Moraine Valley Church

Under the Sun / Week 1

Under the Sun/Intro to Ecclesiastes
Various passages

June 26, 2022   

1. Introduction:
   1. The series this summer is one I believe that God spoke directly to my heart to do for MVC.
      1. There had never been a time in my ministry when I did not know what to preach until I came to this summer.
      2. I did not want to bring another series challenging people to get more involved or to fight the fight but rather something that was in touch with the difficulties of the last few years (Covid along with all its changes, sickness and death and the division we have felt racially and politically) yet at the same time brings us more of Jesus and His joy 
      3. I prayed almost daily for six weeks as I wrestled with these thoughts when God whispered into my heart one day the name of this particular book and instantly I knew it was the one because it fits the bill perfectly.
   2. It is also a book that touches each one of us at the deepest level of our lives as it addresses what brings lasting value, meaning and significance to my life!
      1. For many there is that deep inside sense that something is missing or something is not okay.
      2. So their life becomes a constant search to find that thing or person fill up that empty hole inside them.
      3. For many even when they find their thing they cannot help but feel like Tom Brady felt after winning multiple Super Bowls and achieving fame as he said, 
         1. “Why have I’ve reached my goals and still feel like there is something greater out there for me”  … “God, there has to be more than this”    
         2. Interviewer asked him, “What is the answer?” and Tom answered “I wish I knew, I wish I knew” 
   3. I have good news for you this morning, the wisest man who ever lived outside of Jesus, Solomon, answers this question for us in the book of Ecclesiastes.
   4. My goal for today is simple, to give you a big picture overview of the book so you can gain your bearings with this book as you read it for yourself and we study it this summer.  
      1. Today will be more teaching than preaching, more like a Bible school class than a Sunday sermon.  But it is a necessary first message to preach through the book in weeks to come
      2. It is a book that in no way sugar coats reality but looks this broken world straight in the face!
      3. A surface reading of the book will cause you to conclude that life is depressing and futile.
         1. But if you stick with it and dig deep enough you will find it clarifies for us what brings lasting significance and satisfaction and what does not.
   5. Turn to Ecclesiastes 12:11, as we will see another value of digging into this book.   Read Ecclesiastes 12:11 
      1. Goad – a sharp instrument used to prod an animal to action
         1. These words are designed to provoke us to change and act
      2. Well-driven nail – those who master these words will have lives that are firm, strong, and secure!

• Well let’s see what is …

1.  Big picture of Ecclesiastes
   1. He introduces to us the purpose of the book right up front.
      1. Read 1:2-3
      2. The question he is pursuing is simply “What advantage does man have in all his work right here on earth?
         1. The word advantage means what value, benefit, profit, good
         2. This word is put in contrast in this book with vanity, which we saw in v2, which simply means something that is useless, worthless and meaningless.
      3. Read v13a – what we see here is that Solomon, much like a scientist observing life in a laboratory trying to find an answer to the question what gives lasting value and meaning to life here on earth.
      4. As he seeks to answer this question he is going to learn many things along the way that do not answer the question but help us better understand life and what is good for us in this world.
      5. But at the end, he will answer the big question of what brings lasting meaning, value, significance to life.
   2. We see in the next few verses a summary of what he is going to test and the summary of the first major division of the book “the investigation!”
      1. Read v14-15 – man’s efforts, which we see summarized in chapter 2-6 (pleasure, possessions, fame, work, riches)
      2. Read v16-18 – man’s wisdom, which we see, summarized in chapters 7-8.
   3. Then he summarizes his findings in this section of investigation of man’s works and wisdom as he transitions us to the next section of the book.
      1. Read Ecclesiastes 8:16-17
         1. Simply to understand the value of man’s work and man’s wisdom here on earth is something that man cannot discover on his own, no matter how hard he tries and how wise he is

•  Now we see in 9:1, a hinge verse – that is a verse that can swing both ways, much like a door that allows you to enter or leave any of two different rooms.    Read 9:1-2b.

1. This introduces us to the next major section of the book, advice.
   1. Now in chapter 9 -12 we see him giving us advice in light of three things:
      1. What he learned in this investigation
      2. The fact that man does not know what his future holds
      3. The fact that everyone is going to die
2. Then we come to the conclusion of the book and more importantly, the answer to the question, his investigation that we saw back in chapter 1 – what gives lasting value and meaning to life.  What makes life in this world significant?
   1. Next week we will focus the entire sermon on this conclusion but for today let me just introduce to you next week’s sermon
   2. Read Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
   3. Bottom line, what gives lasting significance is not found in this world or anything this world has to offer, but rather it is found in God. Fearing Him and keeping His commandments with an eye to the fact that someday God will hold us accountable for the life we are living here on earth.
3. Now there is a key little phrase that is in v13.  
   1. Read 13b 
   2. The literal Hebrew reading is this: for this is the whole of man 
   3. Walter Kaiser, a language scholar, said it can be said this way – we should fear God and keep His commandments because this is the whole of man (the manish of man and the womanliness of a woman)   
   4. In other words, this is what we were created for, this is what will make you whole, this is what will give lasting meaning and value to your life

