Illuminate Community Church

3/17/24 - Let God Be Judge - Romans 14:1-12 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Normally, diversity does not easily breed unity. The human tendency is to judge and look down upon those who are different than we are. This was certainly true in Paul’s day. The Jews living in Jerusalem viewed the Jews living in Rome as sellouts because they had adopted Roman customs. The Jerusalem Jews shunned Roman culture and therefore they were holier…or so they thought. Both groups looked down on the Gentiles who practiced paganism and had very little spiritual life. When people from these divergent groups met Jesus they soon met together. Their backgrounds had very little in common but their present belief in Christ brought them close. There had never been anything like Christianity in forming heterogeneous groups. Yet much was to be overcome because some of the differences were quite intense. This is what Paul addresses in Romans chapter 14…

 

"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables." Romans 14:1-2

 

It was the "Meat-eaters" versus the “Vegetarians." The simple solution is to create two distinct churches. Paul gives another and better choice. Take the higher and more noble road and live together in harmony. But how?

 

1. Don’t despise each other.

2. Don’t judge each other.

3. Welcome each other.

4. Let God be one another’s judge.

 

"Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Romans 14:3-4

 

The weak are inclined to say, “You should not be doing this!” The strong are inclined to say, “You’re so immature!” If we are to be honest, we would have to say both misguided attitudes are within each of us. One of Paul’s main points is that people with opposing viewpoints on non-essentials can both be perfectly right with God.

 

Now to be clear, we are not talking about issues of sin. We are not talking about basic doctrines such as the deity of Christ, salvation by faith or matters of moral conduct as listed in the Ten Commandments for example. Instead, these are matters of Christian conscience.

 

"Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." Hebrews 14:10-12

 

Twice in these verses Paul refers to us as family members so we should treat each other this way. Then he essentially says that we should stop trying to be God and leave the judging to Him. This should cause us to pull back from a critical spirit because God will hold us accountable for playing His role. Some things are less important than others and we need to pray that God will give us the wisdom to see what is essential and where we need to display liberty and charity for the sake of unity.

3/10/24 - Love Without End - Romans 13:8-14 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This Sunday we read from the last half of Romans chapter 13. It is beautiful. It contains the distinctively Christian virtue of love. I say, "distinctively Christian" because of the specific Greek word used by Paul - agape. This word is rarely used outside of the Bible. Yet it is the primary way in which Christians are commanded to love each other - without condition and without end. It is this unending love in action that gave rise to the spread of Christianity around the Mediterranean. The world had never seen anything like it.

 

First century AD culture was deeply divided and separated. There was strong prejudice in every direction. There were deep lines of division between male and female, Barbarian and Greek, Jew and Gentile, slave and free. Class differences kept people from speaking to each other. “Stranger” and “enemy” were the same word in many languages.

 

This was the backdrop against which Jesus said to his followers, “love one another” and, “love your neighbor." As the years went by and as people from all walks of life embraced Christianity something remarkable began to happen. Former enemies considered each other family. They sat at the same table holding hands and sharing food. It was unheard of before this time.

 

"Christian" is a word that was made up by those who were trying to identify this unusual collection of people. The name was not invented by Christians themselves. Christ means messiah and the suffix ‘ian’ means party of or belonging to. (Romans soldiers called themselves Caesarians, meaning they belonged to Caesar.) This diverse group was brought together by Christ. They were the party of Jesus!

 

How did it begin? With this attitude of heart...

 

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8

 

Friends, we have a lifelong debt of love. No matter how much you give, you are called to give more. You never reach a point where you say, “I have loved enough, I’m done!” The motivation for this is God’s love for us. God loved us immeasurably through his son Jesus. We understand His love to the degree that we love others.

3/3/24 - Heavenly Citizens of Earth - Romans 13:1-7 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Romans chapter thirteen is famous for its words relating Christian conduct and human governments. This is not the first place in Scripture we read these things. In Matthew chapter twenty-two we find an interaction between Jesus and a group of men who were trying to trap him. This group was an unusual alliance between two types of Jews. The Pharisees, who represented religious life in the Jewish community, did not like Roman rule. The second group was the Herodians. These Jews didn’t mind the Roman way of life. In fact, they supported the Roman government and paid their taxes. These unlikely allies came together in order to put Jesus to the test. They did so with one very clever question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

 

If Jesus responds by saying, “No, do not pay taxes to the Roman Emperor,” then he will be accused of being a traitor and possibly an insurrectionist. Rome had no tolerance for men like this. If Jesus says, “Yes, go ahead and pay your taxes to Caesar,” then he will be accused of being a Roman sympathizer by the Pharisees. So it seems there is no way out. Either way, he will be accused of wrongdoing. Jesus' enemies are sure they’ve got him trapped.

