i-first
03-21-08
•Luke 23:34: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.
When I read these words - said while Jesus was hanging on Calvary’s Cross and spoken to those who were hurling insults and condemning Him – I realize that God’s Grace is Not Only beyond our ability - It is beyond our understanding and comprehension. As we sit on this side of 2,000 years of God’s grace dispensed through the Cross of Jesus, we can be blind to the full extent of God’s Grace.
What do I mean when I say that we do not comprehend God’s grace? As you read Luke 23, people surrounded Jesus’ Cross mockingly telling him to “save himself.” Here are a few examples:
•Verse 35 -The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
•Verse 37 - The soldiers … said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
•Verse 39 - One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
•Matt. 27:41- 42 …Chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself!
Everyone was crying out: SAVE YOURSELF. However, Jesus was not there to SAVE HIMSELF. When you think that Jesus is the King of Kings; nothing that happens on the cross makes sense - until you look closely - and realize what He is doing. Jesus is not there to save Himself. Even though He was on the Cross, Jesus did not NEED to be saved. Jesus was there to save us – not himself.
When you see this bleeding, naked, suffering, beaten, bruised SAVIOR … It is beyond our comprehension and our understanding. You ask: IS THIS WHAT I NEED? The answer is YES!!! This is what I need because this is what You and I do to a perfect lamb. This is what we do to holiness. This is what we do to purity. This is what you and I do to God’s way, God’s Will, and God’s SON.
What does Jesus mean when He says: “They do not know what they are doing?”
Did they not know they were crucifying someone? They knew they were nailing His hands to a cross. They knew they were condemning a sinless person. The Roman Soldier said, “Surely, He was the Son of God.” What did Jesus mean, “They do not know what they are doing”? They could not know what they were doing – until they understood what Jesus was doing. Jesus was not there to save himself – He was there saving us.
They were so bound by sin – they didn’t know that Jesus was dying their death – taking their punishment. Our sin keeps God’s grace from us. Our sin keeps God from moving in our life. Our sin keeps us from fully understanding our blindness.
• Col. 2:13-14 When you were dead in your sins and in … your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, … that were against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
Our sin comes against us … it stands opposed to us - and keeps us from God. But Jesus took it away, nailing it to the Cross. Our unpayable debt was paid. Sin’s incurable wound was healed. The demands of justice and wrath, which could not be settled by our actions, are fully settled by God Himself - through Jesus’ death. Not until you know what Jesus did for us, do you fully understand what you are doing when you sin. It was not only the Roman soldiers that nailed Jesus’ hands to the cross – it was your sin and mine that drove those nails in His hands. And what was His response? ... Forgive them!
William Wilberforce told a friend moments before he died: I am a great sinner ... and Jesus is a great Savior! It is the simple truth. Happy Easter!
He is Risen!
Pastor Tony Cervero
21.3.08
20.3.08
Thursday
i-first
03-20-08
When I read Jesus’ prayer on the Cross: Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing – I realize with God’s grace – No person is beyond Hope. No one is beyond God’s Forgiveness and no one is beyond God’s reach. They may be way beyond my grace - but not God’s grace.
When Jesus prayed this prayer, He is praying for the mob who is crucifying Him. Who one week earlier was cheering for him ... He was praying for the Pharisees who plotted his demise and instigated Judas to betray him ... He was praying for the Romans who were driving the spikes in his hand ... He is praying for those who were gambling for His robe. As you read the accounts of this story, it reads: they heaped insults on Jesus.
If there ever was a group that you would expect to be beyond the reach of God’s grace, would it not be this crowd? They physically drove the spikes in His hands and feet. With their mouths - they jeered and blasphemed the Son of God. BUT there is no one beyond God’s grace. No matter what you have done - when Jesus prayed: Father Forgive them - It was not only for the people surrounding that cross; He prayed that prayer for you and me.
Have you ever decided not to be gracious to someone? Your grace may have limits, but God calls us to give others His grace. However, when we judge others; we are saying that they are “beyond hope.” When we decide to let bitterness stay in our heart, we are saying that they are “beyond our grace.” When we get angry, distance ourselves, severe relationships, or criticize - we are saying that someone is “beyond my grace.” No one is beyond the reach of God’s Grace.
Today, realize that you will never be beyond God’s grace ... and neither will the person that you feel has so deeply hurt you. Now you see why it is so hard for us to understand and grasp God’s grace. As long as we keep it sterile and tame and reasonable - we can manage it. But when you encounter the true dimensions of God’s grace - it is tough to grasp. It is the most radical and preposterous thing that has ever been done in the name of love. When Jesus prayed: Father Forgive them ... He showed us the depth of God’s grace because no one is beyond God’s grace.
