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How Do I Know If I Really Love Jesus?

4/24/2018

1 Comment

 
by Misti Sanders

​I thought this article “How Do I Know If I Really Love Jesus?” by Jon Bloom was an insightful read. Hope you enjoy this excerpt.  
How do we know if we really love Jesus? The Bible’s answer might surprise you.

We know if we love Jesus by what we consistently (not perfectly) do and don’t do. We know this because Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). And the apostle John echoed Jesus when he wrote, “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments” (1 John 5:3).

At face value, these statements should make any lover uncomfortable. We all know intuitively that the essence of love is not merely its actions. Love cannot be reduced to a mere verb. That’s why everyone laughs at John Piper’s illustration of a husband handing his wife a big bouquet of flowers on their wedding anniversary and then telling her he’s just fulfilling his obligation as a dutiful husband. It’s why everyone understands Edward John Carnell’s illustration of a husband asking, “Must I kiss my wife goodnight?” Because we know the answer is “Yes, but not that kind of must.”

Not That Kind of Must
“God made us to wear our love on our sleeves. He wired us to serve what we treasure.”

Neither Jesus nor John meant that obeying Jesus’s commandments is the same thing as love. What they meant was that love for God, by its very nature, produces the consistent characteristic of “the obedience of faith” (Romans 1:5). So, on earth, love for Christ tends to look like obeying Christ.

Now, love, faith, and obedience are not the same things. Love is our cherishing or treasuring Christ, faith is our trusting Christ, and obedience is our doing what Christ says. The essence of each is different. Bad things, like dead orthodoxy and legalism, happen when we make them the same thing. We must keep Christ’s commandments — but not that kind of must.
Though they are distinct, they are inseparable. We cannot love Christ without trusting (exercising faith in) him (1 Peter 1:8). We cannot trust Christ without obeying him (James 2:17). So, naturally, we cannot love Christ if we live in persistent, conscious disobedience to him (1 John 1:6; Luke 6:46). 

Wearing Our Love on Our Sleeves
This is an elegant, devastatingly simple design. God made us to wear our love on our sleeves. He wired us to serve what we treasure. How we love ourselves is evident by how we serve ourselves, for good (Ephesians 5:29) or for evil (2 Timothy 3:2). How we love our spouse or children or friends or pastors or co-workers or pets is evident by how we serve or neglect them. Whether we love God or money is evident by how we serve or neglect one or the other (Luke 16:13). In the long run, we cannot fake who or what we really serve.

It’s true that we sometimes can hide our sleeves from human view — sometimes even from ourselves — at least for a while. But God has a way of exposing our sleeves eventually. 

This is what the parable of the good Samaritan was about, which nearly all of us are granted the opportunity to live out in different ways and at different times. The priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan all outed their sleeves by the ways they responded to the injured man (Luke 10:31–35). 

“We know what love is by what love does.”

It’s also what the story of the rich young man in Mark 10 was about. He seemed at least partially blind to the love on his own sleeve, because though he thought he had done lots of obedient things (Mark 10:19–20), something was troubling his soul — which is why he came to Jesus. But Jesus saw the man’s sleeve clearly and with one sentence drew everyone’s attention to it: “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mark 10:21). Then it was clear: the man could not obey Jesus because he loved and trusted money more than Jesus. 

We see this all over the Bible: love for God or love for idols is made visible by obedience or disobedience to God. We see it in Cain with Abel (Genesis 4), Abraham with Isaac (Genesis 22), Reuben with Bilhah (Genesis 35), Joseph with Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39), David with Saul in the cave (1 Samuel 24), David with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), Judas with his silver (Matthew 26), Peter with his denials (John 18), Peter with the Sanhedrin (Acts 4), Ananias and Sapphira with others’ admiration (Acts 5), and Demas with Thessalonica (2 Timothy 4) — just to name a few.

