Mercy, Not Sacrifice!

 5^th Sunday after Pentecost!

                    

Intro.

                            Prayer

                   Matt. 12:1-14 & Hosea 6:6

 

A.   Here Jesus and His disciples went through a corn field, and  they were hungry, so they picked corn to eat! On the Sabbath!

 

B.   The first thing we think is, AWhy is Jesus stealing corn from

this person=s field?@  There was no problem with picking the

corn because it was a custom to leave some grain along the

edges for passer-byers to eat.  This was the for-runner of

Quick Marts except it was free!  It was their way of providing

for travelers.

 

C.   The Pharisees were upset because His "disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath." (vs. 2)

1.   It wasn't lawful to pick corn on the Sabbath!

2.   This was work! It wasn’t about stealing corn!

 

D.   Jesus responded with verse 7.

 

E.   Then He went on to heal on the sabbath which was also against their law!

 

F.   At this, they began to plot to kill him.

 

Trans.

Their problem seemed to go back to the misunderstanding of a prophetic concept.  The prophet was Hosea, and the concept was "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings."  (Hosea 6:6 NIV)

 

I.   Let's look this morning at what they misunderstood.

A.   The Pharisees were a very "religious" group of people.  They felt the way to please God was by the strict observance of the law!

 

B.   The Jews of Hosea's time seemed to think what God was

     pleased with was their sacrifices and burnt offerings!

 

1.   It didn't matter, they thought, how many other

     little gods they worshiped as long as they made

     their sin sacrifice to God!

 

     a.   The Jews of Hosea’s time were largely

Polytheistic. They had fell to a large

Degree to the worship of their Canaanite

neighbor’s gods.

 

              b.   Hosea’s ministry was to bring the Jewish people

back to the worship of only Yahweh!

 

2.   It didn't matter, so they thought, if they cheated others as long as they made their sin offering to God to take care of it!

    

          3.   It didn’t matter if they didn’t help the less

              fortunate as long as they made their sin offering

              to God!

 

C.   But Hosea warns the people, and Christ echoes it here to the Pharisees, "God desires mercy, not sacrifice, acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings."

 

D.   Christ seems to be telling the Pharisees, "You are still holding on to the sacrifices and burnt offerings  alone!  You really don't care about the mercy or acknowledgement of God or this wouldn't bother you!"

 

E.   What is this mercy & acknowledgement?

 

Definitions:

mercy =   devotion  (BKC)

acknowledgement =   loyalty  (BKC)

 

1.   So what Jesus was saying is that God was pleased with sacrifices and burnt offerings coming from a devoted and loyal life!  But if they thought they could forget the devotion and loyalty in exchange for sacrifices and burnt offerings, they were bad wrong!

 

2.   Their lack of devotion to God and their lack of  loyalty to God was evident by their treatment and  care for other people! (Example: The Pharisees in our scripture today.) Mercy also involves extending mercy to others!

 

     a.   They were missing the mark!

 

     b.   Their sacrifices were more important than

people.  They didn’t love or care for the people

as long as they did their religious things!

 

              c.   Jesus shines some light on this in Mark 2:27

where he says: “The sabbath was made for

humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath.”

d.   The law was given to serve humanity and not humanity to serve the law! Again, it comes back to if we are guided by our love for God and others, we will not fail!

 

II.  What is this saying to us today?

 

A.   God is concerned with the attitude of our hearts!

 

1.   Is our attitude one of devotion and loyalty to

     God, or is it one of doing just enough to get by?

 

2.   Do we do the things we do because of our loyalty

     and devotion to God, or do we do them to acquire

     another mark in our favor?

 

3.   Do we do things because we have to in order to "be good enough" for heaven?

 

4.   Is this loyalty and devotion to God expressed in

     our service to God lived out in our love for people,

or do we find ourselves going after other things

(gods) because we really lack loyalty and devotion

toward God?

 

III. What can we do?

 

A.   We "can," like the Pharisees, concentrate on the don'ts

and figure that if everyone avoids them they are

alright!

 

1.   Of course, when we do this, we will probably miss  the mark ourselves!

 

2.   Also, we will fail in the do=s just like the Pharisees did!

 

B.   Or we can concentrate on our loyalty and devotion

     toward God, and we can trust that when we do, God will

     direct us in the other things!  God will perfect us in

Love!

 

Conclusion:

 

A.   How is our loyalty and devotion toward God?  A God who suffered Calvary for our sins!

 

B.   Are we trusting in what God did for us through Christ?

 

C.   Are we showing our gratitude through our loyalty and

     devotion to God, causing  us to do the right things?

 

D.   Or are we doing the things for things sake and really

     aren't very devoted to God at all?

 

E.   As we encounter Christ at the table his morning, are we

going through the religious actions but denying the power

thereof?  If we are, let’s tap into that power this

morning, the power to live pleasing to God, the power to love!  Thanks be to God!

 

Prayer of Confession

Service of Communion

 

First Things First!

 5^th Sunday after Pentecost!

