“Understanding God’s Vehicle: THE DREAM TEAM”

Have you ever thought of what a “dream team” would look like?

The first ten players for the “Dream Team” were officially selected on September 21, 1991: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls, John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz, Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers, Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics, Patrick Ewing of the New York Knicks, Chris Mullin of the Golden State Warriors, David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs, and Charles Barkley of the Philadelphia 76ers (later traded to the Phoenix Suns). David Robinson had played with the 1988 Olympic team, and was especially eager to earn a gold medal at Barcelona. Clyde Drexler of the Portland Trail Blazers was added to the team on May 12, 1992, along with Christian Laettner of Duke University. Laettner was the only player selected for the national team without any professional experience, and beat out Louisiana State University's Shaquille O'Neal for the final spot on the roster.

The Dream Team made its debut on June 28, 1992, at the Tournament of the Americas, an Olympic qualifying event in Portland, Oregon. The team defeated Cuba 136–57, prompting Cuban coach Miguel Calderón Gómez to say, “You can't cover the sun with your finger.” The next five games were also easy victories for Team USA, who ended the tournament on July 5, 1992, with a 127–80 victory over Venezuela.

At the Olympics, opposing teams were overwhelmed by the talent of the American roster, losing by an average of 43.8 points per game. The closest of the eight matches was Team USA's 117–85 victory in the gold medal game against Croatia. Charles Barkley was the Dream Team's leading scorer during the Olympics, averaging 18.0 points per game. Fans in Barcelona greeted the Dream Team with great enthusiasm. Fans gathered outside the team's hotel, hoping to see their favorite players. “It was like Elvis and the Beatles put together,” remarked Chuck Daly. Opposing basketball players and athletes from other sports often asked to have photographs taken with the players.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

As I have shared before I always have wanted to be a part of a winning team. It seems that all the sports teams that I have been a part of have gotten close to winning championships and titles but never have come out as number one until now. I have discovered through God’s word that the hope of this world lies in the hands of two entities: the church and the family. God has chosen these two to accomplish His dream. Let’s call them His “dream teams” and I get to be a part of both!

God has called us to be a part of His “dream team” for reaching, for reconciling His people back to Himself. (Matthew 28:19-20) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Often when I read this verse I am overwhelmed by it’s gargantuan mandate. Even though we have seen many people give their hearts to Christ through the ministry of Sierra Vista Community Church I realize that we haven’t made a dent on the work that needs to be done in our community. This grieves me since I have a deep passion to make a difference. I believe that God has allowed me to be born at this time, in the family I was born into, married the woman I did, placed me in the current ministry that I have and called me to not only pastor Sierra Vista Community Church but the entire community of Las Cruces.

Take a moment and read (Acts 18) so that you can get familiar with one of God’s dream teams. Their name was Priscilla and Aquila, two unlikely people who would make a huge difference in the Kingdom of God.

God cared for the apostle Paul in practical ways. He encouraged Paul in his ministry with a vision. He gave Paul good friends, such as Aquila and Priscilla, to encourage him in the faith. God even provided a way for Paul to support himself through tent making. Even though Paul had to face many obstacles and severe opposition to his preaching, God always provided enough resources so that Paul could serve him.

OPEN

1. When has an unexpected surprise brightened your day?

EXPLORE

2. How did Aquila and Priscilla help the apostle Paul? (17:2-3, 18)

3. How did the arrival of Silas and Timothy impact Paul’s ministry? (17:5)

4. What words of encouragement did God give to Paul in a vision? (17:9-10)

5. Why did Gallio throw Paul’s accusers out of his court? (17:12-16)

GET IT

6. When have the demands of ministry left you feeling drained?

7. How did God minister to you during that time?

8. How can friends within the church protect and support us?

9. In what circumstances do you tend to doubt God’s love and concern for you?

APPLY

10. How can you trust God to meet your needs today?

Question excerpted from Illumina Bible Program

Being born in 1956, I really got to see and experience a small part of the “hippie” movement of the 60’s as a very young child.

I was reflecting back on this time of my life and found myself being filled with images of my first real experiences with those who celebrated free drugs, free sex and free STD’s!

It was the summer of 1971 and I was just getting ready to start my sophomore year at Las Cruces High School when my dad took our family on our very first summer vacation. I remember piling into the back of my dad’s pickup along with my sisters. It was the first time we had actually taken a trip further than Alamogordo, Deming, El Paso or Hatch!

