25-1207p Transcript

(0:33) Oh, good evening. (0:36) It is really great to be here right now.

(0:40) The title of tonight’s lesson is very simple, short. (0:46) It’s personal. (0:48) And I’ll tell you, when I read God’s Word, that’s exactly what I find very personal to me.

(0:56) And I hope it’s very personal to you. (1:00) You see, Proverbs is one of my favorite books. (1:05) I’ll tell you, this proverb really speaks to me because it says, (1:12) as he thinks in his heart, so he is.

(1:16) What we think about and what we do have direct correlation. (1:22) Everything that we think about, those things that we dwell on has a direct impact on and flows. (1:34) It flows from that what we do and how we act.

(1:42) We make choices based upon what we believe. (1:46) So I’ll tell you right from the get-go, be careful what you think about. (1:51) And be very careful about what you believe.

(1:57) There are direct and very real consequences to having incorrect thoughts (2:04) and avoiding or disbelieving what is real. (2:12) So what you believe, not passively believe, that is what you actively believe, (2:19) will affect all aspects of our lives. (2:23) You know, what we actively believe is that which is found deep inside our hearts.

(2:29) Right? (2:31) It’s the kind of thing that drives everything that we do. (2:37) We can passively believe in different things. (2:41) Oh, I’m driving down the street and the light’s kind of orange, dark orange.

(2:50) I can get through this one. (2:54) And maybe so. (2:57) But you know what? (3:01) If you really believe that a policeman was sitting there waiting for you (3:06) or there was traffic coming the other direction that would harm you, (3:11) you really believe that, it’d stop.

(3:18) So, you know, have you ever heard, I’m sure you have, (3:21) when someone makes what we’ll call an honest mistake, (3:26) what’s the first thing that comes to mind (3:29) when you see someone do something really boneheaded? (3:34) What were you thinking? (3:38) Well, the answer is, probably weren’t. (3:42) And that’s the key. (3:45) See, without specifically saying it, (3:48) even the average person on the street, whether they’re Christian or not, (3:52) whatever their persuasion is, whatever they happen to believe, (3:56) they’ll agree with this statement.

(4:00) Without ever having to get, we don’t need to have a big debate. (4:06) We all quickly recognize that God’s Word is true. (4:10) The person wasn’t thinking clearly.

(4:14) As a result, they went a different direction. (4:19) And in the end, it didn’t turn out so hot. (4:23) See, we easily draw a direct connection between personal beliefs and thoughts (4:29) and ultimately what we do.

(4:32) If our thinking is warped, our behavior is warped. (4:38) What we believe affects everything about us. (4:42) What you and I believe affects our relationships, (4:46) our jobs, our actions, (4:50) what we do with our money, (4:53) our personal property, (4:56) everything.

(4:58) All these things that are personal to you (5:01) will be affected by how you think and what you believe. (5:07) But if someone asked you, (5:08) is Jesus Christ the only way to heaven? (5:12) Then I would say, yes. (5:14) He said so in his Word.

(5:17) I believe God’s Word. (5:19) It’s logical to then say, that’s it. (5:23) Case closed.

(5:25) You know, but sometimes those kind of in-your-face sort of questions, (5:31) although they’re very significant, (5:35) we come across people who will not believe under any circumstances. (5:42) And yet, when that question is raised, (5:47) we’ll often hit, if you will, a brick wall. (5:51) Or even, in some cases, a form of aggression.

(5:55) Don’t talk to me about that. (5:59) Wow, okay. (6:01) And what do they say often? (6:04) That’s personal.

(6:06) I don’t want to talk about that. (6:08) Leave it alone. (6:10) Well, it doesn’t mean the truth is not the truth, (6:14) no matter how many believe or how many disbelieve.

(6:17) The truth is the truth. (6:19) And God’s Word stands. (6:21) So, you know, I’ll give a little plug for the Wednesday night engagement project (6:27) we’ve been talking about.

