final words of Matthew 11 promise us that Jesus will give us rest. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Seems like an oxymoron that, while facing a brutal enemy who seeks to destroy our kingdom, we should expect rest. That is the promise of Jesus. May your weary soul find rest. Look to and trust in Jesus for that rest.
Considering yesterday's sermon on the use of "seeing" in 1st John... look at the above question by Jesus. In this passage, Jesus was asked by messengers sent by his distraught cousin, John, if He was the Messiah. He sends them back assuring John that He is. He then speaks to the crowd about John's ministry asking them, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see?" Jesus encourages the crowd that John is not a weak reed cracked by the wind nor among the pampered wealth ("dressed in soft clothing"). John was a true prophet who proclaimed that the kingdom was at hand and the people should repent. He was the messenger preparing the way for the Messiah.
Yet, John was in prison.
His message and faith cost him his freedom and, soon after this, his life. Is it any wonder that this new kingdom would be subject to violence? Is it any wonder that evil men (don't forget the adversary behind the scenes) would be wanting to destroy this kingdom? Why should we wonder that this violence persists today?
Jesus stated of John that "among those born of women there has arisen no one greater" - and John doubted. When you doubt (you aren't John, so big assumption here you will doubt)... When you doubt God and His goodness, you might ask yourself what you went into the wilderness to see? Some are sold a package of "health and wealth" when they are presented Christ. Some are convinced that we merely repeat a quick prayer and heaven is secured without any real change in life (i.e. repentance). Others are just looking for the companionship promised. But, for those who are truly saved, it is not unlike going into the wilderness. It is, at the same time, an amazing, beautiful, glorious experience of peace, relief, and joy while also being a statement to the enemy that you are taking sides against him. Expect violence! Expect trouble! Expect a fight!
Yet, in the midst of that battle that all believers must endure, the final words of Matthew 11 promise us that Jesus will give us rest. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Seems like an oxymoron that, while facing a brutal enemy who seeks to destroy our kingdom, we should expect rest. That is the promise of Jesus. May your weary soul find rest. Look to and trust in Jesus for that rest.
THIS WEEK
Here are the highlights of classes and events THIS week
WICK - This apologetics study for women meets tonight at 7pm.
OA:sis - Wednesday night last week we ate some cheesy chicken enchiladas (they were great). Do you need a night out sometime this week? Join in at SSB for dinner this Wednesday at 6pm. You can stick around after for a study or prayer... or not. We'll save you a seat at the table.
Four the Master - Tuesday afternoon, Lord willing, Four the Master will be ministering again after taking a break for Mike to recoup. Note the prayer request below for Ron - that his congestion would clear. They'll be at Crown Pointe at 3pm. Check out the full schedule and details here.
LG notes: LG # and LG d will be meeting at different locations. Check with your group to confirm where. LG w will begin the "Spirit of the Antichrist - the Gathering Cloud of Deception" video series in October. This study of end times may be a good reason to join a life group is you haven't already... plug in!
OA:sis - Wednesday night last week we ate some cheesy chicken enchiladas (they were great). Do you need a night out sometime this week? Join in at SSB for dinner this Wednesday at 6pm. You can stick around after for a study or prayer... or not. We'll save you a seat at the table.
Four the Master - Tuesday afternoon, Lord willing, Four the Master will be ministering again after taking a break for Mike to recoup. Note the prayer request below for Ron - that his congestion would clear. They'll be at Crown Pointe at 3pm. Check out the full schedule and details here.
LG notes: LG # and LG d will be meeting at different locations. Check with your group to confirm where. LG w will begin the "Spirit of the Antichrist - the Gathering Cloud of Deception" video series in October. This study of end times may be a good reason to join a life group is you haven't already... plug in!
upcoming events
Make note of the classes and events available in the near future
Baptism - If you are a Jesus follower then you should follow Him into the baptism waters. If you have believed in Jesus then baptism is a means of obeying and proclaiming His claim on your life. Contact us if you are interested in an upcoming baptism class to learn more.
