Thanks to all my blog followers :-) Be aware that I'm taking some vacation time and will not be updating posts during August. However the sermons will still be available (at least the couple I'll be preaching) at http://presbysermons.blogspot.com/
Hope that wherever your summer is taking you is a good place to be. Regular blogs will resume in the Fall. God Bless.
Adrian.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Jacobs Wrestling Match
Jacob met an angel by the river. They get into a fight and wrestle until dawn. Jacob walks away bruised but blessed. Not the average bible story! But it just happened to be the story behind our sermon this past Sunday, which can be found here.
I like this story. It gives me hope. Because like many people (even ‘Pastor’ people) I find that faith does not come easily. I struggle with the inconsistencies of what I believe. I listen to the arguments of those that see no need for God and often find myself agreeing with what they say. I struggle with the actions and mistakes that the church has made and will make. I struggle, not only with my own beliefs, but to recognize as genuine the beliefs of others that also claim the name Christian.
That is why this story gives me hope. Because Jacob’s struggle is very physical and very real. It involves his whole being. This is not some early morning prayer on a beautiful mountaintop just as the sun is rising and the birds are singing. This is hands on struggling to find a way through the darkness and grappling with the unknown.
And the reason I like this story so much is that in the midst of the struggle is God. A God representation that does not seek to justify itself or explain itself or rationalize itself, but a presence that gets hold of Jacob and challenges him; “Go ahead. Make my day”. A presence that will not let him pass by.
And when Jacob does walk away, he limps. He is hurting. Yet he also has a new name. Israel. A name that indicates the striving of God. The God who will seek to bless us even as we seek to usurp His place.
So, I guess where I’m going with this is to say; “Don’t be afraid of the struggles. Believing was never meant to be a breeze. Faith is fire. “
Prayer: “Lord, we come before You with all our doubts and struggles. In the midst of them, help us to find Your presence. We thank You that You are the God who strives to bless us. And even though our walk of faith can truly be quite lame, let us never give up our seeking after truth. Amen.”
I like this story. It gives me hope. Because like many people (even ‘Pastor’ people) I find that faith does not come easily. I struggle with the inconsistencies of what I believe. I listen to the arguments of those that see no need for God and often find myself agreeing with what they say. I struggle with the actions and mistakes that the church has made and will make. I struggle, not only with my own beliefs, but to recognize as genuine the beliefs of others that also claim the name Christian.
That is why this story gives me hope. Because Jacob’s struggle is very physical and very real. It involves his whole being. This is not some early morning prayer on a beautiful mountaintop just as the sun is rising and the birds are singing. This is hands on struggling to find a way through the darkness and grappling with the unknown.
And the reason I like this story so much is that in the midst of the struggle is God. A God representation that does not seek to justify itself or explain itself or rationalize itself, but a presence that gets hold of Jacob and challenges him; “Go ahead. Make my day”. A presence that will not let him pass by.
And when Jacob does walk away, he limps. He is hurting. Yet he also has a new name. Israel. A name that indicates the striving of God. The God who will seek to bless us even as we seek to usurp His place.
So, I guess where I’m going with this is to say; “Don’t be afraid of the struggles. Believing was never meant to be a breeze. Faith is fire. “
Prayer: “Lord, we come before You with all our doubts and struggles. In the midst of them, help us to find Your presence. We thank You that You are the God who strives to bless us. And even though our walk of faith can truly be quite lame, let us never give up our seeking after truth. Amen.”
Monday, July 25, 2011
Jacobs Wives
Jacob was tricked by Laban into marrying two wives. Is there anything we can learn from such a story? Well it turned out to be the topic of our sermon last Sunday, which can be found here.
At the heart of the story is the love that Jacob has for Rachel. It is an experience of human love and longing that seems to transform Jacob. Instead of getting mad or getting even (as he previously seemed inclined to do in situations of conflict) Jacob is prepared to sit it out and accept that sometimes landing your dream girl took longer than you expected.
Such seems to be lesson that applies to many areas of our lives. We all have our hopes and dreams. But we are nor masters of our own destiny. We need patience. We need to accept that things may not turn out exactly as we had expected. We need to keep trusting that God is on our case and for that reason, whatever transpires is ultimately in God’s hands!
That is never easy. Jacob learnt that lesson the hard way! Affairs of the heart have a tendency to be complicated. Circumstances can change in a heartbeat. We never quite escape our past. We can never be sure of the actions of those around us.
For our part the best we can do is trust in God, and prayerfully seek the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit in the different situations that come our way.
Prayer: “Lord, we do not always understand Your ways! Stories from the past challenge us and invite us to rethink our attitudes. Yet Lord You blessed Jacob, and You blessed both Rachel and Leah. Help us to understand that You desire only our best, no matter what others do to us or the mess we get ourselves into! Amen.”
At the heart of the story is the love that Jacob has for Rachel. It is an experience of human love and longing that seems to transform Jacob. Instead of getting mad or getting even (as he previously seemed inclined to do in situations of conflict) Jacob is prepared to sit it out and accept that sometimes landing your dream girl took longer than you expected.
Such seems to be lesson that applies to many areas of our lives. We all have our hopes and dreams. But we are nor masters of our own destiny. We need patience. We need to accept that things may not turn out exactly as we had expected. We need to keep trusting that God is on our case and for that reason, whatever transpires is ultimately in God’s hands!
That is never easy. Jacob learnt that lesson the hard way! Affairs of the heart have a tendency to be complicated. Circumstances can change in a heartbeat. We never quite escape our past. We can never be sure of the actions of those around us.
For our part the best we can do is trust in God, and prayerfully seek the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit in the different situations that come our way.
Prayer: “Lord, we do not always understand Your ways! Stories from the past challenge us and invite us to rethink our attitudes. Yet Lord You blessed Jacob, and You blessed both Rachel and Leah. Help us to understand that You desire only our best, no matter what others do to us or the mess we get ourselves into! Amen.”
Monday, July 18, 2011
Jacob’s Ladder
Whilst Jacob sleeps he dreams of a ladder reaching to the heavens. A sermon reflecting on Jacobs experience can be found here.
One of the phrases from the story that resonates with myself is Genesis 28: 16 when Jacob ponders “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it”
Finding God in the midst of our everyday lives can take us by surprise. I know that as Christians we give lip service to grand theological phrases like ‘omnipresence’ (meaning ‘always there’) but it still throws us a curve ball when that presence is discovered in tangible ways.
As summer congregations dwindle and folks have more significant things to do with their time than attend church services, it can raise all sorts of questions in a pastor’s mind.
But then I remember, thank God, that it’s not about me. It’s about that presence of God that often we don’t recognize. Jacob had a deep sense of awe when he awoke from his dream. God was going to bless others through his compromised life.
Remembering that ‘The Lord is in this place’ can save us from feeling our efforts are futile or insignificant. We love because Christ first loved us. We serve because Christ came to serve. We believe because God believes in us.
And though attendance may well be down during the summer months the most important focus of any worship service remains our Lord Jesus Christ, who promises that wherever even two or three gather in His name, He is going to be in the midst of it all.
Prayer: ”Lord remind us that it is never about the numbers, but all about the grace You have revealed to us in and through Jesus Christ. As Jacob dreamt of a ladder teeming with angels, help us to be aware of the unseen cloud of witnesses always surrounding our lives. May we know like Jacob that ‘Surely the Lord is in this place’. Amen.”
One of the phrases from the story that resonates with myself is Genesis 28: 16 when Jacob ponders “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it”
Finding God in the midst of our everyday lives can take us by surprise. I know that as Christians we give lip service to grand theological phrases like ‘omnipresence’ (meaning ‘always there’) but it still throws us a curve ball when that presence is discovered in tangible ways.
As summer congregations dwindle and folks have more significant things to do with their time than attend church services, it can raise all sorts of questions in a pastor’s mind.
But then I remember, thank God, that it’s not about me. It’s about that presence of God that often we don’t recognize. Jacob had a deep sense of awe when he awoke from his dream. God was going to bless others through his compromised life.
Remembering that ‘The Lord is in this place’ can save us from feeling our efforts are futile or insignificant. We love because Christ first loved us. We serve because Christ came to serve. We believe because God believes in us.
And though attendance may well be down during the summer months the most important focus of any worship service remains our Lord Jesus Christ, who promises that wherever even two or three gather in His name, He is going to be in the midst of it all.
