Real Dudes,
Do you ever wonder why something pops into your head out of nowhere? This happened to me this morning as our coffee and prayer team was serving our community. While I was waving at those passing by, this hymn kept playing over and over in my head. After reading the article below, I’m taking some time to reflect on what was going through Eiza’s mind over 100 years ago and how some of our churches are just finally getting back to this truth…making ministry about getting to know more about Jesus as well as more about showing His grace to others. Reminds me of one of my favorite verses… 2 Peter 3:18 (CSB) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Hope this hymn and the story behind it are a motivation and encouragement to each of you today. Practicing His Presence, Nate MORE ABOUT JESUS written in 1887 The Story Eliza Hewitt (1851-1920) wrote this song as she was studying the promises of God that had been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The more she studied, the more excited she became as she saw Scripture fulfilled in every aspect of the life of Jesus. All Scripture, she discovered, focused on Jesus Christ. It is especially significant that Eliza was so faithfully seeking God at this point in her life. At the time, she was recovering from a severe spinal injury. A Philadelphia schoolteacher, Eliza had been struck in the back with a heavy slate by one of her students. She became a virtual shut-in for many years… but eventually was able to be involved in the ministries of her church, the Calvin Presbyterian Church. Eliza was never able to go back to teaching in public schools, but she did continue to be involved in Sunday School; at one point, her class had as many as 200 children! There, she was able to combine the 2 great loves of her life: children and Jesus. She wrote several hymns you have heard, “When We All Get to Heaven,” “Sunshine in My Soul,” “Will there be any Stars in My Crown?” and this hymn. The Song Read this hymn, and – today – commit to learning even more about Jesus! More about Jesus would I know, more of His grace to others show; more of His saving fullness see, more of His love Who died for me. Refrain More, more about Jesus; more, more about Jesus; more of His saving fullness see, more of His love Who died for me. More about Jesus let me learn, more of His holy will discern; Spirit of God, my teacher be, showing the things of Christ to me. (Refrain) More about Jesus; in His Word, holding communion with my Lord; hearing His voice in every line, making each faithful saying mine. (Refrain) More about Jesus; on His throne, riches in glory all His own; more of His kingdom’s sure increase; more of His coming, Prince of Peace. (Refrain) https://thescottspot.wordpress.com/2016/05/21/more-about-jesus-written-in-1887/#:~:text=Eliza%20Hewitt%20(1851%2D1920),of%20the%20life%20of%20Jesus.
0 Comments
After preaching from John 8:2-20, God laid on my heart a couple other thoughts and passages. Yes, He is The Light of the World, so then why does The Gospel of Matthew communicate to us that followers of Jesus are the light of the world? Here are a few ADDITIONAL passages and articles to Consider!!!
Matthew 5:14-16 (CSB) Believers Are Light 14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. ***How does this phrase in verse 14 come alongside the fact that Jesus is THE Light of the World? How does it fit in with the passage I preached on from John 8:2-20? In John MacArthur’s NKJV study bible page 1400 (the footnote for verse 16) tells us about what it means to be the “light to shine. A godly life gives convincing testimony of the saving power of God. That brings Him glory. Cf. 1 Pet. 2:12.”
