Nobleton Community Church

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Nobleton Community Church
29084 Sentinel Street PO Box 224
Nobleton, Florida 34661

Rev. Paul V. Lehmann, Pastor
813-389-8683
Nobletoncommunitychurch.org
info@nobletoncommunitychurch.org

OUR VISION IS:
To experience SPIRIT-FILLED WORSHIP AND PRAYER
To be involved in EVANGELISM, DISCIPLINING AND TRAINING PEOPLE
To use our SPIRITUAL GIFTS
To SERVE AND REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST, BOTH
“ACROSS THE STREET AND ACROSS THE WORLD”

Nobleton Community Church
Date August 24, 2025
Text John 14:8-17 and John 15:5-17
Pastor Paul Lehmann

Listen to live audio here

One of the popular things that parents say to their children, especially teenagers, (maybe your mom or dad said it, or some of you said it to your children): “What part of NO don’t you understand?” This is after the begging and pleading that there would be a different decision. `But the statement means just what I said. Now also in the affirmative, Jesus also means just what He says when he says ANYTHING! (This is a pronoun meaning any occurrence.)

This is hard for us to understand when we don’t see the answer to our prayers right away. It might be prayers for healing, deliverance, open doors for evangelism: —–like we prayed when we first went to France to work with Muslims. It was after we had prayed, walked the streets, had a Bible Stand, and believed the promise that God would do great things,

Habakkuk 1:6 (NIV) “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told.” This is very important to see God answer our prayers for “anything” we ask for.

We needed to:

first- Have FAITH, but also to BELIEVE HIS WORD.

In John 15:7 … :If you remain in me, and my words remain in you—–Ask whatever you wish and it shall be done for you.”

We need to understand that this isn’t a magic formula, so that we can ask for just anything our fleshly worldly hearts desire. But if we stay connected to the vine, and stay in a close relationship with Jesus, we will know what his will is, and as I have said before—-His will becomes our will.

There are a number of other conditions that we overlook when we read that we can ask for whatever we wish. The starting point, of course, is to have faith and believe, but we read in verse 7 of chapter 15 that we must stay in a close relationship with Jesus and His word.

. Some people pray for the sick or the disabled to be healed, and when they aren’t, they say that the person didn’t have enough faith. We must realize that many times in scripture, the people Jesus healed didn’t know that they were going to be healed. Faith was important for someone in order for them to be healed, but not necessarily the person receiving the healing. Jesus said to believe that the Father was in Him, and He was In the Father. ( a tremendous declaration of the deity of Jesus).

We see in our scripture passages this morning some other conditions that may explain why we don’t see answered prayer. Verse 16 tells us that:

WE ARE TO BEAR FRUIT,— FRUIT THAT WILL LAST.

Wow!, Not only are we to bear fruit, but we have to see results, and the results must last. Now we know that it is only the Holy Spirit that causes them to desire being discipled and having a desire to grow in the Lord, but our part is to keep sowing. Then at some point we will see a yield of 30, 60 even 100 times what was sown. This is the kind of reproduction Jesus was talking about in Matthew 13:23. Anyone who has faith in Him will do what he had been doing.

Back to chapter 14:

In John 14:12, Jesus makes an amazing statement: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” Jesus performed many amazing and wonderful works—healing the sick and delivering people from evil spirits, raising the dead, walking on water, and feeding thousands come to mind—how can it be true that those who have faith in Him will perform “even greater” works than those? Like raising people from the dead and He Himself rose from the dead; How do you “top that”

In saying that those who believe in Him would do the works that He did, Jesus was not saying that every Christian would walk on water and raise the dead. The apostles in the book of Acts performed some miracles that were similar to Jesus’ works, but even they did not walk on water or feed multitudes, as far as we know. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people as He sees fit (1 Corinthians 12:4). Not everyone has the same set of gifts. Some believers have more revelatory or public gifts, and others have quieter, more private gifts.

Jesus said that not only would His followers do the same works, but they would do “greater” works than He. Again, this is not a reference to the works’ being greater in power.(qualitatively) Jesus had raised Lazarus, who had been four days in the tomb (John 11); humanly speaking, not even the apostles did a greater work than that. No one has ever exceeded the power or majesty of Jesus’ miracles.

So, what did Jesus mean that His faithful followers would do “greater” works than He? Without a doubt,

The works of Jesus’ followers would be greater in extent (quantitatively). Jesus’ earthly ministry had been largely limited to Galilee and Judea; That’s about 120 miles north to south, and 20 miles east to west. A narrow strip that he and his disciples walked. His disciples, however, were going to extend His ministry to the uttermost parts of the earth. When Jesus ascended to heaven, His followers numbered in the hundreds; forty days later, in response to the preaching of the apostles, that number leaped to 3,000. (Acts 2:41). In Acts 4:4 the number was 5,000 “men”

By the end of Acts, the gospel had made its way to Rome.

I want to emphasize the “quality” of the “greater works” that the disciples and we are able to do. The greatest miracle that God performs in the life of people is their transformation from death to life. It is what I see as an important privilege that we have, that Jesus did not have.

JESUS COULDN’T PREACH THE CROSS. He couldn’t preach the Good News of salvation, like we can. He left that to his disciples and to us.

A Hymn written by Johnson Oatman tells about the fact that even angels can’t sing A SONG OF REDEMPTION. The chorus says:

Holy, Holy is what the angels sing, and I expect to help them make the courts of heaven ring. But when I sing redemption’s story, they will fold their wings, for angels never felt the joy that our salvation brings.

There is also a Southern Gospel song entitled “ A Song Holy Angels Cannot Sing.” The song emphasizes that only human beings can truly share the message of Christ’s redemption. Angels are holy and have not sinned, so they cannot testify to being forgiven and saved by grace. Jesus couldn’t and didn’t either.

Jesus links the works of His followers with the fact of His return to heaven. In fact, He says His absence is the cause of their greater works: “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12, Jesus later told His disciples that the gift of the Holy Spirit depended on Jesus’ return to heaven (John 16:7). It was through the Spirit that the church is enabled to do the work of God.

WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE ANSWERS FOR ANYTHING WE ASK FOR —–THERE ARE CONDITIONS.

FIRST:

1. But we must accept Him as the only way to God. And that Jesus is the truth and the life. ( John 14:6)
2. We must BELIEVE IN HIM AND HAVE FAITH

3 We must PRAY TO MAKE HIS WILL, OUR WILL

4. We must REMAIN IN HIM AND TRUST IN HIS WORD
5. We must BEAR FRUIT—-AND DISCIPLE THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMED

We must LOVE EACH OTHER.

The words of Jesus in John 14

What does John chapter 14 mean? | BibleRef.com
What does John chapter 14 mean? How should I understand John chapter 14? How does John chapter 14 fit with the s…

and 15 were of great comfort to His eleven disciples. He was about to be arrested and suffer a cruel and unjust death. The disciples themselves would be scattered that night. But Jesus assures them that:

No matter what happens, God’s work will continue in the world. Even after Jesus’ earthly ministry ended, His work would go on. The followers of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, would continue to help and heal people. The gospel would have a worldwide impact.

As God’s people pray in Jesus’ name, answers will come, and the greatest miracle of all—the spiritual transformation of a sinful heart through faith in Christ—will become commonplace, to the glory of God.

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Nobleton Community Church
29084 Sentinel Street PO Box 224
Nobleton, Florida 34661

Rev. Paul V. Lehmann, Pastor
813-389-8683
Nobletoncommunitychurch.org
info@nobletoncommunitychurch.org

OUR VISION IS:
To experience SPIRIT-FILLED WORSHIP AND PRAYER
To be involved in EVANGELISM, DISCIPLINING AND TRAINING PEOPLE
To use our SPIRITUAL GIFTS
To SERVE AND REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST, BOTH
“ACROSS THE STREET AND ACROSS THE WORLD”

Nobleton Community Church
Date August 17, 2025
Text TEXT: Exodus 4:1-20
Pastor Paul Lehmann

Listen to live audio here

On a plaque marking Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace near Hodgenville, Kentucky, is recorded this scrap of conversation: “Any news down t’ the village, Ezry?” “ Well, Squire, McLain’s gone t’ Washington t’ see Madison swore in, and ol’ Spellman tells me this Bonaparte fella has captured most o’ Spain. What’s new out here, neighbor?” “Nuthin’, nuthin’ a ‘tall, ‘cept fer a new baby born t’ Tom Lincoln’s, Nothin’ ever happens out here.”

Some events, such as birthdays in Hodgenville, where Abraham Lincoln

was born. Or in Bethlehem, or a baby found among the reeds along the Nile River in Egypt, or spiritual rebirth in a person’s life, may not create much earthly splash, but those of lasting importance will eventually get the notice they deserve.

The three earthly births mentioned were deliverers: Abe Lincoln, Jesus, and Moses.

Moses was a reluctant one. Moses asked God: “Who is sending me?”

God answers him with: I AM — AM—The great I AM —I AM WHO I AM. Now this is after God has spoken to him from a burning bush that wasn’t consumed. In the last part of chapter 3, God has laid out for Moses, all that he is to do, how he is to explain everything to the elders, and what was going to happen, and how the Israelites would be able to receive plunder, l from their Egyptian neighbors, to make up for all of their hardship during the years of their bondage. All of these riches are what will make it possible for them to have the elaborate tabernacle in the wilderness to worship in.

Now, beginning in chapter 4, Moses shows incredible unbelief. Oh, he believes IN God, he knows that God is the only true God, and in his heart he has faith in God. That’s why God is calling him to be the deliverer of Israel. We too believe in God. He has provided us with salvation, we believe he is the Creator, and we believe he takes care of us. We have even seen him answer prayers and help us in so many different ways.

However, we have also seen times when he hasn’t answered our prayers, and times when we have had a very hard time of it. Nothing like the Israelites experienced, but nevertheless, we have had some trying times in our lives; but we continue to believe IN Him, even if sometimes we have our doubts. But the title of my message this morning is:

“DO WE REALLY BELIEVE WHAT GOD SAYS?” There is a difference in believing IN God and believing what he says. When we don’t believe what God says to us in his Word, or when he calls us, or tells us to do something, we give excuses to him, or we rationalize things he says; like; oh he doesn’t really mean that—-or he will overlook that—-or it will be Okay if I don’t do exactly like he wants me to do, and so forth. Or maybe we answer him like Moses did (in verses 1 -2) when God had told him what he was to do; he comes up with an EXCUSE: “What if they don’t believe me, or listen to me,” or they say, “the Lord didn’t appear to you? God just asks him, “Is that a staff in your hand? Uh, yes—“Throw it on the ground.” Moses did, and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Then in verse 4. God tells him to “take the snake by the tail.” So Moses did, and “it turned back into a staff.” God says to him, “This is so that they will believe the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob appeared to you. The staff would be his credentials before the people. God takes what we have in our hands and uses it, if we just trust Him. Of itself, the rod was nothing, but in God’s hands it became POWERFUL.

Moses didn’t have a chance to ask God—if he was going to do this in front of the Israelite elders. God just told him to put his hand inside his cloak. So he did, and when he took it out, it was leprous and completely white. “Now put it back into your cloak.” He did, and when he pulled it back out, his skin was normal, and he was completely healed.

Moses’ own hand had killed a man, but in the second miracle, God showed him that he could heal the weakness of the flesh and use Moses for His glory. His own hand was nothing, but in God’s hand, it would do wonders!

God says to him, “If they won’t believe the first sign—your staff turning into a snake, and then back to a staff again, or this second sign of you getting leprosy and then being healed, go get some water from the Nile and pour it on the ground. It will become blood. These are pretty convincing answers to them not believing that God appeared to him and called him to be their deliverer. However, these signs would eventually be imitated by the godless Egyptian magicians.

