Oakhaven Church's Podcast

In Chapter 3 of Ruth we encounter the continuing story of Ruth and Naomi. Naomi instructs Ruth to go to the place where Boaz is processing his grain harvest. Naomi's plan is to explore the possibility that Boaz would be agreeable to acting as the kinsman redeemer who would take Ruth as his wife and therefore, give her some long term security.

The story narrative exposes us to cultural practices that puzzle and intrigue the modern reader. As we have discovered in previous lessons, we find the book of Ruth to be insightful, inspirational and instructional. It is in many ways, as others have said, the "gospel according to Ruth".

Keeping one's focus is vital. It is so easy to lose sight of what is most important. Christian discipleship is always outward focused. Our lives are to be spent in bringing glory to God and helping others to see this glory.

Paul offers some very quick "bullet points" in Colossians 4: 2-7 which remind us of our calling, our purpose and our mission. Join in the exploration of these verses with us by listening in.

We explore today the first chapter of the book of Ruth. We consider the plight of Naomi, who has relocated to Moab with her family because of a famine in the region of their hometown of Bethlehem.

As is frequent with resident aliens, the clan of Naomi is soon faced with additional subsequent tragedies. She loses here husband and her two sons and is left alone with her two Moabite daughter in laws, Ruth and Orpah.

In this lesson, we observe the story of Ruth as being a story for all. It is sad, but true, that the book of Ruth has largely been ignored by most males. Though frequently occurring as a women's Bible study, it has been greatly marginalized. I want to suggest that the book of Ruth features some robust theology and themes for males and females.

Join in as we explore this "gospel according to Ruth".

Our final in this series is a consideration of Jesus as the Light. Without light there cannot exist life. It is a required component for the universe to exist in its present state. When Jesus uses the word, he has something deeper in mind. Light, especially as used by the Apostle, John, in his writings, indicates illumination. It allows truth, reality to be seen.

Consider this theme together and an added benefit is the short report included of how two young women from our area brought light to a region still cleaning up after a horrendous tornado last Spring. The work of being a light to the world is one in which we can all participate.

There's a difference in taking a glance at Jesus and becoming mesmerized with him. In this series, I am encouraging listeners to observe Jesus in several portraits as offered by the various biblical images offered in scripture.

If we take a little extra time to observe Jesus, we will see him with more clarity. We will love him more and we will take upon ourselves His likeness with increasing measure. There is more than meets the eye or ear when we hear Jesus referred to as "the good shepherd". Look, listen, observe. I don't think you will come away disappointed in looking afresh at this most vivid portrait of the Christ as "the good shepherd".

We all know what it is like to be alone. Alone in illness, alone in a far away place, alone in our own fears.

Listen along as Wayne Hawley shares these vitally important thoughts about aloneness. Wayne reminds us that with God, we are never truly alone. Even though He can feel distant, we are never too far away that we can't come home again.

What if, at the same time, God could manifest himself both in strength and sacrifice? Actually, I think it can be said that God does this consistently through history.

When God comes in the flesh as Jesus, we see God as gentle, foot-washing savior and who frighteningly curses an unfruitful fig tree. He is lamb, but he is lion. In the midst of all the biblical portraits of Jesus which give us glimpses of his gentle and kind ways, we must be reminded that he is not a tame lion. He holds great power and all will one day bow at his feet. Listen in as we consider this portrait of the Christ as Lion.

The second portrait of Christ in this series is Savior. Salvation means more than just being rescued from damnation. It certainly includes that and that is a most important concern. But salvation is about being salvaged in order to attain purpose, meaning and focus.

The disciples life is one of following Jesus. Following Jesus as a saved person means bringing God's agenda to every facet of our lives. Join in by listening to these thoughts about Jesus, our Savior.

Have you ever had a conversation with someone about Jesus and had it dawn on you that you and the other person have vastly different ideas in mind? Do you ever find yourself wanting to stop the conversation and ask, "Hey, what Jesus are we talking about here?"

Every stereotype is imaginable in the images brought to mind when someone says, "Jesus". Even scripture itself gives more than one portrait of the Christ. Join in as we begin a series of lessons on "Portraits of the Christ".

Today, we consider the term, "Lord". We'll use Acts 2: 22 - 47 as a textual anchor for our thoughts.

This podcast is more lengthy than usual. The entire service is focused around the taking of the Lord's Supper. Songs, Scriptures and the Sermon are woven together as a unit. As you listen, you will hear the singing, the reflections and the scripture readings.

