25-0817p Transcript

Preacher: John Nousek

(1:34) But the message I want to kind of bring home tonight is slightly different, a slightly different perspective. (1:44) And the question really is, to us, who are you? (1:54) See, I often run into folks who I don’t know.

(2:02) I just run into somebody new. (2:05) Hello, my name’s John. (2:07) Hello, my name’s Bob.

(2:10) And on it goes. (2:11) And often, at least for us guys, we’ll say, Oh, who are you? (2:18) Or something to that effect. (2:21) And the conversation goes, Well, you know, I’m a plumber.

(2:26) I work with the labor union 414. (2:29) I’ve been there 27 years, and I do this, this, and this. (2:33) Or, you know, in my case, I’m an accountant, and I’ve been adding and subtracting for, you know, 30 years, whatever.

(2:41) And that’s how guys talk to one another. (2:46) Except that’s what you do. (2:51) That’s not who we are.

(2:56) You know, I think women get it a little better. (3:00) I think they do it better than us guys. (3:03) I’ll just be honest, okay? (3:04) You know, because when that question comes up, often they’ll say, Who are you? (3:11) Oh, I’m the, you know, I’m Anna.

(3:16) And I’m the mother of three, the grandmother of seven, and I’ve got, you know, I’ve got 15 different. (3:26) And they start talking about their relationships and how they fit into the world and their relationships. (3:37) And that’s who we are as Christians, our relationship with Jesus Christ.

(3:44) The Bible says we are God’s children. (3:51) Now, I’m going to tell you, this is not going to be what I’ll say is an apologetic sermon of any kind. (3:58) Okay, I’m going to make the assumption that those hearing this tonight are Christians, believers, (4:08) folks that understand that this book here that I’m holding is God’s perfect Word, because that’s what it is.

(4:16) That’s God’s Word to us. (4:20) Everything else is speculation. (4:27) And so, and it’s also not going to be one of these feel-good sort of sermons.

(4:34) So fair warning, I suppose. (4:37) You know, God has a lot to say about who we are as His children, and a lot of it’s good stuff. (4:45) And I suppose that’s partly why many will refer to God’s Word as the good news.

(4:53) There’s a lot of good to be said. (4:56) He cares for us. (4:59) But I don’t want this to be, I don’t want us to get carried away as I bring you what I’m going to tell you in a few minutes, (5:09) as if it’s just, oh, this is just, everything’s fine.

(5:17) God loves us all, and therefore, don’t worry about anything. (5:22) That’s not the case. (5:24) And you’ll see that shortly.

(5:28) So, with that said, I want to tell you exactly what God says about us from His Word, (5:35) and how He answers the question for us. (5:42) Who are you? (5:45) I’ll start right at the beginning. (5:47) In the book of Genesis, Genesis chapter 1, that’s pretty much the beginning.

(5:55) Chapter 1, verse 27, (5:58) So God created each one of us. (6:10) We did not create ourselves. (6:12) Imagine that.

(6:16) We didn’t choose where and when we were born, who our parents were, (6:20) and we certainly didn’t choose if we were a boy or a girl. (6:28) We live in a world where we are born, as His Word says, male and female, (6:34) and it’s one or the other, and that’s that. (6:40) Okay.

(6:42) Now, in the Psalms, Psalm 139, 13 through 16, (6:52) God’s Word says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. (6:56) Not only did He create us, but He created us fearfully and wonderfully. (7:03) I’ll read this to you.

(7:05) Psalms 139, first couple verses, 13 and 14 read, (7:30) Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well. (7:36) You know, the phrase fearfully and wonderfully made signifies (7:40) that each person is created with great care and attention by the Creator, God. (7:50) It emphasizes the beauty and value of every individual, (7:54) highlighting that humans are unique and the handiwork of a wise and loving Creator.

(8:05) It serves to remind us that we have inherent value. (8:12) Some of us are taller. (8:13) Some of us are shorter.

(8:15) Some of us are left-handed. (8:19) Some of us are all kinds of things. (8:22) But God created each one of us, (8:25) and we have this inherent value by virtue of the fact that He made us.

(8:35) Psalms goes on to say, 139, 15 and 16, (8:42) My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in secret and skillfully wrought. (8:50) In the lowest parts of the earth, your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed. (8:58) God sees us even before we are formed in the womb.

(9:08) Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed, (9:11) and in your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, (9:19) when as yet there were none of them. (9:22) Gee, this is even before mom and dad even knew each other. (9:27) God knew us.