So Moses has to give another EXCUSE.

“Pardon your servant, Lord.” (he acknowledges that God has called him to serve him.)—“I have never been eloquent”—(-I don’t speak very good, especially in front of people,) neither in the past, nor since you have spoken to me. I am slow of speech and tongue ( did he stutter?) He is saying, “I am not gifted.” God had said, “I AM, and all Moses could say was, “I am not.” He was looking at himself and his failures instead of at God and His power. God doesn’t need eloquence or oratory; He needs only a clean vessel that He can fill with His message.

In verse 11, God asks him; Who makes people mute or deaf?—Who gives sight, or makes people blind. Is it not I?——–NOW GO! “ I WILL HELP YOU SPEAK AND WILL TEACH YOU WHAT TO SAY.”

“Pardon your servant Lord” (here we go again)—

‘PLEASE SEND SOMEONE ELSE!!!” In verse 14, we read, “Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, ‘What about your brother Aaron? ( I can just hear Moses saying—yeah—what about him?) but no, he didn’t say that to God. God says, “I know he can speak well, and he is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You will speak to him and put words in his mouth, and I will help you both to speak, and I will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth, and as if you were God to him. But take this staff in your hand so that you can perform the signs with it.”

Moses’ reaction to what God had said was one of UNBELIEF.

Next, we also see a question of INTEGRITY.

Moses returned to Jethro’s house and told him all about his encounter with the Lord, and asked permission to return to Egypt and see if any of his people were still alive. Now he wasn’t honest with Jethro. God had told him his brothers were still alive.

This was the first uncovering of a lack of integrity. However, his father-in-law, Jethro, encouraged him to go. Moses wasn’t a very good testimony for the Lord to his father-in-law, then — he was a lot like we are sometimes. We just don’t come out and tell people what God has said to us, or what he has done for us. Later on in the wilderness, chapter 18

The Lord told Moses in Midian that all of those who sought to kill him were dead, and that he should return to Egypt. God wanted Moses to trust Him and not be afraid. How patient God is with His own. How encouraging are His promises.

Then God says to Moses, Be sure that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. BUT, I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. What does this mean? How is it that God caused Pharaoh’s heart to harden, and that he refused to let the Israelites go free? Think of it this way.

The heat of the sun beats down on the clay on the ground, and makes it hard. That same sun, when it beats down on wax, softens it. It is the substance that causes the result. In the same way, since Pharaoh’s heart was already turned against the One true God, God’s power forced a response from him. Then you are to say to him, “This is what the Lord says; Israel is my firstborn son, and I told you, Let my son-(that is, my people) go, so he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go, so I will kill your firstborn son” (verse 23). Then the next verse, 24, we read a very shocking statement. “… The Lord met Moses, and was about to kill him.” Many commentators and theologians have trouble with this verse. It goes against all of our understanding of who God is, and the mercy, love, and forgiveness he shows us. But this isn’t anymore harder to understand than his instructions to the Israelites when they went to battle; in some cases, they were told to kill every inhabitant in a village. That is, men, women, children, and animals. That too is hard to understand.

WE MUST GRASP THE HOLINESS OF GOD, THEN WE CAN BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND BETTER WHAT HE DOES.

But once we grasp the holiness of God, and how he hates sin, and the fact that he will not tolerate someone ignoring Him, it becomes clearer how serious it is when we refuse to bow down to Him and obey Him. It is only because we live in a day of Grace that he holds back his wrath now,

but some day on the day of judgment, everything that we have done against God, and all of man’s rebellion, will be dwelt with.

Circumcision was an important part of the Jewish faith, yet Moses had neglected to bring his own son into the covenant (Gen. 17:10).

This was his second lack of INTEGRITY before the Lord. God had to discipline Moses (perhaps by sickness) to remind him of his obligation. How could he lead Israel if he was failing to lead his own household in things spiritual? Especially since he was going to kill all the firstborn sons of the Egyptians, because of Pharaoh’s refusal to listen to God. His wife Zipporah probably was against doing this before, but now, reluctantly and with disgust, she circumcises Moses’s son herself. The Hebrew phrase that she uses, “you have become a bridegroom of blood to me,” refers to this command to circumcise male babies. Moses later sent his family back to Midian. (Because in chapter 18:2, we see that Jethro, Zipporah, and Moses’ two sons come from Midian and join him in the Wilderness.

God had promised that Aaron was coming (v. 14), and now He fulfilled that promise. While both Moses and Aaron had their weaknesses, and each failed God and each other more than once, it was a great help to Moses to have his brother at his side. They met at “the mountain of God” where Moses had seen the burning bush (3:1-5). Verse 5; “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Moses told Aaron all that God had told him to do. When they performed the signs before the people, they believed. When they heard that God had heard their cries and seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.

God sees everything you are going through and is still providing deliverance for you. Today, the power of the Holy Spirit will give you strength to withstand anything the enemy throws at you

Jesus is your deliverer. He wants you to believe everything he has told us in The Word. Let’s not give him excuses when he asks us to do something for him.

Moses’s reluctance and fear were caused by overanticipation. He was worried about how the people might respond to him. We often build up events in our minds and then panic over what might go wrong. God does not ask us to go where he has not provided the means to help. Go where he leads, trusting him to supply courage, confidence, and resources at the right moment

A shepherd’s staff was commonly a three to six-foot wooden rod with a curved hook at the top. The shepherd used it for walking, guiding his sheep, killing snakes, or pulling a lamb out of a crevice. Still, it was just a stick. But God used the simple shepherd’s staff Moses carried as a sign to teach him an important lesson. God sometimes takes joy in using ordinary things for extraordinary purposes. What are the ordinary things in your life—your voice, a pen, a hammer, a broom, a musical instrument? While it is easy to assume God can use only special skills, you must not hinder his use of the everyday contributions you can make. Little did Moses imagine the power his simple staff would give when it became the staff of God.

For us today, Jesus Christ, God’s son, is the ROCK that we stand on. Because of him, we can do anything he asks us to do. Because of his shed blood on the cross, we are delivered from sin, healed from sicknesses and addictions, and BECAUSE OF HIM, WE TOO, CAN HELP OTHERS TO BE DELIVERED. JUST BELIEVE HIM, AND DO WHAT HE SAYS WHEN HE CALLS US TO ACTION.

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Nobleton Community Church
29084 Sentinel Street PO Box 224
Nobleton, Florida 34661

Rev. Paul V. Lehmann, Pastor
813-389-8683
Nobletoncommunitychurch.org
info@nobletoncommunitychurch.org

OUR VISION IS:
To experience SPIRIT-FILLED WORSHIP AND PRAYER
To be involved in EVANGELISM, DISCIPLINING AND TRAINING PEOPLE
To use our SPIRITUAL GIFTS
To SERVE AND REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST, BOTH
“ACROSS THE STREET AND ACROSS THE WORLD”

Nobleton Community Church
Date August 10, 2025
Text Luke 16: 1-13 I Corinthians 4:1-5
Pastor Paul Lehmann

Listen to live audio here

Verse two in this passage that Paul wrote to the Corinthian church says, “It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

This morning, we have sung about the faithfulness of God and of our Savior Jesus Christ to bless us, help us to solve our problems, relieve the burden of the suffering heart, and so forth. It seems natural that we, in turn, should be faithful to Him for all He has done and is doing, and will continue to do for us. Yet we do not understand what it really means to be faithful stewards. I wonder if we would or could give an account of our stewardship like the steward in the parable, what we would say if our master would say to us, “What’s this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship or your management. The picture here was of a steward or servant who was in charge of an estate or household, dispensing tasks to other servants. He is called in the text a manager in some translations. He probably was a “slave” put in charge of running his master’s estate. In Palestine, there were many absentee landlords. This steward in this parable had followed a career of embezzlement. The debtors were dishonest, too. No doubt what they owed was rent. Rent in Palestine was often paid to a landlord not in money, but in goods. It was a lot like the old system of “sharecropping.” Someone who rents land and farms it for the owner, and he pays for the land by giving the owner a share of the crops he raises. Palestine was like that. It was often an agreed proportion of the produce of the part of the estate which had been rented.

The steward knew that he had lost his job. He therefore had a brilliant idea. He falsified the entries in the books so that the debtors were debited with far less than they owed. This would make them grateful to him, and he had also involved the debtors in his own misdemeanors, and if worst came to worst, he was now in a strong position to exercise a little judicious blackmail! The master wasn’t shocked but appreciated the shrewd brain behind it, and actually praised the steward for what he had done.

One important meaning is to teach that all men are God’s stewards. Those who are unrepentant are bad stewards without doubt, but also those who claim to want to serve their master sometimes are bad.

The apostle Paul writes in I Cor 4:2 about what is required by those who have been given a trust; a steward must prove faithful.

THERE ARE FOUR LESSONS FOR US TO LEARN FROM THIS PARABLE. In verse 8, the lesson is that:

I. CHILDREN OF THIS WORLD ARE WISER (IN THEIR GENERATION) OR (IN DEALING WITH THEIR OWN KIND), THAN ARE THE PEOPLE OF LIGHT.

If only the Christian were as eager and ingenious in his attempt to attain goodness as the man of the world is in his attempts to attain money and comfort, he would be a good servant for his Lord.

If only men would give as much attention to the things which concern their souls as they do to the things which concern their business, they would be good stewards.

It is a fact that people will spend twenty times the amount of time and money and effort on their pleasure or recreation, their hobby, their golf (or watching sports), their gardening, and so forth, as he does the Lord’s work. (ie. Things in church for the Kingdom.

Our Christian service will only begin to become real and effective when we spend as much time and effort on it as we do on our own worldly activities.

You may say, “But Pastor Paul, we are told that whatever we do, we are to do it for God’s glory. Can’t I serve the Lord just as easily doing the things you mentioned? They are legitimate activities. Yes, you can, and I trust you do, and some of you are doing them a large proportion of your time. Others, not so much. Many of us need to examine this area of our lives. We should be faithful in giving of ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ and His purposes. This means a full life commitment of doing HIS WILL, not ours. We must quit trying to run our lives according to our selfish interests and allow the Lord to take control and show us areas where we have not yet surrendered to Him.

A few years ago, there was a small boy, described as a “shy” second grader, eight years old, “a little owlish in spectacles,” who was guilty of committing a crime in a New Jersey school. It was Valentine’s Day. He brought a Valentine and put it on the teacher’s desk; then he went down into the basement and set fire to the school by lighting wastepaper in the boiler room. When the Fire Commissioner conducted an inquiry, evidence pointed to the boy. He readily admitted that he had done it. When he was asked why, he explained, as the news report put it, with childish simplicity, “In class yesterday teacher took away my bubble gum.”

The child says in effect, “ I am on the throne of my life, and I want everybody else to bow down before me. I want to rule. When I want anything, I want it, and that is sufficient reason for my having it. If I want to chew bubble gum, I should get to do it. If anybody takes it away from me, I have a right to lash out and destroy anything that stands in the way of my whim and desire.” Maybe we don’t burn down schools, but we lash out in our own way. The only way to curb that desire is to have our Adam sin nature cleansed and changed by the Spirit of God by a new birth experience. This isn’t just “trying again” as the world sees it; “a new start on our own,” but rather by life-transforming power when Christ enters our life. II Peter 1:3, 4 says that His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

Day by day we must submit our lives to the control of the Lord Jesus Christ in order that He may keep the old nature crucified with Him. All He wants is our lives and that we yield to His will. Now that isn’t so bad, because we were created to serve God and to glorify Him. Some of you may have learned the Heidelberg Catechism (written in Germany in the 16th c. and used in the Reformed Church then, and many churches today), which says “the chief aim of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Some of you have gotten that confused and have thought that your chief aim in life is to enjoy the good things God has given you forever.

