Matthew 6:14-15 (The Message)
14-15"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.
Matthew 23:11-12 (The Message)
11-12"Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
September 30, 2007 Message
Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 28:16-20 (The Message)
Winston Churchill once said, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.”
In other words, what often concerns us are things that aren’t really lasting or important in the long run. Most things that occupy our minds today won’t matter years from now.
Almost nothing in today’s news will matter in 500 years. Which raises the question: Does anything we do, really — ultimately — matter?
Imagine that it’s the year 2507 — 500 years from today — and you are browsing about in a library (if such places even exist in 2507) and you come to the ancient history section.
As you scroll through the titles, you come across “The Most Important Events of the 20th and 21st Centuries.” You open the book and there’s a list of the top 10 events that shaped the world way back then and still matter in 2507.
Here’s the question to think again: What are the top two events on that list? And what events that have occurred in your lifetime will be remembered 500 years from now?
In order for us to understand the question more fully, try this - What do you think were the two most important events that occurred in the last 500 years — or say since Columbus?
Chances are coming up with that list isn’t all that easy. What do we put on that list anyway? Wars? They seem so all-encompassing at the time, but once the veterans and contemporaries are gone, they seem less pivotal and fall into the long line of human conflicts that seem to happen in every age.
Even world wars tend to lose their impact in time. World War I, the “war to end all wars,” quickly faded in the face of World War II which is, itself, being replaced in the collective consciousness by whatever war we happen to be presently fighting.
If war doesn’t stand the test of time, what does? Scandal? Can you name the players and the problem in the Teapot Dome scandal? Can your kids tell you what Watergate was about? Will anyone remember Enron next year, let alone 500 years from now?
How about art and architecture? You could make a case for both being more lasting. There are probably only a handful of architectural and artistic works that a number of us might remember, while there are so many more that lie forgotten.
Perhaps the more enduring markers for any age are the ideas and new discoveries that advance human understanding such as Copernicus discovery that the earth is not the center of the universe, ushering in the age of modern science, and Columbus opening up of the New World to European exploration. These two in particular have changed how we view our place in the universe. The point is that ideas and discoveries last because they seem to move us into the future.
What will be remembered about us 500 years from now? Physicist James Trefil suggests two events — landing a man on the moon and cracking the genetic code — will be the most important. “Future humans,” he says, “will look back on the Apollo program the same way we look back at the early European explorers. Understanding the human genome will enable us to understand how life works and help us learn how to “get under the hood and change the system, to alter life.”
There you have the ideas of the scientist. What about the theologian?
The apostle Paul focused squarely on ideas that would last. Writing to the Philippians, Paul urges them to “stand firm in the Lord” (4:1). This is important when in the middle of conflict or at odds with someone. in the Philippian church. And to Paul this standing firm meant rejoicing in the Lord – always being near the Lord – striving every day to be like Jesus the Christ. This is the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (4:7) he talks about.
Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki, author and professor emeritus of theology at Claremont School of Theology in California, suggests we are intended to live “for the Glory of God – to be, in the fullness of our humanity.” She says we know the nature of God to be love. That is to be our nature as well – caring for the wellbeing of the other.
She said that the genius of John Wesley was that he actually thought we could attain this. Wesley really believed we would become perfect in love. For Wesley, perfection was a synonym for love and our “going on to perfection” is actually our becoming more loving – our living life “for the love of God.”
Wesley this provided a vision for living. This is ‘Methodism’ – a method of living, in love.
Paul’s worldview of what really lasts was bound up in his understanding of the cross and resurrection. The death and resurrection of Christ was the linchpin of history, ushering in a new age and anticipating an age to come. He understood that human history has an end point, but God’s kingdom does not. Rather than promoting great deeds or monuments to mark his place in history, Paul sees his own history as culminating in his desire to “know Christ and the power of his resurrection” (3:10) — to focus in on the timeless nature of knowing and following Christ. Everything else — accomplishments, reputation, legacy, fame, knowledge — was “rubbish” (3:8).
What really lasts, says Paul, are the ideas and actions that mirror Christ. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is reputable, whatever is authentic, whatever is compelling, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (4:8).
Paul knew what was timeless and what was not; he understood the difference between what was eternal and what was short-lived. He believed in the ‘unseen’ as having more value, or as being more “real” than the ‘seen,’ the ‘intangible’ as being more “real” than the ‘tangible.’
He understood that everything — everything — we see when we look around is some day going to pass away. Nothing will be left standing. Something may be built in its place, but it too will come down either because we tear it down, or because it falls under its own weight, a victim of natural processes.
But Love is something that cannot be destroyed. There is no power or force of any magnitude, dimension, range or design that can destroy it. That’s why Paul suggests that in anxious times, in our worrying moments, we should return to the Timeless, to the things that count.
Of course we should pray (4:6). But having done that, what are we to do? What do we do when, having prayed and prayed and prayed about something, the distraction and the issue and the irritation remains unresolved?
We must, the Bible says, transition to the Timeless. When we do, what emerges from our lives will have a touch, a shadow of the Timeless about it as well.
So what about our lives so far?
Few of us will be remembered individually 500 years from now, or even 50 or 100 years from now. Our lives on this earth are, by and large, pretty brief and not historically noteworthy. If we really want to increase the store of human happiness and well-being and leave our mark on the world, then, the best way to do it is to follow the way of Christ — to think on and do the things that really matter in the long view of the kingdom.
What we do for God - what we do to be like God - is what will really last!
In our readings from Philippians and Matthew today a very fundamental truth has been shared concerning how we are to live our lives. It has to do with what we are to do as followers of God revealed, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. So, in love – always in love:
“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!
"Go out and teach everyone you meet, far and near, this way of life!
I hope and pray no one hurries off after the service today as if nothing had happened.
Winston Churchill once said, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.”
In other words, what often concerns us are things that aren’t really lasting or important in the long run. Most things that occupy our minds today won’t matter years from now.
Almost nothing in today’s news will matter in 500 years. Which raises the question: Does anything we do, really — ultimately — matter?
Imagine that it’s the year 2507 — 500 years from today — and you are browsing about in a library (if such places even exist in 2507) and you come to the ancient history section.
As you scroll through the titles, you come across “The Most Important Events of the 20th and 21st Centuries.” You open the book and there’s a list of the top 10 events that shaped the world way back then and still matter in 2507.
Here’s the question to think again: What are the top two events on that list? And what events that have occurred in your lifetime will be remembered 500 years from now?
In order for us to understand the question more fully, try this - What do you think were the two most important events that occurred in the last 500 years — or say since Columbus?
Chances are coming up with that list isn’t all that easy. What do we put on that list anyway? Wars? They seem so all-encompassing at the time, but once the veterans and contemporaries are gone, they seem less pivotal and fall into the long line of human conflicts that seem to happen in every age.
Even world wars tend to lose their impact in time. World War I, the “war to end all wars,” quickly faded in the face of World War II which is, itself, being replaced in the collective consciousness by whatever war we happen to be presently fighting.
If war doesn’t stand the test of time, what does? Scandal? Can you name the players and the problem in the Teapot Dome scandal? Can your kids tell you what Watergate was about? Will anyone remember Enron next year, let alone 500 years from now?
How about art and architecture? You could make a case for both being more lasting. There are probably only a handful of architectural and artistic works that a number of us might remember, while there are so many more that lie forgotten.
Perhaps the more enduring markers for any age are the ideas and new discoveries that advance human understanding such as Copernicus discovery that the earth is not the center of the universe, ushering in the age of modern science, and Columbus opening up of the New World to European exploration. These two in particular have changed how we view our place in the universe. The point is that ideas and discoveries last because they seem to move us into the future.
