R is for REAL. Say that with me. R is for REAL. You must be real if you hope to REEL them in. Here’s the picture: Rosebank represents a river. On the edge of the river the congregation is gathered. Everyone has a fishing pole because Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you ___________________________________. We all have a fishing pole. The line is in the water but there is a problem. Some of the poles do not have a REEL. So when there is a nibble of interest, there is no way to reel them in. You must be REAL if you are to REEL them in.
Listen closely and hear me clearly. It is God’s absolute intention that Christians reproduce. You were made to produce fruit. All you need to be fruitful is found in Christ and His Word. He has not been tried and failed. It is we who fail to turn to Him and try. You are without excuse if your life as a Christian is barren. Many people here this morning if asked, would confess that, “Yes, I love Jesus.” But think about it, “Love is seen to be love in the action it prompts,” and nothing is more important, I SAID – Nothing is more important than reconciling men and women, boys and girls into right relationships with God. It is what Jesus came to do, and when he left he passed along the ministry of reconciliation to who? 2 Cor. 5:18 [18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation
The Fishing Club:
Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. And lo, there were many fish in the waters all around. In fact, the whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes filled with fish. And the fish were hungry.
Week after week, month after month, and year after year, those who called themselves fishermen met in meetings and talked about their call to fish, the abundance of fish, and how they might go about fishing. Year after year they carefully defined what fishing means, defined fishing as an occupation, and declared that fishing is always to be a primary task of fishermen.
These fishermen built large, beautiful buildings for local fishing headquarters. The plea was that everyone should be a fisherman, every fisherman should fish. One thing they didn’t do, however; they didn’t fish.
In addition to meeting regularly, they organized a board to send out fishermen to other places where there were many fish. The board was formed by those who had the great vision and courage to speak about fishing, to define fishing, to promote the idea of fishing in faraway streams and lakes where many other fish of different colors lived. Also the board hired staffs and appointed committees and held many meetings to define fishing, to defend fishing, to decide what new streams should be thought about. But the staff and committee members did not fish.
Large, elaborate, and expensive training centers were built who’s original and primary purpose was to teach fishermen how to fish. Over the years courses were offered on the needs of the fish, the nature of the fish, how to define fish, the psychological reactions of the fish, and how to approach and feed fish. Those who taught had doctorates in “fishology.” But the teachers did not fish. They only taught fishing.
Further, the fishermen built large printing houses to publish fishing guides. Presses were kept busy night and day to produce materials solely devoted to fishing methods, equipment, and programs to arrange and encourage meetings to talk about fishing. A speaker’s bureau was also provided to schedule special speakers on the subject of fishing.
After one stirring meeting on “The necessity of Fishing,” one young fellow left the meeting and went fishing. The next day he reported that he had caught two outstanding fish. He was honored for his excellent catch and scheduled to visit all the big meetings possible to tell how he did it. So he quit fishing in order to have time to tell about the experience to the other fishermen. He was also placed on the Fishermen’s General Board as a person having considerable experience.
Imagine how hurt some were when one day a person suggested that those who don’t fish were not really fishermen, no matter how much they claimed to be. Yet it did sound correct. Is a person a fisherman if year after year never catches a fish? After all, were they not following the Master who said, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men?” (Matthew 4:19)? Is one following if he isn’t fishing?”
Andrew went to find his brother Peter and said, “I have found someone I can’t wait for you to meet. Come with me.” And he brought his brother to Jesus.
It was just that simple.
IT STILL IS.
R is for REAL. Real Christians were designed to reel in the lost. I call you to fish.
The next letter in Rosebank is “O.”
The great Christian statesman and cofounder of the Salvation Army, William Booth had seen tremendous growth in the movement. It had become his custom every Christmas eve to send a message of inspiration and encouragement via telegraph to all of the leaders
Throughout their growing work, world wide. It had however become increasingly expensive to send that telegraph, so faced with the conflict of desire to inspire on the one hand, and frugal stewardship on the other hand, Booth reduced his annual Christmas message to one word, “OTHERS.” O is for others. Say that with me.