Have a great day!
Passionately Following Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
Don’t forget all that is planned for this Easter weekend:
• Resurrection Trail: Friday @11:30AM – 1:30PM; 5:30PM – 6:45PM
• Easter Musical: Every Tongue Shall Confess: Friday and Saturday @ 7PM
• Easter Sunday Morning Services
03-20-08
When I read Jesus’ prayer on the Cross: Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing – I realize with God’s grace – No person is beyond Hope. No one is beyond God’s Forgiveness and no one is beyond God’s reach. They may be way beyond my grace - but not God’s grace.
When Jesus prayed this prayer, He is praying for the mob who is crucifying Him. Who one week earlier was cheering for him ... He was praying for the Pharisees who plotted his demise and instigated Judas to betray him ... He was praying for the Romans who were driving the spikes in his hand ... He is praying for those who were gambling for His robe. As you read the accounts of this story, it reads: they heaped insults on Jesus.
If there ever was a group that you would expect to be beyond the reach of God’s grace, would it not be this crowd? They physically drove the spikes in His hands and feet. With their mouths - they jeered and blasphemed the Son of God. BUT there is no one beyond God’s grace. No matter what you have done - when Jesus prayed: Father Forgive them - It was not only for the people surrounding that cross; He prayed that prayer for you and me.
Have you ever decided not to be gracious to someone? Your grace may have limits, but God calls us to give others His grace. However, when we judge others; we are saying that they are “beyond hope.” When we decide to let bitterness stay in our heart, we are saying that they are “beyond our grace.” When we get angry, distance ourselves, severe relationships, or criticize - we are saying that someone is “beyond my grace.” No one is beyond the reach of God’s Grace.
Today, realize that you will never be beyond God’s grace ... and neither will the person that you feel has so deeply hurt you. Now you see why it is so hard for us to understand and grasp God’s grace. As long as we keep it sterile and tame and reasonable - we can manage it. But when you encounter the true dimensions of God’s grace - it is tough to grasp. It is the most radical and preposterous thing that has ever been done in the name of love. When Jesus prayed: Father Forgive them ... He showed us the depth of God’s grace because no one is beyond God’s grace.
Have a great day!
Passionately Following Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
Don’t forget all that is planned for this Easter weekend:
• Resurrection Trail: Friday @11:30AM – 1:30PM; 5:30PM – 6:45PM
• Easter Musical: Every Tongue Shall Confess: Friday and Saturday @ 7PM
• Easter Sunday Morning Services
19.3.08
Wednesday
i-first
03-19-08
As we approach Good Friday, let us remember that the Cross should never be taken lightly or casually. It demands our full attention, reverence, and passion. It is amazing to consider not only what Jesus did on the Cross, but also to consider what Jesus said on the Cross. This week, we are considering Jesus’ words:
Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing! It is the Bible’s most vivid display of grace.
I was surprised to discover that Jesus never used the word GRACE, even though John said that Jesus was full of Grace and Truth. Though He never said the word, Jesus always taught it and lived it. He told of the Prodigal Son; He forgave a woman caught in adultery; and He was anointed with oil by a woman whose reputation was dark. Even though there is no definition of grace in the New Testament, it is on every page.
The Root of the Word is from the Hebrew term meaning: “To bend” or “to stoop.” The idea is that the person who stoops or bends does something for the person that they cannot do for themselves. Donald Barnehouse said: Love that Goes upward is worship! Love that goes outward is compassion! Love that Stoops is GRACE!
Grace makes God personal in the areas of our life where we need Him most. – usually when we are fighting him the most – in this case – they were killing Him.
Still recovering from back surgery, there are a few things that I cannot do. My six-year old daughter, Izzie, ran up to me the other day saying: Dada, dada – pick me up (she had hurt her knee and needed a DADDY KISS to make it all better). As I bent over – I felt the strain in my back. So, I got on my knees – on Izzie’s level to kiss her knee, hug her and love her. I needed to get on her level to adequately love her. I stooped down to where she needed me most – to do what she could not do for herself. That is what God does for us every day.
As I read the story of the Cross in Luke 23, I learn some wonderful truths about God’s grace. Today we learn, In Our Weakest Moments, God’s Grace Flows Supernaturally. (v. 32-37)
Throughout His whole ministry, Jesus FORGAVE SINS. In Mark 2, when He was at Capernaum, a paralytic was brought to Jesus through the roof. As Jesus accessed the situation, before He said: Take up your bed and walk; He said, “Your SINS are forgiven!” The Scribes and Pharisees were agitated and argued: “Only God can forgive sins.” Jesus answered: The Son of Man has POWER (or the Authority) to forgive sins. (Mk. 2:10) Jesus spoke this as God – as He does throughout the whole New Testament. But in Luke 23 – on the cross – he speaks differently.