The worship committee had asked me if I would be willing to lead the songs as well as do the message. I gladly accepted the challenge. I had no idea how inadequate I would feel as I conducted the service. What follows is a service with all the genuine, human frailties clearly displayed as our church worships, communes and reflects together. I pray for your blessing as you listen in.

What are your hopes for 2012? At the end of this year when you take note of all that has happened, how will you fill in the following? "2012 was a good year, it was the year I finally___________________ . "

Wouldn't it be great to think back on this year with a sense of accomplishment and success? Well, there is still time to do some great things. Jesus promises that we can do even greater things than he did. Listen in as we explore these most interesting words of Jesus in John 14: 1-14.

On this New Year's day we reflect on how God is be included in every new undertaking. God's presence is to be with us all the time.....in every place. In this passage of 1 Chronicles David restores the Ark of the Covenant to its proper place. Saul had largely ignored the Ark during his reign as King.

David begins from Day One to enlist God's presence in the affairs of Israel. Jehovah God is the God of movement and action. Wise and obedient disciples will be satisfied with nothing less.

Listen along as we explore this vitally important theme for our everyday lives.

Luke introduces Jesus in the way we might expect of a physician. He outlines the method and the motivation for writing his gospel. Listen along as Gary and Andrew have a conversation about Luke's introduction of Jesus.

The gospel account of Mark is notable for its quick paced narrative. "Forget the genealogies, and pardon me for not giving a version of the birth narrative", Mark might say. "Time is of the essence and I need to get to the heart of the message of Jesus".

Mark introduces Jesus as the full grown, freshly baptized Messiah which his hearers needed to hear about. Notice the term "hear about". The gospels were intended to be read aloud to hearers who were facing impending persecution and having their lives "ripped apart" by cataclysmic shifts in society and world order.

Sometimes we need to hear Jesus introduced without the manger, the wise men and the star. Peace and good will to men is the offer of God, but first the world must be shaken, torn and restored again. Mark is up to something astounding in his gospel. Listen in as we explore Mark's unique and challenging introduction to Jesus.

This time of year we hear the story of the birth of Jesus told with all its wonder, splendor and drama. I never get tired of hearing how God came near through Jesus.

Sometimes, however, in our hurry to get to the shepherds, wise men and babe in the manger, we forget the genealogy which serves as a backdrop to the birth narrative. Matthew is one of the gospel accounts where we find the genealogy of Jesus.

Listen along as we explore this often overlooked and unfortunately "throw-away" passages. I promise not to get too bogged down in details. We'll take a bird's-eye view of how Matthew chooses to introduce the Messiah.

Then, go ahead and treat yourself to a reading of the thrilling birth story which follows.

Can we yet find hope in an old truth?

Can our spirits be lifted by a well-worn truth?

The Psalms are often thought of as being only useful for devotional/inspirational benefit. They are indeed beneficial in that way, but the scope and function of Psalms is highly theological and instructional.

Explore with us this enormously important and hopeful poem.

Where will we be when we get where we're going?   

Have you thought lately about your destination?  
Your destiny?   

Where is all this stuff we do, think, say and worry about taking us?  
I realize that sometimes it is just a struggle to get through a day let alone focusing on how to get through life.  It is a daily question and deserves thought and introspection.  May God bless you as you examine these important questions.  

Jesus came to usher in a different way to encounter God. His teachings and his ways stretched people's understandings of how God was working in their lives. You are invited to consider today what our response should be as we seek growth and understanding of God's will in our lives.

We are on earth for a reason. Often when we search for our purpose, our focus tends to be on what we want for our own personal benefit. God began creation with a purpose and he calls us each to be a part of his divine agenda. This lesson explores what that purpose is and how we can participate with God's project of Creation. Prepare yourself to think, explore and ponder over this eternally important theme.

At the heart of being a Christian is defining what it means to live a good life. In Acts 10:38 where Peter is giving a summary of the earthly work of Jesus, he says (NIV) "....he went around doing good..."

Living the good life is not found in luxury or lavish life style. Living the good life is found in finding good work to do which brings glory to God and in turn blesses all Creation.

God created us in His image. He also created us to do good works and to proclaim His agenda to the world. This series seeks to help us appreciate the extent to which God has invested in us. He gives us bodies, a spirit, a soul, a purpose, a heart and a destiny. Explore with us in this series how fearfully and wonderfully we are made and consider what we are to be about as we participate in God's grand project her on earth.

God created us in His image. He also created us to do good works and to proclaim His agenda to the world. This series seeks to help us appreciate the extent to which God has invested in us. He gives us bodies, a spirit, a soul, a purpose, a heart and a destiny. Explore with us in this series how fearfully and wonderfully we are made and consider what we are to be about as we participate in God's grand project her on earth.

