I have a confession to make. Throughout the last few Sundays and in our Bible studies of Matthew there have been overlaps. I have continued to know that often times there are coincidences that seem to defy common reasons. That has been true for me in the last few weeks. The sermons that have been given have dealt with helping us remember what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Through our studies, we have also been reflecting on putting our faith in action and this week I will be asking us to reflect on who is absent from our family both friends, neighbors, and those who are marginalized. As I was preparing for the sermon, I read my daily devotion by Stookey, This Day, A Wesleyan Way of Prayer. He was talking about Sanctification and what that might be in our lives. The scripture that he based his reflection on was Matthew 5:48, "Be perfect...as your heavenly Father is perfect." I wanted to share with you his reflection found in his book page 37.
"To be told by Jesus that we are to be perfect as God is perfect is a terrifying thing, a command so intimidating that we snatch it from our memories--unless we think of it in terms of capacity, not identical quantity. A pint jar can be as perfectly full as a ten gallon jar, even though the amount each holds is vastly different. We are not expected to have the infinite capacity for goodness and grace that characterizes God. But we can be and are expected to live up to the human capacity God has put within each of us (in varying measures), just as the Almighty lives up to full capacity of deity.
Further, the process of fulfilling the capacity given to us involves divine assistance. Sanctification (as the process is called) is not a good work we do for God but a good work God does within us when we open ourselves to the One who made us, who know our capacity, and who brings us to fulfillment when we allow it. Before this Holy One we present ourselves not as burnt offerings on an altar, but as living sacrifices in the world (Romans 12:1)."
For me sancfication is that process that John Wesley discussed about going onto perfection. And it is in that process that we become transformed as a disciple. If we go forth shouting from the rooftops about God's love, we are enabled to do that from the grace within us.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Shouting from the rooftop part 2
As I am preparing for Sunday service and as Omaha was once again in the midst of hurricane force winds, I am reflecting on two differing ideas about what was said in Matthew 10:40-42. Especially focusing on verse 42 "whoever gives even a cup of cold water, to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple--truly I tell you, none of these will lose their award." This Sunday we will be blessing our youth as they prepare to leave for a mission trip in South Dakota. Part of the blessing is reminding each of us that if we take on the name of Christ we are called into mission also. Mission that is not just words but deeds as well.
In our bible study we talked about putting our faith in action. One person related that two of her co-workers made sandwiches and took bottled water to people in Iowa following the worst of the floods. I got thinking about that and what that says about the scripture today. We as disciples are called to be examples of hospitality to those we meet treating them like messengers from God. We are to especially welcome and care for those who are unlikely to be able to return the favor.
As a church we are beginning to collect items for flood buckets and for health kits. We can also begin to look at collecting school kits for those who have been so affected by the weather we have been having here locally and across the world. As church I would like to begin to have our children participate in sharing their resources as well as adults. I would propose that we have the children bring an offering for children's message to share with other children. We can never be too young to learn about true evangelism in word and deed.
In our bible study we talked about putting our faith in action. One person related that two of her co-workers made sandwiches and took bottled water to people in Iowa following the worst of the floods. I got thinking about that and what that says about the scripture today. We as disciples are called to be examples of hospitality to those we meet treating them like messengers from God. We are to especially welcome and care for those who are unlikely to be able to return the favor.
As a church we are beginning to collect items for flood buckets and for health kits. We can also begin to look at collecting school kits for those who have been so affected by the weather we have been having here locally and across the world. As church I would like to begin to have our children participate in sharing their resources as well as adults. I would propose that we have the children bring an offering for children's message to share with other children. We can never be too young to learn about true evangelism in word and deed.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Shouting from the rooftop
Sunday I preached from Matthew 10:24-39. I wanted to help remind all of us as to what are we here for and why we are so hesitant to proclaim that. I used the song from "The Sound of Music, These are some of my favorite things." I asked the people gathered to write down and share some of their favorite things that make life worthwhile. Several responded with family, friends, sunsets and sunrises, vacations, gardening, etc. I then asked what were some of their favorite things about church. The responses were an extended family, caring, support, music, worship, communion, fellowship, bible studies. Last I asked what are some of their favorite things about being a Christian. Responses included peace, assurance, healing, grace, forgiveness.
I had used an article found in Homiletics to help with this idea. I wanted to make the point that too often many think of Christians as stoic, unemotional, stiff, and judgmental people. It seems that when we look at what Jesus was saying that we are to be a people shouting the glory of what we responded in our favorite things and being willing to share that with others. Jesus also reminded us even when we share the good news not everyone will be pleased to hear it. In fact, many will respond with anger, condemnation, and criticism. It is amazing that people will respond negatively to God's grace that is extending to them. Maybe it is because of the way we have presented grace to others or have not extended grace.