THE SECOND LESSON IS FOUND IN VERSE 9

II. THAT MATERIAL POSSESSIONS SHOULD BE USED TO CEMENT THE FRIENDSHIP WHEREIN THE REAL AND PERMANENT VALUE OF LIFE LIES.

It could be done in two ways.

1.) It could be done as it affects eternity. The Rabbis had a saying. “The rich help the poor in this world, but the poor help the rich in the world to come.”

Ambrose, who lived from 340-397, was Bishop of Milan and later Governor of Northern Italy. was contemporary with other early Church fathers like Jerome and Augustine. In his commentary on the rich fool who, in the parable that Jesus told, built bigger barns to store his goods, Ambrose said, “the bosoms of the poor, the houses of widows, the mouths of children are the barns which last forever.” It was, in any event, a Jewish belief that charity given to poor people would stand to a man’s credit in the world to come. A man’s true wealth would not be in what he kept, but in what he gave away.

2.) It could be done as it effects this world.

A man can use his wealth selfishly or he can use it to make life easier for his fellowmen. Possessions in themselves are not a sin, but they are a great responsibility that God has given to us because he has given our possessions to us. We are stewards.

“You might say; “Oh, no wonder I don’t have much; I probably wouldn’t take care of it very well—I would blow it!”

Yes, you might be right, because you might misuse it.

Jesus made a point about this. He said; “whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?

LOOK AT VERSES 10 AND 11. THE LESSON IS THAT:

III. A MAN’S WAY OF FULFILLING A SMALL TASK IS THE BEST PROOF OF HIS FITNESS OR UNFITNESS TO BE ENTRUSTED WITH A BIGGER TASK.

Jesus says that; “upon earth you are in charge of things which are not really yours. You cannot take them with you when you die. They are only lent to you, so to speak. You are responsible for them. You are only a steward or manager over them. On the other hand in heaven you will get what is really and eternally and essentially yours, and what you get in heaven depends on how you used certain things on EARTH.

IV. THEN FINALLY VERSE 13 LAYS DOWN THE RULE THAT NO SERVANT CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS.

In our economy today many people, if they still have a job, it isn’t enough, and they try to have two jobs, and work for two different people. We can use our spare time in this way but a slave could not, actually he had no spare time; every moment of his day and every ounce of his energy, belonged to his master. He had not time which was his own. So, serving God, can never be a part time or a spare time job. Once a man chooses to serve God every moment of his time and every bit of his energy belongs to God. God is an exclusive master we either belong to Him totally and altogether or not at all.

You probably remember the account of a former city employee in Albany, NY, who attended an evangelistic service, and received Jesus Christ as His personal Savior. The Holy Spirit convicted him of some of things he did when he worked for the State, but more importantly he was convicted of what he didn’t do; for the hours he wasted by “goofing off” instead of working. He then mailed a check for $100.00 to the then city treasurer Frank J. O’Brian, and with it a note which read;

“FOR STOLEN TIME”

Not very many people would have done that.

We should think about the way we use our time. I know I have thought about this. I believe all of us need to consider how we spend our time, in the days that the Lord gives us. Time at work; time for meditation, devotion, and prayer; time for the Lord in worship, “singing spiritual songs” (as they did in the early Church); time serving Him and listening to Him when He tells us we should do a certain thing; time in fellowship with God’s people.

Let’s ask ourselves the question this morning; “Am I serving self, and ultimately Satan when I do that, and is it he who has mastery over my time, or am I serving my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and is it He who is master over my time, my money,

over my talents, my abilities- maybe to sing, to teach or work with children; are there spiritual gifts the Lord has given me, that I am not using to serve Him?

Remember it is required that we as stewards be found faithful. Then, when we see Him some day, He will be able to say, “WELL DONE, MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.”

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Nobleton Community Church
29084 Sentinel Street PO Box 224
Nobleton, Florida 34661

Rev. Paul V. Lehmann, Pastor
813-389-8683
Nobletoncommunitychurch.org
info@nobletoncommunitychurch.org

OUR VISION IS:
To experience SPIRIT-FILLED WORSHIP AND PRAYER
To be involved in EVANGELISM, DISCIPLINING AND TRAINING PEOPLE
To use our SPIRITUAL GIFTS
To SERVE AND REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST, BOTH
“ACROSS THE STREET AND ACROSS THE WORLD”

Nobleton Community Church
Date August 3, 2025
Text I Corinthians 11: 23-34
Pastor Paul Lehmann

Listen to live audio here

Celebrations come in all shapes and sizes; birthday parties and celebrations, wedding anniversaries, family and class reunions, small town carnivals, ethnic celebrations, and National Independence Days and holidays. All of these are almost always accompanied by “feasts”—eating together, and usually plenty of food, or at the least cakes or other delicious desserts.

There is one celebration that is celebrated worldwide in a similar fashion. It is “The Lord’s Table” or what we call COMMUNION. The differences have to do with the understanding of why it is celebrated and also the way that it looks.

There are those who treat it as a sacrament which is necessary for salvation, and many others who understand it as a symbol of what Christ accomplished on the cross.

It is Jesus Christ alone who provides salvation, not the elements of unleavened bread and wine. We share these to remember what He did. But in every country where there is a Christian Church, the Lord’s table is recognized, and communion is given for all believers.

The passage that we read envisions a great banquet table.

Extending from Rome to Corinth, to Philippi, to Galatia, and so forth.

Today, that table extends to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, Latin America, South America, and every island of the sea.

In many parts of the world, they are not very well dressed, and the bread is what they can buy in the open market, and is the juice of a tree that is indigenous to their country.

Some are eating hard brown bread; others are eating rice cakes or corn bread. Some are drinking wine from silver goblets, others are pouring juice of tropical plants from earthen bowls. Some are dressed in suits, some are dressed in expensive casual wear, even shorts, and some wear tattered clothing.

In this celebration, we all acknowledge a worldwide need;

That we have all sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God, (or God’s glorious standard) (Romans 3:23)

We set aside all boasting and claims of superiority. Instead of claiming goodness, we seek mercy. We share a common humanity, and so because of that, a common need. The evidence of sin is worldwide.

Hatred and injustice know no boundaries. In every major city, and in many smaller communities in the world, we see all sorts of crimes, brutal murders, theft, extortion, fraud, and unbelievable injustices

Recently, especially in the United States, we have seen a spirit of anti-Semitism against Jewish students and Jewish people in general that we haven’t seen since the days of Nazi Germany.

Jesus Himself suffered unjust treatment (actually illegal treatment based on both Jewish and Roman law), and was crucified even though he was totally innocent of the charges brought against Him. We read in I Peter 2:21, “this suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps.”

It seems that everywhere in the world, there is restlessness and revolt. It is no longer just in developing nations like in Africa, but countries like Greece, Spain, and at various times, France, Great Britain, and Germany, and right now in our own country, we see mobs of people revolting in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and recently in Cincinnati, Ohio as well as other cities. Everywhere, there are attempts at suppression, manipulation, and discrimination. There are times when it seems like the persecutors are at fault, like when, for years, the Islamic Sudanese regime persecuted and killed Christians. Now, South Sudan has finally gotten their independence, but persecution continues, and has spread down into the north-eastern part of the Congo. And of course, since last Oct. Hamas started the war with Israel. There are other times when the revolutionaries seem to be at fault in disrupting things. In all nations:

PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS IN THE WRONG PLACES; they don’t want to know what the Bible says.

Also in this celebration of communion, we rejoice in a worldwide love.

(John 3:16)—“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God established no boundaries for His love. His love is unconditional, and the atonement for sin is not limited. There are some denominations that claim a doctrine that states—“Limited Atonement” That is, that Christ didn’t die for everyone, only God’s elect who will be saved. They only say this to try and explain the doctrine of election that scripture talks about. Whatever else it means to God, it does not mean that some are determined for eternal life and some for damnation, for such a purpose would destroy the cosmic aspect of the cross and make it something which is contrary to the great truth that we just quoted from John 3:16. An invitation to whoever believes would hardly be honest if some were unable to be among the- “whoever.”

However, if by election it is meant that God takes the initiative, then this idea is in conformity with the purpose of redemption, for man does not turn to God by himself, but is impelled by the convincing power of the Holy Spirit. This understanding of election makes man dependent on God not only for his salvation, but also for the motivation which brings him to God. It must always be remembered that God shows no partiality, for he loved the world, and

The cross raises no barriers and imposes no limitations, but its message is, “whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (Rev. 22:17)

God established no boundaries for His love. His love was unconditional when He sent His son to die. His love continues to be unconditional.

There was a young boy who asked his dad one day, Daddy, how does God love us? His dad answered, “God loves us with an unconditional love!” The boy thought for a moment and then asked, “What kind of love is unconditional love? His dad said, “Do you remember the two boys that used to live next door to us, and the cute little puppy they got last Christmas? “Yeah”—“Do you remember how they used to tease it, throw sticks and even rocks at it? “Yeah,” Do you also remember how the puppy would always greet them with a wagging tail and would try to lick their faces? “Yeah”—Well, that puppy had an unconditional love for those boys. They certainly didn’t deserve his love for them because they were mean to him. But he loved them anyway. The father then said—You see, God’s love for us is also unconditional. Men hit Jesus (God’s son), and then killed Him, but Jesus loved them anyway.

Romans 5:6-8 says:…”When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man. Though for a good man, someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his LOVE for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

II Peter 3:9 we read…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

The text of John 3:16 doesn’t say that God only loved the Jewish world, or the Gentile world, or the white, European world, or Asian or African. It doesn’t even say He loves only the elect! It doesn’t say God loved the rich world, the poor world, or the middle-class world.

God expressed His love for all people. His love is expressed in provisions for our spiritual welfare. There is no material provision that can ensure the life of the soul. Through the gift of His Son, God has provided forgiveness, new birth, and eternal life.

As we partake of the Lord’s Supper this morning, let us again accept the love of God for our salvation.

In this celebration, we express a worldwide fellowship.

Eating together is a symbol of unity. The common meal is a symbol of loyalty, love, friendship, and unity. When people are angry with each other, they usually refuse to eat together. We should never come to the Lord’s Table with anger, or bitterness, or jealousy in our hearts towards someone.

At the time that Paul is reminding the Christians at Corinth about some things having to do with the Lord’s Supper, they would use one loaf of bread, and he says in I Cor. 10:17—that drinking the cup and eating the broken bread is a participation (or sharing) in Christ’s blood and body. “because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. That is to say, those who receive these elements, in faith, are united to Christ and, by the Spirit, to one another. They partake of the benefits secured for them through our Savior’s shed blood and crucified body. —benefits that include atonement for sin, justification through faith, and healing for the body.

Thus, both strong and weak members need to remember that the body of Christ is not divided, and therefore, we must express our unity in our relationship to each other.

We are all one in Christ. What we have in common with Christians everywhere is more important than the cultural, racial, or economic differences that separate us. We have accepted the same love and believed in the same Lord, we are united in a common purpose, and we will share the same heaven.

For safety reasons, mountain climbers rope themselves together when climbing a mountain. That way, if one climber should slip and fall, he will not fall to his death. He would be held by the others until he could regain his footing.

The church ought to be like that. When one member slips and falls, the others should hold him up until he regains his footing. We are all “roped together” by the Holy Spirit. As we unite and go forward in His power, we will affect others both inside and outside the church.

So let’s acknowledge a worldwide need.

Celebrate a worldwide love, and

Express a worldwide fellowship

[Unless we tend our relationship with God, our spiritual houses
can become places of desolation.]