Here on the Cross, Jesus spoke this prayer as a human being - not as God. Here, he asks the Father to forgive. Why? On the Cross, Jesus was dying for mankind, as a man. He is weak and dying; and he shows the way We must live - in the most painful situations of life. God wants us to live supernaturally in the toughest of times. In our weakest moments, there is a source other than your EMOTIONS or sin, or pain. In the most painful situations of life, when we are threatened the most - it is God’s love and God’s grace and God’s power we must tap into. That is why Jesus cried out: Father, Forgive them – He was tapping into God’s grace. There is no resource in you and me to do this - But we must open the door for God to STOOP and ENTER into our life.
Jesus’ hands could no longer stretch and touch people. Now they are nailed to a Cross. When His hands could no longer reach out and give mercy and grace and forgiveness; Jesus prays: Father Forgive them. Jesus realized: WHEN WE CANNOT - GOD CAN! God’s Grace comes - not when we are filled with a reservoir of warm love. God’s Grace comes in our weakest moments. I don’t know if this means that Jesus didn’t have the grace to forgive at that moment. But we can be certain that it means, at times of our weakest and most limited emotions,
God’s grace is required. We must have God’s grace to do God’s will.
When we are in our weakest moment, we are taken out of our shape and into God’s shape because you are never more like God than when you are forgiving. At our weakest time; our anger, our perfectionism, our masks can arise or God’s grace can be called upon.
You are not called to manufacture the grace needed to meet your challenge in life. No one can. You are called only to be a GRACE DISPENSER! On Sunday morning, I held up one of my favorite things in life – a gumball dispenser (I think my secretary removed all the red gumballs so that I would not be tempted while I preached). Dispensers only dispense – they do not manufacture gumballs. We do not manufacture grace – it is our job to only DISTRIBUTE IT. This is why; in the midst of cursing, hatred, murder and pain; Jesus looks at those who were crucifying Him and prays: - Father forgive them! In our weakest moments - we are to dispense God’s grace.
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
03-19-08
As we approach Good Friday, let us remember that the Cross should never be taken lightly or casually. It demands our full attention, reverence, and passion. It is amazing to consider not only what Jesus did on the Cross, but also to consider what Jesus said on the Cross. This week, we are considering Jesus’ words:
Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing! It is the Bible’s most vivid display of grace.
I was surprised to discover that Jesus never used the word GRACE, even though John said that Jesus was full of Grace and Truth. Though He never said the word, Jesus always taught it and lived it. He told of the Prodigal Son; He forgave a woman caught in adultery; and He was anointed with oil by a woman whose reputation was dark. Even though there is no definition of grace in the New Testament, it is on every page.
The Root of the Word is from the Hebrew term meaning: “To bend” or “to stoop.” The idea is that the person who stoops or bends does something for the person that they cannot do for themselves. Donald Barnehouse said: Love that Goes upward is worship! Love that goes outward is compassion! Love that Stoops is GRACE!
Grace makes God personal in the areas of our life where we need Him most. – usually when we are fighting him the most – in this case – they were killing Him.
Still recovering from back surgery, there are a few things that I cannot do. My six-year old daughter, Izzie, ran up to me the other day saying: Dada, dada – pick me up (she had hurt her knee and needed a DADDY KISS to make it all better). As I bent over – I felt the strain in my back. So, I got on my knees – on Izzie’s level to kiss her knee, hug her and love her. I needed to get on her level to adequately love her. I stooped down to where she needed me most – to do what she could not do for herself. That is what God does for us every day.
As I read the story of the Cross in Luke 23, I learn some wonderful truths about God’s grace. Today we learn, In Our Weakest Moments, God’s Grace Flows Supernaturally. (v. 32-37)
Throughout His whole ministry, Jesus FORGAVE SINS. In Mark 2, when He was at Capernaum, a paralytic was brought to Jesus through the roof. As Jesus accessed the situation, before He said: Take up your bed and walk; He said, “Your SINS are forgiven!” The Scribes and Pharisees were agitated and argued: “Only God can forgive sins.” Jesus answered: The Son of Man has POWER (or the Authority) to forgive sins. (Mk. 2:10) Jesus spoke this as God – as He does throughout the whole New Testament. But in Luke 23 – on the cross – he speaks differently.
