S.U.M. It Up! 8-31-22

The Challenge for 8-28-22

"The Challenge” has become a common part of my sermons over the past couple of years.  “The Challenge” is intended to help us think about the message of the week and then deciding to act.  Connecting “The Challenge” with journaling has become my attempt at fostering this internal dialogue (hearing then thinking then deciding then acting).  The purpose of “The Challenge” is that we all might act upon what we have heard by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Our challenges will fall heavily into the category of journaling.  When we write, we have to think then formulate words, then put it to paper.  This process helps us integrate our whole self.  We will also focus upon action.

Here is The Challenge for 8-28-22.

                1.  Which trait do you need to utilize more often?

               2.  Who are your “brethren”?

               3.  Is there kindness in your bond?

               4.  Who needs your kindness today?

               5.  Do you have hope for a rich welcome?

Journals and pens are available at Kenwood for anyone who wants them.  If you are unable to pick them up at the church, I can mail them to you.  Just contact me via email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org) or phone call (248 417-9218).

8-28-22 Kenwood Church Live Stream

GROWING IN CHRIST: MOVING ON FROM THE BEGINNING (2 Peter 1:1-15) Mutual Affection 8-28-22

GROWING IN CHRIST: MOVING ON FROM THE BEGINNING (2 Peter 1:1-15) Mutual Affection  8-28-22

 

Faith is just the beginning.  

 

Goodness is a good next step.

 

Knowledge is basic to the spiritual life.

 

Self-control - an oxymoron

 

Perseverance - more than patience

 

Godliness - respect

 

 “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.”

                              2 Peter 1:3-15 NIV

 

I.  FAITH AND GOODNESS AND KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-CONTROL AND PERSEVERANCE AND GODLINESS

 

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;”

                              2 Peter 1:5-6 NIV

 

               A.  Faith

                              1.  Belief

                              2.  Trust

        B.  Goodness

                              1.  Virtue

                              2.  Action

      C.  Knowledge

                              1.  What we know

                              2.  What we need to remember

               D.  Self-control

                            1.  Control of passions

                        2.  Discipline in life

  E.  Perseverance

                      1.  Continued difficulty 

                      2.  Continued effort

         F.  Godliness

                      1.  Reverence

                     2.  Responsive to God

                              3.  “Fear of God”

 

II.  MUTUAL AFFECTION

 

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection;”

                              2 Peter 1:5-7a NIV

 

Tertullian, an early Christian author, reported that the Romans would exclaim, "See how they love one another." 

 

Justin Martyr, a Greek-speaking Christian apologist, sketched Christian love this way:

                              "We who used to value the acquisition of wealth and possessions more than anything else                                   now bring what we have into a common fund and share it with anyone who needs it. We used                     to hate and destroy one another and refused to associate with people of another race or                                             country. Now, because of Christ, we live together with such people and pray for our enemies."

 

Clement of Alexandria, describing the person who has come to know God, wrote, "He impoverishes himself out of love, so that he is certain he may never overlook a brother in need, especially if he knows he can bear poverty better than his brother. He likewise considers the pain of another as his own pain. And if he suffers any hardship because of having given out of his own poverty, he does not complain."

 

    A.  Philadelphia - “brotherly love”

 

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5360: φιλαδελφία

 

φιλαδελφία, φιλαδελφίας, ἡ (φιλάδελφος), the love of brothers (or sisters), brotherly love (properly, 4 Macc. 13:22; 14:1; (Philo, leg. ad Gaium § 12); Josephus, Antiquities 4, 2, 4; Lucian, dial. deor. 26, 2; Plutarch, libell. περί φιλαδελφίας; (cf. Babrius 47, 15)); in the N. T. "the love which Christians cherish for each other as 'brethren'" (see ἀδελφός, 4); (love of the brethren) (Vulg.caritas or amor fraternitatis): Romans 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrew 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 1:7; 1 John 5:1

 

                         1.  Affection of the brethren

                              2.  Love of the brothers

 

James Moore tells about a man named George. George was a peacemaker with a big heart and wonderful sense of humor. Everyone loved George at church, and he was respected at the hospital where he worked. The reason why so many people loved George was because he was always kind and respectful to everyone he met.

 

George’s children clearly remember the days George spent in the hospital before his death. The administrator of the hospital paid him a visit. They spoke as though they were old friends. A few minutes later one of the janitors came to visit George. They too had a nice visit.

 

When the janitor left, one of George’s children said to him, "Dad, did you realize that you treated the president of the hospital and the janitor just alike?" George smiled, chuckled and then said, "Let me ask you something: If the administrator left for two weeks and the janitor left for two weeks, which one do you think would be missed the most?"

 

Then George called his children around his bed. "Let me show you something I carry in my pocket all the time," he told them, "even when I mow the lawn." George pulled out a pocket-sized cross and a marble with the golden rule on it. George said, "On the cross are written these words, ‘God Loves You,’ and on the marble are these words, ‘Do unto Others as You Would Have Them Do unto You.’ The cross reminds me of how deeply God loves me. And the marble reminds me of how deeply God wants me to love others.”