1.  Conclusion
   1. So here is how I simply summarize the message of the book.  
      1. Lasting significance is only found in God, not this world! 
      2. There is a sub theme that also runs through this book, which we see in the refrain that is repeated often during the section of the book where he is investigating life.
         1. Listen.  Read 2:24-25; 3:12-13, 22; 5:18-20; 8:15
         2. One of the discoveries that Solomon made along the way as he was seeking the answer to his major question. Life is not a puzzle to solve but a gift to enjoy!
         3. Apply – are you trying to figure out life, both the hard times and frustrations or the complexities, confusing and divisive things over the last three years in this world we live?
            1. My encouragement – stop trying, put your mind, and hope in Jesus! Enjoy the good gifts He has given to you!
            2. As we saw earlier, you will never figure it out no matter how hard and long you try or how smart you are. 
      3. When I put the two together I would simply say it like this – fear God, enjoy life 
         1. I have a concern that too many Christians are walking around with empty, meaningless lives that lack fulfilment and joy because while they began with Jesus, the source of all abundance, joy and meaning, but they have left walking with Him and are trying to find all these things in what the world has to offer.
         2. They are running from one temporary pleasure, possession or position to the next one as they squeezed what little life they can get out of it.   
         3. Somehow, even believers just do not get it that man’s works and man’s wisdom just will not satisfy them nor fill their hearts!
         4. Until they get off that dead end street, they will continue to feel empty and joyless!
   2. Finally, we learn, not only in Ecclesiastes but throughout the Bible, that we have been created for a relationship with God and that is the place we find ultimate value, meaning and significance!  Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal savior?
      1. Listen to what Jesus said in John 10:10. Read
      2. Life that is abundant and full, the kind that can fill that spot deep within that feels either empty or like something is missing can only be filled by Jesus. It will only continue to be filled as we have a deep respect for Him and live life according to His Word.
      3. Read John 3:16 and invite

Compassion for the Lost / 6.26.22

Father’s Day at MVC / 6.19.22

Encouragement for Men

2 Timothy 3:16-16, Hebrews 13:20-21,

2 Corinthians 3:4-5, Galatians 2:20

June 19, 2022

I.Introduction:

A. Men carry a large personal weight on their souls that can make

them feel inadequate or ill equipped when it comes to navigating life!

1. When you look at the many responsibilities and expectations

upon a man, both from the Bible and manmade, they often feel

like I have not done enough or do not measure up. This often

results in self-condemnation, defeat, insecurity or just giving up.

a. They want to be

1. A man who walks with God displaying the fruits of the

Spirit of God in their life and having a testimony to

others.

2. The kind of leader God wants them to be in their

marriages, homes, church and community.

b. But on the other hand they struggle with sin –

1. Pride, impatience, selfishness, self-reliance,

2. Along with sexual purity, temptation, lust or even porn.

c. Also, they are giving 100% at work and when they get

home, they run on empty. Not enough time and energy to

do either right.

2. Add to those responsibilities and expectations that they have no

idea of what it looks like because they have never seen it

modeled.

3. Add on top of that - conflicting messages from the Bible and

from the world as to what a man is and how he should act.

B. A number of years ago a brother came up to me and said it

seems on Mother’s Day we are always encouraging the women and

telling them how great they are, but on Father’s Day we seem to

always be challenging men to be better and pointing out where they

fall short.

1. Reminded me of this image I saw on Facebook with Mother’s

Day dinner at the beach and Father’s Day frozen meal!

2. Yes, men love to challenge men to be stronger, better and more

godly men and we get a lot of amens for that because men love

to challenge and be challenged.

• Well today, my goal is to help men carry the large personal weight on

their souls that makes them feel inadequate or ill equipped to navigate

the responsibilities and expectations they have!

• By the way ladies, do not tune me out because what we will learn

today addresses the inadequacies and sense of being ill equipped that

women also feel in their lives.

II. Scripture

A. I want to take us to the only passage in Scripture I am aware of that

addresses both the issue of adequacy and equipping – 2 Timothy 3:16-

16. Turn and read.

1. Let’s simply define these two key words

a. Adequate – having the knowledge and skill to be able to meet all

the demands upon you.

1. That addresses our feeling of inadequacy where we feel

we are not enough or measure up to what we are called to

in our lives

b. Equipped – provide someone with what they need to make them

ready to do what they need to do!

1. That addresses our feeling of being ill equipped as God

furnishes us with the resources we need to do the job!

2. The first thing we see here is that God’s Word, the Scripture,

the written Word of God, which is breathed right out of the

heart of God.

. Note what it is profitable for: teaching, reproof,

correction, training in righteousness. Illustrate by walking

on the platform.

a. So that may be adequate and equipped for every, every,

every good work. That would include every responsibility

and expectation upon a man!

3. As most men have not seen it modeled before them or have any

idea of what it means or looks like to be a man, the Bible is a

great place to gain your bearings.

. Daily at home or at break time at work. I would

encourage you to start with the method that Martin Luther

used when it came to God’s Word. He was the great

reformer who God literally used to change the church and

the world. His method is summarized simply in my

words. WAR

1. Worship/praise, thank God from things in the text

2. Admit/confess sin that is inconsistent with the text

3. Request God to do things for and in you in the text

a. A couple resources on Sunday mornings to jump-start

you.

1. Bible study methods – simply communicate to you what I

learned in seminary on how to study the Bible as a pastor

would. You do need to sign up for this class as we will

limit it to 40

2. Mere Christianity use C.S. Lewis book as a foundation as

you will see that Christianity is logical and we can

rationalize our faith.

3. Bereans – the seven letters from Jesus to the church in

the first three chapters in the book of Revelation. You

will learn in this class how Jesus feels when he looks at

the church today!

• We are excited about these opportunities and many events coming up

this summer and fall. So how can you find out more or sign up for

one.

• Best way is the Sunday electronic bulletin, which explains to

you what is going on and a link to sign up for it. I encourage

you to read this every week as it comes out on Sunday morning

• If you do not get that – take out your phone and add this to your

contact information right now – 708-350-6610 - MVC text

• Got it? I would encourage you to text right now and put in

the word “bulletin”

• In return, you will receive a link where you can put

in your email address and what you want to be

signed up for.

• Text number is always the same so when you see

something you want more information on or sign up for

something you hear in the video announcements that is the

quickest and easiest way to do it.

B. Let’s look at a passage that speaks about God equipping us.

1. Equipped – provide someone with what they need to make them

ready to do what they need to do! It addresses our feeling of

being ill-equipped

2. Turn and read Hebrews 13:20-21.

3. Note:

a. Emphasize – God equips you

b. Everything, everything, everything, you need to do

God’s will – the things we learn in this book that we are

responsible for and God expects of us.

c. Working in us … through Jesus Christ – God works in

us everything we need through the indwelling Christ who

lives in us and builds into us just what we need!

