5. 1. Jesus identifies with your
disappointment in how life turned out.
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and
working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit
being a "law person" so that I could be God’s person. Christ’s life
showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself
completely with Him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.
My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I
appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I
am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life
you see me living is not "mine”;
Galatians 2:19-21 (the Message)
6. 1. Jesus identifies with your
disappointment in how life turned out.
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and
working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit
being a "law person" so that I could be God’s person. Christ’s life
showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself
completely with Him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.
My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I
appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I
am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life
you see me living is not "mine”;
Galatians 2:19-21 (the Message)
7. 1. Jesus identifies with your
disappointment in how life turned out.
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and
working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit
being a "law person" so that I could be God’s person. Christ’s life
showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself
completely with Him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.
My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I
appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I
am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life
you see me living is not "mine”;
Galatians 2:19-21 (the Message)
8. 1. Jesus identifies with your
disappointment in how life turned out.
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and
working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit
being a "law person" so that I could be God’s person. Christ’s life
showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself
completely with Him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.
My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I
appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I
am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life
you see me living is not "mine”;
Galatians 2:19-21 (the Message)
9. 1. Jesus identifies with your
disappointment in how life turned out.
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and
working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit
being a "law person" so that I could be God’s person. Christ’s life
showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself
completely with Him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.
My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I
appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I
am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life
you see me living is not "mine”;
but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved
me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go
back on that.
Galatians 2:19-21 (the Message)
10. 1. Jesus identifies with your
disappointment in how life turned out.
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and
working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit
being a "law person" so that I could be God’s person. Christ’s life
showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself
completely with Him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.
My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I
appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I
am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life
you see me living is not "mine”;
but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved
me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go
back on that.
Galatians 2:19-21 (the Message)
11. 1. Jesus identifies with your
disappointment in how life turned out.
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and
working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit
being a "law person" so that I could be God’s person. Christ’s life
showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself
completely with Him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.
My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I
appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I
am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life
you see me living is not "mine”;
but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved
me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go
back on that.
Galatians 2:19-21 (the Message)
12. 2. Jesus has made it possible for us to enter
into “mystical union” with him, both his
suffering and resurrection
So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on
forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country
where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old
house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left
there for good? That is what happened in baptism.
When we went under the water, we left the old country
of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we
entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a
new land!
Romans 6:1-3(the Message)
13. 2. Jesus has made it possible for us to enter
into mystical union with him, both his
suffering and resurrection
That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we
are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus;
when we are raised up out
of the water, it is like the
resurrection of Jesus. Each
of us is raised into a light-
filled world by our Father so
that we can see where we’re
going in our new grace-
sovereign country.
Romans 6:3-5(the Message)
14. 3. When we identify with and unite with
Jesus we can exchange our burdens for His
blessings.
15. Jesus began his
ministry by
reading his
MISSION
Statement from
Isaiah 61
16. The Spirit of God, the
Master, is on me
because God anointed
me.
He sent me to preach
good news to the poor,
heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to
all captives,
pardon all prisoners.
17. God sent me to
announce the year of his
grace—
a celebration of God’s
destruction of our
enemies—
and to comfort all who
mourn,
To care for the needs of
all who mourn in Zion,
18. give them bouquets of
roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of
news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a
languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of
Righteousness"
planted by God to display
his glory.
They’ll rebuild the old
ruins… Isaiah 61 (The Message) quoted by
Jesus in Luke 4:17-19
Introductiongone to church 1 or 2"Jesus died FOR us." centuries scholars have debated translated?Jesus died INSTEAD of usJesus died ON BEHALF of us. common theme -- Jesus did for me what I cannot do for myself.
how does this fit in with Jesus’ invitation to take up our crosses and die with him? And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23DAILY? If he already went to the cross in our place 2000 years ago, why does he expect us to do that every day?
Come with me -- via Dolorosa imagine -- carrying a cross -- crucified. -- struggle -- heavy load -- steep hill of Calvary -- crucified along with Jesus. REALLY try and identify with HIM. Intimately acquainted Jesus: GOD who became man. Fall in love Rise with Him. Imagine ruling all the world with Him. Let’s see what that does to your faith…AND WORKS.Most of all be AUTHENTIC. What does that mean?First example -- NOT authentic
The Listener's QuestionHow to be authentic: INTERNET make it EASY to get away with itI failed reasons:1. immature2. tired or lazy 3. undisciplined daily worship: 4. resentment, jealousy and anger. (worse)5. I always kept trying to be somebody else: not being me.6. I think Satansingle parent, challenging. HOW can I grow up emotionally, intellectually and spirituallyHow can I be more authentic?
1. Jesus identifies with your disappointment in how life turned out. Jesus understands --frustrations and problems. Only -- benefit -- honestly confess -- shortcomings — our sins —authentic. Crucified with Christ --games of denial ---transparently --faults ---personality defects.<CLICK >Galatians 2:19-21 What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a "law person" so that I could be God’s person. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with Him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," HOLD IT! What about people who say: <CLICK>
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a "law person" so that I could be God’s person. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with Him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine”; <CLICK>
My life’s too short to put up with this crap. Or<CLICK>
Or<CLICK> Its’ MY life and I’ll do what I wanna!Or<CLICK>
I need to decide what is the best for ME.FUNNY! Common excuses for adultery!<Click>
but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that. Galatians 2:19-21 (the Message)
BUT it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.
