Illuminate Community Church

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!

1/7/24 - God Is Working His Plan - Romans 9 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In this message, we will be reading from Romans chapter nine. It’s a stark contrast to the end of chapter eight where Paul ends on a high note. He gives a mountain top experience but when you arrive at the summit and look ahead you see storm clouds approaching. After turning the page, you find distress in what Paul writes next. Consider the change in tone... For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 This is the crescendo moment as Paul speaks of the overwhelming love of God. However, it is quickly followed by anguish in chapter 9 verses 1-2… I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. What happened? Well, Paul’s mind turns toward those who have not accepted God’s love in Christ. Specifically, his Jewish brothers and sisters. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. Romans 9:3-5 These are intense emotions spoken out of love for those who have had every advantage and yet, they have rejected the good things God has blessed them with. Paul goes so far as to say that he is willing to give up his seat on the bus to heaven so that his kinsman can take it. Many of us have gathered with friends and family for the holidays. Some of them don’t yet know Jesus and while we laugh and enjoy each other’s company, we have a deep sadness and underlying pain because they are far from God. Luther said it well, “Love is not only pure joy, and delight, but also great and deep heaviness of heart and sorrow.” Like Paul, our hearts break for those who are lost. One more thing to note about Romans chapter nine. It contains one of the more challenging and hard to follow issues in the entire Bible. Paul speaks of God’s sovereign and unconditional election. I hope to show this gives the believer great peace in knowing God has a plan and has been working that plan from eternity past. When God works, nothing will stop Him!

12/31/23 - God Is For Us - Romans 8:28-39 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In 1660 John Bunyon, the Puritan preacher and author was in deep depression until he began meditating on the words of our text this Sunday. He read this from Romans chapter 8, “If God is for us, who is against us?” 

 

The more he reflected on these words the more the clouds departed. All we have to do is look around us and see what’s happening in the world and it’s easy to become downhearted. Or we can look within and recognize life’s unwanted circumstances and this too can cause a downward spiral. It’s time to look up.

 

Romans chapter 8 contains what might be the most joy-filled, confident expressions in the entire Bible - and not just a few, but many in rapid succession beginning with one familiar to many Christians…

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 

 

The text doesn’t say all things are good because in fact, sometimes life brings us horrible situations. However, even in this God works the bad for good. The Greek words translated as ‘work together' form the foundation for the English word synergy. Synergy is when two or more things come together and produce something better than what each could do on it’s own. Still the question remains...

 

What exactly is meant by ‘good’? The ultimate good is revealed in the next verse...

 

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, Romans 8:29a

 

There it is. Did you catch it? The ultimate good for you and me is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. This doesn’t mean everything in this life will be easy. It means that God will use all things to produce Christ-likeness in you and this is what serves you best. So your present distresses should not be viewed as destructive. Pleasures, pains, suffering, heartache and disappointments are being used by God synergystically.

 

Sometimes we say, “Why is God allowing this to happen?” Paul reminds us that God gave us His best in Jesus so He won’t withold any good thing from us. This leads Paul to proclaim, "If God is for us, who can be against us!"

12/24/23 - Christmas Eve at Illuminate - Luke 1-2 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Have you noticed that Christmas has become the world’s largest secular holiday? Sadly, the story of Jesus’ birth goes unnoticed and yet the story itself is remarkable. It’s like someone who lives in Arizona and yet never visits the Grand Canyon thinking, “It will always be just a few hours away and when I get time, I’ll make it there.” There’s this incredible place of natural beauty and yet never experienced even though it’s in our own backyard! That’s the way many people treat the birth of Jesus. “Someday, I’ll think more critically about the most talked about and written individual to ever walk the planet. The story will always be there so I’ll explore it when I have time.” This weekend I’d like to bring us to the manger and into the sights and sounds of what took place 2000 years ago.

 

Actually, I’d like to take us farther back in time. 

 

Seven hundred years before the days of Mary and Joseph there lived a man named Isaiah. He was from the same region where Jesus was born. God speaks through Isaiah and gives remarkable insight into future events…

 

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 

 

Immanuel means, “God with us.” Shockingly, the prophet tells us that Jesus is God in human form and will dwell among humanity.

 

Many people have very little tolerance for Christianity because it is seen as exclusive and intolerant. The idea that Jesus is the only way to God and only through him can you achieve eternal life appears to be extremely narrow minded. The fact is, Christmas is the cause of irritating exclusivity. You see, every other religion believes that if you just follow their founder’s moral teachings then you will gain something better in the life to come. Morality and goodness is the path to God. Christianity says that’s not possible. Your situation is so desperate that morality and goodness will never be enough. Oh, and the reality is, you’re not actually as good as you think you are. So someone has to be good for you.

 

Suddenly, Christianity doesn’t seem so exclusive does it? Because God did for you what you couldn’t do for yourself. This is the meaning of Immanuel, God WITH us. This shatters many people’s view of Him. They think God is distant and far off and only mildly interested in human affairs. Christmas gives correction to that. Listen to the words of the apostle Paul, For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

 

In other words, God gives light in the darkness by sending Jesus to be THE light who is the very representation of God himself. Now that is something to celebrate!