NEW WINESKINS

This post is from my notes as Pastor Allan ministered at Open Door Church.

 

Old Wine Skins Can't Hold the New Wine

What a week we have had; with varied responsibilities, a funeral and much more.  Our members stepped up to help and make things happen.  If you have needs, let us know.  We can’t help you unless you communicate to us.  All hands on deck, there is something for you to do here at our church and our outreaches.

I meet a lot of people who have a background in church, but they took offense at some words, or actions of one of the members or even of the Pastor. 

I can tell you stories about people who were hurt in church - - The enemy says, “You are no longer worthy so you might as well throw in the towel.”  It is not so much that people intended to hurt or point a finger, perhaps they were overly concerned for their welfare and it was taken the wrong way.  Watch your attitude when words are given to you. 

The “spirit of religion” will stop people from coming in the door, and causes people to shun church.  The spirit of ‘Religion” will stop the move of God. 

Jesus challenged the religious leaders who were proud to keep the “law.”  The spirit of the law justifies, but the letter of the law accuses.  Church members have been doing this to people for generations. 

Mark 2:18  Some people criticized Jesus’ disciples for not fasting.  Jesus corrected them by saying there is no need for them to fast today, but the time will come when I am gone, then they will fast.

Jesus continued to tell them not to put new wine into old wineskins or the old skin will burst and you will loose the new wine.

Some people have a problem because their heart is holding on to the old wineskin of their old ways.  Allow your heart to be purged from the old things so the Holy Spirit can pour in the new wine to stay.

Guard against a spirit of the Pharisees coming against the church.  We have a hope and the harvest is ready.   Many are dying and are on their way to hell.  They are searching, but are not sure what it is they need.

Jesus exposed the hearts of men, and that is why he got in trouble with the religious leaders.

We may all need to change in some way.  God has made provision for change by sending Jesus to die.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

We skim over scriptures like this instead of realizing the reality of God’s provision to remove the old and create something brand new.  Understand this is truth.  Jesus has reconciled the world and has not imputed your trespasses.  He no longer counts them.  His mercy expands to cover our sins and give us the ability to live a life pleasing to God.

How simple is this and how do we change our old wineskins so others will desire what we have.

First our thinking needs to change.  You may have Jesus in your heart, but your thoughts have not been renewed and you will continue to have trouble.

Jesus said, “I give you a new covenant;” New chances in life, new direction, and all things have been made new.

For most of us it is a process, as you allow the Holy Spirit to stir you.  Renewal is a learning experience – one step at a time.

What is in your heart?  There must first be a willing mind to walk the walk. 

Be careful not to judge the person who still struggles. 

Every day keep focused and know that God desires to transform you.  Let the Word confront you and know it is for your good and not to harm you.  Be careful not to twist the Word of God to please your situation. 

Romans 12: 1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Don’t let the world mold you to their liking, but think soberly and renew your thinking to line up with God’s Word.

Search the Scriptures for in them is life.  Begin to use your spiritual gifts, by serving others as God brings you opportunity.

Walk it out, find the balance and don’t be confused in what you allow yourself to participate in.  Don’t make excuses for what you know you should do, keep your relationship with Jesus up to date and be led by His Spirit. 

There followed a time of prayer as people came forward.