Here on the Cross, Jesus spoke this prayer as a human being - not as God. Here, he asks the Father to forgive. Why? On the Cross, Jesus was dying for mankind, as a man. He is weak and dying; and he shows the way We must live - in the most painful situations of life. God wants us to live supernaturally in the toughest of times. In our weakest moments, there is a source other than your EMOTIONS or sin, or pain. In the most painful situations of life, when we are threatened the most - it is God’s love and God’s grace and God’s power we must tap into. That is why Jesus cried out: Father, Forgive them – He was tapping into God’s grace. There is no resource in you and me to do this - But we must open the door for God to STOOP and ENTER into our life.
Jesus’ hands could no longer stretch and touch people. Now they are nailed to a Cross. When His hands could no longer reach out and give mercy and grace and forgiveness; Jesus prays: Father Forgive them. Jesus realized: WHEN WE CANNOT - GOD CAN! God’s Grace comes - not when we are filled with a reservoir of warm love. God’s Grace comes in our weakest moments. I don’t know if this means that Jesus didn’t have the grace to forgive at that moment. But we can be certain that it means, at times of our weakest and most limited emotions,
God’s grace is required. We must have God’s grace to do God’s will.
When we are in our weakest moment, we are taken out of our shape and into God’s shape because you are never more like God than when you are forgiving. At our weakest time; our anger, our perfectionism, our masks can arise or God’s grace can be called upon.
You are not called to manufacture the grace needed to meet your challenge in life. No one can. You are called only to be a GRACE DISPENSER! On Sunday morning, I held up one of my favorite things in life – a gumball dispenser (I think my secretary removed all the red gumballs so that I would not be tempted while I preached). Dispensers only dispense – they do not manufacture gumballs. We do not manufacture grace – it is our job to only DISTRIBUTE IT. This is why; in the midst of cursing, hatred, murder and pain; Jesus looks at those who were crucifying Him and prays: - Father forgive them! In our weakest moments - we are to dispense God’s grace.
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
18.3.08
i-first
03-18-08
As we approach this holiday weekend, we take a look at one of the most poignant moments in the Bible. As Jesus hung on the Cross, He spoke seven different times. From the Cross, Jesus gave us a picture of God’s heart.
On His way to Golgotha, Jesus had been cruelly mocked by the soldiers and scorned by the crowds that gathered all along the way ... He had been unjustly tried six times the previous evening ... At every trial, he was beaten, whipped, and slapped ... the soldiers placed a crown of thorns upon his head to ridicule His true position ... He was betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter ... He was nailed to a cross and had spikes drilled into his hands and a spear thrust into his side ... The King of Kings hung there humiliated and naked and taunted. By this time, hundreds of people had spat upon him and jeered him with their words. One thief that hung on a cross next to him, made fun of him; and the Pharisees belittled him.
After all this, Jesus prayed for these people. He prayed for the soldiers who were executing him. He cried out to God for the crowds that were mocking him and the Pharisees who had plotted against him. With His last breath, Jesus prayed for the disciples who had betrayed him and the criminal beside him.
It was a symphony of rejection, cruelty, and pride coming together to scorn the Lord of Lords. And in the face of all of this ...for all these people Jesus prayed: Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.
It is the most vivid picture of GOD’S GRACE in the Bible. Never did a moment reveal anyone’s character like this moment revealed who Jesus was. This moment showed us God at His best and humanity at their worst. And those two elements – God at His Best and Humanity at their worst – demands God’s Grace. This scene reveals a great contrast between God’s grace and our selfish heart.
If you had a 10 year old son that had your looks, your eyes, and your hair; imagine that one day, the most horrific thing happened. Imagine that one terrible dark day, a criminal, in his sin, horribly murdered you son. How would you respond? On the Cross, we see how God responded.
·If you used every means (legal and illegal) to track this criminal down and then to have him KILLED for his crime – that would be VENGANCE!
·If you apprehended this individual; and he was convicted and suffers the appropriate punitive sentence in jail or even the death sentence - This would be JUSTICE (if you look in the eyes of many family members of those who have suffered the loss of a loved one at the hands of a criminal – you discover that even the death sentence is not enough justice – our hearts are not given to justice).
·If you would seize this person; find him to be guilty in a fair manner; and then you forgave them. You admittedly would carry the hurt for the rest of your life but you desired to act upon this deep scar. So, you would pardon this person while you carried the pain and hurt ... That would be HUMAN GRACE and MERCY.
·If you would capture this Criminal – and find them GUILTY; and you then forgave the criminal and treated him as if he never committed the act. In addition, you would take on his shackles and serve his sentence in prison– and then invite the very criminal who killed your son into your home and adopt this person as your son - This would be GOD’S GRACE!