 

But Jesus responds in the most brilliant way. He says, “Why do you put me to the test, hypocrites?” He’s saying they come from a place of moral superiority but he knows their words and deeds do not match up. Jesus replies, “Show me the coin,” and, “Whose face is on this coin?” They said, “Caesar.” Jesus delivers, "Therefore give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and give to God the things that are God’s." This is the answer of a genius intellect. On one hand, he is acknowledging the validity of human government. On the other hand, he is putting limitations on it. 

 

Caesar minted the coins and his image is imprinted on them, so in this sense they are his property. However, all humans bear the image of God. Therefore, all humans belong to God. It’s as if Jesus says, “This coin has the likeness of Caesar, but you have the likeness of God." This is the most profound political statement ever made. The critics cannot accuse him of being a traitor or a Roman sympathizer. They have nothing to do but walk away. Paul’s words in Romans chapter 13 give further expression to what Jesus said to his enemies. 

 

Here are a couple of questions for Christians this election year: How are citizens of heaven supposed to relate to human governments? What kind of citizen is God calling you to be while on the earth?

2/25/24 - Love Inside and Out - Romans 12:9-21 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Last Sunday we looked at Romans 12:3-8. We read about having our minds renewed in Christ. This has a profound effect on who we are and what we do. A renewed mind manifests itself in loving those inside and outside the church. How exactly is this done? Paul tells us what Christian love is, and is not. This is necessary because in our day we use the word love to describe affections that are not all the same. For example, you might hear someone say they love ice cream and then a minute later they tell you they love their spouse. Are they really talking about the same kind of love? Depends on the flavor…fair enough.

 

The ancient Greeks however, had four primary words to describe different types of love. Philia (close friendship), eros (romantic), storge (family) and more rarely, agape (Divine love used to describe God’s affection for humanity). This love is unwavering, unconditional and authentic.

 

"Let love be genuine." Romans 12:9

 

Of those four main Greek words for love, the one Paul uses above is agape. This is a persistent love that seeks to understand how one can be a blessing to another. It does not give up. 

 

The word genuine means to be sincere. In other words, don’t fake it. It’s like when you smile and thank the police officer for giving you a speeding ticket. Don’t deceive yourself into thinking you're loving someone when in reality you are neglecting them. This is a call to honestly evaluate your heart and ask yourself the question, “Do I love without hypocrisy?” “Do I love only those who love me?”

 

The question Paul is asking each of us is this: How do you know if your heart and mind have been renewed in Christ? The answer is found in who and how you love those in the church and those in the world.

2/18/24 - How To Think About Yourself - Romans 12:3-8 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Last Sunday we covered the first two verses in Romans chapter twelve. Paul exhorted us in this way…

 

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

 

In the verses that follow, he explains how to renew our minds, and as a result our lives will be transformed. This wisdom is needed today. Many (moreso the younger generations) struggle with these questions... 

 

How should I think about myself? 

How should I think about others? 

What is my purpose? 

 

For the Christian, these questions have been answered in a way that brings life and meaning. If you’ve been wondering why you should live for God; here’s one answer - You will never have the life you’ve always wanted without a proper perspective of who God created you to be. 

 

This is how we are not to think and how we are to think about ourselves...

 

"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."

Romans 12:3

 

There is a universal tendency in the human heart. We think we’re better than most. The cure is to think soberly according to the measure of faith God has assigned. The word measure can also be translated as standard and when read this way, it opens up the meaning. God has assigned to all of us the standard of faith which is Jesus himself. Paul understands that He is the yardstick by which we measure ourselves. This is very helpful. The main reason why you and I become arrogant and conceited is because we compare ourselves to others. And since everybody can look down on somebody, there is ample opportunity for the inflation of one’s ego. So here’s the correction: compare yourself to Jesus. Suddenly, pride gives way to humility and this allows us to think rightly about ourselves and others.

2/11/24 - The Call To Commitment - Romans 12:1-2 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In Romans chapter 12 there is a noticeable shift in the letter from Paul. He moves from doctrine to application. This is the part where you ask yourself, "What difference does knowing God make in my life?" Paul helps… I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1-2 Paul is making an urgent request and at the same, he forms the basis for it: God’s mercies. God’s mercy is both simple and complex. A short definition is to say that mercy is the gift of God’s forgiveness and the withholding of His punishment. God’s mercy pardons your sin thereby granting you eternal life. This, according to Paul, forms the foundation of our commitment to God. Paul doesn't say, “Hey, do yourself a favor and obey God.” Instead, he says you and I have an obligation to live for him because of what he has provided. God the Father showed mercy on us when he sacrificed his son on the cross to pay the price for our sins. The greater our comprehension of what God has done for us, the greater our commitment should be. This is worship. God’s mercy is the magnet that draws us closer to him!

2/4/24 - Israel Then, Now, and Future - Romans 11 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Our text this week is about the nation of Israel. There is no doubt they are a unique group of people. They have been around a long time despite many efforts aimed at their destruction. Many ancient nations have come and gone yet Israel has stood the test of time. They are second to none in the history of battle.

