One thing I learned in my language studies at seminary is that, when it comes to understanding the Bible, a good translation is very important. We were RIGHTLY taught that to RIGHTLY divide the Word of Truth—we must first be able to understand exactly what it says. To do this we have to get an accurate a translation of the Greek and Hebrew. This is why I tend to be suspicious of paraphrase versions of the Bible. Don’t get me wrong—paraphrases can be very helpful tools because they tend to make the Bible more readable and more contemporary—but we must remember that they are not translations. Paraphrases are what one person or a group of persons thinks the Bible means. They are more of a “Reader’s Digest Commentary.” Sometimes they are great—but some times they can be wrong. So, I’m wary about paraphrases because this is one area where we must not be wrong. We need a clear accurate understanding of the Bible in order to apply its teachings to our day to day lives.
Unfortunately, even in translations, there are a few examples of times when Christians have come up with a flawed understanding of some part of the Scriptures. John 20:17 is a good example of what I’m talking about. This is the verse that tells us that on the third day following His crucifixion, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb of Jesus and she met our risen Lord Himself. At first she thought He was the gardener—or caretaker of the graveyard but when she realized it was Jesus come back from the dead she said, “Teacher!” And—according to the King James Version—Jesus replied, “Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father…”
Well—thanks to this misleading 17th century wording—for decades pastors preached that when Jesus came out of the tomb He was in some sort of half-way state—weak—almost ghost-like—not fully physical so to speak—definitely untouchable. Because of this flawed mind set Pastors taught that Jesus was saying, “Careful—don’t touch Me Mary! First I need to ascend to My Father. I need to go to Heaven in order to get fully charged…then I’ll come back and I can be touched.”
But, that’s not what the Bible really says. More recent translations that are based on the original Greek do a much better job because what Jesus actually said that first Easter morning—and this is the New American Standard Version—what He really said was this, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.” And “Stop clinging” is much different than “don’t touch Me” — wouldn’t you agree? So, what happened on that Sunday morning is this. When Mary recognized Jesus—her Lord Whom she thought was dead and gone—she grabbed him and held on as if to never let Him go! She clung to Him! I would—wouldn’t you?! Of course we would. That’s how we naturally react when someone we thought was lost to us comes back. We think, “I’m not going to lose you again!” And so as Jesus pried her fingers lose He said, “Stop clinging to Me! It’s okay! I haven’t left yet!” It was still forty days until He would ascend to the Father so He was assuring her that she didn’t need to cling! She wasn’t going to lose Him anytime soon. This is a very important text to get right because if we go with an improper understanding of the KJV here, we have a “skim-milk Jesus” weakly coming from the tomb, more ghostlike than real when the truth is on the third day our Lord rose BODILY, VICTORIOUSLY, COMPLETELY, and FULLY! He didn’t barely defeat death. He thoroughly defeated it! He trounced it!
This is one example that proves it is indeed very important that we understand exactly what a verse says if we are to obey its teaching by rightly dividing this precious Word of Truth. You may remember that two weeks ago in our Bible Alive Seminar, Doug Greenwald underscored this principle and pointed out another example of textual misunderstanding in John 15:1-2a.
I bring all this up because I’ve decided to use these particular often misunderstood verses in John 15 as our text this morning so let’s get to it. The NASB words it like this—Jesus says: “I am the True Vine and My Father is the vine-dresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He TAKES AWAY, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it may bear more fruit.”
This particular group of translators chose to render the Greek verb “airo” in that verse as “takes away,” or “throws away,” or “cuts off.” But, Doug wisely pointed out that this wording doesn’t make sense because the Bible does not say that if we don’t bear fruit God takes us away. Otherwise—a lot more Christians would already be in Heaven—perhaps some of us in this room right now, including your pastor—because there are times when due to our sin—we aren’t fruitful. And thanks to His grace, in those times God doesn’t cut us off from His presence. He doesn’t strike us dead and bring us home.
