Blog Archives

What was Jesus thinking?

9/26/2014

Hello friends,

Thanks for reading as always. I have a question for you...have you ever asked someone, "What were you thinking?" It is a question of exasperation. Clearly, if they were thinking, you would not have asked that question.

I often wonder what Jesus was thinking...what was He thinking when the rich young ruler walked away? What was He thinking when Peter said, "Lord if it's you...bid me come to you on the water"? What was Jesus thinking when He saw the cross at a distance through His swollen eyes? And what was He thinking when He came to earth in the first place? Why would Jesus descend to live a human life?

This week, we are studying the "Kenosis" Hymn found in Philippians 2:1-11. It was a hymn of the church, and in it, we hear the story of salvation. With that said, we can also read into what Jesus was really thinking, and in fact, what we should be thinking about as His followers today. Take time this week to read the passage...if you are feeling really spry, why don't you respond here, and tell us what it is Jesus was thinking. It would be good for us and for you.

I hope you come and worship with us this Sunday. And if you can't, tune in on the Lyons Radio Station at 6 PM and listen to the service there.

Thanks for who you are, and who we are becoming in Christ.

Josh

Only a couple of Games to pick...

Great win for GA Southern last night over App St.

Tech is off this week after a stunning 4-0 start. We will see how they hold up down the stretch.

Mercer goes on the road to VMI this week...Go Bears...they'll pull it out.

And now for what you've been waiting for...UGA vs. Tennessee. This is always a tough game...UGA stole it last year up at Neyland...but I have good news DAWG fans, UGA's running game will overrun a very good Volunteer defense. UGA wins, by 14 or so...let's hope it's more!

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Unusual Generosity

9/19/2014

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Hello Folks,

Thanks for reading as always. I have a simple question for you: are you a generous person? Unusual generosity is not found very often these days. In fact, most people want to figure out the catch. It is almost as if they have an issue with someone giving too much?

I start there to say generosity was a problem in our text this week (Matthew 20:1-16), the Parable of the Vineyard Workers. Some workers thought that the Landowner was too generous...he gave too much money to those that came to work too late. Do you think those workers were right? Don't they have a case? The way you answer that question is really about where you locate yourself in line.

The point of the parable is less about place, and more about God's unusual generosity...God's choice to give His one and only Son as the sacrifice for my sins and for yours. This passage speaks directly to God's grace...but it also demands a response of us.

Don't you think we should be generous, like God is generous to us? Couldn't we all stand to be more generous towards others with our money, our time, and perhaps, even with grace, kindness, and compassion? Wouldn't the world be a better place?

As you prepare your heart for worship this week, look introspectively and ask yourself: am I a generous person? And before you answer, ask yourself where can I give more? My contention is that when we are generous, we are walking closely in the ways of God.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
Josh

SPORTS CORNER

For a couple of sports thoughts--

1. UGA over Troy

2. VA Tech over GA Tech

3. GA Southern over South Alabama

4. Mercer over Ave Maria

5. FSU over Clemson

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How Many Times?

9/12/2014

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Dear Friends,

How many times? How many times do you have to forgive that person who has wronged you? 1? 2? 3? 7? 20? Jesus said, "Not 7 times, but 70 times 7 times." For you math whiz kids, that's 490 ( I think). I guess I better get out my notebook to make sure I count every instance of forgiveness because when it gets to 491, I'm through. Is that what Jesus really meant? Of course not...but what did He mean?

I think Jesus meant we are not to count how many times we forgive at all. Forgiveness must become our lifestyle, not something we do once in a while. Do you know why we must not count the faults of others? The answer is this...because God does not count our own.

Let's stop here and ask...what does forgiveness means? Does forgiving someone mean forgetting the wrong? Does forgiveness mean freedom from consequences? Does forgiveness mean reconciliation?

These questions are the foundation of my sermon on Sunday...The text is Matthew 18:21-35--"The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant."

I challenge you to bring your Bible and an open mind as we discuss this difficult passage.

And if anyone is brave, I ask you to answer some of those questions above...or better yet, I ask you to write down the name of the person that you need to forgive in your past...or better yet, I challenge you to go to that person today, and do what needs to be done.

Come Sunday, because we are better when you are here.

In His Name,

Josh

Sports Scores

1. GA Tech vs. GA Southern...I'm going with TE...No I'm not...GA Southern in a stunning upset.

2. UGA vs. South Carolina...UGA wins, but closer than the experts think.

3. Tennessee vs. Oklahoma...really? OK wins big

4. UCLA vs. Texas--UCLA, not close

5. Air Force vs. GA State--AF wins big

6. Texas Tech vs. Arkansas--In a game that might split the Green household...Texas Tech

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