(6:31) It’s when you have those relationships with people, (6:35) you can gauge how deep of a question you can go, (6:38) how far you can push something like that, (6:40) how much you can ask, (6:42) before you become almost offensive to the person. (6:45) How rude of you to even ask. (6:49) And so, for that reason, (6:53) I just started to really think about, (6:56) hey, our relationships with others really gauge (7:01) and open the door, or not, to different discussions (7:05) about the truth of God’s Word.

(7:09) And to the extent that I can, I want to make those better. (7:15) So let me read to you from Luke chapter 8, verse 17, (7:22) which says, this is coming from the NIV, (7:29) Luke 8, 17. (7:31) For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, (7:34) and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.

(7:40) And similarly, 1 Timothy 5, which reads, (7:46) Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, (7:51) but those of some men follow later. (7:55) Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, (7:58) and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. (8:05) See, even those things that we do, (8:12) we believe that it’s right to do something terrible, (8:19) or to do what is good.

(8:23) Even those things that are happening at 3 a.m. (8:27) cannot be hidden from the eyes of the Lord. (8:33) All those things that you didn’t do, that I didn’t do, (8:36) that I knew I needed to do, (8:39) God knows, He sees all. (8:44) So is there anything hidden that can’t or won’t be uncovered? (8:48) No.

(8:51) Should we think that we can hide anything from God? (8:55) No. (8:57) The book of Jonah talks about that in the Old Testament. (9:00) Jonah tried to run away from the Lord when he was told to go to Nineveh (9:04) and preach the truth of repentance.

(9:10) And even out in the middle of the ocean, (9:12) out in the middle of the lake, (9:14) Jonah was right underneath God’s eye. (9:21) So I’ll tell you something. (9:24) I’m going to ask a rhetorical question.

(9:27) Have you ever done any journaling? (9:29) You know, where you write down your thoughts, (9:32) you consider what’s happening in your world that day or that week, (9:38) you write it down and try to reflect on what’s happening, (9:42) and get yourself aligned with reality. (9:48) You know, I’m not talking about a diary in that sense (9:52) that would tell my deepest, darkest secrets. (9:55) I’m just talking about general journaling, (9:58) just writing down your thoughts.

(10:02) You know, the diary is supposed to be, by definition, if you will, (10:07) very, very private. (10:10) But journaling that’s a reflection of our deep thoughts, of our mind, (10:17) it still does expose our heart. (10:21) And I wonder how comfortable we would be to share that with the whole world.

(10:29) So I ask, what is more personal than the mind and heart of the living God? (10:38) I don’t know of anything. (10:40) What if you wrote 66 books worth of the most heartfelt things (10:47) and made it fully public to the whole world, (10:50) published in all these different languages, disseminated around the globe? (10:58) That would be very exposing. (11:01) But that’s what God does for us.

(11:05) He’s right there. (11:08) Listen, my thoughts, my words, He’s saying to us are available. (11:15) And today, whether it was the printing press in the 1500s (11:20) that made it more available to so many, (11:23) and now the Internet, anywhere on the globe just about, (11:26) you can get information.

(11:31) And it’s virtually costless. (11:36) You don’t need to go out and buy a big expensive Bible. (11:38) Families used to have only one in their homes, (11:41) not even just a short time ago, because they were expensive.

(11:46) You just turn on the Internet. (11:48) It’s available. (11:50) We have the privilege, the honor, and even the responsibility (11:57) to the reading and hearing the actual words of the living God, (12:03) which is spoken in our presence.

(12:07) So now I’d like to, I’m going to read to you from the very heart of God. (12:14) So even if you’ve heard this before once, possibly hundreds of times, (12:19) I’d still like to challenge you to hear what I’m going to read in a few minutes. (12:25) But hear the heart of God in the words He’s given us.

(12:30) But hear the personal nature of His words. (12:32) Listen to how He speaks to us. (12:37) So using a human writer.

