Illuminate Community Church

8/22/2021 - The Gospel Makes Death a Gardener - Acts 22

“Death used to be an executioner, but the gospel makes him just a gardener.” George Herbert

The apostle Paul continues to inspire. His final missionary journey will culminate in his arrest. It will be one life threatening situation after another for the rest of Paul’s life. Yet he doesn’t stop. He’s a man of tremendous courage. Courage is not a lack of fear, it's being afraid and doing the right thing. Where does this come from and how do we get it? 

Christian, you are going to need courage in this life. 

Every once in a while a friend will alert me to a YouTube comment someone makes about me. More recently someone said that I sound like the actor Ray Romano. Then another person commented that I looked like him. I’m not saying Ray is unattractive but he’s certainly no George Clooney. Online commenters can be like snipers hiding in the shadows. This is a very small thing. The larger things occur when I get called out for wrong actions and attitudes. See, that’s where my pride comes in. 
So I begin to think of what Paul has to say to me. I’m reminded that Christians have a unique way of looking at themselves and their surroundings. 

Paul had an impressive Jewish resume. That’s what he outlines in Acts chapter 22. Certainly it was a point of pride before he met Christ. "I am superior to others,” he would selfishly proclaim. By the way, people who live in shame and guilt can be just as self-absorbed because all they're doing is focusing on themselves. So superiority and inferiority are both misguided.  Paul says that he needed to be washed clean. He wasn’t as great as he thought he was. In fact, he was wrong and misguided and needed to be brought low. When Paul was brought low he discovered Jesus loved him in spite of his self absorption. So then he found himself in the right balance. He had a joyful humility. Therefore he had the courage to do what God called him to do because he was no longer looking at himself. Instead, he looked to Jesus; and often when facing death. Even in death you win Christian. You gain eternal life. Courage is all about keeping your eyes on Jesus.

8/15/2021 - Pay Any Price - Acts 20-21

Whatever you fear keeps you in bondage. Some fears however are healthy. You have experienced this. There’s a strange sound coming from somewhere in your house late at night. You are motivated to investigate when looking out for the safety of those you love. In other words, a lesser fear (harm to yourself) is driven out by a greater fear (harm to your family).

But we’ve all experienced unhealthy fear as well. This comes from pleasing people rather than God. This is the source of many world problems today. The fear of man can immobilize us when we should take action, and it silences us when we should speak. Human fears feel powerful, but its' power is deceptive. That’s why the Bible tells us, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” (Proverbs 29:25). The Hebrew word for “snare” refers to traps hunters used to catch animals or birds. Snares are dangerous. If we get caught in the snare of fear, we must do whatever it takes to free ourselves.

The apostle Paul is an inspiration. In Acts chapters 20 and 21 he shows little concern for his life…but for the right reason. He wants to tell all people about Jesus. Now I would love to tell you that Paul and his buddies simply manned up. But that’s the wrong way to say it. As if they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and beat their chests. They didn’t man up, they faithed up. Do you think Paul was at all afraid? Yes, because he was human. You can’t have courage without facing a fear. Karl Barth is regarded by many as the greatest Protestant theologian of the 20th century and he said this, “Courage is simply fear that has said its prayers.” In other words, we take our fears and bring them to the throne of the only sovereign and powerful God who loves us and we do the difficult thing entrusting the results and our lives to Him. This is what gives us courage to face hardships, unwanted circumstances, and of course the fear of man. Remember, brothers and sisters, when we do the will of God we are invincible until God calls us home!

8/8/2021 - A Disturbance by The Way - Acts 18-19

"About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.” Acts 19:23

The first Christians were described by the world as, “the Way.” Jesus said, “I am the way.” From the earliest days, Christians made no apology for boldly proclaiming that Jesus was the only way to God. He was not a way, but the way. The culture did not like this because it was filled with idols. This is especially true in the city of Ephesus which was the patron city of the God Artemis, also known as Diana. She ruled the wild animals and governed childbirth. She was also a crowd favorite. In Ephesus, there was a massive temple built in her honor. It was the biggest temple in the Mediterranean region. Four times larger than the Parthenon in Rome. It took 120 years to construct and was one of the seven wonders of the world. Thousands of pilgrims would make the journey from all over the known world to worship Artemis in Ephesus. So then we understand what unfolds next...

The gospel provoked the religious climate of the city. 