God created us in His image. He also created us to do good works and to proclaim His agenda to the world. This series seeks to help us appreciate the extent to which God has invested in us. He gives us bodies, a spirit, a soul, a purpose, a heart and a destiny. Explore with us in this series how fearfully and wonderfully we are made and consider what we are to be about as we participate in God's grand project her on earth.

This sermon is not the kind to give you the warm fuzzies. There is a full strength dose of honesty and humanness that makes Psalm 137 required reading. This level of forthrightness makes one squirm, wince and wish there was nothing in human experience as discomforting as this. But the world we live in is not always comfortable and satisfying.

Skeptics and unbelievers bookmark this Psalm as a testimony to erode one's faith in a loving and just God. The careful, honest and thoughtful reader will find in this Psalm a mirror to reflect just how lament looks when expressed honestly with no holding back.

Jacob's life is full of unexpected twists and turns.

Kind of like our own lives.

Jacob doesn't always do the right thing.....like us.

Jacob doesn't always deserve the blessing of God....like us.

Jacob keeps listening, learning and leaning on God's grace....kind of like us...

Does God bless those who don't measure up to his standards? According to Matthew 5: 45, God causes the sun to shine on all and rain to fall upon the righteous and unrighteous. That said, one is still amazed at the narrative of Genesis 27 where Jacob obtains Isaac's blessing through deception and lies.

This lesson explores the fact that God sees us as He desires us to be and allows for every opportunity for us to grow and transform into His likeness. He is not soft on sin but He is indeed, patient and desirous to see all come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

This lesson is a brief overview of the events and circumstances surrounding the life of Isaac. Admittedly, this sermon covers far more material than should be attempted in a single lesson. The intent however, is to offer a link between several events and personalities which can often become isolated from the main story line of Genesis.

God is always doing something and is headed in a purposeful direction. The events of Genesis serve to remind us that God is at work in the everydayness of life. Considering these biblical events leads us to ask, "what is God up to in my life?" and "Where is all this leading?"

In John's gospel we find a rare gem in the form of a brief discourse between Jesus and his mother. In the well familiar miracle of water to wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, we revisit the first miracle by Jesus.

It is a moment which undoubtedly became one of Mary's cherished memories as mother of Jesus. It is her matronly observation that alerts Jesus to the need for more wedding wine. His miracle of water to wine is a response to his mother's prompting. Here, we find mother and son working together in a unique way, carrying out God's compassionate work on earth.

Even ancient man had a yearning to reach for something outside himself. Abundant ancient myths and manuscripts suggest that man has, since long ago, desired to interact with the gods through human effort.

In Genesis 11 we possess an account of a group of energetic, creative people who decide to build a tower as a means to reach godward. Their efforts are not successful but we find embedded in this narrative several insights about Jehovah God's effort to draw close to us.

Just how do we describe the events of Genesis 3? Many Bibles will have a paragraph heading which reads something like "The Fall of Man" or something like that. Today's lesson will explore the idea that such descriptions may very well do an injustice to the greater implications of this important text. I am indebted especially to Walter Brueggemann for his insights and suggestions found in his commentary on Genesis.

While I stop short of completely rejecting the idea that Genesis 3 concerns the fall of man to sin, I would insist that there are other very important ideas which also need to be observed.

This is an introductory lesson in the snapshot of Genesis series.

In this second of a series of 2 lessons on the Lord's Prayer, we explore further what is meant by "God's will be done..."

God invites us into His presence through all prayer and especially in the well crafted and constructed prayer known as the "Lord's Prayer". Learn, Pray, Live.

This is the first in a series of two lessons on the Lord's Prayer. It seems that among evangelicals, we don't give the Lord's Prayer as prominent a place as it deserves. Often when it is prayed, it can tend to be recited in ways that betray its extreme significance. Close examination will show this prayer to be a paradigmatic shift in the way people would pray from that time on.

Even closer examination will show this prayer to be a clear, concise and comprehensive statement of God's work on earth through his people. As disciples, we will find in this prayer a call not only worthy of our reciting but one which bids us to reflect and to respond.

In this final installment of lessons on hope, we arrive at the "so what" stage. If there is hope to be attained in following Christ, what difference is it to make? Peter writes to a group of Christians who are facing imminent persecution and martyrdom. Can one truly have hope in the midst of such an environment. If we find that these early Christians had hope in their age, then we must surely be able to achieve it today.

This is the third in our series of four lessons on the theme of HOPE. Today we observe the triad of "Faith,Hope and Love" as referenced in 1 Corinthians 13. Among other questions we consider today where our hope comes from. What "in-forms" our hope?