2. Jesus has made it possible for us to enter into mystical union with him, both his suffering and resurrectionSo what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!
That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.Following Jesus, means joining his body: made up of other believers. It requires baptism. Many individuals have reported a mystical, spiritual experience when they went under the waters of baptism. Others may just remember being cold and wet and getting water up their nose. But the experience is not as important as the symbolism. Baptism is very illogical, mystical and other-worldly:
3. When we identify with and unite with Jesus we can exhange our burdens for his blessings. Identification and mystical union not religious mumbo jumbounion with Christ = mystical = transcends rational explanation: cannot be fully described. granted by God’s grace; not a loss - individual personality renewal of true personality not a withdrawal into isolation an involvement in service When we begin to see ourselves as INTIMATELY united with Christ in his crucifixion, burial and resurrection something begins to happen. new, deep inner motivation makes us hunger for "a Closer Walk" with the Lord. We not only sense Jesus’ love for us…we begin to love him in return.STARTS with polite discussion HIS living room -- to sharing a meal HIS dining table ---delights of the bridal chamber. He -- affect & infect our lives. fall in love Jesus, the lover of our souls, impatience, temper tantrums, jealousy and resentment phase out ~ gradually ~ suddenly) replaced, by peace joy, and kindness. This is the HOLY Spirit’s doing, not ours. Jesus died and rose -- death blow to Satan -- dark Kingdom. Rebuild our hopes -- dreams freed -- evil one’s tyranny
Jesus began his ministry by reading his MISSION Statement from Isaiah 61
Jesus began his ministry by reading his MISSION Statement from Isaiah 61Announce Freedom to All Captives1-7 The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken,Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace— a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies— and to comfort all who mourn,To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness" planted by God to display his glory.They’ll rebuild the old ruins…Isaiah 61 quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:17-19He said TODAY these words have come to pass!
Answer to the Listener's QuestionStop --own strength. Confess your sins -- be honest -- God -- others. Live authentically -- NO slave to pleasing people. BUT don’t stop at believing Jesus loves you: experience it both ways— return His love. Follow the Lord in Baptismlive as if you were part of the Body of Christ. Gather round his table, Feed on his WORD,draw life from other members of His Body. He promised exchange his qualities faults -- shortcomings. That was his whole purpose in coming to earth.
In the past we used to think of "sin" as NOT living a moral life. Today, what’s moral?post modern mind -- one who does not lead an authentic life. Actor who tries to be something they are not. Here’s how to be authentic:Rejoice -- gifts God gavestop trying to cover up -- compensate for your limitations. Confess the real truth about yourself God -- another person --trust. Stop denial willing to identify with Jesus on the cross and turn from your self deception. Grasp Grace fall in love with Jesus.
Answer to the Listener's QuestionIf you haven’t followed the Lord in Baptism, missing the most important turning event in your life. Speak – pastor -- suggestions -- ready to obey. Dramatization identifying with Christ – death -- burial -- resurrection. Many Christians -- first mystical experience of transcendence: -- fifth dimension.Others felt cold & wet & water up their nose. Actual experience -- not as important –faith --- understanding.If you -- Baptism, But neglected acting -- body of Christ, regular Church attendance -- bible study. -- Lord’s Supper spend time -- believers.
The Body of Christ -- a team. If Christianity -- sport, --Hockey than golf. Neglect Christian fellowship = denial = inauthentic living.Lone Ranger Christian = miserable ChristianJesus promised -- exchange Burdens -- hangups, --- character defects, --- unpleasant quirks replace –life – peace – joy – kindness -- long suffering. He promised to make you an "Oak tree of righteousness." Trust HIM and he will do it.
Yes Body made up many partsNO Individualism in the Body of Christ.CHRIST IS THE HEAD!Parts don’t always get alongJust like parts of my body don’t get along.For example: my brain – my knees.Christmas play:Dance Irish river dance– on my knees!It HURTS My knees objectMy brain says DO IT! We modified the steps so my knees can handle it.
ConclusionRather -- remembering Jesus suffering – crucifixion -- resurrection, Challenge -- share suffering – crucifixion – resurrection with him. Your minor troubles are YOUR cross to bear. Help YOU to identify with Christ.NOT spectator. Feel -- foot of the cross hear -- groans See blood -- tears. Smelling -- sweat Empathize -- agony. Imagine despair -- appreciate -- understand? Imagine -- sins -- foot of the cross. Lord’s Thanksgiving supper-- Baptism -- rituals help us identify with Jesus. Visualize broken body. Feel cold -- tomb
Imagine power -- Holy Spirit lifting -- gently -- bounding -- leap of triumph. That same power is available for you, if you only identify with Christ. don’t just remain – Cross & Grave -- future. King of Kings -- Lord of Lords --- Christ Pantocrator -- Lord Almighty --- King of Kings Rule His Kingdom -- eternity. -- look forward -- ruling with him. Perspective Grow up emotionally-- relationally – spiritually –HANDLE CRISIS!!!support check -- late for the 3 month -- Hydro -- cut off your electricity. kids are sick – NO babysitter – can’t work. pick up the kids -- ex’s lover -- recliner – christmas -- spilling beer Worked double shifts -- off work -- Castle Fun parkex won’t let you see them -- phony reasons.It takes a lot of Godly character to handle these situations.Identifying with Christ, -- Jesus character -- handle these crises -- overcome -- His Grace.