Church notes - 7th August 2016
7 August
Jeremiah 29:10, 11
Ecclesiates 3
Dedication: Rasmussen, Naomi
Eating with Pharisees
Luke 11: 37 - 54
Congruent: Having the same size and shape
Congruence - There is consistency between the goals, values and attitudes projected and observed
- Genuineness, People not appearing to be other than what they are.
vs 37
Pharisees - Devoted to following the 'tradition of the elders'. A step backward from the Law.
Like driving 50km/hr in a 60km/hr zone (looking down at those driving at 55km/hr).
They were trying to live a works=righteousness kind of life to impress God.
Jesus had no 'truck' with this.
vs 39 - 41
The cup and dish were used as an analogy of the Pharisee's character. They were concerned about outward appearance.
Jesus was saying that the cleaning needed to happen inside.
Their religion was nothing more than outward show.
Inside was greed and wickedness.
vs 41
vs 42
They may have been tithing, but they weren't giving of themselves.
vs44
Numbers 19:16
Jesus was poking fun at the Pharisees
- The Pharisees were unknowingly making people unclean
We would be modern day Pharisees
- If we had hearts full of greed and selfishness
vs 45, 46
Jesus is painting a picture of the Pharisees and Scribes not going to heaven and denying it to others.
He was heavily critical of them.
What of us? How real are we about Jesus?
Communion: If our attitude is of incongruence it might be meaningless! We need to be honest with God.
Ask Him how to be generous.