sermon series

I have been doing a sermon series that is based on the common lectionary. I have been using Romans starting with Chapter 12 and chapter 14. Paul has a lot to say about what it means to be a disciple of Christ. As a result, I have been reflecting on what that may look like in the 21st century. I talked about how the very foundation of discipleship is Love especially the love that Jesus had for us and the love God has for us. The start was at our Fall kickoff which we called promotion commotion. I focused on the spiritual gifts that God as assigned to each person and that we are all called to ministry. One is called to use that gift for the glory of God and not for our own glory. As a community of faith, we need the gifts of all members so that we can become the body of Christ in this world. The other concern is not to think that only a few are called or that somehow what I have is not worthy. Too often in churches, one can hear that only a few families or individuals run the church. In reality, for the church to be effective in ministry, all need to participate. If only a few are running the church, then it is time to step up and share one's gift with the community of faith rather than complaining. We have different gifts that God has bestowed and each gift is valuable and needed for the community. No one gift is greater than another and we are never done sharing. No more will I have done my part and now it is another's turn. Now is our responsibility, maybe in different ways. Certainly my gifts have changed over time so have others.
Last week we talked about love, hospitality, blessing and peace. I feel that when we are able to demonstrate these four attributes to all that we meet, we come closer to the image of Christ in our lives as a community. This is especially true when we bless those who persecute us and we care for our enemies. It is equally important to be joyful and exuberant to show our praise for God's love.
This week we will be discussing the issues of judging others and being critical. This comes from Romans 14:1-13 actually. The focus will be on essentials and opinions. As John Wesley stated in essentials unity and diversity in opinions. Yet, how many battles have been fought over nothing more than opinions of what is the proper way to worship as if there is only one way of doing so. How many denominations have formed because of this very thought even those who call themselves non-dominational churches. There may be a need for like minded people to gather together so that they do not become a stumbling block or hinderance to others. At the same time, Paul reminds us that the essential aspect of a disciple is belief in Jesus the Christ and in loving God with all of your heart, mind and soul; and loving your neighbor as yourself. Rather than criticize someone's way of worshiping, it would be better to say nothing if they are worshiping God and honoring God. It matters not what music one uses, the liturgy, how often one has communion, use of technology but rather are what one does is praising God and living to the great commandments.
I do believe that Paul's time was more simple in the concerns of whether one was a vegan or a meat eater or what day one would worship. I am glad that there are many ways for like minded people to gather with one another to worship God. My prayer is that rather than being critical of the way someone else wants to worship, we be open to letting them do so. We are called, as our church sign states, to be witnesses not judges. We can be faithful in the way we have experienced God in our lives and be able to share that. Let us be careful to allow God to move others in a differing way and for God's sake.