                      

Intro:

A.   Have you ever heard of getting the cart before the

horse? What does that expression mean?  Let them respond.

 

B.   It usually means that we leave out or leave to later

     an important detail that we should do first.

 

C.   In life, we sometimes get the cart before the horse.

 

Trans.

In our scripture today, Christ gives some instruction

concerning getting the cart before the horse.

 

                            Prayer

                  Matt 6:31-34 & Acts 11:19-30

Text: vs. 33  NRSV

"But strive first for the kingdom of God and his            righteousness, and all these things will be given to you    as well."

 

I.   What other things might we seek first?

 

A.   Necessities of life (food & raiment): "needs."

1.   In verses 31 & 32, Jesus had just said, "Don't

     worry; your needs will be supplied."

2.   We are to trust that God will provide a way for

     our needs to be met!

     a.         God usually does!

              b.   Another job or a raise.

              c.   God meeting the need through others such as

                   the Food Pantry, our free food shelf or

                   Thrift store, or a Christian friend.

 

     B.   Material possessions; "wants."

1.   The "american dream."  If you want it, you can

     Get it!  A new car, A better house, Keep up with

     the Joneses!

2.   We have an obsession with getting more!  Credit

     cards make it easy for a while . . . .

3.   Before we know it, we can be spread so thin that

     we no longer have time or money for God, and we

     don't have enough to meet our needs along with

     our wants!

4.   One of the main reasons people can’t support the church and missional things is that they have gotten themselves in a financial tight because of wants so much so that they can’t support the things of God.

     a.   If you find yourselves there, make a plan to

          pay off your debt and stay with it.

     b.   Figure out what you can pay for God’s work now, and when you get things paid off, take another look at it and see what you can do then.

     c.   Make God a priority.

 

C.   Popularity, especially for young people;  Social

     Standing, for older people.

1.   We want to be popular; we want to fit in!

2.   When being accepted by a certain group of people                 becomes more important to us than God, we may                   sacrifice morals and values to be a part!

 

3.   We are told to seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness first and all these other things will fall into place and our needs will be supplied!  What does this mean?

 

II.  What does it mean to seek the Kingdom of God:

     A.   Are we Christians? 

1.   Christ followers were first called

     Christians at Antioch. Acts 11:26

     a.   They were reaching the Hellenists, not just

          people like themselves!

     b.   They sent financial relief back to the

          church in Judea. They weren’t just taking

          care of themselves!

2.   Before this, they were called disciples,

     saints, believers, brothers, or the way!

3.   Methodists were first called Methodists as a

     slur for their methodical ways!

4.   Some think Christians were first called

     Christians as a slur because they were

     acting like Christ!

     a.   We need to be believers!

     b.   But as we are seeking the Kingdom, we

          need to act like Christ!

     3.   Are we acting like Christ?

     B.   If we get so wrapped up in the world and leave God

          out, we've missed it all!  First become Christian:

          believer and acting like Christ!

 

III. What does it mean to seek his righteousness:

     A.   This applies to our daily lives after we become                  believers!  How do we act like Christ?

1.   Reading the Bible Daily; Bible Study.

2.   Prayer life.

3.   How we treat people:  fair, honest, friendliness,                and goodness. 

4.   Do we care for people?

5.   Are we sharing the Love of God!  Bottom line!  God is more concerned with this than all the do’s and don’ts in the world!

6.   If we Love God first and Love others, we have fulfilled all the commandments!  That is what Jesus said! Not about dos and don’ts but about acting out of Love!

     a.   If we do this, it fulfills the ten

          commandments!

     b.   If we do this, it affects how we live!

     c.   If we do this, it affects how we vote!

          1)   Do we vote for people who act like

              Christ and care for the marginalized,

     for the least among us like Christ, like the church at Antioch was doing?

          2)   Or do we vote for those who say they

              are Christian, but don’t really act

              like Christ?

     d.   If we do this, it affects how we spend our

          money and what we support!

     B.   Lastly, as for seeking God’s righteousness, it means

          giving to God first in all areas of our lives!  Don’t

          just give God the leftovers.  It means making God 1^st

          priority in all areas of our lives!

 

IV.  Do these things matter to us, or are we so wrapped up in "things" that we've left God out?

 

A.   Christianity is a new life, change!

 

B.   When we seek God 1st, these other things will be taken care of!  We just need to trust God and be willing to walk through the doors that God opens to us.

 

C.   When we seek God 1^st, God will show us all these other things as we are led by Christ’s Spirit in us!

 

Conclusion:

A.   Is God first priority in our lives, or are we getting

     the cart before the horse?

 

B.   Verse 24 says, "No one can serve two masters." It

     sounds like there is no grey area as to who we are

     serving!

 

C.   This calls us to seriousness about our Christian lives!  It calls us to a deeper commitment!

 

D.   Which master are we serving?

 

Prayer of Confession

Service of Communion

 

Eternal Treasures!

 Father’s Day!

