Have you ever been in a position where the hand you were being dealt seemed completely unfair? Maybe to the point where you asked God, “Why is this happening to me?

Especially when people in circles close to you seem to have miracles dropped in their lap or favor in situations they are going through…..especially when you see their life and (let’s be honest) think that they don’t deserve it??

Matthew 11:1-6

11 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

² Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples ³ and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” ⁴ And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: ⁵ the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. ⁶ And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

 Had John begun to question if so lowly a Person could, indeed, be the promised Christ?

Had he expected Messiah to be a glorious prince with an earthly kingdom?

Was he staggered to find himself in prison under Herod’s power?

Was John, himself in doubt?

There have been many suggestions as to why John sent his disciples. Some have said he sent the messengers for his own sake, for he was then under a fainting fit of unbelief.

As with most of the children of God, their weakness is most seen where their strength lies.

The whole reason John was in prison was because he stood up to King Herod. And it is possible that John after having boldly confronted Herod and declaring, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife,” may have doubted what he was doing when he found himself shut up in prison with no known sign of the  Messiah’s kingdom coming (His ENTIRE mission). Prison may have been a severe test of faith to John—we are all affected by the atmosphere in which we dwell.

Shortly after this Scripture, John was beheaded while in prison. (Matt 14)

Herod had John beheaded, and Jesus just let it happen.  Even when John asked for help, Jesus didn’t get an army together.  He didn’t drop what he was doing.  He told someone else to tell John about all the great things Jesus was doing for everyone … but him.  “The blind see, the lame walk; lepers are clean, deaf hear, the dead are raised;” while John, who invested more of his life into Jesus than anyone to this point in history … sits in prison.  All alone.  Do you ever feel that way?

But I thought the Bible said,

“Deuteronomy 31:6b (NIV)⁶ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you (other versions say ‘he goes BEFORE you’; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

I want to talk about 3 types of people that let the “Offense of Christ” affect them:

1) Those who REASON Him out of their life.

            In Christ’s day people were offended by him because of his appearance.

He was JUST the son of a carpenter.

He looked like a peasant.

Even on his greatest most triumphant day, he rode just a colt.

And he claimed to be GOD! – Equal with the Father- Eternal with the Father….

In today’s world, people write of the One who saved us because of the grandeur of His claims, because of the hypocrisy of his people, and because it doesn’t make sense with our minds.

We doubt the existence of God because reason and logic tell us to.

We’ve always leaned on the scientific proof and psychological reasoning of what our professors have taught us, and we completely disregard the revelation of Scripture.

We are taught that emotions aren’t real and prayers that are answered are coincidence.

Our Gospel makes no sense to them. How can one person’s blood atone the sins of all?

Why would he do that?

They are offended because of the graciousness of the Gospel. It has too much free Grace in it for them. They would like a mingle-mangle of Grace and works. It makes more sense to just “be a good person”

Grace is too messy.

Lev. 17:11                ^“for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the       altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord.^[a] It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible.”

Salvation through eternal love, salvation through mercy alone—salvation, not of merit, salvation, not of the will of man,but Salvation by the will of God, who has said,

“I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion”— Grace free as the air, spontaneous, undeserved, but given of God because He delights in mercy.

2.) Those who RIVAL Him out of their life.

These are the ones who have become a part of the Church and become offended through circumstances, hurts, apathy, and lack of conviction in their life.

But why would someone profess to know Christ and then become offended by His message?

They are circumstantial in their beliefs and in turn a quick and sudden victory in their life would sustain their faith, but to carry a cross and follow before winning their crown is not on their mind.

When their family, or circle of influence disagrees and challenges what they believe they realize this wasn’t they signed up for…. The never counted to cost… and so they are offended because of Christ

In our society, we’ve become so thin-skinned and we can’t even stand up for what we believe in –When opposition arises it’s so easy to go along and say we agree.

It’s so easy, when the “church” doesn’t meet their every beck and call to decide that “religion” has disappointed and wasn’t what they were looking for.

 Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

What happens with the ones that rival Christ out of their life is that they were never changed at heart in the first place. They don’t know what it is to be “Christ-like”, to be meek, to be humble.. so they find his yoke aggravating and his burden heavy.

Illustration – TJ from school

On the other hand, one of the saddest things to me is seeing young Christians offended because of other Christians.

There is no worse trial to a young or struggling believer than to see mature Christians walking inconsistently and living a lukewarm life.

Phil. 2:12 (NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

The last type of person is this:

3.) Those who REALIGN their life to Him.

These are the ones who take full advantage of the Grace that has been given and hold on to Christ under any and all circumstances.

They don’t look back and don’t let the words and thoughts of their surroundings make them lose heart.

Psalm 139: 13-16 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

You were chosen before the foundations of the world.

You have been specially redeemed by His blood.

You have been given a new heart and a right spirit.

The ones who will not be moved and will follow Him all of their life are the ones who are blessed.

God loves to reveal Himself to the ones who dare to take a walk on the bleak side of the hill with Him. If you are willing to follow Him when the wind blows in your teeth and the snow flakes come thickly till you are almost blinded…you will have such a revelation of his love that it will make you forget the sneers of man and the sufferings that come  –Charles Spurgeon

 Most of you already know this by experience.

Psalm 7:10 says, “My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.

Matthew 10:32  “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.