In our bible study of Matthew, we were studying Matthew 8:1-13. The scripture is about two healings that Jesus did for a leper and a centurion. Both involved stepping out of the box based on the culture of that time. One was actually touching someone who was excluded from the community and judged to be unclean. The very act of touching such a person would make yourself unclean and you would be excluded from church, family and community. The other was healing a pagan or gentile who was not included in the church family. We discussed how important it is for us to be willing to risk reaching out to those who are not part of the community and may today be the new lepers. That if our message of God's love and grace holds any credibility, we need to put our faith in action. So to speak shouting from the rooftop.
My challenge for myself and maybe for the readers is how am I willing to risk proclaiming and acting my faith.
I had used an article found in Homiletics to help with this idea. I wanted to make the point that too often many think of Christians as stoic, unemotional, stiff, and judgmental people. It seems that when we look at what Jesus was saying that we are to be a people shouting the glory of what we responded in our favorite things and being willing to share that with others. Jesus also reminded us even when we share the good news not everyone will be pleased to hear it. In fact, many will respond with anger, condemnation, and criticism. It is amazing that people will respond negatively to God's grace that is extending to them. Maybe it is because of the way we have presented grace to others or have not extended grace.
In our bible study of Matthew, we were studying Matthew 8:1-13. The scripture is about two healings that Jesus did for a leper and a centurion. Both involved stepping out of the box based on the culture of that time. One was actually touching someone who was excluded from the community and judged to be unclean. The very act of touching such a person would make yourself unclean and you would be excluded from church, family and community. The other was healing a pagan or gentile who was not included in the church family. We discussed how important it is for us to be willing to risk reaching out to those who are not part of the community and may today be the new lepers. That if our message of God's love and grace holds any credibility, we need to put our faith in action. So to speak shouting from the rooftop.
My challenge for myself and maybe for the readers is how am I willing to risk proclaiming and acting my faith.
Monday, June 9, 2008
running marathans
Sunday I preached on the covenant that God made with Abram in Genesis 12:1-9. I wanted to summarize for those who may want to have some of the information. I talked about what it takes to prepare for such a marathan journey of faith. More than a marathan but rather an ultra-marathan. The magazine Homiletics talked about ultra-marathans which are 100-200 miles. This would be like Abram's journey to the promised land.
I started talking about how each marathan training has to begin with a first step. One thing I did not include in the sermon was the idea that being disciplined and being a disciple are the same thing. The image that I used was a toddler who takes his or her first step. What encourages them to make that risky attempt is a parent with outstretched arms ready to catch you if you should fall and to pick up so that you can try again. That is exactly what God does for us. God's outstretched arms of grace are there for us if we are willing to risk the first steps of faith.
Our faith journey continues much like when we leave the comfort of our families and venture out to the world. Much like the first day of school, a young child steps forward to the unknown and now is surrounded by others who are there to help teach and guide the child. God puts into our lives those who are also on the journey to help support and build one another. Marathan runners are surrounded by other runners and usually are willing to help teach others so that they too can be able to complete the race.
Another image is that there are times that we are not aware of the goal but know that God is with us. Also we cannot anticipate all the obstacles that occur in our life. But God does and God sees the big picture. What we have to concentrate on is not the end but the path that we are running now. Abram was able to do that and is the example. Our lives are not a dash but are an ultra-marathan that we are to complete knowing that there is a great blessing for us.
I started talking about how each marathan training has to begin with a first step. One thing I did not include in the sermon was the idea that being disciplined and being a disciple are the same thing. The image that I used was a toddler who takes his or her first step. What encourages them to make that risky attempt is a parent with outstretched arms ready to catch you if you should fall and to pick up so that you can try again. That is exactly what God does for us. God's outstretched arms of grace are there for us if we are willing to risk the first steps of faith.
Our faith journey continues much like when we leave the comfort of our families and venture out to the world. Much like the first day of school, a young child steps forward to the unknown and now is surrounded by others who are there to help teach and guide the child. God puts into our lives those who are also on the journey to help support and build one another. Marathan runners are surrounded by other runners and usually are willing to help teach others so that they too can be able to complete the race.