Prayer: ”Lord remind us that it is never about the numbers, but all about the grace You have revealed to us in and through Jesus Christ. As Jacob dreamt of a ladder teeming with angels, help us to be aware of the unseen cloud of witnesses always surrounding our lives. May we know like Jacob that ‘Surely the Lord is in this place’. Amen.”
Monday, July 11, 2011
Jacob and Easu
Jacob and Esau. The conflicting twin boys who came out of the womb fighting each other. They became the subject of our sermon this past Sunday, a sermon that you can find here.
I admit to enjoying these Old Testament stories of family conflict and rivalry. They seem to ring so true to contemporary life and appear to be mirrored in every age. From the rivalry of Emperors’ of Rome, to the struggle of European monarchies, from Popes to Reformers, maybe even in the conflicts of Republicans and Democrats, there are those underlying structures of family and power.
And then in our own lives, as so well expressed by Paul, there are our personal struggles. The singer/songwriter Garth Brooks comments, “The greatest conflicts are not between two people but between one person and himself.”
As I read these stories I am reminded of our urgent need for the Grace of God to redeem us and for the Holy Spirit to recreate our lives. And I don’t mean just in some abstract way, but in a daily way that touches on the way we approach our routine tasks and how we speak and act with one another… in the present.
Thankfully the promises of God’s grace towards us are universal in application. Let us reach out and make them ours this week!
Prayer : “Lord, help me find my way in Your way! Amen.”
I admit to enjoying these Old Testament stories of family conflict and rivalry. They seem to ring so true to contemporary life and appear to be mirrored in every age. From the rivalry of Emperors’ of Rome, to the struggle of European monarchies, from Popes to Reformers, maybe even in the conflicts of Republicans and Democrats, there are those underlying structures of family and power.
And then in our own lives, as so well expressed by Paul, there are our personal struggles. The singer/songwriter Garth Brooks comments, “The greatest conflicts are not between two people but between one person and himself.”
As I read these stories I am reminded of our urgent need for the Grace of God to redeem us and for the Holy Spirit to recreate our lives. And I don’t mean just in some abstract way, but in a daily way that touches on the way we approach our routine tasks and how we speak and act with one another… in the present.
Thankfully the promises of God’s grace towards us are universal in application. Let us reach out and make them ours this week!
Prayer : “Lord, help me find my way in Your way! Amen.”
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Lives of Faith.
We began our summer sermon series on the life of Jacob by taking a look at one of the Patriarchs who came before him, namely Abraham, the great Father of Faith. A sermon reflecting on two of the folk he interacted with, namely Hagar and Ishmael, can be found here.
The soap opera like account of the dysfunctional family that gave birth to Jacob does not make for easy reading. Lies, betrayal and a capacity for doing it all wrong are consistent character defects. The voice of God is often not heard, until after the situation that could have been avoided has taken place.
Yet, the wonder of it all is that the grace of God wins every time. This gives me some hope. I see the mess we often make of things, and realize that over and again we display a great inability to rightly discern the voice of God.
These Old Testament stories carry the simple truth that God is greater than we are. As we face problems both at an individual and corporate level, we do well to remember that!
Prayer: ‘Lord, it is often the simple things that we fail to grasp. That we do better when we follow Your leadings. That though we miss up, you offer forgiveness and a chance to get it right through Jesus Christ. That Your Holy Spirit is there to be the strength in the midst of our weakness. Remind us often of these simple truths we pray. Amen.’
The soap opera like account of the dysfunctional family that gave birth to Jacob does not make for easy reading. Lies, betrayal and a capacity for doing it all wrong are consistent character defects. The voice of God is often not heard, until after the situation that could have been avoided has taken place.
Yet, the wonder of it all is that the grace of God wins every time. This gives me some hope. I see the mess we often make of things, and realize that over and again we display a great inability to rightly discern the voice of God.
These Old Testament stories carry the simple truth that God is greater than we are. As we face problems both at an individual and corporate level, we do well to remember that!
Prayer: ‘Lord, it is often the simple things that we fail to grasp. That we do better when we follow Your leadings. That though we miss up, you offer forgiveness and a chance to get it right through Jesus Christ. That Your Holy Spirit is there to be the strength in the midst of our weakness. Remind us often of these simple truths we pray. Amen.’
Monday, June 27, 2011
Being Connected
This past Sunday we welcomed Rev Mark Tammen to our pulpit. Mark is the newly appointed General Presbyter for the Presbytery of Long Island and spoke at our Adult Forum about the challenges of being part of the larger church, which in our Presbyterian situation consists of a local Presbytery, regional Synod and national General Assembly.
Every denomination structures itself in different ways… and even those churches that claim to be independent often form alliances with like-minded brethren (or their female equivalent) somewhere along the line. For myself one of the things I enjoy about belonging to the P.C. (USA) is that we do have a larger body, in our case the Presbytery of Long Island, that we relate to. You can find out more about the Presbytery, and the work that is done with our support, by following this link.
For myself it is great encouragement to meet with other ministers and elders from around the Presbytery and share our concerns. As we do so we often find we are facing the same struggles and problems. Our Presbytery meetings, though sometimes beset by the tedium that any governing body experiences, can also be truly inspiring. A high point can be the stories shared by those who feel newly called to ministry as they tell of their faith journey. It is fascinating to hear how the Spirit is at work!
I have to confess that the word ‘committee’ is not one that fills me with hope. Yet as I participate in the work of different Presbytery Committees I can often sense that God is guiding and leading us in unexpected ways.
Being connected is important. The Church is about more than what happens in our local congregations. It’s good to remind ourselves that we are not alone and that it’s not all about us!
Prayer: ‘Lord, we are thankful that the work of Your church goes far beyond what happens in our pew. We are aware that there are things we can accomplish together that we cannot achieve alone. We thank You for the privilege of sharing in ministry through the connections we have. Most of all we are thankful for the connection we have with You, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.’
Every denomination structures itself in different ways… and even those churches that claim to be independent often form alliances with like-minded brethren (or their female equivalent) somewhere along the line. For myself one of the things I enjoy about belonging to the P.C. (USA) is that we do have a larger body, in our case the Presbytery of Long Island, that we relate to. You can find out more about the Presbytery, and the work that is done with our support, by following this link.
For myself it is great encouragement to meet with other ministers and elders from around the Presbytery and share our concerns. As we do so we often find we are facing the same struggles and problems. Our Presbytery meetings, though sometimes beset by the tedium that any governing body experiences, can also be truly inspiring. A high point can be the stories shared by those who feel newly called to ministry as they tell of their faith journey. It is fascinating to hear how the Spirit is at work!
I have to confess that the word ‘committee’ is not one that fills me with hope. Yet as I participate in the work of different Presbytery Committees I can often sense that God is guiding and leading us in unexpected ways.
Being connected is important. The Church is about more than what happens in our local congregations. It’s good to remind ourselves that we are not alone and that it’s not all about us!
Prayer: ‘Lord, we are thankful that the work of Your church goes far beyond what happens in our pew. We are aware that there are things we can accomplish together that we cannot achieve alone. We thank You for the privilege of sharing in ministry through the connections we have. Most of all we are thankful for the connection we have with You, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.’
Monday, June 20, 2011
Trinity Sunday
As well as being Trinity Sunday, our Church here in Baldwin squeezed in Sunday School singers, recognizing graduates, celebrating our Sunday School Teachers and may even have mentioned Fathers Day somewhere in the mix. The sermon for the day spoke about transitional lenses! Want to know more? The sermon can be found here.
Meanwhile, getting back to that Trinity thing. It seems to be a stumbling block for many. Claims that it was an invention of early theologians and that it isn’t in the bible abound. Other religions tend to misinterpret it. In certain passages of the Koran, the Trinity is pictured as being the Father, the mother (Mary) and their son Jesus. Such a construct is entirely lacking in the Christian Scriptures!
Whilst the phrase ‘Trinity’ nowhere appears in the Bible, the New Testament certainly does speak of God as a Father, Jesus Christ as ‘Son of God’ and the Holy Spirit as being an essential part of the nature of God. All three are spoken of in close relation to one another, and none of the three acts independent from the whole.
Analyze it too much and you end up weaving knots. Ignore it and you seriously omit a big part of the New Testaments understanding of who God is, what Jesus was about and how the work of God continues to impact our world through the Holy Spirit.
Personally I have room for mystery. I am grateful to those theologians who dig deep and seek to explain it. But I also notice that the New Testament authors did not the feel the need to do so. They just lived it.