(12:42) So this is from Colossians. (12:44) I’m going to start in Colossians Chapter 1, (12:49) and this is a letter written from two very real persons, two real people, (12:56) Paul and Timothy, two other very real people. (13:02) What I wanted to do is tell you where Colossae was.

(13:09) That’s who’s receiving the letter, the Colossians. (13:12) Those are the people in Colossae. (13:14) It’s in Turkey.

(13:15) There’s many, many locations in Turkey named or places where things are happening in Turkey. (13:26) That’s kind of an interesting fact. (13:28) I didn’t realize this.

(13:29) I began reading the New Testament thinking, Jerusalem. (13:34) Well, yeah, that’s true, Jerusalem. (13:36) Right.

(13:37) It’s there, and there’s a lot to be said about all that. (13:41) But a very large portion of the New Testament just talks about areas in Turkey. (13:51) Some have said it’s the second holy land almost.

(13:55) Right? (13:56) So this was written to the believers in the city of Colossae, which is in Turkey, (14:04) written by Paul and Timothy, and it begins as follows. (14:12) And, again, I ask you to hear how God speaks to us. (14:18) Colossians 1, Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ to the will of God, (14:23) and Timothy, our brother, to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colossae, (14:29) grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(14:35) We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (14:40) praying always for you since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus (14:46) and of your love for all the saints because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, (14:52) of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, (14:59) which has come to you as it has also in all the world and is bringing forth fruit, (15:06) as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth, (15:14) as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, (15:18) who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, who also declared to us your love and spirit. (15:29) These are real people writing to real people. (15:36) You know, the name Epaphras is sitting right there in the middle of that.

(15:40) It’s not a common name. I don’t know anybody named Epaphras. (15:46) I’ve heard of the gospel of John.

I know somebody named John, but nobody named Epaphras. (15:54) But beside the point, you know, these are people with real names and with real events (16:01) that had day-to-day worries just like all of us have things that go on. (16:10) I need to get gasoline in my car.

I need to get groceries at home. (16:14) I’ve got to keep my supervisor happy at work. I’ve got to do all these various things.

(16:21) Real events, real life. And those are very personal to me. (16:28) Well, God’s Word is very personal to each one of us because he speaks to each one of us (16:34) through his words that we have been given.

(16:38) Let me continue. (16:42) For this reason, we also, since the day we heard it, did not cease to pray for you (16:47) and ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will and all wisdom and spiritual understanding, (16:55) that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing him, being fruitful in every good work (17:02) and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all might according to his glorious power (17:08) for all patience and long-suffering with joy, giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us (17:16) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (17:22) Wow.

Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance (17:32) of the saints of the light. (17:36) If you’re a Christian, you’re in. God says, you’re in.

(17:46) That’s amazing. Why would he care about me? (17:52) I’m just a little speck on a speck of a speck, and yet he cares about me. (18:00) He has delivered us from the power of darkness.

You better believe that. (18:07) There’s a lot of darkness out there. (18:10) And not just at night.

That’s not what I’m talking about. I think you know that. (18:15) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of his love, (18:22) in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.

(18:30) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (18:35) For by him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, (18:41) visible and invisible. (18:46) Whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, (18:51) all things were created through him and for him.

(18:55) And he is before all things, and in him all things consist. (19:03) Wow. Jesus Christ is the whole thing.

(19:11) And we get to be a part of that? (19:14) If we freely choose to do that? That’s really good news. (19:24) And he is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, (19:30) that in all things he may have the preeminence. (19:36) So he is the first, the preeminence.

That’s what that means. (19:39) First. (19:43) For it pleased the Father that in him all the fullness should dwell.

(19:49) That’s verse 19. (19:51) And then verse 20. (19:52) And by him to reconcile all things to himself, by him whether things on earth or things in heaven, (20:01) having made peace through the blood of his cross.

(20:07) Yeah, that’s pretty painful. (20:12) And you who once were alienated and enemies in your mind, (20:18) you catch that in your mind, your thoughts, your very personal, individual thoughts, (20:27) how you think is very important. (20:31) Don’t be an enemy in your mind with your thoughts.