When Christianity is brought into any city it will pose a threat to that city’s idols. In Ephesus it was the cult of Artemis. A goddess carved in stone. The people bowed down and made sacrifices to her and we modern people think, “How unsophisticated. Certainly we are well educated beyond giving our devotion to something that is made by human hands." Or are we? Our city has its' own covert gods and they are nevertheless appealing.

There is an identifiable language to idolatry that you can recognize in yourself. You might say, “Well I have God but if I could just get that thing, then I’d really be happy. If I could just achieve this then I’d be somebody, then I’d be secure.” If so, then you are loving those things more than God. Even good things can become idols. In fact the most powerful idols are good things we turn into little gods. Perhaps the thing we idolize most is some earthly relationship. However, if you make a person your god, they will constantly disappoint you with their imperfections and you will constantly disappoint them with your expectations. Even the best human relationships end in death. 

So how do we free ourselves from this? We don’t stop loving the people who are close to us. We don’t love them less. We love God more. How? By seeing Jesus on the cross. He died for you. So go ahead and put your highest devotion upon him!

8/1/2021 - Unknown Gods and Idols - Acts 17:16-34

Can you believe "American Idol" has been on the air for almost 20 years? But you might already know that. People love to cheer for their favorites and indeed it seems every year there is one special underdog with a gripping and emotional human interest story. For those watching, the show is a simple escape from the pressures of everyday life. 

We don’t often realize that our personal idols actually create those pressures. The root of our problems come when we worship the wrong things or people. Truly there is nothing new under the sun. Paul encountered this 2000 years ago when he entered the famed city of Athens. Known for its philosophical and religious influence the city was drowning in idols. Paul is moved with compassion and shares the gospel. 

We were made to worship. 

The focus of our worship will determine the meaning of our lives. Sometimes our idols are not so easy to identify. Good things can become idols when elevated to first importance in your life. This includes your spouse, your children, career and personal goals. All are good things but things that were never meant to receive your worship. And here’s why - they can never be satisfied. When Jesus uttered on the cross, “It is finished,” He meant all of it is finished, your striving for perfection, your search for meaning, your questions about eternal life. 

Everybody worships something. 

How do you know what it is for you? Here’s the question... What is it in my life; if I lost that thing it would cause me to say, “My life is no longer worth living.” Whatever that thing is, it has just been exposed as the deepest desire of your heart. The gospel of Jesus invites you to make an exchange. Exchange whatever you're worshiping for the worship of a God who loves you and sacrificed immeasurably for you. Do you know what happens when you make this exchange? You begin to enjoy the good things in ways you never have before because they are no longer the best things. They no longer own your emotional and psychological well being. Giving your highest devotion to Jesus moves you from enslavement to freedom!

7/25/2021 - Turning the World Upside Down - Acts 17:1-15

“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also…"

Astronaut Jim Lovell was one of the first three humans to fly to and orbit the Moon. He also commanded the 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission which, after a critical failure en route, circled around the Moon and returned safely to Earth through the collaborative efforts of his crew and mission control. In looking back on his success, he quoted what has become a familiar phrase: “There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.” Jim Lovell was a man who made things happen!

In Acts 17, we find two more men who made things happen - Paul and Silas. Verse six tell us that these men “turned the world upside down.” How is that these two could have such an affect on their culture that their enemies would claim that they have turned the world upside down? And in just a few short weeks in just a few places?

As a result of coming to know Jesus Christ personally, Paul said that he would do anything for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:23). He would go deeper, saying “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Nothing was more important to him in life. He and Silas got beat up in Philippi for preaching the gospel, and rather than taking a break, they traveled 100 miles to Thessalonica, went into the synagogue, and began declaring once again that Jesus is the Christ. When they were forced to leave Thessalonica, they moved on to Berea and did the same thing! They were unstoppable in their commitment to preach the gospel of Christ!

How did they do it? What kept them going? And what would it take today to turn the world upside down for Christ? I think the answer to these questions is the same. To turn the world upside down for Christ we must, like Paul and Silas, be determined to share the gospel no matter what!  We need to be people who make things happen for Christ and His kingdom.

7/18/2021 - Transformed Lives - Acts 15-16

What is required for salvation? This isn’t a new question. Very early within the Christian movement there was something present that had the potential to make it like all other religions. All other religions at this time, before and since have you working to please God. There is some burden that is placed on you. What’s missing is grace. Jesus spoke to this directly when addressing the religious leaders of his day.

And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers." -Luke 11:46

The gospel of Jesus is not burdensome and yet some were teaching falsely, “Gentiles, you must carry this burden of circumcision in order to be saved.” So what is the proper response to this? Peter makes it clear.

