Testing Our Christian Walk
Robert Marsh
Midland SDA Church
May 18, 2013
Object: To show our Christian walk is totally dependent on how much we truly depend on Jesus’ righteousness.
Outline:
I. Introduction and comments.
II. How to get at this question...Some examples.
a. Noah’s ark...would you have gotten aboard?...how can you know what you would do?
b. One person’s list of traditional Adventist Christians vs the True Adventist Christians.
III. How the Christian walk begins
a. Desire for something better.
b. A knowledge of something better comes through a knowledge of Jesus and the cross.
c. Conviction of our sinful nature/life.
d. Recognize we are helpless.
e. Giving up on ourselves...Surrender.
f. Come to Jesus...just as we are.
g. Receive the GIFT of repentance.
h. Receive the GIFT of forgiveness or rather Justification...by faith.
i. The miracle of Conversion...born again.
III. How the Christian walk is continued.
a. Daily repeating the steps above.
b. Signs we may see as we daily abide in Christ.
Hymns : 516 “All The Way” ; 507 “Moment by Moment”
Scripture Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous
man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon
him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Testing our Christian Walk
How was your week?
Before I start my sermon topic for today I want to share some “old news” you may find interesting.
Here we are Sabbath, May 18, 2013 … sunny day nice high temperature to be about 76 and low of 53.
Now if we go back to May 18, 1960…53 years ago our recorded high was 78 and low of 56. (I’m not going to make a big deal that today’s cooler temperature seems counter to global warming theories) And this too was a sunny Wednesday in 1960.
And coincidentally, a special day for me. About this time exactly 53 years ago I was driving into Midland to Bandeen Chevrolet to pick up my very first car…and what a cooperative-weather day to enjoy my new convertible.
I drove it a few miles and picked up this beautiful high school girl that remains my wife for over 50 years now.
Oh yes the day’s events did not end there a half hour after picking up that high school girl I got a traffic violation for improper passing on the right of a stopped car waiting to make a left turn .
That dampened our spirits.
Lets jump ahead exactly two years…about to the hour its May 18,1962… a even warmer Friday 90 high and 68 low. We sold our convertible after driving it for exactly two years.
(The details might show I also accumulated several not so innocent tickets.) But things are looking up I am now on a plan to restart my education that fall in 1962.
Some more old news.... from Adventist news network bulletin for May 31, 2000…13 years ago.
ANN Bulletin Adventist News Network Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters
May 31, 2000
Silver Spring, MD, USA .... [ANN]
“Reports in the early 1990's of the supposed health benefits of moderate wine drinking in reducing heart disease led to an increase in wine consumption in the United States of 50 percent. But the basis for the conclusion-the lower incidence of deaths from heart attacks in France compared to other nations-is unproven, says France's health minister, Dominique Gillot.”
"There is no scientific consensus today over the protective effect of alcohol," says Gillot. "The link between the quantity of alcohol consumed and the increased risk of diseases, particularly cancer, is, on the other hand, scientifically validated."
The belief that drinking wine helps protect against heart disease is wrong, according to The Globe magazine, published by the Institute of alcohol Studies in the United Kingdom.
In the Globe report published earlier this year, some scientists believe that the French statistics on coronaries are under-reported, and that because of the high rates of alcohol-related diseases such as liver disease and gastrointestinal cancer, people in France are dying from such causes before they have heart attacks. Life expectancy rates in France and the United States are similar…..
Now we will jump back 123 years ago…In 1890 … Ellen White declared “There will be thousands converted to the truth in a day who at the eleventh hour see and acknowledge the truth and the movements of the Spirit of God.”--EGW'88 755 (1890).
Christ used the wind as a symbol of the Spirit of God. As the wind bloweth whither it listeth, and we cannot tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth, so it is with the Spirit of God. We do not know through whom it will be manifested. But I speak not my own words when I say that God's Spirit will pass by those who have had their day of test and opportunity, but who have not distinguished the voice of God or appreciated the movings of His Spirit. Then thousands in the eleventh hour will see and acknowledge the truth. "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed" (Amos 9:13). These conversions to truth will be made with a rapidity that will surprise the church, and God's name alone will be glorified. Letter 43, 1890, p. 5. (To Brother Olsen, December 15, 1890.) {1MR 179.1}
Now we come back to the May 31, 2000 Bulletin report.
One Week-27,100 Baptisms May 31, 2000 …13 years ago.