Prayer: Lord, sometimes when we seek to explain everything we just muddy the waters. Help us have the kind of faith that is more about living than theorizing! We thank You for the love shown to us in Jesus and are thankful for the way Your Spirit continues to work His ways into Your everyday world. Amen.
Meanwhile, getting back to that Trinity thing. It seems to be a stumbling block for many. Claims that it was an invention of early theologians and that it isn’t in the bible abound. Other religions tend to misinterpret it. In certain passages of the Koran, the Trinity is pictured as being the Father, the mother (Mary) and their son Jesus. Such a construct is entirely lacking in the Christian Scriptures!
Whilst the phrase ‘Trinity’ nowhere appears in the Bible, the New Testament certainly does speak of God as a Father, Jesus Christ as ‘Son of God’ and the Holy Spirit as being an essential part of the nature of God. All three are spoken of in close relation to one another, and none of the three acts independent from the whole.
Analyze it too much and you end up weaving knots. Ignore it and you seriously omit a big part of the New Testaments understanding of who God is, what Jesus was about and how the work of God continues to impact our world through the Holy Spirit.
Personally I have room for mystery. I am grateful to those theologians who dig deep and seek to explain it. But I also notice that the New Testament authors did not the feel the need to do so. They just lived it.
Prayer: Lord, sometimes when we seek to explain everything we just muddy the waters. Help us have the kind of faith that is more about living than theorizing! We thank You for the love shown to us in Jesus and are thankful for the way Your Spirit continues to work His ways into Your everyday world. Amen.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Pentecost
The Church was given birth through the action of the Holy Spirit who energized the disciples as they waited together in worship and prayer. Our birthday sermon can be found here.
The Baptist Preacher Charles Spurgeon once wrote “Without the Spirit of God we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind or chariots without steeds. Like branches without sap, we are withered. Like coals without fire, we are useless. As an offering without the sacrificial flame, we are unaccepted.”
Our direction and our energy are both dependent upon the action of God’s Spirit working in, through and around our lives. Without the Holy Spirit, Christian life degenerates into a hard slog to attain unreachable ideals. Without the action of God’s Spirit inspiring us and renewing us we maintain a graceless existence.
John’s gospel describes the Holy Spirit’s work as being ‘Living Water’. Already this summer here in Long Island we are experiencing high temperatures and our weather broadcasts are issuing warnings to stay hydrated and seek the shade.
If we feel our Christian life has become dry and lifeless, maybe we need to seek a Holy Ghost refreshing! How do we do that? Through prayer. Through meditating on God’s Word. Through worship, alone and in the company of others. Through reminding ourselves that every day we live, we live in the shadow of an Almighty God whose love is for us in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, today we seek the refreshing wind of Your Holy Spirit to blow upon our lives. Remind us that our strength lies not in what we can achieve, but in what Your grace can do in us and through us. Fill us with Your Spirit this day. Amen.
The Baptist Preacher Charles Spurgeon once wrote “Without the Spirit of God we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind or chariots without steeds. Like branches without sap, we are withered. Like coals without fire, we are useless. As an offering without the sacrificial flame, we are unaccepted.”
Our direction and our energy are both dependent upon the action of God’s Spirit working in, through and around our lives. Without the Holy Spirit, Christian life degenerates into a hard slog to attain unreachable ideals. Without the action of God’s Spirit inspiring us and renewing us we maintain a graceless existence.
John’s gospel describes the Holy Spirit’s work as being ‘Living Water’. Already this summer here in Long Island we are experiencing high temperatures and our weather broadcasts are issuing warnings to stay hydrated and seek the shade.
If we feel our Christian life has become dry and lifeless, maybe we need to seek a Holy Ghost refreshing! How do we do that? Through prayer. Through meditating on God’s Word. Through worship, alone and in the company of others. Through reminding ourselves that every day we live, we live in the shadow of an Almighty God whose love is for us in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, today we seek the refreshing wind of Your Holy Spirit to blow upon our lives. Remind us that our strength lies not in what we can achieve, but in what Your grace can do in us and through us. Fill us with Your Spirit this day. Amen.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Table Talk
This past Sunday was our Music Sunday. It was also a communion service. We were led to the table by numerous musical contributions varying from anthems featuring the chancel and bell choirs to piano pieces by some of the youngest children. It was truly a delight and a feast of many different sounds.
My own contribution was a communion song titled 'Table Talk'. As some folk had asked for the words, this is a suitable place to post them.
'Lord, I can scarcely understand,
The love here shown to me
The broken bread, the red, red wine,
This sacred mystery
Lord, although my faith is weak,
It’s here my soul flys free
The broken bread, the red, red wine,
Speaking liberty
Oh Lord, my Lord, Such love shown here to me
Jesus, Jesus, Crucified yet free.
Lord, I can scarcely understand,
How death became victory
Your broken body, the red, red blood,
The Cross of Calvary
Oh Lord, my Lord, Such love shown here to me
Jesus, Jesus, Crucified yet free.
Lord, I can scarcely understand the love here shown to me.'
Following worship, in the afternoon, we were treated to a jazz concert by Matt Wilson and guests that served as a fund raiser for 'Relay for Life'. A most musical and inspiring day!
My own contribution was a communion song titled 'Table Talk'. As some folk had asked for the words, this is a suitable place to post them.
'Lord, I can scarcely understand,
The love here shown to me
The broken bread, the red, red wine,
This sacred mystery
Lord, although my faith is weak,
It’s here my soul flys free
The broken bread, the red, red wine,
Speaking liberty
Oh Lord, my Lord, Such love shown here to me
Jesus, Jesus, Crucified yet free.
Lord, I can scarcely understand,
How death became victory
Your broken body, the red, red blood,
The Cross of Calvary
Oh Lord, my Lord, Such love shown here to me
Jesus, Jesus, Crucified yet free.
Lord, I can scarcely understand the love here shown to me.'
Following worship, in the afternoon, we were treated to a jazz concert by Matt Wilson and guests that served as a fund raiser for 'Relay for Life'. A most musical and inspiring day!
Monday, May 23, 2011
The Death of Stephen
In our cozy churches where sometimes the worst that happens is somebody reads the wrong bible passage or the choir are a little off-tune in the anthem we easily forget that the Church was built upon the experience of martyrdom. One of the first martyrs was Stephen, a deacon chosen by the apostles. A sermon reflecting on Stephen can be found here.
One of the most startling aspects of Stephen’s testimony is the depth of his courage. When hauled before the Sanhedrin to give an account of himself, he could easily have softened his message a little, so as to cause nobody any offence. Indeed, if he’d kept quiet about his faith he would never have been on trial in the first place.
There is something burning in Stephen. You can call it the fire of the Holy Spirit or describe it as passionate devotion for Jesus Christ, whom he called Lord and Savior. However we describe it, Stephen just could not keep quiet about what had been done to Jesus Christ, who had done it and how God turned it all around and had raised Jesus to glory.
That his opponents don’t see things that way, is not so much a cause for despair on Stephen’s part, so much as it is a call to prayer. As they stone him he prays that God will forgive them. There appears no evidence of malice or hatred in what Stephen has said, rather he just laid it out as he saw it. Stephen is executed through stoning. Barbaric, but sadly not even unknown in some parts of the world today.
What a challenge such actions lay before us! Where is our passion? Why are we not motivated to speak out in such bold terms? What if persecution such as the earliest church faced were to come our way? Would we crumble and keep quiet or would we rise up and keep faith?
Not easy questions.
No easy answers.
Prayer: Lord, the faith of the martyrs is such a deep challenge to our easy going expressions of discipleship. We are complacent and content with not making waves. We are often uncertain in our belief and hesitate to take a stand for what we do not fully comprehend. Forgive us. But also renew us. Increase our vision. Deepen our desire. ‘Grant us courage for the living of these days’! Amen.
One of the most startling aspects of Stephen’s testimony is the depth of his courage. When hauled before the Sanhedrin to give an account of himself, he could easily have softened his message a little, so as to cause nobody any offence. Indeed, if he’d kept quiet about his faith he would never have been on trial in the first place.
There is something burning in Stephen. You can call it the fire of the Holy Spirit or describe it as passionate devotion for Jesus Christ, whom he called Lord and Savior. However we describe it, Stephen just could not keep quiet about what had been done to Jesus Christ, who had done it and how God turned it all around and had raised Jesus to glory.