But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will. -Acts 15:11

In other words, there is no fear of living up to standards, no fear of worrying if you’ve done the right things or if you’ve done enough right things. The burden of expectations is gone. You’re not defined by what others think of you. You’re not defined by your job. You’re not defined by what you have. You’re not defined by relationships. Those things will crush you in an endless pursuit. Place everything on Jesus including your own efforts. Christianity is freedom in every way. You know what happens when a church loses sight of grace? It becomes legalistic. Legalism creates prideful people. It seems Christians are always surrendering their freedoms in the wrong way. 

In Acts chapter 16, two remarkable women serve as examples of what grace looks like. Both women experience Jesus in a very different way. One in a luxurious home with a polite conversation around a charcuterie board. The other, on the streets with a confrontation of the power of Jesus' name. The message is clear. No matter who we are, what we do, no matter our past or present, we need the grace of Jesus and nothing else.

7/11/2021 - Through Many Tribulations - Acts 14

There is more suffering in the Christian life than you ever thought you could handle but there is also more joy than you ever thought possible.

It is necessary to understand the religious climate of the cities in which Paul visited. It’s now believed that the cult of Caesar was the dominant religion of Paul’s time in much of the Roman world. Caesar was deified and worshipped as a god in the flesh. It’s been argued that this is why Rome had such success in ruling much of the known world because the people willingly swore their allegiance to the god Emperor. They even offered sacrifices to him. Who needs an army to control the population when you have the people worshipping you and believing that you are a gift from the heavens? This is especially true in the cities where Paul has been preaching, particularly Antioch and Iconium. In both places there has been discovered imperial temples that were created for the worship of Caesar. A good example of this deification of Caesar can be seen in an inscription carved into an ancient government building. It speaks of Caesar Augustus who ruled the Roman Empire at the time of Jesus.  Here’s what the inscription says…

Since Providence, which has ordered all things and is deeply interested in our lives, has set in most perfect order by giving us Augustus, whom she filled with virtue that he might benefit humankind, sending him as a savior, both for us and for our descendants, that he might end war and arrange all things, and since he, Caesar, by his appearance (excelled even our anticipations), surpassing all previous benefactors, and not even leaving to posterity any hope of surpassing what he has done, and since the birthday of the god Augustus was the beginning of the gospel for the world that came by reason of him.

Paul’s world the main “gospel” was the news of, or the celebration of Caesar. When Paul speaks and uses the word gospel he’s not inventing a new concept. He’s not saying "I’m here to give you a new religion.” Rather, Paul was using a word from his time but he was focusing it on a different person. He takes the word “gospel” and applies it to Jesus. It’s as if he says, “Everyone under Roman influence knows about the gospel of Caesar, but I’m here to tell you about the gospel of Jesus. My good news does not have Caesar at the center of worship, but rather it has Jesus as the center of worship. Jesus is the true king, not Caesar!” So Paul’s gospel is a direct challenge to the gospel of Rome. This is a bold and inflammatory statement. And one that does not go unnoticed, after all, this is the reason why Paul gets run out of town. (Acts 17:6-8)

Early believers were prepared for a life of hardship because their loyalty was to a different king. Obedience to this king will set you at odds with the kings of culture. Paul was not content to simply say, “Jesus is one of many gospels alongside Caesar", he said the gospel of Jesus is the only true gospel there is. It’s as true today as it was then, if you are heralding the gospel of Jesus, understand that the larger culture in which you live will view you as belonging to a subversive little group. However, from the standpoint of God, you are setting your face toward His kingdom. Absolutely incredible!

7/4/2021 - Battle Ready - Acts 12

Over the course of history, human beings have tried to rival God. The first sin we see in the Bible occurs in Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve think they could become like God, disobey Him and eat the forbidden fruit. In Genesis 11, the people of the earth band together to build a tower that could reach the heavens. Their pride and arrogance led to a desire to be seen as gods. The Biblical story does not get any better when it comes to man's pursuit to rival God. In the end, every great ruler and every great nation falls to the hand of the one true God. History repeats itself as today, nations, politicians, and even celebrities, take their shots at trying to rival God. From early 2000’s Kanye West, to communist dictators, everyone has tried and failed at rivaling the one true King of the world and the only God. 