By This We Know Love
But the most important place in Scripture (or anywhere else) we see love demonstrated through faith-empowered obedience is in Jesus: 
  • By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16).
  • God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
  • Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
Supreme love was made visible in Jesus’s death on the cross, where “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) pursued his, and our full, eternal joy (John 15:11) through his obedience in the midst of the greatest suffering (Hebrews 5:8). God wore his love on his bloody sleeve. Jesus did not merely “love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). “By this we know love.”

“How do we know if we love Jesus? By what we consistently (not perfectly) do and don’t do.”

How do we know if we love Jesus? By what we consistently (not perfectly) do and don’t do. All lovers of Jesus keenly know we don’t love him perfectly. “We all stumble in many ways” (James 3:2), and “if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). But “if we say we have fellowship with [Jesus] while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6). 

We know what love is by what love does. All lovers of Jesus refuse to walk in persistent, conscious disobedience to him. Our faith-empowered obedience in public and private places is the God-designed evidence of our love for Jesus.
1 Comment

May I Choose

3/13/2018

1 Comment

 
by Misti Sanders

I noticed early today (Monday morning) that I needed to submit this Sunday’s “Leaders Corner” for CTK by Tuesday. It’s just one more thing on the never ending “to-do” list that can often consume my thoughts. It’s my day off with Shon today, and we have a list of errands that need to be accomplished including getting shoes and gear required for our boys’ upcoming baseball season.

​As soon as we got home from running the days errands (with a somewhat disgruntled attitude), I immediately starting reading and researching, trying to figure out what I would send in for yet another “Leaders Corner.” Truth be told, our “Leaders Corner” requirement usually puts me in a foul mood and makes me feel defeated as I do not believe that I really have anything worthy of writing and sharing with our congregation. Therefore, when it comes to my “Leaders Corner,” I typically just share articles by those who are actually gifted writers. So, I was reading through a few books in search of an article I wanted to share, and I came across this quote in my devotional, Checklist for Life for Women.
There is so much beauty and wonder in the world around you. Beauty reminds you that God loves you, giving you a tiny taste of what one day of eternity with Christ will be like. Yet you often forget to see and value the bounties God has spread before you. You get caught up in the concerns of daily life, aware only that the next work deadline looms in front of you, the children need new shoes, the car needs repair, and the bills are due at the end of the month. Even when your lives are stressful and your problems seem overwhelming, you need to remember that pleasure lies in the heart. Your attitude affects your perception
Totally made me laugh-out-loud. There it is…God, in his way, reminding me that I need to decide my attitude. I love it that the quote even talks about “getting the children new shoes” and work deadlines, as that was how my day began. When I started reading, all I was focusing on was getting the “Leaders Corner” done by Tuesday’s deadline. I AM grateful that we have the ability to choose our attitude in any set of given circumstances. May I choose to look for God’s direction, beauty and wonder even in the daily “to-dos.”
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Intentional Space

1/23/2018

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by Misti Sanders

Although each of us are eager to hear from God I know in my own life that when I’m in a “busy season” I can often lack the space & time for God to show up. Our tendency is to be plugged in, tuned out, distracted, rushed & busy. Priscilla Shirer describes this as a “jam-packed life, what’s missing is space–space for God to speak, room for you to hear.  It’s time to set aside the activities and busyness that swallows up rest and peace, it’s time for us to breathe and build margin into our lives for God.”

​In my own journey trying to create “space” has to be purposeful. Every time I say yes to activities, yes to work, yes to social media, “yes”...  then I need to be aware of not only how busy my schedule is becoming but what am I saying “no” to when I say “yes” to these things. Moreover, as a wife & mother I have noticed that I am the one who typically dictates our family schedule. This may not be true for every family but, it is in our home. Therefore, I have to be intentional in creating space in my life for myself and my family when I’m scheduling. It’s important for my family to have the time to experience peace and true rest and to achieve this it is imperative to be very deliberate in protecting the space in our schedule. The margin necessary for God to truly speak into our lives. The space necessary to live a purposeful walk with Christ in the Kingdom. I hope you already have intention behind your schedule and daily activities however, if you do not I would encourage you to take some steps to create more space for God. 
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Our Children

12/4/2017

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by Misti Sanders

Christ the King Children’s Department. If you have not had a chance to tour the classes or meet the teachers please come say hello. We are always looking for people to join our team. We are still in need of some teachers for the Nursery and Middle School. No experience necessary, just a heart to serve. On Sunday morning while most of the church spends time worshiping God and listening to the sermon we get to experience a different side of worship and teaching that I believe can be equally as impactful.  For those in the Children’s department are a part of a very unique and privileged opportunity to play with, worship, hug, teach, listen to and serve those who are so precious to God...Our Children. 

