Easter - More than Eggs, Baskets & Chocolate Bunnies

Easter - More than Eggs, Baskets & Chocolate Bunnies

During Easter there are some Holiday traditions that are celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike. These folks embrace the tradition of the Easter egg hunt, the big family gathering, the Easter meal, the Chocolate Bunny, the Peep, dressing up nice, etc. Some of those same folks celebrate these traditions and also include the more religious aspects that include Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Church Services.  Some go beyond the traditions and fine tune their focus on the image of Christ suffering and hanging on the Cross, taking upon Himself the sins of the world. They also joyfully rejoice the empty tomb, and Jesus’ resurrection, proving His work on the Cross really did fulfill God’s plan of salvation. Jesus paid the price for our sin and during Easter we celebrate that truth.  

Jesus told His disciples that after His death on the Cross He would be raised from the dead after 3 days. Jesus tied together the story of Jonah to illustrate His point.  Jonah was inside the big fish for three days before being set free to fulfill God’s command to warn the Ninevites about their city being destroyed in 40 days due to their sin. The Ninevites heeded the warning and repented from their sin. As a result, God showed the people mercy and did not destroy the city of Nineveh.

   

Luke 11:29 NIV

The Sign of Jonah

As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.

Matthew 16:21 NIV

Jesus Predicts His Death

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Jesus’ Work on the Cross:

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Ephesians 1:7 NIV 
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

John 3:16 NIV 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life

It is hard to imagine celebrating someone’s torturous death. In this case, the celebration is based on the fact that Jesus willingly suffered and then He displayed His power over sin and death through His resurrection.

The question a Christian should ponder is:

Do I joyfully receive Jesus’ work on the cross and His resurrection, and does this work give my life a whole new meaning and purpose?

Personally, Jesus’ death for my sin has had an everlasting impact on my life and friendship with God. On the Third Day, after Jesus’ death on the Cross, He rose from the dead proving His claim about His own resurrection. When I think about Jesus’ resurrection I get a great picture of God’s awesome love, mercy and grace for us. We are all dead to sin until the point we believe and receive by faith what Jesus did. After receiving His sacrificial work, we then become alive in Christ.

Romans 6:4 NIV

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:11 NIV

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Because of what Jesus did our lives are forever changed. We now can live with a vertically focused God-Centered perspective:

Ephesians 4:22-24 New Living Translation (NLT)

throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.   Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.   Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Because of what Jesus did, there are many new aspects of our changed lives that we can daily celebrate:

Some things Christian’s can celebrate about:

·        Being forgiven for sin  

·        Receiving the Holy Spirit  

·        Becoming a new creation in Christ  

·        Receiving eternal life

·        Reconciliation with God

·        Friendship with God

·        No longer under God’s Wrath

·        Adoption into God’s family

So, Jesus wasn’t forced to give up His life, He gave it up willingly in obedience to the Father who had put together a plan for our salvation. We have to remember as sinners, we do not have the power to save ourselves. The fact is, there is nothing any of us can do to earn our salvation.  Those who try to earn it are missing the point. God provided a way for us to be reconciled back to Him. If we had to earn it we would always be tipping the scales of our fate not knowing for sure if we have gained God’s favor at the time of our death. 

The plan of salvation God provided is a sure thing. Once we believe and receive Christ’s work on the Cross we are saved. It is by God’s grace that we have been saved, not by anything we have done to earn it.

Jesus rescued us from the consequences of our sinful nature which separates us from a Holy God. His blood and sacrifice covers our sin.  Once saved we are able to live the abundant life.

Ephesians 2:4-8 NIV

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

John 10:10 AMP

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Filling the God sized Hole:

If you go to the store and buy some Chocolate and then eat it you may be temporarily satisfied. Your desire for chocolate has been satiated but will not last. In fact, you must keep going to the store to buy your chocolate in order to get your fix. In contrast, Jesus paid the price for our sin once and for all, and what He has to offer satisfies our deeper spiritual need. Jesus fills the God sized hole in our lives. Wondering why you seem to be missing something in your life may reflect your desire for the things of this world over the things God has to offer. What God has to offer is better than chocolate!

