It's A Spa World
#2 Snapshots of the Savior
April 1, 2007

Intro:
- Snapshots with me in them- I like them if I think I look good.
* We laugh but we all have that "MEistic mentality" in them.
* We have this uncanny ability to think about ourselves.
- This "me, my, mine", permeates our culture.
I.e.: 1. Marriages
- I have to do what is best for me.
"I have these needs, and you are NOT turning me on anymore."
2. Corporate world
- Claw there way to the top to make the money they need to get the thing they want.
3. Sports world
- Couple years ago score touchdown thye hand the ball to the referee…
Today celebration…
* It's all about ME!
*** We have a SPA mentality… Self Promoting Attitude! (That dominates everywhere we look)

*** The person of Christ confronts us… He is highly confrontational!
He EXPOSES our self-centeredness, our EGO, this SPA mentality that we ALL have!
* This Self Promoting Attitude that we all have.

*** In the NATURAL there is NO way we can live a life of SERVICE.
In the NATURAL there is no way we can put others needs above our own.

* Jesus comes along and says that we should treat other people more importantly than we treat ourselves. (Hold them in Higher esteem than we do ourselves)

* When we think @ that statement what happen? A war breaks out inside.
* A war between Self-centeredness & Servant-hood.
* A war between Selfishness & generosity.

*** In the NATURAL we can NEVER discover what Christ wants… but
In the Supernatural Jesus promises me I truly can discover what it means to walk in Servant hood.

* Last week new series- Passion - Snapshots of the Savior.
The bible is full of these images, snapshots of Jesus- but most have an incomplete album.
Of the nature & character of the Lord.
(Manger, miracle, the cross)
* Most of us still have a wrong image of "who" Jesus is.
Jesus is the Son of God!
Jesus is PASSIONATE about us!
* He identifies with us… LAST week…
- He had a job
- Struggles with His relationships
- Dealt with temptations
- Endured pain & suffering
# 1 did to IDENTIFIY with us.
#2 because we don't serve a sequestered Savior but one WE can identify with.
TODAY:
Jesus was passionate about SERVANTHOOD
He was passionate @ making people like you & me into SERVANTS. Done in a Supernatural way
* Personally- the gospels CHALLENGE me HAUNT me @ SERVICE
- The mess me up because I am a Self-centered guy.
I am a selfish guy… because I am a natural BORN sinner… so are YOU.

*** True SERVANTHOOD is putting others needs above your own!
Doing something for others without getting the credit or glory - except for God.
Developing that character quality that the Lord is pleased with.

Mat. 20:20-21 "Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 20:21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom."
* I want them to be prominent - powerful, like a soccer mom- put MY kid in.
* We are the same way.
Context Mt. 20- Service/servant-hood
Mt. 20:18-19 Jesus talking about His betrayal & death…
Mt. 20:22-24 "they", "moved with indignation"= much pain/anger!
* Self-centered people (just like me & you)

Mk 9:33-34 "And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

* Mike does the bible say we "shouldn't be AMBITIOUS of INDUSTRIOUS?" NO. NO, NO!
Or have a healthy self-esteem? NO, NO, NO!
*** We should see ourselves as God sees us- no more no less!
We should have goals, ambitious, industrious.
* A healthy Christian realizes that true joy comes from serving others before yourself!
* The more you serve the more joy you have..
The more you serve the more amazing your life is.
* When I do that I am more like Jesus.

* Maybe you can think of acts of service you can do…
1. In your marriage-
- Husbands, Saturday morning cooking the breakfast give your wife a break?
- Wives taking the initiative in intimacy?
2. Singles-
- Taking the initiative to reach out to other singles here at church?
3. At church
* When we serve we mature the fastest!

Another verse
Mk 10:43-45 " But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
* Jesus said he was here to "Serve=minister" & "to give"- neither in our vocabulary.
* We are into "ourselves"- "me, my, mine mentality" SPA mentality.-

- "Ransom"=The price to release a slave.
He freed you & me up- because we were slaves to SIN.
* When we bow the knee- accept Jesus -
1. We are free to SERVE.
2. To be the kind of people Jesus wants us to be.
* HOW? When saved
Jesus places the Holy Spirit in us…
- He redecorates & is totally committed in taking self-centered people & turning them in to SERVANTS.
- Others centered
* That is what He is trying to do here at Paradise- to get us to serve others

* Benefits of Serving God…
1. We move the heart of God (God has feelings too) (You're like Jesus- His son)
2. Makes an indelible impression the people around us. (family, friends, co-workers)
3. Gives us a chance to testify about Jesus - (to be a witness)
4. It brings joy unspeakable to our lives. (show me a Christian that is joyful, positive, & excited…you'll see someone that is a servant to others)

*** Jesus did the ULTIMATE act of Service--- at Calvary!

* So if God were to take a picture of your's & my life what would He see?
- Should see… a SNAPSHOT of the Savior