That his opponents don’t see things that way, is not so much a cause for despair on Stephen’s part, so much as it is a call to prayer. As they stone him he prays that God will forgive them. There appears no evidence of malice or hatred in what Stephen has said, rather he just laid it out as he saw it. Stephen is executed through stoning. Barbaric, but sadly not even unknown in some parts of the world today.
What a challenge such actions lay before us! Where is our passion? Why are we not motivated to speak out in such bold terms? What if persecution such as the earliest church faced were to come our way? Would we crumble and keep quiet or would we rise up and keep faith?
Not easy questions.
No easy answers.
Prayer: Lord, the faith of the martyrs is such a deep challenge to our easy going expressions of discipleship. We are complacent and content with not making waves. We are often uncertain in our belief and hesitate to take a stand for what we do not fully comprehend. Forgive us. But also renew us. Increase our vision. Deepen our desire. ‘Grant us courage for the living of these days’! Amen.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Tartan Sunday
Tartan Sunday is a Sunday that the Presbyterian Church here in Baldwin takes time out to consider the historical roots of Presbyterian faith in the ministry of John Knox in Scotland. In our P.C. (USA) Book of Confessions (which helps guide the way we interpret our faith) one of the earliest documents is the Scots Confession. Our Tartan Sermon can be found here.
John Knox believed that there were three signs that marked any church as being authentic. Faithful proclamation of the Word of God; faithful administration of the sacraments and effective church discipline. It is probably on the latter of these, church discipline, that he would find fault with us today. Although our Book of Order has a whole section devoted to the matter, it is probably the least referenced section of the volume.
That is not necessarily a bad thing. The most effective form of discipline is self-discipline rather than that of an outside body. There have historically been many abuses of authority on the part of those who felt it their task to rule it over others with an iron hand.
We shy away from the word ‘discipline’ as it implies heavy handedness and judgmental attitudes. Yet it is from the root of ‘discipline’ that we have the much more accessible word ‘disciple’. We much prefer the ‘disciple’ word. That could be because we look at discipleship through rose-colored spectacles rather than the demanding definition that Jesus gave us.
Scripture teaches that discipleship involves taking up a cross, having a love for God that places all other loves in jeopardy and seeking the welfare of our enemies. This is, of course, not the way we function! We do our best to avoid confrontation, are prone to make idols of just about anyone or anything that makes us feel good and rejoice when our enemies get what we feel they deserve!
John Knox was however also aware that Christian life was not an effort of disciplined self-will but a response to the grace of God. In a section in the Scots Confession on the Holy Spirit we read “Our faith and its assurance do not proceed from flesh and blood, that is to say from natural powers within us, but are the inspiration of the Holy Ghost…”
Prayer: ‘Lord, if our faith were to be judged by rules of discipline than we could be in deep trouble. We are thankful that Jesus did not come into our world to condemn but to redeem. As we sense Your grace may we be moved to serve others in the strength of Your love. Amen.
John Knox believed that there were three signs that marked any church as being authentic. Faithful proclamation of the Word of God; faithful administration of the sacraments and effective church discipline. It is probably on the latter of these, church discipline, that he would find fault with us today. Although our Book of Order has a whole section devoted to the matter, it is probably the least referenced section of the volume.
That is not necessarily a bad thing. The most effective form of discipline is self-discipline rather than that of an outside body. There have historically been many abuses of authority on the part of those who felt it their task to rule it over others with an iron hand.
We shy away from the word ‘discipline’ as it implies heavy handedness and judgmental attitudes. Yet it is from the root of ‘discipline’ that we have the much more accessible word ‘disciple’. We much prefer the ‘disciple’ word. That could be because we look at discipleship through rose-colored spectacles rather than the demanding definition that Jesus gave us.
Scripture teaches that discipleship involves taking up a cross, having a love for God that places all other loves in jeopardy and seeking the welfare of our enemies. This is, of course, not the way we function! We do our best to avoid confrontation, are prone to make idols of just about anyone or anything that makes us feel good and rejoice when our enemies get what we feel they deserve!
John Knox was however also aware that Christian life was not an effort of disciplined self-will but a response to the grace of God. In a section in the Scots Confession on the Holy Spirit we read “Our faith and its assurance do not proceed from flesh and blood, that is to say from natural powers within us, but are the inspiration of the Holy Ghost…”
Prayer: ‘Lord, if our faith were to be judged by rules of discipline than we could be in deep trouble. We are thankful that Jesus did not come into our world to condemn but to redeem. As we sense Your grace may we be moved to serve others in the strength of Your love. Amen.
Monday, May 9, 2011
A New Commandment (Mothers Day)
This past Mothers Day in worship we thought words of Jesus from John’s Gospel "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Our sermon can be found here.
The implications of the gospel message are not hard to understand. Counting other people as equally significant as ourselves, treating others like we would like to be treated, loving all people regardless of who they are or where they may be coming from. The complications arise as we try to live out those simple precepts!
Many of us are blessed to have been a glimpse of what unconditional love looks and feels like through the example of our parents. They put up with our worse, they tended us when sick and lifted us up when we fell. They often made sacrifices so that we could have a better life.
At the time we may not have appreciated it. We interpreted their care as being a restriction to our freedom. We didn’t want to come home that early or play music that quietly. We couldn’t understand why they had to know where we were going or who we were with. It is only with maturity and hindsight that we see their actions as flowing from love!
We can be the same in our relationship with God. Religion is seen as restrictive. We don’t want to play by all the rules because we are convinced that we know best. We forget that the nature of God is love and the work of the Spirit is to help us be more reflective of the life of Jesus (particularly in our relationships with each other).
Prayer: Lord, we are thankful for all those who in our life have taught us the meaning of love. May we allow their good example to shape our actions. Help us to grow deeper in Your love that we may reflect the life of Jesus in our daily actions. Amen.
The implications of the gospel message are not hard to understand. Counting other people as equally significant as ourselves, treating others like we would like to be treated, loving all people regardless of who they are or where they may be coming from. The complications arise as we try to live out those simple precepts!
Many of us are blessed to have been a glimpse of what unconditional love looks and feels like through the example of our parents. They put up with our worse, they tended us when sick and lifted us up when we fell. They often made sacrifices so that we could have a better life.
At the time we may not have appreciated it. We interpreted their care as being a restriction to our freedom. We didn’t want to come home that early or play music that quietly. We couldn’t understand why they had to know where we were going or who we were with. It is only with maturity and hindsight that we see their actions as flowing from love!
We can be the same in our relationship with God. Religion is seen as restrictive. We don’t want to play by all the rules because we are convinced that we know best. We forget that the nature of God is love and the work of the Spirit is to help us be more reflective of the life of Jesus (particularly in our relationships with each other).
Prayer: Lord, we are thankful for all those who in our life have taught us the meaning of love. May we allow their good example to shape our actions. Help us to grow deeper in Your love that we may reflect the life of Jesus in our daily actions. Amen.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Doubter
The Doubter
I’ve always had a place in my affection for the disciple Thomas, or ‘Doubting Thomas’ as he became known. We reflected on his experience of the resurrection as we met around the table for communion this past Sunday. Notes from the sermon can be found here.
I find that there is a huge part of myself that is decidedly skeptical. The story is that Thomas wasn’t there when Christ appeared alive to the other disciples. Thomas just won’t take their word for it. He wants to touch and see for himself.
No matter how reliable the other disciples were, or how close they had grown as friends, when it came to talking of impossible things like resurrections you just couldn’t take anyone’s word for it. Not even your closest friends. After all, Judas had been a close friend and look how that turned out! Better to trust nobody.
Things like resurrections just don’t happen. Unless you happen to be in a room and Christ stands there in front of you saying, “Here. Touch the scars”. How do you deal with that? Thomas did the only thing he could do. He bowed down and said “My Lord, My God”.
I suspect I am not alone in having those days when religious faith just doesn’t add up. I don’t want to take any persons word for it (be they friend or foe). I want to see. I want to touch. Don’t give me that ‘Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believed’ stuff, because it is not working; I want something more tangible.
And then Jesus shows up. No, not in the room as a visible person telling me to stick my fingers where a spear had pierced His side, but as a whisper in the wind or a phrase in the midst of an unexpected conversation. As a word of scripture suddenly becomes illuminated or in the midst of a prayer that I’m suddenly aware has become a conversation. I sense a presence and my heart is moved and involuntarily I’m thinking “My Lord, My God!”