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Nobleton Community Church
29084 Sentinel Street PO Box 224
Nobleton, Florida 34661

Rev. Paul V. Lehmann, Pastor
813-389-8683
Nobletoncommunitychurch.org
info@nobletoncommunitychurch.org

OUR VISION IS:
To experience SPIRIT-FILLED WORSHIP AND PRAYER
To be involved in EVANGELISM, DISCIPLINING AND TRAINING PEOPLE
To use our SPIRITUAL GIFTS
To SERVE AND REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST, BOTH
“ACROSS THE STREET AND ACROSS THE WORLD”

Nobleton Community Church
Date July 27, 2025
Text Luke 13:31-35
Pastor Paul Lehmann

Listen to live audio here

During our home foreclosure crisis, we got too acquainted with literal desolate houses. Foreclosure signs were a familiar sight in many communities across America. Some of these properties fell into disrepair. Neighborhoods in cities and towns across America were decimated because of houses abandoned after their owners were either forced out by mortgage holders or gave up and walked away from them ahead of inevitable foreclosures. And we know how things often go from there: With no one tending them, the buildings start to crumble, eaves begin to sag, windows get smashed, mold becomes a problem, yards become overgrown, and vandals or squatters or even drug dealers add to the deterioration. The houses begin to die, and so do the neighborhoods in which they sit.

In this passage, Jesus refers to a house that has been left “desolate.” The RSV has it “forsaken.” It’s an opportunity to examine how our “houses” (our inner beings) become desolate, and how they might be restored once again.

If there’s one biblical metaphor that translates easily to our culture today, it’s likely the one Jesus uses in Luke 13:35, where he laments over Jerusalem and says, “Look, your house is left to you desolate …” (NIV).

What sort of houses did Jesus consider desolate? In both New Testament Greek and modern English, the word “house” can stand not only for a building but also for a family. The text begins with the Pharisees passing along a threat from Herod, whom Jesus would refer to as a fox. This passage shows us Jesus talking to Herod Antipas, King of Galilee, who was out to stop him. To the Jew, the fox was a symbol of three things.

First, it was regarded as the sliest of animals.

Second, it was regarded as the most destructive of animals.

Third, it was the symbol of a worthless and insignificant man

. So, it was a courageous remark by Jesus, and probably reflected a little bit of his humanity, to call the reigning king a fox.

One of the well-known preachers in England, named Latimer, was once preaching in Westminster Abbey when Henry the king was in the congregation. In the pulpit, he remarked: “Latimer! Latimer! Latimer! Be careful what you say. The king of England is here!” Then he went on to say, “Latimer!, Latimer!, Latimer! Be careful what you say. The King of Kings is here.” Yes it is far more important what we say about Jesus The King of Kings than any earthly king. And Jesus took his orders from God, and he would not shorten his work by one day to please or to escape any earthly king.

Luke 13:31-35 strongly connects Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51–19:28). The passage is a continuation of 13:22-30, which records Jesus’ traveling “through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem” (v. 22). Here, Jesus specifically discusses the likelihood that expectations will be defied with respect to those who will be welcomed in and those who will be left out come judgment day. Heavenly standards will confound the earthly status quo. In the midst of this lesson — “At that very hour” (v. 31) —This is where the Pharisees enter the scene to warn Jesus that Herod is seeking to kill him.

This warning is the source of speculation regarding the intent of the Pharisees. Because their own authority is thrown into question by much of what Jesus teaches, 13:22-30 included, the Pharisees are typically portrayed as being in tension with him. Thus, it is surprising that Luke depicts them — “some” (v.31), at least — as cautioning Jesus about Herod. Perhaps the Pharisees are merely taunting Jesus. But they may very well be concerned for his safety, suggesting that not all Pharisees are unbendingly at odds with Jesus (witness Nicodemus in the gospel of John and examples of hospitality extended to Jesus by Pharisees in Luke 7:6, 11:37 and 14:1).

Less open to speculation is Herod’s dire threat. Herod, of course, stands to be one of the biggest losers when the earthly status quo is disrupted. He has already met the prophetic challenge of John the Baptist with lethal force (9:7-9). Because of his own prophetic presence, Jesus has also made his way onto Herod’s enemies list. Having withstood temptation posed by the devil in the wilderness (4:1-13), Jesus now faces the temptation of avoiding the wrath of a despot.

Jesus responds by not succumbing to fear. He is defiant, dismissively referring to Herod as “that fox” (v. 32), one who is sly and not to be trusted. Jesus is doing holy work, “casting out demons and healing people” (v. 32), and he instructs the Pharisees to tell Herod that this work will go on until it is accomplished. Moreover, Jesus makes it clear that this work is integral to the overall task of making his way to Jerusalem, a task he “must” pursue (v. 33a). The word here connotes a necessity corresponding to carrying out orders, in this case a divine mission (see Luke 2:49; 9:22; 22:7).

The house of Herod was tangled. The family line did not resemble so much a tree as a tangled ball of yarn. This Herod, named Antipas, had other relatives called Herod as well, and their marriages, divorces and remarriages were not only often ill-considered, but were sometimes incestuous.

The Herods were greatly admired in the Roman Empire. Herod the Great, for instance, had saved the Olympics around the year 12 B.C. by funding them perfectly. He left behind many great architectural works, including substantial improvements to the Jewish temple — so impressive that it caused one of Jesus’ disciples to marvel: “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Jesus, however, knew about the coming desolation and replied, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down” (Mark 13:1-2). Jesus was right, and eventually, that desolation would become all too tangible. In A.D. 66, the Jewish population rebelled against Rome. The empire could not allow that revolt to succeed, and so in A.D. 70, Roman legions under future emperor Titus retook the city and destroyed much of it, including the temple, which has not been rebuilt to this day.

Despite his major improvements to the temple and his popularity in the empire, Herod was hated by his own people because of his murderous ways, which were emulated by his descendants.

The failed relationships in the family of Herod may represent the sort of house Jesus lamented over. But he likely was thinking about the brokenness among the common people as well, and about the failure by many to love God with their whole hearts and love their neighbors as themselves.

It’s not much of a stretch to apply “the house desolate” to our lives. An unattended life — one littered with missed opportunities, broken relationships, repeated procrastinations, a lack of empathy, unkept promises, false starts, yielded-to temptations, selfish priorities, and the like — can quickly become a forsaken or desolate “house.”

It’s pretty easy to find desolate-house-type lives in the news. Think of any one of the celebrities or politicians or yes, even big-name religious figures, who destroyed their families, lost their positions, ruined their reputations and betrayed those who trusted them because of some act of infidelity or gross selfishness. But don’t limit your thinking to just them, because it’s often much smaller acts of inattention that we are guilty of in our families, but nevertheless, just as destructive.

For example, a song by Roger Miller, high on both the country and pop charts several years ago, told of a marriage breaking down, and began, “Two broken hearts — lonely, lookin’ like houses where nobody lives.”

The popular TV cop show The Closer, which ended quite a few years ago, after seven seasons, contains another example. The main character, Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (played by Kyra Sedgwick), was an effective police officer with an innate ability to discern who the bad guys were and wrangle admissions of guilt out of them. But she had one habit that drove her family and co-workers nuts: When she was hot on a case, she became so focused that she usually deflected their requests for her attention, even if they only wanted a brief moment, putting them off until “later.” As the series went along, it became obvious that she was always behind in tending the most important relationships in her life, and in an episode near the end of the series, it caught up with her.

In that episode, Brenda’s parents, whom she loved deeply but too often shortchanged with her time, are visiting in her home. Just after Brenda gets a fresh lead on her current case, her mother asks for a moment to tell her something important. Reluctant to look away from her case, Brenda promises to give her some time over breakfast the next morning. Her mother agrees, but looks disappointed. The next morning, intending to keep her date with her mother, Brenda goes to the guest bedroom to awaken her, only to find that Mama has died unexpectedly during the night. That episode ends with Brenda screaming for her husband who comes and rushes her from the room.

The next episode, set a week or so later and after the funeral, has Brenda, still grieving and badly shaken, back at work, where in a reflective moment, she tells a co-worker that she’s sorry for not listening to him better. Then she adds, “Funny, I feel like I pay more attention to what murderers have to say while ignoring the people I really care about.” In the concluding scene of that episode, her husband finds her sitting on the bed where her mother died. She says to him, “The last time I saw Mama, she asked me if I had a minute, and I didn’t have the time just then. Now, I’m the one who could really use a minute, and Mama has no time at all.” The episode ends with her weeping — inconsolably — in her husband’s arms.

Improper or deferred maintenance is always bad for relationships, and that includes our spiritual ones as well. An unattended spiritual house can yield a life where God is supposedly welcome, but where he refuses to abide because the place is a spiritual dump where he is ignored by the occupant — so ignored, that the occupant doesn’t even notice when the Lord is no longer there.

We can become so accustomed to starving our relationships, breaking our promises, failing to carry through, ignoring our spiritual health and so on that we don’t realize how bad things are until the whole thing comes crashing down. (There was a certain irony in Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem in that there was no widespread awareness among its residents of how far many in the city had drifted from God.)

Jesus said to Jerusalem, “Look, your house is left to you desolate ….” He wept over Jerusalem because of their rejection of the love he tried to show them. He probably came to Jerusalem a lot more times than what is recorded in scripture. It is always heart wrenching when someone rejects our love. We could substitute the name Nobleton or Bushnell, or Brooksville, in the place of Jerusalem, because wherever we have people who have not responded to our witness of Christ, or our testimony of what Jesus has done for us, we too, will feel the rejection He felt. What might it mean for our lives to be left to ourselves? For one thing, it means that life is only what we can make of it on a temporal time scale, devoid of any hope that extends beyond our lifetime, devoid of any confidence that God will multiply our efforts in this life. For another, it means that we have no ultimate authority to which we answer. Yes, we still have societal standards, but no rock on which to stand when society is bending with ill winds. For yet another, we have no access to the sheltering wings that give comfort, no eternal healing balm for our wounds, no assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

An atheist might hear that and say, “So be it. I’m on my own in this world and that’s just fine.” In fact, the unbeliever might even declare that such a state is not one of desolation but of contentment. It’s hard to say whether any of that is bravado or whether it’s a sincere conviction, but most people don’t want to be left on their own in this life, and if they were, they’d recognize that condition as one of desolation. We want to know that when terrible things happen to us and losses pile up, ultimately it’s going to be all right.

We keep our spiritual houses from becoming desolate by tending our relationship with the Lord. We can’t keep telling the Lord “later” or “someday” and expect that to keep the relationship strong.

In The Closer episode following the death of Brenda’s mother, her husband stops by the police station and asks Brenda if she has a minute. She’s begun work on a new case, and almost reflexively, she responds, stalling him, and she begins to walk away. But then, with the memory of what she missed by doing that to her mother apparently hitting her afresh, she turns back and says, “Sorry. Yes, I do.” After they are alone in her office, she tells him, “Don’t ask me. If you need to talk to me, just say, ‘Listen,’ okay?”

It’s good for us to be in that kind of :

Relationship with God as well, where he can just say, “Listen,” and we give him our attention.

Rick Long, the pastor of Jones Memorial UMC, Lake City, Georgia, says:

“God rarely shouts ‘LISTEN’ to me (as Brenda asks Fritz to do for her). More often I just get a gentle nudge. Someone will come to mind, and I’ll wonder why. I’ve learned to pay attention to these moments; to make a contact, a call, a visit. One might miss the nudge, thinking it’s just a coincidence; a little nothing passing through our day, but it probably is so much more. When we focus our attention upon the person who comes to mind, we are actually praying for them. When we make contact with them, the conduit for grace to move between us is made. A fresh wind of the Spirit moves among us.”