These are the ones who are faithful to their convictions and let the Spirit of God guide their lives.

They are considered idiots by some, but with all their faults, and mistakes, and missteps, and imperfections – God is not ashamed of them. He blesses them even in the midst of their shortcomings – because of His grace.

Conclusion

Have you counted the cost in what you are living for?

Have you thoroughly come to Christ?

If you are doubting the one who came to save you, then I challenge you to rely solely on him in your heartache, in your fear, in your time of desperation.

I challenge you to let him prove his love.

I challenge you to let him see you through your pain.

Because it is so beautiful on the other side of the pain.

Here is a brief outline of the message.

The prodigal –
Story of two dads my dad and my heavenly dad
1. His sudden departure.
He wants the resources without the relationship.

A SYMBOLIC RESTART BY MY FRIEND DOUG REED

Whether you want to feel the thrill of a zip line, a climbing wall, experience an amazing worship service, or hang out after the morning service….this week will be one that everyone will enjoy.

Here is a simple schedule of events for Discovery’s LEAP weekend:

Saturday May 16th – Rappelling in the Dells – 1:00 P.M.

Saturday evening gathering with Doug Reed -7:00 P.M. 202 W. Gurley Str. (under the Hike Shack)

Sunday morning 10:00 A.M.-Discovery church is meeting at United Christian Youth Camp (U.C.Y.C.)

10:00 A.M. worship, nursery and Discovery K.I.D.S. church

11:00 A.M. picnic, fellowship and events.

Gear Share – After the morning service.

Here is the video announcement with details.

Two services with Doug Reed.

Directions:

Hope to see you there.

Steve

Read part of Andrews story here.

http://prescottenews.com/~devpres/index.php/news/current-news/item/25096-have-handcycle-will-travel

“Like goals to a fire, so is conversation to a community.”

“The more goals….the more warmth ….Add to the warmth and join the community…Join the conversation.”

“We are guided by the wind of God and ignited by the fire of God.”

“The more isolated and disconnected we are, the more shattered and distorted our self-identity. We are not healthy when we are alone. We find ourselves when we connect to others. Without community we don’t know who we are…
When we live outside of healthy community, we not only lose others. We lose ourselves…Who we understand ourselves to be is dramatically affected for better or worse by those we hold closest to us.” ―erwin mcmannus

“Hebrews 12:2 Our God is a consuming fire….are you warm…where is your fire?”

http://www.discoveryprescott.com

Here is the message from Easter Sunday at Discovery Church Prescott.

Luke 4
STAY AWAKE – EASTER IS A VERB
A common greeting. – HE IS RISEN ………….HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Luke 24:1-12
24 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”

8 And they remembered His words. 9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

Ways we approach Easter

1. Ignore it 2. Sleep through it. 3. Dress it up. (Religious approach)

4. Analyze it. (Scientific approach) 5. Experience it.

1. HAVE WE LOST A SENSE OF WONDER, CURIOSITY AND AWE IN OUR CULTURE?. – (Awe? Awe Ha! Woe!)

(Photo of high school student sleeping in the canyon – Baby with their feet pic)
“Peter MARVELED to himself”

THERE IS SOMETHING WONDERFUL ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IS MORE POWERFUL THAN DEATH.
they were greatly perplexed about this
2. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE AND DIE?

Two views the death brings to life – Urgency or fear.

When a ball leaves my hand ……………….The trajectory does not stop after it leaves my control .

3. HOW MUCH DOES A SOUL WEIGH?

21 GRAMS (the weight of a stack of nickels – a chocolate bar – a humming bird)

4. WE EXPECT GOD TO RISE FROM THE DEAD BUT WHAT ABOUT US?
John 11
“A certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany …when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days… Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”…Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” – John 11

ARE WE LESS RESPONSIVE TO THE VOICE OF GOD THAN A DEAD MAN?

5. THE BEST PROOF OF LIFE AFTER DEATH – IS LIFE BEFORE DEATH.
Vs. 5 “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen!

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Happy Easter.

Pastor Steve

Luke
Part 1
Seeing is believing
Pastor Steve Lummer

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4 (niv)

TABLOID OR TRUTH?

Looking into the book.
“I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you”… vs 2
62 A.D.
1,151 verses , 568 of the verses are simply the words of Jesus

Looking into the author.
“Our dear friend Luke, the doctor” – Colossians 4:14

Luke was a gentile, He does not mention himself in the two books he writes.
He is a medical doctor – (science and faith do work together) – He is from Antioch
Not a direct follower of Jesus but a follower of the followers of Jesus.
He never married and never fathered not children – Just two books of the Bible!
Looking into the recipient.
I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent
Theophilus, – Vs. 4
Theophilus name means LOVER OF GOD.
Without Theophilus we do not have the books of Luke and Acts.

Generous Theophilus – Paid for two books of the bible to be written – Without Theo’s contribution, we would be lacking the largest contribution of the entire New Testament.

Our lives are not measured by their DURATION, but rather our lives are measured by their DONATION.
….Not by the STUFF we COLLECT, but rather by the GIFTS we CONTRIBUTE.

Looking into the contribution.

so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. – vs 4

1. ORAL TRADITION
2. WRITTEN DOCUMENTS
3. EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS

Four legs of the healthy Christian life.

Personal bible study
Gathering for worship
Small groups & prayer
Being Generous and Christ like.