If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. Romans 12:8

Saturday, December 20, 2014

"We have not been saved from this world, but we have been saved for this world."
~ Pastor Nick Nilson, LAKEWOOD CHURCH, Saturday December 20, 2014


John 13:3-5
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

[Prayer]

PACK YOUR BAGS

Feet are not very pretty to Nick.
Not the most attractive; they're kind of nasty and ugly.
Not our greatest attributes.
It takes a move of God for Nick to massage his wife’s feet; even though she has great feet.
Most of us don’t want to display our feet.
Nick showed us pictures of his family.
None of the pictures displayed their feet.
Smiles, teeth, great hair – but not feet.
We like our feet to stay covered and hidden.
But in John 13 Jesus is making a statement bigger than servant leadership.

Feet are something we aren’t proud of yet Jesus washed feet.
Jesus gives us an illustration of His grace.
It goes to the parts of our lives we aren’t too proud of.
That we don’t put on social media.
My grace goes to those places of your life.
My grace goes to your weaknesses and mistakes.
Are you thankful for His grace?
Imagine The King of the Universe washing your feet…
Would Jesus bypass any of the disciples?
What about Philip who said it was impossible to feed 5,000? [John 6:5-7]
Thomas known as the doubter was in the room.
Jesus washes those who question Him and doubters with His grace.
James and John were jockeying for position in the kingdom.
He washed their feet too.
My grace washes you clean.
I’m not intimidated by your questions, or doubt.
Peter the hothead, who tried to convince Jesus to come off the cross, and denied Jesus 3 times got his feet washed too.
It gets crazier.
His grace is crazy.
Judas is in the room!
Nick would probably say "Sorry I’m out of water".
Jesus washed the dirt and grime off the feet of His betrayer.
My grace will still reach out to even you.
If you’ll receive it.
His love was displayed even to Judas.
IDK where you’re at, but many have been talked out of God’s love because of something we’ve done.
Even before the cross Jesus is demonstrating grace to His boys.
I don’t care how dirty your resume is, My grace will wash it white as snow.
His grace is crazy!
All 24 feet were washed.
That’s a love that will change your life.
And your relationships.
And your perspective of everyone around you.
If you’re wondering if you’ve gotten too far from His grace know what you’ve done is no match for His love and grace.
He absolutely loves you.
Of all things you could do in this moment – a last moment with your boys, a moment before the cross; this is what Jesus chose to do - wash feet.
This reveals the game plan.
Instead of saying much, Jesus displayed something that would change the world.
Grace.
He could’ve shown them anything.
How to part seas and walk on water.
How to preach.
No, Jesus got on his knees and showed them grace.
This is the kingdom ingredient that will change the world.
Master grace.
This is what will change your family and your neighborhood.
Kingdom ingredients.
What will distinguish you from the world that loves to judge and criticize?
Give unconditional love and grace to the masses.
Go and dispense it freely.
John 13:14-15
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
You’re never more like Christ than when you’re giving love to people who don’t deserve it.
That will be the distinguishing mark on your life.
Be strategic, read books, etc., but if you’re going to master anything master grace.
Our inclination is not to forgive; it’s to expose and put others down.
Run in and give people hope.
It will change their lives.
You are marked for the mess.
Because you’re human and live with others who have weaknesses - you have mess.
But you have something they don’t have.
Colossians 3:13
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
An allowance means an allotted amount; to put aside.
Everyday you wake up understand you’ve been given grace for that day.
Everywhere you go as people make mistakes you’re already prepared for it.
You already have all the grace you need.
[Nick had bag "packed with grace".]
For those cutting you off in traffic…
Messing up your drink at Starbuck’s…
Give the grace you’ve already been given.
The verse doeesn’t say expect people to fail you – it says prepare for it.
Your husband/wife may have a bad day, so be understanding and cover them with grace.
Grace – freely given.
What about friends you expected to be loyal but they stabbed you in the back?
Make an allowance; freely give them grace.
Pack your bags (with grace).
We have not been saved from this world, but we have been saved for this world.
It’s easy to wake up and say Father Your mercies are new for me.
But you’ve been given grace to go into the world to cover it with grace.
That’s the kingdom ingredient that will change the world around you.
I thank You that Your grace covers me.
And I realize some have yet to meet your grace, so help me show it to them.
Your perfect, matchless grace.
Please stand.
When Nick was a child, a man came around selling a crazy looking mini-bike he called "El Tigre" (the tiger).
It was very fast.
Nick was warned to be careful when riding.
Nick gave it a little gas and it just shot off.
El Tigre was gaining speed and Nick's family yelled let go of the bike.
But instinct held on.
Holding the bars caused acceleration.
Finally he let go.
How often in life do we hold on to things?
Mistakes? Failures?
The longer we hold on - the more detrimental it is.
Give grace to people.
The Lord has forgiven you – forgive yourself.
If I don’t feel forgiven it’s hard to dispense grace to others.
What is it that you need to let go of?
An old mistake you made?
We’ll sing the song Covered and Nick encourages us to receive the grace of God that comes so freely and extravagantly.
[Prayer]

Song: Covered

[Altar Call]

"Following Christ is about being great at getting back up."

Disclaimer: These are my personal notes taken from the church service. These notes are not released by Lakewood Church, Joel Osteen Ministries, nor Nick Nilson. I am sharing my personal notes to be a blessing.

Watch online at http://www.lakewoodchurch.com/pages/watch-online.aspx (while available)
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