C. Now let’s look at a passage that speaks about God making us

adequate.

1. Adequate – having the knowledge and skill to be able to meet

all the demands upon you. It addresses our feeling of being

inadequate

2. Turn to 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

a. Context – as Christians, men and women, boys and girls are

called to be the aroma of Jesus to those around them. Then in 2

Corinthians 2:16 he says, “who is adequate for these things.”

b. Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

3. Most men are paralyzed by their weaknesses and inadequacies,

when the proper response is to allow these to be the reminders

to turn to Jesus and confess that our confidence and faith is not

in ourselves but in God Himself

• So how does this work?

III. Conclusion –

A. Galatians 2:20 Read

1. Two key observations –

a. I no longer live but Christ lives in me.

b. The life I now live in this body is a life of faith in Jesus.

2. Two ways Christians live:

. The first is like a rowboat where they do all the work! (walking

by the flesh)

1. They commit themselves whole heartedly to God and try

as hard as they can to live for Him, the way His Word

tells them

2. The second way is like a sailboat boat where they do the

work of putting up the sail but the wind does the work of

moving them on! (walking by the Spirit)

3. I recognize my own inability to pull it off and put no trust

or confidence in myself to do this thing for God. Rather

transfer my trust and confidence to Jesus moment by

moment to live out His life through me and miraculously

fill me with adequacy and equipment to carry off the

expectations and responsibilities that are upon me.

B. This is how it all works together

1. Read in God’s word what responsibilities and expectations He

has upon me.

2. Know that the indwelling spirit of Jesus can do in and through

me what I cannot do for myself.

3. Prayerfully rely upon, call out to Jesus to live His life through

you! As simple as Jesus I cannot do this, please do this for me!

C. When we do this miracles happen. Let me illustrate this:

1. I do not have the ability to draw at all. Draw Mona Lisa – stick

man version

2. Let’s say that the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci comes to live in

me.

3. Now I go to the artist stand either I can do my best and be really

sincere and committed to the Lord to do a great picture for Him,

or I can yield to the indwelling spirit of Leonardo da Vinci

within me and rely him to draw that picture through me,

4. This is what comes out when I step back, yield, and rely upon

him to do it through me. picture of Mona Lisa

D. The same happens when a man relies upon the indwelling Jesus to

equip him and make him adequate:

1. When they face their responsibilities and expectations

2. To display His fruits in them and empower them to walk and

witness for Him

3. To lead in their marriages, families, church and community

4. To break down the power of sin in their lives and fill them with

the purity of Jesus

5. To give them the wisdom and strength to balance both home

and work!

E. Pray for men - Stand

Our-Core / Week 6

                         

 

 

 Our Core - Mission – Following Jesus, Impacting Others
Matthew 28:19; Luke 6:40, Matthew 4:19-20      

June 12, 2022   

• Introduction:
  1. Almost every church can clearly state what their mission is because Jesus made it very clear what our mission is – to make disciples.   
     1. Differences comes when churches seek to define “What is a disciple?”
     2. Think how that would hamper MVC ability to be a disciple making church if everyone at MVC has a different definition of what a disciple looks like!
     3. Let’s try it out – take a moment and share with someone near you how you would define what a disciple is! 
        1. How many of you had the exact same definition?
        2. How many of you can repeat the exact words the other used to define it?
     4. So today, we are closing out our series called “our core” where we are seeking to define ourselves as a church, by looking at what is our mission.  But as I said the hard part of that is very simple, defining a disciple
        1. But it is not that simple as there is much said in Scripture about being a disciple. So to be true to the Bible means there are many things to consider.
        2. On the other hand, if we make our definition too complex and include everything then no one will ever remember specifically what we are trying to do.
        3. So my hope today is to capture the heart of what the Bible says about who a disciple is and yet say it as simply as possible.   Then apply that to MVC.
     5. Let’s start by reading Matthew 28:19-20 again where we see this as the heart of our mission – to make disciples!   Read

• Let’s start with

1. Definition of a disciple
   1. As you know disciple is not a common word in our culture but it was in theirs at the time of the New Testament 
   2. For the definition of the word disciple, as found in Matthew 28:19 I went to seven different Greek dictionaries to see how they defined the word -       mathētēs (μαθητής).  Here are some highlights of a few things I found.    
      1. Most use the word “disciple’ or ‘follower’ to describe this Greek word.
      2. But when you break down the Greek word itself - it means to learn, a learner, a pupil.  
         1. Listen to Luke 6:40  
         2. The word pupil is the exact same Greek word here as disciples in Matthew 28 – only difference is that in Matthew it is a verb and here it is a noun!
         3. We see here that the goal of discipleship is to become like your teacher.  As disciples of Jesus, our goal is to become more and more like Jesus.   less of me and more of Jesus
      3. Vines dictionary says this word indicates thought accompanied by endeavor, hence it denotes one who follows or puts into practice one’s teaching,
         • . He goes on to say “a disciple was not only a pupil, but an adherent -  

1. Or simply someone who binds himself or herself to observing or obeying what they learn! 

1. So bottom line the definition of a disciple has two aspects to it - first they are a learner and secondly they follow or obey what they learn
   1. So a “disciple of Jesus” is one who is learning from Jesus how to live life and following or obeying what they learn from Him about how to live life.  