My dad decided that all of us needed to get to know our beautiful state better, so he planned this exciting trip to Northern New Mexico. We got to visit places like Taos, Espanola, the Rio Grand Gorge and of course, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, our state capital.

I found myself amused and intrigued with the people we encountered living on the Old Town Plazas in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. I studied them intently to see what they said and did, what they ate, how they dressed, even the music they played. And of course, I was even overtaken by the smell of their funny shaped cigarettes!

Little did I know that right in our backyard, not far from our house in San Pablo, was a cluster of these hippies living together in an old ranch house. I would often drive by their house as slow as I could, without tipping over on my motorcycle, just to get a glimpse of them. One day I began to count all the adults and kids who were just hanging out and I was taken back by how many people were living there. At least seventy people were living on the grounds of this old ranch house.

As I began to ask questions about these different folks I found out that they were living together in what was called a “commune”. I was told that the money they earned, the house they lived in, the food they brought home and anything else belonging to them, was ALL community property. (I’ll leave the rest to your imagination!)

Later, I heard from a friend of mine who happened to be involved in another commune in Radium Springs, who was their pastor. This commune was different though. Yes, they were still considered hippies, but they were also known as “Jesus Freaks”. However, they did not share “all things”. They were born again followers of Christ that came to know Him through this Jesus movement.

After seeing how these two communes were so different, yet similar in function, I have to tell you that I was (and STILL am) intrigued by the possibility of a people living together and sharing all things that they had in common. After all, these people functioned in much the same way that our extended family did. I guess that is why I have such a great love for Acts 2:42-47. Please take a moment to read this passage of scripture as it will help you understand where this story is going.

After reading that passage, here are two questions to ask about it:

What is unique to this community?

What are some things to be common of every community that follows Jesus?

Read the following scriptures and answer the questions:

1. Genesis 2:15-25. In what ways is marriage supposed to be an environment for experiencing community?
2. Matthew 18:15-20. What role does community play in church discipline?
3. Acts 20:17-38. What elements of community do you see demonstrated between Paul and Ephesian elders?
4. Philippians 2:1-5. How does Paul describe the bond of Christian community?
5. 1 Corinthians 13. There are two distinct lists here: what love does and what love does not do. How can you be more loving in your community?

Taking It Deeper:

Reflect on how these verses inform us as to what TRUE biblical community looks like:

·      Mark 9:50  Be at peace with one another.

·      John 13:14  Wash one another’s feet.

·      John 13:34-35; 15:12,17  Love one another

·      Romans 13:8  Owe no one anything, expect to love one another.

·      Romans 12:10  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

·      Romans 12:16  Live in harmony with one another.

·      Romans 14:13 Let us not pass judgment on one another any longer.

·      Romans 15:7  Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you.

·      Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corithians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

·      1 Corinthains 11:33 Wait for one another when you come together to eat.

·      1 Corinthians 12:25 Members may have the same care for one another.

·      Galatians 5:13 Through love, serve one another.

·      Galatians 6:2  Bear one another’s burdens.

·      Galatains 5:15  If you bite and devour one another, watch out that you’re not consumed by one another.

·      Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking ... [and] envying one another.

·      Ephesians 4:32  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.

·      Ephesians 5:19  Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.

·      Ephesians 5:21  Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

·      Colossians 3:9  Do not lie to one another.

·      Colossians 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly ... admonishing one another.

·      1 Thessalonians 3:12  May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another.

·      1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11 Hebrews 10:25 Encourage one another.

Questions excerpted from Disciple-Getting Your Identity From Jesus by Bill Clem

“UNDERSTANDING GOD’S VENTURE - WORSHIP”

I always enjoy this time of the year. It’s cooling down, the mornings are just right, the sunsets and sunrises are beautiful, but that’s not why it is so special to me. What makes it special for me is the fact that twice a year I do a message or series of messages reminding us what God has called us, His church, to do around this time every year.
    
For the last three weeks we have been taking a closer look at Acts 2:42-47. We have already looked at “What Makes A Great Church”: it’s values, and last week- it’s vision and now this week- it’s venture. For the next few weeks we will break down the venture God has called us to, beginning this Sunday with God’s venture: worship.
    
We are told that in America we are living in a “post church” generation, which means that some children will NEVER shadow the doorway of a church in their entire life! That startles me and alarms me! With this in mind, when we begin to talk about worship our minds conjures up many different ideas.
    