No—a proper wording would go like this: “I am the True Vine and My father is the vine-dresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, HE LIFTS UP; and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it may bear more fruit.”
By studying the commentary on this text written by James Montgomery Boice, who had a good understanding of both New Testament Greek and also of how grapes were raised in Israel, Doug learned that the word “airo” literally means, “to lift up” and farmers in Jesus’ day had to do this to their grape vines. They had to position a rock under the vine to LIFT IT UP—as this picture shows. Otherwise the vine would trail along the ground—and would not produce many grapes. Quoting Doug’s book, The Rest of the Story: “In a Judean vineyard of antiquity, a vine left to its own natural tendencies would grow by spreading along the ground. Given the warm days and cold nights in the south of Israel, and the moisture laden, prevailing westerly winds coming in from the Mediterranean, heavy morning dews in the spring and early summer are common. This predawn moisture fosters the development of mold and fungus in anything that comes in contact with the ground.”
So vine-dressers back then would reposition the vines with big rocks like this so as to lift them up, protecting them from mold and fungus to make it possible for them to produce more fruit. The principle God wants us to take from this part of His Word, is that from time to time in our lives He has to reposition US—so that WE will bear more fruit. He has to change our mind sets and attitudes such that we learn to lean more completely on Him. Let me put it this way, only when we rest on THE ROCK of our salvation can we grow in such a way that we do the good works He has prepared in advance for us to do.
Well, as I said earlier, when I listened to Doug rightly dividing this part of God’s inerrant Word of Truth—I felt God’s Spirit nudging me—encouraging me to use this text on this, our Vision Sunday, by reading it and then posing this question, “What repositioning is needed for REDLAND to be more productive in 2009? What ‘vines’ need to be moved up a bit this year so that we can bear more fruit in God’s kingdom?”
Now—if you’ve attended here any length of time you know that at Redland we stop and ask questions like this at the beginning of every year—because we have learned that our natural sinful tendency is AWAY from fruitfulness instead of TOWARD it. We need Jesus—the ROCK of our salvation—we NEED Him to reposition us from time to time so as to increase the harvest from this part of God’s vineyard. At this church we have learned that stopping on a regular basis to seek God’s vision always pays off. And as proof of this we only need look back to last year because the “repositioning” we felt led to do on that Vision Sunday has produced excellent results. For example:
- We said we needed to “reposition” our Web page—updating it so as to make it more productive. We did that—and it is!
- We said we wanted to “reposition” family ministry in the hopes that we would see more children come to faith in Christ. We did—and they were. Last year we had 71 new people join our church. 38 of them were making first time professions of faith—and 25 of those were children.
- We said God was calling us to several mission trips and we obediently sent this team back to the New Orleans area—our third such trip to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina rebuild.
- We also sent a team to the Dominican Republic and we’ll be hearing about their trip in two weeks on February 15. Here’s a picture of that team.
- We said God wanted us to “beef up” our worship during the summer—and thanks to Kenn Owens’ leadership we did. We had a full choir loft every Sunday.
- We said God wanted us to focus on growing spiritually and we did that with studies like JUST WALK ACROSS THE ROOM, 3:16, and our series on the book of Romans.
Well, last year’s “repositioning” has helped because we are still a healthy GROWING body of believers. Visitors continue to compliment us on the warmth of our fellowship. Giving is good even in the midst of a capital campaign—not to mention our nation’s financial crisis. In fact, we will hear a recommendation from the stewardship committee this week at our business meeting as to what to do with the $168,000 we have in funds that were given but not spent last year.
So, as I said, we have learned that stopping every year to ask God what kind of adjustments we need to make in order to improve the coming annual harvest is a good thing. This brings me back to my original question: “What ‘REPOSITIONING’ is God calling us to make this year?” What is God asking us to do new or differently in order for us to be even more fruitful in the year to come? After meeting with our staff and then church council on retreat last fall—and after a great deal of prayer I can think of several answers to that question several places where we need Jesus—our ROCK—to lift us up, so here goes. And at this point, I encourage you to take out your commitment form and fill it out as we go.
