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“IF IT WASN'T FOR JESUS”
Good morning to every single one of you out there today. I wish we could sit down together this morning over a nice cup of coffee just to talk about God’s Word and what it means to us. You know, the Bible says that the Word is a “Light unto our feet.” Reading from the New International Version and the 119th Psalm, verse 105:
Psalm 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
And I believe that to be true. That verse also reminds me of a line from a hymn called “The Lighthouse,” that says . . . . “If it wasn’t for the lighthouse, where would this ship be?” Of course meaning, “If it wasn’t for Jesus, where would my life be?” And we’ll sing that hymn later on this morning. The Word of God in our Lord Jesus Christ truly is like the lighthouse metaphor used to help us understand the light of God’s Word. If it wasn’t for Jesus, if it wasn’t for that light of love, grace, and mercy, where would we be? We would be dashed upon the rocks, just like a ship lost in darkness and tossed unto the jagged rocks of life’s stormy seas. But first, let’s bow our heads in a word of prayer, if you would . . . . . . . . . LET US PRAY
Yes, if it wasn’t for Jesus, where would this ship be? Do you ever think about that, and do you ever think about what Jesus went through to bring us safely home? Theres also another song that tells about this, about what Jesus went through on the Cross, written by Kentucky songwriter Bill Castle, and recorded in 2002 by a group called Third Tyme Out. The song is entitled . . . . .
THE DREAM
“The Dream” – 2002 Bill Castle – Third Tyme Out- - D tuned - -
One night as I lay on my pillow While asleep in a dream I did go
To the place where they crucified Jesus On that Old Rugged Cross, cruel and cold
There the greatest love story was written Visualize with me if you will
Our Savior on that April morning As He carried the Cross up the hill
And I saw those nails, those old rusty nails, And the Crown made of thorns that He wore
So sad was the scene that I cried in my dream So great was the pain that He bore
They scorned and they mocked, He drank the bitter cup As He hung there with two common thieves
For He had to fulfill, His Father's own will And I was right there in a dream.
As I stood there on top of Mount Calvary In His pain I could hear His sad cry
From the sixth hour 'til nine there was darkness In my dream, Oh so helpless was I
I thank Him for that day on the mountain The price that He paid was supreme
In my heart I carry a picture of what I saw there in a dream.
Yes, that was the supreme price, the ultimate sacrifice Jesus paid upon the Cross for our salvation, and freely offered to whosoever will. Bill Castle wrote, “In my heart I carry a picture of what I saw there in a dream.” And so, I ask you this morning, “Do you carry in your heart, a picture of what Jesus did for you there?” I ask that because, if it wasn’t for Jesus, just like the lighthouse is intended for the safety of ships in darkness and tossed by storms at sea, if it wasn’t for Jesus, where would we be? To answer that question, the Bible says, “Without Jesus, we would be Spiritually Lost,” as the apostle Paul tells us from Ephesians 2:1, where it says . . . . . .
Ephesians 2:1 NIV And you were dead in your offenses and sins.
Paul went on to tell us that we would be, "Without hope and without God in the world," as he speaks about us before coming to Jesus . . . . From the book of . . . .
Ephesians 2:12 NIV remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
In other words, we would still be in our sins, just as Paul told us, when he was talking about the resurrection of Jesus, from the book of . . . .
1 Corinthians 15:17 NIV And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.
If it wasn’t for Jesus, where would we be? We would be overwhelmed by adversity: Just like the psalmist was trying to teach us about overcoming adversity, from . . . .
Psalm 124:1-3 NIV If the Lord had not been on our side— let Israel say — 2 if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, 3 they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us;
Yes, if Jesus wasn’t for us, where would we be? Do you see the parallel here, how Jesus, as the light of the world, can be metaphorically pictured as a lighthouse sending out it’s beam of light across dark and stormy waters, warning ships away from jagged rocks and leading them into safe harbor. The book of Proverbs uses another metaphor portraying the Lord as a strong, fortified tower, and says . . . .
Proverbs 18:10 NIV The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
There is safe harbor in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ. We read about that in a previous study quite some time back, as we learned about safety and rescue in times of adversity. There’s a great chapter about that very subject found in . . . . .
Psalm 107:28-30 NIV Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.