Gayla and I have had the privilege of representing our Lord and Sierra Vista Community Church by being in many parts of our world. We have been in some of the most beautiful and ancient mosques in both Egypt and Palestine. We have attended mass in some of the most ancient, ornate gothic cathedrals in Spain, Palestine and Israel. We have also seen some of the oldest pujas (shrines/temples) in Nepal. But we have also sat in some of the simplest Evangelical Christian churches in Costa Rica, Nepal, Spain and Ramallah in the West Bank. Then you consider my own religious up bringing and it’s no wonder we all tend to struggle with an understanding what true worship is.
    
One of my favorite passages of scripture is (John 4:19-24) where a Samaritan woman encounters Jesus and initiates a spirited conversation about worship. The Bible tells us that she is a Samaritan. In today’s culture she would be known as mestiza (a mixed breed, specifically a person of European and American Indian ancestry.)  But, in this case, it was intermarriage of some, though not all, Jews and Gentiles.
    
This Samaritan woman obviously was speaking to Jesus from her racial, religious, cultural and regional perspective. Her main argument hinged on John 4:20:“Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.”
   
It’s interesting to me how this argument is still prevalent today! Well meaning people argue about the how, where, when, and what is the right way to worship. But in the midst of all this, we loose sight of what God has called us to do, which is to WORSHIP Him!
    
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “worship”?  Is it the image of Abraham taking his son Isaac up to the mountain in Moriah, (Genesis 22:5) “… I and the boy will go over there and worship …”?  Or is it an Old Testament priest slaughtering an atonement lamb? If you’re from the south, maybe it’s a backwoods snake handler. Or maybe if you were raised in a Pentecostal church, it’s a memory of someone running down the aisle hurdling over chairs. If you are from Northern New Mexico, perhaps it’s a Penitente fraternity where members carry heavy crosses during Holy Week, and have been known to submit to some form of crucifixion.
    
Let’s go back to John 4:20-24. The first thing we notice is Jesus saying, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.”  Jesus was calling the woman to live her life as a worship service rather than calling her to go to one. Jesus is the “where” and the “how” we meet with God. Jesus was telling her that the Father is seeking those who will discover Him in the everyday occurrences of life, responding to him in ways that please and glorify Him.
    
Secondly, Jesus says to the woman, “You worship what you do not know, we worship what we know ...” (v. 22) If you are having trouble worshiping God, this just may be the key! Maybe your trying to worship someone who you do not know. Since I know God and we have an ongoing relationship, worship comes easier for me now.
    
Let me encourage you, if you have never placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, why don’t you consider doing so today?
    
The Bible explains how you can have a personal relationship with Him in Romans 10:9-10 “... if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Would you confess your faith to the Lord by praying this simple prayer? “God, today I ask that you save me and set me free from sin.  I thank you for the gift of forgiveness and enternal life through your Son, Jesus Christ. And by your Holy Spirit, I ask you to be my Lord and Savior.”
   
If this is the first time you have prayed this prayer giving your heart and life to Jesus; welcome to the family of God!
    
Jesus makes the following confident statement, “... we worship what we know.”
    
Now you go and worship what/who you have come to know. See you Sunday!

Questions/assignments:

• Read Psalms 27, 73 & 84, and record your observations about worship.
• Read Exodus 20:1-11. What is the correspondence between obedience and worship?
• Read Psalm 103. What do you think it means to “bless the Lord”?
• Read Isaiah 40 and record the awe-inspiriting aspects of God.
• Read 1 John 4:7-21. What do you observe about God’s love? How does it enhance your worship?

Questions excerpted from Disciple-Getting Your Identity From Jesus by Bill Clem

“SEEING THE WORLD AS JESUS DOES”

Ice Breaker: When you’re really thirsty, what quenches your thirst the best?       

        This week we will be looking specifically at John 4:35-39 and Matthew 9:35-38. Please take a moment to read both passages before you begin this study. In fact it would be to your benefit to read John 4:7-42.

        This particular passage is one of my favorite. I hope it speaks to you and challenges you as it has me. Enjoy the study!
       
        Here are some comments taken from my Life Application Bible that will aid you in understanding the passage better.

        (4:34) The “food” about which Jesus was speaking was His spiritual nourishment. It includes more than Bible study, prayer and attending church. Spiritual nourishment also comes from doing God’s will and helping to bring His work of salvation to completion. We are nourished not only by what we take in, but also what we give out for God. In 17:4, Jesus refers to completing God’s work on earth.

        (4:35) Sometimes Christians excuse themselves from witnessing by saying that their family or friends aren’t ready to believe. Jesus however, makes it clear that around us a continual harvest waits to be reaped. Don’t let Jesus find you making excuses. Look around. You will find people ready to hear God’s word.