What will be remembered about us 500 years from now? Physicist James Trefil suggests two events — landing a man on the moon and cracking the genetic code — will be the most important. “Future humans,” he says, “will look back on the Apollo program the same way we look back at the early European explorers. Understanding the human genome will enable us to understand how life works and help us learn how to “get under the hood and change the system, to alter life.”
There you have the ideas of the scientist. What about the theologian?
The apostle Paul focused squarely on ideas that would last. Writing to the Philippians, Paul urges them to “stand firm in the Lord” (4:1). This is important when in the middle of conflict or at odds with someone. in the Philippian church. And to Paul this standing firm meant rejoicing in the Lord – always being near the Lord – striving every day to be like Jesus the Christ. This is the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (4:7) he talks about.
Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki, author and professor emeritus of theology at Claremont School of Theology in California, suggests we are intended to live “for the Glory of God – to be, in the fullness of our humanity.” She says we know the nature of God to be love. That is to be our nature as well – caring for the wellbeing of the other.
She said that the genius of John Wesley was that he actually thought we could attain this. Wesley really believed we would become perfect in love. For Wesley, perfection was a synonym for love and our “going on to perfection” is actually our becoming more loving – our living life “for the love of God.”
Wesley this provided a vision for living. This is ‘Methodism’ – a method of living, in love.
Paul’s worldview of what really lasts was bound up in his understanding of the cross and resurrection. The death and resurrection of Christ was the linchpin of history, ushering in a new age and anticipating an age to come. He understood that human history has an end point, but God’s kingdom does not. Rather than promoting great deeds or monuments to mark his place in history, Paul sees his own history as culminating in his desire to “know Christ and the power of his resurrection” (3:10) — to focus in on the timeless nature of knowing and following Christ. Everything else — accomplishments, reputation, legacy, fame, knowledge — was “rubbish” (3:8).
What really lasts, says Paul, are the ideas and actions that mirror Christ. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is reputable, whatever is authentic, whatever is compelling, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (4:8).
Paul knew what was timeless and what was not; he understood the difference between what was eternal and what was short-lived. He believed in the ‘unseen’ as having more value, or as being more “real” than the ‘seen,’ the ‘intangible’ as being more “real” than the ‘tangible.’
He understood that everything — everything — we see when we look around is some day going to pass away. Nothing will be left standing. Something may be built in its place, but it too will come down either because we tear it down, or because it falls under its own weight, a victim of natural processes.
But Love is something that cannot be destroyed. There is no power or force of any magnitude, dimension, range or design that can destroy it. That’s why Paul suggests that in anxious times, in our worrying moments, we should return to the Timeless, to the things that count.
Of course we should pray (4:6). But having done that, what are we to do? What do we do when, having prayed and prayed and prayed about something, the distraction and the issue and the irritation remains unresolved?
We must, the Bible says, transition to the Timeless. When we do, what emerges from our lives will have a touch, a shadow of the Timeless about it as well.
So what about our lives so far?
Few of us will be remembered individually 500 years from now, or even 50 or 100 years from now. Our lives on this earth are, by and large, pretty brief and not historically noteworthy. If we really want to increase the store of human happiness and well-being and leave our mark on the world, then, the best way to do it is to follow the way of Christ — to think on and do the things that really matter in the long view of the kingdom.
What we do for God - what we do to be like God - is what will really last!
In our readings from Philippians and Matthew today a very fundamental truth has been shared concerning how we are to live our lives. It has to do with what we are to do as followers of God revealed, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. So, in love – always in love:
“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!
"Go out and teach everyone you meet, far and near, this way of life!
I hope and pray no one hurries off after the service today as if nothing had happened.
Friday, September 28, 2007
September 30, 2007 Readings
Philippians 4:1-9 (The Message)
My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God.
Pray About Everything
I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn't want his children holding grudges.
And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you're right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life.
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Matthew 28:16-20 (The Message)
Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God.
Pray About Everything
I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn't want his children holding grudges.
And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you're right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life.
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Matthew 28:16-20 (The Message)
Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
September 23, 2007 Message
Hebrews 10:16-25 ; Luke 15:3-7
What is it we’re to do as a church, anyway? Not just this church – but, any church. Paul gives us some ideas, doesn’t he? For him, faith, hope, and love are the keys. He says, people, be creative in how you encourage love in one another; be mindful of how you can help each other out. And then he says it is important to worship together. And in doing so, to urge each other on, to make it exciting; always encouraging. Actually he says (The Message), “Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:16-25
If we go back to Jesus, we get further clarification – although it might cause a little grumbling here or there. The church – well not really the church, but those who do what Jesus has instructed, which should be the church, right? - is to be about lost sheep. What was it Jesus said to those who grumbled about his priorities? "Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on it—there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.” - Luke 15:3-7
Can you imagine that! More joy, more happiness, more celebration, for one lost soul who ‘is found’ than ninety-nine who have always been here! Not only is the church to be about the ‘lost sheep’ in our communities, we are to have a big party when they are finally found!
What is it we’re to do as a church, anyway?
Comedian Paula Poundstone once said this: "I'll tell you a secret -- adults don't know what they want to do for a living. That's why they're always asking kids what they want to be when they grow up -- they're looking for ideas."
Perhaps as a church, we’re still growing up as well – and are in need of some good ideas.
Remember our mission (vision) statement? It’s right there on the back of your bulletin. Check it out. How does it compare with these from other churches around the country, as collected in Ministry Advantage:
• "Where people matter"
• "A fresh experience of God's love"
• "A place to belong ... A place to become"
• "Building relationships that last"
What is it we are to be as a church again?
Jesus came to seek and save ... those who are lost. Are we looking as well? And once we’ve found the lost – then what? Will the celebration be something the lost can relate to, or only the ‘found.’
To those not familiar with the weird and wonderful ways of the church, its traditions and forms can seem not just odd, but downright threatening. We forget that the language and liturgy familiar to those who are already part of the church is strange and even intimidating to those whose seldom or never attend a church. The great French philosopher and skeptic Voltaire once said: "If you would speak with me, you first must learn my language." Unfortunately, our language and ways of doing things can get in the way of our celebration together.
While it is true that the church serves as a community for the faithful, a place where Christians can feel at home, it is not the mission of the church to become some sort of closeknit group. The church cannot use its desire to be "friendly" to each other already here ‘on the inside’ an excuse to be inaccessible to those still living ‘on the outside.’ The greater part of the church's mission is to be "seeker-friendly" -- to offer to the lost and lonely ones of the earth easy access to the divine love and salvation that awaits them in Jesus Christ.
My God, there are people out there who are either scared to come to church or just don’t know how to go about it. There are examples of people not wanting to come to Sunday school because they would be embarrassed to be with the children, thinking there are grades or levels to go through before you are in class with the adults. There are also others who think tickets are needed to get into church on a Sunday morning or that certain ‘conditions have to be met before they can enter. It may sound strange or even funny to us, but when you’ve never been in church before, and there are loads of people out there who never have, that kind of thinking is not so strange.
So, what is our main task? The church's primary mission is to have a place where we can have our meetings; it is not potluck dinners or ice cream socials or fall bazaars or garage sales. The church's mission is to ring out the Good News of the gospel to all those who are outside the walls of the church. When we only look to the needs and comforts of those already in our midst, we give up our birthright as ‘God’s children and to God Kingdom today.