Letting go of “expectations” of my time and making space in my life to just be available has been life changing. One of God’s greatest blessings in my life has been the opportunity to witness every Sunday our amazing teachers, dedicated helpers and the adorable children. 
​
God is good, Amen.
1 Comment

What is the Church

10/10/2017

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by Misti Sanders

​A question we should continually ask ourselves is “What is the Church”? It seems to me that very often the Church is defined as an institution or building. However, the word church in the Bible means something different. Dr. Michael L. Williams explains “what is church” in an insightful article titled “What is the Bible Definition of Church? What is The Biblical View of Church?” He wrote in the conclusion,
When Jesus had dinner at Matthew’s house He was asked how He could spend time eating with sinners (Matthew 9:9-13). When Jesus heard this He answered with words that were very telling. He said, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” With these words, Jesus described the church. Imperfect people who know they needed a Savior, working together to build relationships, help those in need, and to glorify God by striving to be like Christ and share His love with others.
If you would like to read the article in it’s entirety it can be found online at patheos.com.
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Volunteering

8/7/2017

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Submitted by Misti Sanders

It has been my great pleasure to be involved with the Children’s Dept at CTK for around 8 years now. I have found that serving has brought me great joy and I hope to encourage others to see the benefits of getting involved. 

Below is the article The Top Four Benefits of Volunteering by Adrienne Carlson that outlines a few reasons how volunteering can enrich your life. The 3rd bullet point talks about setting a good example for your kids and I can tell you Shon and I have been excited to witness all our boys serve in different capacities at the church. 
It doesn’t take long, once you’ve stepped inside a church or community organization to be presented with numerous opportunities to use your gifts and to give of your time.

Churches, nonprofits and community organizations depend almost entirely of volunteers to function. Except for a couple of staff - they are entirely volunteer organizations. And although you may have many different reasons and motivations why you volunteer or how you volunteer - there are 4 overarching benefits that you receive when you volunteer:
  • You’re able to draw closer to God: When you spend time volunteering to help people, you actually draw closer to him. You feel more connected to Jesus, and his teachings and the way of life that he practiced and advocated.
  • You’ll know you are making a difference in other people’s lives: By volunteering, you are giving people your time, a valuable asset that does not come back once you spend it. By giving freely of your time, you know that you are making a positive difference in the lives of people, often those who have no family or means of sustenance.
  • You are setting a good example for your kids: When you volunteer on a regular basis, your children grow up understanding the value and importance of helping those who are not as blessed as you are. They in turn become good adults who practice Christian values and enrich the lives of those they live and interact with on a regular basis.
  • You grow personally: When you volunteer, you not only enrich the lives of others but also grow personally, both spiritually and socially. You learn more about the world and its ways and you also develop self-confidence and self-esteem, characteristics that stand you in good stead no matter where you are.
It’s not hard to find places to volunteer; you don’t need any kind of training other than being willing to do anything that the job calls for; and if you think you don’t have the time, setting aside an hour or so a week is enough to get into the habit and make a huge difference in other people’s life and also feel personally enriched and satisfied.
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Motherhood

5/14/2017

1 Comment

 
submitted by Misti Sanders

​To all the hardworking, selfless, and loving mothers out there:

Motherhood is more than a stage--
it’s a lifelong calling from God.
With it He gives us hearts that love deeply,
hands that serve tirelessly, and vision to see
His blossoming image in the precious ones
entrusted to our care
 - Author Unknown

Happy Mother’s Day
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In the Little Moments

1/9/2017

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by Misti Sanders

Hello and Happy New Year! Here is an excerpt from an article written by Paul Tripp called, “Trading One Dramatic Resolution for 10,000 Little Ones” which I thought was an a fantastic read to start the year off. 
I’ve told the story many times of talking impatiently with my wife one Sunday morning and having my nine-year-old son interject, “Daddy, is this the way a Christian man should be talking to his wife?”