This is good news not only for us today, but for the church in Acts 12. The church here is facing a really dark time. Having just mourned the loss of James, the son of Zebedee, they now get news that Peter has been arrested and sentenced to death. In that moment, the church teaches us a valuable lesson. Faithful prayers prepare and engage our hearts for battle. While the church is up all night praying for Peter, an angel of the Lord appears and breaks Peter out of jail. Even Herod's gate opens on its own accord for Peter to leave unharmed. The gates of hell, nor Herod’s gate, can prevail against God’s church.

Acts makes it clear that we are to join God in his mission of spreading the Gospel. The mission is clear, but that does not make the battle any easier. For many of us, the last year took us out of the battle and out of living on mission for God. This week, whether you’ve been out of the battle or fighting on the front lines, we will all be challenged to take the next step towards taking back ground for the Gospel. We are getting ‘Battle Ready’. We do all this with confidence, knowing that no person and no situation is too great for our God!

6/27/2021 - Healthy Christians - Acts 11,13

Have you had a spiritual check-up recently? What goes in to making a healthy Christian? Early Christians had three necessary life ingredients along with one secret sauce. Here they are…

1. They received the Word of God.
2. They were filled with the Spirit of God.
3. They prayed constantly to God.
(Secret Sauce: They encouraged one another.)

Let’s talk about the secret sauce for a moment. Jesus told us that we should be known as His disciples by the love we show one another. This is why Christians need face to face interaction by regularly attending the gathering of the church body. A digital smiley face just doesn’t have the same encouraging effect.😀 Yeah, the real thing is much better. Physical proximity translates into relational connectedness. As you know, much is communicated nonverbally. Truth is verbal, love is nonverbal. It’s the look in your eye, it’s the tone of your voice, it’s your facial expressions, it’s the hand on the shoulder, these things reveal your heart for others. An emoji will never take the place of your God given face. When Jesus came to the earth he arrived in the flesh and dwelt with man. He did not arrive via video or chat or social media platform. He chose a time when it was nothing but “live.” Jesus’ physical presence was an encouragement to those who received him.

In the early church there was a man named Barnabas and he was really good at encouraging others. In fact, he had this special ministry that put fuel into the engine of individual Christians. He had the ability to speak with warmth and strength. I haven’t met too many people who were naturally good at this. It might not have been natural for Barnabas either. I say this because we are told that he was a man “filled with God’s Spirit.” This supernatural filling produced the fruit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You and I have this same Spirit within us but are we yielding to him? It’s a moment by moment choice to exchange what is natural for the supernatural. 

“God fill us with your Spirit now so that we can be the encouragement others need.”

6/20/2021 - Paradigm Shift - Acts 10

"What God has cleansed you must not call common!” Acts 10:15

There’s a moment in church history that makes the sound of a thunderclap. It’s found in Acts chapter 10. Peter has been given the keys to unlocking the future of the church. God’s picture of the future is not something Peter anticipated. In fact God had to prepare him for it. Peter had many prejudices that needed to be torn down. God begins this process with a dream that includes unkosher animals. “Arise and eat!” he’s told. He says, “Never!” In his mind the animals before him are dirty, unclean and forbidden. It will take the consistent voice of God to convince Peter, and yet this vision is preparation for something bigger. 

Gentiles should not be regarded as dirty, unclean and forbidden.

Gentiles and Jews did not mix. They had genuine hatred for each other. One viewed the other as nothing more than slave material and the other was perceived as immoral and profane. Could God really be uniting these two into one family? Yes and the proof comes when God tells Peter to visit a Gentile named Cornelius. Cornelius has questions about God and Peter is answering by telling him of Jesus. And then it happens. Cornelius believes and the Holy Spirit comes upon this Gentile and all who are with him. It cannot be denied. God’s family is all-inclusive.

God could have used an angel to bring the message to Cornelius but he didn’t. He used one of his own. Why do you think God does it this way? My dad was a mechanic and auto body repair guy. That’s what he did for a living. When I was little and he was working on a car I would look over his shoulder and wait for him to give me instructions. “Okay Jason, grab the pliers” or, “Hand me the screwdriver.” I remember feeling like a big kid because my dad and I were working together. So I did the same with my kids when they were little. At times there would be a bolt that was so tight I couldn't loosen it on my own. I needed the help of a strong four year old. So I would grab the wrench and then place that little hand on top of mine and together we would move the bolt. “We did it!” That little face would light up and so would mine. This is the joy that God gets when one of his children works alongside him. God had done all the preparation and Peter simply spoke the words. Let’s enter into joy of partnering with God by relying on the power he supplies!