John 4:13-14 NIV

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Jesus promises His followers the Holy Spirit:

Jesus promised His followers the Holy Spirit after His ascension into Heaven. Jesus tells His disciples that it is good that he goes away so that the Holy Spirit will becomes part of who they are, having influence, being the change agent, the teacher, the counselor, the wisdom in their lives. The benefits of The Holy Spirit coming and residing in the believer’s life are many.

John 16:7 NIV 
But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

Some benefits of being filled with the Holy Spirit:

·        Teaches us the meaning of God’s Word

·        Helps us apply God’s Word to our lives

·        Guides us in truth and in life

·        Comforts us

·        Convicts us when we sin

·        Strengthens us to live for God and love others

·        Helps us persevere,

·        Provides us wisdom and discernment

·        Reminds us of the things Jesus said, etc.

God promised us the Holy Spirit and delivered. The Holy Spirit is the seal and sign of our salvation.

Ephesians 1:13 NIV 
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

Easter is a great time for Christians to remember the impact of Jesus’ work on the cross.  Followers of Jesus should also be concerned about those people who do not know God's amazing love and saving grace. For this reason, a life changed through knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior should exemplify gratitude, mercy, compassion and Christ-like love. This new transformation in a believer’s life has the ability to make a great impact on everyone, as well as those people whose hearts are ready to hear and receive the Gospel. Most important to note is that the depth in which followers of Jesus love others, proves they really love and value God and His principles.

Maybe this Easter you will meet someone whose heart has been prepared by God to receive the Good News. So be sure to reflect the sweet fragrance of Christ whose everlasting love brings hope, new life and new beginnings.

Have a great Easter Holiday………………..Dave      

Heart Of the Artist Part 5 Talking Points Review

Heart Of the Artist Part 5 Talking Points Review:

Matthew 16:24 NIV 
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Die to Selfishness:

As artists there is a tendency to be self absorbed. In some cases there may be those

who are prima donnas: a very temperamental person with an inflated view of their

own talent or importance.

Great Basic Guidelines for any Worship Team:

Our goal:    

Excellence in Character and Worship.

Our desire:

Continual growth in faith in Christ, spiritual maturity and musical ability to   

lead worship with excellence.

We must strive to be Christ-like and our attitude of love for others should extend far beyond our Church family and other brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to impact the world for Jesus.

Take some time and pray that you would consider the needs of others above your own. Considering the needs of others above your own is key to becoming a humble artist.

Where in your area of influence can you die to self by being Christ-centered instead of self –centered?

Ministry is a privilege

Good things to remember:

God is in the business of bringing lost people to salvation

God has entrusted us to spread God’s Word and “make disciples of all nations”.

Matthew 28:19 NIV

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the

Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Serving God is a way to honor Him. We have to serve motivated out of love for God:

Mark 12:30 NIV 
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your

mind and with all your strength.

Artistry is important in the service of God. This is implied when the psalmist called God’s people to praise him with the trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, strings, flute, cymbals, and dancing

Psalm 150:3-5 NIV

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals

God will equip us to do ministry. (We receive spiritual gifts that combine with our talents)

Even though the arts are not mentioned as specific spiritual gifts, God is still the designer of our DNA. We have specific talents God wants us to use for His Glory, honor and praise. Our number one goal is for us to lead people to Christ.

Setting healthy boundaries

Ask yourself, are you serving too much? (Are you burning out?)

Healthy boundaries are a must if we’re going to serve the Lord with joy and gladness.

Serving an audience of one

Ask yourself, am I content to serve an audience of one?

Am I serving for God’s approval over the approval of others?

Galatians 1:10 NIV

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men?

If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Many people struggle with being a servant when they have to labor in obscurity.

There are times when we will feel taken for granted, forgotten and ignored.

Ask your self this question, what would you rather do, labor in obscurity for God or be famous for doing something insignificant with your life?

Question to ponder

Can you think of someone in your life that’s been a positive example 

for servant-hood for you?

When we serve the Lord, when we lead others into worship, it is God 

who transforms our offering into His Glory. The Holy Spirit 

(Living Water) will guide us in the way we are to Worship the 

Lord in Spirit and in truth.

