The Opportunities In Being ‘Used’ – Sermon Recap from 2-12-2012

Posted on 02/15/2012 by jvanmeter

This sermon was preached at Red Rocks Baptist Church (14711 W. Morrison Rd. Morrison, CO 80465) on February 12, 2012 by Pastor Les Heinze.  These notes are provided as a recap and for further study into the message from God’s Word

Please feel free to listen/download the entire audio sermon on mp3 here.

Regardless of how much emphasis a particular church or ministry places on meeting the physical needs of people, any one of them can experience being used. We certainly can’t blame people in pain or hunger from seeking relief. Many of them will seek a church out as a resource to meet their need, even as they did Jesus.

Part of the regular ministry of Jesus was meeting those needs as the opportunity presented itself. In Mark 1:29-38 there is the record of the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law. This healing opened the door to many more ministry opportunities of a varied nature to the point that his activity extended into the evening. Simply because of time, Jesus probably did not meet all the needs that were presented to him that day.

Can we conclude, however, that everyone who was healed or freed from demonic dominance that day continued to follow Jesus? Did they all accept his message? While this particular passage doesn’t comment on that, we know from the Gospels as a whole that they did not. Many, if not most, had simply come to have their physical needs met with no thought to the deeper spiritual needs they also had. Was Jesus ‘used’ by these people? Without question. But how did he respond to that? Did it stop him from using these opportunities to the possibility of opening up people’s hearts to the real reason he came? (Mark 10:45)

Verses 38 and 39 help us. The next morning found him doing the same thing – healing and preaching. His response was not, “If they won’t hear my message, then they won’t experience my healing.” Christ had the proper balance. Meet physical needs to gain an opportunity to show people their real need and leave the results with his Heavenly Father.

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AHITHOPHEL – The Man Who Couldn’t Forgive

Posted on 02/03/2012 by jvanmeter

Two verses in 2 Samuel present to us such a marked paradigm shift in Ahithophel’s life that we are probably puzzled.  How could this wise counselor to King David later provide the same to David’s rebellious, immoral, reprobate son Absalom?

2 Samuel 23:34 gives a clue to head us in the right direction.  In a listing of David’s mighty military leaders Eliam, a son of Ahithophel,  is mentioned.  A few verses later we learn he served with Uriah, the Hittite.  Eliam’s name has already appeared in the biblical record (2 Samuel 11:3) as the father of Bathsheba.  That would place Ahithophel as her grandfather and the great-grandfather of Solomon.  Evidently wisdom and wise counsel was multi-generational in that family.

The Scriptures are silent concerning Ahithophel from 2 Samuel 11:3 (although not mentioned directly) until Absalom sends for him in his home town of Giloh  (2 Samuel 15:10-12).  He was not in Jerusalem with David.  Why not after years of faithful, loyal service?  David probably had not issued a decree, signed a law, or declared war without consulting Ahithophel.

It appears as though we can draw a valid conclusion as to the cause of Ahithophel’s  shift.  David had not only sinned egregiously against his granddaughter, but he had arranged the murder of her husband.  Would that not have caused a major shift in the relationship?

If that is the case and Ahithophel did abandon the palace, that would indicate a mishandling of the situation.  His mindset was not confrontation (as Nathan) or forgiveness, it was revenge .  He later wanted to get personally involved in David’s demise  (2 Samuel 17:1-4).

Ahithophel was so entrenched in his anti-David thinking and the emotional shake-out,  that a minor incident turned out to have major impact.  It was relatively minor to have his counsel to Absalom rejected.  It was major for Ahithophel to commit suicide over it.  A lack of forgiveness had eaten him up internally and unbalanced his thinking.

A lack of forgiveness will:

  • Disintegrate relationships
  • Deteriorate emotional and spiritual wellbeing
  • Damage the ability to experience personally God’s grace (Matthew 6:12)
  • Destroy the opportunity to end well

Pastor Jerry Hamilton

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God’s Servant Has Come – Sermon Recap from 1-22-2012

Posted on 01/30/2012 by jvanmeter

This sermon was preached at Red Rocks Baptist Church (14711 W. Morrison Rd. Morrison, CO 80123) on January 22, 2012 by Pastor Les Heinze.  These notes are provided as a recap and for further study into the message from God’s Word

Please feel free to listen/download the entire audio sermon on mp3 here.

