"STATE OF DESPERATION"

Scripture(s): “Sin came into the world because of what one man did, and with sin came death.” (Romans 5:12) [NCV]
“There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) [NLT]
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us ... If we claim we have not sinned, we make [God] out to be a liar, and his word has no place in our lives.” (1 John 1:8, 10)[NIV]

Open: What is the biggest deception you have ever bought into?

Back ground comments:     

Would you agree that evil is part of the human condition, and we all contribute to it? Our culture has rejected the idea of sin, placing the blame for the wrong in the world everywhere else, except on ourselves! Although culture and our environment may influence us, they should not determine our behavior. Once we accept responsibility for our actions, sin becomes clear. Even though God created us good, original sin has bent our natures so that we desire the wrong things and act on those sinful desires.

Explore:
     

Read the following statements and write down some thoughts about how you feel about them:

• The problem with the world begins with us.

• Our society encourages us to try to deny our responsibility for evil.

• Until we accept sin and our personal responsibility for it, we will never be able to understand life.     

Questions: Explain the impact of original sin (the fall). Why is it important?
What are the different explanations of the question, “Why is the world in such a mess?” “How do nature, and culture influence human behavior and sin?”

Get it: The biblical worldview teaches that sin entered the world because of our free will. God made us in His image, to love Him and to have a relationship with him. However, love must be freely given if it is to be real, and so God gave us the ability to reject Him. Man chose the non-good rather than the good, and as a result our lives have been broken on all levels! Every sin calls into doubt God’s knowledge of what is best; but, because God does know what is best, sin also hurts us and the world we live in.

Read the following statements and write down some thoughts about how you feel about them:

• God gave us free will so we could love Him. Love that isn’t freely given isn’t love.

• We often use our free will to reject the good which God offers us.

• All sin is based on lies, questioning God really loves us or knows what’s best for us.

     

Questions: How do you think love, free will and human responsibility fit together in God’s plan? Where does temptation end and sin begin?

Apply: No other worldview of sin fits reality. Only the power of Christ can change us and puts us on the road to living a good life. Therefore, those without Christ cannot consistently do good. We are called to recognize and identify sin without being judgmental! We need to take responsibility for our own failings and accept people without approving of their wrong choices.
     

Questions: Compare the biblical worldview to other explanations of the problem of suffering. Which explanation makes more sense? How have you seen God bringing good out of suffering? Do you think the idea that people cannot lead a righteous life without God is harsh or judgmental? Why? How do you respond when someone says, “Judge not lest ye be judged?” How does a biblical worldview fit with reality? Come prepared to share your insights with your group at your next meeting.

Excerpted from: Wide Angle, Framing Your Worldview by Rick Warren & Charles Colson

Blessings, Pastor Ruben

"REALLY, WHERE DID WE COME FROM?"

Text:
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, theCreator of the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 40:28a) [NIV] & (Genesis 1 &2)

Open:
What’s the coolest thing you have ever created?

Back ground comments:  

It’s amazing to me how many Christians have varying beliefs about where we came from. They say they believe the Bible yet have difficulty believing that God created everything.
     

I guess I am just a simple guy who believes and takes God at His Word. I admittedly am one of those who believe that God created the heavens, the earth, all that is on it, under it and over it and you and me. However, this does not dismiss me from encouraging you to develop your own Biblical Worldview on this subject and then defend it. 

Rick Warren and Chuck Colson in their small group study, “Wide Angle”, stated: “God loves us and he made us for a purpose. Although we cannot contemplate life without a purpose, naturalism cannot supply us with one. According to the naturalism worldview we are a result of random mutations and are effectively “complex slime.” Despite this, naturalism, buoyed by Darwinism, is the dominant worldview in secular society today. Darwinism arose in an era that was moving away from biblical truth and replacing Christianity with enlightenment thought.”

     

Before we get into our questions there are three facts that you need to get familiar with. Again, they are excerpted from “Wide Angle” group study guide. 

• God made us in His image, which gives each of us innate dignity and provides the essential foundation for ethics.

• The naturalist, who believes in Darwinian evolution, denies our creation and thus has no basis for human worth.

• Naturalists (evolutionists) know that they do have innate value even if they can’t find a reason for it in their worldview.

Explore:
Why is the biblical idea that we are created in the image of God so important?
Is there any connection between Darwinism and moral relativism? If so, what?
Does this connection lead to ethical and moral problems in our society today? How and why?
In your opinion how do you think that science and theology should interact today?
   
How are “sanctity of life” issues related to the worldview question: “Where did I come from?”
Read Psalm 8, 19 and 139 and answer the question, “What do these passages reveal about God as our creator?
    

