May 8, 2011 | Shock and Awe

SERMON APP

Jesus’ speech in Mt 10 is like a Gen. Patton speech. Jesus was sending his disciples into battle, and he was not mincing words. He was inspiring them to go, but he was not painting a rosy picture. In fact, what he described was akin to the Shock and Awe campaign that launched the first Iraq War, Desert Storm, in Jan of 1991.

Ever since Jesus showed up on Earth, he talked about the Kingdom of God being near…the Kingdom of heaven at last being at hand. He offered consistent displays of his power and authority over all things, but now he is handing the keys to the Disciples, and preparing them to drive a major dose of Heaven on Earth.

Mt 10:7 ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.

It was clear these ordinary twelve blue-collar guys were to take the control of the aircraft, fill the skies and light up the radar. Jesus intention was to make it crystal clear that a new day had come. Heaven was coming down. Normal life was going to be turned on its ear. A bunch of fishermen, carpenter’s and a tax collector were going to do what only Jesus had done: heal, raise the dead, cast out demons, etc. Really?!

That should garner some attention!

If we are going to have a Shock and Awe life, a life of peace, joy, humility, strength. wisdom, faith, etc, it is critically important that we know who and learn to express to whom we are loyal.

As Christians, our lives flow from and rest upon Jesus, the Son of God, raised from the dead, our Solution for Sin and reconciliation with God. When that is true and clear, we can then live radical lives, and be rightly associated to the One we serve, the One true God, Jesus.

Where were you when Desert Storm erupted?

React to the description of Heaven being ushered in by the disciplines.

How difficult is it for you to mention the name of Jesus in certain contexts? When was the last time Jesus came up in conversation with an unchurched person?  What makes that hard for you?
What was one time when God moved and you didn’t expect it?

Who are some people Jesus uses in the Bible that were not “perfect”?

Do you see where God is using broken/humble people, and/or hard situations to bring in the kingdom?

Try to articulate your faith, in your words, as succinctly as possible

Next Week:

How many dead have you raised and how many demons have you cast out?: )