Of course you are not going to take my word it. You are not living in my skin. And no I can’t prove it or explain it. In our Easter service we a number of times used the phrase ‘Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed.’ Ah, the mystery of faith!
Prayer: Lord, some of us understand Thomas all to well. We think we need to see. We say we cannot believe till we touch. Grant us eyes that see Your presence in unexpected places and ears to hear Your Spirit whispering our name in places we don’t always hear. May our doubts lead us to Your presence. Amen.
I’ve always had a place in my affection for the disciple Thomas, or ‘Doubting Thomas’ as he became known. We reflected on his experience of the resurrection as we met around the table for communion this past Sunday. Notes from the sermon can be found here.
I find that there is a huge part of myself that is decidedly skeptical. The story is that Thomas wasn’t there when Christ appeared alive to the other disciples. Thomas just won’t take their word for it. He wants to touch and see for himself.
No matter how reliable the other disciples were, or how close they had grown as friends, when it came to talking of impossible things like resurrections you just couldn’t take anyone’s word for it. Not even your closest friends. After all, Judas had been a close friend and look how that turned out! Better to trust nobody.
Things like resurrections just don’t happen. Unless you happen to be in a room and Christ stands there in front of you saying, “Here. Touch the scars”. How do you deal with that? Thomas did the only thing he could do. He bowed down and said “My Lord, My God”.
I suspect I am not alone in having those days when religious faith just doesn’t add up. I don’t want to take any persons word for it (be they friend or foe). I want to see. I want to touch. Don’t give me that ‘Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believed’ stuff, because it is not working; I want something more tangible.
And then Jesus shows up. No, not in the room as a visible person telling me to stick my fingers where a spear had pierced His side, but as a whisper in the wind or a phrase in the midst of an unexpected conversation. As a word of scripture suddenly becomes illuminated or in the midst of a prayer that I’m suddenly aware has become a conversation. I sense a presence and my heart is moved and involuntarily I’m thinking “My Lord, My God!”
Of course you are not going to take my word it. You are not living in my skin. And no I can’t prove it or explain it. In our Easter service we a number of times used the phrase ‘Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed.’ Ah, the mystery of faith!
Prayer: Lord, some of us understand Thomas all to well. We think we need to see. We say we cannot believe till we touch. Grant us eyes that see Your presence in unexpected places and ears to hear Your Spirit whispering our name in places we don’t always hear. May our doubts lead us to Your presence. Amen.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter
We celebrated our Easter services this past Sunday. The sermon for the day can be found here.
For a brief period after we were first married my wife and I attended an Elim Pentecostal Church in West Kirby, England. The Elim denomination had purchased the building from the Presbyterians and the notice board outside still declared itself Welsh Presbyterian, so our first visits were somewhat of a case of mistaken identity. However we enjoyed the exuberance of their worship and the warmth of their welcome.
Pentecostal theology emphasizes the present work of the Holy Spirit as being evidence of the reality of Christ’s living presence. One of the abiding memories of worshiping there was hearing Ray, one of the elders, singing his favorite hymn from the Pentecostal songbook. Ray had a booming voice that would fit well in any operatic production, and his countenance as he sang always expressed intense emotions.
As we celebrate this Easter season of resurrection I still hear echoes of Ray singing with all his might…
“He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today
And He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life’s narrow way,
He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives,
He lives within my heart.”
The simplicity of the words express a divine truth. That the truth of resurrection is one we need to capture at the center of our being. It is from our center in Christ that we reach out to others, ‘imparting salvation’ through our service.
Prayer : Lord, it as we allow Your love to transform us that we recognize Your presence within. It is as we work with You in serving others that our faith is confirmed. Help us to be Easter people with resurrection as our song. Amen.
For a brief period after we were first married my wife and I attended an Elim Pentecostal Church in West Kirby, England. The Elim denomination had purchased the building from the Presbyterians and the notice board outside still declared itself Welsh Presbyterian, so our first visits were somewhat of a case of mistaken identity. However we enjoyed the exuberance of their worship and the warmth of their welcome.
Pentecostal theology emphasizes the present work of the Holy Spirit as being evidence of the reality of Christ’s living presence. One of the abiding memories of worshiping there was hearing Ray, one of the elders, singing his favorite hymn from the Pentecostal songbook. Ray had a booming voice that would fit well in any operatic production, and his countenance as he sang always expressed intense emotions.
As we celebrate this Easter season of resurrection I still hear echoes of Ray singing with all his might…
“He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today
And He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life’s narrow way,
He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives,
He lives within my heart.”
The simplicity of the words express a divine truth. That the truth of resurrection is one we need to capture at the center of our being. It is from our center in Christ that we reach out to others, ‘imparting salvation’ through our service.
Prayer : Lord, it as we allow Your love to transform us that we recognize Your presence within. It is as we work with You in serving others that our faith is confirmed. Help us to be Easter people with resurrection as our song. Amen.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Palm Sunday.
This past Sunday we begin our journey through Holy Week with our Palm Sunday service. We reflected on the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Our sermon can be found here.
It is a sad reflection on human nature how quickly the cries of ‘Hosanna’ turn to cries of ‘Crucify’. How easily public opinion can sway between welcome and condemnation. Today’s hero is tomorrow’s villain.
Such can remind us of the importance of seeking the guidance of God in both the good times and the bad times. If we go along with the voices of the crowd we may end up cheering somebody on the way to their death. If we add our voice to shouts of condemnation we may be found accusing the innocent.
Seeking the still small voice of God amidst all the other voices that crowd in on us is never easy to do. Times in the Christian year, such as Holy Week, offer an opportunity to do some intentional ‘listening’. As we recall the fickle nature of the voices of the crowd we are invited to seek God’s guidance as to what is really going on!
Prayer: Lord, our lives are influenced by many voices. Some cry out in fear. Some cry out in despair. Some seek to deceive us. Some come to tempt us. Amidst all the other voices, help us make time to hear Your voice. Speak to us through scripture. Speak in the silence. Speak to us we open our hearts in worship. Help us make the most of this Holy Week to discern Your will for our lives. Amen.
It is a sad reflection on human nature how quickly the cries of ‘Hosanna’ turn to cries of ‘Crucify’. How easily public opinion can sway between welcome and condemnation. Today’s hero is tomorrow’s villain.
Such can remind us of the importance of seeking the guidance of God in both the good times and the bad times. If we go along with the voices of the crowd we may end up cheering somebody on the way to their death. If we add our voice to shouts of condemnation we may be found accusing the innocent.
Seeking the still small voice of God amidst all the other voices that crowd in on us is never easy to do. Times in the Christian year, such as Holy Week, offer an opportunity to do some intentional ‘listening’. As we recall the fickle nature of the voices of the crowd we are invited to seek God’s guidance as to what is really going on!
Prayer: Lord, our lives are influenced by many voices. Some cry out in fear. Some cry out in despair. Some seek to deceive us. Some come to tempt us. Amidst all the other voices, help us make time to hear Your voice. Speak to us through scripture. Speak in the silence. Speak to us we open our hearts in worship. Help us make the most of this Holy Week to discern Your will for our lives. Amen.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Busy Times at FPC Baldwin
Despite the lack of blogs the last few weeks have been busy times at First Presbyterian of Baldwin! This coming Sunday our Children present an abridged version of 'Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' during morning worship. This past Sunday we came together around the communion table and reflected on the experience of Barabbas. (Notes from the sermon can be found here)
Two Sundays ago we were taken to India with a presentation by a mission team including our own Margaret Cook on their recent visit to the Church of North India. And the previous Sunday, whilst I was away leading a youth retreat for youth from John Knox Presbyterian Church in Ohio, the church in Baldwin celebrated Women's Sunday. Again Margaret Cook was the leader of worship.
April marks the start of my third year as pastor here in the church. I have to say it has been a wonderful experience alongside some great people who enjoy their church and the mission it has within the community. It has been quite an experience getting to know a new area and a new congregation over the last two years. One for which I am truly thankful to God!
I still reflect on the fact that my ministry here began on April Fools Day 2009. Scripture invites us to be 'Fools for Christ'. In the face of a world that increasingly belittles faith and makes light of claims to spiritual realities, it is clear many regard our task as foolishness.
But as I see folk feeding the hungry, donating towards Japaneses relief, consistently supporting community initiatives and witness the amazing work that many organizations that meet within the walls of this small corner of God's Kingdom get up too... I am quite prepared to be counted amongst the foolish of Baldwin.
