Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

A. W. Tozer, in The Pursuit of God, made a significant point. If 100 pianos are all tuned to the same tuning fork, they are automatically tuned to one another. They are tuned — not to each other — but to another standard to which each one must individually bow.

The same is true of 100 worshipers. When each worshiper is in tune with Jesus the group is closer to one another than they would be if they took their eyes off of Jesus and looked for ways to develop unity through fellowship. Taking our eyes off of Jesus is never a beneficial thing.

Each Christian has a place in the body. Each Christian has been given spiritual gifts to unite and build up the body. All of this comes through Jesus. When we keep our focus on him we function as a harmonious body.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

I love stories about Sam Walton. I appreciate his humility in the sight of his enormous wealth. In the mid-90’s he was named one of the richest men in America. However, you would never have realized that he was wealthy unless you knew who he was. He drove an old pickup truck — just like “real people.”

Once someone asked him why he did not drive a Rolls Royce. He replied, “Where would I put my dogs?” His success came in part because he connected to the common man.

Think about Jesus coming to the world. Unless people knew him, they would not have been able to tell who he was just by looking. However, his goal was to connect with the common man.

This is why the Lord of the Universe came as a baby in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. This is why the King of Kings lived a no frills life as a carpenter and a rabbi.

He did not do it for fame. He did not do it for money. He did it to regain what was lost - a wonder-filled relationship with us.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Here is an interesting observation about volunteers.

People serve:

1. Because they were asked;

2. Because it fits with their sense of mission; 

3. Because they like a challenge;

4. Because it helps them feel connected to God’s work;

5. NOT because of material rewards;

6. NOT to meet people!

The above list was compiled by Marilyn Nelson, Baptist Theological Seminary, Richmond, VA.

Isn’t it interesting that people serve out of high aspirations? It is also interesting that many people wait to be asked before volunteering their time. Maybe, when we are struggling to find volunteers for our ministries, it is a simple as what James said — “You have not because you ask not.” That applies to prayer AND finding servants for ministry.

Perry Greene

Our life journey diverges into three streams. We are either CONFORMED-REFORMED-OR-TRANSFORMED. From time to time we live in the Conform level. This is status quo. This is “don’t rock the boat.” 

We can move up a notch into the REFORM level and experience changes. Israel lived through new direction during the exodus from Egypt. It was no longer status quo, the nation was experiencing change from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the wilderness and eventually the land of promise. 

They became a people of new identity. They were no longer slaves but free by the power of Yahweh! They became a people with new ambition. Their lives were to honor the God of heaven and draw all nations of the world to him. In his name they were to conquer the sinful inhabitants of Canaan. 

We have a similar experience in Christ. We leave the level of conformity to the world and march into a new world in Christ. We are no longer enslaved to sin and its destructive power. We are free by his power! 

The commands, “Repent and be baptized,” are reminders of our new direction. We have new things in mind. We are no longer satisfied with status quo we move to bigger and better. 

Our new direction also involves conquest. We engage in a spiritual warfare with eternal consequences. WE can make a difference in the lives of people in this world. All nations can know God because of a committed group of his followers. Imagine what can be!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene