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4. New Wineskins Needed. Mark 2:18 – 3:6 p. 924. Assumptions. Significantly impact how we live E.g. Pedestrians in Vancouver – right of way. False presumptions about God have disastrous consequences A critical issue for living our life in God. 1. Assumptions & our Walk with God.
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4. New Wineskins Needed Mark 2:18 – 3:6 p. 924
Assumptions • Significantly impact how we live • E.g. Pedestrians in Vancouver – right of way. • False presumptions about God have disastrous consequences • A critical issue for living our life in God
1. Assumptions & our Walk with God • We all have deeply held preconceptions about God • At least partially sub-concious • How do we know someone is “really” a Christian • Go to Church • Read their Bible & Pray • Moral beliefs guide their behaviour
1. Assumptions & our Walk with God . . . • Determine who we think God is, what pleases him, ... • If we get it wrong we live wrong. • May miss out on blessing • Maybe think God will punish me.
2. What is “Right Religion” • Jews were committed to specific “essentials of faith” • Included fasting and Sabbath. • FASTING • An issue of religious ZEAL. (see Matt 6) • Assume: Fasting is fundamental to true spirituality
2. What is “Right Religion” . . . • Jesus’ answer is radical: • His is a Kingdom of feasts, celebration, plenty, ... • Fasting is not done to please God ... ... It is to draw us closer to Him • We’re in the in-between time when fasting is appropriate. • Our heavenly Father is a GENEROUS God !!!
2. What is “Right Religion” . . . • SABBATH: • Key religious marker of the Jews. • A day of rest, even for servants, slaves and animals. A Gift. • Focussed on rule of “no work”. • Doing it right made God happy • Doing it wrong could lead to punishment. • Became a day of fear and strife (checking on each other)
3. Blind to God The man-made Sabbath law of the rabbis did not allow God to heal this man on the Sabbath !!! • An amazing miracle is performed – they miss it • Their presumptions blinded them. • They can no longer see God at work.
4. New Wineskins • Two parables speak to our desire to see God. • Same message: Some things cannot mix. • We have to be open to a radically different reality. • Trying to mix old & new meant both were lost & ruined. • We have to open our hearts and minds completely to Him.
New Wineskins • When last did you see God at work around you? • Are we unintentionally blinded by our assumptions? • Keen to see one come to faith, don’t celebrate another? • Focus on Canadians, don’t see God’s work with immigrants?
New Wineskins • Keen to see one come to faith, don’t celebrate another? • Focus on Canadians, don’t see God’s work with immigrants? • Fixated on “big” stuff, unwilling / unexcited about small stuff? • Disappointment about revival, no longer persevere inprayer? • Wrong about faith & grace, think righteousness doesn’t matter? • Perspective on God’s character wrong, stunts our relationship?