John 7:38 NIV 
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow

from within him."

John 4:23-24 NIV 
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the

Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

John 16:15 NIV

All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from

what is mine and make it known to you.

When we allow the  Holy Spirit to lead us we will reflect God’s Glory. We will be Christ-like.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NIV)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit

When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, our Worship will be pleasing to God. We will represent the Lord in a Christ-like manner. We will fulfill the mission God has set forth for the Worship Team.

Blessings………………..Dave  

Heart Of the Artist Part 5

Heart Of the Artist Part 5:

Matthew 16:24 NIV
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Die to Selfishness:

As artists there is a tendency to be self absorbed. In some cases there may be those who are prima donnas (A temperamental, conceited person).

The Bible tells us how we should treat others:

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others

better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also

to the interests of others.

   1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Romans 12:10 NIV

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

***There is no room on a Worship Team for a prima donna.

Take a look at these Worship Band Guidelines:

Our goal:    Excellence in Character and Worship.

Our desire: Continual growth in faith in Christ, spiritual maturity and musical ability to   

                     lead worship with excellence.

Musical Abilities and Attitude:

You must have a better than average musical proficiency in voice or musical instrument or both. 

You must have an understanding and technical ability to follow the music and chart arrangements provided for that week. You must listen to the music, Video’s/MP3s  provided, practice and be prepared for the rehearsal and Worship. You must be on time and establish a good rapport with the rest of the Worship band. We do not tolerate anyone who is unkind, ungracious, or self-serving. Our desire is to incorporate those who have a heart for Christ. We are not looking for those who want a gig or a way to use the Church as springboard to success in the music world. We offer musical training, mentoring and discipleship and through these things we strive for excellence in God’s eyes.  Our true test of a Worship Band musician’s attitude is the way in which they follow leadership. You must be able to follow leadership and maintain an attitude of grace and respect at all times.

Spiritual Requirements:

All our regular adult musicians are followers of Jesus. It is important that our musicians know the reasons why they are serving God as well as having the desire and commitment to do so through the object of their faith, Jesus Christ. We emphasize that those who desire to be in the Worship Band have an on going and growing relationship with Jesus. This growing relationship needs to evident in the lives of those who serve on this team. If this is not the case we would ask that person to take time away from the team in order to work on this area of their life.  Our Goal is to have those who participate in our Worship be fine examples of Godly character to others through the way they model their relationship with Jesus. Since our musicians maintain a high visibility week in and week out, it is important that they are examples to those in our congregation, of humility, grace, and great character.

In Conclusion:

At this Church we understand the importance for our musicians to have both great musical ability and great character. Our desire is that both qualities are present in those who serve. However, we would prefer a person with great character, a heart for Jesus, and a better than average musical ability, over one with great musical ability, who self-serving and preferring to bring glory to themselves over God. We believe that in order to serve God’s kingdom with excellence one has to put God

first keeping a true heart and love for Jesus Christ at the center of their lives.

The above guidelines are very important because they focus on a person’s attitude and character. We must strive to be Christ-like and our attitude of love for others should extend far beyond our Church family and other brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to impact the world for Jesus.

Take some time and pray that you would consider the needs of others above your own.Considering the needs of others above your own is key to becoming a humble artist.

Where in your area of influence can you die to self by being Christ-centered instead of self –centered?

Ministry is a privilege

Good things to remember:

God is in the business of bringing lost people to salvation

God has entrusted us to spread God’s Word and “make disciples of all nations”.

Matthew 28:19 NIV

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the

Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Serving God is a way to honor Him. We have to serve motivated out of love for God:

Mark 12:30 NIV 
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your

mind and with all your strength.

Artistry is important in the service of God. This is implied when the psalmist called God’s people to praise him with the trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, strings, flute, cymbals, and dancing

Psalm 150:3-5 NIV

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals

God will equip us to do ministry. (We receive spiritual gifts that combine with our talents)

From Romans 12  here is a list of some spiritual gifts:

Encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy, prophecy, service, teaching

The ministry of Spiritual Gifts originates in the New Testament, commissioned by our Lord Jesus Christ. After He established His church on the earth and ascended to Heaven, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to equip His church with power and spiritual gifts so that His disciples could continue to carry out His ministry objectives.