Another image is that there are times that we are not aware of the goal but know that God is with us. Also we cannot anticipate all the obstacles that occur in our life. But God does and God sees the big picture. What we have to concentrate on is not the end but the path that we are running now. Abram was able to do that and is the example. Our lives are not a dash but are an ultra-marathan that we are to complete knowing that there is a great blessing for us.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
saturday may 31
It is amazing to me how God's spirit works. There have been so many people who have talked to me about what appears to be just random occurrences that have been in their lives and those times were what they needed to get through a particular problem or life situation. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit is at work in all of our lives. I have been using a devotional that I have shared some on this blog. Tomorrow I will be preaching on the character of Noah and what he has to teach us. As I was completing my sermon, I was reading in my devotional this scripture from 1 Timothy 6:6-21. I want to quote some of it for you.
"Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness... Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
I know that this is a long quotation of selected verses. I would encourage you to read the entire passage. What struck me was the concerns of being rich and what it really means. Being rich is more than the amount of money one has. Paul is not stating that being rich is evil but it is the love of money that begins to corrupt a person. Money becomes their god as far as accumulating more and keeping what they have. Paul reminds us that when we are able to share what we have that this becomes more of what true life is about. This is also difficult to do in a society that emphasizes wealth and spending for ourselves. Often times of trouble, we are encouraged as a society not to reflect on what has happened but to continue to build personal debt and to consume more rather than share. Such was the case with the incentive checks. We were encouraged to spend those for new material items rather than spending down debt or to give to charity.
Noah reminds us that we have choices as Paul and Jesus say also. Do we conform to the world or do we seek to do what God wants us to do?
"Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness... Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
I know that this is a long quotation of selected verses. I would encourage you to read the entire passage. What struck me was the concerns of being rich and what it really means. Being rich is more than the amount of money one has. Paul is not stating that being rich is evil but it is the love of money that begins to corrupt a person. Money becomes their god as far as accumulating more and keeping what they have. Paul reminds us that when we are able to share what we have that this becomes more of what true life is about. This is also difficult to do in a society that emphasizes wealth and spending for ourselves. Often times of trouble, we are encouraged as a society not to reflect on what has happened but to continue to build personal debt and to consume more rather than share. Such was the case with the incentive checks. We were encouraged to spend those for new material items rather than spending down debt or to give to charity.
Noah reminds us that we have choices as Paul and Jesus say also. Do we conform to the world or do we seek to do what God wants us to do?
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Children
I don't about you but there have been so many times I have heard from parents that they do not want to force their children into making decisions about church and religion. One of the scriptures for today in my devotions was from Proverbs 21:6. "Start the children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
I often think about parenting and the difficulty that we have. I believe it is common sense that parents are responsible for teaching their children about ways of keeping themselves healthy, what is nutritional, how to treat others, and about faith. We need to be set quidelines for our children rather than take a passive role. As a therapist, I often saw children who had problems adjusting to others or who would continually make poor decisions because their parents refused to be parents and wanted more to be their friend. There is a time when our children reach a certain age that they are capable of making decisions about how they live their life and even about church. But if they have no experience about church or life in general how can they make a good choice.
There are parents who grew up in abusive and neglectful families of origin who struggle as to how to relate to their children. They have not experienced a parent who cared for them and helped teach and guide them. The same is true about faith. If we want to have our children have a relationship with God, they need some experience in learning the scripture and being part of a community of faith. A parent cannot ignore their responsibility for raising their children and providing some teachings that there is more to life than just what is good for me. This is true regardless of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddha, Hindu. It transcends the individual and begins to focus on seeing beyond ourselves and working to a common good.
I often think about parenting and the difficulty that we have. I believe it is common sense that parents are responsible for teaching their children about ways of keeping themselves healthy, what is nutritional, how to treat others, and about faith. We need to be set quidelines for our children rather than take a passive role. As a therapist, I often saw children who had problems adjusting to others or who would continually make poor decisions because their parents refused to be parents and wanted more to be their friend. There is a time when our children reach a certain age that they are capable of making decisions about how they live their life and even about church. But if they have no experience about church or life in general how can they make a good choice.