I look forward to days that lie ahead :-)
Two Sundays ago we were taken to India with a presentation by a mission team including our own Margaret Cook on their recent visit to the Church of North India. And the previous Sunday, whilst I was away leading a youth retreat for youth from John Knox Presbyterian Church in Ohio, the church in Baldwin celebrated Women's Sunday. Again Margaret Cook was the leader of worship.
April marks the start of my third year as pastor here in the church. I have to say it has been a wonderful experience alongside some great people who enjoy their church and the mission it has within the community. It has been quite an experience getting to know a new area and a new congregation over the last two years. One for which I am truly thankful to God!
I still reflect on the fact that my ministry here began on April Fools Day 2009. Scripture invites us to be 'Fools for Christ'. In the face of a world that increasingly belittles faith and makes light of claims to spiritual realities, it is clear many regard our task as foolishness.
But as I see folk feeding the hungry, donating towards Japaneses relief, consistently supporting community initiatives and witness the amazing work that many organizations that meet within the walls of this small corner of God's Kingdom get up too... I am quite prepared to be counted amongst the foolish of Baldwin.
I look forward to days that lie ahead :-)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Stairway to Heaven
Not the classic song… but the vision of Jacob in Genesis 28:10-22 as he lay with his head on a stone in the wilderness. Our sermon from last Sunday can be found here.
Verse 16 of the Genesis passage reads; ‘When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." ‘ It raises the question of our own awareness of the nearness of God. Although in our doctrine we speak of God as omnipresent – always with us - we do not excel at practicing the presence of God.
I suspect that this is partly due to the fact that the spiritual journey is one that takes place within relationship. We are often in the presence of people with whom we have no relationship. Every time we walk a busy street, take a train ride or go to the shops there are a whole lot of folk around us we have no interaction with. If we enter a crowded elevator alone it seems we positively try and avoid even making eye contact with our fellow travelers!
Human relationships do not take place simply because we are in the presence of other people. Communication has to be initiated and pursued. Friendships take a while to grow. Love even longer.
God is always present. But a relationship with God has to be nurtured through interaction with God. It doesn’t just happen. God is there for us but we need to take active steps to be there for God. Prayer. Meditation. Reading Scripture. Worship. Service. In such ways the presence of God becomes evident.
Prayer: Lord. Thank You for the promise of Your presence this day. Help me to be present for You! Amen.
Verse 16 of the Genesis passage reads; ‘When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." ‘ It raises the question of our own awareness of the nearness of God. Although in our doctrine we speak of God as omnipresent – always with us - we do not excel at practicing the presence of God.
I suspect that this is partly due to the fact that the spiritual journey is one that takes place within relationship. We are often in the presence of people with whom we have no relationship. Every time we walk a busy street, take a train ride or go to the shops there are a whole lot of folk around us we have no interaction with. If we enter a crowded elevator alone it seems we positively try and avoid even making eye contact with our fellow travelers!
Human relationships do not take place simply because we are in the presence of other people. Communication has to be initiated and pursued. Friendships take a while to grow. Love even longer.
God is always present. But a relationship with God has to be nurtured through interaction with God. It doesn’t just happen. God is there for us but we need to take active steps to be there for God. Prayer. Meditation. Reading Scripture. Worship. Service. In such ways the presence of God becomes evident.
Prayer: Lord. Thank You for the promise of Your presence this day. Help me to be present for You! Amen.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Who Did Jesus Die For?
This past Sunday as we gathered together around the communion table we explored the question “Who did Jesus for?” Normally I’d post the sermon, but as it was as much visual as spoken, there was no transcript. However one of the verses we focused upon was from Romans 5:8 “God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”
This is an amazing verse to focus upon as we come to the communion table. Upon that table we place visible signs of the broken life of Jesus. His body that was shattered upon the cross. The wine representing His blood that was shed for the sake of love.
Who did Jesus die for? For sinners. For all those who are prepared to admit they are broken and lack the strength in themselves to live in the way God calls them to live. To those who are prepared to receive Him, through faith, there is the experience of life being transformed by the same God who raised Christ from death.
We rightly call the sacrament a mystery. I really cannot properly explain how sharing bread and wine together nurtures our life with the love of God. It just does. The Holy Spirit has a way of interpreting the common actions of taking, tasting and sharing in a way that touches our hearts.
As with so many other things in Christian life it is all about grace. It is not our own actions, but our response to what God has done that changes us. ‘While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us’. I love the words of Horatius Bonar’s communion hymn, written in 1855.
‘Here, O our Lord, we see Thee face to face,
Here would we touch and handle things unseen,
Here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace,
And all our weariness upon Thee lean.
We have no help but Thine, nor do we need
Another arm save Thine to lean upon.
It is enough, O Lord, enough indeed;
Our strength is in Thy might, Thy might alone.’
Prayer: Lord, you nurture our lives in many different ways. We confess our great need of Your love to forgive us, renew us, change us and guide us. We place our lives into Your hands this day. Amen.
This is an amazing verse to focus upon as we come to the communion table. Upon that table we place visible signs of the broken life of Jesus. His body that was shattered upon the cross. The wine representing His blood that was shed for the sake of love.
Who did Jesus die for? For sinners. For all those who are prepared to admit they are broken and lack the strength in themselves to live in the way God calls them to live. To those who are prepared to receive Him, through faith, there is the experience of life being transformed by the same God who raised Christ from death.
We rightly call the sacrament a mystery. I really cannot properly explain how sharing bread and wine together nurtures our life with the love of God. It just does. The Holy Spirit has a way of interpreting the common actions of taking, tasting and sharing in a way that touches our hearts.
As with so many other things in Christian life it is all about grace. It is not our own actions, but our response to what God has done that changes us. ‘While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us’. I love the words of Horatius Bonar’s communion hymn, written in 1855.
‘Here, O our Lord, we see Thee face to face,
Here would we touch and handle things unseen,
Here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace,
And all our weariness upon Thee lean.
We have no help but Thine, nor do we need
Another arm save Thine to lean upon.
It is enough, O Lord, enough indeed;
Our strength is in Thy might, Thy might alone.’
Prayer: Lord, you nurture our lives in many different ways. We confess our great need of Your love to forgive us, renew us, change us and guide us. We place our lives into Your hands this day. Amen.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Can we heal the World?
It seems that common to all people are those days when we think “Why bother. Nothing that we can do can make a difference.” Our sermon (which can be found here) took the title “Can we heal the world?”
The Kingdom of God appears to invade our world not through the big things but the little things. In the bible reading of the feeding of 5000 the whole event turns around what seem like tiny actions. A young lad offers to share his lunch. A prayer of blessing is said. There is nothing particularly earth-shattering about such simple actions.
Yet through sharing and blessing a miracle takes place. One could become bogged down trying to explain how or why or what actually is actually going on in this story. There are many different layers to the account. It has deep theological overtones and appears within a particular context. It is great to ponder and investigate such avenues.
But there is also a simple beauty about the fact that little actions bring about big changes. The little things we consistently do everyday make a difference. It makes a difference when we show thankfulness for the blessings we are receiving or offer a prayer at mealtime. Random acts of kindness that let others know they are cared about are never insignificant. Offering the little we have to be used by God in whatever way God can use it is a big thing.
A boy shares his lunch. A prayer is offered. Leave the rest in Jesus hands and you never know what can happen!
Prayer: Lord, Forgive me for those times I forget to care. Help me to be open to the opportunities laid before me. Help me to see that no action is without significance in the light of Your love. Amen.
The Kingdom of God appears to invade our world not through the big things but the little things. In the bible reading of the feeding of 5000 the whole event turns around what seem like tiny actions. A young lad offers to share his lunch. A prayer of blessing is said. There is nothing particularly earth-shattering about such simple actions.
Yet through sharing and blessing a miracle takes place. One could become bogged down trying to explain how or why or what actually is actually going on in this story. There are many different layers to the account. It has deep theological overtones and appears within a particular context. It is great to ponder and investigate such avenues.
But there is also a simple beauty about the fact that little actions bring about big changes. The little things we consistently do everyday make a difference. It makes a difference when we show thankfulness for the blessings we are receiving or offer a prayer at mealtime. Random acts of kindness that let others know they are cared about are never insignificant. Offering the little we have to be used by God in whatever way God can use it is a big thing.
A boy shares his lunch. A prayer is offered. Leave the rest in Jesus hands and you never know what can happen!
Prayer: Lord, Forgive me for those times I forget to care. Help me to be open to the opportunities laid before me. Help me to see that no action is without significance in the light of Your love. Amen.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Why are prayers not answered?