• That really leads us right into Jesus’ call to discipleship that helps us understand what a disciple is.
• Jesus’ call to discipleship
  19. Turn to and read Matthew 4:19.  
      1. Jesus called them to follow Him.
      2. Jesus is inviting them to be His pupils, to learn from Him and obey what they learn from Him.
  20. But Jesus adds something onto to this call that further develops what a disciple is.  Listen again to v19b.
      1. If you follow Him then He will make you a fisher of men!
      2. In other words, you are called for a purpose!   Now you will join Jesus on His mission to seek and save the lost and to teach believers to obey everything Jesus taught us!
  21. When we follow Jesus and His teachings, He will make us into a person that influences others for the sake of the kingdom of God.   We will not only follow Jesus’ teachings but we will also join Him in His mission!
• So let me now try to summarize all that we have heard and come up with a …

1. Simple definition of a disciple 
   1. Within the last month, I was in a discussion with three other staff members as we were asked to define a disciple for MVC.   We wrestled with what the Bible says and how it could be understood today!
   2. We talked for a long time and went done many trails, possibilities and circles and finally we concluded that the best way to define it is to say what we already are saying is our mission – following Jesus, impacting others.  
   3. So every one of us at MVC should be able to answer the question of what a disciple looks like with full biblical confidence and simplicity by saying it is to follow Jesus and impact others.  

• So how does that … 

1. Apply to MVC
   1. Well the next logical question would be what would we say following Jesus and impacting others looks like?  
      1. If we cannot do that with the same clarity as we would defining a disciple we still will be greatly hampered as a church in carrying out the mission of making disciples that Jesus gave us.
   2. How could we say that simply enough that we would be biblically accurate and still be able to hang on to it.  More importantly give us some direction on how I should be living to be a disciple of Jesus!  
      1. Let me suggest three key things:  
         1. Be with Jesus  
         2. Become like Jesus   
         3. Bring Jesus to our world 
      2. The heart of each 
   3. Be with Jesus  (union/source)  
      1. Jesus said He chose His followers to be with Him.  The heart of being a disciple is to be with Jesus.  Mark 3:14
      2. Since He is the source of everything, we need for our life and for impacting others, we need to constantly be living in union and dependence upon Him. 
   4. Become like Jesus  (goal)
      1. The end product of a disciple, as we learned in Luke 6:40, was to become like their teacher.  We also learn in Romans 8:29 that God has predestined each one of us to be conformed to the image of Jesus! Paul said in Galatians that he was in hard labor like a woman giving birth until Jesus was formed in them.
      2. So the end goal of our lives and the lives we are seeking to impact is that we become more like Jesus!
   5. Bring Jesus to our world (work)  
      1. This is simply the work of bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost world 
      2. And teaching those who are believers both what Jesus taught and how to obey it! 
   6. As we close this series of defining just who is MVC at our core we learn this mission is the work that Jesus has given to MVC to do and our values are the way that MVC does it:  
      1. Remember these values 
         1. Together strong  
         2. Mission driven  
         3. World changers   
         4. Future focused  
         5. Grace+truth 
      2. This is how we carry out the mission to make disciples, those who are following Jesus and impacting others
         • . Together strong - together is our vehicle 
           1. This is not a solo mission but a team mission that will require all of us

1. Mission driven - mission is why we exist  
   1. This mission is what drives MVC to be who we are and do what we do
2. World changers - transformation is our destination 
   1. We learned today that the goal will require a transformational work by the Spirit of God – not just to get people to church but to see them receive the life of Jesus and become more like Jesus
3. Future focused - the next generation is our sight
   
   (1) As we saw there is a special need to touch the generations following us with this mission as we are commanded to do so, as Bob Long taught us and it is essential for the health of MVC
4. Grace+truth - grace+truth is our context 
   1. God’s grace and truth is what each one of us needs to be a healthy disciple, and it is what we need to bring to others in order to impact them!
5. So let me ask you, which area of discipleship would you need to focus upon this summer to continue to grow as a disciple?  
6. Three main areas of a disciple who follows Jesus and impacts others! 
   1. Be with Jesus  (union/source)  
   2. Become like Jesus  (goal)    
   3. Bring Jesus to our world  (work)  
7. What are 1-3 practical things you will do to get there?  Take a few moments to think that through.
8. Share with the same person you did at the start of this message what is your area and what will you do about it!

                         

 

 

 Our Core - Mission – Following Jesus, Impacting Others
Matthew 28:19; Luke 6:40, Matthew 4:19-20      

June 12, 2022   

• Introduction:
  1. Almost every church can clearly state what their mission is because Jesus made it very clear what our mission is – to make disciples.   
     1. Differences comes when churches seek to define “What is a disciple?”
     2. Think how that would hamper MVC ability to be a disciple making church if everyone at MVC has a different definition of what a disciple looks like!
     3. Let’s try it out – take a moment and share with someone near you how you would define what a disciple is! 
        1. How many of you had the exact same definition?
        2. How many of you can repeat the exact words the other used to define it?
     4. So today, we are closing out our series called “our core” where we are seeking to define ourselves as a church, by looking at what is our mission.  But as I said the hard part of that is very simple, defining a disciple
        1. But it is not that simple as there is much said in Scripture about being a disciple. So to be true to the Bible means there are many things to consider.
        2. On the other hand, if we make our definition too complex and include everything then no one will ever remember specifically what we are trying to do.
        3. So my hope today is to capture the heart of what the Bible says about who a disciple is and yet say it as simply as possible.   Then apply that to MVC.
     5. Let’s start by reading Matthew 28:19-20 again where we see this as the heart of our mission – to make disciples!   Read

• Let’s start with

1. Definition of a disciple
   1. As you know disciple is not a common word in our culture but it was in theirs at the time of the New Testament 
   2. For the definition of the word disciple, as found in Matthew 28:19 I went to seven different Greek dictionaries to see how they defined the word -       mathētēs (μαθητής).  Here are some highlights of a few things I found.    
      1. Most use the word “disciple’ or ‘follower’ to describe this Greek word.
      2. But when you break down the Greek word itself - it means to learn, a learner, a pupil.  
         1. Listen to Luke 6:40  
         2. The word pupil is the exact same Greek word here as disciples in Matthew 28 – only difference is that in Matthew it is a verb and here it is a noun!
         3. We see here that the goal of discipleship is to become like your teacher.  As disciples of Jesus, our goal is to become more and more like Jesus.   less of me and more of Jesus
      3. Vines dictionary says this word indicates thought accompanied by endeavor, hence it denotes one who follows or puts into practice one’s teaching,
         • . He goes on to say “a disciple was not only a pupil, but an adherent -  

1. Or simply someone who binds himself or herself to observing or obeying what they learn! 

1. So bottom line the definition of a disciple has two aspects to it - first they are a learner and secondly they follow or obey what they learn
   1. So a “disciple of Jesus” is one who is learning from Jesus how to live life and following or obeying what they learn from Him about how to live life.  