Here’s the picture friends. Look down from above on a map of Rosebank and draw a big circle that extends 5 miles in any direction from Rosebank. What do you see? Thousands of people who need Jesus Christ. Thousands of whom the scriptures say, “He who believes in Him (Jesus Christ) is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already.” Jn.3:18. Just over 14% of the population in Waterloo Region attend church regularly. Just over 4% of those attend a Bible believing, evangelical church that teaches the truth that we face one of two eternal destinations. Heaven or Hell. Hell is the default destination. Do nothing and that is your eternal home. The verse we just read says that without expressing faith in Jesus Christ, you are condemned already.
Everyone who calls themselves Christian needs to be focused on others. It is the path to real JOY Jesus first, Others Second, Yourself last. If you want to feel significant and know for certain that your life counts for something – then you must live your life focused on others. “Ask not what others can do for you, but what you can do for others.” Jesus set the example.
R is for REAL
O is for Others Now….
S is for Servanthood, say that with me.
Someone has once said, “We are saved to serve,” Jesus said, “Do you want to be great in God’s kingdom, … learn to be the servant of all.” Matt.20:27 The Greek word for servant is doulos. I love to use my Greek because I found it hard to learn in seminary and I love to use it. Our seminary professor, Dr. Penner said, “Learning Greek is difficult. It’s like a mother porcupine having a breech-birth.” So from time to time you’ll hear me using my Greek. Doulos, means slave. Not only a servant but a slave. A slave is one who’s will is lost in the will of His master. He has no personal agenda, but to please his master. Two quick stories. Twice I’ve been warned that someone might be hostile towards me because I was a pastor. Don Middlemiss, pastor of Orchard Creek BIC called one day a few years ago and said that a family was moving to the Wiarton area and she had come to their congregation periodically over the past few years. Would I call on her. I was warned that her husband did not like pastors and having been a collection and repossession man most of his career, he might not be too pleasant with me. Unbeknown to them, I found out when their moving day was and 3 of our men showed up to meet the truck and serve them by helping them move in. Gord, the dad could not get over how people he didn’t even know were willing to help him. The next week he joined Mary in church. Within months I had the privilege of seeing him come to Christ and then baptizing him and one of their teenage daughters too, who has since been on two missions trips. Two days before we moved to Rosebank, I stood in their driveway and they cried, and I cried, and Gord gave me the Easy-glider swing you see sitting on our back patio – a gift of appreciation that had it’s root in serving.
One day I spotted a man in a wheel chair trying to pile wood in his garage that he had had delivered to his driveway. I organized a group of men and we piled the wood for him. He showed up at church, three months later committed his life to Christ. His wife told me one day as I visited their home that if she ever showed up in church the roof would cave in. I reminded her of that at the end of the first service she attended. She too ended up giving her life to Christ and I baptized both of them. Then Caroline began to witness at work and soon her boss, Donna and her husband showed up. They too gave their lives to Christ and were baptized. Being real, reels them in. Being focused on others helps you to see opportunities to serve, and serving brings salvation to many. S is for ____________.
R – is be ______________
O – focus on ____________
S – is _____________
E – is Enthusiasm say that with me.