There are parents who grew up in abusive and neglectful families of origin who struggle as to how to relate to their children. They have not experienced a parent who cared for them and helped teach and guide them. The same is true about faith. If we want to have our children have a relationship with God, they need some experience in learning the scripture and being part of a community of faith. A parent cannot ignore their responsibility for raising their children and providing some teachings that there is more to life than just what is good for me. This is true regardless of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddha, Hindu. It transcends the individual and begins to focus on seeing beyond ourselves and working to a common good.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Holy
I was reflecting on what I was going to talk about this evening at our communion service. I had read in my devotion on May 25th about what it means to be holy. Laurence Stookey in "This Day" p 84 talked about the biblical meaning of being holy. After studying Leviticus and the holy laws in class we discussed the reason for the laws especially the food laws of Israel. In fact the entire Torah speaks to the fact of trying to create a holy people. In looking at that holiness did not mean perfection. It was assumed that the people would be holy and if they were life would go bettter for them. In fact in Leviticus is the statement that "You are to be holy as your God is holy." Lev. 19:2. We are not gods but we are expected to be holy.
Holy in this context means to be set apart. Much like Sabbath is a time to set apart from our everyday activities, so is our life to be set apart from the accustomed standards of this world. We are to provide an alternative to what the world says is good and to concentrate on what God says is good. Lev. 20:26 goes into this by stating "You are to be holy to me, because I the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own."
The concerns about living to this is the cost of being set apart. A question we would have to answer is how willing are we to be out of step with society in order to be holy? Are you willing to be called odd? Stookey states, "We are called to be a holy church, not a club to whatever is currently popular." I believe this is particularly difficult to live this day even as it was difficult for Israel to live this out. The pressure to conform is great and if one does not conform one is excluded from participation in many of the social benefits of our culture. Think about people you know and maybe even judge as somewhat eccentric who do not own a television, do not use a computer, do not own a car, who choose to live a green life and not use extensively non-renewable resources, and who do not use credit cards to purchase items. I know that I have difficulty with the idea of conformity to societal expectations and yet desire to not be so caught up in them that they become my gods.
It is not just in economic areas that conformation occurs but also in the political and even the religious areas of our life as well. We continue to hear the mantra of both political parties that seem to become nothing more the rhetoric with no substance. This occurs with both parties. The concern I have is that there are churches that also offer a lot of rhetoric with no substance. When Jesus confronted the Pharisees it was often based on this very issue. That somewhere the church became coopted by the society and began to conform to society rather than be an instrument to transform society. Paul in Romans 12:2 states "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Jesus sends us out to be evangelists to those in the world. One may think that one person cannot change and I quoted Margaret Mead yesterday. Today I want to share a statement made by Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. "This hour in history needs a dedicated circle of transformed nonconformists. The saving of our world from pending doom will come not from a conforming majority but from the creative maladjustment of a transformed minority (Wallis, The Great Awakening 2008 p66)."
I wonder what the church would be like if we believed in being transformed by the Spirit of God and to set ourselves apart not away from society. The early church did that and did transform an empire.
Holy in this context means to be set apart. Much like Sabbath is a time to set apart from our everyday activities, so is our life to be set apart from the accustomed standards of this world. We are to provide an alternative to what the world says is good and to concentrate on what God says is good. Lev. 20:26 goes into this by stating "You are to be holy to me, because I the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own."
The concerns about living to this is the cost of being set apart. A question we would have to answer is how willing are we to be out of step with society in order to be holy? Are you willing to be called odd? Stookey states, "We are called to be a holy church, not a club to whatever is currently popular." I believe this is particularly difficult to live this day even as it was difficult for Israel to live this out. The pressure to conform is great and if one does not conform one is excluded from participation in many of the social benefits of our culture. Think about people you know and maybe even judge as somewhat eccentric who do not own a television, do not use a computer, do not own a car, who choose to live a green life and not use extensively non-renewable resources, and who do not use credit cards to purchase items. I know that I have difficulty with the idea of conformity to societal expectations and yet desire to not be so caught up in them that they become my gods.
It is not just in economic areas that conformation occurs but also in the political and even the religious areas of our life as well. We continue to hear the mantra of both political parties that seem to become nothing more the rhetoric with no substance. This occurs with both parties. The concern I have is that there are churches that also offer a lot of rhetoric with no substance. When Jesus confronted the Pharisees it was often based on this very issue. That somewhere the church became coopted by the society and began to conform to society rather than be an instrument to transform society. Paul in Romans 12:2 states "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Jesus sends us out to be evangelists to those in the world. One may think that one person cannot change and I quoted Margaret Mead yesterday. Today I want to share a statement made by Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. "This hour in history needs a dedicated circle of transformed nonconformists. The saving of our world from pending doom will come not from a conforming majority but from the creative maladjustment of a transformed minority (Wallis, The Great Awakening 2008 p66)."
I wonder what the church would be like if we believed in being transformed by the Spirit of God and to set ourselves apart not away from society. The early church did that and did transform an empire.
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