• That really leads us right into Jesus’ call to discipleship that helps us understand what a disciple is.
• Jesus’ call to discipleship
  19. Turn to and read Matthew 4:19.  
      1. Jesus called them to follow Him.
      2. Jesus is inviting them to be His pupils, to learn from Him and obey what they learn from Him.
  20. But Jesus adds something onto to this call that further develops what a disciple is.  Listen again to v19b.
      1. If you follow Him then He will make you a fisher of men!
      2. In other words, you are called for a purpose!   Now you will join Jesus on His mission to seek and save the lost and to teach believers to obey everything Jesus taught us!
  21. When we follow Jesus and His teachings, He will make us into a person that influences others for the sake of the kingdom of God.   We will not only follow Jesus’ teachings but we will also join Him in His mission!
• So let me now try to summarize all that we have heard and come up with a …

1. Simple definition of a disciple 
   1. Within the last month, I was in a discussion with three other staff members as we were asked to define a disciple for MVC.   We wrestled with what the Bible says and how it could be understood today!
   2. We talked for a long time and went done many trails, possibilities and circles and finally we concluded that the best way to define it is to say what we already are saying is our mission – following Jesus, impacting others.  
   3. So every one of us at MVC should be able to answer the question of what a disciple looks like with full biblical confidence and simplicity by saying it is to follow Jesus and impact others.  

• So how does that … 

1. Apply to MVC
   1. Well the next logical question would be what would we say following Jesus and impacting others looks like?  
      1. If we cannot do that with the same clarity as we would defining a disciple we still will be greatly hampered as a church in carrying out the mission of making disciples that Jesus gave us.
   2. How could we say that simply enough that we would be biblically accurate and still be able to hang on to it.  More importantly give us some direction on how I should be living to be a disciple of Jesus!  
      1. Let me suggest three key things:  
         1. Be with Jesus  
         2. Become like Jesus   
         3. Bring Jesus to our world 
      2. The heart of each 
   3. Be with Jesus  (union/source)  
      1. Jesus said He chose His followers to be with Him.  The heart of being a disciple is to be with Jesus.  Mark 3:14
      2. Since He is the source of everything, we need for our life and for impacting others, we need to constantly be living in union and dependence upon Him. 
   4. Become like Jesus  (goal)
      1. The end product of a disciple, as we learned in Luke 6:40, was to become like their teacher.  We also learn in Romans 8:29 that God has predestined each one of us to be conformed to the image of Jesus! Paul said in Galatians that he was in hard labor like a woman giving birth until Jesus was formed in them.
      2. So the end goal of our lives and the lives we are seeking to impact is that we become more like Jesus!
   5. Bring Jesus to our world (work)  
      1. This is simply the work of bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost world 
      2. And teaching those who are believers both what Jesus taught and how to obey it! 
   6. As we close this series of defining just who is MVC at our core we learn this mission is the work that Jesus has given to MVC to do and our values are the way that MVC does it:  
      1. Remember these values 
         1. Together strong  
         2. Mission driven  
         3. World changers   
         4. Future focused  
         5. Grace+truth 
      2. This is how we carry out the mission to make disciples, those who are following Jesus and impacting others
         • . Together strong - together is our vehicle 
           1. This is not a solo mission but a team mission that will require all of us

1. Mission driven - mission is why we exist  
   1. This mission is what drives MVC to be who we are and do what we do
2. World changers - transformation is our destination 
   1. We learned today that the goal will require a transformational work by the Spirit of God – not just to get people to church but to see them receive the life of Jesus and become more like Jesus
3. Future focused - the next generation is our sight
   
   (1) As we saw there is a special need to touch the generations following us with this mission as we are commanded to do so, as Bob Long taught us and it is essential for the health of MVC
4. Grace+truth - grace+truth is our context 
   1. God’s grace and truth is what each one of us needs to be a healthy disciple, and it is what we need to bring to others in order to impact them!
5. So let me ask you, which area of discipleship would you need to focus upon this summer to continue to grow as a disciple?  
6. Three main areas of a disciple who follows Jesus and impacts others! 
   1. Be with Jesus  (union/source)  
   2. Become like Jesus  (goal)    
   3. Bring Jesus to our world  (work)  
7. What are 1-3 practical things you will do to get there?  Take a few moments to think that through.
8. Share with the same person you did at the start of this message what is your area and what will you do about it!

 

Student Sunday / June 5, 2022

Our-Core / Week 5

                          

 

 

Our Core: Grace and Truth
    May 29, 2022  

        Exodus 34:6; John 1:14, 17 

• Introduction:
  1. We are doing a series we are calling “our core” as we are seeking to define just who MVC is at our core.   
     1. I love today’s value because it is a passion of mine, something I want to become more of and something I want MVC to become more of because it is at the core of who God is!  
     2. The more MVC reflects this core, the more glory God gets!  
  2. The value today is this:  grace and truth
     1. Put up whole value
     2. Not just grace and not just truth but both grace and truth perfectly blended together as a seamless one. This is the need that each one of us has, as it is the way that God meets us and the way we need to minister to others in our culture. 

• Let’s turn to Exodus 34 and explain why I say that grace and truth are at the core of God Himself, one of His key core values if you will!