A safe haven; for ships that would be a safe harbor. For you and I, this would be the safety and salvation offered through Jesus Christ, the One called, the “Light of the world,” as found in the book of John, chapter 9, verse 5, where it says . . . .
John 9:5 NIV While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
How many of you remember what the very first five verses of the Book of John say about Jesus? I know many of you do. It says from . . . . . .
John 1:1-5 NIV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Without Jesus, where would we be? For Jesus is the “light of all mankind, and darkness has not overcome it!” Good News right there for every ear that hears, and every heart that embraces the Lord Jesus Christ. John said he himself was not the light, but that he came as a witness to the light. Listen to what Isaiah once said . . . .
Isaiah 9:2 NIV The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
The coming of Jesus fulfilled what Isaiah foretold, bringing the dawn of spiritual truth and light to a people living in the darkness of sin, in the shadow of death. That’s what we sing about when we sing the words of Amazing Grace, isn’t it? Words which say, “I was blind, but now I see!” The Word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ shines in a world blinded by the darkness of sin and the manifestations of hatred, anger, deceit, greed, and a lack of concern for the well-being of others. And as the light of God’s Word exposes these things, what do you think happens? Well, either one of two things. Have you ever seen what happens when you suddenly shine a bright light on a bunch of cockroaches? They panic and scatter in all directions to find the nearest dark place. They fear the light! In cockroaches it’s called “negative phototaxis,” meaning they are biologically wired to avoid bright lights and seek dark spaces. Now in humans, sin is like that. It loves the darkness, and hates the light. Humans might not so much scatter like cockroaches, they may, but mostly they fear the light. They hate the light, and often get very angry. We have seen throughout history how Christians are being persecuted, hated, and even put to death for spreading the light of the Gospel message.
But then, Praise God! Not everyone panics. Not everyone runs away. For throughout history, millions have come to believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As the light of God’s Word shines a light upon the hazardous rocks of sin, exposing the dangers of iniquity in a person’s life, much like a lighthouse warns of a dangerous reef or hazardous coastline, those who accept the Word, those who formerly walked in darkness can now say, “I was blind. But now I see!” And why can they now see? They can see because a light has dawned on this world of darkness, in and through the Word and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Isn’t that the purpose of shining a light upon our path? For light exposes the dangers, the rocks, and the pitfalls all along the way. Do you want to hear some more Good News about the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ . . . . ?
John 8:12 NIV When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Where would we be if it wasn’t for Jesus? The entire book of John emphasizes Jesus, and only Jesus, as being the Light of the World. He didn’t say Jesus was “a” light, but rather that is “THE” Light of the World, expressing the exclusive divinity of Jesus as the only true source of spiritual illumination and salvation. Just as the apostle Paul proclaimed from the book of . . . .
Acts 4:12 NIV Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Other religions and spiritual wannabes, even Satan himself have made spiritual proclamations since the beginning of man. But as God’s Word has shown us today, there is no other way, no other name by which we must be saved. So I ask, “If it wasn’t for Jesus, what would our lives be? Ask yourself this same question, “If it wasn’t Jesus, where would my life be? There’s a song, written in 1971, that talks about all these things. Written by Ronny Hinson, I first heard this sung by a good friend of mine from Montana. I’m sure you’ve it before, simply called . . . .
THE LIGHTHOUSE
“The Lighthouse” – 1971 Ronny Hinson - CCLI Song # 13876 -- C --
There's a lighthouse on a C7 hillside, that Foverlooks life's Csea
When I'm tossed it Amsends out a light, a D7light that I might G7see
And the Clight that shines in C7darkness, will Fsafely lead me Dmo’er
If it Cwasn't for the Amlighthouse my G7ship would sail no Cmore.
Everyone who lives C7around us, says Ftear that lighthouse Cdown
You know the big ships don't sail this Amway anymore,
there’s no D7use of it standing Ground But my Cmind goes back
to the C7stormy night when Fjust in time, I Dmsaw the light,
Oh the Clight from that old Amlighthouse, that G7stands up on the Chill.
And I Fthank CGod for the C7lighthouse, I Fowe my life to Chim.
For Jesus is the Amlighthouse, and D7from the rocks of Gsin,
He has Cshown the light C7around me that FI might clearly Dmsee
If it Cwasn't for the Amlighthouse tell me G7where would this ship Cbe?