        (4:36-38) The wages Jesus offers are the joy of working for Him and seeing the harvest of believers. These wages come to sower and reaper alike because both find joy in seeing new believers come into Christ’s kingdom. The phrase “others have done the hard work” (4:38) may refer to the Old Testament prophets and to John the Baptist, who paved the way for the gospel.

         (4:39) The Samaritan woman immediately shared her experience with others. Despite her reputation, many took her invitation and came out to meet Jesus. Perhaps there are sins in our past of which we are ashamed. But Christ changes us. As people see these changes, they become curious. Use these opportunities to introduce them to Christ.

        Instead of avoiding Samaria as Jews often did, Jesus passed through this area that Jews considered inhabited by spiritual and ethnic half-breeds (mestizos). Not only that, but Jesus stopped to talk to a woman of questionable reputation.


Personal  And Group Questions:

• How would you describe this woman’s response for most of her conversation with Jesus? Why?
• What most influenced the woman to consider that the man she was talking to was the Messiah?
• Jesus offered this woman “living water” for what she was thirsting for in life. What do you think she really wanted?
• Jesus overcame social and cultural differences to reach this woman. How can you overcome those same barriers?
• What are you thirsting for most in life right now?
• What do you need to do to relieve your spiritual thirst?
• Considering your interest in “spiritual thing,” are you more like the disciples or the woman? Why?
• What have you learned from the woman about telling others about Jesus?
• How would you like this group to pray for you?

Some questions excerpted from Serendipity Bible & Small Group Questions

“WHAT MAKES A GREAT DREAM?”

I came across this in my personal study this week and wanted to pass it on to you just as it is written. Enjoy!

(Proverbs 29:18)

[KJV] “Where there is no vision, the people perish:  but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

[NIV] “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.”

[NCV] “Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been taught are happy.”

[TEV] “A nation without God's guidance is a nation without order. Happy is the man who keeps God's law!

[TLB) Where there is ignorance of God, crime runs wild; but what a wonderful thing it is for a nation to know and keep his laws.

The KJV has led many to misinterpret this verse. Vision--does not mean the ability to formulate goals and plans, but “God's revelation” [NIV]. [Jamieson, Fausset, And Brown Commentary] Vision. i.e., prophetic revelation. Without prophetic revelation from God, people are unrestrained, and fall under judgment. [Ryrie SB]

“Vision” refers to words from God received by prophets. Where there is ignorance of God, crime and sin run wild. Public morality depends on the knowledge of God, but it also depends on keeping God’s laws. In order for both nations and individuals to function well, people must know God’s ways and keep his rules. [Life Application SB] That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner, and exalts the Savior, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing. [Matthew Henry Commentary]

“Where there is no vision . . . .” When once we lose sight of God, we begin to be reckless, we cast off certain restraints, we cast  off praying, we castoff the vision of God in little things, and  begin to act on our own initiative. If we are eating what we have out of our own hand, doing things on our own initiative without expecting God to come in, we are on the downward path, we have lost the vision. Is our attitude today an attitude that springs from our vision of God? Are we expecting God to do greater things than He has ever done? Is there a freshness and vigor in our spiritual outlook. [Chambers, Oswald, My Utmost for His Highest]

In today's society the Bible has been trampled upon by the feet of man. No longer do the masses look to the book of books for instruction in righteousness but perish with humanist views and new age propaganda, each man doing what is right in his own eyes. Nations throughout history have and always will fall without the guidance of God. The validity of the scriptures is being attacked on every side. Have they not read, have they not heard, God will preserve his word throughout eternity? Many have tried to destroy it and have failed miserably. I challenge those who deny that the scriptures come from God to seek out and do a fervent study, look at the evidences that surround us...do not take the easy way out, give a reason for what you spew about.  Look to history. Suzanne Whelan suewhelan@mediaone.net

The world operates on vision. God’s people live by revelation. The world seeks grand and noble purposes and goals to achieve. People dream up the greatest and most satisfying things in which they can invest their lives. Institutions establish goals and objectives, and then organize themselves to achieve them. God’s people function in a radically different way. Christians arrange their lives based on the revelation of God, regardless of whether it makes sense to them.  God does not ask for our opinion about what is best for our future, our family, our church, or our country. He already knows! What God wants is to get the attention of His people and reveal to us what is on HIS heart, and what is HIS will, for God's ways are not our ways! (Isa. 55:8-9).

