But I Didn’t Know…
But I Didn't Know...
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20
I’ve heard the question many times.
“You say Jesus is the only way to be saved. What about the people who live in some far off location who don’t have a Bible or anything?”
Most of the time, the question isn’t really about the person in a remote location. It’s either trying to make God into an unreasonable and unfair God or it’s trying to find a loophole. However, God answered that question.
From the beginning, God has made Himself known through His creation. He created a beautiful and magnificent universe that is both complex and orderly. Yes, many people deny what is before their eyes, but it’s still there.
Additionally, people have a conscience, the Law written on their hearts. As Romans 2 puts it:
“For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them” – Romans 2:14-15
So, as God puts it in our passage from Romans 1, no one has an excuse.
You can’t say, “I didn’t know.”
You may not have been able to put the name, Jesus, to what you see, but you can see and believe that God is behind the beauty of the sunset or the magnificence of the human body. You may not have used the words, “Thou shalt not,” but your conscience told you shouldn’t steal your neighbor’s Playstation.
Sometimes, people who don’t know about Jesus, hear about Him for the first time and instantly know this is what they have been missing and believe. They realized there was a God and there was right and wrong, but didn’t know about Jesus. When they hear it more fully reveals God to them.
I’m reminded of the story of Cornelius in Acts 10.
“He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” – Acts 10:2
God sent an angel telling him to seek out Peter. He does and Peter tells Cornelius about Jesus. The Holy Spirit filled Cornelius and his household and they believed.
Ultimately, God is the judge and we let God deal with those who have not heard about Jesus, knowing that God is loving and merciful and desires all people to be saved.
Let’s ask the question again sincerely.
When asked out of a real concern about those people who haven’t heard, the above is still true, but the question brings about another response. We know that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” So, as those who share in God’s desire that all should be saved, the question motivates us to see to it that those people do hear about Jesus.
“How beautiful are the feet who bring good news!”
Rather than finding fault in God or a loophole in the system, we are driven to either go ourselves or support those missionaries who go out into all the world to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people.
So, I’ll ask you the question.
What about those who haven’t heard about Jesus?
Heavenly Father,
You desire all people to be saved. Send us out to all the world, both near and far, to tell others about Jesus. Send me. I also lift up those who are serving as missionaries. Bless their ministry, protect them, and provide for them. If I may support them, please show me the opportunity.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
There Is No Greater Power
No Greater Power
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” – John 10:28-30
Do you feel secure in your salvation?
Security is something we all want. We like to know that we are safe from danger and this is true in terms of our salvation as well. We want to feel secure.
This passage from John is a great reassurance from Jesus. No one can pull us away from the God. He is almighty! There is no greater power!
Who or what can pull us away from the hand of God? Who can overpower God?
No one!
We don’t find our security in whether we feel like we are saved. We don’t find our security in whether our life is going the way we want. We don’t find our security in whether we are doing more good works or less sins.
Our security is found solely in Jesus Christ, His promise of salvation, and His unequaled might which makes it so He can always keep His promises.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
Almighty God,
There is none above You. There are none beside You. You are King of kings and Lord of Lords. You have all authority and all power. You hold me in Your hand and no one can take me from it.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
Powerless
Powerless
“‘O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?’
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
If you were arrested, there are two things that would work against you, the thing you did to commit a crime and the law against that crime. If there is no law, there is no crime. If there is a law, but you didn’t commit a crime, you go free. You must have the law and the breaking of the law.
Death
Death is something that scares most people. In our passage in 1 Corinthians, however, we are told death is no longer something to fear. Why? Because death is the punishment of sin by the authority of the Law of God. The Law says if you sin you die.
“But Pastor,” you say, “Why should that comfort me? I am guilty of sin. I sin every day!”
This is true, but Jesus took your sin to the cross. He took the guilt and punishment for your sin and has removed it from you. The Law of God is still valid and has authority, that will never change, but your guilt of breaking that Law has changed.
You are innocent!!
The Law says all who sin, die. So, Jesus took your sin and died. Now, by faith in Him, you have no sin. No sin. No death.
But people still die.
This is also true. We still sin according to the flesh and so the flesh must still die. But we are alive in Christ according to the spirit. So, we will be raised, again, on the last day, given new bodies, and live with Christ for all eternity.
In this way, death has lost it’s sting. It no longer has any power. It’s toothless. Jesus took away it’s power by taking away your sin. His victory is yours. Amen!!
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for taking away my sins. Please take away my fear of death and remind me of the victory I have in You.
Amen
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
That’s Not Fair!!
That's Not Fair!!
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” – 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Have you ever suffered the consequences of someone else’s choice?
The students were getting ready for recess when the teacher noticed someone had taken some money off her desk. She got the class’s attention and said,
“Alright, who stole the money off my desk?”
No one answered. She asked again. Still, nothing. Then she said,
“I’m going to give you one more chance. If you don’t come forward, no one goes out for recess.”