(20:40) Because he says, (20:43) And you who were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, (20:50) yet now he is reconciled in the body of his flesh through death (20:57) to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in his sight. (21:07) Wow. (21:10) I’m just awed.

(21:12) I’m just awed by the fact that the speck of a speck of a speck he not only cared about, (21:20) gave up his life freely, endured painful crucifixion, and he loves me. (21:33) It’s just, sorry, I just don’t get to, can’t get enough of that. (21:39) And continuing in verse 23, (21:44) If indeed you continue in the faith, there’s that if again.

(21:49) Don’t be swayed, don’t be thinking you’re Golden Street, on the way in, no problem. (21:56) No, we’re going to have problems, we know this. (21:59) We see it.

(22:00) Don’t need anybody to tell us that. (22:02) We have life. (22:03) Things happen.

(22:06) If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, (22:10) and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, (22:16) which was preached to every creature under heaven, (22:20) of which I, Paul, became a minister. (22:27) So all creatures under heaven, continuing, (22:38) we have a window into the heart of our creator. (22:43) We’re able to read his very thoughts.

(22:48) And we’re able to read that without being condemned as if maybe I opened up the diary (22:54) and I’ll never find out. (22:58) No, he put it right there in front of us. (23:01) Read.

(23:02) See it. (23:05) Check it out. (23:07) The Bereans were praised for checking it out.

(23:13) They went back to see if what was said was true. (23:18) They were hearers of God’s word being preached. (23:23) Okay, it was said this, this, and this.

(23:27) I want to know for sure. (23:29) It’s back to the scriptures, back to the original text. (23:32) Yeah, it was there.

(23:33) Okay, good. (23:34) That’s what we should be doing. (23:42) And, you know, all of this is very personal but also very true.

(23:52) God’s word, the Bible, is personal and perfect in all respects. (24:01) We know this based upon multiple proofs we have in this real world that we live in, right? (24:07) You know, among these are the thousands of manuscripts. (24:12) Manuscripts.

(24:13) Those are various texts, various writings. (24:18) Not on 8 1⁄2 by 11 paper like we have here today, (24:22) but all sorts of things in the ancient world where writing was done on. (24:29) There’s all kinds of different mediums that they’ve used, right, (24:36) whether it be clay tablets or whether it be animal skins or whether it be on copper scrolls, (24:44) all kinds of things like that ancient texts were put onto.

(24:50) But what we have later is papyrus before paper, (24:54) and papyrus was used taking reeds and putting them crisscross onto a big sheet, (25:00) wetting it down, pressing it down, letting it dry, (25:02) and then over time lift it up and then you have, you know, a rudimentary type of paper they would use. (25:10) And the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. (25:17) The Dead Sea Scrolls were located just a few decades ago, actually.

(25:30) And you open up the Dead Sea Scrolls and find those are the exact same words that were written, (25:36) and we have this book we thought was the Bible, and we believe it, (25:42) but now we have proof that these Dead Sea Scrolls, which were sitting in the desert for a couple thousand years, (25:50) they’re the exact same texts that we have in our modern Bible. (25:55) Not in English like you and I would read it, but the same words. (26:03) And so we have proof of many different sources, the manuscripts being one of them, (26:10) that this text is exactly what God wants us to have, and it’s his words to us.

(26:22) So I’ll bring us back to what I said at the very beginning here. (26:27) You know, be careful about what you think, what you dwell on, and therefore what you believe. (26:36) There are consequences to incorrect thought, and there are consequences to correct thought.

(26:45) We want to think clearly because the truth matters, and we have here in this text, we have God’s word. (27:02) So be careful what you think and what you believe. (27:05) Have faith in what is true.

Reject the lies because of the consequences. (27:14) And I pray that this message has been uplifting to each person that’s hearing this now. (27:22) If there’s anything that needs to be addressed for anyone here tonight, please step forward while we sing.