 

Think about this - they can trace their lineage back thousands of years to one man, Abraham. Worldwide those who identify as Jew first total about 15 million. Approximately half live in Israel and a little less than half live in the United States. Their religious, intellectual and socio-economic contributions to society are enormous. Yet today, there are many divided sympathies towards them throughout the world and in our own country.

 

If the question is - What is the proper attitude toward Israel from the Christian community? The answer is found in Romans chapter 11. It’s here that Paul takes up the conversaton about whether God himself has given up on Israel. This is a natural question because in ancient times the majority of them were spiritually lost and did not follow God. Additionally, when Jesus arrived the Jews not only rejected him but they offered him up to be crucified. So does this mean that God is done with the nation of Israel? Paul responds with a resounding “No!" His answer also carries with it advice regarding our own attitudes.

 

The simple fact is, if you are a Gentile Christian then you should be humbled to know that you were not a natural part of the spiritual tree in the first place. Instead, you were grafted in. Paul says that salvation is for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and then to the Gentile.

 

C.S. Lewis said, “In a sense, the converted Jew is the most normal human being in the world. Everyone else is, from one point of view, a special case dealt with under emergency conditions.” So then, if you are a Gentile believer there is no room for pride or arrogance. We are privileged to have any part in it at all.

 

Furthermore, God wants to use the Gentiles to bring the Jews into His kingdom. Individual believers and the believing community at large are meant to radiate a spiritual reality that causes unbelieving Jews to be provoked to spiritual jealousy. The love we have for Christ and each other is the magnet by which all people are drawn to the Savior. They look at us and say, “They have something I don’t have!”

1/28/24 - Human Responsibility - Romans 10 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Romans 10

 

There is a recurring argument that Paul confronts in the book of Romans and it goes like this…If the nation of Israel, with all of its tremendous spiritual privileges has not followed God’s plan of redemption through Jesus but still clings to a works oriented view of salvation - does that mean God has failed? Afterall, God chose Israel to be his people and yet they have turned their backs on his offer of salvation through Christ. This might lead some to think God did not accomplish what he set out to do and therefore God has failed.

Paul’s answer is that throughout Israel's history God has been supernaturally directing events. He operates according to his sovereign choosing. For example, even though Ishmael was born first, God chose Isaac to carry on his promises. Later, God would select Jacob over Esau. Paul says God raised up Pharoah to show his power. These are just a few events in history that reveal the foundation for God’s sovereign election.

Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out Paul ends the chapter saying everyone is personally responsible for responding to God in faith.

 

“Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Romans 9:32-33

Notice carefully how Pauyl says, “...they did not pursue it by faith." He presents the other side of the coin. Everyone is accountable for accepting or rejecting Jesus. The fact is, the Bible teaches God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. It doesn't show us exactly how these two things blend together. It does not resolve the paradox. I used to struggle with this. My tiny analytical mind was troubled. Until I realized my inability to understand all that God does is a good thing. This is something a supernatural being would create and that actually gives me peace. If everything God does makes sense to me then there would be no transcendence. Nothing here contradicts reason, but it does go beyond it. God is bigger than we can conceive!

 

Perhaps most glorious of all is that God has given us the dignity of being the vessels to bring about the message of salvation. 

 

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15

 

This is simple, progressive logic. Salvation comes when you and I preach the gospel to those who have not heard. You can’t call on Jesus if you don’t know him. God sends preachers like you and me to increase belief!

1/21/24 - Q+A with Peter Williams - Pastor Jason Fritz

In this very special service, Dr. Peter Williams from The University of Cambridge joins us to speak about the trustworthiness of the Gospels. Dr. Williams is an Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity in the University of Cambridge, Chair of the International Greek New Testament Project and a member of the Translation Oversight Committee of the English Standard Version of the Bible. He assisted Dr. Dirk Jongkind in Tyndale House’s production of a major edition of the Greek New Testament and his book "Can We Trust the Gospels?" has been translated into 13 languages. His latest book, "The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal about the Greatest Teacher", was published in October 2023.

 

This is a great opportunity to further enhance your confidence in the reliability of the Gospels.

1/14/24 - Happy Birthday Illuminate! - Pastor Jason Fritz

Happy 8th Birthday Illuminate!

Wow, how time goes by! What began as a dream eight years ago has become a movement of God’s people who call Illuminate their home. We couldn’t have imagined all that God would do, but we are not surprised because we believe God is big and he wants to do much more than we could ask or think...
 
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
 
So as we talk about past victories, celebrate changed lives and brag on God’s faithfulness, we also look forward to the next chapters believing the best is yet to come! I’ll be sharing the vision for 2024 and where we believe God is guiding us into the future. There are some unique opportunities on the horizon for us as well.
 
I am so grateful for your participation in the Gospel. The best part for me is that we get to do this together and experience more, “Only God” stories!