There is not a person reading this article that would and could do this. But this is what Jesus did on the CROSS and it is how God cares for us each and every moment. God’s grace is not only beyond our ability – it is beyond our comprehension.
As Good Friday approaches this Friday, may we remember that God loves us and treats us with a grace that is beyond our comprehension. It is not grasped with our mind or our emotions. It must be received in our heart ... and it can only be encountered as you see the pure son of God on the Cross praying: Father, Forgive them ... for they do not know what they are doing.
May His grace fill your life and heart today!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
03-18-08
As we approach this holiday weekend, we take a look at one of the most poignant moments in the Bible. As Jesus hung on the Cross, He spoke seven different times. From the Cross, Jesus gave us a picture of God’s heart.
On His way to Golgotha, Jesus had been cruelly mocked by the soldiers and scorned by the crowds that gathered all along the way ... He had been unjustly tried six times the previous evening ... At every trial, he was beaten, whipped, and slapped ... the soldiers placed a crown of thorns upon his head to ridicule His true position ... He was betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter ... He was nailed to a cross and had spikes drilled into his hands and a spear thrust into his side ... The King of Kings hung there humiliated and naked and taunted. By this time, hundreds of people had spat upon him and jeered him with their words. One thief that hung on a cross next to him, made fun of him; and the Pharisees belittled him.
After all this, Jesus prayed for these people. He prayed for the soldiers who were executing him. He cried out to God for the crowds that were mocking him and the Pharisees who had plotted against him. With His last breath, Jesus prayed for the disciples who had betrayed him and the criminal beside him.
It was a symphony of rejection, cruelty, and pride coming together to scorn the Lord of Lords. And in the face of all of this ...for all these people Jesus prayed: Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.
It is the most vivid picture of GOD’S GRACE in the Bible. Never did a moment reveal anyone’s character like this moment revealed who Jesus was. This moment showed us God at His best and humanity at their worst. And those two elements – God at His Best and Humanity at their worst – demands God’s Grace. This scene reveals a great contrast between God’s grace and our selfish heart.
If you had a 10 year old son that had your looks, your eyes, and your hair; imagine that one day, the most horrific thing happened. Imagine that one terrible dark day, a criminal, in his sin, horribly murdered you son. How would you respond? On the Cross, we see how God responded.
·If you used every means (legal and illegal) to track this criminal down and then to have him KILLED for his crime – that would be VENGANCE!
·If you apprehended this individual; and he was convicted and suffers the appropriate punitive sentence in jail or even the death sentence - This would be JUSTICE (if you look in the eyes of many family members of those who have suffered the loss of a loved one at the hands of a criminal – you discover that even the death sentence is not enough justice – our hearts are not given to justice).
·If you would seize this person; find him to be guilty in a fair manner; and then you forgave them. You admittedly would carry the hurt for the rest of your life but you desired to act upon this deep scar. So, you would pardon this person while you carried the pain and hurt ... That would be HUMAN GRACE and MERCY.
·If you would capture this Criminal – and find them GUILTY; and you then forgave the criminal and treated him as if he never committed the act. In addition, you would take on his shackles and serve his sentence in prison– and then invite the very criminal who killed your son into your home and adopt this person as your son - This would be GOD’S GRACE!
There is not a person reading this article that would and could do this. But this is what Jesus did on the CROSS and it is how God cares for us each and every moment. God’s grace is not only beyond our ability – it is beyond our comprehension.
As Good Friday approaches this Friday, may we remember that God loves us and treats us with a grace that is beyond our comprehension. It is not grasped with our mind or our emotions. It must be received in our heart ... and it can only be encountered as you see the pure son of God on the Cross praying: Father, Forgive them ... for they do not know what they are doing.
May His grace fill your life and heart today!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
7.3.08
Friday 3-7-08
i-first
3-07-08
It was just nine days after my surgery. Watching my family leave for Sunday morning service was more difficult than I could have imagined. So, I decided to take a long hot bath. I closed all the blinds and drapes; turned on my favorite worship CD and relaxed in the tub. After just a few minutes – something strange started happening. The lights flickered on and off, the clocks started to flash and in a few moments all electricity went out ... it was a total black.
It was apparent that this morning was not normal. I could smell smoke in the air and ash was falling from the sky. The sun darkened to a dark red color as it seemed to be nighttime at 10am. Fires were raging out of control from Santa Clarita to San Diego. The power was out throughout Southern California. My bathroom was now filled with darkness. There was no light coming in from anywhere and there I sat in pain with no music, no light, no candles, and no help to get out of the tub. Darkness can be a terrifying experience.
