The Good Shepherd – Part 2

Message by Christoph Zurcher

Scripture: Psalm 23

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"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil."

I am the Lord your God, I am holding your right hand. And I tell you, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

“My son do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:5

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.”

“What stirs ordinary men’s blood and turns them into heroes, makes most Christians run like a flock of frightened sheep.” - C.T. Studd

...and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.”

The Good Shepherd – Part 1

Message by Christoph Zurcher

Scripture: Psalm 23

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The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

What Does True Confession Sound Like?

Fourteenth message in a series on Nehemiah by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Nehemiah 9 and Psalm 51

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Corporate confession of sin is biblical, powerful and much needed in the church However, there is the tendency for it to become routine when it’s a constant part of our liturgy. When we recite words often enough, it is easy to rattle them off without examining our hearts of being disgusted about the ugly truth of our sinful condition. Our corporate confession is never to serve as a substitute for personal confession, repentance and forgiveness. What does true confession of sin sound like?

1. True confession begins with careful examination of sin. 

“Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” (John Owen)

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16

2. True confession is modeled for us in Psalm 51

Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1

3. True confession is not just acknowledging sin but leads to repentance of sin.

…these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me… Isaiah 29:13

4. True confession expresses godly sorrow.

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Willing to take full responsibility for one’s sin (Psalm 51:1-2)
• Recognizes one’s accountability before God (Psalm 51:4)
• Recognizes his need for cleansing (Psalm 51:4-7)
• Confession based in hope (Psalm 51:10-14)
• Confession always leads to reconciliation.

Peacemaker’s seven A’s of confession:

1. Address everyone involved (All those whom you affected)
2. Avoid if, but, and maybe (Do not try to excuse your wrongs)
3. Admit specifically (Both attitudes and actions)
4. Acknowledge the hurt (Express sorrow for hurting someone)
5. Accept the consequences (Such as making restitution)
6. Alter your behavior (Change your attitudes and actions)
7. Ask for forgiveness

Caught In The Middle

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27:13-14

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I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! – Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV

When you are required to “wait” it means that you are caught in the middle of something beyond your control. The truth is we spend a lot of our lives “caught in the middle” in some way or another. Thankfully, the Bible teaches us that our lives are caught in the middle of God’s redemptive plan. David found himself caught in the middle of receiving the promise of God but not seeing its fulfillment. David learned the great lesson that learning to “wait on the Lord” brings great blessings into our lives.

What did it mean for David to be caught in the Middle?
David had been anointed by God to be King of Israel, but the crown and the throne were not yet his. David spent at least seven years in the wilderness and over ten years passed before he experienced the  of God’s promise.

Waiting is not about the suspension of meaning and purpose. It is the purpose! Waiting for God is an essential part of His plan.

The Risk Reward Factor of Waiting
Risk – I would have lost heart (verse 13)
Reward – He shall strengthen your heart (verse 14)

How Can We Avoid the Risk and Reap the Reward?

1. See the big picture of God’s Kingdom.
2. Don’t get lost in the fulfillment of the promise, but see God working in the process.
3. Remember, the final chapter of your story has been written.
4. The One you are waiting for is trustworthy.
5. In those moments when you are “caught” you find rest. (Psalm 16:7-11)

God’s Redemptive School

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27:11-12

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David got it right when it came to some really critical things in His life. He understood that life was about learning and lessons. Therefore, he approached life from the attitude and perspective of a student. He always wanted to learn as much as he could. He knew that God’s Word in particular is the means given to teach us and instruct us in God’s Ways. But most importantly, he understood that God himself, the LORD is the Teacher.

Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my enemies. (Psalm 27:11)

Three Reasons To Live Life As a Student

1) God’s University Is The School of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:9)
There is no knowing that does not begin with knowing God. (John Calvin)

• Abraham went to school in a tent
• Joseph got his training in a pit and then a prison
• Moses studied on the back side of the desert
• David went to university in a cave

2) Students Search the Depths of God’s Wisdom
Six characteristics of being a student:

• A healthy cynicism toward your own wisdom
• A humble sense of need
• A willing and open heart
• Discernment, focus, and determination
• Commitment to act on what you’re learning
• Resisting the temptation to think we have arrived

3) Students understand the danger life presents
Psalm 27:11 – Lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.

• God’s Way – the paradigm of His Word (Psalm 119)
• God’s Way – by Jesus (Ephesians 4:20-21)
• God’s Way – dealing with our enemies (1 Peter 2:21-23)

Four Things You Can Always Ask For

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27:7-11

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Psalm 27 is prayer of great confidence before God. David begins by declaring that the Lord is his Light and Salvation and because of this he has no reason to fear. That’s an amazing statement when you consider that David is being chased by his enemies. In verses 4 through 6, David also declares his confidence in God’s powerful and protective presence. When we come to verses 7 through 11, the mood changes. We begin to hear the actual petition of David’s heart that brought about the great confidence in the opening verses. These verses reveal the depth of David’s anxiety and his desperate cry for God’s mercy to help him in a time of trouble and adversity.