(9:32) He knew us, and He created us, (9:37) and He knows everything about us, (9:39) because He is the Creator, (9:43) and He thinks this way about us. (9:47) In Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verse 11, 10 and 11, it says, (9:54) I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. (10:02) Referring to our daily work.

(10:04) Like I said earlier, you know, I’m a plumber, I’m an accountant, I’m a this, I’m a that. (10:09) Okay. (10:10) But He says, I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied.

(10:18) He has made everything beautiful in its time. (10:24) Everything. (10:28) That includes us.

(10:32) That includes those that are shorter, taller, left-handed, right-handed, whatever, (10:39) regardless of who we are, (10:41) where we stand in society, (10:45) where we stand in the workforce, (10:48) where we are. (10:50) God thinks that everything is beautiful in its time. (10:54) He says we are, in Mark 10, chapter 10, verse 26 and 27, (11:05) He says, we are also capable with Him.

(11:12) It reads, (11:13) And they were greatly astonished, saying amongst themselves, (11:17) Who then can be saved? (11:20) But Jesus looked at them and said, (11:23) With men it is impossible, but not with God. (11:30) For with God all things are possible. (11:33) If we are in Christ, He makes us capable to carry out the things that He desires for us.

(11:46) And here’s what I said at the beginning. (11:50) You are all children of God, (11:53) not condemned, but rather victorious, (11:58) and always loved. (12:01) I’ll take it to the book of Romans, chapter 8. (12:08) The first verse reads, (12:10) There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, (12:17) who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

(12:22) So if we are in Christ, (12:27) Yahoo! (12:28) We’re not condemned. (12:30) That’s great news. (12:33) If we are in Christ.

(12:38) In verse 16, and reading on, (12:40) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (12:48) And if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. (12:53) If indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

(13:02) So we’re children of God. (13:04) I’m a parent. (13:09) There’s a little young person sitting in the pew today, right now.

(13:16) I do everything I can to care for her. (13:23) Not perfectly. (13:30) So we’re all children of God.

(13:34) God’s work is perfect. (13:38) He cares for us perfectly. (13:43) And verse 37 through 39 reads, (13:47) In the same Romans 8, (13:51) Yet in all things we are more than conquerors through Him, (13:56) Who what? (13:57) Who loved us.

(14:00) For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, (14:05) nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (14:09) nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing (14:15) shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (14:24) You’re loved. (14:25) That’s great.

(14:28) That’s fabulous. (14:31) Sometimes I think, you know, (14:34) if I wasn’t, (14:37) God, that’d be a dark, really dark place. (14:41) That’s horrible.

(14:43) I don’t want that. (14:44) God says as a child of God, you’re loved. (14:49) He says, (14:53) He says in Philippians 4.13, (14:55) this is, I have a buddy, this is one of his favorites, (14:59) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

(15:04) He gives us the strength to carry out the things that he wants for us. (15:10) But here’s where it gets, (15:13) here’s where it can get a little concerning. (15:17) I told you, this is not going to be one of these feel-good sort of sermons.

(15:22) All these things sound great. (15:26) In 1 Thessalonians 1, verses 2 through 4, (15:34) we begin with these words. (15:39) We give thanks to God always for you, (15:42) all making mention of you in our prayers, (15:46) remembering without ceasing your work of faith, (15:49) labor of love, (15:51) and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, (15:55) in the sight of our God and Father, (15:57) knowing, beloved brethren, (16:01) your election by God.

(16:05) So we are selected, chosen. (16:11) God chose us. (16:15) And in John 15, 16, (16:18) Gospel of John, chapter 15, verse 16, (16:21) it reads, (16:23) You did not choose me, but I chose you.

(16:31) Wow. (16:32) He chose me. (16:37) That’s amazing.

(16:39) Why? (16:41) Get asked. (16:42) Why? (16:44) Who am I that God would choose me? (16:48) It doesn’t matter. (16:50) His perfect word says, (16:52) I chose you.

(17:01) And then in just a few verses later, (17:06) John chapter 15, 19, (17:10) this is where the sting comes in. (17:15) It reads, (17:16) If you were of the world, (17:18) the world would love its own. (17:22) Yet because you are not of the world, (17:25) but I chose you out of the world, (17:30) therefore the world hates you.

(17:32) Let me let that sink in for a moment. (17:40) As Christians, (17:43) as believers in this perfect word of God, (17:49) the world hates me. (17:55) As fellow Christians and believers, (17:58) the world hates you.

(18:05) That’s a tough place to be. (18:08) There are some things that cannot be reconciled. (18:15) A verse that comes to mind, (18:17) I didn’t have it in my notes, (18:18) but what does light have with darkness? (18:21) Oil and water mix.