ARTICLE FROM gotquestions.org In the analogy of light to the world, the good works of Christ’s followers are to shine for all to see. The following verses in Matthew 5 highlight this truth: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16, NASB). The idea here is similar—the presence of light in darkness is something that is unmistakable. The presence of Christians in the world must be like a light in the darkness, not only in the sense that the truth of God’s Word brings light to the darkened hearts of sinful man (John 1:1-10), but also in the sense that our good deeds must be evident for all to see. And indeed, our deeds will be evident if they are performed in accordance with the other principles that Jesus mentions in this passage, such as the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-11. Notice especially that the concern is not that Christians would stand out for their own sake, but that those who looked on might “glorify your Father who is in heaven” (v. 16, KJV). In view of these verses, what sorts of things can hinder or prevent the Christian from fulfilling his or her role as salt and light in the world? The passage clearly states that the difference between the Christian and the world must be preserved; therefore, any choice on our part that blurs the distinction between us and the rest of the world is a step in the wrong direction. This can happen either through a choice to accept the ways of the world for the sake of comfort or convenience or to contravene the law of obedience to Christ. Mark 9:50 suggests that saltiness can be lost specifically through a lack of peace with one another; this follows from the command to “have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” And in Luke 14:34-35, we find a reference to the metaphor of salt once again, this time in the context of obedient discipleship to Jesus Christ. The loss of saltiness occurs in the failure of the Christian to daily take up the cross and follow Christ wholeheartedly. It seems, then, that the role of the Christian as salt and light in the world may be hindered or prevented through any choice to compromise or settle for that which is more convenient or comfortable, rather than that which is truly best and pleasing to the Lord. Moreover, the status of salt and light is something that follows naturally from the Christian’s humble obedience to the commandments of Christ. It is when we depart from the Spirit-led lifestyle of genuine discipleship that the distinctions between ourselves and the rest of the world become blurred and our testimony is hindered. Only by remaining focused on Christ and being obedient to Him can we expect to remain salt and light in the world. https://www.gotquestions.org/salt-and-light.html ADDITIONAL ARTICLE FROM gotquestions.org In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Of course, it is not technically our light that should shine before others. It is the light of Christ, entrusted to believers as light-bearers (cf. John 1:8). In other words, we do not produce the light within us. God does. And through our good works, people may glorify the One who gives that light. One of the ways to let our light shine before others is to show compassion to others. Jesus expressed deep compassion for all people, regardless of their ethnic background, social status, gender, or personal beliefs (Matthew 9:36; 15:32; Mark 6:34). As Christians, we should follow His example by showing compassion and kindness to everyone. Another way to let our light shine before others is to practice humility (Philippians 2:1–11). Christians are called to be humble in all things, knowing that it is only through the grace of God that we “live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Humility also means the willingness to confess our sins before God and others (Luke 15:21; James 5:16). In doing so, we demonstrate our receptivity to correction and guidance (Proverbs 15:32). Generosity is another means of letting our light shine before others. Christians are called to be generous with their money, time, resources, and love (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:16). After all, everything that we have belongs to God (Deuteronomy 10:14). So, we should share our God-given blessings with those in need and give without expecting anything in return (Luke 6:30). Forgiveness, too, is a means of letting our light shine before others. Jesus taught that we should forgive others as we have been forgiven (Matthew 18:15–20; cf. Ephesians 4:32). Thus, we should seek reconciliation with those who have wronged us—and with those whom we have wronged—to promote peace and unity (cf. Ephesians 2:14). There are many ways to let our light shine before others. We can volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, donate money to a charity, or be kind and compassionate to someone in need. We can also lend an ear to a friend who is going through a tough time and offer words of encouragement, or we can simply smile and say, “Hello,” to a stranger on the street (cf. Hebrews 13:2). Perhaps the best way to let our light shine before others is to share the gospel, the “good news,” with others. The good news is that God redeems sinners through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). If we believe in the person and work of Christ (who He is and what He did), then we are saved from eternal condemnation. We should not keep this message to ourselves; good news is meant to be shared, and we should make it visible for everyone to see (Matthew 28:19). The ultimate purpose of letting our light shine before others is not to draw attention to ourselves or to promote our own interests; rather, it is about living in such a way that others will glorify our Father in heaven. Of course, this is not an easy task. It can be difficult to maintain a spirit of compassion, humility, generosity, and forgiveness in a world that is often characterized by hatred, anger, and division. We may even be met with resistance and opposition (Matthew 10:16; John 15:18). But we are not alone. We have the Holy Spirit within us, and He empowers and guides us to reflect the glory of God. https://www.gotquestions.org/let-your-light-shine.html Lastly, in Genesis we read that we are image-bearers of God. Which means that we too can share in some of His characteristics. As He is The of the Light…we too can reflect His character and be a light to the world.