                                                                Intro:

A.        Shortly after we moved here almost 5 years ago now, we did some work on the house.

            1.         I replaced damaged boards on the deck, and we painted it with Deck-over!

            2.         I power washed the house!

            3.         Among many other things.

 

            B.        This Spring, I noticed the house is needing power washed again!  The deck has some soft spots and needs some more boards replaced and at least part of it then repainted.  Things do not last forever!

 

            C.        Today is Father’s Day.  As fathers, many of us do those kinds of jobs around the

                        house.  It is kind of disheartening when we have to do them again! Let's look at

                        some of these things that do not last forever this morning, and maybe, by doing

                        this, it will point us to some things that do last forever!

 

            D.        We do need to do these things, but what things do we not need to forget to also

                        do?

                                                                         Prayer

                                                                   Matt. 6:19-21

I.          What are some of these things that don't last forever?

 

            A.        Jobs.

                        1.         No matter how secure we may feel, nothing in this life is secure!

                        2.         Our jobs aren't secure:

                                    a.         Company could file bankruptcy.

                                    b.         Poor management.

                                    c.         Imports can push us out.

                                    d.         Place of business burn.

            B.        Social Standing.

                        1.         Many times, when the money goes, this goes.

                        2.         Other times, it only takes a rumor to ruin our reputation!

 

            C.        Popularity.

                        1.         Very important to young people.

                        2.         Sometimes to older people too.

                                    a.         We want to do something to please people.

                                    b.         So we will be liked!

                                    c.         In life, this doesn't last; many times, the most popular person in

school won't be the most popular when they get out in life!

            d.         Sometimes, the things we have to do to be popular aren't pleasing

to God and aren't best for us in the long run!

 

            D.        Personal Possessions.

                        1.         These may be very important to us.

                        2.         But fire or a natural disaster can take these away instantly!

                        3.         Some things can never be replaced.

                        4.         For those things that can be replaced, we have insurance, but even

insurance isn't 100% secure!

 

            E.         Our scripture says:

                        1.         It is foolish to make these things most important to us (to make them our

treasures) because they will not always be there!

                        2.         It is like putting money in a pocket with holes in it!

 

II.        What are some things that will last forever and nothing can destroy?

 

            A.        Our relationship to Jesus Christ. (Rom. 8:38-39)

                        1.         Nothing can separate us.

                        2.         This relationship will last forever!

                        3.         We need to build on that relationship!

                                    a.         Prayer

                                    b.         Bible Reading

                                    c.         Worship

                                    d.         Service

                        4.         We need to invite people to that relationship by what we say and how we

                                    live!

                        5.         Men, well all of us, that is something worth giving our lives to!

 

            B.        That that we have done to the Glory of the Lord.  This covers a lot!

 

                        1.         Helping someone in need.

 

                        2.         Helping someone find the grace and love of God in Christ.

 

                        3.         Supporting through our financial means the ministry

                                    of the church so that ministry can go on beyond our walls!

a.         It blesses us to give!

b.         It is one way of investing in something that lasts!

 

                        4.         Ministering to those who are hurting: food, talk, prayers.

                                    a.         Sometimes life can get people down; they might even give up!

                                    b.         A word of encouragement, thoughtful food at a hard time, praying

with them may be just what they need to point them to a God who cares and loves them and can get them through!

 

                        5.         Ministering through the local church: doing children’s moment,  singing

                                    specials, doing bulletins, playing musical instruments, preaching, helping

                                    with lawn maintenance and inside cleaning of the church, working at

                                    Thrift Store, helping in tech booth, praying, calling on the sick &

                                    shut-ins, helping the poor, and so much more!

                                    a.         Because of the things we do through the local church, lives have

and will be changed for the good!

                                    b.         It will have eternal consequences!

                                    c.         What we do in God's name will not be in vain!

 

            C.        Welcoming all of God’s people into our church: making sure that all people

                        encounter the love of God through God’s people!

                        1.         We may be the only Bible some people read.  When they read us, do they

                                    know God loves them?

                        2.         Are we welcoming to immigrants to our country?

                        3.         Are we welcoming to people not like us: Blacks, Whites, Asians,

                                    Hispanics, different social class, or different gender or sexual orientation?

                        4.         In a world where people who call themselves Christians want to exclude

                                    women from God’s ministry and from certain rights and freedoms, and

                                    want to support unfair treatment of immigrants and people unlike

                                    themselves, we have an opportunity to really show the love of God shown

                                    to and lived among us in Jesus Christ!

                        5.         Many have been hurt by the church!  They are out there!  Somehow, by

                                    the way they experience us, they need to see that things might be different

                                    here.  Otherwise, they think we are just like the church who hurt them!

Conclusion:

 

            A.        Fathers, Men, well all of us, where are we placing our treasures?

            B.        What holds 1st priority in our lives?

            C.        Are we putting our lives into a pocket with holes in it?

D.        If we are, God's grace can change that this morning; just give it to God as we encounter Christ at the table this morning! What we do for Christ, will last!

 

                                                             Prayer of Confession

Service of Communion