God’s Servant Has Come
Mark 1:1-11

Introductory Information:

Authorship: John Mark was associated closely with Peter. Much of his material came from oral tradition and listening to Peter preach.

Date: This Gospel was written in the late 50’s or early 60’s A.D.

Purpose:  Mark’s gospel was to Gentile world. Mark was written to the Romans presenting Jesus as the Servant. The theme is found in Mark 10:45: For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. This Servant of God is identified by four different indisputable witnesses:

I. The Witness of John Mark (v. 1)

Mark states boldly Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He had been an eye witness to some of the events he wrote about. Not only was the home of his mother a meeting place for some of the early Christians (Acts 12), but many scholars identify him as the young man who fled during Jesus’ arrest (Mk 14:51,52).

II. The Witness of the Prophets (vv. 2-3)

  1. Mark cites two quotations from Old Testament prophets, (Mal 3:1 and Isa 40:3). The word “messenger” and “voice” refer to John the Baptist, the prophet God sent to prepare the way for His Son.
  2. By calling the nation to repentance, John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord Jesus. Isaiah and Malachi were prophets who also joined voices in declaring Jesus Christ was Jehovah God.

III. The Witness of John the Baptist (v 4-8)

  1. Jesus called him the greatest of the prophets (Mat 11:11). John’s message was one of repentance, which means to turn from sin to Christ and from unbelief to faith.
  2. John was also baptizing those who came to him. Jerusalem was about 20 miles to the west. It is estimated that 300,000 people received John’s baptism. He was the first prophet in Israel in over 400 years. Baptism to this point had only been used for Gentile converts to Judaism. The sons of Abraham had never taken baptism. Baptism does not remove sins, it is a physical sign that a person has repented of their sins and received God’s forgiveness.
  3. John takes the humble position of being an unworthy servant to God’s great Servant. He said he was unqualified to do what slaves normally did in the ancient world -unfasten their master’s sandals and wash their feet. Jesus would baptize His followers with the Spirit of God. I Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

IV. The Witness of the Father and Spirit (v9-11)

  1. Jesus was baptized by John, not because he needed to repent but to identify with the sinners he would save. We get baptized to communicate our sins have been taken away. Jesus got baptized to communicate He took our sins upon Him. Secondly Jesus’ baptism was instructive for His followers. He commands all true believers to begin the proclamation of their faith in this same way.
  2. Immediately after Jesus’ baptism the heavens tore open (Greek schizo) suggesting that the access between God and man was now possible. The Spirit descends and “anoints” the Messiah. Jesus did no miracles before this time. We have no power to obey and serve with out the Spirit’s anointing in our lives.
  3. The Father spoke from Heaven and identified his beloved Son. “Beloved” also carries the idea of “unique, one of a kind.” The Father was much pleased that the Son was willing to become the Servant-Savior who would atone for the sins of the world.

Conclusion
Like John the Baptizer we too should proclaim “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”  Our desire should be to exalt Jesus: “He must become greater; I must become less.” Perhaps you have been baptized but not “drenched” in the Holy Spirit.

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5 Fun – and Affordable – Things to Do on Family Night

Posted on 01/17/2012 by dwright

5 Fun – and Affordable – Things to Do on Family Night

We all know that spiritual growth starts at home. One of the greatest ways to create an open, loving line of communication is by simply spending time together. Establishing a family night is an incredible tool in facilitating the kind of quality family time that leads to an environment conducive to spiritual growth. Here are some fun and affordable ideas that you can easily implement in your home.

1. Break out the Board Games – The world of board games gets broader and more advanced seemingly with every passing day. From Chutes and Ladders to Parcheesi, games are available which target every age group and interest.  On Family Night, make some special snacks, pull out a stack of games, and let the kids help decide which one comes first. Try to limit the competitive aspect, and focus everyone’s attention on the joy of spending time together.