 

                             (SOURCE: James W. Moore, WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS..., (Nashville: Dimensions for Living,                                                1993), p. 78. Found in “Weird People Everywhere” by King Duncan - 1 Cor 12:1-11 – 2005.)

 

          B.  Kindness

 

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

brotherly love, kindness

From philadelphos; fraternal affection -- brotherly love (kindness), love of the brethren.

 

                            1.  Actions that correspond to brotherly love

                              2.  Being kind to the brethren

 

Love is

Slow to suspect -- quick to trust. 

Slow to reprimand -- quick to forbear.

Slow to belittle -- quick to appreciate. 

Slow to condemn -- quick to justify.

Slow to offend -- quick to defend. 

Slow to demand -- quick to give.

Slow to provoke -- quick to conciliate. 

Slow to hinder -- quick to help.

Slow to resent -- quick to forgive. 

                             -- The Baptist Challenge

 

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.””

                              John 13:35 NIV

 

III. A RICH WELCOME

 

“For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

                              2 Peter 1:10b-11 NIV

 

               A.  A glorious greeting

 

               B.  Those words we all want to hear

 

Parable of the Bags of Gold or The Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25:14-20

 

5 bags, 2 bags, 1 bag

Talent = 20 years of a day laborer’s wage

 

““His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

                             Matthew 25:21 NIV

 

New International Version

and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

New Living Translation

Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Berean Study Bible

and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Berean Literal Bible

For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you.

 

King James Bible

For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

New King James Bible

for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

New American Standard Bible

for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

 

Amplified Bible

for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you.

 

Holman Christian Standard Bible

For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you. 

 

American Standard Version

for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

Aramaic Bible in Plain English

For in this way an entrance of the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Our Savior Yeshua The Messiah is richly given to you.

 

Contemporary English Version

Then our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will give you a glorious welcome into his kingdom that will last forever. 

 

Douay-Rheims Bbile

For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

 

Good News Translation

In this way you will be given the full right to enter the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

 

International Standard Version

For in this way you will be generously granted entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Messiah. 

 

Literal Standard Version

in this way the entrance into the continuous kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplemented to you.

 

New American Bible

For, in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you. 

 

NET Bible

For thus an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be richly provided for you. 

 

New Revised Standard Bible

For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.

 

Weymouth New Testament

And so a triumphant admission into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will be freely granted to you.

 

World English Bible

For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Young’s Literal Translation

for so, richly shall be superadded to you the entrance into the age-during reign of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

CONCLUSION

 

Faith, goodness, knowledge, and self-control; perseverance; godliness; mutual affection

 

CHALLENGE

 

What will you do with what you have just heard?  How will you respond to the Holy Spirit working within you?  The Challenge is intended to give us an opportunity to contemplate what God is calling us to do in our lives.  Consider these questions and write down your answers.  

 

               1.  Which trait do you need to utilize more often?

               2.  Who are your “brethren”?

               3.  Is there kindness in your bond?

               4.  Who needs your kindness today?

               5.  Do you have hope for a rich welcome?

 

INVITATION

 

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.  

S.U.M. It Up! 8-24-22

The Challenge for 8-21-22

"The Challenge” has become a common part of my sermons over the past couple of years.  “The Challenge” is intended to help us think about the message of the week and then deciding to act.  Connecting “The Challenge” with journaling has become my attempt at fostering this internal dialogue (hearing then thinking then deciding then acting).  The purpose of “The Challenge” is that we all might act upon what we have heard by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Our challenges will fall heavily into the category of journaling.  When we write, we have to think then formulate words, then put it to paper.  This process helps us integrate our whole self.  We will also focus upon action.

Here is The Challenge for 8-21-22.

               1.  Are you reverent?

               2. Are you responsive to God?

               3.  How would you define the “fear of God?”

               4.  What is “the divine nature?”

               5.  Do you participate in the divine nature?

Journals and pens are available at Kenwood for anyone who wants them.  If you are unable to pick them up at the church, I can mail them to you.  Just contact me via email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org) or phone call (248 417-9218).

8-21-22 Kenwood Church Live Stream

S.U.M. It Up! 8-17-22

 

The Challenge for 8-14-22

"The Challenge” has become a common part of my sermons over the past couple of years.  “The Challenge” is intended to help us think about the message of the week and then deciding to act.  Connecting “The Challenge” with journaling has become my attempt at fostering this internal dialogue (hearing then thinking then deciding then acting).  The purpose of “The Challenge” is that we all might act upon what we have heard by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Our challenges will fall heavily into the category of journaling.  When we write, we have to think then formulate words, then put it to paper.  This process helps us integrate our whole self.  We will also focus upon action.

Here is The Challenge for 8-14-22.