Evangelism gadfly Roy Fish hits the nail on the head when he emphasizes the difference between "come and hear" and "go and tell" ministries. "People often say, 'Come and hear the gospel taught in our church' or 'Come and hear our pastors’ messages.' This 'come and hear' kind of religion constitutes a reversal of the Great Commission of Jesus. His instructions to his church were not to invite people to 'come and hear,' but for believers to 'go and tell.' The main responsibility is not to bring the lost to the gospel, but to take the gospel to the lost. Jesus wants us to go and witness, but we have interpreted it to mean, 'Go and invite people to church.'"
As a church, we need to ask ourselves these questions:
- Who are our neighbors? Literally. Who lives next door, down the street, across the back lot and around the corner? Just as importantly, do they know you?
- Where do people hang out? Does the church should have a presence there.
- Where is the greatest number of people (55-75) concentrated in your community? Is it in a certain neighborhood, or an apartment complex, or an organized "community" for seniors? Do they need their lawns mowed, chores done, a "gofer" they can depend on?
"Seeker-friendly" means being friendly to seekers. Being "friendly," means extending yourself, going out of your way, showing interest in others and their interests, even when they're not interested in you. Being "seeker-friendly" often means that you become the seeker -- moving out from behind church structure and facilities and into the community.
Sunday service turned into a Sunday of service for 250 members of Park Road Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C. The pastor canceled the morning meeting and encouraged members to do acts of kindness in the community. Volunteers fanned out to 15 sites to paint and landscape a chapel for the homeless, clean concrete blocks for Habitat for Humanity homes, wallpaper and paint an emergency shelter, feed the poor and lead devotionals at a nursing home. Senior adults and children stayed at the church to make tote bags and blankets for the homeless. The day closed with a 7 p.m. service at the church. "It became a religious renewal for our people," senior minister Allen Laymon told National & International Religion Report. He said many of his congreg-ants gave money to groups that minister to the poor, "but never had rubbed shoulders" with them. (National & International Religion Report 8 [19 September 1994], 5.)
What is it we’re to do as a church, anyway?
What is it we’re to do as a church, anyway? Not just this church – but, any church. Paul gives us some ideas, doesn’t he? For him, faith, hope, and love are the keys. He says, people, be creative in how you encourage love in one another; be mindful of how you can help each other out. And then he says it is important to worship together. And in doing so, to urge each other on, to make it exciting; always encouraging. Actually he says (The Message), “Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:16-25
If we go back to Jesus, we get further clarification – although it might cause a little grumbling here or there. The church – well not really the church, but those who do what Jesus has instructed, which should be the church, right? - is to be about lost sheep. What was it Jesus said to those who grumbled about his priorities? "Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on it—there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.” - Luke 15:3-7
Can you imagine that! More joy, more happiness, more celebration, for one lost soul who ‘is found’ than ninety-nine who have always been here! Not only is the church to be about the ‘lost sheep’ in our communities, we are to have a big party when they are finally found!
What is it we’re to do as a church, anyway?
Comedian Paula Poundstone once said this: "I'll tell you a secret -- adults don't know what they want to do for a living. That's why they're always asking kids what they want to be when they grow up -- they're looking for ideas."
Perhaps as a church, we’re still growing up as well – and are in need of some good ideas.
Remember our mission (vision) statement? It’s right there on the back of your bulletin. Check it out. How does it compare with these from other churches around the country, as collected in Ministry Advantage:
• "Where people matter"
• "A fresh experience of God's love"
• "A place to belong ... A place to become"
• "Building relationships that last"
What is it we are to be as a church again?
Jesus came to seek and save ... those who are lost. Are we looking as well? And once we’ve found the lost – then what? Will the celebration be something the lost can relate to, or only the ‘found.’
To those not familiar with the weird and wonderful ways of the church, its traditions and forms can seem not just odd, but downright threatening. We forget that the language and liturgy familiar to those who are already part of the church is strange and even intimidating to those whose seldom or never attend a church. The great French philosopher and skeptic Voltaire once said: "If you would speak with me, you first must learn my language." Unfortunately, our language and ways of doing things can get in the way of our celebration together.
While it is true that the church serves as a community for the faithful, a place where Christians can feel at home, it is not the mission of the church to become some sort of closeknit group. The church cannot use its desire to be "friendly" to each other already here ‘on the inside’ an excuse to be inaccessible to those still living ‘on the outside.’ The greater part of the church's mission is to be "seeker-friendly" -- to offer to the lost and lonely ones of the earth easy access to the divine love and salvation that awaits them in Jesus Christ.
My God, there are people out there who are either scared to come to church or just don’t know how to go about it. There are examples of people not wanting to come to Sunday school because they would be embarrassed to be with the children, thinking there are grades or levels to go through before you are in class with the adults. There are also others who think tickets are needed to get into church on a Sunday morning or that certain ‘conditions have to be met before they can enter. It may sound strange or even funny to us, but when you’ve never been in church before, and there are loads of people out there who never have, that kind of thinking is not so strange.
So, what is our main task? The church's primary mission is to have a place where we can have our meetings; it is not potluck dinners or ice cream socials or fall bazaars or garage sales. The church's mission is to ring out the Good News of the gospel to all those who are outside the walls of the church. When we only look to the needs and comforts of those already in our midst, we give up our birthright as ‘God’s children and to God Kingdom today.
Evangelism gadfly Roy Fish hits the nail on the head when he emphasizes the difference between "come and hear" and "go and tell" ministries. "People often say, 'Come and hear the gospel taught in our church' or 'Come and hear our pastors’ messages.' This 'come and hear' kind of religion constitutes a reversal of the Great Commission of Jesus. His instructions to his church were not to invite people to 'come and hear,' but for believers to 'go and tell.' The main responsibility is not to bring the lost to the gospel, but to take the gospel to the lost. Jesus wants us to go and witness, but we have interpreted it to mean, 'Go and invite people to church.'"
As a church, we need to ask ourselves these questions:
- Who are our neighbors? Literally. Who lives next door, down the street, across the back lot and around the corner? Just as importantly, do they know you?
- Where do people hang out? Does the church should have a presence there.
- Where is the greatest number of people (55-75) concentrated in your community? Is it in a certain neighborhood, or an apartment complex, or an organized "community" for seniors? Do they need their lawns mowed, chores done, a "gofer" they can depend on?
"Seeker-friendly" means being friendly to seekers. Being "friendly," means extending yourself, going out of your way, showing interest in others and their interests, even when they're not interested in you. Being "seeker-friendly" often means that you become the seeker -- moving out from behind church structure and facilities and into the community.
Sunday service turned into a Sunday of service for 250 members of Park Road Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C. The pastor canceled the morning meeting and encouraged members to do acts of kindness in the community. Volunteers fanned out to 15 sites to paint and landscape a chapel for the homeless, clean concrete blocks for Habitat for Humanity homes, wallpaper and paint an emergency shelter, feed the poor and lead devotionals at a nursing home. Senior adults and children stayed at the church to make tote bags and blankets for the homeless. The day closed with a 7 p.m. service at the church. "It became a religious renewal for our people," senior minister Allen Laymon told National & International Religion Report. He said many of his congreg-ants gave money to groups that minister to the poor, "but never had rubbed shoulders" with them. (National & International Religion Report 8 [19 September 1994], 5.)
What is it we’re to do as a church, anyway?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
September 23, 2007 Readings
Hebrews 10:16-25 (The Message)
This new plan I'm making with Israel
isn't going to be written on paper,
isn't going to be chiseled in stone;
This time "I'm writing out the plan in them,
carving it on the lining of their hearts."