Lima, Peru .... [ANN]
--------------------------------
In just one week, 27,100 new members joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Peru in what is believed to be the largest increase ever over such a time period. The baptisms, held throughout the country, accompanied the "Impacto 2000" outreach program held at the San Marcos Stadium in Lima by evangelist Alejandro Bullon. The program was watched live on TV, cable and satellite broadcasts in Peru and in the Spanish-speaking areas of South and Inter-America.
"This shows that no one knows what God will do," comments pastor Raul Gomez, leader of the Adventist Church in Peru. "Jesus just said go and make disciples. That's what we as pastors and lay members are doing, through small groups studying the Bible together."
Participating in the finale of the program called "Es Tiempo de Ver a Jesús," ("It is Time to See Jesus") was Pastor Jan Paulsen, world president of the Adventist Church, and Pastor Ruy Nagel, president of the Church in South America. Paulsen concluded the event by baptizing the final two candidates, Victor and Roberto, on May 27.
"This event well illustrates the amazing church growth here in Peru and throughout South America," comments Paulsen. "For my wife Kari and myself, this has been a truly astonishing experience-to see the Holy Spirit working in so many ways to lead to this dramatic event of Impacto 2000. We are just so delighted to be part of this-to be present as so many have committed their lives to the Lord."
Think on this “old news” situation! In 1890 there were a total of about 28000 SDA members when this prophetic statement was made. In one week and in one country 27,100 people were baptized! About 4000 per day in that country alone. For many years now we have been averaging well over 1000 per day!
Now for today’s message…
My experience in developing a theme for a Sabbath service:
A. Self awareness ... Nervousness at speaking.
B. Awareness of my own experience that falls so short of any good thing I might present.
C. Too much of my life living apart from God...not really depending on Him...not really feeling the full assurance of His salvation.
D. BUT though I fail too often I trust I do have a great message to RELAY...I can take no real credit for much original thought.
Prayer
II. Some examples of ways to get at this question of how one tests their Christian walk.
If you had lived thousands of years ago…in Noah’s time would you have got on board Noah’s ark?...How can you assess? Ask yourself...what are my real priorities?...to what extent is my heart involved in things that reflect my relationship with God? The Bible says “as it was in the days of Noah so shall it be ...”
One author presented a list of attributes of the “traditional SDA Christian person” to a group of pastors at Andrews University.
“Traditional Adventist Church person”...Or perhaps the SDA Laodicean person…
The Christian remnant on the other hand....
III. How does the Christian walk begin?
It is too often the case that though we Christians have, in the past come to Christ, We need to come to Christ again...How do we do this?
The first step happens when, though we may not recognize it, the Holy Spirit speaks to us and we come to desire something better. The second step is a knowledge of what it is that is better is brought to our heart. This knowledge includes the cross and what Jesus has done.
Then the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sinful state and our need. (Here at this point is where many languish as they say I got to start working on my sins...gotta stop doing this ...gotta stop this thinking...etc) . Jesus said of himself John 5:19... “, The Son can do nothing of himself” .
So the third step is to recognize we are helpless to do anything of ourselves.
And the fourth step then is “Giving up...i.e. surrender”...giving up on ourselves...the idea that I can do anything about it by myself.
These two last steps - to recognize we are helpless and giving up on ourselves - are where the real battle is.
...Strong people have the biggest problem here, that is why Jesus said to the Pharisees in Matt 21:31 “Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. “
The weak know they have no righteousness of their own....the “strong” feel sufficient...sufficiently righteous...sufficient to handle life without relying on God for the gift of His power to live victorious lives.
EGW says in Steps to Christ..
”There are those who... seek to perform the duties of the Christian life as that which God requires of them in order to gain heaven. Such religion is worth nothing. {SC 44.2}
( There are those who profess to serve God, while they rely upon their own efforts to obey His law, to form a right character, and secure salvation. Their hearts are not moved by any deep sense of the love of Christ, but they seek to perform the duties of the Christian life as that which God requires of them in order to gain heaven. Such religion is worth nothing. When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of action. Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the object which they seek. A profession of Christ without this deep love is mere talk, dry formality, and heavy drudgery. {SC 44.2})
In another article she says
“The battle which we have to fight –the greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love” {EGW, Signs of the Times 5/18/1904}
She also gives counsel on helping young people in their Christian walk…
The young are often urged to do duty, to speak, or pray in meeting; urged to die to pride. Every step they are urged. Such religion is worth nothing. Let the carnal heart be changed, and it will not be such drudgery, ye cold hearted professors, to serve God; ... {1T 162.2}
Many are inquiring, "How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?" You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him. {SC 47.1}
So now the sinner’s walk to a relationship with Jesus continues...The fifth step...the surrendered person comes to Christ.