            1.  Which trait is your strongest - goodness, knowledge, self-control, or perseverance?

            2.  How have you persevered spiritually?

            3.  Where do you need to persevere more?

            4.  What have you learned from perseverance?

            5.  Have you made “every effort”?

Journals and pens are available at Kenwood for anyone who wants them.  If you are unable to pick them up at the church, I can mail them to you.  Just contact me via email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org) or phone call (248 417-9218).

GROWING IN CHRIST: MOVING ON FROM THE BEGINNING (2 Peter 1:1-15) Perseverance 8-14-22

GROWING IN CHRIST: MOVING ON FROM THE BEGINNING (2 Peter 1:1-15) Perseverance  8-14-22

 

Faith is just the beginning.  

 

Goodness is a good next step.

 

Knowledge is basic to the spiritual life.

 

Self-control - an oxymoron

 

 “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.”

                              2 Peter 1:3-15 NIV

 

I.  FAITH AND GOODNESS AND KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-CONTROL

 

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control;”

                              2 Peter 1:5-6a NIV

 

               A.  Faith

                              1.  Belief

                              2.  Trust

        B.  Goodness

                              1.  Virtue

                              2.  Action

      C.  Knowledge

                              1.  What we know

                              2.  What we need to remember

               D.  Self-control

                            1.  Control of passions

                        2.  Discipline in life

 

II.  PERSEVERANCE

 

 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance;”

                              2 Peter 1:5-6b NIV

 

Perseverance

 

When all the world is looming dark

And things seem not so clear,

When shadows seem to hover ’round

Lord, may I persevere.

When it seems everything’s been tried

And there’s no way to go,

Just let me keep remembering

Sometimes the journey’s slow.

I may just need to stop and rest

Along the path I trod,

A time to try to understand

And have my talk with God.

As I gain new strength to carry on

Without a doubt or fear,

Somehow I know things will be right,

And so, I persevere.

                              By Anne Stortz

 

from Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable Soul

Copyright 1999 by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

 

       A.  Continued difficulty

 

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””

                              John 16:33 NIV

“They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.”

                              Acts 14:21-22 NIV

 

“But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”

                             1 Peter 2:20b-21 NIV

 

       B.  Continued effort

 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

                              James 1:2-4 NIV

 

Are you ready for a baseball trivia question? Who is Clint Courtney? If you’re unsure, don’t bother requesting the answer from Cooperstown, N.Y. Clint never came close to making it into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In fact, it’s very doubtful that his picture appeared on any bubble gum cards. This guy wasn’t a legend in his own time -- not even in his own mind. He was only a memory maker for his family, and a few die-hard fans who were inspired by his tremendous fortitude.

 

Clint played catcher for the Baltimore Orioles in the 1950s. During his career he earned the nickname of Scrap Iron, implying that he was hard, weathered, tough. Old Scrap broke no records -- only bones. He had little power or speed on the base paths. As for grace and style, he made the easiest play look rather difficult. But armed with mitt and mask, Scrap Iron never flinched from any challenge.

 

Batters often missed the ball and caught his shin. Their foul tips nipped his elbow. Runners fiercely plowed into him, spikes first, as he defended home plate. Though often doubled over in agony, and flattened in a heap of dust, Clint Courtney never quit. Invariably, he’d slowly get up, shake off the dust, punch the pocket of his mitt once, twice, and nod to his pitcher to throw another one.

 

The game would go on and Courtney with it -- scarred, bruised, clutching his arm in pain, but determined to continue. He resembled a POW with tape, splints, braces, and other kinds of paraphernalia that wounded people wear. Some made fun of him -- calling him a masochist. Insane. Others remember him as a true champion, because he persevered.

 

III.  EVERY EFFORT

 

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.”

                              2 Peter 1:10a NIV

 

               A.  Every effort

 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

                              Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

 

There is the story of the late great American golfer, William Ben Hogan (1912 - 1997), whose car was hit by a bus - an accident which left him laying by the roadside wounded! A great career was ended, or so people thought! It was doubtful if he would ever walk again, let alone play golf! However, as soon as possible, he got braces and began to swing his golf clubs. It was a painful process; however, he kept on swinging and later came back to win both the United States Open and the British Open championships!

 

              B.  Calling

 

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

                             2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 NIV

              

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

                             1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV

 

            C.  Election

 

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

                              John 15:16 NIV

 

“We are secure, not because we hold tightly to Jesus, but because He holds tightly to us.”

                              R.C. Sproul

 

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

                             2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 NIV

 

CONCLUSION

 

Faith, goodness, knowledge, and self-control; perseverance; every effort.

 

CHALLENGE

 

What will you do with what you have just heard?  How will you respond to the Holy Spirit working within you?  The Challenge is intended to give us an opportunity to contemplate what God is calling us to do in our lives.  Consider these questions and write down your answers.  

 

               1.  Which trait is your strongest - goodness, knowledge, self-control, or perseverance?

               2.  How have you persevered spiritually?

              3.  Where do you need to persevere more?

               4.  What have you learned from perseverance?

               5.  Have you made “every effort”?

 

INVITATION

 

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.