He concludes,
I'll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins.
Once sins are taken care of for good, there's no longer any need to offer sacrifices for them.
So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body.
So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
Luke 15:3-7
Their grumbling triggered this story. "Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on it—there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
This new plan I'm making with Israel
isn't going to be written on paper,
isn't going to be chiseled in stone;
This time "I'm writing out the plan in them,
carving it on the lining of their hearts."
He concludes,
I'll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins.
Once sins are taken care of for good, there's no longer any need to offer sacrifices for them.
So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body.
So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
Luke 15:3-7
Their grumbling triggered this story. "Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on it—there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
September 16, 2007 Message
September 16, 2007
Ephesians 3:1-10; Luke 6:27-36 (The Message)
“God’s Plan, Strange Though It Be”
"I tell you, love your enemies.” – Jesus of Nazarath, Luke 6:35
The preacher, in his Sunday sermon, used "Love Your Enemies" as his subject. After a long sermon, he asked how many were willing to love their enemies. About half held up their hands. Not satisfied he lectured on his topic for another twenty minutes and then repeated his question. This time he received a response of about 80 percent. Still not satisfied, he lectured for another 15 minutes and repeated his question once again. With all thoughts now on Sunday dinner, everyone responded except one older woman in the back.
"Mrs. Jones, are you not willing to love your enemies?"
"I don't have any."
"Mrs. Jones, that is quite unusual. How old are you?"
"Ninety three."
"Mrs. Jones, please come down in front and tell the congregation how a person can live to be ninety-three, and not have an enemy in the world."
Mrs. Jones tottered down the aisle, very slowly turned around and said:
"It's easy, I just outlived them all."
"I tell you, love your enemies.” – Jesus of Nazarath, Luke 6:35
Abraham Lincoln was once being criticized for his attitude towards his enemies. "Why do you try to make friends with them?” a colleague asked. "You should try to destroy them." Am I not destroying my enemies." Lincoln asked gently, "when I make them my friends?"
"I tell you, love your enemies.” – Jesus of Nazarath, Luke 6:35
Last week, we looked at Dr. Seuss’ story “What Was I Scared Of,” to help us examine the fears in our lives that can hold us back and keep us from being what we would like to be. We learned that it is important to name our fears, to face them, and to then move on in faith so we can fulfill our calling as Christ’s church - to go out into the world and make disciples for Jesus Christ, to bring justice to our communities, and to look after the hungry, the widow, the orphan, and the prisoner.
And yet, there is more. This week Jesus tells his disciples, “Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!” Wouldn’t it be great if someone would… ? Sure it would. So what’s to keep us from going out and doing that for someone else?
Paul, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, speaks of “God's plan for including everybody.” That goes right along with what Jesus tells his disciples.
He gives them a specific command, one requiring immediate action: "Love your enemies" – now. Not tomorrow… not after things change… not when things get better between us, but now. Do you suppose that goes for us as well? I am to love my enemies – all those who are out to get me? Sure I am. But it’s going to be hard.
Jesus isn’t calling for an emotional or sentimental sort of relationship with those we don’t like and who, quite frankly, don’t like. He calls for another kind of relationship leaning toward action… of enthusiastically working with their best interest in mind. "Do good," Jesus commands. He doesn't say, "think good thoughts or have good feelings," but actually "do good to those who hate you." His command has four parts to it: love them; do good to them; bless them; and pray for them. None of them are easy and the last two are even more difficult to do than the first two. It is going to be hard, very hard, isn’t it?
How do you bless and pray for the very people who "curse you," who insult you, who make fun of you, who call you names. Think Mahatma Gandhi. Think Martin Luther King Jr. and think all those who followed them.
Jesus’ love in action means turning the other cheek. It means allowing not only your most needed things to be taken from you, but the not so important as well.
What Jesus asks us to do is so very hard when it is so direct and so personal: turn your cheek; give up your coat and shirt; give to those who ask; and don't expect to get anything back or some sort of payment for your loss.
Imagine, our actions toward those we are not too fond of are to be directed by God's principles, God’s ways - not by our retaliatory or revengeful human nature.
"I tell you, love your enemies.” – Jesus of Nazarath, Luke 6:35
And there is a higher vision that God is calling us all to live up to, one that goes even beyond the Golden Rule - "as you would have them do to you" – which implies eventual recital. Be nice to the enemy long enough, and the enemy will become a friend.
He says, “Help and give without expecting a return. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; so, you be kind.”
To his initial order to "love your enemies," Jesus adds on the somewhat surprising "expecting nothing." The reason he gives is that we are to be like God, to be "children of the Most High." For whatever reason, God is "kind to the ungrateful and those who are bad. That’s how God is. Jesus calls his followers to imitate God's fondness for handing out unmerited mercies and love to the just and unjust alike.
Paul speaks of the same sort of thing. He says, “The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I've been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, and same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.”
We are not to judge; we are not to condemn; we are to forgive everyone, even our enemies – just like God forgives. For God's reckless graciousness and kindness is this - the "good measure" of God's grace we may normally expect is not what God wants to offer. What is given is not based upon what is deserved. It is so much more.
But that’s not all. In God's extravagance, the "good measure" is poured out until it is "running over" - spilling over the sides of each broken vessel receiving it and filling the "lap" of every recipient.
This is what God wants to pour out to each of us, Jesus declares, if we will only offer the same to others.
"I tell you, love your enemies.” – Jesus of Nazarath, Luke 6:35
Ephesians 3:1-10; Luke 6:27-36 (The Message)
“God’s Plan, Strange Though It Be”
"I tell you, love your enemies.” – Jesus of Nazarath, Luke 6:35
The preacher, in his Sunday sermon, used "Love Your Enemies" as his subject. After a long sermon, he asked how many were willing to love their enemies. About half held up their hands. Not satisfied he lectured on his topic for another twenty minutes and then repeated his question. This time he received a response of about 80 percent. Still not satisfied, he lectured for another 15 minutes and repeated his question once again. With all thoughts now on Sunday dinner, everyone responded except one older woman in the back.
"Mrs. Jones, are you not willing to love your enemies?"
"I don't have any."
"Mrs. Jones, that is quite unusual. How old are you?"
"Ninety three."
"Mrs. Jones, please come down in front and tell the congregation how a person can live to be ninety-three, and not have an enemy in the world."
Mrs. Jones tottered down the aisle, very slowly turned around and said:
"It's easy, I just outlived them all."
"I tell you, love your enemies.” – Jesus of Nazarath, Luke 6:35
Abraham Lincoln was once being criticized for his attitude towards his enemies. "Why do you try to make friends with them?” a colleague asked. "You should try to destroy them." Am I not destroying my enemies." Lincoln asked gently, "when I make them my friends?"
"I tell you, love your enemies.” – Jesus of Nazarath, Luke 6:35
Last week, we looked at Dr. Seuss’ story “What Was I Scared Of,” to help us examine the fears in our lives that can hold us back and keep us from being what we would like to be. We learned that it is important to name our fears, to face them, and to then move on in faith so we can fulfill our calling as Christ’s church - to go out into the world and make disciples for Jesus Christ, to bring justice to our communities, and to look after the hungry, the widow, the orphan, and the prisoner.
And yet, there is more. This week Jesus tells his disciples, “Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!” Wouldn’t it be great if someone would… ? Sure it would. So what’s to keep us from going out and doing that for someone else?
Paul, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, speaks of “God's plan for including everybody.” That goes right along with what Jesus tells his disciples.