Do you know your spiritual gift? Do you know that spiritual gifts are supposed to be used to edify and equip God’s kingdom?

Ephesians 4:10-12 NLT

And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens,

so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.  Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up

the church, the body of Christ.

Even though the arts are not mentioned as specific spiritual gifts, God is still the designer of our DNA. We have specific talents God wants us to use for His Glory, honor and praise. Our number one goal is for us to lead people to Christ.

Setting healthy boundaries

Ask yourself, are you serving too much? (Are you burning out?)

Healthy boundaries are a must if we’re going to serve the Lord with joy and gladness.

Serving an audience of one

Ask yourself, am I content to serve an audience of one?

Am I serving for God’s approval over the approval of others?

Galatians 1:10 NIV

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Many people struggle with being a servant when they have to labor in obscurity.

There are times when we will feel taken for granted, forgotten and ignored.

Ask your self this question, what would you rather do, labor in obscurity for God or be famous for doing something insignificant with your life?

Question to ponder

Can you think of someone in your life that’s been a positive example for servant-hood for you?

What truly satisfies the soul

Even if we choose to live a Christ-centered life there will be times we 

will put ourselves ahead of others. We will think of our own needs 

first because of the struggle of defining who we are in a fallen world. 

For many, defining success still stems from a non-biblical worldview 

and the idea of pleasing man as opposed to pleasing God. We want 

our desires fulfilled in a way that leaves us satisfied with our own accomplishments. Yet, the truth is, we will never be satisfied with

what the world is able to provide. fame, fortune and earthly pleasures 

are things that are only temporary and cannot satisfy our real need; 

to have a relationship with our heavenly Father. This God sized hole 

designed into the depths of each of our hearts can only be filled 

through a real relationship with Jesus. In each of us there is a thirst, 

a desire for truth. Many people search a lifetime without receiving 

the offer of the free gift of eternal life. God makes this promise: 

Through a true relationship with him he will fill in each of us that 

longing we have for peace, love, grace and the abundant life. To live 

life with an eternal perspective not only helps us live abundantly now, 

but also helps us as we fulfill the Great Commission as ambassadors 

for Christ.

Isaiah 58:11 NIV 
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose  waters never fail.

Psalm 107:9 NIV 
for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV 
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus tells us the truth about what satisfies the soul.

John 4:14 NIV

but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water

I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

When we serve the Lord, when we lead others into worship, it is 

God who transforms our offering into His Glory. The Holy Spirit 

(Living Water) will guide us in the way we are to Worship the Lord 

in Spirit and in truth.

John 7:38 NIV 
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow

from within him."

John 4:23-24 NIV 
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the

Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

John 16:15 NIV

All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from

what is mine and make it known to you.

When we allow the  Holy Spirit to lead us we will reflect God’s Glory. We will be Christ-like.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NIV)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit

When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, our Worship will be pleasing to God. We will represent the Lord in a Christ-like manner. We will fulfill the mission God has set forth for the Worship Team.

Do you know the Mission of your Worship Team?

Does the mission of your Worship Team align itself with the Churches mission?

Personal Questions to Ponder and to be challenged by:

Do I consider the needs of others above my own?

Where in my area of influence can I die to self by being Christ-centered instead of self –centered?

Do I believe Artistry is important in the service of God?

Do I know my spiritual gift?

Do I know that spiritual gifts are supposed to be used to edify and equip God’s kingdom?

Do I believe it is important  to share the Gospel, lead people in Worship and into a relationship to Christ?

Am I serving too much? (Am I burning out?)

Am I content to serve an audience of one?

Am I serving for God’s approval over the approval of others?

What would I rather do, labor in obscurity for God or be famous for doing something insignificant with my life?

Can I think of someone in my life that’s been a positive example for servant-hood me?

Do I know the Mission of the Worship Team?

Does the mission of the Worship Team align itself with the Church mission?

Blessings………………..Dave