Illuminate Community Church

7/2/23 - The Bema Seat and Eternal Crowns - 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 - Pastor Steve Johnson

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." 
(Ephesians 2:10)
 
 
You are the crown of God’s creation! He has taken great care in uniquely designing you. And the way in which God has crafted you determines what He intends for you to do. You have been created in Jesus with purpose and significance in His Kingdom, to do good works every day for His glory.
 
And this Sunday, we will see that Scripture tells us those everyday good works have consequences in the kingdom to come. What we do, how we do it, and why we do it are all going to be considered by God on a day when we, as Christians, will stand before Him. 
 
The New Testament is clear that a day is coming when you and me and all believers must all appear before the “Bema” – what many call the “judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor 5:10). In New Testament times, the bema was a raised platform used by the judges in the Greek games. Athletes would “appear” before the bema after completing their events, where the judges would ensure they competed according to the rules and then award the prizes for winning.  
 
The issue at the Bema of Christ will not be our eternal destiny. That’s been settled by the death of Jesus on the cross for your sins. As Paul says in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Again, in Ephesians 1, he makes it clear that, “In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” This is not a judgment which will determine whether we get into heaven or not.
 
So, what’s at stake? The good works we have done as Christians. It will be an assessment (not a judgment in the way we normally think) of our stewardship for Jesus. When we stand before the Bema of Christ, our faithful service to Him will be evaluated and rewarded. Jesus will assess our every thought, motive, and action. And then He will reward us for all that we have done for His glory.
 
Most likely, you’ve never heard of the Bema of Jesus. The thought of being “judged” certainly seems unsettling. On Sunday, we’ll unpack it and see that it’s really more like the celebration at a graduation, complete with rewards.
 
 
Until then, be the light so others will see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in heaven!

6/28/23 - Your Forever Home - Revelation 21-22 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Our eternal residence is described as having streets paved with gold, gates of pearl, life without pain, sorrow, temptation or loss. Hard to imagine that kind of existence. However, that’s not the best part. The beautiful and peaceful environment is secondary to the person because we will be in the very presence of God almighty. Let me give you an illustration to help you understand what this means. Suppose that someone you love is a prisoner of war, held captive for many years. You know this person (your husband, wife, son, daughter or best friend) is alive and you hope to see them again. Finally, after many false hopes and setbacks, an agreement was negotiated with the enemy and the release of your loved one is at hand. The government has made arrangements for you to meet your beloved in Hawaii, where you would be with them for two weeks before returning home. Hawaii is a beautiful place and I am sure most of us would love to go there right now. But for you in that moment of reunion, the place is secondary to the person. If you were to meet in Gila Bend, it would be no disappointment to you whatsoever. While the place of heaven is unimaginably beautiful, the presence of God will be our greatest joy.
 
So what does our eternal home mean for our current and temporary realities? Paul explains in Romans chapter 8. 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18 

There is no greater glory than God himself. Fix your mind and heart on this my friend and always remember - whatever pain you face today will one day be alleviated forever, therefore we live accordingly...
 
"Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness." 2 Peter 3:11000

6/11/23 - Jesus and the Meaning of ”Gehenna” - Matthew 25:41-46 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This Sunday we’ll be looking at the words of Jesus as he speaks about a place called Gehenna. I mentioned it last Sunday and again some have asked, “Do we really have to talk about this?” Well, it seems like everyone is talking about eternal places except for Christians. For example, those who don’t know Jesus use the word “hell” all the time; and shouldn’t we be talking about the things Jesus talked about? Surprisingly to some, he talked about a place of torment quite a bit. So to ignore this is to miss an important subject according to Jesus.

At the same time I understand this is not a conversation anyone enjoys. I think there is a tendency to put this out of our minds as Christians because the thought of everlasting suffering seems cruel and not at all congruent with a loving God. A lot could be said here but let me briefly state two things…One, humans have free will; meaning they can choose to accept God’s salvation or they can dismiss it. So God isn’t sending people, moreso people are choosing to reject God’s gracious offer of deliverance. Second, the Bible clearly states that God desires that none should perish, this is His heart...

