“REMOVING THE MASK”

March 18, 2012

Allen McLauchlin, Pastor

A family friendly, never alone, purpose driven church

First week, why Christians wear masks: To bury or deny past events, to blend into the world's philosophy, never taking a stand, to cover up true feelings, and, so that the excuses we make seem valid to us. Last week, life behind the mask, a disconnect, emotional damage, misconception of invincibility, and living with guilt.   Last sermon, the joy of living life without a mask. This week, how to remove your mask. 

1.  You remove your mask by getting back into fellowship with God’s Word.

So he put them all together in prison for three days.  Now Joseph said to them on the third day, "Do this and live, for I fear God.  Genesis 42:17, 18

But when he came to his senses, he said, “I will take off this mask!  And go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight”.   Luke 15:17, 18

If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet continue to wear masks, we lie.  1 John 1:6

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, He will forgive, remove our mask, and purify us from all unrighteousness.

2.  By being responsible, taking the lead, developing into your ministry, we all are a 10 in some area.

Judah said to his father Israel, send the lad with me and we will arise and go, I myself will be surety for him; you may hold me responsible for him. If I do not bring him [back] to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame before you forever.”  Genesis 43:8, 9

The LORD will make you the head, not the tail.  Deuteronomy 28:13

So they inquired further of the LORD, "Where is Saul?"  And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage, with his mask still on.  They ran and brought him out.  1 Samuel 10:22, 23

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.  Luke 12:48

3.  By opening the lines of communication, with God and others, establishing rapport,   being honest.

He asked them how they were, and then he said, "How is your aged father you told me about? Is he still living?"    They replied, "Your servant our father is still alive and well."  As he looked about and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother's son, he asked, "Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?" And he said, "God be gracious to you, my son."  Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to remove his mask. (weep)  Genesis 43:27-30

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart.  Ephesians 5:19

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD.  Isaiah 1:18

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your mask  with its deceitfulness  and have put on the new life in Christ.

Colossians 3:9, 10

Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother?"  "I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper”?  Genesis 4:9

4.  By being connected with a small group ministry.

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So    there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers.  Genesis 45:1

He tends his flock like a shepherd:  He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.  Isaiah 40:11

When the day of Pentecost came, they all unmasked, and gathered together in a small group in one place.  Acts 2:1