When it comes to our actual houses, it’s not always our fault when maintenance is deferred. Sometimes we just don’t have the budget for every repair the house could use, and we have to prioritize. But our spiritual house has this odd stipulation that not all maintenance is up to the occupant alone. God is ready to help us keep the place up.

It’s only our fault if we don’t seek his help and then keep the lines of communication open.

••••

The lyrics of the song “Separate Me From What Separates Us” by Steve Ivey are a great prayer for those who wish to keep their spiritual house in good repair:

Separate me from what separates us.

Fill me with your love.

Separate me from what separates us.

My affections are set on above.

My heart cries out to you, O Lord.

You are my rock and fortress.

Protector, director, deliver me now

To the unseen things above.

Elisabeth Elliot, the widow of martyred missionary Jim Elliot, one of the 5 MAF pilots who lost their lives when the Waorani Indians (back then known as the Auca), which means “savage,” killed them, says;

“If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look ‘little’ or ‘big.’ “

Scroll down past Sermon for more info

Nobleton Community Church
29084 Sentinel Street PO Box 224
Nobleton, Florida 34661

Rev. Paul V. Lehmann, Pastor
813-389-8683
Nobletoncommunitychurch.org
info@nobletoncommunitychurch.org

OUR VISION IS:
To experience SPIRIT-FILLED WORSHIP AND PRAYER
To be involved in EVANGELISM, DISCIPLINING AND TRAINING PEOPLE
To use our SPIRITUAL GIFTS
To SERVE AND REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST, BOTH
“ACROSS THE STREET AND ACROSS THE WORLD”

Nobleton Community Church
Date July 20, 2025
Text Acts 2:24-47 (message based on verses 37-38)
Pastor Paul Lehmann

Listen to live audio here

None of us likes pain. Yet pain is very important because it is a signal designed to alert us when something is wrong in our bodies. Our response to pain may be to determine the root of the problem or to simply numb the discomfort with painkillers. The painkillers may work for a while, but when the numbing effect wears off, the pain often reemerges because the source was never identified and corrected.

Generally speaking, the only way to permanently get rid of pain is to go to the root of the problem. Once the source is identified and the correct treatment is applied, the pain can usually be eliminated.

This principle is also true spiritually, especially for people who are unsaved or are out of fellowship with God. For example, a sermon about the coming of Jesus that simply thrills the heart of a born-again believer and fills us with joy can create great pain in the heart of an unsaved person or a Christian who isn’t walking with God. When they hear that Jesus will soon return, it scares them and causes them inner pain and discomfort because they know they’re not right with God. That unsettled feeling in the pit of their stomachs—-that pain—is a signal to let them know things are not well in their souls. Otherwise, they’d be rejoicing!

We live in an age when people want to be comforted and told everything is going to be all right. The truth is, some things are not going to be all right unless a change is made. We must love people enough to be graciously honest with them, regardless of how painful it is for them to hear the truth. Especially regarding people’s salvation, we must speak the truth and not be fearful of their response. If we are not forthright with unbelievers regarding their spiritual condition, they could spend an eternity separated from God in eternal punishment.

It’s good to preach positive, uplifting messages. In fact, this is something we need to do in a world where there is so much hurt, depression, difficulty, and disappointment. Certainly, we need to be a source of encouragement to fellow church members and other people who feel put down by life. But when unbelievers are in our midst, we are obligated to make sure they understand that sin separates them from God. As much as we may like them and enjoy their company, the unsaved are not all right with God. It may be painful for them to hear the reality of their situation, but we must not merely toss “painkillers” at them to numb them and keep them ignorant of the truth. We must open their eyes to the root of the problem in their lives—their spiritually lost condition.

Especially when we are talking about reaching unbelievers or the subject of sin, we must address the root. All the motivational and “how-to” sermons in the world cannot cure a sinner’s heart. The sin nature cannot be changed by a pat on the back or a hug. We must come to grips with our responsibility to allow the Holy Spirit to help us be lovingly candid with unsaved people about their spiritual status. If they are lost, there is only one remedy: repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It may be difficult at first for them to hear the truth, but it’s good for them to experience that kind of pain. It will make them inwardly aware that things are not right between them and God.

In Acts 2:37, we see how God used the apostle Peter to address unbelievers on the Day of Pentecost. With a no-nonsense, unapologetic, and direct approach. Peter preached the Gospel with power. He didn’t attack his listeners, and neither should we attack those we are trying to reach. There is never a reason to attack or to speak disparagingly to our audience. Even if people are dead in sin, they were made in the image of God, and they deserve to be spoken to with dignity and respect. Peter was respectful, yet he was honest as he went straight to the root of his listeners’ problem, preaching a message that made them so extremely uncomfortable and inwardly pained that they cried out to learn how to be saved!

Let’s look at the effect Peter’s message had on his listeners and see what we can learn from this New Testament example. In verse 36, Peter says, “ …Let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” Acts 2:37 tells us, “Now when they (that is the unsaved crowd) heard this, they were pricked in their hearts—or “cut to the heart” (in the NIV)—and they said to Peter and the other apostles; “Brothers, what shall we do?” They felt convicted because they were guilty. They were pierced in their hearts because they realized they were objects of God’s wrath. They longed to be free from condemnation. Notice that they don’t wait for Peter to offer an invitation. They ask him how they should respond to his message.

Jesus’ words about the work of the Holy Spirit are on display. In John 16:8-11 Jesus said; “When he comes, (the Holy Spirit), he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment. About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.”

Peter’s sermon shows us how the Spirit of God takes the gospel and works in people’s hearts. As you exalt Jesus through your witness, pray for the Spirit to bring conviction and repentance to your `hearers.

This is a good or “right kind of pain.” The Holy Spirit “pricked their hearts” The Greek word that is translated here is katanusso, a compound of the words kata and nusso.

The word kata means down. However, used in the word pricked, or cut– it gives the idea of something that is deep or something that is deep down. The second part of the word is nusso, which means to prick, to puncture, to stub, to sting, to stun, to stab, or to pierce or cut.

The only other time the word katanusso is found in the New Testament is in John 19:34 where John writes about Jesus: But one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” The word “pierced or cut” in this verse is from this same root word nusso. It tells how the soldiers with a spear pierced, punctured, stabbed, and sliced open Jesus ‘ side. It was a deep puncture of His side that pierced even His lungs.

This same root word, nusso, that describes such a deep puncturing is used in Acts 2:37, our verse here, where it is translated as pricked or cut. This alone tells us that the unsaved people in the crowd that day were deeply affected by Peter’s words. In fact, it means that his words had the spiritual effect of puncturing their hearts and that they felt sliced wide open by his message. Thus one translation has it; “they were moved to the depths of their hearts.”

However, when the words kata and nusso are compounded to become katanusso, the new word is even more profound, for it describes not just a piercing but an extremely deep piercing that would produce pain and discomfort.

This word emphatically means that Peter’s listeners were deeply disturbed when they heard his message. That message gave them such an intense stab to their hearts that it penetrated their conscience, sliced open their souls, punctured their hearts, and cut them so deeply on the inside that they cried out for help. The message stung their hearts and minds as they became aware of their sin. Suddenly, their souls felt an ache, and their hearts were filled with anguish. Only the Holy Spirit can bring that kind of deep conviction.

When Peter stood before that crowd on the Day of Pentecost, he was standing before sinners in dire need of repentance. They needed the truth that would change them, not a painkiller that would make them feel good while failing to remedy their problem. The root of the problem had to be identified so it could be dealt with and eliminated. For those unbelievers to have a supernatural change of nature, it would require REPENTANCE, so Peter presented the truth boldly, plainly, and with no apologies. S

WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK ABOUT

WHEN THEY ARE ASKED TO REPENT

In a recent survey, people who regularly attend church were asked to articulate what the word repentance meant to them. The survey resulted in an intriguing and interesting assortment of answers. The majority of those who participated in the survey stated that they believed the word repentance meant one or more of the following:

To feel sorry about something one did or failed to do.

To feel remorseful about some act and to ask for forgiveness for it.

To walk forward in a church service to formally ask Jesus into one’s heart.

Although these answers are interesting, none of them is correct! It’s somewhat surprising that this survey was given to people who regularly attend church yet who could not accurately articulate what it means to repent. Many of you may know what the correct answer would be because I have talked about it a lot over the years,

But others may have responded like those in the survey, because they are rather traditional answers when we think of repenting of our sins.

The word “repent” is a very important New Testament word. It is used in Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:4; and Luke 3:3, where we are told that John the Baptist preached, “…Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matt. 3:2. John’s ministry was literally launched with that one word “repent,” because according to his preaching, it is the only way to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus, too, in his public ministry, told people to repent. In Matt. 4:17.He knew that this was the only way to enter into the Kingdom of God.

Now in Acts 2:38, we read that Peter launched his preaching ministry by also telling the people that they needed to repent. He knew, too, that real repentance was very different from remorse. Yet feelings of remorse for a past action were one of the most frequent definitions given by people who participated in the survey. It is true that when a person is convicted of sin, they often do break down and weep because of past sin. But just being sorry for sin is not repentance.

The Greek word for “remorse in the New Testament is metamelomai, which is very different from the Greek word for “repent,” the word metanoeo. Metamelomi expresses sorrow, mourning, or grief. It seldom refers to someone moved to change; rather, it gives a picture of a person consumed with remorse, guilt, or regret.

For example, the word metamelomai is used in the gospels to describe the remorse, guilt, and regret that seized the heart and mind of Judas Iscariot after he betrayed Jesus. What Judas experienced was not true repentance, which brings personal change and transformation. Because the Greek word metamelomai is used to describe the emotions that captured him, it tells us that Judas was inundated with distressed, regretful emotions. Such sorrow should not be confused with repentance, for there are many who undergo a flood of regret and sorrow for something they have done, yet they don’t truly repent.

Personal change and transformation that leads to action —-NOT remorse, regret, and sorrow—-are the true proof of repentance.

When Michigan played Wisconsin in basketball early in the season in 1989, Michigan’s Rumeal Robinson stepped to the foul line for two shots late in the fourth quarter. His team trailed by one point, so Rumeal could regain the lead for Michigan. He missed both shots, allowing Wisconsin to upset favored Michigan. Rameal felt awful about costing his team the game, but his sorrow didn’t stop at the emotional level. After each practice for the rest of the season. Rumeal shot 100 extra foul shots. Thus, Rumeal was ready when he stepped to the foul line to shoot two shots with three seconds left in overtime in the national championship game. He made both shots, which won Michigan the national championship. Rumeal’s repentance had been genuine, and sorrow motivated him to work so that he would never make that mistake again. As Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 7:10, “Godly sorrow leads to repentance.”

This word repent used in the New Testament when Jesus, John the Baptist and Peter used the word, means a change of mind, —a turning around—repentance or conversion. Metanoeo is the call to turn or to change one’s attitudes and ways, and leads to action. In the New Testament, it demands a complete, radical, and total change. A change or turn around in the way one is thinking, believing, or living. The word repent in the New Testament gives the image of a person changing from top to bottom—a total transformation wholly affecting every part of a person’s life.