1. God will always listen to you. Psalm 27:7-8 – Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When You said, “Seek My face.” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
2. You can always count on His Grace. Psalm 27:9 – Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
3. He has always promised to be our Helper. Psalm 27:9 – …you have been my helper.
4. He will always teach us and instruct us. Psalm 27:11 – Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my enemies.

From Heaven To Our Hearts Back To Heaven

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27:7-8 and Luke 11:1-13

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It’s nothing short of amazing that God hears our prayers and even more amazing that He answers them. I say that not because anything is questionable or suspect in God but because of us. We so often choose our own way and our own kingdom over His. Thankfully, prayer finds its hope, not in the qualifications of the one praying, but in the character and plan of the God who’s hearing. He answers because of who He is. He answers because of what He’s doing. He answers because He loves to see us come to Him and He loves to provide for our need.

Five Reasons God Answers Prayer (Luke 11:1-4)

• Because of His grace
• Because of His faithfulness
• For His Kingdom
• For His glory
• Because of His love

Jesus’ teaching on prayer: God is a Loving Father!

• A model prayer (Luke 11:1-4)
• Two parables
• Two principles

1st Parable  (Luke 11:5-8)
“The not so good friend”

1st Principle  (Luke 11:9-10)
God answers our prayers even when we are not so good. So ask, seek, knock!

2nd Parable  (Luke 11:11-12)
Even sinner dads know how to give good gifts!

2nd Principle  (Luke 11:13)
How much more will God give to us what is truly good‘?

Why does God want to give us the Holy Spirit?
So that God Himself is living in our hearts.

Through the Holy Spirit we can hear God’s voice feel God’s presence, and know God’s will. Because of the Holy Spirit, or hearts are forever connected with God the Father who is in heaven.

Psalm 27:8 – When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”

Where Do You Turn in Trouble?

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27:4-6

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In the wilderness of trouble that David faced, he was pressed to make one of two choices: Either find God in the midst of His trouble and experience the power and depth of intimacy and peace through His presence; Or stubbornly refuse to allow God to reach to the brokenness of his heart, and find his own God-replacements. David’s two choices are still the only ones we have today. The wilderness of trouble is where David learned how much he needed God.

Trouble teaches us how to give our hearts to God in lament
A lament is a passionate expression of grief or deep pain. It refers to the expression of mourning or sorrow in the midst of great loss. David’s laments were many times complaints offered to God. David wasn’t complaining to grumble. He was complaining to understand.

Trouble is meant to show us the safety and protection of God’s House
Psalm 27:5a – For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me;

Trouble teaches us only God is the sure foundation of our life
Psalm 27:5b – He shall set me high upon a rock.

The wilderness of trouble teaches us to worship
Psalm 27:6 – And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

At first glance the wilderness does not appear to be a place of worship. It feels more like a place of hunger, thirst pain, disappointment frustration, anger, guilt, etc. Here is the key. Our worship begins by giving voice to God of all those emotions that we are carrying through the wilderness.

Dreaming God’s Dream

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scriptures: Psalm 27 and Ephesians 4:1-6

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To be sure David was a dreamer just like the rest of us. Here he is just a young man… barely 16 or 17 years old. And the prophet of God tells him he is going to be the next king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-12). You have to know that promise captured David’s wildest and deepest imaginations. A shepherd boy becomes a King?? This is story book stuff! If he wasn’t a dreamer up until now–he just became one. But in the wilderness experience David is confronted with his greatest need. It’s not the fulfillment of his dream, but it’s his need for the reality of God’s presence and power in His life. This is God’s plan, His purpose, His desire… call it His dream for everyone of us. God is not against our dreams. ln fact I believe He gives them to us. But our dreams must be filtered through God’s dream. His dream must become our dream. And so the question is, “What is God’s dream?” I believe David summed it up in his words, That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life. (Psalm 27:4, Ephesians 4:1-6)

God’s Dream is His House the place of His presence and His people

• a people (Exodus 19:4-6, 1 Peter 2:9)
• a body (1 Corinthians 12)
• a family (Ephesians 3:14-15)
• a temple (Ephesians 2:19)
• a church (Matthew 16:16-18)

The Tension of Living In Community
More than any before us, an American today believes “I must write the script of my own life.” The thought that such a script must be subordinated to the grand narrative of the Bible is foreign one. Still more alarming is the idea that this surrender of our personal story to God’s story must be mediated by a community of fallen people we frankly don’t want getting in our way or meddling with our own hopes and dreams.

The Blessings of Living God’s Dream of Community

• Community releases the power of the Cross (Ephesians 2:14-17)
• Community reveals the full measure of God’s love (Ephesians 3:18)
• Community releases transforming power (Hebrews 3:12-13)

The Cost of the Dream
Genesis 15:17-18a – And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram.