(18:24) I think about that often. (18:28) Stir it up in a jar. (18:30) It immediately separates between the two.

(18:33) Why? (18:33) Because they don’t mix. (18:36) There are some things that can’t be reconciled (18:40) apart from God. (18:44) In Ephesians chapter 2, (18:47) verses 8 through 10, (18:50) we’re told that we’ve got special workmanship.

(18:55) I’ve read different contracts, (18:57) and in the contract it says, (18:59) we’re going to do so and so, (19:01) and we’re going to do this, this, and this, (19:04) and we’re going to do it in a workmanship-like manner. (19:11) We’re going to do it the way you want it done. (19:13) We’re going to do it well.

(19:14) We’re going to do it professionally, (19:15) and we’re going to have all these, (19:18) just like you would expect. (19:22) Well, in Ephesians chapter 2, (19:24) verses 8 through 10, (19:27) we’re told that we’re God’s special workmanship. (19:34) For we are His workmanship, (19:37) created in Christ Jesus for good works.

(19:41) That’s the things that we are here to do still as Christians, (19:44) which God prepared beforehand (19:47) that we should walk in them. (19:50) So, yeah, we’re here to do good works, (19:52) to do God’s will. (19:56) No, it doesn’t say.

(19:59) It doesn’t say the avoidance of bad works. (20:07) It reads, for good works. (20:12) You know, God prepared the groundwork (20:18) to set the stage (20:20) so we, out of our own free will, would accept Him.

(20:26) There’s plenty of bad works out there. (20:31) There’s plenty of things that we could be involved in, (20:34) that we could choose. (20:38) Don’t choose the evil.

(20:40) Don’t choose the sin. (20:42) Don’t choose the things that you know (20:46) God has told us in His Word (20:48) not to get involved in. (20:53) And He says, we’re lovely.

(20:57) As Christians, we’re lovely. (20:59) Now I’ll take you back to the Old Testament (21:01) in the book of Daniel, (21:03) chapter 12, verse 3. (21:06) It says, (21:08) Those who are wise shall shine (21:11) like the brightness of the firmament, (21:16) and those who turn away to righteousness (21:20) like the stars forever and ever. (21:27) Now you’ve seen maybe a TV show called (21:29) Dancing with the Stars, (21:30) and they make this big hoopla (21:32) about how great it is, the stars in the sky, (21:36) the stars on our stage, (21:38) all the wonders of the stars.

(21:44) God’s talking about the stars in the sky. (21:49) And those who turn many to righteousness (21:53) like the stars forever and ever. (21:56) You know, I read that, (22:00) and I thought, (22:02) those who turn many to righteousness (22:05) are still here.

(22:06) We’re Christians. (22:07) He could have taken us away, right? (22:09) We’re done. Check.

He made it. (22:12) We’re still here. (22:16) And those who turn many to righteousness, (22:19) well, maybe what He’s saying to me is, (22:23) and saying to all of us, (22:24) is those who turn many to righteousness, (22:28) there are those out there that haven’t.

(22:31) Maybe there’s something we need to do (22:33) to help make that happen. (22:39) And by doing so, we become lovely. (22:45) So no matter what age we might be, (22:47) even if we were 90, (22:51) even if we were 9, 11, (22:57) there’s many things that God asks us to do.

(23:02) And in doing so, (23:05) we will be like the stars forever and ever. (23:11) And you know, a couple more points. (23:17) He says we’re also enough.

(23:20) How often have we often wondered, (23:23) am I enough? (23:27) Is He satisfied with me? (23:32) In 2 Corinthians 12, 7-10, (23:40) unless I should be exalted above measure (23:43) by the abundance of the revelations. (23:48) A thorn in the flesh was given to me, (23:51) a messenger of Satan to buffet me, (23:54) lest I be exalted above measure. (23:58) You know, it’s kind of like a little governor there.

(24:01) You know, a little finger in the side of, (24:07) don’t get too carried away. (24:09) But on the other hand, (24:16) concerning this thing, (24:18) I pleaded with the Lord three times (24:20) that it might depart from me. (24:22) And He said to me, here it is.

(24:24) My grace is sufficient for you. (24:28) My strength is made perfect in weakness. (24:33) Therefore, most gladly, (24:35) I will rather boast in my infirmities (24:38) that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

(24:44) So, yeah, we have this. (24:46) We have weaknesses. (24:49) We all have failures.

(24:51) I’m no exception. (24:54) We’ve got witnesses to prove it. (24:58) God says my grace is sufficient for you.

