The Not So Incredibles Sermon Series

I’m starting a new sermons series in late August that I’m calling, The Not So Incredibles and the Real Hero of the Bible. My goal is to focus on those superstar hero-like people in the Bible who are also known for messing up big-time. I’m not sure how long I’ll go, probably somewhere between 7-10 weeks looking at people like David, Esther, Abraham, Noah, Peter, Rahab, Sampson, and others. The message I want to convey is that ultimately Jesus is the real hero of every story especially for those of us who have failed with pornography. I have a testimony for sure and as much as I try to give God all the glory sometimes I feel a bit self-conscious about it, even a bit narcissistic. I’m probably just being paranoid, but the truth is I don’t want people to miss Jesus because that would be tragic.

Another major point in these messages that I hope to get across is that we’re all broken, messed up, and in a pit (Psalm 40:1-3), but thankfully Jesus heard our cry for help and in His strength rescues us (Matthew). We’ve all failed in some way and blown it. Sometimes we think the guys and gals in the Bible were exceptions and that they didn’t struggle and fail. But those stories are there for a reason. Not so much to glamorize the sin, but to see just how magnificent the savior is!

So much is made about us, you and me, and how we have gotten better, recovered, gained sobriety. And that is all something to celebrate, but I have to ask the question is the Bible primarily about us, or is it about Jesus and His triumph over sin and death? Let me suggest that the latter is true. So with this series I want to profile the Bible hero, but let Jesus be the real star. Through out this series I want my members to see that our failure, our sin, required more than we could do for ourselves. It required a divine “hero” to rescue us.

I’m hoping that my members can relate to the stories of sin and failure in the Bible and see themselves in the story. Obviously every man in my church can relate to King David, and his sexual temptation and ultimate fall. But as they see themselves in each one of the stories I’m praying that they will see that their failures are not final, and that Jesus doesn’t give up on us when we blow it. I’m praying that they will see that often Jesus has a plan to rescue us that seems a little crazy, and yet if we trust Him He will indeed save us and set us free.

To connect it to my congregation I’ll likely end the series by sharing my testimony of how God brought me back from porn. Now, the truth is many of my members know my story and have read my book but most have never heard me share it publicly. This last message would be about me as the “Not So Incredible” and how desperately dependant upon Jesus I am for life, strength, and peace. Some of my thoughts for this sermon series comes from what I wrote in Breaking the Silence here’s an excerpt that ties in:

 “After I shared my story publicly, some people expressed that they were totally embarrassed by my revelation. In many cases, their problem wasn’t the pornography so much, but that I chose to be so public about it. I’ve even lost friends over my public confession, and others won’t return my phone calls or e-mails. I received one letter from a lady who expressed her exasperation by saying, “Didn’t you realize that Newsweek goes all over the world!” I immediately wrote back and expressed my sincere appreciation that she would take the time to write. After considering what she said regarding her embarrassment and what others have said about being turned off by my story, the thought occurred to me: Shouldn’t the Bible embarrass them too? A not-so-careful reading of the Bible will reveal many “embarrassing” stories: David and Bathsheba, Abraham, Lot and his own daughters, Sampson. All these famous Bible heroes were once villains and failures—and they failed while they were in relationship with God. Why aren’t we embarrassed by their stories? What has happened that they no longer make us blush? Why don’t we just ignore those parts of the Bible and concentrate on the good stuff?”

I’ll keep you posted on how it all comes together and I would absolutely welcome your thoughts comments, and suggestions on how to go with this series!  Thank

Boomerang wrote on July 30th 08 at 08:30AM

I would love to hear that series. Do you put your sermons online? How can I hear them?

Jesusisking wrote on July 30th 08 at 02:55PM

I sincerely appreciate your humility Bernie. We know that some christian people are perfect and have never sinned or had hurts habits and hang ups... The sad thing for people who are in denial about who they are is that God didn't come and die for the righteous... I would absolutely love to hear your sermons! Please consider making them available on podcast over the internet.

Suricou Raven wrote on August 6th 08 at 04:20AM

"Another major point in these messages that I hope to get across is that we’re all broken, messed up, and in a pit (Psalm 40:1-3), but thankfully Jesus heard our cry for help and in His strength rescues us (Matthew)."

You seem to overlook that Jesus is also the one who dug that pit in your path.

Basil wrote on August 8th 08 at 08:35PM

@Raven-
Huh? Don't really understand what you're getting at there, Jesus does not trap us or tempt us. we are in the pit because we are fallen human beings, we are sinful, we are broken.

James 1 says this:
13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Jesus/God does not tempt us. I'm not really sure what else I can say...

Matt wrote on August 9th 08 at 08:59AM

@Boomerang

Looks like they keep the sermons here:
http://www.wasatchhills.org/index.php?option=com_sermon&Itemid=88.

Kenny Yap wrote on August 14th 08 at 10:04PM

Mark 2:17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Who are the sick that Jesus is refering to? Christians? Pre-believers? No! the sick that Jesus is referring to are those who can recognise that they have sinned, no one can help them, they can't even help themselves, they are weak. They humbled their hearts and cried out to our LORD. Will GOD not hear the cries and prayers of a humbled person? Now i realised that when we are weak, He is strong! Dear bro and sis, trust me in this, at some point in our lives, God will allow us to realise how "unclean" we can be! After all, Jesus came into the lives of the cheaters, the prostitutes, adulterer and the immoral and not to the self-righteous, because the self-righteous don't find a need for Him. May our LORD Jesus' Mercy, Grace, Wisdom and WORD, shine His Light in our innermost being.

A Sinner Brother from Singapore
Shalom!

Jesusisking wrote on August 15th 08 at 01:36AM

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." romans 5:8

I hope everyone understands that my first comment was an illustration of how messed up our church can be towards people who are being honest with their sinful nature. Often times when someone reaches out to seek the help and counsel of the church- especially if the person has already been confirmed as a member of the church- they are treated like trash!
We need to remember the story of the prodigal son and apply it to our lives and church- and understand that Jesus takes us from shattered and disgusting hopelessness to peace with God. Romans 5:1 Therefor, being justified by GRACE, we have peace with God through our lord Jesus Christ; 2 by whom also we have access, by faith, into this grace wherein we stand; and rejoice in hope of the glory of God!

Paul made it very clear many times in all of his writings that we are saved by grace and mor to this topic- we were saved while we were yet sinners!

Christ may have brought you through misery to show you his grace but to assume that it is nature to torture his sheep is a foolish assumption if that is indeed what you are getting at Suricou Raven. Neither can we see all of Gods work in each of his children than we can truly understand the tri-une and infinite nature of God himself.

Peace, love and joy- may grace abound in the lives of those who are ready to receive him!