In the Old and New Testament, darkness is used to describe the condition that engulfs any person who is separated from God by sin. Darkness is more than the absence of light - it is a spiritual condition. In war, most attacks are at night because darkness leaves people vulnerable. That is why Jesus challenges His followers to become a light to those who are blinded by Spiritual Darkness. Jesus said: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God colors in the world. (Matt 5:14 Message) To become an effective light to people in darkness – we must understand what it is like to be in total darkness.
First, darkness confuses one’s surroundings. When someone is in darkness, they cannot see what is before them, what is behind or what is around them—they are confused about their surroundings because darkness blinds our ability to see and discern our circumstances. When you are in total Darkness - not only are you confused about everything that is around you - you are overwhelmed by it. Jesus said: “The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.”(John 12:35). The person in darkness doesn’t know where they are going; where they came from; or where they are at! Why? Because darkness confuses our surrounding.
Second, darkness also conceals our identity. When you are in darkness - you can’t see yourself. You cannot identify anything about your true identity – because it is hidden by the darkness. This is why so many people are trying to find themselves in the acceptance and love of others. They try to find their self-worth and esteem in how others view and accept them. This is a sad and empty place to be in life – and it comes from being in the dark.
Because of the darkness of sin, too many people do not know and cannot see how wonderful God has made them, how special they are, and that God’s love is all around them – all because darkness conceals our identity.
There is a children’s party game that you and I have all played. It is called: Pin the Tail on the Donkey. You blindfold a person, place a donkey (a picture of one) on the wall; and have the child try to pin the tail somewhere on that donkey. Simple? Not when you are in the dark. In darkness, you are not even sure where a tail belongs on a donkey. If it could do that to your sense of identity to a donkey, how can it conceal your identity?
Lastly, darkness confines you to feeling. Those in darkness must feel their way. That morning in the tub, I had to feel my way back to the towel rack, into the closet, and back to bed. In the darkness, I had to go by my ability to feel. Darkness forces you to live by your feelings.
Darkness leaves you vulnerable, empty, and in need of help because it confuses your surroundings, conceals your identity, and confines you to your feelings.
One evening, as I was driving from Meadville, PA to Erie, PA many years ago; it was snowing so heavily that I had zero visibility. I was unable to see the end of the hood of my vehicle. The four lanes of Interstate 79 had become invisible. There were no visible traffic lanes, no guard rails and no dividers – I could only see snow. Out of nowhere a Volkswagen was headed in my direction, missing my car by only inches. As soon as I was able, I pulled to the side of the road to a safe place and waited until the snowfall slowed down. In those conditions, I could have easily ended up driving into a ditch. Darkness can be overwhelming.
Every person in darkness needs every follower of Jesus to be the light to a dark world. Why in the world are we in the world? To be light to a dark world. Let your light shine!
Passionately Serving Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
3-07-08
It was just nine days after my surgery. Watching my family leave for Sunday morning service was more difficult than I could have imagined. So, I decided to take a long hot bath. I closed all the blinds and drapes; turned on my favorite worship CD and relaxed in the tub. After just a few minutes – something strange started happening. The lights flickered on and off, the clocks started to flash and in a few moments all electricity went out ... it was a total black.
It was apparent that this morning was not normal. I could smell smoke in the air and ash was falling from the sky. The sun darkened to a dark red color as it seemed to be nighttime at 10am. Fires were raging out of control from Santa Clarita to San Diego. The power was out throughout Southern California. My bathroom was now filled with darkness. There was no light coming in from anywhere and there I sat in pain with no music, no light, no candles, and no help to get out of the tub. Darkness can be a terrifying experience.
In the Old and New Testament, darkness is used to describe the condition that engulfs any person who is separated from God by sin. Darkness is more than the absence of light - it is a spiritual condition. In war, most attacks are at night because darkness leaves people vulnerable. That is why Jesus challenges His followers to become a light to those who are blinded by Spiritual Darkness. Jesus said: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God colors in the world. (Matt 5:14 Message) To become an effective light to people in darkness – we must understand what it is like to be in total darkness.
First, darkness confuses one’s surroundings. When someone is in darkness, they cannot see what is before them, what is behind or what is around them—they are confused about their surroundings because darkness blinds our ability to see and discern our circumstances. When you are in total Darkness - not only are you confused about everything that is around you - you are overwhelmed by it. Jesus said: “The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.”(John 12:35). The person in darkness doesn’t know where they are going; where they came from; or where they are at! Why? Because darkness confuses our surrounding.