(25:06) And here we are. (25:08) We have all these things that God describes about us (25:12) and grants for us. (25:16) And the one thing that comes to mind is (25:22) that I want to instill in each of us (25:25) is that with God present in our lives, (25:34) we are never alone.

(25:38) Never alone. (25:43) John 14, (25:45) Gospel of John, chapter 14, (25:48) verses 15 to 21. (25:51) If you love me, keep my commandments, (25:53) and I will pray the Father, (25:56) and He will give you another Helper (25:58) that He may abide with you forever.

(26:05) Forever. (26:07) The Spirit of truth, (26:08) whom the world cannot receive, (26:11) because it neither sees Him nor knows Him, (26:14) but you know Him. (26:15) For He dwells with you and will be with you (26:20) and will be in you.

(26:23) I will not leave you orphans. (26:27) I will come to you (26:31) in dwelling of the Father and the Son. (26:36) So God is with us.

(26:39) Not alone. (26:41) He chose us. (26:43) He loves us.

(26:45) We’re enough. (26:48) And He strengthens us when we falter, (26:52) when He wants something. (26:53) You ever say, (26:54) how did I ever manage to do that? (26:58) Ever been one of those moments in your life? (27:02) Yeah, it has for me.

(27:05) And I think back, (27:06) gee, (27:09) if I had to repeat that, (27:11) I don’t think I’d do that. (27:14) But God made it possible (27:16) for whatever reason. (27:21) So, (27:24) so we’re not insignificant in His eyes.

(27:28) That’s the feel-good part of the message. (27:31) You know, (27:31) we’re not like this common pennies, (27:35) nickels, dimes. (27:40) We’re like the gold dollar bills.

(27:43) We are the golden ones. (27:45) As believers, (27:47) as when we are in Christ. (27:53) He says, (27:58) each and every one of us as children of God (28:02) are very valuable to Him.

(28:04) So much so that He bought us at an extreme price. (28:08) He came down from heaven, (28:11) lived among us, (28:15) is subjected to all kinds of horrible, (28:18) horrible things (28:19) resulting in His physical death. (28:27) But as a Christian, (28:30) a biblically defined Christian, (28:33) do not let your heart be troubled.

(28:37) He knows us. (28:38) He created each one of us. (28:40) He loves us and equips us with the truth.

(28:49) So, (28:54) for those that have ears to hear, (28:59) fair warning, (29:00) even though the world hates us, (29:03) the last gospel writer, (29:06) the last chapter, (29:07) the last word, (29:08) final message here, (29:12) John 16, (29:13) verses 31 through 33. (29:18) Jesus answered them, (29:21) Do you now believe (29:24) indeed the hour is coming? (29:26) Yes, it has now come (29:29) that you will be scattered. (29:31) Referring to the apostles.

(29:34) Right? (29:36) Each to his own (29:37) and will leave me alone. (29:43) And yet, (29:44) I am not alone because my Father is with me. (29:47) These things I have spoken to you (29:49) that in me, (29:50) you may have peace.

(29:53) In the world, (29:54) you will have tribulation. (29:57) Things are not going to be (29:59) all rosy all the time. (30:02) Yes, He loves us.

(30:03) He equips us. (30:04) He cares for us. (30:05) All those things.

(30:06) But it’s not going to be perfect (30:08) in our own eyes. (30:11) The way we would have it. (30:14) If I ran the world, (30:18) I’d win a lottery (30:19) and I’d be kicking back, (30:20) doing great.

(30:24) But that’s not the way it works. (30:31) So, He says, (30:36) And yet, I am not alone (30:37) because the Father is with me. (30:39) These things I have spoken to you (30:40) that in me, (30:41) you may have peace.

(30:44) In the world, (30:44) you will have tribulation. (30:46) But, (30:47) but be of good cheer. (30:50) I have overcome the world.

(30:53) Jesus Christ has overcome the world. (30:57) Fabulous. (31:00) So, (31:04) if anyone (31:05) is hearing this right now, (31:08) I told you I wrote this (31:09) from the perspective of (31:11) believers, Christians, (31:13) biblical Christians.

(31:14) But if anyone (31:15) is hearing this right now, (31:17) either not born again, (31:19) as God’s word defines it, (31:22) I want to encourage you (31:24) to realize that (31:25) the gate through which (31:27) you also may have eternal life (31:29) in Jesus Christ, (31:31) free of condemnation, (31:34) beautiful in His eyes, (31:38) that gate is open (31:41) according to His word for now. (31:45) That’s God’s written guarantee. (31:48) Please step forward if you have anything.