Matthew 27:46b – “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Getting It Right

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27

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You know it is pure grace when we get it right because so often we get it wrong. No, I don’t mean that we are always committing gross sin. And don’t mean that we always being tempted to question our faith in Christ or question whether ministry is really worth it. Getting it wrong is much more subtle than that. Getting it wrong is not about the big, dramatic, consequential moments of life. Getting it wrong is much more about the little mundane moments of everyday life. And that is critical, because most of life is actually about the “little moments”. David got it right in the little moments of his life and we see expressed in Psalm 27. In fact you could say that verse 4 is a manual for getting it right.

Psalm 27:4 – One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.

Being a “one thing” person

Amazingly, David’s “one thing” isn’t safety, or vindication, or victory. It isn’t power, control, or retribution. Even under personal duress, the “one thing” that David wishes for is to be in God’s house, standing in His presence, taking in the glory & beauty of the Lord.

“One thing” people make a focused impact

We are a nation and culture of multiple-choice. We love our access to mass information, endless choices and keeping or options open. We don’t want to miss anything. Experiencing life is the idolatry of our culture.

God’s house is the best plan for your life

David gets it right. His quest is for a life that’s shaped and directed by a daily worship of the Lord. David knows who he is: a creature created for worship.

Learning to recognize true beauty

The amazing beauty that surrounds us every day was designed to be sign beauty. All of the beautiful things that we see, touch, taste and hear every day, were designed to be signs that would point to the ultimate beauty that can only be found in the One who created them. So, when you’re looking at the beauty that surrounds you in the physical world, it requires that you look beyond the signs to the stunning beauty of the God to whom each sign points. Only his beauty can give you hope, strength, and peace. Only his beauty can give you life.

Dealing with our sight problems

• The most important vision is seeing with your heart
• Humbly accepting your blindness
• Learning to see is a community project
• Living to see with 20/20 vision

Jesus Died To Cause Our Enemy To Stumble

Message by Pastor Craig Diestelkamp

Scripture: Psalm 27

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Psalm 27 is an amazing psalm. It is a Psalm of worship, faith, commitment, trouble, pain, beauty, hope and patience. Most believe David wrote this Psalm during the early part of his time as a fugitive. He is being chased  enemies, shut out of the house of God and separated from family and all that is comfortable. Just as we see in so many of the Psalms, it is the wilderness struggles of David’s life that become the occasion of deep intimacy with God. David responds to the hardship and adversity of the wilderness turning to God. And so the Psalms are prayers of lament and songs of worship.

David gets it right!

He realized we live in a terribly broken world filled with sin, danger, calamity and enemies on every side.

Psalm 27:2 – When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when  enemies and my foes attack me they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

The Psalms are prophetic and they point forward to the coming of the Messiah. Many of the words which David wrote in the Psalms are echoed in the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ the Psalms we see Christ and His Cross!

Compare Psalm 27:2 and Colossians 2:14-15

“When my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall” (Psalm 27:2)
“He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:14-15)

The Cross became the ultimate place of the enemy’s stumbling!

He stumbled:

• an Heaven (Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28)
• in the Garden (Genesis 3:15)
• at Bethlehem (Matthew 2:12)
• in the Wilderness (Luke 4:1-13)
• throughout Christ’s ministry (Luke 10:9)
• at the Cross (Colossians 2:14-15)

Because Jesus has defeated our enemy

We can choose faith and not fear!
We can offer forgiveness rather than revenge or despair!
We can tum tragedy into triumph!
We can find God’s presence anywhere at anytime!

Blessed by God to Bless Others

First Morning Guest Speaker Christoph Zurcher

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Scripture: Psalm 1

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

We will only find true joy and fulfillment in Jesus Christ

The more we get to know God through His Word, the more we will understand His thoughts and will.

The word of God is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

When you hear the word of God, when you read it, meditate upon it, when you speak it and pray it, it will always…

• strengthen you, build you up, encourage you
• comfort you in time of need
• lead and guide you when you seek direction
• it convicts us through the Holy Spirit when we sin
• it gives us instructions how to live our life after God’s standards
• it feeds us

We need to be hungry for His word.

Sequoia Tree Illustration

Sequoia Tree

Tree testimony: Rotten roots too weak to support the tree in the storm

Trees were made to know water and we are made to know God’s word. (Psalm 3)

The natural tree is a picture of the spirtual man. Our fruitfulness depends upon beeing rooted in the Word of God.

But for the sinners, the ungodly, what a different story!

God’s promise is that He will bless the righteous, those who put God’s interest first in their lives and chose to live a life according to His Word. (Mathew 6:33)

The Lord’s Own House

Guest Speaker, Aaron Pugh, Missionary to Spain

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Scripture: Psalm 92:12-15

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.  Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is nothing but goodness in him!”