2. Create your own Art – You don’t have to be artistic to enjoy creating something. From watercolor paintings to ceramic cups and bowls, there are any number of exciting artistic options just waiting for your family to discover. Try Experimenting with different mediums and styles of art, and work together as a family to create something beautiful that you could hang on the wall or display on a treasured shelf. Set the mood with some soft classical music, and discover the possibilities as you create your own art.

3. Read-Aloud – Reading for fun is almost a lost art in our society today, but families that choose to give it a try tend to enjoy it immensely. Choose an exciting book that will take more than a single session to complete – maybe a missionary biography or a classic adventure novel that incorporates some Bible application. Build the excitement by popping some popcorn or making cookies to share while you listen. Take turns reading aloud, and you will likely find that the whole family looks forward to the next installment!

4. Puzzle it Out – Most children love puzzles. These days you can find them for just a few dollars at the local Wal-Mart or for even less at a thrift store. Start the evening out small with a puzzle that even the toddlers can enjoy, and once the little ones are in bed, break out the more complex variations that Mom and Dad can put their heads together to complete.

5. Make your own Pizza – Ordering from the local pizzeria may be convenient, but it’s not nearly as much fun as making your own pizza at home! There are plenty of great recipes for pizza dough available online (check out this great one from Bobby Flay). The toppings may be as vast as your kids’ imaginations, and yes, you can always pop in a family-friendly movie while your homemade creations sizzle in the oven!

Family Night is always a big hit among families who make it a priority. They foster a loving family relationship and ultimately lead to an environment ideal for spiritual growth. Try some of these ideas, or feel free to write to us to share some of your own!

posted by Red Rocks Baptist Church in Lakewood, Colorado

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3 LESSONS TO LEARN FROM JESUS’ PRAYER LIFE

Posted on 01/17/2012 by dwright

With the onset of 2012, many believers have (and more should) evaluated their spiritual growth and personal walk with the Lord over the last year, especially in their prayer life.  If you had a personal mentor to assist you this year, would it help?  In fact, you do.

Recently I reflected on some of the times of prayer in the life of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels.  Here is some Bible application taken from Christ’s model which I saw for my own guidance.

  • Praying isn’t always at convenient times.

Prayer is expected at meals, during church services, and in hospital rooms.  Those are scheduled occasions during the normal flow of life.  Mark 1:29-37 records for our benefit an incident in which Jesus broke the mold.  He had just experienced a tiring day of ministry that extended into the evening.  But the next morning he was up very early spending time in prayer.  While it may have been his normal practice to pray in the morning, this particular instance in some way deviated from the norm since his disciples were looking for him.  His prayer time wasn’t convenient, but it was necessary.

  • Praying sometimes means leaving important things undone.

Mark 6:30-34, 45-46 relates another ministry experience indicative of priorities in Jesus’ life.

It was time for the disciples to report back after having been gone in a teaching ministry.  Jesus tried to make this meaningful by finding a quiet place to listen and evaluate.  But the crowds found them, so Jesus continued his teaching ministry to men into the early evening.  Subsequently the miracle of feeding the large crowd extended the day even more.

Finally, Jesus was able to get his disciples into a boat and to leave after he dismissed (actually compelled) the crowd to leave.  And now it was prayer time for Jesus.  But wasn’t there still teaching to be done?  The crowd was hungry for more.   And weren’t the disciples shortly going to be in midst of a Galilee storm without Jesus initially there to keep them safe?  In spite of those two significant needs, Jesus felt the compelling need to pray.  Jesus had said ‘no’ to the important to say ‘yes’ to the vital.  (Max Lucado)

  • Prayer sometimes should include lengthy times of solitude.

Modern life is intense.  Multi-tasking seems to be endemic to the American experience.  In fact, many people are uncomfortable with periods of silence and inactivity that extend beyond a few seconds or minutes.  The Gospel record paints a picture of days when Jesus was active the entire day and needed some ‘down time’.  He found refreshment by absenting himself from people and responsibility.  Luke 5:15-16 tells us that it was his regular habit to do just that.  He didn’t look for the time; he made time for such a critical endeavor.