Once again, this is a compound word. Meta, in this context, refers to a turn or a change. The word nous is the word for the mind, intellect, will, frame of thinking, opinion, or general view of life. When the words meta and nous are compounded, as in the word “repent,” it portrays a decision to completely change the way one thinks, lives, or behaves. It is a change of direction, a new course, and a completely altered view of life and behavior. Real repentance, then, is a mental choice to leave a life of sin, flesh, and selfishness, and to turn toward God with all of one’s heart and mind in order to follow Jesus. A prime example is when Paul mentions in I Thess. 1:9, that they turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

Repentance is not the mere acceptance of a new philosophy or new idea. It is a conversion to truth so deep that it results in a total life change. It leads to action. It is the Holy Spirit that brings about this new, born-again experience, but it begins with a willingness to change completely. Without that transformation, one is not truly saved. Then the Holy Spirit continues to point out things that need to change in your life, as you grow in your walk with the Lord. When He opens your eyes to those things that are displeasing to Him, you must be willing to repent—and make an intelligent, intellectual decision to adjust your thinking and behavior to conform to God’s ways. It’s a conscious choice. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you, and how should you respond today?

Can you say to Him—“It is well with my soul ?”

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Nobleton Community Church
29084 Sentinel Street PO Box 224
Nobleton, Florida 34661

Rev. Paul V. Lehmann, Pastor
813-389-8683
Nobletoncommunitychurch.org
info@nobletoncommunitychurch.org

OUR VISION IS:
To experience SPIRIT-FILLED WORSHIP AND PRAYER
To be involved in EVANGELISM, DISCIPLINING AND TRAINING PEOPLE
To use our SPIRITUAL GIFTS
To SERVE AND REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST, BOTH
“ACROSS THE STREET AND ACROSS THE WORLD”

Nobleton Community Church
Date July 13, 2025
Text Romans 15:1-13 (especially verses 1-7)
Pastor Paul Lehmann

Listen to live audio here

This sermon title is taken from a book by John Wecks: “Free to Disagree.”

We often have heard it said when it a discussion, that we must agree to disagree. However many times the disagreement creates animosity. In the church, this shouldn’t be, but too often we disagree over trivial things, and then hold grudges, or at least hard feelings.

Back in 1917, the Russian Orthodox Church gathered together for its annual denominational meeting. During the course of these meetings the bishops were involved in a heated dispute full of fussing and feuding. A few doors down the street another meeting was going on the Bulshavics had assembled together to plot the overthrow of the Czar This marked the beginning of what we now know as Communism. So what was the church arguing about while the empire was crumbling around them? Candles!—- Were they to be 18” or 22” long?

Fortunately, this happened in Russia over one hundred years ago. I’m relieved to say that similar occurrences have not happened since. I’m also proud to say that this would never happen in America today. —–Okay, I’m being sarcastic. I wish that statement was true but it is not. We still see petty discussions today. The sad truth in that the church has been filed with division and disunity since its inception. (I might add that the same fault is true in politics. We dislike things that are unimportant as to the future of our Republic, and ignore other thins that are very important as to the future of these United States of America.)

As to the church, these disagreements, have led to church splits, pastoral resignations, and great disgrace brought upon the name of Christ the popular pastor and radio preacher Chuck Swindoll, says that he has looked at many churches and he has yet to find a church that split over what he would call and essential issue. How tragic! What do churches disagree over? We disagree over whether we should have pews or chairs, whether flags should be present or absent. Whether we should sing hymns or praise choruses. Whether we should use the organ or keyboard, and guitars, and whether we should have drums or not. Other issues of disunity surround the timing of Christ’s return, the mode of baptism, the charismatic gifts, women in ministry, and church government. Yet, to all of these, I can only exclaim, How trivial!: —-Even though by making this point, I have stepped on some toes. But let’s look at our text this morning. In Romans 15:1-13, Paul testifies that true unity demands sensitivity. He then unfolded the aims that are necessary to ensure and preserve biblical unity. We are to first:

AIM TO PLEASE ONE ANOTHER – (VERSES 1-6)

Paul calls us to imitate Christ in pleasing other people rather than ourselves. In verse 1, he writes, “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses (or bear with the failings) of those without strength and not just please ourselves.” It is important to understand the distinction between the “strong” and the ‘weak.” They aren’t strong or weak physically, mentally, or emotionally; or even necessarily spiritually, their strength or weakness is specifically related to their attitude toward “non-essentials.” God has said clearly that some things are always right for everyone. He has also said that some things are always wrong for everyone. But regarding many things, God hasn’t said: “The strong Christian is one who has lots of freedom of conscience respecting these matters not nailed down in the Bible. The “weak” Christian has very little freedom of conscience about these matters. This person tends to have quite a long list of don’ts.” Here, Paul includes himself with the “strong” and states that those who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak.The word translated “ought” (opheilo) doesn’t mean “should.” It means “to be a debtor under obligation”

Paul is not making a recommendation, or a suggestion, he is imposing a rule. He is saying that the strong need to limit their Christian liberty so they can reduce the problems of their brethren. He expects those with greater freedom to make sacrifices “To bear” (bastazo) is not just enduring or tolerating someone. It means to personally shoulder a burden as it it was your own. It means to do something hard and costly for the sake of another. The verb is used in the Gospels of Jesus, bearing His cross. (Luke 14:27 and John 19:17). So, how do we “bear the weaknesses” of the weak and not please ourselves? Paul tells us in verse 2, “Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.” Paul’s use of “each of us.” Leaves no room for any exceptions. We are to please our “neighbor” (What is this-“Mr. Rodgers; neighborhood?” No! The unexpected use of the word “neighbor” (plesion) reveals that Paul has the “love command” of Lev. 19:18 in mind, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He expects us to be sensitive to our Christian brother or sister who is close by. In other words, we are to seek to please those with whom we have frequent contact within our church or community.

TRUE UNITY DEMANDS SENSITIVITY.

Perhaps you’ve heard it said that: “Your freedom ends where my nose begins.” In a sense, that is what Paul is saying, only it’s not noses he’s interested in—it’s spiritual growth. Paul indicates in verse 2 that our goal is to please other believers for the purpose of their “edification” (oikodome). This is a term that means “to build others up spiritually.” So, we must follow the preferences of other believers with respect to our liberties. If a brother’s conscience in your church is bothered by gambling, don’t ask him to participate in a fantasy football league (like Fan Duel). That requires a buy-in. Or take him to the Hard Rock Café in Tampa, where he would be tempted to gamble. If your friends’ conscience is bothered by drinking alcohol, don’t drink (especially if he is a recovering alcoholic). Maybe you are uncomfortable with the command to please people. Paul says that we are to please others, yet elsewhere he warns us of pleasing people. How do we resolve this tension Paul is not saying that we should be “people pleasers” and do whatever anyone wants us to do simply because it will please them. We must differentiate between pleasing god and pleasing people. boiled down in its simplest form, we should not please others rather than God, but we should please others rather than ourselves. After all, pleasing ourselves is what causes people to fracture on every scale From the marriage or family arguing about what TV program to watch or what to do on a vacation, right up to nations fighting to preserve their own interests. Pleasing ourselves destroys peace and harmony. One pastor says about verse 3; “Paul uses a doctrinal sledgehammer to crack a behavioral nut.” He quotes Psalm 69:9 to support this claim that we must please others beliefs above ourselves. He writes, “For even Christ did not please Himself but as it is written: ‘THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME.” In this Psalm, King David is pictured as taking the abuse of the people because he stood up for God. Paul applies that to Christ in an apt analogy; our insults to God, our sins, were placed on Christ on the cross. The “Me” in the quotation is Christ, the “You” is God. Paul’s point is: Christ didn’t think of His rights when He went to the cross. Christ thought only of our needs when He died for us. He endured every manner of taunting and suffering. Now, if the Son of God didn’t please Himself when He went to the cross for us, how much more so ought we to seek to please our brothers and sisters in Christ? If Jesus could endure the insults of others, we should certainly be willing to put up with the minor irritations from Christians with different viewpoints. If you are a believer, you are likely a stronger brother or sister in some area. Take a moment and run through the various roles and relationships in your life( for example, spouse, parent, sibling, relative, friend, neighbor, employer, church member). As you consider these relationships, stop and ask yourself this question: With whom and in what area am I willing to forgo my personal preferences for the sake of someone else?

True unity demands sensitivity.

Verse 4 is seen by many as a parenthesis or a digression by Paul, but if we are careful as we look at it we can see that what Paul is doing is explaining why the Psalm he just quoted should speak to us . Paul puts it like this: “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scripture we might have hope.” In this important verse, Paul shares four valuable Bible benefits.

1.) The Bible provides instruction. Although these benefits are applicable to both the Old and New Testaments, Paul is specifically referring here to the Old Testament. It’s been well said that the greatest commentary for understanding the New Testament is a thorough grasp of the Old Testament. This means that if we want to really understand God’s Word, we must not neglect the Old Testament. It will feed us and give us wisdom for life.

2.) The Bible provides perseverance. Reading the stories of godly men and women who have persevered through various trials and tests motivates us to seek to do the same. Perseverance is a “holy hanging in there.” We all need this attribute when we are seeking to please other believers.

3.) The Bible provides encouragement. The great Old Testament characters were sinful beings just like us, and yet in spite of themselves, god used them powerfully. This encourages us to seek to accomplish great feats for God.

4.) The Bible provides hope. In the Old Testament, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness to His people and His program. His character reminds us that we have an unshakable future. “Hope” (elpis) is especially needed by Christians when facing suffering in the midst of Christian relationships.

The book of Job can be especially difficult reading. But it can help us understand the topic of suffering better and it reminds us that everything god has given us could be taken away in a moment’s time. If you don’t normally read the Old Testament, I urge you to consider the above benefits and to start reading it today.

The “hope” of 15:4 causes Paul to break into prayer and praise in verses 5 and 6. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus ahd, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the god and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” These veses declare that unity is all about Charist. In verse 5 Paul informs us that “perseverance or endurance and encouragement” not only come through the Scriptures, but they are ultimately gifts from God.

Perseverance and encouragement are necessary to keep giving up what we enjoy and are free to partake of. Paul wishes that all his readers, both the strong and the weak, would appropriate these gifts and apply them in their interpersonal relationships. The result would be unity in the church—we would be “of the same mind.” Bear in mind that:

This does not mean we have to be of the same opinion.

I don’t agree with any one person on every single point of theology or practice. Neither do you.

Phil. 2:2-4 “Make my joy complete” (in other words, “make my day.” By being like-minded, having the same love, being in the same spirit, and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

YOUR ATTITUDE SHOULD BE THE SAME AS THAT OF CHRIST JESUS

The command is not for uniformity but for UNITY.

To be “of the same mind” means that our attitudes and actions exude harmony and

unity means that we share a common perspective and purpose.

We don’t let the minor issues overtake the major issues. The last phrase of verse 5 says that we are to do this according to Christ Jesus.” This phrase refers us back to Christ’s example in verse 3 and reminds us that unity is only possible through Christ. A simple question to ask yourself is this: On a particular non-essential issue, is it better to get my way and please myself, or is it better to give in and please a brother or sister? True unity demands sensitivity.

There is a purpose clause (“so that”) in verse 6 that ties the concept of pleasing God and people together. Paul states that the purpose of unity is to unite, vocal praise to God. When this occurs in the church, it is evidence of unity among the strong and the weak. With “one accord” and with “one voice,” we are to glorify Christ! This is why we were created. If you’re sold out to Christ and His Christ and His church, you are going to be chomping at the bit to sing praise to God. Sadly, division in the church over non-essential issues diverts precious time and energy from its basic mission, the proclamation of the gospel and the glorifying of God. This is a shame! God wants us to come together, to unify as one body, and to lift up praise to God. We should be able to do that, shouldn’t we? The church at Rome was challenged to do this while it was made up of Jews and Gentiles—people with racial, cultural, and religious differences as well as a history of hatred for one another. Our church here may be a diverse body, but you probably aren’t too terribly different from one another. We’re certainly not diverse like the Roman church was. God wants us to forsake our preferences and to worship Him. You may not like our worship style. That’s okay, just don’t let it affect your worship to god or your fellowship with people God isn’t going to ask you someday: “Did you attend a church where your musical preferences were met? He’s going to ask you, “ere you able to support the direction of the church and her leadership in spike of not having your preferences met? God has called us to unity, even in diversity. He’s called us to please one another, and therefore to please God. Imagine with me a church that thrives on maintaining unity. Imagine saints who are willing to sacrifice some of their preferences to reach out to a new generation of young people. Imagine young people building relationships and actively caring for those saints who willingly yielded their preferences. What could God do with such a church? It would be a multi-generational church that would really please the Lord.

