Pastor Jonathan Burgess
September 6, 2015 - W1536

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro: Let me give an introduction to all of the campuses about today’s message titled “Opposites”. The Bible talks about this. Jesus knew that He had to lay down His life first, so that our lives would be saved. You have to have to be willing to serve first, in order to make a difference in life, and in order to impact the lives of others. Husbands, love your wives. There is no greater love, then one who lays down their life – who goes first to serve.

Fourteen years ago, New Hope was leasing facilities from Farrington High School. During this time, I would speak at our New Hope Men’s Ministry. One morning, David, a teacher from Farrington, decided to attend the ministry to receive some fellowship and teaching, before attending the teachers all faculty work shop day in the auditorium.  During this teaching, I was talking about going first. So I said, you need to go first. Go first, and watch how many people follow you. This is because you need to lead by example. Instead of waiting for people to come up and like you first, you go like them. Instead of expecting people to listen to you, thinking no one listens to you, start listening to others. Slow down, go first and listen - soon other’s will want to know what you have to say, and will listen to you.

In the book of Luke, Jesus said “I will be found among those who serve”. He is saying I will be found among those who go first, not for themselves, but for others.

After the Men’s Ministry prayed, David arrived at the auditorium for his work shop. Lying at the entrance way was a hamburger wrapper and a coke can that was intentionally left there by the Vice Principal. Remembering the message on Opposites, David picked up the rubbish and started walking towards the rubbish can. The Vice Principal saw this and said, “Hey, give that to me – I planted the rubbish there for a purpose.”   David and the VP then went up to the podium, where the VP said to the audience of nearly 250 teachers, that he planted the rubbish for a reason and to make a point. He said that the campus is often laden with trash. Don’t wait for the custodians to pick it up, instead, go first and do it. He then presented David with a round trip ticket to the neighbor islands, as a gift of appreciation for going first.

Go first. You want to be loved, then go first and love. If no one knows you, then get around, and start to know others first. Then “opposites” will begin to take place because you gave life, and life will be given to you. Go first!

At this time, I would now like to pass the baton to your campus pastor, as we continue in this theme called “Opposites”.

Pastor Jon Burgess:

1. To go first we must take second place.

On my wrist are two things that define my life. The first thing says “We are greater together.”, and the second reminder says, “I am second.” When I am standing in line at Costco, do I want to be second? No, I want to be first. But actually, if I am going to go first, then I need to be first in taking second place. This is contrary to what our world tells us. The world way for rule #1 is to never be second, because second people are losers.

RULE #1: Be first at being second.

As described in Beatitudes, Jesus said we are to live opposite of how everyone else lives. “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” Matt. 5:41-42. Here, the word “compels” meant that the Roman soldier or official could press a person into service without any advanced notice. In other words, an official could tell a subject that he needed food, or the use of a person’s sons, and a person had no choice but to comply and help him. Simon was compelled by the Roman soldiers to help Jesus carry the cross.

Jesus was compelled by the Holy Spirit to lay down His life for us.   On Opposite Day, we flip rule #1 around. Chef Justin and Lisa sold 11 sushi restaurants so they could serve Jesus. This is an example of Opposite Day. As a business owner, I am not saying that you have to sell your business; however, you have to do what the Spirit is telling you to do.

Last week I talked about how everyone has been equipped to serve God with the various talents and abilities that He has bestowed upon us. I would like to give an example of this. Last week, after the 9 am service, Jacob, one of our church brothers, rushed out of service to meet Brian Wong and Ken Silva.   He told them that he had learned welding in the Navy, and he had a vision to serve the church with his welding as well as to raise up others to teach them how to weld, so that they could be useful serving the church as well as the world. Upon hearing this, Brian and Ken brought Jacob over to the warehouse and showed him multiple projects, requiring welding. Jacob did not have a welder to do welding for the church, and the church did not have a welder. This is an example of how Jacob was first at being second.

The Bible says, “And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt 20:27-28 NKJV

I want to encourage you to take the Second in September challenge. For every day in September, seek the opportunity to put someone first and take second place.

1. To get ahead we must take the slow road.

Robert Frost said, “Two roads diverged in the woods, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

The path that God is asking us to take is the road less traveled by. This road looks like the road to Makalawena in Kona. There is only one way to get to Makalawena – by using a four wheel drive. It takes a long time, because the road is not well paved; however, I had the end in mind. No matter how long it took, I believed that I would get there.

We have to have the end in mind and take the road less traveled. We are sojourners, we are Pilgrims. We have not been called here to make our present life comfortable. God has called us to an eternal perspective. The Bible says, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which lead to life, and there are few who find it.” Math. 7:12-14

God is saying, “If you follow Me, then you have to let Me set your pace, and not your culture.

Not too long ago, while Elijah and I were in Kona, my car got stuck behind a student driver that was going 20 mph in a 25 mph zone. Well, we were already running late for service and I started getting frustrated thinking that we would get to church late. Finally the student driver turned. No sooner as I was about to gun the accelerator, I spotted a policeman with his radar gun pointing my way. So I thought only by the Grace of God did I not get tagged for speeding. The student driver slowed me down. I wondering if the very things that you are getting frustrated with now, are slowing you down, because they need your attention.

Recently, we talked about the Unplug Challenge where we had to unplug from all of our devices for one hour a day or for one full day during August. The Fujii family took on this challenge, and Koa, their 12 year old son, posted his thoughts on Face Book. He realized that this “fast” was good for him, because it allowed him to sleep more, read more, connect with friends more, and do more chores.

Mark Benson, President of Honolulu Ford who sponsors a lot of our television programs put a big sign up on the Ford Building that says, “Sunday, We Rest.” He did this in 2014 – a time when his company’s sales lagged behind other island car dealerships. When he obeyed God, sales eventually surpassed all the other island dealerships.

One day a week, I take one of my five boys out for breakfast so that we can pray and journal together. Recently, I met Craig Sr. and his son who also meet daily, before work, to journal and pray about the day. By doing this, they are letting God set their pace.

1. To win at all we must give it all.

“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:35-36

Jesus is saying if you want to win in the Kingdom of God, then you must give it all to not only those you like, but also to people whom you consider your enemies.

Last week I issued the Baskin and Robbins Challenge, and said that every flavor is needed in this church. While eating my ice cream at Baskin and Robbins, I noticed a picture of an Oreo ice cream sandwich, paired with a picture of the 24 Hours fitness club. Seeing this, made me feel guilty. Sometimes, when we are rejoicing in God’s Word at church, we think that we are not putting God first. So I am asking all of you to ask yourselves this question, “What does God want you to do with your 24 hours each day?”

Think about some Opposite Day actions for this week. There are multiple ways that God wants us to give all in order to win all. Some Opposite Day Ideas would be to share some flowers or produce with your neighbors. Volunteer you services. Throw a “Know your Neighbor Party.

While working on this message at Starbucks, a guy came in and handed me a tract about the financial kingdom of God. It inferred that to be secure, you have to invest in God’s Kingdom. I know this guy meant well, but he quickly handed me it, and vanished, without my being able to talk to him.

People do not need another tract of the Gospel. People need more inspiration. We should serve others, even when they don’t deserve to be served or understand it. The Second In September Opposite Day Greater Together Challenge allows us to look for ways to give. We should step out of our comfort zones, and give in places where we wish life were better, instead of thinking how to satisfy our own needs. Let’s seal this with communion. Our King did the opposite of what a king does. Instead of coming to be served, He came to serve.

Questions:

• Where areas in your life do you need to go first to serve God?

• How can we help other people go first in their lives?

• Talk about some Go First example of successes.