A guided fly-fishing trip a few years ago was one of the highlights of my fishing experience.  In spite of fishing for over fifty years, it was a learning experience as the guide modeled for me exactly what to do and how I was to fish.  The result was a very successful day and a long-remembered outing, and it still benefits me today.  In the same way, if we study the Bible, closely observe of our ‘prayer model’, and follow Christ’s example in actual application it will certainly benefit us long-term.  May 2012 be a better ‘prayer year’ for each of us as we grow in Christian spirituality.

Article by Pastor Jerry Hamilton, Assistant Pastor of Red Rocks Baptist Church in Lakewood, Colorado.

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Several New Sermons Posted on SermonAudio

Posted on 01/17/2012 by dwright

This past Sunday Pastor Heinze preached a sermon entitled “Abusing the Lord’s Supper.” In case you missed it, you can play the sermon online via the audio sermon player or you can download an mp3 recording of the sermon to take with you.  You can also listen to recent sermons by other speakers such as:

  • “Loving One Another” – preached by Will Galkin
  • “Wholly Following the Lord” – preached by Brad Smith
  • “Miracles in the Forgotten Land” – preached by Setan Lee.

Click to browse the Red Rocks Baptist Church Audio Sermons page.

 

Red Rocks Ministries is an independent Lakewood Baptist church located in Southwest Denver, Colorado.

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Sanctification and Freedom from Temptation

Posted on 12/23/2011 by dwright

It has been stated that Salvation frees us from the penalty and power of sin. Sanctification frees us from the pursuit and practice of sin. Glorification frees us from the presence and possibility of sin. Sanctification requires our cooperation with God and involves our choices in life. Your spiritual success requires your obedience to the Word of God – even when you are tempted to do otherwise. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” The Scriptures tell us that God blesses the man – or is pleased with the man – who faces temptation and overcomes it. So, temptation is not sin; it can actually be used by God. Giving in to temptation is sin. The Bible says, “Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb. 4:15)

Many Christians become demoralized and feel guilty that they haven’t grown “beyond” temptation. You will never outgrow temptation. That thought is a misunderstanding of spiritual maturity. Temptation is a sign that Satan hates you – not that God has abandoned you! Heaven has a twenty-four hour emergency hotline that provides “overcoming grace.” Psalm 50:15 says, “Call upon me in the day of trouble (temptation): I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” The next time you face temptation send God a spiritual SOS, and call upon Him with a “mayday prayer” for help in your time of need.

Pressing on,
Les Heinze
Lead Pastor
Red Rocks Baptist Church, Lakewood, Colorado

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Miracle on Manger Street – Sermon Recap from 12-18-2011

Posted on 12/20/2011 by dwright

This sermon was preached at Red Rocks Baptist Church (14711 W. Morrison Rd. Morrison, CO 80123) on December 18, 2011 by Pastor Les Heinze.  These notes are provided as a recap and for further study into the message from God’s Word.

Please feel free to listen/download the entire audio sermon on mp3 here.

Miracle on Manger Street

I think it is fair to say that the “original Christmas classic” was not Miracle on 34th Street but Miracle on Manger Street. Look with me at Luke 2:7. We all know the scene very well: Joseph and Mary are watching baby Jesus sleep in a wooden feed trough known as a manger, the stars are twinkling in the night sky, the cattle and sheep peacefully stand nearby while shepherds and wise men pay homage. Thinking through the details you realize the setting wasn’t that peaceful, the environment was anything but sterile, and the wise men never made it to the stable. The original nativity scene was much different than what is displayed on our coffee tables. Let’s think through a couple of questions this morning.

I. Why did God choose this setting for His Son’s birth?

  1. We want to cry out, “Jesus doesn’t belong here, he deserves better than being treated like a vagrant or fugitive.” Suppose you had “all power” and could choose the circumstances of your child’s birth. Would it have been in a smelly barn with no heat, running water or medical assistance?
  2. Caesar Augustus issued a census to tax everyone in the Roman Empire. Joseph being a descendant of David, had to make the 90 mile, seven day journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem just when Mary “happened” to be full term in her pregnancy.
  3. God’s sovereignty didn’t just “allow” his Son to be born in a stable, he “ordained” it.  The inn was full because God wanted it that way. Christ’s “humiliation” (Php 2:7) started from the moment of His birth. Would it have been fitting for the man who would die naked on a cross to be robed in purple at his birth? We might tremble to approach a throne, but there is no fear standing before a manger.
  4. The very manner of his birth is an invitation to the rejected, the forgotten, and the poor to come to him for salvation. Jesus is touched with the feelings of our infirmities.  Jesus ate and drank with publicans and sinners because they were drawn to Him.  The prince of glory lived like a peasant while on earth!