In order to preserve biblical unity, Paul has said we are to aim to please one another. Now he will state that we are to secondly:

AIM TO ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER (VERSES 7-13)

We must accept one another because Christ has accepted us along with every other believer. In 15:7, Paul writes, “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” The word “Therefore” (dio) looks back to the discussion Paul began in 14:1. The verb “accept” also repeats Paul’s opening exhortation in verse 1 of chapter 14 (NIV), the word translated “accept” (prosiambano) is more accurately translated in our pew Bibles (RSV), “welcome” or some translations have it “receive.” This word means that we are to receive into full fellowship our brothers and sisters in Christ. It means to value an individual so much that he or she experiences warmth and belonging; it means to open your heart and your home to another person. Remember—-we said before:

TRUE UNITY DEMANDS SENSITIVITY

People desire acceptance at every level of life,—-in the family, in marriage, in the classroom, in the workplace. God wired us to seek acceptance, but he wants us to find acceptance in himself. When we place our faith in Christ, God accepts us. However, Paul is also stating that it is inconsistent for a Christian to reject someone whom God has accepted. WE ARE TO RECEIVE ONE ANOTHER AS JESUS CHRIST HAS RECEIVED US. In Romans 5:8, we read: “While we were still sinners Christ died for us.”

We don’t have to somehow clean up our lives first—–He is the One who does that.

We are fellow members of “the family of God.” This results in glory for God. To put It simply, God‘s goal (doxa) means to be well spoken of. When we are unified, the God whom we represent receives the glory. He is well spoken of. On the other hand, when we are divisive, rejecting and lacking in unity, our actions reflect badly upon our heavenly Father. Let not this be the case with us. Rather, let us discover life’s ultimate pursuit—-THE GLORY OF GOD.

How do we glorify God and discover our ultimate pursuit?

which is the glory of God——WE TRUST AND OBEY

BENEDICTION (Verse 13) “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Scroll down past Sermon for more info

Nobleton Community Church
29084 Sentinel Street PO Box 224
Nobleton, Florida 34661

Rev. Paul V. Lehmann, Pastor
813-389-8683
Nobletoncommunitychurch.org
info@nobletoncommunitychurch.org

OUR VISION IS:
To experience SPIRIT-FILLED WORSHIP AND PRAYER
To be involved in EVANGELISM, DISCIPLINING AND TRAINING PEOPLE
To use our SPIRITUAL GIFTS
To SERVE AND REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST, BOTH
“ACROSS THE STREET AND ACROSS THE WORLD”

Nobleton Community Church
Date July 6, 2025
Text: Acts 2:1-24
Pastor Paul Lehmann

Listen to live audio here

Wind power is supposed to be an alternative source of power, and some would like to see the day when that or something else totally replaces the internal combustion engine. Flying wind farms began in 2007-2008 to be developed to capture the power of the jet stream. Some think wind power is one of the most promising forms of renewable energy, but it can be notoriously difficult to catch. One of the problems is that the best winds don’t tend to move at ground level. Instead, they do their blowing six miles up in the air, at the height of the jet stream. This is 31,680 feet, where jets fly. At that level, the winds are stronger and blow more consistently, carrying up to a hundred times more energy.

But how can humans harness this power? Conventional turbines on towers won’t get us close enough —the tallest to date is just over 200 meters or about 650 feet in height.

According to The Economist magazine back in June 9, 2007, a company called Sky Wind Power developed a flying generator, one that looks like a cross between a kite and a helicopter. Picture an H-shaped frame with rotors at the ends of the four points, tethered to the ground by a long cable. The rotors provide lift, like the surface of a kite, and as they lift the frame they also turn dynamos that generate electricity. This electricity is then transmitted to the ground through aluminum cables. There are many problems with this whole idea of “wind power” and the turbines necessary to use it. Complaints are all over the place. Destruction of the fragile ecosystem and animal habitats and the turbines kill birds like eagles, raptors, hawks and migrating birds. They also cause many health problems for humans which we don’t have time to get into.

It is ironic to me that the same environmentalists that complain about other forms of energy affecting all of the above, seem to defend this idea of wind power. My point is not to get into any of this, but to point out that the only way wind power can be effective is –you have to “catch the wind”, and to catch the wind you have to be where the wind is blowing.” It’s true for these flying generators and it is true for God’s people.

Can the church “catch the wind” so to speak? The rush of a violent wind from God like we read about in the book of Acts?

Let’s say that again. If you want to catch the wind, you have to put yourself where the wind is blowing. Call it the Pentecost paradigm, because the same principle applies to the church.

If the Christian community is going to tap the limitless energy of Holy Spirit wind power, then it’s going to have to position itself correctly. Fortunately, the book of Acts provides us with a blueprint for building a church that can catch this wind. It suggests that there are four points to put in place: Community, Communication, Courage and Clarity. With these four points in the right place, we can feel “the rush of a violent wind” as we read about in Acts 2:2, and capture the energy of the Holy Spirit.

In verse one we read about the COMMUNITY POINT. It tells us that they were all together in one place. Were they All there? Yes. Were they all together? Yes. Were they all in one place? Yes. They were gathered in community. They weren’t in different place, but were in the same spot, on the same page so to speak. This is critically important, because when the Holy Spirit came with a sound like the rush of a violent wind, it came to one group of disciples (about 120 of them) in one house. They saw what seemed like tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

Why tongues of fire? Tongues symbolize speech, and the communication of the Good News. Fire symbolizes God’s purifying presence which burns away the undesirable elements of our life and sets our hearts aflame in order to ignite the lives of others. The fire landed on each one individually, but also on all of them as a group. The fact that they were all together in one place was important.

If Peter had been in Capernaum, John in Nazareth, James on the Sea of Galilee, Andrew in Cana and the other eight scattered across the country, there would not have been a catching of the Holy Spirit wind for them. It was only because they obeyed the Lord, and stayed in Jerusalem and were together that they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them this ability. This idea of the community of believers being together in one place is important. Sadly today, we can’t seem to get everyone here every Sunday. We do have various gatherings of believers on other days. The women’s groups on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Prayer meeting group on Thursday. The Choir group on Friday, and the Adult Bible study group on Sunday morning. But here we read that they were all there at the same time for a corporate prayer meeting. They were all together.

Next is THE COMMUNICATION POINT The apostles in Jerusalem “began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability” (vs. 4). This amazed the devout Jews from every nation who were living in the city, because they knew that the apostles were Galileans—men not famous for their foreign language abilities.

Now the fact that they spoke in 15 different languages, was a miracle. So unusual and impossible in the natural.

You may have heard before the riddle: What do you call a person who speaks three languages? Trilingual. What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Bilingual. What do you call a person who speaks one language? American.

Well, in the first century, the punch line would have been: Galilean. But on Pentecost, the apostles were chattering away in the mother tongues of all these people who were visiting Jerusalem. There is at least one commentator who believes that they didn’t really speak in these languages; that they didn’t need to, because everyone spoke Aramaic and Greek throughout that part of the world at that time. Now it is hard for me to understand such a statement. Of course they didn’t need to—but that’s the point,—not only that as I said, they couldn’t unless God gave them the ability. When people hear testimonies and preaching in their mother tongue it is always more powerful. That’s why the distribution of the Jesus film is so powerful, because it has been translated into over 1100 languages. When a village person, who probably knows a trade language, but he hears those in the film speak his heart language –his mother tongue –that’s powerful.

We need to position ourselves to put this gift to work today by supporting ministries other than just in English—in our Jerusalem.

You might wonder, do we have to speak in tongues to be filled with the Holy Spirit? No we don’t have to; we get to. But no, particularly in a known language like they did at Pentecost. There are 2 other occasions mentioned in the book of Acts where they spoke in tongues and one where probably they did, but it doesn’t say they did. Acts 8:14-19 they received the Holy Spirit but it doesn’t mention tongues. However Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, so he offered them money so he could have this power. Now what did he see. Did they speak in an ecstatic or unknown tongue? Probably. Then in Acts 10:45-47 at the house of Cornelius, while Peter was speaking we read that; “the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.” In verse 46-“…they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then finally in chapter 19 at Ephesus, the people were asked by Paul in verse 2; “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? “ “ They answered, “ No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit. In verse 6 it says; “when Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. “ On none of these occasions did they speak in a known language. Even though I know of occasions when people have spoken in a known language, that they didn’t know, and that they had never studied, and someone heard them speak in that language and it was their mother tongue, and they were so astonished that they ended up giving their life to Christ. Most often it would be in an “unknown tongue.” This is what Paul is talking about in I Cor. 14:4 when he says: …” he who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” So Paul is saying that tongues shouldn’t be used publically unless there is an interpretation. Prophesies are more important than tongues, unless there is an interpretation, and then they are on the same level. Paul emphasizes though in I Cor. 13: 1 that great love chapter, that even if you speak in the tongues of angels, but you don’t have love, it is like a gong and clanging symbols. It means nothing. So should we speak in tongues. Well it is a spiritual gift. I believe some do and some don’t. The ones that do should not think of themselves as more spiritual than those that don’t. It does help us in our prayer times with the Lord. There is more to say about this, but that is for another message on spiritual gifts.

THE COURAGE POINT in this account is in verse 13. We read that some of the residents of Jerusalem sneered at the apostles and said, “They are filled with new wine.” They didn’t want to hear the message of the Galileans, so they tried to write it off as drunken babbling. But Peter raised his voice and addressed them.

“ …These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning” —These words are very enlightening. There were students at a Lutheran college who had T-shirts printed up for their 9:00am class. The shirts simply said “Acts 2:15.” Not many people knew that verse from memory, but when they looked it up they found the words, “Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning.”

Peter went on to say:

“No this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophecy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophecy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and sign on the earth below, blood and fire and billow of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”(verses 14-24)

It took courage for Peter to stand up to the sneering crowd. It took Spirit-powered courage. Remember that this was the very same Peter who, less than two months before, had slinked away from conflict by denying Jesus three times. This time he didn’t shy away from conflict, because now he was empowered by the Holy Spirit. Instead, he stood up to his detractors and said that the speech of the apostles was a fulfillment of ancient prophecy. The prophecy of Joel was being fulfilled. The Spirit is being poured out on all of God’s servants, men and women alike. Peter made a strong stand for what God was doing in the world at that particular moment.

We are challenged to do the same, especially when people dismiss our faith. Our job is to show a little courage as we describe what we see God doing in the world. We too today, do not have to slink away like Peter did before Pentecost. We too, can be filled with the Holy Spirit if we wait on the Lord like they did, and ask Him to fill us. We don’t have to engage in philosophical arguments with agnostics, or refute the best-selling books of today’s neo-atheists (that is “new” atheists) —instead, our challenge is to point out what God is doing in our churches, communities, nation and world.

When estranged family members come together, that’s a God –moment.

When an unexpected healing occurs, that’s a God-moment.

When warring factions make peace, that’s a God-moment.