In light of the passages you just read, spend some time in worship. Praise Him and thank Him for creation and for creating you. Thank Him for your senses, the ability to enjoy and appreciate the world, and for your mind that helps you understand it all. Thank Him for the meaning and purpose that your life has. And finally thank Him that you were created in His image.

Get it:
Where do you see the value of human life under attack? What are the worldview ideas behind these attacks?

Apply:
What can you do to promote the sanctity of life in all its phases?
How would you explain the need for a Biblical Worldview in place of darwinism/naturalism?

Blessings, Pastor Ruben

WHAT IS THE TRUTH?

Text:
“... you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) [NIV] & “Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” “What is truth?” Pilate asked.” (John 18:37-38) [NLT]
 

Open:
Think about the people who have influenced your worldview. How do you think those who have influenced your worldview would answer Pilate’s question?

Back ground comments: 

(John 8:32) Jesus himself is the truth that sets free (John 8:36). He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from continued slavery to sin, from self-deception, and from deception by Satan. He shows us clearly the way to eternal life with God. Thus Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God. As we seek to serve God, Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be!
     

(John 18:37-38) Pilate asked Jesus a straightforward question and Jesus answered clearly. Jesus is a king, but one whose kingdom is not of this world. There seems to have been no question in Pilate’s mind that Jesus spoke the truth and was innocent of any crime. It also seems apparent while recognizing the truth, Pilate chose to reject it. It is a tragedy when we fail to recognize the truth. It is an even greater tragedy when we recognize the truth but fail to heed it.
     

Pilate was cynical; he thought that all truth was relative. To many government officials, truth was whatever helped advance their own personal power and political goals. When there is not a standard or acknowledgement of truth, there is no basis for moral right and wrong. Justice becomes whatever works or whatever helps those in power. In Jesus and His Word we have a standard for truth and for moral behavior.

Quoted from: Life Application Study Bible [NIV]

     

In the “Believers Bible Commentary” William MacDonald makes the following statements about John 18:37-38. When Pilate asked Him if He was King .... Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king.” But His kingdom is concerned with truth, not with swords and shields. It was to bear witness to the truth here means the truth about God, Christ Himself, the Holy Spirit, man, sin, salvation, and all the other great doctrines of Christianity. Everyone who loves the truth hears His voice, and that is how His empire grows.
     

It is difficult to say what Pilate meant when he said to Him, “What is truth?” Was he puzzled, or sarcastic, or interested? All we know is that the Truth incarnate stood before him, and he did not recognize Him. Pilate now hurried to the Jews with the admission that he could find no fault in Jesus at all.

Explore:
How would you define truth?
Is it possible to be tolerant and articulate truth at the same time? If so, how?
   
Explore:
Where do you see people advocating the idea that truth is relative-that different people can have different truths?

Get it:
American society has replaced the idea of absolute truth with relativism-the denial that there is such a thing as truth. In what situations do you find it most difficult to combat moral relativism? How might you change your approach?

Apply:
How would you answer someone who said there was no such thing as truth? In what ways can you share the truth this week to bring the freedom of Christ to other people?

Blessings, Pastor Ruben

"DOES WHAT I BELIEVE REALLY MATTER?"

Text:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature. The old has passed away, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) [NIV]

Open:
What one person has had the most influence on your life. How have they influenced your decision making?

Explore:
For the next six weeks I will be teaching a series entitled: “Forming A Biblical Worldview”.
    
I have been in prayer for some time now asking the Lord to give me direction on what to teach you.
    
I am concerned that not enough Christians know what they believe. It’s evident by the way that the average Christian lives his life that there is in-congruency in our belief and life style. Do we really believe what we say we believe?
    
Does what I believe really matter? Let me  start off by answering the first and most important question, What is a worldview? 
    
Definition: My worldview is the beliefs that I build my life on. The Truth Project (Focus on the Family) defines it: “a way of looking at the world.” It’s how we view everything in life. It’s how we view God. It’s how we view ourselves. It’s how we view other people. It’s how we view Satan. Your worldview includes your thoughts about life, about death, about the past, the present and the future. it also includes what you feel about pain and about suffering and about problems and about good and about evil. Your worldview includes what you think about relationships, about time, and about money.
    
The truth is everybody has a worldview. You operate off of some kind of worldview. When you say, “I’ve always thought of life as…” The way you view life, how you view God, how you view other people. That’s all a part of your worldview.
    
Your worldview is the basis on which you make your decisions and your choices. God wired your brain in such a way that every time you start to make a decision or make a choice your mind instantly accesses all of the information, in your mind and says, “Now what do I believe about this?” And you decide – unconsciously – on the basis of the things you believe to be true and believe to be real. 
    