At the end of our service, as is our custom, I’ll ask you to bring your completed commitment forms up and lay them on the Communion table as your personal commitment to be a part of these “repositionings.”
So here goes. I’ll start with the “little” adjustments and move on to the bigger ones.
(1) This year I think God wants to reposition us such that we do a better job at ministering to our shut-ins. Think of this as an adjustment to the VINE OF MINISTRY.
Now—there was a time when we had almost no shut-ins here at Redland—but without calling out any names I’ll say that some of us are getting older which means that the “shut-in population” of our body is not only currently growing in size—but will continue to do so. Well, I believe God is saying we need to structure our lives as a church family such that people like: Walda Hill, Fred Corely, Bo Clemments, Frank Coffman, Jim Houck, Jane Wardwell Hicks, and Naomi Linn don’t fall through the cracks. They are precious to us and we want them to know that.
Our church staff visits regularly in the HOSPITALS…but I want to find a way for us to see this precious part of our congregation on some regular basis. And I’d like to challenge you to love on these people as well. In fact, from now on at every PIE, in addition to writing new home owners inviting them to Redland, I’m going to ask you to come and either call or visit these people. Who knows, this might prompt more Redlanders to be involved on P.I.E. nights. It would be great to GROW that particular vine a bit such that it produces more fruit!
(2) I also think this is a year where we need our Lord to reposition us such that we develop a strong staff cohesiveness. Think of this as the vine of STAFF DEVELOPMENT.
Now—if you were here on last year’s vision Sunday—then you may be thinking this sounds somewhat familiar—because I talked about staff development then as well. But—that was DIFFERENT—because last year we worked on CALLING a staff—and I think that after “millions” of search committee meetings—this year we will be able put that behind because for a while our staff will be full. I say this because I believe our search for a minister of students may almost be done. We are talking very seriously with a candidate that we all love and are very excited about. Please continue to pray for us—especially at this stage of the process. So I think this will be a year when we need to focus on learning to DEVELOP a staff team—it will be a year in which we work to make this RBC STAFF flow chart work. Here’s why I think this is an important “vine adjustment.” You see, whereas Hugh, Jennifer, Tom, Oscar, Marilyn, and I have been around since before they invented sliced bread the rest of our staff is relatively new or VERY new. So in the coming months Bobby and Bill and our new youth guy and the rest of us will need to get to know each other. We will need to spend time together learning how to compliment each other’s strengths and compensate for each other’s weaknesses. Other than our weekly staff meeting, this year I want to find an inexpensive place for us to retreat to for a long weekend—taking our families along with us if possible…you know…it doesn’t have to be elaborate…something like this [MANSION SLIDE 1] or this [MANSION SLIDE TWO] or even this would do [BILTMORE]. Just kidding. I want to make this an annual practice—so if you know of an inexpensive condo or cabin somewhere or if you have one that you would let us use—make Hugh happy by telling me! I’m borrowing this staff retreat idea from Tim Simpson—pastor of Greenridge Baptist. We interviewed Tim as part of last year’s Church Council Retreat—and they have staff retreats like this annually.
Well as I said we’ll find a cabin somewhere and we’ll pray together and study God’s Word together and play together. This is very important because the better we know each other—the better we can work together—and I want us to know each other very well. I want us to feel like a family. In fact, I want our staff to be a shining example for you to look at so you can see how Christians should relate. We’ll begin by signing a covenant—to pray for and encourage one another—to abstain from talking about each other behind our backs. If you’ll promise to pray for us as we reposition the “vine of staff development,” check it on your commitment card. Okay—those are two little “rocks” that we need in place. Now let’s look at two bigger ones.
(3) We need to reposition the vine of DISCIPLESHIP.
This is a VERY important vine to reposition because Jesus said,“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in—or ABIDE in—Me.” (John 15:4)
To bear fruit—to grow as Jesus’ disciples—we have to abide in Him—we have to develop a close, intimate relationship with Him. Well, how can we do a better job here at Redland when it comes to encouraging people to abide in Christ?