1. Scripture on grace and truth
   1. Exodus 34
      1. Context – Moses prayed, “God show me your glory.”
         1. Glory is the very essence or core of who God is.    
         2. Glory is best remembered by this acronym: glory = God - God on display and God is most glorified when we display His heart and character to others in our attitudes, actions and words!
      2. God did show Moses His glory by passing His very essence and core in front of him.  Read v5-7.
         • . And in v6, we see both grace and truth.

1. He loaded on the grace by using other synonyms of compassionate, lovingkindness and forgiveness
2. But He balances that out with truth and holding those guilty of sin accountable and punishing them.

1. Now turn to John 1
   1. Read v14 – note we see again God’s glory and this time as displayed in Jesus – full of grace and truth 
   2. Read v17 – we see that grace and truth was realized in Jesus!
      • . That means that grace and truth became a reality that was experienced and was seen in Jesus!
   3. From Exodus 34 and John 1 we see that grace and truth is right at the core of who God is, His very essence, His very glory. If nothing else that makes this value very very important to us!
2. Other passages
   1. Loving-kindness is a synonym for grace and is used very often in the Old Testament. 
      • . It is the Hebrew word – hesed that is a word that is used regarding those with whom God is in covenant relationship!

1. It speaks of the deep down desire in God to actively pursue and bless those with whom He is in relationship.  
2. It is both an attitude and an action where God bows himself down to meet the needs of those who are His own.

2. Psalm 25:10 – all of God’s paths (= his repeated ways) are full of lovingkindness and truth 
3. Psalm 86:15– these are abundant in God.
4. Psalm 85:10 – these two meet and kiss each other – they are not opposite or mutually exclusive but they are unified as one!
5. Proverbs 3:3-4 – when we are full of these two we will find both favor and a good reputation before both God and man!

1. One thing this brief study does for us is blow away the concept that the Old Testament God was a God of law and judgment and the New Testament God is a God of grace and mercy.   
   1. We learn from this that God at His core as revealed in His glory, all His paths are, and Jesus modeled for us that He is, has been and always will be a God of grace and truth.
   2. God is not one way in the Old Testament and another way in the New Testament.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

• It truly is what we all need, the way God meets us and the way we need to minister to others.  Let’s look at some 
• Implications  
  1. The spectrum of churches – illustrate with the stage
     1. Center – God’s grace and truth as displayed in Jesus
     2. Far right  
        1. Truth over grace
        2. So committed to truth that anyone who is off just a slight degree on the truth they will hate them for Jesus sake
        3. Anyone who does not say everything about Scripture the way they say it, interpret it the way they interpret it, or apply it the way they apply it is someone who should be held in suspicion or not even trusted.
     3. Far left  
        • . Grace over truth.  so committed to grace that everyone is OK, let’s not burden them or guilt them with sin, just let them know that God loves and accepts everybody

1. They question God, the Bible, the exclusivity of Christianity and biblical morals.  The parts they do not resonate with they either reject or reinterpret.
2. So rather than interpreting the culture or science through the lens of the Bible, they interpret the Bible through the lens of the culture and science!

1. MVC is shooting for the middle of the spectrum.  Are we perfectly there? – No, but that is where we want to and are seeking to be. 
   1. Share chart that the elders discussed at our last meeting
   2. Love what Erwin Lutzer said about all of this – “the most loving thing we can do for someone is to tell them the truth in love”.  
2. Attitudes and tones – let me tell you a few we talked about at the board meeting
   1. Sometimes the older generation has a tendency to look down on the younger generations with an attitude that “someday they will get it” rather than seeing them as what the world needs today
   2. To be a multi-generational church that has an emphasis on the next generation it will require of both generations both humility and teachability versus suspicion and judgmentalism.    
   3. We need to learn to appreciate the value that each generation brings to the table.
   4. We need to be firm and inflexible when it comes to the anchor – grace and truth but when it comes to the way we talk about and express these things we need to be flexible and understanding 
3. Finally – we need to learn fluency with each other.  
   1. That means capable of doing something with ease and grace.
      • . Here we are talking about fluency in conversations with a generation of which you are not a part!

1. The best way to become fluent in a new language is not in the classroom or through a book but by living among the people of that language and learning to communicate through everyday life with them.  

2. I would encourage you to take the sheet you received today, share it, discuss it with a few people of a different generation than yourself, and see if we can better understand and appreciate one another!

 

Our-Core / Week 4

                          

 

 

Our Core - Future Focused –

The Next Generation Is In Our Focus
Passage

      May 22, 2020

• Introduction:
  1. What a special morning!
     1. Bob Long – former youth pastor who was a key member of our staff beyond his ministry to the youth, who has deeply invested in our good brothers Mike and Josh and now is working with young leaders in the Philippines to prepare them for ministry.
     2. Kim Philips who for more than three decades has invested in our kids clubs here at MVC, which has not only impacted our kids but many from the neighborhood.  
        1. One thing I have always appreciated about Kim and her husband Craig is that when there is a need behind the scenes somehow if you look you will always find these two there serving.  
        2. Thank you two for your many years of service to this church
     3. How appropriate that the value of MVC we are going to look at this morning is future focused – the next generation is in our sight.  
     4. In just a few moments, we are going to have Bob back up to share with us a message of the importance of investing in the next generation so I just want to explain this value for MVC.
        1. Put up the complete value 

• It is pretty self-explanatory so let me just highlight a few points 

1. Our legacy 
   1. Legacy means – a gift or something transmitted by an ancestor or predecessor to someone following them.
   2. This is important to us because we do not want to be one of those churches that die off from old age because we never made the intentional adjustments necessary to reach and invest in the next generation.