You see every time you make a choice, whether it be something simple or difficult you access your worldview. It’s all the ideas, all the experiences, all of the images, all of the beliefs, the convictions, the concepts, the principles, the standards and the hurts, all are a part of your worldview. You make your decisions based on your worldview. 
    
For instance if you thought in your worldview that the world was going to end tomorrow it would certainly change your decisions in the next 24 hours. Would you act in a different way based on what you believed?
    
So, what we’re going to talk about for the next six weeks, is clarifying your worldview. And, for some of you it's forming your Biblical world view  for the very first time because it's one of the most practical and important things in your life as believer. Your worldview determines all your relationships. It determines your success and failure. It determines your goals, your motivations, and what you attempt in life. All of these things are influenced by your worldview. If you want to change your life, you’ve got to change your mind first. You’ve got to change what you believe! So, let’s jump in with both feet and begin the process. Come join us beginning this Sunday for this empowering series.
     
Explore:
Go back and read 2 Corinthians 5:17. Now, restate it in your own words. What does it say about your new “world view?”

Get it:
What are some world views that you see lived out in America? What has formed this world view? How do you feel about it?

Apply:
Why is it important for us to align our thinking with God’s truth? What are some things that you can do to develop a stronger Christian world view?

Blessings, Pastor Ruben

"THREE FOUNDATIONS OF A MISSIONAL CHURCH"

Text: “And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.’” (Mark 16:15) [NLT]

Open: Where is the most adventurous place you’ve ever traveled? What made it so?

Explore:
Welcome home Haiti Mission Team members: Veronica Flores, TJ Jasso, Rick Jasso and Pastor Ron Adams. It has been such a blessing talking with our team members and hearing their stories and experiences of their work in Haiti

Any time we have a team go on a mission trip and we don't go with them, I can't hardly wait for them to come back and share with us. Please make plans this Sunday to come and hear each of their testimonies. You will be blessed!

Since it's beginnings, Sierra Vista Community Church has been led by God to be a “missional” church. What do I mean by “missional?” "Missional living" is a Christian term that describes a missionary lifestyle; adopting the posture, thinking, behaviors, and practices of a missionary in order to engage others with the gospel message. In other words, it is God's desire that all Christians adopt the posture, thinking, behaviors and practices of a missionary in order to engage others with the gospel in a multi culture environment we call America. Too often we think that we will adopt this way of life when we go on an overseas mission trip. But, the reality is that if we are not doing it here what's going to change there. Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, America and then the ends of the earth is our mission field, but we need to start here!

I don't know if you've seen the movie titled, Field of Dreams. In one of the scenes the man with the vision of having a ball park in his community says this, “Build it and they will come.” It's funny how the American church has adopted that way of thinking.

I have an acquaintance that has written several books on church growth. Many years back we were having a discussion on this topic and he made the same statement as an encouragement to me as a new church planter, just as we were starting Sierra Vista. I in turn responded, “I don't agree with that. This is what I believe, “love them and they will come.” Obviously, part of loving people is GOING to where they are and meeting them where they are. The first word we find pertaining to missions in the Bible is “GO”.

Usually, when we think of missions we think of the Great Commission Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”. But missions didn’t begin with the Great Commission. Missions began with God. He came to us, He sent His Son to us in order that we might be saved. Missions first beat in God's heart before it was ever breathed as the life-sustaining force into His church.

Our God is Missions minded. If He wasn't, then there would be no Christian mission.

The Gospel He entrusted us with is a Missions Message. If it didn't have any saving power, then there would be no reason for us to take it to all nations (ethne-ethnic groups).

And the Great Commission,  is a Missions Mandate. It identifies the local church as the center for world evangelism, as the “distributor” of the Good News.

Jesus told his disciples to go into all the world, telling everyone that he had paid the penalty for our sin and that if we believed in Him we would be forgiven and live eternally with God. Christian's  today in all parts of the world, are preaching this gospel to people who haven’t heard about Christ. The driving power that carries them around the world, spend their own money to live in unthinkable places and conditions, and sets Christ's church in motion, is the faith that comes from the Resurrection.

Mark 16:15 “And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.’”, records the commission (commission: engage, contract, charge, employ, hire, recruit, retain, appoint, enlist, book, sign up.) that was given by the Lord on the evening before His Ascension. (Ascension: the ascent of Christ into heaven on the fortieth day after the Resurrection.) Think about it, the God who defeated death by raising Himself from the tomb on the third day, commissioned you to take the most valuable message ever given to a lost world! What a privilege and awesome responsibility we have.