He gives them a specific command, one requiring immediate action: "Love your enemies" – now. Not tomorrow… not after things change… not when things get better between us, but now. Do you suppose that goes for us as well? I am to love my enemies – all those who are out to get me? Sure I am. But it’s going to be hard.
Jesus isn’t calling for an emotional or sentimental sort of relationship with those we don’t like and who, quite frankly, don’t like. He calls for another kind of relationship leaning toward action… of enthusiastically working with their best interest in mind. "Do good," Jesus commands. He doesn't say, "think good thoughts or have good feelings," but actually "do good to those who hate you." His command has four parts to it: love them; do good to them; bless them; and pray for them. None of them are easy and the last two are even more difficult to do than the first two. It is going to be hard, very hard, isn’t it?
How do you bless and pray for the very people who "curse you," who insult you, who make fun of you, who call you names. Think Mahatma Gandhi. Think Martin Luther King Jr. and think all those who followed them.
Jesus’ love in action means turning the other cheek. It means allowing not only your most needed things to be taken from you, but the not so important as well.
What Jesus asks us to do is so very hard when it is so direct and so personal: turn your cheek; give up your coat and shirt; give to those who ask; and don't expect to get anything back or some sort of payment for your loss.
Imagine, our actions toward those we are not too fond of are to be directed by God's principles, God’s ways - not by our retaliatory or revengeful human nature.
"I tell you, love your enemies.” – Jesus of Nazarath, Luke 6:35
And there is a higher vision that God is calling us all to live up to, one that goes even beyond the Golden Rule - "as you would have them do to you" – which implies eventual recital. Be nice to the enemy long enough, and the enemy will become a friend.
He says, “Help and give without expecting a return. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; so, you be kind.”
To his initial order to "love your enemies," Jesus adds on the somewhat surprising "expecting nothing." The reason he gives is that we are to be like God, to be "children of the Most High." For whatever reason, God is "kind to the ungrateful and those who are bad. That’s how God is. Jesus calls his followers to imitate God's fondness for handing out unmerited mercies and love to the just and unjust alike.
Paul speaks of the same sort of thing. He says, “The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I've been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, and same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.”
We are not to judge; we are not to condemn; we are to forgive everyone, even our enemies – just like God forgives. For God's reckless graciousness and kindness is this - the "good measure" of God's grace we may normally expect is not what God wants to offer. What is given is not based upon what is deserved. It is so much more.
But that’s not all. In God's extravagance, the "good measure" is poured out until it is "running over" - spilling over the sides of each broken vessel receiving it and filling the "lap" of every recipient.
This is what God wants to pour out to each of us, Jesus declares, if we will only offer the same to others.
"I tell you, love your enemies.” – Jesus of Nazarath, Luke 6:35
Friday, September 14, 2007
September 16, 2007 Readings
Ephesians 3:1-10 (The Message)
The Secret Plan of God
1-3This is why I, Paul, am in jail for Christ, having taken up the cause of you outsiders, so-called. I take it that you're familiar with the part I was given in God's plan for including everybody. I got the inside story on this from God himself, as I just wrote you in brief.
4-6As you read over what I have written to you, you'll be able to see for yourselves into the mystery of Christ. None of our ancestors understood this. Only in our time has it been made clear by God's Spirit through his holy apostles and prophets of this new order. The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I've been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.
7-8This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.
8-10And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along. Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!
Luke 6:27-36 (The Message)
27-30"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
31-34"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
35-36"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
The Secret Plan of God
1-3This is why I, Paul, am in jail for Christ, having taken up the cause of you outsiders, so-called. I take it that you're familiar with the part I was given in God's plan for including everybody. I got the inside story on this from God himself, as I just wrote you in brief.
4-6As you read over what I have written to you, you'll be able to see for yourselves into the mystery of Christ. None of our ancestors understood this. Only in our time has it been made clear by God's Spirit through his holy apostles and prophets of this new order. The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I've been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.
7-8This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.
8-10And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along. Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!
Luke 6:27-36 (The Message)
27-30"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
31-34"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
35-36"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
September 9, 2007 Message
“What Was I Scared Of?”
Psalm 31: 9-16; Matthew 26:36-39
A message based upon the series, The Gospel According To Dr. Seuss by James Kemp.
James Kemp, in his book, The Gospel According To Dr. Seuss, suggests: "For most people, the most uncomfortable human emotion of all is fear." I wonder how many of us have found that to be true.
Since we were children, we have had fears. Most children are afraid of the dark. Some fear being left alone. Some are afraid of snakes and spiders. And a few are afraid of ani-mals of any kind, even the cute and cuddly ones.
And almost every child at one time or another has been afraid of the bogeyman that represents all those things in the world that we don't yet know about but would be afraid of if we did. I think that was probably my greatest fear as a child. It wasn’t anything I could see, but rather the things that I might see. So the simple solution for me was to shut my eyes. It made perfect sense then - if I couldn’t see it, it wasn’t there! Do you remember the things you were afraid of?
As we grow older, we still feel afraid at times, although the objects of our fear, or at least most of them, change.
• Teenagers may fear rejection or failure or being left out.
• Young adults may fear never being able to find a husband or wife or a fulfilling job.
• Many parents who thought they had overcome their fears find themselves living their children’s fears or fearing for their children's safety and wellbeing.
• Older adults typically fear losing their independence, their health, their mobility, or their ability to support themselves financially.
What are some of the fears you have today? All of us, regardless of our age, struggle with being afraid of something. And often those fears are the very things that hold us back from accomplishing what we want in life?
What Was I Scared Of? is a story about the fear that paralyzes a young creature – the fear of the unknown. Although this is a story for children, it is also a story to which all of us can relate, as we too struggle with the same feelings.
The cute creature encounters the scary-looking pants on a dark path in the night and quickly turns and runs away as fast as he can. He tells himself he's not afraid of the pants, but it doesn't work. Every time he sees them, he is still afraid and runs away.
The little guy's fear of the green pants effects his life. He doesn’t go to places he used to go anymore. He doesn't do some of the things he likes to do, because he does-n't want to risk meeting up with the green pants. He can no longer go to Grin-itch to fetch Grin-itch spinach. He can't go fishing, because "green pants" knows how to row a boat.
I think many of us can identify with the little guy in the story. There is probably some sort of fear keeping us from doing what we would like to do. Perhaps there are places we would like to go, people we would like to know better. Maybe we feel that God is calling us to a particular kind of service or ministry. But our fears hold us back. Possibly it's fear that life could get too complicated or too busy. Maybe like the little creature, it's just the fear of the unknown standing in our way, keeping us from accomplishing our full potential.
Kemp notes that 'theologically speaking, the opposite of fear is faith.
Having faith does not automatically remove fears, but it does provide the discipline, the confidence, and the courage to move forward in spite of our fears. Our faith reaffirms for us that God is ultimately in control of our lives. Trusting God’s will, our fears, though real, need not paralyze us and keep us from doing what we should.
It is hard to imagine the fear Jesus must have felt in the garden called Gethsemane. He told his disciples, Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, "This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me." Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, "My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this.”
But he did not run from his fears. Rather, he faced them head on, praying: “But not what I want. You, what do you want?"
Dr. Seuss also helps us to understand the secret to overcoming our fears is not to run faster or farther in the oppo-site direction but to face them. Someone once said, “the best way to get rid of an enemy is to make that enemy a friend.” That goes for our fears as well.
That is what the little creature in the story did, although it was more by accident than choice. Yelling and screaming, he thought his life had come to an end. "But then a strange thing happened. Why, those pants began to cry! Those pants began to tremble. They were just as scared as I!"
