03.22.09
“The Stone of Surrender”
MESSAGE RECAP
This week Pastor Daniel kicked off a four part series called Old Time Religion – Lifepoint Church is a new school church with some old school roots.
In Joshua 4 after the children of Israel had just crossed the Jordan River Joshua told the people to take stones from the river and place them as stones of remembrance.
As a symbol to remind them of the great thing that God had done.
The first stone that must be laid is the stone of surrender.
Pastor described how that we are in a “my right” generation and that this attitude has made it’s way into our faith.
And we begin to view Jesus as a means to have my desires met instead of a king to surrender my life to.
In Matthew 16:13-14 - Jesus is hanging out with his disciples and they have just come off a rock star tour. They have seen Jesus feed 5000, perform many miracles, and walk on water. When he poses this important question.
Who do people say that I am?
The disciples responded some say Elijah some say Jeremiah – they didn’t really know who Jesus was – but they knew there some powerful about him – they knew there was something supernatural about him.
They had seen the miracles He performed – they had heard him teach and it had impacted their lives.
But they were unsure about who He was.
Then Jesus – as only he can do, holds up the mirror to His disciples and says in verse 15.
But what about you?
What about you guys – you’ve been with me – you know me better than the crowds – who do you say that I am?
Are you going to go with the public opinion polls?
What about you?
I’ve heard what the crowds are saying but I want to know
What about you?
And Peter responds in verses16-17.
“You are the Christ!! The Son of the Living God!”
In other words Peter was Jesus you are God!! You are the Savior.
You’re not a cheap imitation of the real thing – you’re not a prophet that has come back to life.
Jesus you are worthy of our total surrender.
See surrender means to cease resistance and hand over authority.
That means that Jesus has ALL authority in your life!!!
That means that your money now belongs to Jesus.
That means that Jesus has authority over your relationships.
That means that Jesus has authority over your career plans.
That means that Jesus has authority over your thoughts and actions.
That means that Jesus has authority over your time.
To cease resistance and hand over authority.
It’s a transfer of power!!
For most of us there are three things that will keep us from total surrender.
John describes them like this in 1 John 2:15-17
The Lust of the flesh – sexual, physical desires – those that are outside the boundaries God has placed for your protection
The lust of the eyes – a desire for stuff – not that things are bad in and of themselves.
The pride of life – the idea that I have rights and I want what’s mine!!!
John said Hey, don’t follow after these things – because the world and the lust of the world are fading away.
See, this isn’t about what Jesus is trying to take from you – it’s about what he is trying to get to you!!
See you think Jesus is trying to pry all the fun out of your hands when he is trying to pour out unmerited favor on your life so that when the promotion comes your at the top of the list – so that your children walk in perpetual blessing – so that your family is covered under God’s protection.
But here is the deal – God can’t pour His blessing into your life until you release the grip you have on the things of this world.
SERVICE ELEMENTS:
“Point of Difference” Hillsong
www.lostinfredericksburg.com video
“No One Compares” Lifepoint Worship
“Solid Rock” Charlie Hall
“Losing My Religion” R.E.M.
Message Intro Video
Message