I have often said that missions-evangelism is a team sport. God has entrusted the local church with a global message. As a church, a “Missional Church” we need to be involved in reaching the world for Christ. The reality is that you can be involved in missions right now. You can pray for our missionaries, you can give towards our missions efforts and you can go. Honestly, you will never be the same once you have seen how the majority of the world lives.

Get it:
Have you ever gone on a mission trip? If not, why not?
Would you pray asking the Lord to make a way for you to go on our next mission trip?
Do you ever feel like you don't have the skill or determination to be a witness for Christ?
What scares you the most about sharing your faith? Is it lack of training? If so, let one of the staff know so that we can address your fear.
When was the last time you shared your faith with someone?

Apply:
How are you personally involved in missions currently?
Would you pray and ask God how you can be involved starting today?

___________________________

Quoted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; Life Application Study Bible, NIV, page 1654; Dictionary 2005-2007 Apple Inc.

"STRESS IS PROFITABLE"

Text: “But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:9-12) [NASB]

Open:

What one thing in your life have you done that you would say was very profitable?

Explore:

     God’s intentions for His tests are good. Some of the hardest questions you and I will ever have to answer is “Why do bad things happen to good people?” and “Why do good things happen to bad people?” Don’t think that we’re the first ones to ask this question. We know that even David asked that question. In Psalm 73:3-5 [NLT] he wrote, “For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.” Even Jeremiah wrestled with this. In Jeremiah 12:1 he wrote, “Lord, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you. So let me bring you this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy?” So, don’t be so arrogant to think you are the first one to come up with that question.

     Have you ever found yourself wondering what's the answer? Jesus’ answer to us is the same that He gave to His disciples when they walked past a man who was born blind. John 9:1-3 says, “As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” Jesus told them that this man had been blind from the time of his birth for a reason. He had to endure the tests of a physical handicap and the stresses it brings his entire life for one reason―to glorify God. God intended good for the tests, stress and trials of that man’s life. Just like He intends good for all the tests, stress and trials of your life.

     So, understanding that God’s intentions for His tests are good, James sets out to tell us a little bit about the nature of God’s testing. He shows us the pattern for God’s testing in James 1:9-11. Sometimes God tests by exalting the humble. We don’t normally think of that as testing do we? But it’s the first one test James lists here in (v. 9). God can test us with poverty as well as prosperity. Amen, let me get in line for the test of prosperity. That’s the one I want to volunteer for. Is it really? You can define prosperity a lot of different ways, but the one that comes to mind first is by money―big money. Here is a story of as woman who was exalted. Evelyn Adams won the New Jersey lottery―not just once, but twice, in 1985 and 1986. She went from average middle-class to multi-millionaire overnight. Now she’s in debt up to her eyeballs and lives in a trailer. This story is an example of God testing the humble by exalting them. But money is just one way God tests the humble. Have you ever seen someone get promoted and overnight change the way they treat people? Or see someone move into the “gated community” and act differently? How do you react to the blessings God gives you? When you’re given the test of prosperity? God can test you with prosperity. He can exalt the humble in order to test them. But He can also humble the exalted look at James 1:10-11. This is the kind of test we won’t volunteer to get in line for. This is the kind of test that we see as a tragedy or a trial. When someone loses a house. When they lose their job. When they lose a child. It’s the kind of test that people respond to by shaking their fist at God. They say things like, “God, how could you let this happen.” How do you react when these high stress tragedies strike? When you’re given the test of humility? God can exalt the humble and He can humble the exalted. That is His pattern for testing.

     I said that His intention for testing and stress is good and profitable. So if His intention for testing is good and profitable, then He must have a goal in mind and for a reason. God’s good intention for testing is found in (v. 12). God doesn’t test you with prosperity in order to trip you up and make you fail. He intends for you to pass the test of prosperity successfully. If He tests you with prosperity, He intends for you to be a good steward of what He gives you. He wants you to reject ill-gotten gain. He means for you to use all other gain according to His will and purpose. But remember, God doesn’t test you with humility just to be mean, add more stress and make you fail. He intends for you to pass the test of humility with flying colors. If He tests you with humility, He intends for you to look to Him in faith. He intends you to look to Him in contentment like Paul did. He intends for you to show His strength through the weakness of your humility. Whether God tests you through prosperity or through humility, His intention is the same. He intends for you to pass the test. And when you pass it, like (v. 12) says, you are truly blessed. You’re blessed with an eternal reward and a present reward. Your eternal reward is the crown of life. Your present reward is the hope of God’s promise. The security that comes from knowing you’re in the will of God. That you’re pleasing Him with your obedience. If you don't have security and are living a constant stress filled life maybe you have not trusted Christ with it. Stress and lack of security comes from one of two things. It can be that you’re not really saved. Or it can be that you’re not living like it by passing the tests God places before you. Either way, you need to take care of that today. Trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior or if He is your Savior, begin to treat Him like your Lord. Pass the tests He places before you. That’s what He wants you to do. Stress and trials can be profitable!