The next thing he knew, he has a new friend. In the facing of his fear he discovered those ‘empty pants’ was not as bad as he'd thought. In fact, those ‘pants’ didn't need to be feared at all.
What might happen in our Christian lives if we, too, faced our fears instead of running from them?
Would we be freed to do the things we've always wanted to do but were afraid to try? Or perhaps something that we once enjoyed doing but are afraid to try again?
Our fears may indeed be keeping us from effective Christian min-istry, especially if in response to a new neighbor’s need we hear ourselves saying, "I'm already busy enough, and I'm afraid that if I help, it will take up more time than I have to give."
When we have always had a heart for the poor but are afraid to volunteer to take meals to the homeless because the shelter is located in an unsafe part of town.
Or when we would like to donate blood, but are afraid of the the needle, even though others have told us it really doesn't hurt that much.
Or when we would like to go on a short-term mission project, but we’re afraid of coming back with some rare, incurable disease, even though others have made the trip safely.
Fears limit our ability to reach our potential as individuals and as the church. We must recognize that the kingdom of God is not a passive institution but a proactive one. Christ did not call us to sit in our living rooms and watch TV, to be content only with having our per-sonal affairs under control.
Rather, Christ calls us to go out into the world to make disciples, to bring justice to our communities, and to look after the hungry, the widow, the orphan, and the prisoner. We cannot fulfill this calling if we are paralyzed into inactivity by a fear of getting hurt, or making mistakes, or getting involved in messy or complicated situations. That is the path of fear, not the path of faith.
Think about what your fears are. What is holding you back? What is keeping you from being all you can be and all you would like to be? Name them, face them, and then move on in faith knowing a person’s fear is often more imagined than real.
Dr. Seuss’ little creature, as a result of facing his fears, not only got his old life back but he also gained a new friend. So don't keep run-ning. God wants your faith to overcome your fear. Trust today that God’s will be done. Imagine the difference it will make in your life or in the lives of the people you care about?
Psalm 31: 9-16; Matthew 26:36-39
A message based upon the series, The Gospel According To Dr. Seuss by James Kemp.
James Kemp, in his book, The Gospel According To Dr. Seuss, suggests: "For most people, the most uncomfortable human emotion of all is fear." I wonder how many of us have found that to be true.
Since we were children, we have had fears. Most children are afraid of the dark. Some fear being left alone. Some are afraid of snakes and spiders. And a few are afraid of ani-mals of any kind, even the cute and cuddly ones.
And almost every child at one time or another has been afraid of the bogeyman that represents all those things in the world that we don't yet know about but would be afraid of if we did. I think that was probably my greatest fear as a child. It wasn’t anything I could see, but rather the things that I might see. So the simple solution for me was to shut my eyes. It made perfect sense then - if I couldn’t see it, it wasn’t there! Do you remember the things you were afraid of?
As we grow older, we still feel afraid at times, although the objects of our fear, or at least most of them, change.
• Teenagers may fear rejection or failure or being left out.
• Young adults may fear never being able to find a husband or wife or a fulfilling job.
• Many parents who thought they had overcome their fears find themselves living their children’s fears or fearing for their children's safety and wellbeing.
• Older adults typically fear losing their independence, their health, their mobility, or their ability to support themselves financially.
What are some of the fears you have today? All of us, regardless of our age, struggle with being afraid of something. And often those fears are the very things that hold us back from accomplishing what we want in life?
What Was I Scared Of? is a story about the fear that paralyzes a young creature – the fear of the unknown. Although this is a story for children, it is also a story to which all of us can relate, as we too struggle with the same feelings.
The cute creature encounters the scary-looking pants on a dark path in the night and quickly turns and runs away as fast as he can. He tells himself he's not afraid of the pants, but it doesn't work. Every time he sees them, he is still afraid and runs away.
The little guy's fear of the green pants effects his life. He doesn’t go to places he used to go anymore. He doesn't do some of the things he likes to do, because he does-n't want to risk meeting up with the green pants. He can no longer go to Grin-itch to fetch Grin-itch spinach. He can't go fishing, because "green pants" knows how to row a boat.
I think many of us can identify with the little guy in the story. There is probably some sort of fear keeping us from doing what we would like to do. Perhaps there are places we would like to go, people we would like to know better. Maybe we feel that God is calling us to a particular kind of service or ministry. But our fears hold us back. Possibly it's fear that life could get too complicated or too busy. Maybe like the little creature, it's just the fear of the unknown standing in our way, keeping us from accomplishing our full potential.
Kemp notes that 'theologically speaking, the opposite of fear is faith.
Having faith does not automatically remove fears, but it does provide the discipline, the confidence, and the courage to move forward in spite of our fears. Our faith reaffirms for us that God is ultimately in control of our lives. Trusting God’s will, our fears, though real, need not paralyze us and keep us from doing what we should.
It is hard to imagine the fear Jesus must have felt in the garden called Gethsemane. He told his disciples, Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, "This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me." Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, "My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this.”
But he did not run from his fears. Rather, he faced them head on, praying: “But not what I want. You, what do you want?"
Dr. Seuss also helps us to understand the secret to overcoming our fears is not to run faster or farther in the oppo-site direction but to face them. Someone once said, “the best way to get rid of an enemy is to make that enemy a friend.” That goes for our fears as well.
That is what the little creature in the story did, although it was more by accident than choice. Yelling and screaming, he thought his life had come to an end. "But then a strange thing happened. Why, those pants began to cry! Those pants began to tremble. They were just as scared as I!"
The next thing he knew, he has a new friend. In the facing of his fear he discovered those ‘empty pants’ was not as bad as he'd thought. In fact, those ‘pants’ didn't need to be feared at all.
What might happen in our Christian lives if we, too, faced our fears instead of running from them?
Would we be freed to do the things we've always wanted to do but were afraid to try? Or perhaps something that we once enjoyed doing but are afraid to try again?
Our fears may indeed be keeping us from effective Christian min-istry, especially if in response to a new neighbor’s need we hear ourselves saying, "I'm already busy enough, and I'm afraid that if I help, it will take up more time than I have to give."
When we have always had a heart for the poor but are afraid to volunteer to take meals to the homeless because the shelter is located in an unsafe part of town.
Or when we would like to donate blood, but are afraid of the the needle, even though others have told us it really doesn't hurt that much.
Or when we would like to go on a short-term mission project, but we’re afraid of coming back with some rare, incurable disease, even though others have made the trip safely.
Fears limit our ability to reach our potential as individuals and as the church. We must recognize that the kingdom of God is not a passive institution but a proactive one. Christ did not call us to sit in our living rooms and watch TV, to be content only with having our per-sonal affairs under control.
Rather, Christ calls us to go out into the world to make disciples, to bring justice to our communities, and to look after the hungry, the widow, the orphan, and the prisoner. We cannot fulfill this calling if we are paralyzed into inactivity by a fear of getting hurt, or making mistakes, or getting involved in messy or complicated situations. That is the path of fear, not the path of faith.
Think about what your fears are. What is holding you back? What is keeping you from being all you can be and all you would like to be? Name them, face them, and then move on in faith knowing a person’s fear is often more imagined than real.
Dr. Seuss’ little creature, as a result of facing his fears, not only got his old life back but he also gained a new friend. So don't keep run-ning. God wants your faith to overcome your fear. Trust today that God’s will be done. Imagine the difference it will make in your life or in the lives of the people you care about?
