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Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Learning & Unlearning: Compassion

Compassion may be what the people around you need most.

Can they count on it from you?

Series Purpose:

We must gain a perspective on how living as a Christian may be different now that we are, for the most part, on the “other side” of the pandemic. We will grasp that there are things to “unlearn” – setting aside old ideas – and “learn” gaining new understanding for real outreach and discipleship post COVID.

Today’s focus:

It’s been said that we are living in a “desert of empathy” or “drought of compassion.” As believers, we may be the only source of love and compassion left in our day-to-day world.-Compassion is at an all-time low in our society. Researchers have begun to use the term ‘compassion fatigue’ to describe this widespread decline in the ability to feel and act from a place of compassion.-One researcher states it this way, “Essentially, compassion fatigue disturbs the ability to think clearly, modulate emotions, feel effective, and maintain hope.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:12‬‬Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,‭‭

Mark‬ ‭6:30-34‬‬

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Jesus begins teaching – out of a heart of compassion. Compassion is his initial response. He leads with compassion.

If Jesus’s response is compassion, what is ours?

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:34-40‬‬

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”-We can never escape the fact that, Jesus couldn’t give just one – Love God.

He had to give the second (remember, He was only asked for “the greatest.”).-Jesus is saying that ‘all the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments’. All the truth of God hangs on these together.

Bottom Line:

Compassion may be what the people around you need most.Can they count on it from you?Verses for further study/reflection:

Colossians 3:12-13

Matthew 14:14

1 Peter 3:8

“Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticize, and condemn, but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but it takes heart to comfort.

“Samuel Chadwick”

Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else’s skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.”

Frederick Buechner

“Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation.”

Henry Ward Beecher

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Learning & Unlearning:

Compassion

Compassion may be what the people around you need most.

Can they count on it from you?‭‭

Matthew‬ ‭24:12‬‬

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,

What does this mean for us today? Those who call Christ Lord? What does it mean to you?

It’s all too easy to give into the currents of the world around us, to allow our love for our neighbor to fade amidst the disruption of our world.

But today, It is not hyperbole to suggest that compassion, love in action, may be the single greatest need of those around us.And His most important demand of the church.

As we continue in with Part 2 of our series, Learning and Un-learning, we will see that Jesus’ heart has always been one of compassion, and he is inviting us to re-learn what that means in our world.‭‭

Mark‬ ‭6:30-34‬‬

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Jesus likened the crowd that day to sheep without a shepherd, here is a glimpse behind that analogy..

Sheep without a shepherd have no protection from predators, they struggle to find pasture or water, the most basic of their needs.

They move about aimlessly, separating from the flock, getting lost, getting into trouble.

Sheep have been known to follow one another other over cliffs as they wander.

They get bored and are prone to wander off, following interest in random things.

But, mostly, and frankly, sheep without a shepherd are eventually dead.

It doesn’t take much imagination to see that the crowd Jesus engaged is not so different from our world today.

So, the question confronts us today friends, if in those moments, compassion was His response, what might ours be?‭‭Mark‬ ‭6:35-43‬‬By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.Jesus didn’t ask his disciples for food for 5 thousand men, he only asked for what they had.

Today, Jesus is not asking you or me for something we don’t have- He is asking us to bring him what we do have and allow him to bless and multiply it.

Can we give a few hours of our week to serve at Boys and Girls club, maybe at the food bank or the clothes closet?

Will I commit to the Lord my tithe’s and offerings to be used in his Kingdom work?

Can I use my work gloves to help out with someone’s lawn?

Or donate some of my time, and a little bit of strength to help a neighbor move?

The truth is friends, we all have something we can give, we all have something the Lord can receive, bless, and multiply in his compassionate response to our world.

Will we commit to un-learning and re-learning what it can mean for us to be a compassionate presence in our world?

Verses for further study/reflection:

Colossians 3:12-13

Matthew 14:14

1 Peter 3:8

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Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg & East Rock

Learning & Unlearning

You are alive right now for a reason. Are you ready?Series Purpose:

We must gain a perspective on how living as a Christian may be different now that we are, for the most part, on the “other side” of the pandemic. We will grasp that there are things to “unlearn” – setting aside old ideas – and “learn” gaining new understanding for real outreach and discipleship post COVID.

In 2021, a Pew Research Study issued the results of a study of nearly 10,000 Americans, asking how their lives have been impacted in the wake of a global pandemic.-40% of people reported a negative impact on personal relationships-28% reported a negative impact on their physical or mental health-23% said it negatively impacted their job-22% said it negatively impacted their personal finances

God’s Truth is unchanging no matter what happens around us.-God cannot change because He is perfect, pure and everlasting.-“Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)-“Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away”

(Matthew 24:35)

At the same time, It would be irresponsible for us to ‘pretend’ that the world around us is returning back to “normal”.

This series was birthed out of a passion to see the church be faithful in these days.‭‭

John‬ ‭17:13-19‬‬“

I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.2 important truths from Jesus’ prayer:

1. We [His followers] are “not of the world”2. We [His followers] are “sent into the world”‭‭

Matthew‬ ‭5:13-14

‬‬“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

You are the only salt and light the world will ever have – you can be faithful in that, or not.3 specific ways we are called to be learning & unlearning:1. We are a powerfully compassionate people2. We are peacemakers in a fractured world3. We are recommitted to one another

Bottom Line:

You are alive right now for a reason. Are you ready?