Ashland Bible Church - The plan is that Pastor Ken B will launch his time at SSB on October 1st. Be in prayer. You can also help... which may mean helping at SSB. As others that live close to Ashland are asked to help support the ABC church, we will have additional support needs at SSB as well.
Ashland Bible Church - The plan is that Pastor Ken B will launch his time at SSB on October 1st. Be in prayer. You can also help... which may mean helping at SSB. As others that live close to Ashland are asked to help support the ABC church, we will have additional support needs at SSB as well.
the Lord's day
We opened considering Rosh Hashanah. As we see these fall feast dates on the calendar, do we ignore or use those as a reminder that Jesus is returning. Are you ready? Are you clean? Are you excited?
We stepped our toe into 1st John 5 while also surveying the letter again from chapter 1. We tracked through all the times John speaks of "seeing" and found that a key purpose of his use of visual terms was to help us prioritize the importance of seeing and serving our brothers and sisters in Christ. As we saw in chapter 5, "brothers in Christ" is not just a figurative term. John is saying we are all literally "born" of the Father - they are our literal siblings. And our relationship with them is eternal. With the Spirit's indwelling, our love of God's family is how we show the Father love.
We stepped our toe into 1st John 5 while also surveying the letter again from chapter 1. We tracked through all the times John speaks of "seeing" and found that a key purpose of his use of visual terms was to help us prioritize the importance of seeing and serving our brothers and sisters in Christ. As we saw in chapter 5, "brothers in Christ" is not just a figurative term. John is saying we are all literally "born" of the Father - they are our literal siblings. And our relationship with them is eternal. With the Spirit's indwelling, our love of God's family is how we show the Father love.
The Moral of the story
Curare is a natural muscle relaxant. Coming from jungle plants, it has been used for centuries by South American Indians to coat arrows allowing them to bring down large animals. It was in 1799 that a Prussian scientist named Baron Von Humboldt saw it used firsthand, killing animals almost instantly. Unfortunately, not long after, Humboldt became sick and a local “witch” doctor forced him to drink curare diluted with water. He assumed he would die. Unexpectedly, though, he felt better after drinking it. The difference was in how it was administered: In the bloodstream it was deadly but orally it merely relaxed the muscles.
Too many so-called Christians have taken Christ “orally” and in a very diluted fashion. Their desire was to feel better and this “remedy” often accomplishes that, for a very short time. Christianity, though, is meant to be taken in such a way that we die to ourself, instantly. Just as Christ died, so must everyone who becomes a true Christ-follower. As Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). Is Jesus merely a medicine that helps you with your symptoms? Or is He your total cure that has brought your old self to death allowing a new creation to be born?
Too many so-called Christians have taken Christ “orally” and in a very diluted fashion. Their desire was to feel better and this “remedy” often accomplishes that, for a very short time. Christianity, though, is meant to be taken in such a way that we die to ourself, instantly. Just as Christ died, so must everyone who becomes a true Christ-follower. As Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). Is Jesus merely a medicine that helps you with your symptoms? Or is He your total cure that has brought your old self to death allowing a new creation to be born?
Prayer Prods
1. Surgery recoveries... Becky M, Janet B, & Shelley H
2. Cancer help and hope... Holly S's mom, Becky S's daughters, Magill's daughter, Peggy O, Pattie Z, Joe R.
3. Mary Scott losing Danna
4. Ashland Bible Church plans
5. Ron Miller with some severe congestion (preparing to sing in the quartet on Tuesday)
6. Joanie has an eye tumor... needing surgery
7. Several with continued long-term health battles
2. Cancer help and hope... Holly S's mom, Becky S's daughters, Magill's daughter, Peggy O, Pattie Z, Joe R.
3. Mary Scott losing Danna
4. Ashland Bible Church plans
5. Ron Miller with some severe congestion (preparing to sing in the quartet on Tuesday)
6. Joanie has an eye tumor... needing surgery
7. Several with continued long-term health battles