All too often we lose our sense of optimism and expectancy in life because we are focused on the temporary, the material and the secular. Some studies by neuroscientists even suggest that our brains may very well be changed as we consider the reality of something beyond our selves. In fact, those same studies seem to indicate that we may very well be limiting our potentials by rejecting the possibility of a force, a power, a Personality outside ourselves.

Can faith in God alter the way we view the universe? I'll leave that up to you to decide. This lesson only touches upon a few ideas which might warrant further investigation and critique.

Perhaps the diminishing hope of our age results from putting our trust in things which are temporal, flawed and lacking in promise. As suggested in today's lesson, we don't operate on real hope so much as in just hoping we "get lucky". There is the noun, "hope" which we strive for. But there is the verb "hope" which assumes some effort on our part.

We extend ourselves toward God in hopeful expectation. He never ultimately disappoints. He ultimately meets every expectation.

The gospel of Luke moves rapidly from the birth narrative to the baptism of Jesus by John. It is a scene rich in imagery and theological significance. Consider the impact of these verses on your own journey with Jesus. Luke 3:10 in the NIV simply asks: "....what should we do then?" If Jesus, born of Mary, is Messiah, then we are faced with a truth which begs response.

"What should we do then?"

As soon as the angel spoke to Mary, she began to think over what has been revealed to her. Her mind and her heart are instantly filled with recall of God's work in the history of her people. She composes in her mind, a testimony of sorts, of how God has interacted with the people of Israel.

There is found within the Magnificat (Mary's Song) a marvelous summation of theology and testimony to the activity of Jehovah God in the affairs of mankind. Consider now, these words and be ready to be impressed with Mary's grasp of God's divine agenda.

The book of Esther is one of the most intriguing of Biblical books. The narrative of the book is comedy, tragedy and romance. The story occurs in the citadel of Susa, in Persia....far from the city of Jerusalem. God is not mentioned by name. No prayers are recorded. And yet, somehow, the reader who ponders and searches will see evidence of God throughout the story in sometimes surprising ways.

There is perhaps in Esther, a foreshadowing of the day in which Jerusalem would no longer be the epicenter of God's work. We might sense a great wind of change is in the air. The Spirit of God moves in a mysterious way. There are indeed powerful lessons to be learned in the reading of Esther and the telling of her story.

Perhaps we will all find a little of ourselves in this story.

The key to living with the Kingdom mindset, is found in the phrase, "It's not all about me".

Much of 2 Corinthians is filled with Paul's response to those who were seeking to discredit him. He appeals not on the basis of PRIDE but PAIN. In the passage under discussion today, he makes his appeal....not on his THIRD HEAVEN experience but his THORN experience.

The most important consideration for Paul is not, whether he will ever get these prideful people to accept him, but whether he can create in them the culture of accepting one another. The success of God's work among them is dependent on the transformation of their hearts.

The apostle Paul was never one to proclaim the Word of God for a fee.

Corinth was known for giving a strong emphasis to the externals. In 1 Corinthians, Paul had spent no little effort to straighten them out about the way they were using spiritual gifts as a way to "self-elevate" themselves over fellow Christians. They even thought that the person who baptized them somehow gave them a higher status than others.

Paul is in the midst of a struggle to re-instill confidence in his authority as an apostle. In his own words, he says in verse 16, "Let no one take me for a fool..." He then proceeds to win the confidence of his Corinthian antagonists by playing to his "weak" suit.

Instead of citing his many accomplishments and doing "self-promotion", he cites the trials he had endured. He points to the very criteria that some were using to substantiate their theory that Paul could not possibly be blessed of God while having all the bad things happen to him. Paul's boasting is based upon "weakness" (11:30). He would write these words to the Galatians in 6:17..." I bear on my body the marks of Jesus"....

For Paul, respect comes only with courageous, unselfish, unflinching sacrifice. Be ready to be humbled, to be awed, to learn from a true servant what being a disciple is all about.

Paul continues his appeal to the Corinthians to reconsider the basis on which his authority as apostle has been brought into question. He asserts that God calls for continual growth in faith. (2 Cor. 10:15) He is aware that any rejection he is experiencing runs deeper than just his own concerns. He calls them to make a shift from their present conduct of "boasting" to that of "boosting".

In other words, he calls them...... and us to expand upon our faith, extend our willingness to accept others and examine our attitudes toward others.