Peter courageously pointed out a God-moment that he saw in his world, and so can we. This brings us, finally, to…

THE CLARITY POINT. When Peter spoke to the crowd, he didn’t invent a whole new set of Holy Scriptures. Instead, he clarified a passage from Joel that had been confusing before, but now made perfect sense. He provided a commentary on this Scripture lesson that awakened people to the power of the Holy Spirit and the significance of God’s Son, Jesus.

Making the message of the Bible clear is one of the most important ways in which we position the church to catch the power of God. Peter did this well in his sermon to the people of Jerusalem, by showing that God’s promise to pour out his Sprit was coming true all around them, and the day was dawning in which “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (v 21). This was the greatest clarification of all, because it made clear that the name of the Lord is Jesus, and everyone who calls on him shall be saved. The prophets longed for this day. Ezekiel 36;26 tells us that one day, God was going to replace their heart of stone, their hard hearts with His Spirit, who would be in them.

Salvation is no longer limited to the Jews. Gentiles can be saved as well. It’s a surprising twist in the biblical story and Peter suddenly makes clear what God is doing. Everyone shall be forgiven, and made right with God. All they have to do is call Jesus their Lord. For years, people didn’t know what the prophet Joel was talking about. But Peter made it clear.

Have you been able to make the gospel clear to people within your sphere of influence? If you have been filled with the Holy Spirit you will be able to do it. You are witnesses to what God has done for you, and at the very least you can tell people about that. When you are anointed by the Holy Spirit that testimony will draw people to Christ. How do we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit into our lives, you might ask? You might also think, that the Holy Spirit is already living within you, so, what am I talking about? As I have said many times, yes if you have asked Christ to come into your life, His Spirit does come into your life. In fact the Bible tells us that without the Spirit you do not belong to Him. But what we are talking about is the anointing that comes in filling you up, and immersing you in the Holy Spirit. But God can’t do that for you if you are not willing to give yourself wholly over to Him. The Holy Spirit wants full control of your life. You see when Jesus told the disciples to WAIT in Jerusalem, he was telling them to WAIT for Him. Go to the upper room. Worship and Pray, and then you will soon know what it means to be filled. We too often are not willing to spend the time in prayer –asking Him to do a new work in us. We are perfectly content to be saved. We are perfectly content to have our fire escape from hell, but don’t expect me to give myself totally over to the Holy Spirit. Well that’s what we are talking about. I urge you to consider receiving all the power that is available to you.

So these are the four points of a Holy –Spirit harnessing church. A Community that Communicates with Courage and Clarity is going to be in a position to catch the power of God—catch the wind of the Holy Spirit yield to His control and allow Him to work through you to reach someone across the street, and through your missions giving, also across the world.

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Nobleton Community Church
29084 Sentinel Street PO Box 224
Nobleton, Florida 34661

Rev. Paul V. Lehmann, Pastor
813-389-8683
Nobletoncommunitychurch.org
info@nobletoncommunitychurch.org

OUR VISION IS:
To experience SPIRIT-FILLED WORSHIP AND PRAYER
To be involved in EVANGELISM, DISCIPLINING AND TRAINING PEOPLE
To use our SPIRITUAL GIFTS
To SERVE AND REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST, BOTH
“ACROSS THE STREET AND ACROSS THE WORLD”

Nobleton Community Church
Date June 29, 2025
Pastor Paul Lehmann

Listen to live audio here

Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Mat 10:7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

Luke 10:8-9 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

Luke 9:59-60 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.”
But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”

Acts 28:30-31 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

1 cor 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

Rom 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

col 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

John 3:3-6 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Acts 2:37-39 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Luke 17:20-21 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Eph 4:23-24 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

(THE GREATEST HINDERANCE TO SPIRITUALGROWTH)

Scroll down past Sermon for more info

Nobleton Community Church
29084 Sentinel Street PO Box 224
Nobleton, Florida 34661

Rev. Paul V. Lehmann, Pastor
813-389-8683
Nobletoncommunitychurch.org
info@nobletoncommunitychurch.org

OUR VISION IS:
To experience SPIRIT-FILLED WORSHIP AND PRAYER
To be involved in EVANGELISM, DISCIPLINING AND TRAINING PEOPLE
To use our SPIRITUAL GIFTS
To SERVE AND REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST, BOTH
“ACROSS THE STREET AND ACROSS THE WORLD”

Nobleton Community Church
Date June 22, 2025
Text Colossians 3:12-14; Romans 12: 17-21; Matt. 22:37-39
Pastor Paul Lehmann

Listen to live audio here

There are many things which hinder spiritual growth We have talked about many different things that keep us from growing spiritually. It is difficult to narrow it down and say that there is one single factor which is greater than all the others. The most obvious thing which comes to mind of course is sin, but we are talking this morning about the dedicated Christian, born of the Spirit of God and trying to walk in the light of His Word. This is the person who really wants to get close to the Lord, obey Him and walk in the Spirit. This kind of Christian doesn’t have any problem with his relationship with the Lord because of open sin in his life. There is nothing between him or her and their Lord. But there may be plenty between this person and other people. This person’s problem is relational with people, not with God.

Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath.”

You see, God is to take revenge, not you. “I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, Paul says in Romans 12:17-21: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Now sometimes we may wonder just what that verse is all about. Bishop K.C. Pillai from India, writes about this in his book: “Light Through an Eastern Window.” He says; “ I believe that Westerners think that this is some form of revenge. The saying originated, however, from the way in which the coals of fire are carried from one household to another in the Eastern villages. One woman who has the flint, rises first and builds the fire, and a boy then takes the burning coals on a piece of pottery, balanced on top of his head, to the other households. This is really a pleasant task for the boy because when the morning is cold, he becomes warmed by the coals as he goes about his rounds. The verse is an extension of the admonition, “Bless them who curse you; pray for them that despitefully use you,” since if you heap coals of fire on his head you may warm him up and change his mind and heart, and persuade him to put away his evil ways.

Now WHAT IS THE NATURE OF RESENTMENT?

There are four things.

1. The first thing about it is that it is usually only subjective and nobody knows it but you and God. You let that build up inside of you and eat away at you. What you should have done before this resentment built up in you, was to ask for forgiveness for anything that you have done to cause a problem in this relationship.

There are wrong ways to ask for forgiveness however.

You might say in an angry tone;

“I’m sorry” and this forces the other person to snap back—“well I’m sorry too”

Or it could be reversed and they say it first, and you are the one who responds in an unkind way.

Then too, you might say: “ I apologize! What you might be thinking and even might add; “I’m sorry about that, but it wasn’t all my fault. In other words, you aren’t accepting much responsibility for what happened.

Especially if you say; “I was wrong, but you were too!”

PRIDE enters into the situation if you say:

If I’ve been wrong, please forgive me.

What you are saying is; “If my personality (for which I’m not responsible for), has offended you, there must be something wrong with your ability to get along with others. But I’ll be big-hearted about this and assume that maybe it’s my fault, (which I’m not fully convinced that it is,) and ask you to forgive me. –that is—if you still think I’m wrong.

Don’t say this either; “ I’m sorry about the way I talked to you, or worse about the way I lied to you. –Please forgive me. Here is pride again. It is hard to say—I was wrong.

WHAT WE SHOULD SAY IS VERY SIMPLE—

I was wrong. Will you forgive me?

Sometimes even unknowingly, you maybe don’t realize the resentment you have inside of you.

When you do realize it,

it turns into the second thing in the nature of this resentment—

2. A personal “pity-party.” You begin to pity yourself –
3. Then it lodges in you as a grudge.
4. Now you have a “debtor” or a “trespasser”—Words used in the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:12. —And you don’t want to forgive your debtor. Sin is pictured in the prayer as a debt. Sin incurs a debt which must be discharged. If then someone owes us such a debt , and we fail to release him by forgiving him, our own debts before our Heavenly Father will not be forgiven by Him, and we will not be released.

You may wonder why you have so much bondage in your spiritual life. You have no freedom, and can’t really go on with the Lord, to another level. You experience no blessing in your life. The fact that you refuse to forgive someone who has offended you may be the cause.

Our problem remember is relational—with other people. The acts of our sinful nature are obvious Paul says in Galatians 5:20. Look at this list. In the middle there are 8 things.

1. Hatred—the opposite of love. It speaks of hostility in whatever form manifested.
2. Discord—Contention, strife, and even fighting. (Paul says; “you bite and devour one another)
3. Jealousy—unfriendly feeling excited by another’s possession of goods—You aren’t happy about the honors or blessings you see others receiving.
4. Fits of rage (anger) bad temper and hostile feelings.
5. Selfish ambition—self-seeking
6. Dissention and division
7. Factions—joining “clicks” and self-willed opinions that separate you from others.
8. Envy—you are pained at what someone else has. (this is like jealousy) This is defined as; “ the eager desire for possession created by the spectacle of another’s possessions. —Someone’s new car, or house, or anything that you wish you had.

Our relationship with God was warm and wonderful and we want to go on with Him. We want to walk in the Spirit. —-It’s like you are walking around saying; “ Don’t bother me, I am walking in the Spirit!—but your nose is in the air and inside your heart is resentment. It might be against the pastor, or former pastor, your father, or your mother, your EX, your kids, your brothers or sisters, or others in you family, your doctor, or neighbors etc. Maybe even people in this church

How do we get this all straightened out?

Who wants to bother? Who needs it? YOU NEED IT, AND YOU KNOW IT. You know there is a problem. It is relational –that’s the problem. You have blamed everyone else for the problem.

God wants to show you that the problem is YOU, and your relationship with other people. OK—There is nothing wrong with your relationship with God—but with people—-and unfortunately with other Christians. The problem is that our relationship with God is also affected.

Now—HOW DO WE GET RELEASED FROM RESENTMENT?

There are four things again—

1. You have to understand what God means by a testing. Don’t you wish God would put up a sign that says; “ This is a test”

Like someone puts a dent in your car door on your car that you just bought—obviously they opened their door in a parking lot and did it. Or maybe you get cut off on the road—“this is a test” Or your spouse or someone in your family, says something to you that is hard to take—“this is a test” –You get the idea. The problem is He doesn’t always make it clear, until after we have blown in by our reaction. Then we must ask Him for forgiveness, and probably someone else that we have yelled at, or worse.

2. We need to understand the sovereignty of God.

We must learn to say—God I don’t understand it, but I accept it. Nothing can come into your life unless it passes by Him first. Even things that Satan causes, Satan has to pass it by God first. (Remember Job)

3. Then acceptance with joy. When we do this, good things will happen. (Naaman’s going to get healed) eg. You remember that story in II Kings 5:1-27? He was the commander of the King of Aram’s army. He had leprosy. Elisha heard about it and called for him to come and be healed. He told him to go and dip himself in the Jordan river seven times, and he will be healed. Naaman’s pride got in the way, and he didn’t want to do it. His servants said to him, if the prophet had asked you to do some great thing, you would have done it wouldn’t you. So they convinced him to do what he said, and he was healed of his leprosy.
4. You need to know about the spiritual prison God puts us in. When we store up hidden resentments in our innermost being, God shuts us up in a prison so to speak, and withholds his blessing from us. We must ask God to release us and then cleansing must begin. You will experience freedom of the Spirit and you can go on with God.

You can pray: “ Dear Lord, I release my resentment, forgive me for the hidden resentments that I have held against him, (or her). This has to be your prayer, and then go to the person if they are still living, and if it is possible. It might be that you also have to ask forgiveness for resentment that you have held against God, for something that happened, that you didn’t understand. —You can pray—“ I release my resentment just now—forgive my feeling towards you, and/or —and you name the person. I forgive them in Jesus’ name. Then don’t beat yourself up over it—you must forgive yourself—and allow the healing balm of the Holy Spirit to flow over you and bring the forgiveness and release that you long for.