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
September 9, 2007
Psalm 31: 9-16
Be kind to me, God— I'm in deep, deep trouble again.
I've cried my eyes out; I feel hollow inside.
My life leaks away, groan by groan; my years fade out in sighs.
My troubles have worn me out, turned my bones to powder.
To my enemies I'm a monster; I'm ridiculed by the neighbors.
My friends are horrified; they cross the street to avoid me.
They want to blot me from memory, forget me like a corpse in a grave,
discard me like a broken dish in the trash.
The street-talk gossip has me "criminally insane"!
Behind locked doors they plot how to ruin me for good.
Desperate, I throw myself on you: you are my God!
Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me.
Warm me, your servant, with a smile; save me because you love me.
Matthew 26: 36-39
Then Jesus went with them to a garden called Gethsemane and told his disciples, "Stay here while I go over there and pray." Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he plunged into an agonizing sorrow. Then he said, "This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me." Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, "My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?"
Be kind to me, God— I'm in deep, deep trouble again.
I've cried my eyes out; I feel hollow inside.
My life leaks away, groan by groan; my years fade out in sighs.
My troubles have worn me out, turned my bones to powder.
To my enemies I'm a monster; I'm ridiculed by the neighbors.
My friends are horrified; they cross the street to avoid me.
They want to blot me from memory, forget me like a corpse in a grave,
discard me like a broken dish in the trash.
The street-talk gossip has me "criminally insane"!
Behind locked doors they plot how to ruin me for good.
Desperate, I throw myself on you: you are my God!
Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me.
Warm me, your servant, with a smile; save me because you love me.
Matthew 26: 36-39
Then Jesus went with them to a garden called Gethsemane and told his disciples, "Stay here while I go over there and pray." Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he plunged into an agonizing sorrow. Then he said, "This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me." Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, "My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?"
Saturday, September 01, 2007
September 2, 2007 Message
September 2, 2007
1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Luke 9:23-26
“Whatever It Takes”
This weekend was the start of another football season, not only for the local Bobcats but also for our college teams as well. Perhaps you were able to attend or maybe even watch the game on TV. Although all games are important, we know that some will be more so than others.
It was the last day before a college football team was to play its biggest game of the season.
Unfortunately, the head football coach had just received the horrible news that this star running back had been disqualified from playing for academic reasons. The coach went running to the dean’s office to protest. The dean said, “We caught him cheating on a major examination this week.”
The coach asked, “How do you know he cheated?”
The dean replied, “Well, he sat right next to an ‘A’ student, and on the first nine questions, his answers were identical, word-for-word to those of the ‘A’ student.”
Not satisfied, the coach said, “That doesn’t prove he was cheating. Maybe he really studied this time. Or maybe the ‘A’ student copied from him.”
The dean answered, “Actually it was the 10th question that really clinched it. The ‘A’ student had written, ‘I don’t know,’ and your player wrote, ‘I don’t know, either.’
There are some things important to the game beyond the game itself. And then there can be other things. There is an old joke that goes something like this.
A man in his nineties who was quite ill said to his wife, “You know, Sarah, you’ve always been with me — through the good and the bad.
“Like the time I lost my job — you were right there by my side. And when the war came and I enlisted — you became a nurse so that you could be with me. Then I was wounded and you were there, Sarah, right by my side. Then the Depression hit and we had nothing — and you were there with me.
“And now here I am, sick as a dog, and, as always, you’re right here beside me.
“You know Sarah, I’m beginning to think you’re bad luck!”
I pray when it comes to the most important game of all – the game of life, you are not found cheating or leaving it up to luck – good or bad – but rather working hard to win the goal.
As followers of Christ we know what is required of us – or at least we should know. In our reading today from Luke, Jesus tells his disciples what they should expect: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am.” And then he goes on to say, “Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?” (Luke 9:23-24)
We are to put ourselves second. We are to deny ourselves. We are to allow Jesus to lead us. We are to put God first, as Jesus did. And like Jesus, we are to be obedient to God’s plan for our life.
If you were to live this kind of life, what exactly would it mean to deny yourself? What could you possibly do differently? What could I do differently? Well, I suppose I could focus more on God’s will for and God’s work in my life than on what I might want. Imagine, living according to God’s agenda and not our own! That would be different wouldn’t it?
If we were going to better bring our lives in line with that of Jesus, what is it we would need to do? What commitments does Jesus ask us to make? Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book The Cost of Discipleship, wrote: “Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate… costly grace (on the other hand)… is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.” What is it then we are willing to do to be a disciple of Jesus the Christ? Do we really want to follow Jesus?
The Apostle Paul was pretty clear about what it would take to follow Jesus. Paul’s message was that: It matters how you live your life! It matters how you run the race! It matters how you prepare and train and conduct yourself.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (The Message) he writes, “You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.” (24-25) Then he adds what it will take, “I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.” (26-27)
Paul compares following Jesus to running a race and then coaches us as to how we are to run. What does Paul say? He says, “Run hard.” “Give it everything you have.” “Stay alert.” “Be in top condition.” “Don’t get caught napping.” I can remember my track coach in ninth grade saying pretty much the same thing.
In Hebrews, chapter 12, Paul encourages us to: “start running—and never quit! …Keep your eyes on Jesus, (who) never lost sight of where he was headed. (Let his story and everything he had to put up with) … shoot adrenaline into your souls!”(1-2, The Message) Earlier in chapter 6, he says, “keep at it till the finish. Don't drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them.”(11-12, The Message)
So, how are we doing? Are we getting closer to the goal or are there things keeping us from finishing the race? Running a good race requires desire and decision, but finishing often takes determination and discipline.
Consider the person who wants to meet with God everyday before going to work? He realizes that in order to have enough time he must get up early, so he decides to get up at 6:30 a.m. The next day he oversleeps because his desire and his decision by themselves could not get him out of bed. He then determines to use an alarm clock to help him get up. But the real test comes when the alarm goes off. Discipline must then come into focus. He must shut off the alarm clock and choose not to go back to bed. Good habits can be developed as a result of consistent discipline.
Self-control, a sense of purpose, efficiency, and discipline are necessary to win. To be successful, we will need to control the self, and to not run aimlessly. We will need to choose our battles, and to stick to the plan.
Someone with control of self is able to say “No” to the self. They are able to eat one potato chip, to complete a task although tired and bored, to observe social, moral and ethical boundaries in the commerce of life, and to delay, defer or even deny gratification.
Someone who has a sense of purpose will never run aimlessly. And they’ll know it when they get to where they are going. Eighty-seven percent of Americans own running shoes but don’t run. Why? They may lack self-control, but more likely, they have no sense of purpose. They have intentions, but not purpose. There is no agenda, no plan, no vision, no strategy. So the shoes sit there. Gather dust. We sit there. We gather rust. We lose.
Someone who is efficient knows when to choose ones battles. Paul said, “Nor do I box as though beating the air” (9:26). Christians in training understand the importance of conserving their energies for the things that really matter in life. They understand that one can get really, really tired of doing stupid stuff that doesn’t matter. Smart Christians invest their training and their efforts in things that build them up and make them stronger.
Someone who has discipline is faithful to their faith, true to the course they’ve chosen, even though it may be painful. Choices may be made that will cause conflict and discomfort. Positions may be taken that will invite confusion and misunderstanding. Decisions will be made that may incite reaction and dismay. But in that pain they stay the course and they stay on course.
This is what it takes to finish the race. This is what it takes to win. Many of you are well on the way. But Paul warns us in Philippians 3: 12-15 that regardless of where we may be, we don’t have it made. So, let’s be careful to avoid celebrating too early with our tasks unfinished and our goals unmet.