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
-2 Peter 3:9

Salvation is precious and you can’t fully appreciate your salvation until you know what you’ve been saved from. The message from Jesus is this: "I can deliver you from a place of eternal and conscious torment." Consider this…

“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell (Gehenna); yes, I tell you, fear Him!”
-Luke 12:4-5

Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
-Matthew 25:45-46

It’s popular to say that Jesus saves you from a purposeless life, or from a destructive lifestyle. Those things are true but they fall short. According to Jesus, what you are ultimately saved from is an eternal separation from God in a place of punishment. Jesus used the word "Gehenna” (often translated as hell) to describe this place. Perhaps you’ve heard of this as the location of a smoldering dump just outside of ancient Jerusalem. As we’ll discover, this place might not be what you think. In fact, the "Gehenna" Jesus speaks of is worse than you know.

The teaching of a literal eternal hell has been challenged in recent times and we’ll talk about this. More importantly, we will look at what the Bible actually says. In fact, the person who talks most about God’s righteous judgement is none other than Jesus himself.

I can appreciate what R.C. Sproul said, "Every time we preach hell we do so with a tear in our eye.” It’s a tear of both sorrow and gratitude. 

6/4/23 - The Rich Man and Lazarus - Luke 16:19-31 - Pastor Jason Fritz

I often hear people say, “I never hear sermons about heaven and hell and what happens when you die.” Okay, let’s do it. Beginning this Sunday, we’ll start a nine week series asking and answering common questions... 

Are heaven and hell real places, and if so, what are they?
How can you reconcile hell with a loving God?
Will we be rewarded in heaven? 
Will we have "heavenly” bodies, and if so, how exactly does that work? 
What does Jesus have to say about these things?

We’ll start with a parable from Jesus about a rich man who is unnamed and a poor man who is named Lazarus. On this side of eternity, the rich man has it all while poor Lazarus struggles to survive. However, upon death, there is a remarkable reversal of circumstances that cannot be undone. There is a sobering realization that decisions made before death remain after death. The main decision is this - what do I believe about Jesus?

5/28/23 - Come to me… - Matthew 11:25-30 - Pastor Jason Fritz

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
-Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus says his yoke is easy and his burden is light because he bears it with us. On our own, the burdens feel unbearable, but with Jesus it can be easy and light. And the yoke which joins you to him is made especially for you. The English word easy is from the Greek word chrestos, which can mean "well-fitting.” In Palestine, ox-yokes were made of wood and each was carefully adjusted so that it would fit the animal well. Not too tight and not too loose but crafted perfect to fit the neck. It was tailor-made for each ox.

Having this understanding let me be clear in saying the following...

Be very careful who you get yoked to because what lies in them will lay itself on you and you will feel that weight. 

This is very important. Those of you in the business world know this. In your friendships this is certainly true and moreso if you are in Junior or Senior High. Of course it is supremely important in marriage because the quality of that which unites two people will determine the quality of the relationship. If you say, "I married her because she was perfectly pretty." Physical attraction is a good thing, but beauty’s perfection fades. “I married him because he said he would take care of me.” That’s not wrong, but resentment often sets in when one is taking care of another…then what?

What are you attaching yourself to and why? This will determine not only the labor and heavy laden burdens you bear but also the quality of your entire life.

Notice Jesus does not say, “Throw off every yoke you have!” Why? Because this is impossible. By nature every one of us is attached to something or someone, even if that someone is ourselves, our own hearts. Jesus never said, “Follow your heart.” Because the heart is deceptive. Instead, he said, “Follow me.” He never said, “Do what you feel.” The way a person feels is often detached from reality. Jesus never said, “Be yourself.” Rather he gave proper encouragement, “Be who God created you to be.”

Coming to Christ is not a passive experience or some kind of spiritual side hustle. This isn’t a call to a lazy or indulgent life. There is still a yoke to bear and burden to carry. Yet with and in Jesus, the burdens are lightened. Jesus’ yoke is easy, not because it makes less demands, but because it represents entering into a disciple relationship. So if your yoke is hard and your burden is heavy then we can say that it isn’t His yoke or His burden and you are not letting him bear it with you. Jesus makes a sweet invitation, "Come to me, all who are burdened and heavy ladened and I will give you rest. My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” This is a promise and Jesus always keeps his word!

5/21/23 - Don’t Misplace Your Fear - Matthew 10:25-33 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Matthew chapter 10 contains preparation for what is to come. If you are boldly speaking the name of Jesus you need assurances in the face of opposition. God gives you three.

Assurance #1 The opposition is no judge. God is.