Verses for further study/reflection:

Hebrews

13:8Psalm 100:5

Isaiah 40:8

Psalm 102:27

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Church of the Nazarene Harrisonburg

Your Un-Churched Neighbor Part 4: Teaching

Disciples make disciples.

Series Purpose:

To inform, inspire, equip and challenge us as the people of God to embrace our unique calling to be a counter-narrative people, to do His will and serve others, and to speak the truth in love, to those who are far from God, as we tell of what He has done in our lives and for the whole world.‭‭

Luke‬ ‭19:10

‬‬For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”The focus for today is: TEACHING.

Week 1 we began with the focus of UNDERSTANDING. You can’t reach someone with whom you don’t empathize, and you won’t empathize until you understand.

Week 2 we focused on PRAYING. God works through our prayers, and at the same time, God works in us as we pray. Prayer is essential.

Week 3 we focused on SERVING. Just as Jesus modeled serving others, we are also called to serve. Every opportunity to serve is an opportunity for God to work.‭‭

1 Peter‬ ‭3:13-15‬‬

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Be prepared: You are thinking and praying about this often. Your testimony is on your heart and mind.

Give an answer: This implies a discussion – a back and forth conversation about the Gospel, as opposed to a one-way lecture.

The hope that you have: It is your hope. This is personal. It is birthed from your story. It implies a positive outlook on your faith. and implies that Hell is not likely to be a significant part of early conversations.

Gentleness and respect: It implies gentleness and respect – as opposed to hammering the other person.

Gentleness and respect: You treat people this way whether or not you agree with their opinions or lifestyle.‭‭

Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20

‬‬Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”-Peter declares that each and every one of us should be prepared to give an answer to everyone. And Jesus does the same.-The call of Jesus is a call to make disciples, which includes teaching them to obey what Jesus has commanded.

-The disciples took Jesus’ call literally, and the church was born through their obedience and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Bottom Line:

Disciples make disciples.-We each are called, not just to understanding, praying and serving, but ultimately, to telling others about Jesus.-What God does in and through our obedience is totally up to Him. Simply obey and let God worry about everything else.

One way to shape your story as you share:1. The ‘old me’

– What was the most important difference in your life before you came to Christ?

2. What God did – How is it that you came to believe? What was the most important truth of the Gospel that really clicked for you?

3. The ‘new me’ – How are you different? How has God restored life to you? What does that look like? Verses for further study/reflection:

1 Corinthians 3:6-8

Romans 10:10-17

Matthew 9:37-38

1 Peter 3:15

Romans 1:164

Simple Steps (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)To share the Gospel, you can follow these 4 simple steps:1. Tell them about God’s plan—peace and life.

God loves you and wants you to experience the peace and life He offers. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He has a plan for you.2. Share our problem—separation from God.

Being at peace with God is not automatic. By nature, we are all separated from Him. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God is holy, but we are human and don’t measure up to His perfect standard. We are sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

3. Talk about God’s remedy—the cross.

God’s love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “‘He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed’” (1 Peter 2:24).4. Our response—receive Christ.

You cross the bridge into God’s family when you accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).To receive Christ, a person needs to do 4 things:

-Admit you’re a sinner.

-Ask forgiveness and be willing to turn away from your sins.

-Believe that Christ died for you on the cross.

-Receive Christ into your heart and life.

Romans 10:13 says, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”Here’s a prayer you can pray to receive Christ:“

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In your name, amen.”

Church of the Nazarene East Rock

Your Un-Churched Neighbor Part 4:TeachingWhile telling someone about your faith and the Gospel might not come first, something may be wrong if it never happens.

Welcome back to our summer teaching series “Your Unchurched Neighbor”Through this series we are seeking to be more informed, better equipped, and yes, even challenged to reach the lost and seeking hearts all around us.

Today as we continue in our teaching series, it’s the moment some of you have been waiting for- and for some, it might be the moment you were afraid was coming in this series…The time when we un-pack the need to tell others about our faith and hope in Jesus.

While telling someone about your faith and the Gospel might not come first, something may be wrong if it never happens.

We can’t escape the fact that disciples making disciples was the last thing Jesus taught before ascending to Heaven.‭‭

Matthew‬ ‭28:16-20

‬‬Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

It’s easy for us to see the realities of declining church attendance and the ever-increasing tensions in our world and think we have no part to play in sharing the good news any moreOr maybe we think that its only for Pastors or evangelists.

The truth is- we all share in the call to tell others about Jesus.‭‭

1 Peter‬ ‭3:13-16

‬‬Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Peter highlights a few things for us to consider:

First, he assumes there will be opportunities for all believers to speak up about Jesus.

Secondly he addresses fear

Next, he moves to being prepared.

To give an answer implies a conversation or dialogue-Hope is the defining characteristic of the Christian- We have a steadfast confidence in our God and his plan- we aren’t limited to live by what we see or hear in the world.

Peter says finally that all of these interactions are to be done with gentleness and respect

Are you are part of the Kingdom of God right now, saved by faith, because someone told you about Jesus?

Whether it was a parent, teacher, pastor or friend…Your Father loved you so much that He called someone into your path…someone with the courage to tell you the Truth…And now you’re the one He’s calling.