     But what happens so often is, when we’re given a tough test, what do we do? We want to blame God and shake our fist at Him accusing Him of being mean or unfair. But why do we do that? We do that because we’ve failed the test He’s placed before us. And when we’ve failed the test, we’ve done exactly what our enemy the devil wants us to do and we've missed out, we have failed to profit from the stress we're going through.

Get it: Read: Psalm 73:3-5 and Jeremiah 12:1 Have you ever found yourself wondering what the answer is? How do you react to the blessings God gives you?

When someone loses a house, loses their job, or loses a child, that’s the kind of test where people respond by shaking their fist at God. They say things like, “How could you let this happen, God?” How would you react if these “high stress” tragedies were to strike you? How do you respond when you’re given the test of humility?

Apply: What test/stress are you facing right now that God could be using to profit you?

"STRESS IS PURPOSEFUL"

Text: “... knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:3-8)

Open: How many times did you have to take your driver’s test before you got your first license?

Read the Back Ground Comments that I excerpted from my “Life Application Study Bible” in preparation to answering the questions below. Enjoy this weeks “Refresco”!

(v. 4) We can’t really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. It’s easy to be kind to others when everything is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us unfairly? God wants to make us mature and complete, not to keep us from all pain.  Instead of complaining about our stress and our struggles, we should see them as opportunities for growth. Thank God for promising to be with us in rough times. Ask Him to help you solve your problems and face your stress and to give you the strength to endure them. Then be patient. God will not leave you alone with your problems; He will stay close and help understand how you can profit from them and grow close to Him at the same time.

(v. 5) By wisdom, James is talking not only about knowledge, but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances and to understand how God is using them in us. The wisdom that we need has three distinct characteristics: (1) It’s practical. The wisdom God relates to life even during the most trying times. It’s not a wisdom isolated from suffering, stress and trials. this wisdom is the tool by which trails are overcome. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person puts profound ideas into action. (2) It’s divine. God’s wisdom goes beyond common sense. Common sense does not lead us to choose joy in the middle of trials. This wisdom begins with respect for God, leads to living by God’s direction, and results in the  ability to tell right from wrong. It is a wisdom that James describes at length in chapter 3. (3) It is Christlike. Asking for wisdom is ultimately asking to be like Christ. The Bible identifies Christ as the “wisdom of God”. (1 Cor. 1:24; 2:1-7)

(v. 6) To “believe and not doubt” means not only believing in the existence of God, but also believing in His loving care. It includes relying on God’s direction, and results in the ability to tell right from wrong. It includes relying on God and expecting that He will hear and answer when we pray. We must put away our critical attitude when we come to Him. God does not grant every thoughtless or selfish request. We must have confidence that God will align our desires with His purposes.

(v. 6) A mind that waivers is not completely convinced that God’s way is best. It treats God’s Word like any human advice, and it retains the option to disobey. It vacillates between allegiance to subjective feelings, the world’s ideas, and God’s commands. If your faith is new, weak, or struggling, remember that you can trust God. Then be loyal to Him. To stabilize your wavering or doubtful mind, commit yourself wholeheartedly to God.  
    
(v. 6-8) If you have ever seen the constant rolling of huge waves at sea, you know how restless they are - subject to the forces of wind, gravity, and tide. Doubt leaves a person as unsettled at the restless waves. If you want to stop being tossed about, rely on God to show you what is best for you. Ask Him for wisdom to understand what you can profit from the stress you are facing. Trust that God will answer your prayer. Then your decisions will be sure and solid.

Explore:
What is your attitude towards taking test? Read (v.3), what is your attitude towards this test? Why? What task of project have you accomplished that required great perseverance?

Get it:
According to James, what should a Christians’ attitude be when facing trials? How often is this your attitude in your own difficult stressful times? Why is enduring important? What reward/profit comes with enduring in the faith?

Apply:
What does it mean to be “mature and complete” (v. 4)? Who do you know that you think could be described this way? What characteristics do you see in this persons life? Are there any that you could emulate or apply in your life? What is a trial you have faced in your life? What helped you through it? In what area of your life do you need wisdom from God right now? What has kept you from asking for it?

Quoted from “Life Application Bible”