In 1994, at the Mobil Invitational track meet in Virginia, runners needed to complete eight laps to win the mile run. That concept eluded this young woman, who sprinted past the competition toward the end of lap seven, and stunned the crowd by doing a victory jig. As she celebrated her perceived victory, the other runners sped by her and by the time she realized what had happened she was way behind and didn’t even bother to rejoin the race.
Paul reminds us of the importance of having our eye “on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward – to Jesus.” He is off and running. He is not looking back. Every detail of his life – his words, his actions, all are done in the name of Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” (Colossians 3:17)
Keep running. Endure the pain. And stay focused on the goal.
Do whatever it takes!
Be a winner!
And receive everything God has in store for you.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Luke 9:23-26
“Whatever It Takes”
This weekend was the start of another football season, not only for the local Bobcats but also for our college teams as well. Perhaps you were able to attend or maybe even watch the game on TV. Although all games are important, we know that some will be more so than others.
It was the last day before a college football team was to play its biggest game of the season.
Unfortunately, the head football coach had just received the horrible news that this star running back had been disqualified from playing for academic reasons. The coach went running to the dean’s office to protest. The dean said, “We caught him cheating on a major examination this week.”
The coach asked, “How do you know he cheated?”
The dean replied, “Well, he sat right next to an ‘A’ student, and on the first nine questions, his answers were identical, word-for-word to those of the ‘A’ student.”
Not satisfied, the coach said, “That doesn’t prove he was cheating. Maybe he really studied this time. Or maybe the ‘A’ student copied from him.”
The dean answered, “Actually it was the 10th question that really clinched it. The ‘A’ student had written, ‘I don’t know,’ and your player wrote, ‘I don’t know, either.’
There are some things important to the game beyond the game itself. And then there can be other things. There is an old joke that goes something like this.
A man in his nineties who was quite ill said to his wife, “You know, Sarah, you’ve always been with me — through the good and the bad.
“Like the time I lost my job — you were right there by my side. And when the war came and I enlisted — you became a nurse so that you could be with me. Then I was wounded and you were there, Sarah, right by my side. Then the Depression hit and we had nothing — and you were there with me.
“And now here I am, sick as a dog, and, as always, you’re right here beside me.
“You know Sarah, I’m beginning to think you’re bad luck!”
I pray when it comes to the most important game of all – the game of life, you are not found cheating or leaving it up to luck – good or bad – but rather working hard to win the goal.
As followers of Christ we know what is required of us – or at least we should know. In our reading today from Luke, Jesus tells his disciples what they should expect: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am.” And then he goes on to say, “Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?” (Luke 9:23-24)
We are to put ourselves second. We are to deny ourselves. We are to allow Jesus to lead us. We are to put God first, as Jesus did. And like Jesus, we are to be obedient to God’s plan for our life.
If you were to live this kind of life, what exactly would it mean to deny yourself? What could you possibly do differently? What could I do differently? Well, I suppose I could focus more on God’s will for and God’s work in my life than on what I might want. Imagine, living according to God’s agenda and not our own! That would be different wouldn’t it?
If we were going to better bring our lives in line with that of Jesus, what is it we would need to do? What commitments does Jesus ask us to make? Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book The Cost of Discipleship, wrote: “Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate… costly grace (on the other hand)… is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.” What is it then we are willing to do to be a disciple of Jesus the Christ? Do we really want to follow Jesus?
The Apostle Paul was pretty clear about what it would take to follow Jesus. Paul’s message was that: It matters how you live your life! It matters how you run the race! It matters how you prepare and train and conduct yourself.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (The Message) he writes, “You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.” (24-25) Then he adds what it will take, “I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.” (26-27)
Paul compares following Jesus to running a race and then coaches us as to how we are to run. What does Paul say? He says, “Run hard.” “Give it everything you have.” “Stay alert.” “Be in top condition.” “Don’t get caught napping.” I can remember my track coach in ninth grade saying pretty much the same thing.
In Hebrews, chapter 12, Paul encourages us to: “start running—and never quit! …Keep your eyes on Jesus, (who) never lost sight of where he was headed. (Let his story and everything he had to put up with) … shoot adrenaline into your souls!”(1-2, The Message) Earlier in chapter 6, he says, “keep at it till the finish. Don't drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them.”(11-12, The Message)
So, how are we doing? Are we getting closer to the goal or are there things keeping us from finishing the race? Running a good race requires desire and decision, but finishing often takes determination and discipline.
Consider the person who wants to meet with God everyday before going to work? He realizes that in order to have enough time he must get up early, so he decides to get up at 6:30 a.m. The next day he oversleeps because his desire and his decision by themselves could not get him out of bed. He then determines to use an alarm clock to help him get up. But the real test comes when the alarm goes off. Discipline must then come into focus. He must shut off the alarm clock and choose not to go back to bed. Good habits can be developed as a result of consistent discipline.
Self-control, a sense of purpose, efficiency, and discipline are necessary to win. To be successful, we will need to control the self, and to not run aimlessly. We will need to choose our battles, and to stick to the plan.
Someone with control of self is able to say “No” to the self. They are able to eat one potato chip, to complete a task although tired and bored, to observe social, moral and ethical boundaries in the commerce of life, and to delay, defer or even deny gratification.
Someone who has a sense of purpose will never run aimlessly. And they’ll know it when they get to where they are going. Eighty-seven percent of Americans own running shoes but don’t run. Why? They may lack self-control, but more likely, they have no sense of purpose. They have intentions, but not purpose. There is no agenda, no plan, no vision, no strategy. So the shoes sit there. Gather dust. We sit there. We gather rust. We lose.
Someone who is efficient knows when to choose ones battles. Paul said, “Nor do I box as though beating the air” (9:26). Christians in training understand the importance of conserving their energies for the things that really matter in life. They understand that one can get really, really tired of doing stupid stuff that doesn’t matter. Smart Christians invest their training and their efforts in things that build them up and make them stronger.
Someone who has discipline is faithful to their faith, true to the course they’ve chosen, even though it may be painful. Choices may be made that will cause conflict and discomfort. Positions may be taken that will invite confusion and misunderstanding. Decisions will be made that may incite reaction and dismay. But in that pain they stay the course and they stay on course.
This is what it takes to finish the race. This is what it takes to win. Many of you are well on the way. But Paul warns us in Philippians 3: 12-15 that regardless of where we may be, we don’t have it made. So, let’s be careful to avoid celebrating too early with our tasks unfinished and our goals unmet.
In 1994, at the Mobil Invitational track meet in Virginia, runners needed to complete eight laps to win the mile run. That concept eluded this young woman, who sprinted past the competition toward the end of lap seven, and stunned the crowd by doing a victory jig. As she celebrated her perceived victory, the other runners sped by her and by the time she realized what had happened she was way behind and didn’t even bother to rejoin the race.
Paul reminds us of the importance of having our eye “on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward – to Jesus.” He is off and running. He is not looking back. Every detail of his life – his words, his actions, all are done in the name of Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” (Colossians 3:17)
Keep running. Endure the pain. And stay focused on the goal.
Do whatever it takes!
Be a winner!
And receive everything God has in store for you.
September 2, 2007 Readings
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (The Message)
You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. (24-25)
I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. ( 26-27)
Luke 9:23-26 (The Message)
Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I'm leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn't, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God." (23-27)
You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. (24-25)
I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. ( 26-27)
Luke 9:23-26 (The Message)
Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I'm leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn't, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God." (23-27)
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