Second, darkness also conceals our identity. When you are in darkness - you can’t see yourself. You cannot identify anything about your true identity – because it is hidden by the darkness. This is why so many people are trying to find themselves in the acceptance and love of others. They try to find their self-worth and esteem in how others view and accept them. This is a sad and empty place to be in life – and it comes from being in the dark.
Because of the darkness of sin, too many people do not know and cannot see how wonderful God has made them, how special they are, and that God’s love is all around them – all because darkness conceals our identity.
There is a children’s party game that you and I have all played. It is called: Pin the Tail on the Donkey. You blindfold a person, place a donkey (a picture of one) on the wall; and have the child try to pin the tail somewhere on that donkey. Simple? Not when you are in the dark. In darkness, you are not even sure where a tail belongs on a donkey. If it could do that to your sense of identity to a donkey, how can it conceal your identity?
Lastly, darkness confines you to feeling. Those in darkness must feel their way. That morning in the tub, I had to feel my way back to the towel rack, into the closet, and back to bed. In the darkness, I had to go by my ability to feel. Darkness forces you to live by your feelings.
Darkness leaves you vulnerable, empty, and in need of help because it confuses your surroundings, conceals your identity, and confines you to your feelings.
One evening, as I was driving from Meadville, PA to Erie, PA many years ago; it was snowing so heavily that I had zero visibility. I was unable to see the end of the hood of my vehicle. The four lanes of Interstate 79 had become invisible. There were no visible traffic lanes, no guard rails and no dividers – I could only see snow. Out of nowhere a Volkswagen was headed in my direction, missing my car by only inches. As soon as I was able, I pulled to the side of the road to a safe place and waited until the snowfall slowed down. In those conditions, I could have easily ended up driving into a ditch. Darkness can be overwhelming.
Every person in darkness needs every follower of Jesus to be the light to a dark world. Why in the world are we in the world? To be light to a dark world. Let your light shine!
Passionately Serving Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
5.3.08
i-first
03-05-08
As we are starting a time in which we focus on Reaching The Lost, we are reminded of one of our core purposes: Evangelism.
We Serve God by Serving Others. Jesus compelled us to “look to the fields – for they are white and ready for harvest.” Here are some numbers for you to consider that show us that the fields are still white and ready:
6.6 billion The is the number of people that are alive on earth today
4.6 billion The number of people that are lost and do not have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
200 million The number of people who are martyred for their faith each year.
100 million The number of adults who are lost and do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ – in the USA (this number does not include children).
44% The percentage of adults who have left or abandoned their faith or have switched religious affiliations in the US.
(recent Pew Forum report)
1 The number of Lost people for which I encourage you to prayer this week. Start with one --- then let God seed a burden in your heart for the Lost.
Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
03-05-08
As we are starting a time in which we focus on Reaching The Lost, we are reminded of one of our core purposes: Evangelism.
We Serve God by Serving Others. Jesus compelled us to “look to the fields – for they are white and ready for harvest.” Here are some numbers for you to consider that show us that the fields are still white and ready:
6.6 billion The is the number of people that are alive on earth today
4.6 billion The number of people that are lost and do not have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
200 million The number of people who are martyred for their faith each year.
100 million The number of adults who are lost and do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ – in the USA (this number does not include children).
44% The percentage of adults who have left or abandoned their faith or have switched religious affiliations in the US.
(recent Pew Forum report)
1 The number of Lost people for which I encourage you to prayer this week. Start with one --- then let God seed a burden in your heart for the Lost.
Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
4.3.08
Monday 3-3-08
i-first
03-03-08
As Jesus wrestled with the last days of His life and what laid ahead for Him, He turned His thoughts to His disciple. In His life, He had called them into a whole new Kingdom. And these were His thoughts as He prayed to God in John 17:
“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do …For they (his followers) are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it … As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17: 4,14b,15,16,18)
Jesus made it clear; the kingdom to which He belonged was not of this world.
He accentuated this idea again and again in this prayer, He was not of this world and His Kingdom was not of this world. Jesus then carried it further. He said: “All those who believe in me will be hated by this world because they are not of this world.
Not of this world? What was Jesus talking about when He said that we are not of this world? So, there would be no doubt, He repeated this idea one more time: Father, I am not praying that you take them out of this world - but that you save them from the evil one - For they are not of this world. Jesus said it again; we are not of this world!
This is a difficult idea to fully grasp. After all, I wear clothes of this world; I wear shoes of this world; I breathe the air of this world; I eat the food of this world; I live in a house of this world and drive a car of this world. Am I really not of this world? So, why am I here if I don’t belong to this world? If I am not of this world, than what in the world am I doing in this world?