A. First, I think we need to strive to grow our Sunday School.
We have great teachers—the BEST—but I think we need to help our teachers to learn how to work together as a Sunday School teaching TEAM. So, to help build an esprit de corps—to nurture comradery—we have offered two training times this year with Doug Greenwold from Preserving Bible Times. The first was two weeks ago and the second is September 18-19. Of course you don’t have to be a teacher to come—but I’m especially want them to be there. Please understand, this is C.S. Lewis Institute Caliber training—and we are providing it at no cost to you or our teachers! I’d like to see all our teachers come and learn how to lead their students to deal with the five story lines of Scripture that Doug talked about. These are taken from Dr. James Martin’s book, Exploring The Bible and they are important because the intersection of these five focal points of Scripture helps us understand the purpose and function of God’s Word. If we are to teach our Sunday School class members get the most out of each lesson we need to help them answer these five story line questions:
- What does this text tell us about God—Who He is and what He does?
- What does it tell us about the adversary?
- What does it teach us about our mutiny against God?
- What does it tell us about our condition—the brokenness that comes from sin
- What does it tell us about God’s plan to rescue and restore us?
To help develop this teacher comradery we have also scheduled two teacher meetings: April 27 and November 30. At these meetings we’ll offer a light meal so we can enjoy some fellowship—and then we’ll pray together and provide resources to help you with upcoming lessons and then we’ll strategize AS A TEAM about starting new classes. We need to do this because the more classes we have…the more people we can teach and reach. I’d like us to plan on starting at least TWO new adult SS classes this year…and teachers I need your input and support to do this. So be thinking: who in your class has the gift of teaching? Who is sitting when they should be leading? What groups do you think these new classes should aim to reach? What people would come to Sunday School if we offered a class with them in mind? We’ve had about 300 average in SS for several years now and I think it’s time to kick it up a notch and increase that—and the best way to do that is to start new classes.
B. A second way we are going to give our people new opportunities to grow spiritually is through our Grace At Home classes.
Bobby Cook, our Associate Pastor for Family Ministry comes now to share about that.
C. A third way we are going to reposition our selves for spiritual growth is through Children’s Ministry.
Jennifer Crocker, our Director of Children’s Ministry comes to talk about that.
D. A fourth aspect of repositioning the “rock of discipleship” has to do with strengthening marriages.
Last fall, Sue and I saw an excellent film on this subject—FIREPROOF. The makers of this film have developed a church-wide campaign that is geared to enrich marriage and in a few short weeks we are going to offer that campaign here at Redland. I’ll tell you about it in a moment but first, here’s a clip from the movie.
Okay—here’s how it will work. We are showing the movie here at Redland in our Sanctuary on Friday, February 20th. Jennifer is showing a new VEGGIE TALES film at the same time so you won’t have to worry about child-care. Then on February 22, I will begin a sermon series on marriage. Don’t stay away if you are single because I promise the sermons are geared such that it will be applicable to your life as well. As Bobby said, we’ll also offer small group Bible studies based on the film on Sundays, starting the 22nd, and Wednesdays, starting the 25th. I’ll be leading the Wednesday group and Bobby will lead the Sunday one. And then we will challenge couples to take the 40-Day love dare that the film is based on. I promise—it will make an incredible difference in your marriage. One other thing—Bobby and Kim—and Sue and I—will be working on planning a Marriage Enrichment Retreat this fall that we will lead together. If you’re interested check that on your form.
E. Finally, let me give you a little preview of the OTHER sermon series I feel led to do this year to help reposition the rock of discipleship.
This spring I’m doing a study of the seven churches of Revelation that I’m calling, “What Christ Thinks About the Church.” During Holy Week we will be looking together at, “The Questions Easter Answers.” This summer I feel led to do a series of messages on THE GREAT HYMNS OF OUR FAITH. Now, I love the new praise choruses we sing—but I’m afraid that we are losing one of our most precious discipleship tools…the hymnal. So this summer we’re going to use those thick blue books in your seat pockets as the catalyst for Bible Study that they are. Bill is going to use his amazing talent and creative juices to help me in this—but I want us to learn to cherish these hymns—because they can help us to better understand God’s Word!