This past Sunday we pondered the problem of unanswered prayer. The sermon can be found here.
To many atheists the explanation for unanswered prayer is simple. There is no God. But what about answered prayers? Well that it is just coincidence. Has to be. If there is no God there can be no answered prayers. End of story.
As a theist I have to ask … ‘How many prayers have to be answered before it becomes more than coincidence?’ If even one single prayer in the whole history of the universe turns out to have been more than a coincidence; where does that leave arguments about the non-existence of a force that answers prayer?
Fact is that over the years, in ways mundane and moments that have graced my life with an awesome sense of wonder, God has answered prayers. The simple fact that I am where I am, doing what I do, is difficult for myself to understand without relating it to the way God has guided my life.
An atheist will suggest that there are other forces at work that have led me to my current work. That I am befuddled and brain-washed and they will offer a whole host of other explanations. They have to. The only other conclusion would be that they had got it wrong.
I also would assert that biblically speaking ‘no’ and ‘not now’ are considered equally valid answers to prayer as ‘yes’, and that negative answers need also to be balanced into the equation.
Of course when Jesus spoke of prayer He kept throwing that word ‘faith’ into the mix. Not just any sort of faith, but a faith that believes that God has our absolute best in mind, has a purpose for our lives and whose Holy Spirit is able to lead us and guide us through the many perplexing situations of our lives.
The sort of faith that when we don’t understand continues to ask ‘Not my will, but Your will be done’. A faith that includes present relationship, past experience and future hope.
Nobody can prove faith. You can’t set up laboratory experiments to measure it. It resists calculations. It is not a formula. It lacks physical dimensions. It defies defining. It is hardly surprising that Jesus speaks of it in relation to prayer!
So let us pray! “Lord, I don’t always understand how prayer works. But I do understand that I need You more than my words can express. Help me to be comfortable with mystery and be trusting that Your way is best. Amen.”
To many atheists the explanation for unanswered prayer is simple. There is no God. But what about answered prayers? Well that it is just coincidence. Has to be. If there is no God there can be no answered prayers. End of story.
As a theist I have to ask … ‘How many prayers have to be answered before it becomes more than coincidence?’ If even one single prayer in the whole history of the universe turns out to have been more than a coincidence; where does that leave arguments about the non-existence of a force that answers prayer?
Fact is that over the years, in ways mundane and moments that have graced my life with an awesome sense of wonder, God has answered prayers. The simple fact that I am where I am, doing what I do, is difficult for myself to understand without relating it to the way God has guided my life.
An atheist will suggest that there are other forces at work that have led me to my current work. That I am befuddled and brain-washed and they will offer a whole host of other explanations. They have to. The only other conclusion would be that they had got it wrong.
I also would assert that biblically speaking ‘no’ and ‘not now’ are considered equally valid answers to prayer as ‘yes’, and that negative answers need also to be balanced into the equation.
Of course when Jesus spoke of prayer He kept throwing that word ‘faith’ into the mix. Not just any sort of faith, but a faith that believes that God has our absolute best in mind, has a purpose for our lives and whose Holy Spirit is able to lead us and guide us through the many perplexing situations of our lives.
The sort of faith that when we don’t understand continues to ask ‘Not my will, but Your will be done’. A faith that includes present relationship, past experience and future hope.
Nobody can prove faith. You can’t set up laboratory experiments to measure it. It resists calculations. It is not a formula. It lacks physical dimensions. It defies defining. It is hardly surprising that Jesus speaks of it in relation to prayer!
So let us pray! “Lord, I don’t always understand how prayer works. But I do understand that I need You more than my words can express. Help me to be comfortable with mystery and be trusting that Your way is best. Amen.”
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Does it pay to be Good?
This past Sunday we reflected on if seeking to live a good life actually made any difference to ourselves or the world around us. The way of the world seems to be that prosperity has no link to morality! The sermon can be found here.
There are many who adopt an ‘ends justify the means’ philosophy. Whether it be governmental justification of torture or something far more mundane such as parking illegally because we ‘are just in such a rush today’ there are circumstances where people feel taking a course of action that would otherwise be unacceptable is O.K.
By way of contrast scripture invites those who follow Jesus Christ to be above reproach. In the Kingdom manifesto we know as the sermon on the mount we are counseled; “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven”. (Matthew 5:16)
When speaking of those who aspire to leadership in a congregation Paul places the highest standards before his young friend Timothy. “The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity.” (1 Timothy 3:2-4)
‘Do gooders’ are often regarded as hypocritical meddlers who do more harm than good. Neither Jesus or Paul suggest the way of God’s Kingdom is one of self-righteously enforcing our morality upon others. It is rather about doing the right thing whatever it may cost and however personally uncomfortable it may be.
Whether it means involving ourselves with a cause for justice and peace or simply obeying traffic laws the bottom line is that we are instructed in scripture to be shining examples of God’s love!
Prayer: Lord God, You call us to be people of Kingdom standards. We know ourselves well enough to see such is only possible through the intervention of Your Holy Spirit and through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us this week to let our light shine so that others obtain glimpses of Your love. Amen.
There are many who adopt an ‘ends justify the means’ philosophy. Whether it be governmental justification of torture or something far more mundane such as parking illegally because we ‘are just in such a rush today’ there are circumstances where people feel taking a course of action that would otherwise be unacceptable is O.K.
By way of contrast scripture invites those who follow Jesus Christ to be above reproach. In the Kingdom manifesto we know as the sermon on the mount we are counseled; “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven”. (Matthew 5:16)
When speaking of those who aspire to leadership in a congregation Paul places the highest standards before his young friend Timothy. “The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity.” (1 Timothy 3:2-4)
‘Do gooders’ are often regarded as hypocritical meddlers who do more harm than good. Neither Jesus or Paul suggest the way of God’s Kingdom is one of self-righteously enforcing our morality upon others. It is rather about doing the right thing whatever it may cost and however personally uncomfortable it may be.
Whether it means involving ourselves with a cause for justice and peace or simply obeying traffic laws the bottom line is that we are instructed in scripture to be shining examples of God’s love!
Prayer: Lord God, You call us to be people of Kingdom standards. We know ourselves well enough to see such is only possible through the intervention of Your Holy Spirit and through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us this week to let our light shine so that others obtain glimpses of Your love. Amen.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Souperbowl Sunday
This past Sunday we sang football related songs, raised money for the local Freeport Food pantry and reflected on ways we can help others. Lots of links today!
The sermon.
Our congregations rendition of “Drop Kick me Jesus”.
An update of the total money raised by the campaign.
Thanks deservedly go to our youth that participated in the service and all those who contributed.
The Sunday School sang for us the song ‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me’ . They reminded us all that whatever efforts for justice we make,they have to start where we are!
Prayer. ‘Lord, help us to sense Your presence this day, in a way that centers our lives, that we may share such peace with others. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen.”
The sermon.
Our congregations rendition of “Drop Kick me Jesus”.
An update of the total money raised by the campaign.
Thanks deservedly go to our youth that participated in the service and all those who contributed.
The Sunday School sang for us the song ‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me’ . They reminded us all that whatever efforts for justice we make,they have to start where we are!
Prayer. ‘Lord, help us to sense Your presence this day, in a way that centers our lives, that we may share such peace with others. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen.”
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Where are you going?
This past Sunday we reflected on the theme of where our lives may be heading. The sermon can be found here.
One of the problems in seeking direction is that we are often just too caught up in the journey to stop and ask. Commitments on our time impede from all directions. Work, family, travelling in between appointments, meeting deadlines… our schedules are not our best friend!
It is sometimes only when are forced to stop travelling on the crazy train that we find the time to ask where it may be heading. Times of illness, weather related cancellations, simply getting caught in the traffic can create a space where we suddenly become reflective and ask; “Just where is my life heading?”
In a society that rejects sabbath such momentary pauses can be our ‘little sabbaths’. Time to take stock and evaluate the journey. Space to ask where the direction of God and the things of God’s Kingdom fit into the picture.
Make the most of such moments. They can be revolutionary!
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, we hear Your call to follow You. We confess we often do so without truly thinking it through. We get caught up in the everyday madness. Direct us and lead us. Show us where changes need to be made and grant us the strength of Your Holy Spirit to make them! Amen.
One of the problems in seeking direction is that we are often just too caught up in the journey to stop and ask. Commitments on our time impede from all directions. Work, family, travelling in between appointments, meeting deadlines… our schedules are not our best friend!
It is sometimes only when are forced to stop travelling on the crazy train that we find the time to ask where it may be heading. Times of illness, weather related cancellations, simply getting caught in the traffic can create a space where we suddenly become reflective and ask; “Just where is my life heading?”
In a society that rejects sabbath such momentary pauses can be our ‘little sabbaths’. Time to take stock and evaluate the journey. Space to ask where the direction of God and the things of God’s Kingdom fit into the picture.
Make the most of such moments. They can be revolutionary!
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, we hear Your call to follow You. We confess we often do so without truly thinking it through. We get caught up in the everyday madness. Direct us and lead us. Show us where changes need to be made and grant us the strength of Your Holy Spirit to make them! Amen.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
What are you looking for?
It’s hard to find what you are looking for if you are not exactly sure what it is. Such is the dilemma that occupied our thoughts during our sermon this past Sunday, which can be found here.
I feel that for many of us the spiritual quest is one that we really cannot define. We kind of know what we are searching for, but we can’t frame it with words. It is not certainty. It is not conviction. It is not answers (particularly when we are not even sure what the questions are).
Yet we are attracted to the message of Jesus Christ and to the way that being part of a spiritual community enables us to follow Him. Maybe it is just as well that in the passage we were considering today (John 1:29-42) Jesus frames His invitation in the words “Come And See!”
There is something about the journey that is a revelation all of itself. Along the way we discover things that we hadn’t even realized that we were looking for. Sometimes when we find them we wonder how we ever managed without them!
And if that sounds rather vague then I make no apology. Even Paul spoke of only ‘seeing through a glass darkly’. Jesus invites us “Come and See”. Come and see what? We can only find out by following.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for the encouragement to follow that not having to know all the answers can bring to us. You welcome the curious. You invite the seekers. Help us to stick with the journey and seek the company of others to travel it with. Amen!
I feel that for many of us the spiritual quest is one that we really cannot define. We kind of know what we are searching for, but we can’t frame it with words. It is not certainty. It is not conviction. It is not answers (particularly when we are not even sure what the questions are).
Yet we are attracted to the message of Jesus Christ and to the way that being part of a spiritual community enables us to follow Him. Maybe it is just as well that in the passage we were considering today (John 1:29-42) Jesus frames His invitation in the words “Come And See!”
There is something about the journey that is a revelation all of itself. Along the way we discover things that we hadn’t even realized that we were looking for. Sometimes when we find them we wonder how we ever managed without them!
And if that sounds rather vague then I make no apology. Even Paul spoke of only ‘seeing through a glass darkly’. Jesus invites us “Come and See”. Come and see what? We can only find out by following.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for the encouragement to follow that not having to know all the answers can bring to us. You welcome the curious. You invite the seekers. Help us to stick with the journey and seek the company of others to travel it with. Amen!
Monday, January 10, 2011
What are you doing here?
As a New Year gets underway we rapidly become busy. After a brief pause for reflection and resolution making it seems things soon get back to the state we describe as ‘normal’. Yet is into the midst of our normality that God often chooses to step. This past Sunday we reflected on the experience of John the Baptist who was rather surprised when Jesus showed up at the banks of the Jordan. The sermon can be found here.
It is as Jesus is baptized that a voice from heaven describes Him as a beloved son with whom God is ‘well pleased.’ The sacrament of baptism declares to us that God is pleased to claim us as sons and daughters. We may not always feel pleased with our spiritual progress, or even feel there is much for God to be pleased about in our lives but… nevertheless… God continues to desire our utmost good.
In the light of our faltering steps and uneasy commitment we have those days when we question our ability to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. There are times when we ask ourselves; “What are you doing here?”
Then, unexpectedly, God shows up. Shows up in the voice of a friend or someones random act of kindness towards us. Shows up by placing before us an opportunity to bless another. Shows up in the words of a song on the radio or by an insight in the midst of a comedy routine on TV. Shows up in places we weren’t looking.
And then we remember that we are not disciples because we are good at it! We are disciples because God is a God of Grace and refuses to despair of us. Through the influence of God’s Holy Spirit prompting us to have eyes that see and ears that hear, we can discover God in ways and places we had never expected!
Prayer: Lord, help us to stay awake to Your presence within us and around us. Remind us that we are children of Your pleasure. Encourage us to keep listening and keep serving, especially when we have more questions than answers. Amen.
It is as Jesus is baptized that a voice from heaven describes Him as a beloved son with whom God is ‘well pleased.’ The sacrament of baptism declares to us that God is pleased to claim us as sons and daughters. We may not always feel pleased with our spiritual progress, or even feel there is much for God to be pleased about in our lives but… nevertheless… God continues to desire our utmost good.
In the light of our faltering steps and uneasy commitment we have those days when we question our ability to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. There are times when we ask ourselves; “What are you doing here?”
Then, unexpectedly, God shows up. Shows up in the voice of a friend or someones random act of kindness towards us. Shows up by placing before us an opportunity to bless another. Shows up in the words of a song on the radio or by an insight in the midst of a comedy routine on TV. Shows up in places we weren’t looking.
And then we remember that we are not disciples because we are good at it! We are disciples because God is a God of Grace and refuses to despair of us. Through the influence of God’s Holy Spirit prompting us to have eyes that see and ears that hear, we can discover God in ways and places we had never expected!
Prayer: Lord, help us to stay awake to Your presence within us and around us. Remind us that we are children of Your pleasure. Encourage us to keep listening and keep serving, especially when we have more questions than answers. Amen.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The New Year
Yikes! It’s 2011 already. The years just seem to zoom on by. In church yesterday we reflected on our need of the grace of God to get us through the times of our lives. After reflecting on a sermon (which can be found here) we shared bread and wine and sought spiritual nourishment for the journey ahead.
Whilst we can make some inspired guesses at what a New Year may bring, the truth is that it remains a blank page. There’s most likely going to be some great things and some nasty stuff that gets written on the pages. That’s usually what happens.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth setting ourselves some goals for the coming days. I’d say ‘making resolutions’, but somehow ‘goals’ feels like a less demanding concept.
See… I was never a very good soccer player. I could mis-kick a ball in more ways than I knew how to do it properly. If I ever got near to scoring the adrenaline would kick in and I’d end up hitting the ball with way too much enthusiasm or just completely missing altogether. I was never offended when folk didn’t choose me to be on their team. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be on my team!
But the thing is… goals are things you keep pursuing and working at. Resolutions, well you either keep them or break them. Goals, you can keep on trying!
So forget the resolutions and set yourself some goals. They don’t have to be anything super-impressive or mega-spiritual. Things like ‘a little less TV and a little more exercise’; ‘occasionally eating out less and putting the money aside to help the local food pantry’; ‘signing up for something at church that I haven’t done before… just to give it a try’.
It often seems that lasting changes in our life come through little steps. May you have a grace filled 2011!
Prayer: ‘Lord, help us to set ourselves some attainable goals for 2011. Guide us to the best use of our time, talents and treasures. Whatever the year brings our way, help us to allow Your love and hope to be a part of it. Amen.”
Whilst we can make some inspired guesses at what a New Year may bring, the truth is that it remains a blank page. There’s most likely going to be some great things and some nasty stuff that gets written on the pages. That’s usually what happens.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth setting ourselves some goals for the coming days. I’d say ‘making resolutions’, but somehow ‘goals’ feels like a less demanding concept.
See… I was never a very good soccer player. I could mis-kick a ball in more ways than I knew how to do it properly. If I ever got near to scoring the adrenaline would kick in and I’d end up hitting the ball with way too much enthusiasm or just completely missing altogether. I was never offended when folk didn’t choose me to be on their team. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be on my team!
But the thing is… goals are things you keep pursuing and working at. Resolutions, well you either keep them or break them. Goals, you can keep on trying!
So forget the resolutions and set yourself some goals. They don’t have to be anything super-impressive or mega-spiritual. Things like ‘a little less TV and a little more exercise’; ‘occasionally eating out less and putting the money aside to help the local food pantry’; ‘signing up for something at church that I haven’t done before… just to give it a try’.
It often seems that lasting changes in our life come through little steps. May you have a grace filled 2011!
Prayer: ‘Lord, help us to set ourselves some attainable goals for 2011. Guide us to the best use of our time, talents and treasures. Whatever the year brings our way, help us to allow Your love and hope to be a part of it. Amen.”
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