• Leverage opportunities to help the emerging generation
  • . Many generations within our MVC, at the very least six
    1. Silent generation – 1945 and before

2. Baby boomers – 1946-1964
3. Gen X – 1965-1976
4. Gen Y/millennials – 1977-1995
5. Gen Z/centennials – 1996-2010
6. Gen alpha – 2010-2025
7. Special attention to two groups I am going to classify by age
   1. First - birth to twenty five - children, youth, young adults – this is an investment into the larger kingdom of God as many of those will likely move on from MVC as life opens up for them  
   2. 25-50 – these are important to the future of MVC as many are already established in this area and have 25-50 years of ministry in you where you can impact MVC and this area. 
8. But for those from 51-100 you are very important as well.  The reason is that you have lived life and walked with Jesus long enough to have the finest wine of Jesus to pour into others.
   1. The role of us in this stage of life is to teach others the lessons we have learned along the way so they can navigate life from a better vantage point.
   2. You are the key people who can help pass on the legacy to the next generations.   
9. How does this apply to you
   1. But here is the question that every generation should be asking themselves, from teens to 100!
      1. Who is my next generation– age wise (with different seasons of life to go through) or spiritually (new believer, established, ministering, leader) that I can be investing in?
      2. Encourage you to look around to find someone who looks like they are walking alone and get next to them and pour into them, or join one of our ministries (crib – young adult) and experience the joy of doing what you were created to do, impact others for Jesus!
      3. Bob … 

 

Our-Core / Week 3

                           

Our Core – World Changers –

Transformation is our Destination
    May 15, 2022

 

• Introduction:
  1. Who are we? Who is MVC?  Who are we together as a church, not who am I? That is the question we are addressing in this current series we are calling our core!
  2. The value we are going to talk about this morning you might think, “Really.  Come on are you crazy?  Us?  Me? – Let’s get realistic “that is great motivational speech but let’s get realistic let come back down to earth!”
     1. The value for this morning is “world changers! - Transformation is our destination. If you did not notice those are pretty big goals!
        1. World changers – world changers!  That is a pretty big assignment and that is a pretty big aspiration!
        2. Transformation – that is another pretty big goal – we are not just talking about seeing people change their behavior or morals, or switch their political allegiances, or start going to church.   We want to see people changed at the core of their being, turned upside down and inside out!
     2. Big aspiration is not it.  Just how are we going to do that?   

• This value tells us three things: who we are, where we are going and how are we going to get there!   Let’s start with who we are…

1. World changers!
   1. Yes, that is who we are, that is who you are if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, that is our identity because as we learned a few weeks ago those are the orders that Jesus, who has all authority in heaven and earth, left for His church.   
      1. Jesus left us a worldwide mission, one that starts at home and goes to the remotest part of the earth!   Making disciples of all the nations, preaching His gospel to all creation.
      2. In Acts 1 he calls us witnesses, in Matthew 5 he says we are the light of the world, 2 Corinthians 5 he says we are ambassadors of Christ.
   2. So we do this not because we are big thinkers or a uniquely gifted church with great capacities and abilities, rather we do that because that is what Jesus called/ordered us to do and be!
      1. Turn and read 2 Corinthians 3:4-6– made us adequate as ministers of the new covenant  
      2. Great commission – promise “Lo, I am with you always”
      3. Acts 1:8 that is why we were given the Holy Spirit to empower us to be His witness throughout the world.
      4. These words, which Watchman Nee says, are the words I live by moment by moment!   Nee quote

• The second thing we see in this value is where we are going 
• Transformation is our destination.
  1. The Greek word for transformation is metamorpho where we get the word English word metamorphous 
     1. Vines Dictionary explains it this way – “undergoing a complete change which, under the power of God, will find expression in character and conduct; morphe lays stress on the inward change!”  
     2. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 says it’s something that comes from the Holy Spirit as we behold Jesus, and as a result, the Spirit so deeply changes us that the very glory of God is reflected back out of us to others!   
  2. Transformation is not behavior modification or external conformity to standards whether they are the world’s standards, the church’s standards or even the Bible’s standards.  
     1. The Pharisees in the Scriptures were religious people who looked good on the outside but Jesus said on their inside they were full of dead man’s bones.
     2. That is what behavior modification or external conformity produces
  3. Transformation is a change at the level of our essential nature, the core of our being that goes so deep that it changes our attitudes, affections, thinking, desires, and actions!
• So where do we start with such a huge task?

1. One life at a time!
   1. It is kind of like the question – how do you eat an elephant? – One bite at a time.  How do we reach the world?  One life at a time!
      1. It is not a matter of giving up the big dream; it is a matter of breaking the big dream down in to smaller pieces and just starting.
      2. Image of the ladder.  
   2. We need to remember that God has strategically scattered His church throughout the world and we together have this mission and not just MVC.
      1. That is why we partner with other organizations like Word Partners, churches in a conference we are part of called Converge and support missionaries in other parts of the world through our Global Outreach Team.   While we think and pray globally, we act locally.
      2. Like an offensive lineman, I am responsible for the man in front of me while the tight end takes care of his man, the guard takes care of his and the center takes care of his.
   3. So the next thing we need to consider is how can we, MVC, reach our piece of this world that God has entrusted to us?  
   4. Put up the whole value
      1. Therefore, we are going to change the world one life at a time one step at a time, just as you eat an elephant one bite at a time and climb a ladder one small step at a time.  Every person, every opportunity!
   5. God has strategically scattered each one of us (MVC) right here in the southwest area of Chicago at this time in history.  
      1. It will take each one of us being faithful to our call right among the people we live with, taking advantage of every small opportunity that comes our way whether it be an opportunity to speak for Jesus, act in Jesus behalf or express His heart to someone around you in need.  
   6. A few years ago we learn that Samuel had a small circuit the he lived his life out on yet he was deeply impacted the whole nation of Israel.  Read 1 Samuel 25:1 
      1. This response was because for over 40 years day in and day out he was faithful to the opportunities and needs in the circuit where God gave him to minister.   
         1. Jeff Manion calls it a repeated circuit of faithfulness!
         2. Turn and read 1 Samuel 7:15-17
      2. Most of Samuels’s life was lived out in a geographical area with a circumference of around 25 miles.   Take an area from this pulpit and draw a circle about 5-6 miles from here all the way around and that was his circuit.
      3. God is able to take our faithfulness in our area of responsibility and multiply its impact as Jesus took the few loaves and fish and multiplied it so much it fed over 5,000 people.
   7. Are you day in and day out being repeatedly faithful to the circuit God has given you?   Have you ever tried to identify your circuit?   
      1. Did this a few years ago while we were online, let’s do together today
      2. Hand out card of the circuit.   
      3. Put up power point of circuit and explain