No one came forward. So, the whole class had to stay in. Then one of the kids spoke up,
“It’s not fair! I didn’t take the money. Why should I have to stay inside?”
An American Perspective
In America, individuality is baked into our society. We all are affected by it. It affects how we see the world and how we see justice and fairness. The very idea of someone being punished for something someone else did grates on us.
It’s because of this that Americans struggle with some of the passages of the Bible where God deals with groups of people.
- God sends pestilence on Israel when David orders a census rather than trusting God.
- The people of Israel are attacked by snakes when some complain against God and Moses.
- God tells Israel to kill all the people in an enemy country.
Often, when Americans hear passages like this is makes us bristle. We immediately try to find some justification for why God would do such a thing. After all, it’s only fair to punish the specific people who did something wrong.
There Are Other Perspectives
This is not, however, how everyone thinks. This is not how everyone sees the world. In fact, many societies, see the world through the perspective of shared honor or shared shame. A parent or child can bring shame or honor to a family. A single member of a village can bring honor or shame to the whole village. We could learn something from them.
Today’s passage is one of those passages that can frustrate Americans. It’s because of Adam that all people are born into sin and are condemned by that sin. How is that fair? Shouldn’t we all have the same choice as Adam? However, that’s not how it works.
Of course, the other part of the passage is just as unfair, right? We all can receive forgiveness and eternal life because of the one man, Jesus. Just as we all participate in the failure of Adam, we all, by faith, get to participate in Christ’s victory.
God’s Not Fair
The truth is it isn’t fair. We shouldn’t be able to participate in eternal life by our own merits, but God isn’t fair. He is merciful, gracious, just, and loving. Jesus, unfairly, took our punishment and then, unfairly, gave us His reward. Thank goodness, God isn’t fair.
Heavenly Father,
You do not treat us as we deserve. You treat us as Jesus deserved. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
April 19, 2020 Order of Service
April 19, 2020 Order of Service
You are invited to worship with us at 11:30am on Sunday, April 19. Below, you will find the Order of Service so you can follow along and participate in the worship service. If you would prefer, you can also download a bulletin here:
Before we start, please share the live stream on Facebook and invite your friends.
Worship Service for April 19, 2020 at 11:30 AM
Welcome
Opening Song: Now all the vault of Heav’n resounds
Now all the vault of Heav’n resounds
In praise of love that still abound,
Christ has triumphed, He is living!””
Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear,
Repeat their song of glory here,
Christ hath triumphed, Christ hath triumphed!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Eternal is the gift He brings,
Therefore our heart with rapture sings,
Christ has triumphed, He is living!
Now still He comes to give us life,
And by His presence stills all strife
Christ has triumphed! He is living! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Adoring praises now we bring
And with the heavenly blessed sing,
Christ has triumphed, Alleluia!
Be to the Father, and our Lord,
To Spirit blest, most holy God,
All the glory, never ending! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Invocation
P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
C: Amen.
Confession and Forgiveness:
P: Our Heavenly Father asks us to come into His presence.
C: But we are sinful and unworthy.
P: Yes, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but Jesus Christ died on the cross that we may be forgiven and washed clean of all our sins by His blood spilled on the cross.
C: Lord, if You wash us, we will certainly be clean and pure.
P: We take a moment to bow before the His cross and silently reflect on our lives and confess our sins.
(Time of silence for reflection and confession)
P: Let us confess, together, our sins to God our Father.
C: Heavenly Father, we confess that we are sinners. We have sinned against you and our neighbors. We have not loved you with our whole heart and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not lived out our faith out in our community. We justly deserve Your punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I, therefore, forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen
Song of Praise and Thanksgiving: King of Kings
Verse 1:
In the darkness We were waiting Without hope Without light
Till from heaven You came running There was mercy in Your eyes
To fulfil the law and prophets To a virgin came the word
From a throne of endless glory To a cradle in the dirt
Chorus:
Praise the Father Praise the Son Praise the Spirit Three in one
God of glory, Majesty. Praise forever to the King of Kings
Verse 2:
To reveal the kingdom coming And to reconcile the lost
To redeem the whole creation You did not despise the cross
For even in your suffering You saw to the other side
Knowing this was our salvation Jesus for our sake you died
(Chorus)
Verse 3:
And the morning that You rose All of heaven held its breath
Till that stone was moved for good For the Lamb had conquered death
And the dead rose from their tombs And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who’d come To the Father are restored
And the church of Christ was born. Then the Spirit lit the flame
Now this gospel truth of old Shall not kneel, Shall not faint
By His blood and in His name In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ Who has resurrected me
(Chorus 2x)
First Reading – Acts 5:29-34, 40-42
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while…
…and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
Gospel Reading – John 20:19-31
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Sermon Hymn – Trading My Sorrows
Chorus:
I’m trading my sorrows, I’m trading my shame
I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord
I’m trading my sickness, I’m trading my pain
I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord
Bridge:
We say, yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord,
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord,
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord Amen!