. . . LET US PRAY
“PEACE IN THE VALLEY”
Good morning friends, neighbors, and family. It’s great to be here with you again, and I pray you are doing well today. God is good, isn’t He! And so I welcome you this 4th of July, Independence Day weekend, and though we have seen so much disaster in the news recently, still God is in control, and hearts are comforted by the blessing of peace we find in the abiding presence of Jesus in our lives. Yes, we have much to be thankful for, that’s true. And since that is true, why is it there are still people who so openly ignore God’s Word? For instance, this verse came up on my “Verse of the Day” Bible reading program, and I thought it might be good for us to pursue this biblical direction from the book of . . . .
Leviticus 19:18 NIV “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Yes, God is good and we have so much to be thankful for. But despite the goodness of God, and His commands, there still seems to be a great number of people who have trouble with the idea of not holding a grudge, or wanting to get some sort of revenge on others who have slighted them. Now, we’ll look at that, and some of the reasons why people have trouble with those feelings. But first, if that is something that you wrestle with yourself, or if you know someone who is troubled by those kinds of feelings . . . . . . . . . LET US PRAY
PEACE IN THE VALLEY
“Peace In The Valley” – 1939 Thomas A. Dorsey - Song Number: 99137 -- A --
Well I'm Btired and so B7weary, but EI must go Bon, Till the Lord comes and Db7calls, calls me aF#way, F#7
Well the Bmorning's so B7bright, and the ELamb is the Blight, And the night, night is as Db7black F#7as the Bsea, E B
There will be Epeace in the valley for Bme, some day.
There will be peace in the Db7valley for F#me, oh BLord I F#7pray. There'll be no Bsadness, no B7sorrow,
No Etrouble, I Db7see. There will be Bpeace in the Db7valley F#7for Bme E B
Well the Bbear will be B7gentle, and the Ewolves will be Btame, And the lion shall lay Db7down by the F#lamb, F#7
And the Bbeasts from the B7wild, shall be Eled by a Bchild
And I'll be changed, changed from this Db7creature F#7that I Bam, E B
Yes, peace in the valley is something we would all love to see. However, I know of a number of people in various parts of the country who have, at times, honestly felt that they personally have been slighted or maybe even gravely harmed by others. That abrasive or injurious experience has left them with a lingering grudge and the desire to somehow extract some measure of revenge upon the offending party. Somebody told me once that diabetics can’t get revenge? I asked, “Why can’t diabetics get revenge?” Why? Well, because revenge is sweet, or so it seems. But, that isn’t really true, because revenge isn’t sweet. Another old joke tells, that a man we into a bookstore and says: “I'd like this book on revenge please.” The cashier looks at him and says: “You'll pay for that.” All joking aside, I believe that is true. And why do I believe that’s true? Because as the Bible says from . . . . .
James 1:20 NIV Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Now, seeking revenge or holding a grudge could be over some small and somehow understandable situation. Or it could be some hugely consequential and serious matter. Either way, our Lord has directed us not to “seek revenge or hold a grudge against anyone.” In that sense this is definitely a spiritual matter concerning something that disrupts the peace we desire in our hearts and minds, and therefore it can also affect our relationship with God.
Now, this certainly involves the spiritual nature of a person, but there is also a basic physical reason why these feelings may arise in a person, sometimes even in the heart of someone who normally seems very gentle and even tempered. Have you ever heard someone say, “Wow, that person really did me wrong and made me so mad. I’d love to teach them a lesson.” Now, maybe they thought that for a moment or two, but then they soon got over those feelings of anger. And that’s good, that shows discipline and the hand of God’s blessing in their lives, helping them to overcome such disruptive feelings. But what is it that brings those feelings to the surface in the first place. A nasty response or harmful action may have triggered those feelings, which science tells us result in chemical releases within our brain which cause those feelings. The spiritual relationships we’ll speak of shortly, but first, what is it that science says happens to us physically to feed that feeling for revenge and for holding a grudge? Well, I did some reading, and the physical and biological reasons were explained this way . . . . . .
First, there’s what’s described as a “Dopamine Hit.” I read that short bursts of anger trigger a release of dopamine in the brain, creating a brief sense of pleasure and power, making the grudge feel strangely rewarding, and even addictive. Now, of course, this can be dealt with either through the spiritual means of prayer and your relationship with Christ Jesus, or as some people do, you could let those feelings push you on towards revenge and the holding of a grudge. The Bible tells us . . .
