Illuminate Community Church

7/30/23 - Preparing for Heaven - Matthew 6:19-21 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This Sunday we bring our series on heaven and hell to a close. Perhaps the best way to do this is to hear from Jesus as he tells us what we can do here and now in order to prepare ourselves for the day we see Him face to face. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says this...

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

In the words of an old pastor, ‘You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.’

Notice the reason for storing up these treasures in heaven: they last. These are things no one can take from you. I have had valuables lost and stolen. I have had things taken from my car and my home. This never happens with what is kept in heaven. Additionally, by thinking eternally with what we have been entrusted temporally, the things of this earth remain in their proper place.

A funny thing happens in life…

The more things we have, the more our things seem to have us. We start to organize our lives around possessions and spend time and money to protect and maintain them because we fear their loss. Hoarding is a form of idolatry too. It puts something other than God at the center of our lives.

We should recognize that storing up treasures in heaven is not limited to our finances. For example, Jesus said this in Matthew 10:42…"And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” 
 
We serve Jesus by serving the body of Christ and as a result, we gain what we cannot lose. Even seemingly small acts of service when done with the right motive do not go unnoticed by God. If you serve coffee, put away chairs, give a sandwich to the homeless, empty the trash, introduce yourself to someone new, invite a friend or teach a child you are filling the hands of God with what will be returned one hundredfold.

Jesus assumes that our hearts will place value on whatever we find. His point is that our hearts must treasure the right things and keep them in their proper place because what we treasure most matters in eternity.

7/23/23 - Satan Practices Self Love - Ephesians 6:12; Isaiah 14:12-14; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This Sunday we’ll discover a person and a force that is entirely devoted to keeping people from entering heaven. If you paid attention in World History class you remember that as Hitler’s appetite for power and territory grew, his army began to march across Europe. In some cases, the fight could hardly be called a battle. The German army rapidly advanced, with its tanks and technologically advanced weapons. In some of the underdeveloped nations, their armies made a futile effort to resist the aggression, fighting back with spears and even rocks. It was no contest at all, because these nations were not equipped for the battle.

The same could be said of many Christians. They are totally unprepared or even unaware of the spiritual battle that goes on around them and the eternal consequences of these battles. Our fight is against Satan and the powers of darkness, or other fallen angels, which he controls. Many of Satan’s victims do not even know there is a war going on and because of this, they make easy prey. 

One of my mentors often said, “One of the most disbelieved verses in all of Scripture is found in Ephesians 6:12.” I think he’s right.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” 

These forces have been at work since God created man and woman. In the opening pages of the Bible it is apparent that Satan is the enemy of God, and that he actively seeks to oppose God, his purposes, and his people. However, we have been equipped by God to fight this enemy and win. I’m reminded of William Wallace (Mel Gibson) from the movie Braveheart who stood tall and stoic as the enemy rapidly advanced directly toward him and his men. Calmly, then forcefully he said, “Steady, hold, hold, hold, NOOOOOW!!!!” At that moment the Scotts picked up hidden weapons and immediately began to take down their English opposition. Or perhaps you remember the words of Maximus from the movie Gladiator when he told his General, “On my command, unleash hell.” We have something far more powerful than hell. We have the power of God’s throne in heaven. On God’s command, we unleash heaven!

Three distinct weapons are in your arsenal Christian. Are you using them?

1. Prayer - prayer engages God’s power against Satan.
2. Worship - when we worship we do the exact opposite of what Satan did. He practiced self-love and had thoughts of exaltation fueled by pride. He wanted to be on God’s throne; we bow down before it.
3. God’s Word - The Bible is described as a sword that cuts through the lies and replaces them with truth. Satan is allergic to the truth and this is why he left Jesus alone after He kept breathing the Scriptures into Satan’s face.

7/16/23 - Well Done Good and Faithful Servant! - Matthew 25:13-30 - Pastor Jason Fritz

We are nearing the end of our series on eternity (eternity lasts forever and this series will not) so this Sunday we read a remarkable parable from Jesus. Think of a parable as a short story that leaves a profound impact. It’s found in Matthew chapter 25 and it reveals the goal for every Christian. The goal is hearing Jesus say, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master (the one who rules and owns everything)!” So how exactly do we receive this welcome? 

 

We receive it by making the most of every opportunity.

 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

 

The author Daniel Pink wrote a book about regrets. He conducted a worldwide survey and discovered that regrets of omission outnumbered regrets of commission 3 to 1. In other words, most regrets occur because people did not take action when they had the opportunity. They did not travel, pursue a career change or a new relationship and now the opportunities are gone and they are left with remorse.

 

The parable in Matthew 25 is also about missed opportunities. It comes in response to a question the disciples have been asking Jesus, "When are you coming again?”He gives them a few signs but he does not give them a specific date. Why doesn’t he give them what they ask for? Because he wants his followers to live in anticipation of his coming so that they are in a constant state of readiness.

 

While we wait, we work.

 

The parable contains three servants. Two are proven faithful and get busy with what they have been given. They are not idle. The third (one talent servant) is lazy. He kicks a hole in the ground burying what he’s been given. With responsibility comes accountability. The owner returns and each receives according to the opportunities taken or wasted.

 

In all of history, perhaps the man who wasted the greatest opportunity was Judas. Remember him? He lived with Jesus and the other disciples for three years and yet his life is a sobering reminder that one can be so near yet so far. Are there people in church like this? Well, Judas lived with Jesus and do you know what his job was? He was the treasurer and…he was stealing. His heart was that of the one talent servant.

 

What do you do with what you have been given? Have you given the Lord a whole life of service in return for that? What would it take for you to hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master.”

7/9/23 - Resurrected Bodies - 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 - Pastor Hudson Garcia

“There is a preacher of the old school but he speaks as boldly as ever. He is not popular, though the world is his parish and he travels every part of the globe and speaks in every language. He visits the poor, calls upon the rich, preaches to people of every religion and no religion, and the subject of his sermon is always the same. He is an eloquent preacher, often stirring feelings which no other preacher could, and bringing tears to eyes that never weep. His arguments none are able to refute, nor is there any heart that has remained unmoved by the force of his appeals. He shatters life with his message. Most people hate him; everyone fears him. His name? Death. Every tombstone is his pulpit, every newspaper prints his text, and someday every one of you will be his sermon.” -Unknown Author
 
In fifth grade, my teacher loved to remind us as 10-year-olds that you only have to do two things in life, pay your taxes and die. I’m not sure why she felt the need to repeat this day after day, but she was right. 
 
Death is inevitable, and trying to explain or draw meaning from death is the point of every worldview and religion. However, it is only in Christianity that the Gospel of Jesus Christ confronts death head-on in the middle of history. 
 
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul states that it is the resurrection of Jesus that gives us hope in the face of death. He goes on to make the claim that because Jesus has resurrected from the dead, we can have faith that someday we will be resurrected with him. 
 
Paul directly links his boldness for Christ in this life with his hope in the resurrection in the life to come. It is important to note that for Paul, an eternal existence for a human being is an embodied one. 
 
We will be specifically looking at 1 Corinthians 15:35-49, where Paul describes what these resurrected bodies will be like. For now, we will leave it at; our resurrected bodies will be superior to our earthly bodies in every way.

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!