The Dash

by | Aug 6, 2017 | Preaching Videos

Matthew 11:7–17 (ESV) — 7 Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, “ ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

  1. The Dash
    1. Seeing bumper stickers around – Live the Dash.
    2. The Memory of our life – A passage from Matthew 11:7-17
  2. How do we live our Dash?
    1. The Great Battle
    2. Junkuntz in Germany
    3. Abortion today
    4. The danger of the cultural and religious war we are in today.
    5. The Fellowship of the ring – those living in the Shire had no idea that their whole destiny was hanging in the balance. Thankfully, a few Hobbits were awakened, and that was enough.
    6. Elrond at the council in Rivendell: “his is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck?”
    7. 1 Corinthians 1:27–29 (ESV) — 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
    8. In light of these things, how do we live our dash?
  3. First, we live as disciples of Jesus Christ
    1. Forgiveness and Grace through the atonement – that alone is our confidence.
    2. Trust in His promises.
    3. Obey His commandments – John 14:15 (ESV) — 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
    4. Live filled with the Holy Spirit.
      1. The Laws of the Spirit
      2. Matthew 5:3–10 (ESV) — 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
  1. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
  2. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
  3. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
  • 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
  • 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
  1. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  1. Second, we extend His Kingdom by making disciples of all nations
    1. The Church the body of Christ.
    2. The gifts of the Spirit.
    3. Unashamed of the gospel – ministers of reconciliation
  2. The Apostolic Church is empowered by prayer
    1. Matthew 7:7–8 (ESV) — 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (Right after this Jesus tells us about our Father giving the Holy Spirit to those who ask) – the imagery is that constant prayer is necessary.
    2. A life of passion and total dedication.
    3. Committed to Team – everyone doing their part.
    4. The power of unity and organization.
  3. The dash is not between two endpoints but to starting points.
    1. We are running a race to win a prize
    2. Eternal glory and rewards are waiting.
    3. Living as a disciple and bearing fruit are the goal
    4. Total Devotion, Consecration and Fire
    5. Being part of a team

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