Someone once said, “Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.” It is true that enthusiasm and effort are tied together. The Bible says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” You can do more than you ever thought you could. Is what you have worth sharing? Clayton, a farm boy near my teen home at Chesley Lake, fell in love with the neighbor girl Patsy, one concession over. He started to visit her regularly, but it was quite a walk. There was however a shortcut he could take through Mr. Foreman’s field. The only problem with that was that Mr. Foreman grazed his Charolais Bull – “Crusher.” Clayton was late for a date one day and noticing that Crusher was way down at the other end of the field, he decided that he would quietly climb the fence and make his way across the field, thereby saving himself a good deal of time. He was approximately half way across the field when “Crusher” caught him in his peripheral vision. He only pawed the ground a couple of times before he charged. Clayton, feeling mightily motivated, broke into a run. He was about 200 yards from the far fence and he began to pump the ground with muscles he didn’t even know he had. Clayt was no match however for “Crusher” who was not gaining ground at an alarming rate. The huge bovine bundle of massive muscle hurtled down the field, it’s hooves shaking the ground like mighty roars of thunder. Clayton strained with all his might, but even he could see the fence was just too far away. There was however, one single tree in this field that might be his salvation but the first branch was at least 15 feet in the air. Clayt had never yet touched the 10 foot rim of a basketball net, how could he ever make this branch? But in a nanosecond of terrifying time, he realized this was his only hope. The ground below him was shaking with every hoof beat. He thought he could feel the steam propelling from the flared nostrils of the enraged “Crusher,” A second before he was to be crushed and gored, Clayton jumped with all his might for the one single branch that might save his life and ….. He missed it. But, listen, it turned out okay, because he was able to catch it on the way back down.
None of us know for sure what we can do until we have the proper motivation, and all of us can do far more than we ever dreamed we could when we clearly understand the one who is at the finish line, cheering us on and helping us run the race of life. It is my job to help us get to know HIM better and it is your job to respond with enthusiasm. E is for ______________
R is for _______________
O is for _____________
S is for _____________
E is for ______________
B is for Believe: say that with me.
Will you believe God for great things in the days to come. I believe that one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that God has given me is the gift of faith. I believe that God is going to do great things for us, and in us so that he can accomplish great things in this area through us. Did you know that bumble bees can’t fly. According to the most extensive aerodynamic research, Queen Bees can not fly! Their wings are too short for the size and weight of their bodies. (I understand that! And I see some of you do too) The only thing is, no one has told the bumble bee that they can’t fly. So they do!
God has called us to fix our gaze on that which is above; to have an eternal perspective. To look up and fix our eyes on the goal. When we wait on him we will soar like eagles. We were designed for the heights, to soar and be carried by the currents of the wind of God’s Holy Spirit. Many of us are caught in what I call the parable of the pig.
How many of you have raise pigs? You know pigs can’t look up. They can only move their head so high. They will try to roll their eyes up, but try as they might, they can not see directly above them. They spend their lives groveling in the mud, the muck and the mire. Their god is their belly and they live for the trough. The only way you get a pig to look up is to put it on it’s back. (Let him who has ears hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.) WE need to believe God for Great things not because of our great abilities or talents but because he is worthy of our trust and faith and he is still wandering back and forth on the earth searching for those who’s hearts are perfect towards Him. It is He who said when he sees those who will really trust Him, He will show Himself strong on their behalf. WE HERE AT ROSEBANK ARE THE PEOPLE LORD! OUR EYES ARE FIXED ON YOU AND IN YOU ALONE WE PLACE OUR TRUST! Do what you will do Lord.
B is for _______________________
R is for _______
O is for __________
S is for _________
E is for __________
B is for __________
A is for Action. Say that with me.
A woman came to her pastor and said, my husband has not told me he loves me even once in the past 15 years of marriage. The pastor was concerned and the first opportunity he had he asked the man about it and he said, “I told her when I married her 15 years ago that I loved her and if it ever changes, I’ll tell her then.” We all know that love is not a just a noun but an active verb. It is seen to be real in the action it prompts. Your love for God is only seen to be real in the action it prompts. If you call yourself a real live Christian but you do not have the vital signs to back it up – guess what.