Verse:
I am pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I am blessed beyond the curse for His promise will endure
That His joy’s gonna be my strength
Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning!
(Chorus)
Sermon – “It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Comin’”
Sermon Text: 1 Peter 1:3–9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God
the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen
Benediction
Closing Song: Sing to the King
Verse 1:
Sing to the King Who is coming to reign
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain
Life and salvation His empire shall bring
And joy to the nations when Jesus is King
Chorus:
Come, let us sing a song, A song declaring that we belong to Jesus
He’s all we need
Lift up a heart of praise. Sing now with voices raised to Jesus
Sing to the King
Verse 2:
For His returning we watch and we pray
We will be ready the dawn of that day
We’ll join in singing with all the redeemed
‘Cause Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King
(Chorus 2x)
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Upcoming Events
April 19, After the Service – Informational Meeting
Zoom
April 23, 7 PM – A Time of Prayer
Facebook, Youtube, and FaithWesleyChapel.com
April 24, 7 PM – Growth Group Bible Study
Facebook, Youtube, and FaithWesleyChapel.com
April 26, 11:30 AM – Worship Service
Facebook, Youtube, and FaithWesleyChapel.com
April 26, After the Service – Voter Meeting
Zoom
While We Were Still Sinners
While We Were Still Sinners
“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:6-8
What is your favorite passage in the Bible?
This is one of my favorites. In it we see the perfection of God’s timing and the unimaginable love He has for us. We also see our pre-Christ condition and our complete dependence on Him for our salvation.
It’s a great place to be. To know that God didn’t wait for us nor did He base His saving actions on our merit. He saved us because He loves us, period.
It reminds me of a quote from Martin Luther.
“when Satan comes, accuses us, and says, ‘You are a sinner. God hates sin. You are damned to hell!’, we can say, ‘You’re right. I am a sinner. A terrible sinner. In fact, I am the worst of all sinners. But I will be saved.’ And when the devil says, ‘No, you’re damned. There’s no help for you,’ Christians can say, ‘No, there is a helper. His name is Jesus Christ, who gave himself for my sins.'”
In other words, when Satan accuses us of being sinners, it brings great comfort, because Christ died for sinners.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for not coming for the righteous, for I am not righteous. Thank You for not sacrificing for the good, for I am not good. Thank you for dying for sinners, for that I am, and that puts me is a great place, in the center of Your love and grace.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
Holding It Together
Holding It Together
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” – Hebrews 1:3
Why are you here?
Often, this question is an question of purpose, but today I ask it as a question of existence. You’ve heard it said that God created the universe. We confess it every week in church. Today, God as creator is questioned by many, but the Bible is clear. God is the creator. The other idea I see floated around, even by some Christians, is that God created and now it just runs without much or any interference from God.
That’s not what the Bible describes, though. Not only did God create all things, He continues to sustain them. Hebrews 1:3 says this as does Colossians 1:17.
“For by [Jesus] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” – Colossians 1:16-17
You are here because God continues to sustain your every breath.
Think about that for a minute. Let it sink in. God not only created you but continues to give you life.
Sometimes we can feel like we don’t matter and wonder if God really cares about us or even notices us. Yes, He does. That breath you just took is from Him. He thinks about you. He knows you better than you know yourself. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. He loves you.
Heavenly Father,
Your creation is amazing. There are such beauty and creativity. Thank You for your creation. Thank you for creating me. Thank You for continuing to sustain me and all things.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
A Little Reminder
A Little Reminder
“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,” – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
What did you think of the Easter service message?
I don’t mean the illustrations or how well it was delivered. I mean the message. It’s wasn’t original. It’s been told for over 2000 years. In a way, it’s been told since Adam and Eve were booted from the Garden.
Why do we keep retelling the Gospel story?
- Is it because maybe there’s someone listening who hasn’t heard it? Yes.
- Is it because maybe, if someone who has been resisting the Holy Spirit hears one more time, they will finally receive faith? Yes.
- Is it because you needed to hear it?
Yes!
We all need to hear the Gospel and hear it over and over again. Just like Paul is doing for the Corinthians, we all need a reminder and we need it often.
It’s not that your not smart or are particularly forgetful. It’s that we are constantly under attack from the devil, the world, and our own sinful nature. We struggle against the arrogance of works-righteousness, the despair of unworthiness, the allure of temptation, and the discontentment of selfishness.
It’s the Real Never-ending Story.
So, every year, we celebrate Easter and retell the Gospel, but not just Easter. Every Sunday is a mini-Easter celebration and every day a renewal of Your baptism and mercies of God.
So, set reminders for yourself. Dig into the Word, daily. Retell the great story to your family. Encourage your church-mates with it. Share it with those who don’t know. The Gospel is the life-blood of our faith. It’s the promise which created our faith and which our faith clings to. It never gets old. It is always sweet.
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.“
Amen!
Dear Jesus,
You have redeemed us and give us new life. Renew my Faith with Your Word. Strengthen me with Your Promises. Keep telling me Your Gospel and defend me against all attacks.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