Whenever people do not base their lives on God's revelation, they “cast off restraint” (see Psalm 2). That is, they do what is right in their own eyes. They set their goals, arrange their agendas, and then pray for God's blessings. Some Christians are living far outside the will of God, yet they have the audacity to pray and ask God to bless their efforts!

The only way for you to know God's will is for Him to reveal it to you. You will never discover it on your own. When you hear from the Father, you have an immediate agenda for your life: obedience. As the writer of Proverbs observed: “Happy is he who keeps the law.” from "Experiencing God Day-by-Day", the January 7 entry. sharonkolff@juno.com

·      As a child, what did you dream of becoming? Has that been realized in your life? If no, why not?

·      If you could dream of doing something “BIG” for God, what would it be? What is keeping you from doing it?

·      In your own words, how would you define “vision”? Now go back and reread Proverbs 29:18. How do you think the Bible defines it?

·      Read Psalm 2. What does this passage say about those that don’t follow prophetic divine revelation?

·      How do you need to adjust your life to better live out God’s vision? What is holding you back?

excerpted from www.abible.com

“Catching God’s Vision For His Church”

Recently, I’ve been reading through the book of Acts and, once again, I have been both challenged and thrilled at the same time.

 

I began to read it with some questions in mind: 1) What makes a great church? 2) What caused growth in the early church? 3) How was the early church structured? 4) How can we at Sierra Vista be more in alignment with the church in Acts?

It could be dangerous to enter into a study with questions like this because you can be assured that God will answer them through His Word!

Let me ask you the same questions. In your opinion, what makes a great church? Is it a large building? Is it having a healthy budget? Is it having a dynamic, well-known ministry staff? Is it having lots of programs or multiple services? Is it having over a certain amount in attendance?

We live in an age, that with a click of a mouse, we can access all kinds of resources. I recently did an internet search on “Church Growth” and I was amazed at how many experts there are on the subject and how much has been written about it. But, the question still remains, what does God say is the key to church growth? What is your opinion on this? As you strive to answer this, be sure to make it void of your preferences, religious culture and religious upbringing. Let God’s word guide you.

Sometimes our churches take on the make-up or structure of an organization instead of remaining an organism, something that is living! In your opinion what are some set backs to our contemporary churches structure?

As you look at our modern church what are some things that you know through God’s word that need to change or realign with the church in the book of Acts?

I pose these questions to you, not only to stimulate your thinking, but also to encourage you to give me your input on what you think. I really am anxious to hear from you.

I highly encourage you to come join us this Sunday as we begin our new series “Catching God’s Vision For His Church”. This week I will begin with “What Makes A Great Church?” as we look at God’s word for answers.

This Sunday also marks our relaunch of our LIFE Groups. Why don’t you make plans to try  one out this week? Refer to the  bulletin for meeting times and places.

Read: Acts 4:32-37

Differences of opinion are inevitable among human personalities and can actually be helpful if handled well. But, spiritual unity is essential– loyalty, commitment, and love for God and his Word. Without spiritual unity, the church could not survive! Paul wrote the letter of 1 Corinthians to urge the church in Corinth toward greater unity.

None of these Christians felt that what they had was their own, and so, they were able to give and share, eliminating poverty among them. They would not let a brother or sister suffer when others had plenty. How do you feel about your possessions? We should adopt the attitude that everything we have comes from God, and we are only sharing what is already his.

The early church was able to share possessions and property as a result of the unity brought by the Holy Spirit working in and through the believers’ lives. This way of living is different from communism because:

• The sharing was voluntary.
• It didn’t involve all private property but only as much as was needed.
• It was not a membership requirement in order to be a part of the church.

The spiritual unity and generosity of these early believers attracted others to them. This organizational structure is not a biblical command, but it does offer vital principles for us to follow.

Barnabas (Joseph) was a respected leader of the church. He was a Levite by birth, a member of the Jewish tribe that carried out Temple duties. But his family had moved to Cyprus, so Barnabas didn’t serve in the Temple. He instead traveled with Paul on Paul’s first missionary journey (13:1).

• In what small group setting have you sensed the most unity: A Life Group? A team? A Bible Study? A Family? Why?
• Take a moment and compare Acts 4: 32-35 with Acts 2:42-47. What qualities mark this church? Take a moment and list them.
• How well does verse 32 describe your relationship with others in your church? What would have to change for such sharing to be possible?
• What can you personally do to promote this type of unity as mentioned in these verses?