James 1:19-20 NIV My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Ephesians 4:26–27 NIV “In your anger do not sin:” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
The implication is that anger is an absolutely normal human emotion. However, which do you feel is best, revenge and holding a grudge, or allowing the Spirit of God to abide in your soul. Which is better, revenge, or Peace in the Valley?
Reading on, it said that revenge gives the “illusion of Control.” Yes! Seeking revenge gives people the “illusion,” a temporary feeling of being in control of the situation. It makes them feel like rendering justice, rather than merely being a helpless victim. In that way, holding a grudge, fosters what is called the “Justice Misconception,” meaning that grudge-holders tend to confuse forgiveness with letting the offender "win." They refuse to forgive, because that would somehow erase the crime, which is something that they are just not willing to overlook. Holding a grudge somehow makes them feel like, they are the ones maintaining a righteous moral stand. What was it the Bible said from . . . . ?
James 1:19-20 NIV My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Rather than finding peace in the valley, and producing the righteousness that God desires, anger, revenge, and holding a grudge instead ruins our witness, pushes people away, and compromises our integrity. Anger and revenge are driven by pride and the selfish desire to have things our own way. Anger is often used to intimidate and manipulate others. Once again, this does not produce the righteousness that God desires, as James told us in verse 20. And, because of that, James went on in verse 21 to say . . .
James 1:21 NIV Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
This humble acceptance of the Word planted in you is actually something the Bible calls wisdom, and is the exact opposite of the feelings of anger, ego, pride, and a grudge filled spirit that destroys. Therefore, which sounds better, revenge, anger, and a grudgeful spirit, or the humble acceptance of the Word, which can save you, as James said? Now remember, James was the half-brother of Jesus himself, and therefore you can be quite sure he knew what he was talking about! The entire book of James is in fact a very practical outline for how righteousness and peace operate in a believer's relationship not only with God, but also with our families, our friends, neighbors, and others in this world. Speaking of the wisdom of seeking peace, do you remember what James said about those who seek peace, rather than seeking revenge and holding a grudge . . . . ?
James 3:17-18 NIV But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
“Peacemakers reap a harvest of righteousness.” Some of you may remember hearing of a famous example of revenge and the holding of a grudge. It was seen in the nearly 30 year grudge-feud between the Hatfield & McCoys in the Appalachian mountains and valleys of Kentucky and West Virginia. Briefly stated, this grudge and revenge-feud involving land disputes, and a disagreement over a pig did not foster “Peace In the Valley,” but rather resulted in at least 13 confirmed deaths, 8 men sentenced to life in prison, and one sentenced to death by hanging.
Was anything gained? Was anything resolved? Were either of those families blessed by the results of revenge and anger, or comforted by the holding of a grudge for nearly 30 years? No! I believe James, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus was entirely correct when he said . . . . .
James 1:19-20 NIV My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Peace comes only through Jesus Christ and a right relationship with God. -- insert slide --
I showed this long, long ago, but I had this magnetic sticker stuck to the face of my guitar amplifier for decades. It simply says . . . “No God, No Peace. Know God, Know Peace.” That’s so very true. After all the things we studied today, after all the things James the half-brother of Jesus said about peace, let’s now listen to what Jesus said from what we call the Beatitudes, where he talked about living as peacemakers.
Matthew 5:3-12a NIV “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven . . . .
About the Beatitudes, a man once said . . . “This should be our attitudes!” And today, if living at peace, living above revenge and holding a grudge seems so difficult to accomplish, pray about it and do as this song says, for Someone really cares about you . . . .
DON’T GIVE UP
“Don't Give Up” – 1998 Rick Muchow - CCLI Song # 2019541 -- D --
DDon't give up, Some One really Bsusloves B7you.
Don't give Emup, SomeEm7One really Acares. A7
Don't give F#mup, Some One really Bsusloves B7you,
And that EmSome F#mOneG Ais the GLord.D
Keep the Dfaith, Some One really Bsusloves B7you.
Keep the Emfaith, Some One Em7really A7cares.
Keep the F#mfaith, Some One really Bsusloves B7you.
And that E7Some F#mOneG Ais the BmLord. Em
EmAnd that GSome One Ais the DLord. Bm
And that E7Some F#mOneG Ais the GLord.D
. . . LET US PRAY
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