Practicing His Presence, Nate Real Dudes,
Below is the link to the message I had the opportunity to preach last Sunday. Also, below are the notes if you'd rather read through some of it. Don't feel obligated to watch or read, just something available to each of you. Was thankful for what God spoke to me and would love to share that with each of you as well. Hope y'all are doing amazing...miss ya! Nate Link to message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ZxHBRf8b4&list=PLapnQlqbrLuJhPsDYnDxpr89ly2c27aAX&t=6s Message Notes: John 8:2-20 (CSB) An Adulteress Forgiven 2 At dawn he went to the temple again, and all the people were coming to him. He sat down and began to teach them. 3 Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center. 4 “Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. 5 In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him. Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. 7 When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. 9 When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only he was left, with the woman in the center. 10 When Jesus stood up, he said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” The Light of the World 12 Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying about yourself. Your testimony is not valid.” 14 “Even if I testify about myself,” Jesus replied, “my testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I’m going. But you don’t know where I come from or where I’m going. 15 You judge by human standards. I judge no one. 16 And if I do judge, my judgment is true, because it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. 17 Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18 I am the one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me.” 19 Then they asked him, “Where is your Father?” “You know neither me nor my Father,” Jesus answered. “If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” 20 He spoke these words by the treasury, while teaching in the temple. But no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come. The Light of the World
The First Truth about what The Light is capable of exposing…is Himself through The Word. The Light Exposes/Reveals Himself through The Word
The Second Truth about what The Light is capable of exposing…is one’s Flaws. The Light Exposes/Reveals one’s Flaws
6 They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him. Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. 7 When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. 9 When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only he was left, with the woman in the center. Two objects in Scripture that are used as examples to expose one’s flaws are…
and may you forgive, act, and give to everyone according to all their ways, since you know each heart, for you alone know every human heart,
The Third Truth about what The Light is capable of exposing…is His Mercy!!! The Light Exposes/Reveals His Mercy and Forgiveness.
14 “Even if I testify about myself,” Jesus replied, “my testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I’m going. But you don’t know where I come from or where I’m going. 15 You judge by human standards. I judge no one. 16 And if I do judge, my judgment is true, because it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me.
Take Aways…
If you’re here today and you want to follow Jesus but are unsure of what that looks like, then again, please see me or reach out to me. Excited to see how God is going to work through this I AM series and in your life. Real Dudes,
The following passages have a two-fold instructional purpose to them. First, for those who chose to invest in others and teach them from God’s word…be trustworthy, take it seriously, teach truth, and don’t teach about yourself / don’t make it about you. Secondly, for those who are learning…search for truth in God’s word, test the spirits / be discerning about what you’re being taught…if truths, then continue in them / remain faithful with them and then teach them to others also. These truths aren’t meant to scare us from wanting to teach or learn, rather they’re meant to show us our responsibility in all of it and to take our approach as seriously as possible. Remember, it's a sacred trust to speak and teach on His behalf. Keep leaning into God and remain sensitive to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. Be in His word and have a desire to share what you’ve learned with others. Luke 12:12 (NLT) reminds us of something very important, “for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” Praying for each of us!!! Nate Acts 17:11 (NLT) And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 1 John 4:1 (NLT) Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 2 Timothy 3:14 (NLT) But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. James 3:1 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Corinthians 4:5 (NLT) You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. Real Dudes,
Our communities have protective services in place. We have adult and child protective services available in order to keep individuals safe. There are a number of agencies to contact who can assist when intervention is needed. In Philippians chapter 4, the Apostle Paul reminds us of a protective service that can only come from God. When we feel as though our hearts and minds are under attack and need protection, God tells us to call on Him in prayer and He’ll provide for us a peace that will protect and keep us thinking right. Will you call on Him today? He won't put you on hold...you'll have direct and immediate access, so please don't hesitate. Practicing His Presence, Nate Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. |
AuthorNate Smith is a college baseball and football coach, a husband, a father of 6 girls, grandpa to 3 granddaughters, a police chaplain, a pastor, and has a passion to see men grow in Christ. #girldad including granddaughter
Archives
March 2024
Categories |