And then, this fall I’m working on a series of sermons that will take us through the Book of Daniel. Okay—we’ve got one more vine to reposition a bit in 2009 and here it is:
(4) …the vine of OUTREACH.
Specifically, I think God wants us to adjust our mission trip vine this year—which means that unlike years past we will have no more adult mission trips in 2009. And the reason I feel led to do that is to encourage all of you to commit to serving on a local “mission trip” that will never end…and I’m referring to the ministries of the ROC…the “Recreation Outreach Center” that is going up next door. This year I want EVERYONE to be involved in the ROC and there are lots of ways for you to do that as JOED CARBONELL, our new Director of Recreational Ministry will explain.
One very important aspect of our being able to use the ROC—is our ability to understand and verbalize our faith with all the people who will come through the ROC doors. To help us with that, we will study Chuck Colson’s book, THE FAITH, together this fall beginning October 11. Here’s a clip.
Now—I don’t want you to get the idea that with the advent of the ROC and rec ministry we are going to stop going on adult mission trips all together because we are not. In fact, I feel God leading us to prayerfully consider three trips for 2010. I’d like you to covenant to pray with me and Charlie Brinkman and the rest of the O & E committee about these three open doors.
A. First we have an opportunity to go back to the DR by entering a three year partnership with Pastor Carlos.
This recent trip was one of the best we have ever had—and our unique ability as a church to send medical personnel opened amazing doors so I’d like us to pray about going back in January of 2010.
B. I’d also like us to pray about going to Guinea West Africa and working with Greg Freese to dig a well. Our children’s choirs have raised the money to pay for one well.
I think C. C. Days class has done the same…and someone gave money for two more wells. WELL—I think it’s time to move from GIVING to GOING. Here’s a few pics of a well being constructed. These wells provides not only clean drinking water—but an opportunity to share our faith in this primarily Muslim nation. Greg has graciously asked us to come several times and would like us to think of April or May 2010.
C. Finally, we have been invited to work with Brian Hart in starting a new church in Oak Dale, Connecticut.
You may remember that Bill Wehunt led us to work with Brian for six years in helping start Valley Christian Church in Conway, New Hampshire so we know Brian. We know he is gifted when it comes to starting churches. I think it may be providential that he has issued this invitation. So, I’d love to see us send a team to work with him because we have lots of people who can’t go overseas—but they want to be involved in missions—and could go to somewhere close—like Connecticut. In fact, I plan on sending a fact-finding team this summer to visit with Brian and gather information to help us decide whether or not this is in fact a door that God has opened. If you will covenant to pray with us about these future trips, check that on your commitment card—and if you think you’d be willing to go—note that as well.
Well, that’s it—those are the “vines” that I think God wants us to reposition this year.
And—if you are our guest and you are looking for a church home then you came on the right Sunday because you have heard exactly what we are going to be doing as a church. and, if after hearing all this, you feel God leading you to “reposition” your life by joining our church, then we invite you to walk forward during our closing hymn and move your membership here.
I would encourage ALL CHRISTIANS present to think about and pray about the “repositionings” God wants you to make so that you can grow and bear more fruit. As we sing, you may need to simply bow your head and pray that prayer. Others of you attending this morning may not be Christians and you are seeking purpose and meaning in life. That is only found in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We invite you to make that decision this morning and to share it with us. Won’t you come as we sing? Let’s all respond right now as God leads.
BENEDICTION:
Let the PEACE OF CHRIST rule in your hearts
since as members of one body you were called to peace.
Let the WORD OF CHRIST dwell in you richly
and whatever you do…in word or in deed
Do it all in the NAME OF CHRIST giving thanks to God the Father
through Him.