"So have no fear of them for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.”
-Matthew 10:26

Man’s approval or condemnation is not what counts. His opinions will not matter on the day of judgment. They won’t even be heard. Everything that everyone does, including our actions and our persecutors’ actions, will be evaluated by God. His judgment will be perfect and absolute. For there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Every action, every word, every thought, every intent, every choice. It all will be laid bare before God. It all will be made known. Nothing is or will be concealed or hidden from His sight. Therefore you and I are to live in such a way that we will not be ashamed at His return. 

“Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not draw back from Him in shame at His coming.”
-1 John 2:28

Assurance #2 When you encounter opposition don’t respond with misplaced fear, instead respond with proper fear: Not in man but in God who has all the power.

Jesus tells his disciples not to waste their concern on those in authority who can only kill their bodies but cannot kill their souls. Instead, they should reserve their fear for the one who can kill both body and soul in hell. Beginning in June I want to bring a series of messages on heaven and hell but for now we must understand that God alone has the power over everyone’s eternal destination. Man may kill the body but he cannot destroy your soul which lives forever.

Jesus is describing what the Old Testament often calls the "fear of the Lord." This is not intended to be abject terror, or panic. Rather, this is the healthy kind of "fear" for which you would have for a weapon. If you’ve ever fired a shotgun, rifle or handgun you understand and respect its capabilities and you don’t take it lightly. A while ago I bought a filet knife to trim brisket. This thing is so sharp I have to think carefully about how I handle it. I move slowly with it in my hand. Godly fear involves great and profound respect and, at the same time, it demands we acknowledge that God can utterly destroy those who are against Him. This is a right and proper fear. 

There’s a simple principle in life - a greater fear will drive out a lesser fear. Jesus insists that death should not be avoided at all costs. The death of the body is not the ultimate loss. The death of body and soul together in hell is the ultimate loss. The message His apostles preach of salvation through faith in Jesus will bring the promise of eternal life in body and soul to many people, as well as to themselves.

Assurance #3 God is with you and He is for you.

Now what Jesus says next is comforting. He balances proper fear with the truth that this same powerful God also cares deeply for His own people.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
-Matthew 10:29-31

So be bold Christian and take up a position on top of the roof. In doing so, you will be acknowledged by Jesus himself!

5/14/23 - The Greatest - Matthew 18:1-4 - Jason Fritz

This Sunday is Mother's Day and for some it’s much like Father’s Day in the sense that it can be difficult. The parent child relationship is a dynamic that is felt both positively and negatively over the course of one’s life. Of course parenting is one of, if not the most rewarding, exhausting, joy and tear-filled relationships a human can experience on earth. Being a Mother is a sacred thing because parenting is a sacred role. Moms have the future in their hands. Discipleship training starts in the home and what makes it so incredibly challenging is that like us, those little creatures have their own sinful free wills! Every good parent wants to be great at helping mold their child into a well-functioning human, but for the Christian parent there is more. We want to lead our children straight into God’s kingdom. So this Sunday we turn our attention to what lies closest to a Mother’s heart - a child.

In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus speaks with his disciples about greatness. For several chapters Jesus has been proclaiming the kingdom of heaven. He’s been revealing principles and virtues that are different from this earthly kingdom in which we live. To sum it up is to say that the kingdom of heaven is pure and righteous and the kingdom of earth is corrupt and broken. One day we will experience the fullness of the heavenly kingdom when we are there, but until then we can actually bring a taste of the heavenly kingdom to the earth through our Christ-like words and actions. 

As Jesus is explaining things, the disciples start to think about what it’s going to be like for them in that day. Unfortunately, their attitudes become earthly while thinking about what is heavenly. They understand that every kingdom has a king and every king has a court so each wonders, “Where will I be in that chain of command? Will Jesus select me to be his most trusted advisor? Who will be the greatest?"

Jesus’ response is shocking. He calls to himself a little kid, places him in their midst and says, “The one who displays the humility of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” What is the meaning of this? Well, a child is not worried about climbing the social ladder or befriending only those in power and influence. A toddler is not concerned about where he or she stands in the social hierarchy of humanity. They are completely unaware of these things. So if you want to be great, be little, like a child.

5/7/23 - Lord of the Sabbath - Matthew 12:1-8 - Pastor Hudson Garcia

I was talking with a friend this week about how the most terrifying stage with kids is when they learn to say “no.” He followed that up by expressing how his kids would typically say “no” about either seemingly irrelevant things or just super dangerous things. When he would ask them, “Please do not walk into the street,” his toddler would respond with a resounding, “No,” and would then dive headfirst into traffic. We laughed, and then we cried because it was too true. 
 