II. What should we learn from the details of Christ’s birth?

  1. God uses adverse circumstances to accomplish his purposes. It made no sense to Mary and Joseph that at the moment the baby was to be born there was no room for them. Regardless of their devotion, Mary and Joseph would have struggled with this negative turn of events. Sometimes God’s will doesn’t make sense – for years. But God knows what He is doing and will accomplish His work in us and through us.
  2. This world has no room for Christ or His followers.  John 1:11 plainly states, “He came to his own and His own did not receive him.” The Jews had plenty of prophecies about the Messiah’s coming. Even pagan astrologers from Persia figured it out and followed His star. (Matt. 2:1-5)

    Mat 2:1 NKJV – Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
    Mat 2:2 NKJV – saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
    Mat 2:3 NKJV – When Herod the king heard [this], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
    Mat 2:4 NKJV – And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
    Mat 2:5 NKJV – So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

    Note that Luke 2:7 states “there was no room for them.” What happened to Him happened to them. To become a Christ follower means to be rejected by the world. The world will hate you because it hated me first.

  3. Jesus’ humble birth points to His saving mission. John the Baptist cried, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29) He was the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. Where else would a lamb be born? God’s wonderful plan, and what we celebrate in the incarnation, is that Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Have you received Him?
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The True Worshipers

Posted on 12/20/2011 by dwright

Jesus told the Samaritan woman and us, true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. (John 4:23) This passage teaches many things, one being that God is searching for genuine worshipers. We must worship God as the scriptures dictate – in spirit and truth. This is known as the Regulatory Principle of Worship: we worship in truth by following biblical commands and examples.

Today many people worship God in whatever way they want or in a style that they like – not necessarily according to how the scriptures teach or how God “likes.” That is exactly what had happened in Samaria. They did not worship at the Temple in Jerusalem, and they ceased to use the scriptures as the basis for their worship. Jesus called this ignorant and idolatrous worship! (4:22)

To worship in the Spirit involves delighting in God, so it engages our emotions. We should worship God with deep feelings, but they must be genuine emotions, not something contrived. God hates hypocrisy, showmanship and pretense. We may worship God imperfectly, but we should never worship Him insincerely. True worship will be both deeply emotional and deeply doctrinal. It touches both our heads and our hearts.

Pressing on,
Les Heinze
Lead Pastor
Red Rocks Baptist Church in Lakewood, Colorado

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Welcome to the Red Rocks Baptist Church blog!

Posted on 12/14/2011 by dwright

Are you looking for a church in Denver that will minister both to your family and to your soul? There are quite a few Denver Baptist churches. How can you find one that will truly meet your family’s spiritual needs?

At Red Rocks Baptist Church we actively pursue a twofold mission. We seek first to know Christ personally and to build our relationship with Him. As we draw near to God, we also seek to make His Name known to the world around us.

This blog is uniquely designed to promote both aspects of the Red Rocks mission. Here you will find valuable insights into Biblical Truth as well as practical information concerning Christianity in a modern world.

Our team of writers is comprised of veteran pastors, Bible teachers, and professional support staff. We seek to provide readers with articles that will feed their souls and assist them in their walk with Christ.

Red Rocks Baptist Church stands on Biblical Truth, proclaiming the Word of God with authority and clarity. The services are filled with God-honoring music, solid preaching, and a family atmosphere that our members have grown to love.

From Bible study classes to addiction recovery assistance, a variety of other ministries regularly assist individuals in our church and community. This blog is just one more way that we honor God in our modern society.

Whether you are searching for the perfect Denver church or simply some spiritual encouragement, you have come to the right place. Enjoy the wealth of information located here on our blog, and be sure to check out the Red Rocks website for information about the services and ministries of Red Rocks Baptist Church.

Thank you for taking the time to visit us!

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