· Real Church — I know this is an overused concept but I’m also painfully aware of how hard it is to find. Being “Real” is about as ‘buzz word’ as one can get in Christianity these days. But that doesn’t make authenticity any less valuable to people—any less desirable. Today at Impact we got a little ‘raw’ and it was good. Just what the doctor ordered. Oh, and it was real. Thank you, Jesus – for showing up big!
· Some messages are harder than others. This weekend was one of the tough ones. For me it was because I had to clarify the greatest offer ever made because it has turned into one of the most abused offers ever made. I am referring, of course to the Gospel.
Honestly, if there is something greater than an eternal rescue from Hell complete with a home in heaven with Jesus in a paradise we humans can’t even comprehend—please tell me about it. Nevertheless, as is often the case with anything “free” people sometimes get ‘skeptical.’ And in the case of the gospel, one of the greatest abuses is for people to repackage it in a way that makes more sense to them. But repackaging a perfect gift is a bad idea. Really bad. Because this is one gift that cannot be tampered with. Mess with it in the least and the deals off! Add to it in the least and it disintegrates. Take away from it in the least and it will be pulled off the table faster than you can say, “Hey wait, that’s mine!”
But we still do it.
That’s why Jesus taught the parable of the Sower in Luke 8:4-15
It helps explain how different people receive the gospel message. Turns out some here it but don’t really listen, others here only the good but block out anything having to do with “taking up their own cross.” Still others get all excited about the “Get out of Hell free” card they think Jesus is offering and never have another thing to do with God or His church for the rest of their lives. And, thankfully, others see it for the tremendous gift of grace that it is and spend the rest of their life getting to know their savior better and better.
Which one are you?
Not sure? You can get the podcast here.
· And, if you missed it and want the main points to help guide you along—here they are…
Since the series has been following a medical theme (Rx – God’s prescriptions for Abundant Living) this message was no different. Dr. Luke (the human author of this gospel) relayed the parable of the Sower and the four soils as he heard it from eyewitnesses. We gave it a medical spin so people could relate today better than ever.
Clear as mud? Hopefully clearer than mud. Anyway, here are the points to “Heart Surgery.”
1. Triple Bypass — This first seed bypasses the soil and ends up on the road, gets trampled and becomes breakfast for the birds . It’s a triple whammy! 8: 11, “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.”
2. Double Bypass — This seed bypasses the soil and lands on the edge (gravel basically) and just manages to sprout but withered. It’s a double whammy. 8:13, “And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.”
3. Single Bypass — This seed bypasses the soil and ends up among weeds, and the weeds attack. 8:14, “And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.”
4. No Bypass — This seed was dropped in good soil and the rest is history—it did not bypass the heart—it was a deep, direct hit! Look at 8:15, “As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart,…”
· Got the second batch of toys for “Turn Around Toys” this week at Impact! People brought even more than last week! If you want to be a part of the “Happy Birthday Jesus” party (where we will give out these toys to impoverished kids) then keep December 21st open. If you do—it might just end up being the best Christmas you and your family ever had!
· Hey Impactors, make sure to keep the date of November 17th open. We will be having another 101 Connecting Class for all those desiring to be a part of this movement in a deeper way. Come find out the vision and mission of Impact Church and how you can make a huge Impact as part of the team! The class will follow the 11:00 am service on the 17th and childcare and lunch will be provided! Sign up HERE… Hope to see everyone there!