With Oakhaven's recent Guest speakers and special events we got behind in our schedule of 2 Corinthians sermons. In order to get back on schedule, this is an attempt to give a summary of the ideas of chapters 6-9. In retrospect, I don't recommend efforts to summarize such a block of material. It just doesn't do justice to the robust theological and practical import of this pathos-filled section of Paul's writings.

I encourage the listener to listen to this sermon with open Bible. Many ideas are far deeper than I have explored here. The title I have chosen for this overview is "The Epicenter of Grace". If we look to the very center, the very core of God's grace, we find it is simply summarized with the word "GIFT" and that is indeed what Grace means. At the Epicenter of Grace is....A GIVER.

It is who God is.....and it is who we are called to be.

What would happen if everyone decided to look at others through the eyes of God? Don't you think we would be more patient with one another? Don't you think we would hold one another in higher regard?

This sermon explores Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5: 11-21. Read the passage then listen along as we explore how our world can change one perspective and one person at a time.

There is a grand consistency in the way God works.  From the choosing of Abraham to the emergent nation of Israel, God has brought significance to the ordinary.  Jesus is born, not to royalty but to the working class.  Jesus hails from a small town and assembles a group of fishermen and otherwise inconsequentials to become his first disciples.  

God takes ordinary containers and displays His nature in extraordinary ways.

In 2 Corinthians 4: 7-18 Paul describes God's wonder as being dispensed from clay pots.  We are, Paul says, the container of the wonder of God.  When our lids are opened it will be observed just what this "treasure" is.  "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus..."  

Who in the world would think of death as a treasure?  The answer is:  only those who see death as the way to finally and permanently attain life.  

Irony.....Godly consistent irony.  

Paul is intent on affirming his commitment to the Christians in Corinth. Even though his motives and his integrity seem to be in question, he insists that his word is just as sure as if from the Lord himself. In this sermon we explore the need to be people of consistency and integrity. As Paul implies, our message will be accepted as reliable in proportion to how reliable our character is seen to be.

Our telling of the message of Jesus is tied into who we are. Paul exhorts, models and affirms the message of Christ in every way possible. Should we do less?

This is the first in a series on the book of 2 Corinthians. Paul, the man is often just as misunderstood regarding his personality as he is in this theological perspectives. He is, no doubt, a formidable defender of faith and non-abashed follower of the risen Christ.

He is courageous in his claims, choosing to march into the halls of Caesar and proclaim Jesus rather than remain at a safe distance preaching comfortable sermons to friendly listeners.

But let us not be mistaken. This Paul is not invulnerable to criticism and malicious talk. In what is referred to as 2nd Corinthians, Paul addresses his own discomfort at receiving word that he has been maligned as an apostle, his motives are put to question and even his sufferings are used as a means to criticize. Paul begins with a considerable discussion of comfort. He has in mind to comfort others as he acknowledges his own need for the comfort which only God can provide.

We all have a "God-shaped" hole which only God can fill. Listen now... and consider the significance of that which dwells without and that which dwells within a Christian that makes the difference in how we face life.

God is Holy. From the earliest of scriptures, we observe the character and identity of God being founded on His Holiness. There is no other like Him. Our Holy God made us in His image. An enormously important feature of being made in His likeness is found in that He intended us to be holy also.

Numerous scriptures call us to recognize that God has called us to be Holy. This lesson demonstrates and celebrates that holy calling. Included in this podcast is a portion of the worship of the morning including some songs and a scripture reading. Because of a glitch in our recording device, we lost the audio on the first portion of the sermon. The main points were centered around the following 5 ideas:

1) SANCTIFICATION
2) PARTICIPATION
3) IDENTIFICATION
4) TRANSFORMATION
5) ELEVATION

Another of the great joys of Kingdom Centered (God Reigning at our very heart) living is to be found in our family life.

I believe that one of the strongest platforms we as Christians have for testimony to an unbelieving world, is in letting God's reign in our lives be evident in our families. This gives a highly spiritual meaning to being a parent. Gary Thomas uses the term "Sacred Parenting" in his book by the same name. (I highly recommend it, by the way.)

Consider the joy to be found in the challenges and blessings of being family when God is placed at the center.

Paul's prayer in Colossians 1 is an encompassing expression of desire for God's blessings in every facet of their lives. 1:10 expresses it this way: "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work..."

Later in this letter...3:18-20, Paul specifically appeals to God's people to show in their homes and their marriages that God and his kingdom is at the center of their identities.

The good work of having a good marriage is a kingdom matter. A good and Godly outcome will come to every corner of life where God is placed first. Marriages are no different. Consider how God's reign at the center of your life is your primary source of empowerment in maintaining a marriage that brings honor to God.

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