 

 

Mother’s Day / Cathy Clarke / 5.8.22

Our-Core / Week 2

 Our Core – Mission Driven
Acts 1; Matthew 28   May 1, 2022    

1. Introduction:
   1. Two weeks ago on Easter Sunday, we learned that Jesus was raised from the dead.  Then the Bible tells us that Jesus walked on earth for 40 days before He ascended back into heaven.   What did Jesus do during those 40 days?
      1. Turn to Acts 1 where Luke summarizes for us the three main things Jesus was doing during that time. Read Acts 1:1-3
      2. Three main things:
         1. Giving them orders – commands
         2. Presenting Himself alive to them with many convincing proofs
         3. Talking to them about the kingdom of God – 
            1. Wouldn’t you have loved to be in on those discussions?
            2. I wish the Bible would have recorded those discussions! 
   2. This morning I want to focus upon the orders that Jesus gave them. We do not need to wonder about what those orders were because they are recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and right here in Acts.
      1. Yes, Jesus gave them orders, commands, directives, not some ideas or suggestions but some authoritative commands coming from the King Himself!
   3. Today is the second week of 6-week series regarding the core of MVC!   
      1. The purpose of this series is to help us understand who MVC is at our core.  Our unique makeup and personality as a church.
      2. To do that we are looking at our values and mission.
   4. The value I want to address today is this:  mission driven – mission is why we exist!  
      
      
      
      1. Our mission can be taken all the way back to the orders that Jesus gave to His church during those 40 days that He was walking on the earth after His resurrection and before His ascension back into heaven.
      2. We say this mission drives us because that is what motivates us to do what we do.   
         1. We are not driven in the sense of a taskmaster behind us driving us but rather we are internally motivated to do this mission because Jesus gave us orders that this is what we are to be about!  
         2. This is why we exist, this is why we do what we do, and out of our love for Him, this is why we do what we do!

• So now that we know that Jesus gave orders to his followers to do this let’s just take a quick look at this mission we were ordered to carry out.

1.  The mission
   1. Look down a few verses to Acts 1:8 – Jesus summarizes for them something that they had already heard on at least three other occasions before He ascended into heaven at the Mount of Olives.    Read  Acts 1:8
      1. They were going to receive the Holy Spirit to empower them for this mission!
      2. The mission was to be His witnesses – those who can tell others what they have heard, seen and experienced with Jesus
      3. They were to do it where they lived, the surrounding area and even to all the world!
      4. Basically, a worldwide mission telling others about Jesus!
   2. Listen to how Jesus said it to them before.
      1. Mark 16:15  
      2. Luke 24:47-48 
      3. John 20:21
         
         
         
         
   3. Now turn to Matthew 28 where we see what is called the great commission  
      1. Note the context here –on a mountain in Galilee read Matthew 28:16-18
      2. “Therefore” connects v18 to v17.   
         1. Note what follows is built off Jesus’ authority over heaven and earth, in other words Jesus’ right to tell us what to do – to give us orders.
      3. Now listen to the mission that Jesus gave us that is based upon His authority.  It is going to sound a lot, like what we already heard with a worldwide mission but He expands on it and clarifies it more for us here. Read v18
         1. Make disciples
         2. Three ways we do it – 
            1. Going – be intentional to go share the gospel both where you live and around the world
            2. Baptizing – those who respond to the gospel should make a public witness through baptism that they are now followers of Jesus
            3. Teaching us to observe and then spend the rest of our lives learning what Jesus taught us and more importantly obeying it.

• Thus, all of this brings us back to and explains why MVC is mission driven!

1.  Application
   1. Thus, MVC is a church that is driven by the mission Jesus gave to the church!  That is driven, or motivated and shaped by the mission that our King Jesus gave us.   We want to be intentional about making disciples for Jesus.    
      1. The reason we do what we do and pursue what we pursue is because of the mission that Jesus gave to us!
      2. We summarize it like this – following Jesus and impacting others.   
      3. Following – being baptized after believing in Him as a public witness of your faith in Him.  And seeking to obey everything He taught us
      4. Impacting – being intentional to tell people who do not know Jesus about Jesus and teaching those who do know Him what Jesus wants us to obey!
   2. This is the way we try to put it on the lower shelf when it comes to this value of MVC being a mission driven church.
      1. We believe that we carry the hope of Jesus to the world. We have been placed in our church and community for the sake of others. When each of us plays our part families are strengthened, believers grow, the hurting are healed, the lost are found, and our community is blessed. 
      2. This is the difference our lives can make when we follow Jesus in obedience, impacting others by bringing the gospel to the lost and helping others believers grow in their relationship with Jesus!
      3. God has supernaturally and strategically placed each one of us at MVC throughout the southwest area of Chicago in our families, homes, jobs, schools, relationships, to bring the gospel to the lost and help believers grow!
      4. This is why we exist as MVC; this is what shapes what we do!  
   3. As we move to baptisms this morning, we see two people following Jesus mission to be baptized after they believed the gospel!
      1. In both of these baptisms, we see two extra people in the waters with them because they are some of the people who impacted them for Jesus by either telling them about the gospel or helping them grow in obedience to all that Jesus calls us to do!