It is almost as if Jesus anticipated our limited reasoning and He knew that we would ask: “If I am not OF this world, what in the world am I doing in this world?” He continued his prayer by saying: “I am here because the Father sent me...” Jesus came to do the will of the Father. He was on earth because He was on a Divine mission. He was here for a reason ... And then He turns to the disciples and says: As the Father has sent me; so send I you. He couldn’t make it clearer. There is no way to get it mixed up.
If you are in Christ, then you are in His Kingdom.
If you are in the Kingdom of God, then you are not of this world.
If you are not of this world, then you have been sent BY JESUS on a Divine Mission to this world. We are not here to be part of this world but we are here to be salt and light to this world. We are here to rescue the Lost. We must Know Why We Are Here. We must have a clear answer to the question: Why ... In the World ... are we In the World?
Jesus repeated three different images throughout His teaching that He commissioned us to be and become. They are more than a MISSIONS program – they are our mission while we are In the WORLD. When we forget these three assignments that we are to fulfill – we forget that we are not OF this WORLD and we start to become part of this world. You and I are sent INTO this world – just as Jesus was sent from Heaven – for a purpose. Jesus described our role on earth in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount:
Matt 5:13-16 (The Message) Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt- seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
We are here for a reason. It is how our lives will be judged. It is what will bring true fulfillment. It is why we were shaped and designed by God. You have an assignment from God.
At the beginning of each of the Mission Impossible episodes (I am thinking about the old TV version), Mr. Phelps received a package and some device that would explode or dissolve in 10 seconds ... but they always contained an assignment. They were always great challenges. They were impossible missions. But then after all, if they were easy – none of us would have watched the program. This week, I am calling you to a life that is worth living, a divine assignment, and an impossible mission.
Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
03-03-08
As Jesus wrestled with the last days of His life and what laid ahead for Him, He turned His thoughts to His disciple. In His life, He had called them into a whole new Kingdom. And these were His thoughts as He prayed to God in John 17:
“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do …For they (his followers) are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it … As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17: 4,14b,15,16,18)
Jesus made it clear; the kingdom to which He belonged was not of this world.
He accentuated this idea again and again in this prayer, He was not of this world and His Kingdom was not of this world. Jesus then carried it further. He said: “All those who believe in me will be hated by this world because they are not of this world.
Not of this world? What was Jesus talking about when He said that we are not of this world? So, there would be no doubt, He repeated this idea one more time: Father, I am not praying that you take them out of this world - but that you save them from the evil one - For they are not of this world. Jesus said it again; we are not of this world!
This is a difficult idea to fully grasp. After all, I wear clothes of this world; I wear shoes of this world; I breathe the air of this world; I eat the food of this world; I live in a house of this world and drive a car of this world. Am I really not of this world? So, why am I here if I don’t belong to this world? If I am not of this world, than what in the world am I doing in this world?
It is almost as if Jesus anticipated our limited reasoning and He knew that we would ask: “If I am not OF this world, what in the world am I doing in this world?” He continued his prayer by saying: “I am here because the Father sent me...” Jesus came to do the will of the Father. He was on earth because He was on a Divine mission. He was here for a reason ... And then He turns to the disciples and says: As the Father has sent me; so send I you. He couldn’t make it clearer. There is no way to get it mixed up.
If you are in Christ, then you are in His Kingdom.
If you are in the Kingdom of God, then you are not of this world.
If you are not of this world, then you have been sent BY JESUS on a Divine Mission to this world. We are not here to be part of this world but we are here to be salt and light to this world. We are here to rescue the Lost. We must Know Why We Are Here. We must have a clear answer to the question: Why ... In the World ... are we In the World?
Jesus repeated three different images throughout His teaching that He commissioned us to be and become. They are more than a MISSIONS program – they are our mission while we are In the WORLD. When we forget these three assignments that we are to fulfill – we forget that we are not OF this WORLD and we start to become part of this world. You and I are sent INTO this world – just as Jesus was sent from Heaven – for a purpose. Jesus described our role on earth in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount:
Matt 5:13-16 (The Message) Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt- seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
We are here for a reason. It is how our lives will be judged. It is what will bring true fulfillment. It is why we were shaped and designed by God. You have an assignment from God.
At the beginning of each of the Mission Impossible episodes (I am thinking about the old TV version), Mr. Phelps received a package and some device that would explode or dissolve in 10 seconds ... but they always contained an assignment. They were always great challenges. They were impossible missions. But then after all, if they were easy – none of us would have watched the program. This week, I am calling you to a life that is worth living, a divine assignment, and an impossible mission.
Have a great day!
Passionately Seeking Jesus!
Pastor Tony Cervero
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