04/09/22 // Baptisms // Dave Watmore

Who does our Father choose?

When Jesus was looking for disciples he did not at first choose the obvious candidates perhaps the ones we would choose. 

He chose ordinary people, Matthew - a tax collector who was more like a mafia enforcer, Peter the fisherman, James and John. 

In Luke 9 54

We see a snapshot of the wrong attitudes of man and the mercy of Jesus and the Father. 

“When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. So they went on to another village.”

Luke 9:54-56 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.9.54-56.NLT

 Then we look at Paul - the perfect Jew. 

Philippians 3:7-11 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/php.3.7-11.NLT

 Lizzie Henson Kermit story

“Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.””

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.1.26-31.NLT

After such a wonderful morning you might have many things to discuss but here are some questions as a potential focus. 

Questions

1. Read Luke 9 v 54-56   It is easy to say “I wouldn’t be like John and James” but our society constantly acts the way they did. How do we move in the opposite spirit and be more like Jesus? Think of some examples to make it real. 
2. Read Philippians 3 1-11 Paul has much to boast about but his humility points to Christ’s work that makes our efforts at righteousness pale into insignificance before the cross of Christ. What were the things you once thought valuable but now count as loss? Sometimes just reading scripture just speaks to each one of us in different ways. I chose “How deep the Fathers love for us” based on this scripture so I suggest you play it and see how it speaks to each one of you. I like the Celtic Worship band version. 
3. I told the story of the creation of Kermit. Some of you guessed the punch line! 😂   We are not muppets but we are told we are considered the foolish things of this world. 1 Corinthians 1 v 26-31. My main point was that when we give our Father the whole of our lives with our damaged parts, unfashionable ideas, misshapen views our Father helps to shape us to be the best version of who he wants us to be but we must be open to hear from Him and to cooperate with Him.

Have you ever thought of sanctification in this way? Paul doesn’t use the idea of Kermit but says we are clay in his hands. Are you still clay in his hands?

What does it mean to be a fool for Christ in our day? 

There were so many high points to the testimonies but please pray for all the people baptised and the visitors who heard stories of a God who is personal and alive.