A pastor friend of ours tells the story of his visit to a grocery store where he saw a lady with a baby in her shopping cart. In an attempt to be friendly he said, “That’s a cute baby you have.” The woman scowled at him and moved quickly away. He was surprised and thought surely he’d been misunderstood, so he pursued her down the aisle and tried again. “I was just commenting on the fact that you have a cute baby.” She spat back at him, “You don’t know anything at all,” and she marched off again. Our pastor friend, refusing to leave this situation alone because he could see that he had somehow offended the lady approached her one more time. “Mam, please forgive me. I certainly did not mean to upset you. You see I’m a pastor and I was simply trying to be friendly when I made the comment about your baby.” With that she began to cry, heaving great sobs of pent up anguish. When she gained control, she looked Phil in the eye and said, “I’m sorry! You don’t know us obviously. Today has just been a really bad day for me. You see that baby is not what you think. He was born with a genetic flaw that has not allowed him to grow. He is alive, yes, but he’s almost 20 years old, and he has needed special care every day of his life.
God intends that we after we say “Yes,” to the offer of forgiveness, and are born again, that we will begin to feed and work our way out of the maternity ward. Yet in every church today, including this one there are those who would say, yes I’ve accepted Christ but you are not feeding daily on His Word, in His presence and with others who are growing and you remain a burden on heart of your loving Father, rather than the blessing he created you to be. He has one message for you: “Grow UP!” Feed your spirit every day in all the right ways, and get strong and mighty in spirit so you can go and do exploits in the name of your God. Put feet to your faith and do something for Christ’s sake! A is for _________________
R is for ___________
O is for ____________
S is for ____________
E is for ____________
B is for __________
A is for ___________
N is for new. Say that with me. Isaiah 43:19
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
God us up to something at Rosebank and he is calling you to get on board for the ride of your life. Now listen, one would have to be a fool not to recognize and be grateful for the old landmarks, the traditions that have come out of past greatness. So we hang on to those moorings, but one would also have to be a fool to park there. So with one hand hanging on to the rich heritage of the past we must stretch forward to the great things God is and will unfold for us. Insanity is doing things the way you’ve always done them and expecting a different result. God’s way is always fresh and unfolding. While his truth is absolute and never changes the medium of sharing and expressing that truth must change and be relevant if we are to win our culture for Christ. There are non negotiable fundamentals that can never change if the Gospel is to be preached in all its fullness and life-changing power, but there are many ways to couch that timeless message and deliver it in a way that will impact the society we are called to serve. The one who has promised in Revelation to make “All things new,” would have you and I to embrace every new and effective way we can share the old, old story for his glory and the good of the church.
N is for _______________
We’re just about done!
R is for _______________
O is for____________
S is for ____________
E is for ______________
B is for ______________
A is for _____________
N is for _____________
And finally K is what all of these others hang on. It is the very most important!
K is - Know your God.
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, …” Philip. 3:10 My prayer as the new pastor at Rosebank is that we might be marked in the days to come as a church that is desperate to know him better and make him known. To understand the deep love he has for us.
On August 16th, 1987, Northwest Airlines flight 225 crashed just after taking off from Detroit airport, killing 155 people and leaving only on survivor, a four year old girl from Tempe Arizona named Cecilia. News accounts say that when rescuers first found Cecilia they did not believe that she had been on the plane. Investigators first assumed that Cecilia had been a passenger in one of the cars on the highway adjacent to the airport on to which the plane had crashed. But then, after the plane register was checked, there was Cecilia’s name as a passenger on the jet. In the weeks that followed the crash, aeronautical forensic scientists reconstructed the what was left of the burned and fragmented plane and they were able to determine from microscopic evidence as well as the passenger manifest exactly were Paula Chican and her daughter Cecilia had been sitting. They concluded that when the plane was going down, Paula quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and knelt in front of her little girl encircling her with her arms and hanging on for her dear life. Bruises found on Cecilia’s back were consistent with arms and hands being squeezed very tightly around her. Nothing could separate that little girl from her parents love, neither the fall, the crash or the flames that scortched her mothers body so badly.
Do you know the one who has loved you like no other? Do you know the one who gave his life so yours could be spared? You know him as you kneel before him. Only as you acknowledge who He is will you ever come to know for certain who you are called to be.
Shall we pray?