Unfortunately, for many of us, our desire to say “no” to authority does not go away after our toddler years. Most people, myself included, do not like submitting to authority. I believe that it is our inability to submit to an authority that actually has us worn down and tired all the time. 
 

In Matthew 12:1-7, Jesus makes one of His most scandalous claims in all the scriptures. “For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” This comes after the Pharisees rebuke his disciples for plucking heads of grain to eat on the Sabbath. 
 

The Sabbath is a very important commandment and a commandment that God cares deeply about. By Jesus’ day, the Pharisees had taken this commandment and added so many rules and regulations to it that it completely missed God’s original intention for giving it. God’s heart behind the Sabbath law was that of mercy, rest, and worship.
 

Jesus did not come to revert us back to a more original version of the Sabbath law, He came to bring a new Sabbath reality that all started on that Sunday morning when the stone was rolled away, and the tomb was found empty! 
 

Because of the work of Jesus, we do not have to wait 6 days every week for the opportunity to enjoy God’s Sabbath rest. As Christians filled with the Holy Spirit, we have access to Sabbath rest, all day, every day. However, our biggest roadblock to enjoying this rest is our own desire to control our lives. This week let us take Jesus’ words seriously and acknowledge that He alone has authority over our lives, so we can rest, trusting that He is ultimately in control.

4/30/23 - Sheep Wolves Snakes Doves - Matthew 10:1-22 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Jesus is so good. He always gives us what we need to accomplish what he has called us to do. Sometimes the provision includes a warning. That’s exactly what we get in Matthew chapter 10. Jesus has called us to make disciples and according to him the road will not be easy. Consider these words...

"Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” -Matthew 10:21-22

This hatred stems from division brought by truth delivered in grace and it’s not easy; especially when division comes into your home. Be faithful, knowing that the one who is warning you is also committed to you. Read the last half of verse 22 again…"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." 

In Acts chapter 14 we see Paul and Barnabus in the city of Iconium. The city has rallied against them and how do they respond? Do they say, “Oh no, opposition, we better quiet down!” No, instead this happened, “So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly.” -Acts 14:13

The Apostle Paul understood the warning and affirmation. Imprisoned and soon to die, he writes a letter to his own disciple. The young man is Timothy. In this writing Paul says there was a man named Alexander who was adamantly opposed to him and caused a great deal of harm. He says this about the conflict…“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.  So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”  -2 Timothy 4:17-18. Notice the presence of God in the face of danger. Paul says the Lord stood near and strengthened him so that others might hear the message.

If you always back off whenever you face opposition, you will never accomplish anything for God because Satan will always oppose any step you take in faith. Some have never faced any opposition because they don’t believe it’s necessary to share the message. Remember Christian, if you really believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive people of their sins and thereby usher in eternity with God - then there’s no other option! Remember, if God is for us, who is against us?

4/23/23 - Pray For Laborers - Matthew 9:2-38 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Jesus met people in their moments of need. Perhaps the most remarkable, humbling and dignified thing about it is this: Jesus wants our help in spreading God’s compassion to those who are hurting.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
-Matthew 9:37-38

The harvest could very well represent the Old Testament concept of judgment. The Bible is clear in stating that one day God is going to make all things right. That’s a problem for humanity because we do wrong.  We need to spared from what is to come. How does that happen? We must be told about Jesus. Therefore, Jesus tells us to pray for laborers who will enter into God's harvesting of souls. 

This command has greatly affected my prayer life. Many times I have said, “God, soften their hearts” or, “God, bring them to their knees.” These requests are good, and I still speak them but what must be included is this: “God bring someone who will tell them about Jesus. God send those laborers!" You know what happens when I bow and offer this prayer? God begins to say to me, "What about you? What is stopping you from being one of those laborers?” 

Jesus heals a man with a demon. His life is radically changed and he begs to become disciple number thirteen. Jesus’ reply is unexpected. He says, “No, I’ve got something else for you.” The man became an answer to Jesus’ prayer...

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. 
-Mark 5:18-20

Once again we read the words, “Go and tell.” You and I are the laborers for which Jesus prayed. People are praying for you and the relationship you have with someone they love. You are the answer to their prayers if you will open your mouth and tell them about Jesus. Give them your story. Speak about what Jesus has done for you and enter into the harvest of God!