Rather sarcastically I said, “What do you think?” He replied, “It doesn’t make any difference what I think — what does God think?”

I went to my bedroom, and two thoughts immediately hit me. First, my pride reared up. I want to be a hero to my son, and I was embarrassed that he had been troubled by my attitude and words. But that didn’t last very long. I soon thought, “How could it be that God could love me so much that he would give a twit of care about this mundane little moment in the Tripp bathroom?”

That’s love at a level of magnificence that I am unable to capture with words. This was but one moment in one room in one house of one family, on one block on one street in one neighborhood, in one city in one state in one country on one continent, in one hemisphere on one globe in the universe. Yet God was in that moment, working to continue his moment-by-moment work of transforming the heart of this man.

The little moments of life are profoundly important precisely because they are the little moments that we live in and that form us. This is where I think “Big Drama Christianity” gets us into trouble. It can cause us to devalue the significance of the little moments of life and the “small-change” grace that meets us there. And because we devalue the little moments where we live, we don’t tend to notice the sin that gets exposed there. We fail to seek the grace that is offered to us.

​You see, the character of a life is not set in two or three dramatic moments, but in 10,000 little moments. The character that was formed in those little moments is what shapes how you respond to the big moments of life.
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What is Advent?

11/28/2016

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by Misti Sanders

I thought I would share some insights on the birth of Christ from this article by Noël Piper, titled “What is Advent?”
We are a people of promise. For centuries, God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made—that he would give a way to draw near to him.

Advent is what we call the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25, sometimes in the last weekend of November, sometimes on the first Sunday in December. This year it was November 29.

1 Peter 1:10-12 is a clear description of what we look back to during Advent.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12 )

For four weeks, it’s as if we’re re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God’s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God’s salvation, for Jesus. That’s what advent means—coming. Even God’s men who foretold the grace that was to come didn’t know “what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating.” They were waiting, but they didn’t know what God’s salvation would look like.

In fact, God revealed to them that they were not the ones who would see the sufferings and glory of God’s Christ:
They were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.

​They were serving us. We Christians on this side of Jesus’ birth are a God-blessed, happy people because we know God’s plan. The ancient waiting is over. We have the greatest reason to celebrate.
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Our Children's Department

10/10/2016

0 Comments

 
by Misti Sanders

I just wanted to take a minute to express few thoughts about our Children’s Department. If you have not had a chance to tour the classes or meet the teachers, please come say hello. We are always looking for people to join our team. No experience necessary. Just a heart to serve. 

On Sunday morning while most of the church spends time worshiping God & listening to the sermon we get to experience a different side of worship and teaching that I believe can be equally as impactful. For those of us in the Children’s Department, we have a very unique and privileged opportunity to play with, worship, hug, teach, listen to and serve those who are so precious to God...our children. Last Sunday I was sitting in the nursery with the sweetest little brown haired, blue eyed boy, who was asleep and drooling on my shoulder, listening to our PreK teachers (in the next room) play with their students and I tell you my heart was so full it could burst. Letting go of “expectations” of my time and making space in my life to just be available has been life changing. One of God’s greatest blessings in my life has been the opportunity to witness every Sunday our amazing teachers, dedicated helpers and the adorable children. 

​God is Good, Amen.
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Network Info
​A CTK NETWORK CHURCH
CTK.NET
Service Location
Nampa Christian High School
11920 West Flamingo Ave
​Nampa, ID 83651


​Service Time
 Sundays at 10am
​
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Service Options
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or 
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Office Location
984 Corporate Lane, Ste 202
Nampa, ID 83651


Office Hours 
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Monday 10am-4pm
Tuesday 10am-4pm
Wednesday 10am-4pm
Thursday 10am-4pm
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Contact Us
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office@ctknampa.org

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