How does a person “come to Christ”?
Through learning of Him, Bible study and through prayer.
As we approach Christ just as we are... we may not even feel particular sorrow for our sinful life apart from him...we may not feel repentant but Jesus will give us that gift as we seek Him. Which is the sixth step - repentance. What is “repentance”? It is Sorrow for sin and a turning away from sin. Note the gift includes both sorrow and a turning away from sin! Even turning away from sin is a gift!
Then we ask for forgiveness and we are “justified” before God.
This is more than forgiveness...it eliminates our past sins so we stand before God as if we had never sinned!
Then “conversion” takes place, another miracle of God. We have a change of attitude.
We can be “Christians“ for some time without being converted. In Luke 22:32 Jesus said to Peter “when you are converted strengthen thy brethren. …” This was just before Jesus’ crucifixion and death!
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat: 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 22:33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 22:34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
These steps may not all come in this exact order and we may not even recognize them when they occur. Jesus in speaking to Nicodemus said in John 3:8 “ The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
So now one asks how is the Christian walk maintained?
What happens to us now? The devil hates it...He tries to get my attention by different means and they all have one thing in common- Focusing on myself in some fashion...looking away from Jesus:
Looking at the faults of others or my own faults
Pleasures of the world.
Worrying about our state of salvation.
So we experience on-again off-again surrender. But God has made provision for this!
When we are on-again – i.e. looking to Jesus -- His power floods in giving us peace and armor to fight the devil.
When we are off-again—i.e. living in sin apart from God – His forgiveness comes to restore the relationship.
1 John 2:1 tells us “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: “
So how is the Christian walk maintained?..
The answer is simple – every day we repeat the same steps! The Bible says As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him:...Col. 2:6 .
We wake up and we desire something better;
We think of what Jesus has done for us, His life here on earth, His sacrifice on the cross for us.
The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins on those occasions of living apart from Him ;
We recognize our helplessness to do anything apart from God;
We surrender ourselves...we give up on ourselves;
We come to Christ and he gives us the gift of repentance;
He gives us the gift of justification (forgiveness);
Then he works a miracle in our life by what Jesus called the new birth or conversion that brings the Holy Spirit into our mind and enables Jesus to live through us.
We are counseled
“If you will seek the Lord and be converted every day; if you will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call, you come wearing the yoke of Christ,--the yoke of obedience and service,--all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront you will be solved.--Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 150. (1896) {CM 119.2}i
Parents, bring practical godliness into the home. Angels are not attracted to a home where discord reigns. Educate your children to speak words that will bring sunshine and joy. Begin the work of grace in the Church in your own home, so conducting yourselves that your children shall see that you are co-operating with the heavenly angels. Be sure that you are converted every day. Train yourselves and your children for life in the kingdom of God. Angels will be your strong helpers. Satan will tempt you, but do not yield. Do not speak one word of which the enemy can take advantage.{RH, December 31, 1901 par. 6}
David says, "I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." Psalm 16:8. {SC 69.1}
In order to meet the requirements of the law, our faith must grasp the righteousness of Christ, accepting it as our righteousness. Through union with Christ, through acceptance of His righteousness by faith, we may be qualified to work the works of God, to be co laborers with Christ. …. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to elevate the taste, to sanctify the heart, to ennoble the whole man. {1SM 374.1}
Duty to Control Imagination.--Few realize that it is a duty to exercise control over the thoughts and imaginations. It is difficult to keep the undisciplined mind fixed upon profitable subjects. But if the thoughts are not properly employed, religion cannot flourish in the soul.
The mind must be preoccupied with sacred and eternal things, or it will cherish trifling and superficial thoughts. Both the intellectual and the moral powers must be disciplined, and they will strengthen and improve by exercise.--CT 544 (1913). {2MCP 587.3}
Prov 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he...
The Pharisees asked
Jesus in Matt 22:35 “… a lawyer, asked [him a question], tempting him, and saying, 22:36 Master, which [is] the great commandment in the law?
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
This is it! … love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind!