Our lesson for the third Sunday in Advent focused on John the Baptist and his situation in prison. The sermon can be found here.
The majority of us have those times in our lives when we seriously question the validity of our faith. If Christianity is such good news, how come our world is still so full of bad news? If Jesus came to be the savior, how come so many seem to be on a path to nowhere? When we are going through a dark patch in our personal lives such questions can be particularly imprisoning.
In the darkness of his prison cell John found encouragement through Jesus quoting to him Isaiah’s words about the ‘blind receiving sight, lame walking and good news being proclaimed to the poor.’ Those words bid John look beyond the confines of his immediate circumstances and see a bigger picture. Not easy to do, for sure!
But whoever said the journey of faith was meant to be easy? Whoever said there wouldn’t be days of darkness and doubt and struggle? Such were certainly a feature of Jesus own spiritual journey. At various times we see Him weeping, angry, and sweating blood as He struggled with God’s will. On the cross He declares He feels forsaken by God.
Despite the struggle, to paraphrase John’s gospel, “the light shines in the darkness and the darkness will not overcome it”. It’s O.K. when we have doubts and our faith is more struggle than it is victory. It seems to be all part and parcel of what makes faith a reality rather than a fairy tale.
It’s partly what can make Christmas such a meaningful celebration. There is nothing particularly attractive about taxes, census taking and fleeing persecution. Having nowhere to stay and being forced to give birth in a stable is a desperate situation to be in. None of us would describe a life driven by visions of angels and vivid dreams ‘normal’.
Yet the eye of faith sees in these events the hope of redemption and dares to proclaim that through Jesus Christ we can all be prisoners of hope!
Prayer: “Lord in this Christmas season, guide us through our struggles to places where the light breaks through. Through Your Holy Spirit, be born in our hearts afresh and imprison us with Advent hope. Amen.”
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Advent Sundays
During Advent our sanctuary is filled with the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. We have a number of special programs in worship … children sing, instrumentalists accompany the choir, families light the candles each Sunday. We also have a number of special collections. Mittens adorn the Christmas trees. There are boxes of food in the porch that will be distributed to local pantries. We receive a Christmas Joy Offering. And of course we still do all the regular stuff like confessing, preaching and praying!
We have a number of added programs. The Deacons provide a coffee hour after worship. Our Sunday School offers us an annual play after which we sit down together for Christmas Dinner. We have a special Jazz concert by one of our members. We visit some local homes carol singing after which one of our families opens up their own home for fellowship.
On Christmas Eve we have two services, one at 5 p.m. for families, then at 11 p.m. we meet for a service of Carols, Communion and Candlelight that extends into Christmas morning.
It is a good thing that we have these opportunities to remind ourselves of the Christian meaning of the season.
An Advent Prayer
Lord, as we travel through these crazy days of Christmas keep us in mind of the deeper meanings of the season. Take us to the hillside to hear the angels song. Help us to marvel at the wonder of Jesus birth. May we join with the Wise travelers who journeyed to Bethlehem. In a world often desperate for hope, may we fix our hopes in your love. Amen.
We have a number of added programs. The Deacons provide a coffee hour after worship. Our Sunday School offers us an annual play after which we sit down together for Christmas Dinner. We have a special Jazz concert by one of our members. We visit some local homes carol singing after which one of our families opens up their own home for fellowship.
On Christmas Eve we have two services, one at 5 p.m. for families, then at 11 p.m. we meet for a service of Carols, Communion and Candlelight that extends into Christmas morning.
It is a good thing that we have these opportunities to remind ourselves of the Christian meaning of the season.
An Advent Prayer
Lord, as we travel through these crazy days of Christmas keep us in mind of the deeper meanings of the season. Take us to the hillside to hear the angels song. Help us to marvel at the wonder of Jesus birth. May we join with the Wise travelers who journeyed to Bethlehem. In a world often desperate for hope, may we fix our hopes in your love. Amen.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Feasting on Hope
This past Sunday being the first Sunday of Advent we focused on lectionary passages that were about the coming Kingdom of God. The sermon can be found here.
The motif of ‘surprise’ in the Matthew reading (Matthew 24:36-44) is the one that always fascinates me. Whilst telling us in no uncertain terms that the day of the Lord will come, we are cautioned not to speculate about when such an event may take place.
Rather our call is to work at the kind of things that bring the Kingdom closer. If we want to see a hope filled world then we are invited to offer some hope. If we wish to see war at an end then we are called to support initiatives towards peace. If we want to see the poor lifted up, then we are called to do some serious sharing from out of the abundance God has blessed us with.
The surprise seems to come when our small and seemingly insignificant actions are shown to have made a difference to somebody and opened a little window of hope into their lives. ‘One day’ the prophets declare “All will be well”. In the meantime do the little things that turn out to be the big things.
Prayer: Lord, in this Advent season we seek that our lives may be a source of hope for others. We dare to believe that You have all things under control and one day its all going to turn out right. But until that time help us to carry on trusting that our actions make a difference. Amen.
The motif of ‘surprise’ in the Matthew reading (Matthew 24:36-44) is the one that always fascinates me. Whilst telling us in no uncertain terms that the day of the Lord will come, we are cautioned not to speculate about when such an event may take place.
Rather our call is to work at the kind of things that bring the Kingdom closer. If we want to see a hope filled world then we are invited to offer some hope. If we wish to see war at an end then we are called to support initiatives towards peace. If we want to see the poor lifted up, then we are called to do some serious sharing from out of the abundance God has blessed us with.
The surprise seems to come when our small and seemingly insignificant actions are shown to have made a difference to somebody and opened a little window of hope into their lives. ‘One day’ the prophets declare “All will be well”. In the meantime do the little things that turn out to be the big things.
Prayer: Lord, in this Advent season we seek that our lives may be a source of hope for others. We dare to believe that You have all things under control and one day its all going to turn out right. But until that time help us to carry on trusting that our actions make a difference. Amen.
Monday, November 8, 2010
The Living Difference
In our sermon this past Sunday we were thinking about the Sadducees and their doubts about resurrection. The sermon can be found here.
How can belief in the resurrection make a difference to our daily lives?
Belief in the Resurrection offers a fresh perspective on justice.
Many times we hear the complaint that “Life is not Fair”. There was nothing ‘fair’ or ‘just’ about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Yet God was able to turn the ultimate catastrophe into the ultimate victory through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Belief in the resurrection grants to us the hope that God can take the most unjust and desperate situations and use them for some good and eternal purpose.
Belief in the Resurrection places life into a larger framework.
If we believe our actions have an eternal significance then we are less likely to make hasty decisions or invest ourselves in activities that benefit only ourselves. We will take seriously the invitation of Jesus to find Him in the most needy of those around us. As our lives are transformed by the action of the Holy Spirit we seek to help others experience His living love.
Belief in the Resurrection offers a hopeful perspective on death.
If death is the end, then death is the ultimate catastrophe. However if death is a doorway into something greater, then death is nothing to fear. As St Paul wrote to the Philippian church, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain”.
Prayer: Lord, we ask that belief in the power of Your love to overcome death may transform our lives. Help us through Your Holy Spirit to be resurrection people with ‘Hallelujah’ as our song!” Amen.
How can belief in the resurrection make a difference to our daily lives?
Belief in the Resurrection offers a fresh perspective on justice.
Many times we hear the complaint that “Life is not Fair”. There was nothing ‘fair’ or ‘just’ about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Yet God was able to turn the ultimate catastrophe into the ultimate victory through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Belief in the resurrection grants to us the hope that God can take the most unjust and desperate situations and use them for some good and eternal purpose.
Belief in the Resurrection places life into a larger framework.
If we believe our actions have an eternal significance then we are less likely to make hasty decisions or invest ourselves in activities that benefit only ourselves. We will take seriously the invitation of Jesus to find Him in the most needy of those around us. As our lives are transformed by the action of the Holy Spirit we seek to help others experience His living love.
Belief in the Resurrection offers a hopeful perspective on death.
If death is the end, then death is the ultimate catastrophe. However if death is a doorway into something greater, then death is nothing to fear. As St Paul wrote to the Philippian church, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain”.
Prayer: Lord, we ask that belief in the power of Your love to overcome death may transform our lives. Help us through Your Holy Spirit to be resurrection people with ‘Hallelujah’ as our song!” Amen.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Get out of that Tree
Zacchaeus was the little guy who climbed up the sycamore tree to see Jesus pass by. But Jesus didn’t pass by. He stopped in His tracks, looked up into the tree, called his name and told him to ‘Come down’ as He was coming to his house that day. A sermon on Zacchaeus can be found here.
Zacchaeus is a fascinating character. His name means "pure," yet the Bible tells us he was anything but. He was a chief tax collector in Jericho, the city where the walls had fallen down. Jesus was passing through the city on His way to Jerusalem. Zacchaeus was hated by the Jews not so much because he was a tax collector but because he had intimate contact with Gentiles.
Jesus told Zacchaeus to hurry down out of the tree: Jesus was going to spend the day at his house. Jesus was spending more and more time with people who were "undesirable" and He explained His reasons for associating with them; the Son of Man had come to seek and to save those who were lost.
Jesus cared about Zacchaeus just as He cared about everyone, no matter their profession. Zacchaeus was truly a changed man after he met Jesus. He repented of all the wrong things he had done. He understood what Jesus said about "turning around" and following in His ways. He promised Jesus that he would pay back the people from whom he had taken too much in taxes according to the laws of Moses -- fourfold.
Jesus told Zacchaeus that his faith had caused him to be counted among God's people. Anyone, in fact, who comes to Jesus in faith and believes in Him is saved by his or her faith. If Zacchaeus had a chance, so do we!
Prayer: Lord, it is good to know that whoever we are and whatever we have done, You still come seeking after us. You always offer us the chance to make amends and start over again. May we welcome Your love into our daily routines this week. Amen.
Zacchaeus is a fascinating character. His name means "pure," yet the Bible tells us he was anything but. He was a chief tax collector in Jericho, the city where the walls had fallen down. Jesus was passing through the city on His way to Jerusalem. Zacchaeus was hated by the Jews not so much because he was a tax collector but because he had intimate contact with Gentiles.
Jesus told Zacchaeus to hurry down out of the tree: Jesus was going to spend the day at his house. Jesus was spending more and more time with people who were "undesirable" and He explained His reasons for associating with them; the Son of Man had come to seek and to save those who were lost.
Jesus cared about Zacchaeus just as He cared about everyone, no matter their profession. Zacchaeus was truly a changed man after he met Jesus. He repented of all the wrong things he had done. He understood what Jesus said about "turning around" and following in His ways. He promised Jesus that he would pay back the people from whom he had taken too much in taxes according to the laws of Moses -- fourfold.
Jesus told Zacchaeus that his faith had caused him to be counted among God's people. Anyone, in fact, who comes to Jesus in faith and believes in Him is saved by his or her faith. If Zacchaeus had a chance, so do we!
Prayer: Lord, it is good to know that whoever we are and whatever we have done, You still come seeking after us. You always offer us the chance to make amends and start over again. May we welcome Your love into our daily routines this week. Amen.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Jonah Syndrome
A question I’m often asked is “Why did you come to America?” Something resembling an account of the events that led me to this beautiful and spacious land can be found in this past week’s sermon…. which can be found here.
In the sermon I reflect on the way Jonah resisted the call of God and remained unimpressed by God’s grace towards the sinners of Ninevah, even when they repented. I suspect there remains in each of us something of ‘The Jonah Syndrome’. Do you recognize any of these Jonah symptoms in yourself?
When you hear of trouble, you say ‘Somebody should do something about that!’ By ‘somebody’ you mean ‘somebody other than yourself’. When you sing the hymn ‘Here I am Lord’ you are actually thinking ‘There they are, Lord”
When you sense God’s call to deal with injustice, you want to hide? I mean, after all, Ninevites are not nice people. Unpredictable. Threatening. Scary. Why would anybody want to help them? It was their own fault they were in such a mess! I admit it. I find some homeless people scary. I worry about getting involved in certain peoples situations because I’m afraid where it may lead. I don’t like being ‘not in control’
When it comes to a whole host of dilemmas, from immigration to welfare reform, from helping the poor to housing the homeless, there is a part of my that wants to ignore the issues and pursue different directions.
When things turn out good for your opponents, you get a little sulky. It’s hard to rejoice about others well being, particularly if they are people you don’t particularly like! You would much rather see them brought low and get what you believe they deserve. Jonah thought that ‘The blasting of the Ninevites’ would have made a great fireworks show. Why did they have to go and repent? And why on earth would God show mercy to them?
How easily we forget that we are all in the same boat when it comes to being ‘sinners who fall short of the glory of God’. Were it not for the grace of God, we’d all be lost! Who do we think we are presuming upon who and whom not the grace of God should fall upon. Who made us judge and jury?
As I say… I suspect we all fall victims of Jonah syndrome!
Prayer: Lord, thank goodness You don’t treat us the way we treat each other. Help us to see others as being Your much loved and special children. May that particularly be so with those we find it hard to get along with! May our lives reflect your mercy and our ways reflect your loving kindness. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
In the sermon I reflect on the way Jonah resisted the call of God and remained unimpressed by God’s grace towards the sinners of Ninevah, even when they repented. I suspect there remains in each of us something of ‘The Jonah Syndrome’. Do you recognize any of these Jonah symptoms in yourself?
When you hear of trouble, you say ‘Somebody should do something about that!’ By ‘somebody’ you mean ‘somebody other than yourself’. When you sing the hymn ‘Here I am Lord’ you are actually thinking ‘There they are, Lord”
When you sense God’s call to deal with injustice, you want to hide? I mean, after all, Ninevites are not nice people. Unpredictable. Threatening. Scary. Why would anybody want to help them? It was their own fault they were in such a mess! I admit it. I find some homeless people scary. I worry about getting involved in certain peoples situations because I’m afraid where it may lead. I don’t like being ‘not in control’
When it comes to a whole host of dilemmas, from immigration to welfare reform, from helping the poor to housing the homeless, there is a part of my that wants to ignore the issues and pursue different directions.
When things turn out good for your opponents, you get a little sulky. It’s hard to rejoice about others well being, particularly if they are people you don’t particularly like! You would much rather see them brought low and get what you believe they deserve. Jonah thought that ‘The blasting of the Ninevites’ would have made a great fireworks show. Why did they have to go and repent? And why on earth would God show mercy to them?
How easily we forget that we are all in the same boat when it comes to being ‘sinners who fall short of the glory of God’. Were it not for the grace of God, we’d all be lost! Who do we think we are presuming upon who and whom not the grace of God should fall upon. Who made us judge and jury?
As I say… I suspect we all fall victims of Jonah syndrome!
Prayer: Lord, thank goodness You don’t treat us the way we treat each other. Help us to see others as being Your much loved and special children. May that particularly be so with those we find it hard to get along with! May our lives reflect your mercy and our ways reflect your loving kindness. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Go Forth…
As part of a series reflecting on some of my own experiences I preached this past Sunday about sensing a call to ordained ministry. That sermon can be found here.
One of the Scriptures referenced in the sermon was Genesis 12:1 “Now the Lord said to Abram, Go forth from your country, and from your relatives, and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you”. Consider the following things about Abram’s calling …
Abram left a lot behind. In the kind of patriarchal world in which Abram dwelt leaving the house of your relatives and your father was a radical move. The extended family was his entire support network. Family ties were not the sort of thing you messed with! It is hard to leave that which we love and have grown accustomed to. Yet such is the journey of faith Jesus calls each of us to make. Declaring Him as ‘Lord’ pushes all other relationships (even our closest ones) into the shade.
Abram didn’t have a destination. Some where “I will show you” is not a physical address. He heard God’s call and followed not knowing where the journey would actually take him. The only assurance he has is that because God is leading him, it would turn out to be somewhere good. God never seems to show us the whole map of our lives at one time. All we hear is ‘Follow”.
Abram was obedient. He followed. He sensed God’s call. He, no doubt, had a head full of questions. But he put all of that behind him and moved forward into God’s promises. Our journey of faith is a one step at a time process. We don’t know where it will take us. We don’t need to know. Our motivation can simply be that we know that our God is with us!
Prayer: Lord, You call us to ‘Go forward’. Yet so often we cling to what we know rather than taking those risky steps of faith. Remind us that wherever it is we are called to go, we have the promise that You go with us. We don’t need all the details. What we need is Your love. Amen.
One of the Scriptures referenced in the sermon was Genesis 12:1 “Now the Lord said to Abram, Go forth from your country, and from your relatives, and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you”. Consider the following things about Abram’s calling …
Abram left a lot behind. In the kind of patriarchal world in which Abram dwelt leaving the house of your relatives and your father was a radical move. The extended family was his entire support network. Family ties were not the sort of thing you messed with! It is hard to leave that which we love and have grown accustomed to. Yet such is the journey of faith Jesus calls each of us to make. Declaring Him as ‘Lord’ pushes all other relationships (even our closest ones) into the shade.
Abram didn’t have a destination. Some where “I will show you” is not a physical address. He heard God’s call and followed not knowing where the journey would actually take him. The only assurance he has is that because God is leading him, it would turn out to be somewhere good. God never seems to show us the whole map of our lives at one time. All we hear is ‘Follow”.
Abram was obedient. He followed. He sensed God’s call. He, no doubt, had a head full of questions. But he put all of that behind him and moved forward into God’s promises. Our journey of faith is a one step at a time process. We don’t know where it will take us. We don’t need to know. Our motivation can simply be that we know that our God is with us!
Prayer: Lord, You call us to ‘Go forward’. Yet so often we cling to what we know rather than taking those risky steps of faith. Remind us that wherever it is we are called to go, we have the promise that You go with us. We don’t need all the details. What we need is Your love. Amen.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Called to Be Free
Since moving to my current church a number of questions have been re-occurring. “How did you become a Christian? “ “What made you want to be a minister? “Why did you move from your home in Great Britain to the USA?” To answer those questions I’m preaching a series of sermons (This is my Story, this is my Song) the first of which can be found here.
In the sermon I reflect on a verse from Galatians 5:13; “You were call to be free, but do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature. Rather serve one another in love.” Note from this verse these things about freedom;
Freedom is a Calling. God calls us to come out of lives that are self-seeking, self-satisfied and self motivated and discover that seeking the Kingdom of God is the true path of freedom. This involves us making some hard choices and definite decisions. We choose to listen for God’s direction through scripture. We decide that the pressures of this world will not mould our existence, but rather the prompting of God’s love.
Freedom is not self-indulgence. We have this warped notion that freedom is doing whatever we want to do. In reality following such a path leads to nothing but ingrained habits, addictions and the inability to make realistic choices. Jesus invites us to make His love the center of our being, a love we can know and experience through the Holy Spirit.
We are set free to serve. As we allow ourselves to be inspired by the Holy Spirit our focus shifts from ourselves to others. The two great commandments about “Loving God” and “Loving our neighbor” take on a sharper focus. We find ourselves not only wanting to help make a positive difference in peoples’ lives, but greatly enjoying it!
Prayer: Lord, You call us to freedom. But freedom is not what we always think it is. True freedom can only be found as we surrender to the influence of Your love. Help us to find our center in You. Amen.
In the sermon I reflect on a verse from Galatians 5:13; “You were call to be free, but do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature. Rather serve one another in love.” Note from this verse these things about freedom;
Freedom is a Calling. God calls us to come out of lives that are self-seeking, self-satisfied and self motivated and discover that seeking the Kingdom of God is the true path of freedom. This involves us making some hard choices and definite decisions. We choose to listen for God’s direction through scripture. We decide that the pressures of this world will not mould our existence, but rather the prompting of God’s love.
Freedom is not self-indulgence. We have this warped notion that freedom is doing whatever we want to do. In reality following such a path leads to nothing but ingrained habits, addictions and the inability to make realistic choices. Jesus invites us to make His love the center of our being, a love we can know and experience through the Holy Spirit.
We are set free to serve. As we allow ourselves to be inspired by the Holy Spirit our focus shifts from ourselves to others. The two great commandments about “Loving God” and “Loving our neighbor” take on a sharper focus. We find ourselves not only wanting to help make a positive difference in peoples’ lives, but greatly enjoying it!
Prayer: Lord, You call us to freedom. But freedom is not what we always think it is. True freedom can only be found as we surrender to the influence of Your love. Help us to find our center in You. Amen.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
World Communion Sunday
This past Sunday was ‘World Communion Sunday’ and as we gathered around the World Wide Table we reminded ourselves that our family of faith is much larger than just our local church. The sermon for the day can be found here.
We also received a special Peacemaking offering, indicative of our hope that peace may yet come to our fractured world.
After 2000 years of history, Christianity can be found in many different forms and guises. Though Scripture talks of us as being ‘One Body’ we also sadly have to acknowledge that some of our bones are broken, some of us are ‘out of joint’ with each other and the picture we present to the world is not one of unity.
One of the places that healing can take place is around a shared table. Regretfully, because theologians can’t agree about a mystery, our differing traditions are not always welcoming of ‘outsiders’ to sit with them. But ‘times they are a changing’ and we can but hope and pray that our divisions may yet be healed in order that we can more realistically embody hopes for the peace of all.
So today I lift up the work of all those agencies that are seeking to bring our churches together. We all have so much to learn from other traditions! Our local organization is the Long Island Council of Churches. I’m sure you have similar organizations in your own neighborhood and would encourage you to support them in whatever way you can.
Prayer: Lord we are not a united church. We do not witness well to our world through our divisions. Increase our love for those who are different from us. Break the hardness of hearts that cannot see beyond their own limited perspective. Amen.
We also received a special Peacemaking offering, indicative of our hope that peace may yet come to our fractured world.
After 2000 years of history, Christianity can be found in many different forms and guises. Though Scripture talks of us as being ‘One Body’ we also sadly have to acknowledge that some of our bones are broken, some of us are ‘out of joint’ with each other and the picture we present to the world is not one of unity.
One of the places that healing can take place is around a shared table. Regretfully, because theologians can’t agree about a mystery, our differing traditions are not always welcoming of ‘outsiders’ to sit with them. But ‘times they are a changing’ and we can but hope and pray that our divisions may yet be healed in order that we can more realistically embody hopes for the peace of all.
So today I lift up the work of all those agencies that are seeking to bring our churches together. We all have so much to learn from other traditions! Our local organization is the Long Island Council of Churches. I’m sure you have similar organizations in your own neighborhood and would encourage you to support them in whatever way you can.
Prayer: Lord we are not a united church. We do not witness well to our world through our divisions. Increase our love for those who are different from us. Break the hardness of hearts that cannot see beyond their own limited perspective. Amen.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Lessons from Lazarus
This past Sunday we approached the parable Jesus told in Luke 16:19-31, about the rich man and Lazarus, as a play in 3 Acts. Discover the drama for yourself here.
During our Childrens Time we thought about Paul’s word to his young friend Timothy that ‘’the love of money was the root of all kinds of evil”. It may well pay dividends to reflect further on the wealth issue! We can note the following things:-
Wealth is transitory. The rich man’s wealth is gone in Hades (16:23). Last Sunday we looked at a crooked manager who suddenly faced bleak prospects (16:3). Elsewhere in Luke Jesus tells us of a farmer whose retirement savings goes to others on the night he dies (12:20). The point is clear. Money, possessions, and the good life that they bring with them are temporary in character and in the end completely untrustworthy.
Wealth obscures moral vision. The rich man knows Lazarus by name, but he looks past him day after day. As long as he is wealthy and self-sufficient, he has eyes only for himself and cares nothing for the welfare of others. Our comfortable situations can blind us to those less fortunate.
Wealth creates chasms between people. Wealth can be an impassable barrier that separates people one from another and prohibits meaningful interaction. The rich man’s moral blindness toward Lazarus during his lifetime isolates him from human contact and comfort in his own time of need.
The problem is not in wealth itself, but in the power of money to become an idol that completely controls our lives. Whenever we allow our money… or even our lack of it… to determine our joy, then we are allowing the values of this world, rather than God’s Kingdom, to determine how we live our lives.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be satisfied with what we have and use all that we are to help others discover the joy of Your Kingdom. In this way our lives will truly be rich. Amen.
During our Childrens Time we thought about Paul’s word to his young friend Timothy that ‘’the love of money was the root of all kinds of evil”. It may well pay dividends to reflect further on the wealth issue! We can note the following things:-
Wealth is transitory. The rich man’s wealth is gone in Hades (16:23). Last Sunday we looked at a crooked manager who suddenly faced bleak prospects (16:3). Elsewhere in Luke Jesus tells us of a farmer whose retirement savings goes to others on the night he dies (12:20). The point is clear. Money, possessions, and the good life that they bring with them are temporary in character and in the end completely untrustworthy.
Wealth obscures moral vision. The rich man knows Lazarus by name, but he looks past him day after day. As long as he is wealthy and self-sufficient, he has eyes only for himself and cares nothing for the welfare of others. Our comfortable situations can blind us to those less fortunate.
Wealth creates chasms between people. Wealth can be an impassable barrier that separates people one from another and prohibits meaningful interaction. The rich man’s moral blindness toward Lazarus during his lifetime isolates him from human contact and comfort in his own time of need.
The problem is not in wealth itself, but in the power of money to become an idol that completely controls our lives. Whenever we allow our money… or even our lack of it… to determine our joy, then we are allowing the values of this world, rather than God’s Kingdom, to determine how we live our lives.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be satisfied with what we have and use all that we are to help others discover the joy of Your Kingdom. In this way our lives will truly be rich. Amen.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Tony Malonely
‘Tony Malonley’ is an imaginary character I created this past Sunday to illustrate the parable of the dishonest manager in Luke 16:1-13. You can enjoy the sermon for yourself here.
To set our meditations in a slightly different direction, commentators note that Luke has a number of parables in which people of status are brought low and need help from those in a less fortunate position.
A traveler on the road who is set upon by thieves receives help, not from his Jewish contemporaries, but from a Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37). A son who squanders his inheritance begs to become as one of the hired hands. (Luke 15:11-32). In our parable a manager of dubious character seeks help from his debtors.
Elsewhere scriptures teach us to be modest in our self-apraisal and to ‘Humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord”. Jesus suggests that it is better to be engaged in taking the plank out of our own eye, than seeking to take the speck out of the eye of another.
Greg Carey, Professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary
comments “Perhaps this is why the Lord praises the corrupt manager. The manager's sagacity lies in his ability to discern his own situation. He may be "ashamed to beg" (16:3), but he is prudent enough to recognize when his status has evaporated”
Our traditional denominations no longer occupy the lofty role they once played in society. As we seek to discern our own situations, there is a lesson here for us. The old ways of doing and being just don’t work in todays world. As individuals the same can also apply. It’s not so much about who we were. It is who we are seeking to be in the current moment that will define our future.
Prayer: Lord, we confess our tendency to cling to our status and hold onto that which we know best. Changing days call for changing ways. Help us have humble hearts eager to be directed by Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
To set our meditations in a slightly different direction, commentators note that Luke has a number of parables in which people of status are brought low and need help from those in a less fortunate position.
A traveler on the road who is set upon by thieves receives help, not from his Jewish contemporaries, but from a Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37). A son who squanders his inheritance begs to become as one of the hired hands. (Luke 15:11-32). In our parable a manager of dubious character seeks help from his debtors.
Elsewhere scriptures teach us to be modest in our self-apraisal and to ‘Humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord”. Jesus suggests that it is better to be engaged in taking the plank out of our own eye, than seeking to take the speck out of the eye of another.
Greg Carey, Professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary
comments “Perhaps this is why the Lord praises the corrupt manager. The manager's sagacity lies in his ability to discern his own situation. He may be "ashamed to beg" (16:3), but he is prudent enough to recognize when his status has evaporated”
Our traditional denominations no longer occupy the lofty role they once played in society. As we seek to discern our own situations, there is a lesson here for us. The old ways of doing and being just don’t work in todays world. As individuals the same can also apply. It’s not so much about who we were. It is who we are seeking to be in the current moment that will define our future.
Prayer: Lord, we confess our tendency to cling to our status and hold onto that which we know best. Changing days call for changing ways. Help us have humble hearts eager to be directed by Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Lost without Knowing it
I was traveling down the road, so busy talking to the person sitting in the passenger seat that I failed to notice that there was an intersection. The road I wanted went one way, the way I went was the other way. It was only when we came upon a shopping mall and a set of traffic lights that I realized our error. I had become so preoccupied that I had become ‘lost without knowing it.’
As we reflected on Luke 15: 1-10 and the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin this past Sunday we thought about the dangers involved in being lost! That sermon can be found here.
What are some strategies we can turn to when we feel lost?
Look at a map.
The Scriptures can be a great guide to help us through our problems. As we read of how different bible characters dealt with the issues of their day, we can often find guidance for ourselves. Some of the greatest sayings of Scripture can give a framework in which to find the way. ‘Treat others in the way you would like them to treat you’ ‘Pray for your enemies’, ‘Be Patient’… these little nuggets can help us navigate many moral dilemmas.
Ask Directions.
I know what they say…. real men never ask for directions! Yet Christian doctrine has always insisted that Jesus was a ‘real man’. And He found it very necessary to carve out a place in His life for prayer. So have His disciples across the centuries. When we are feeling lost, we seek God for direction.
Help others.
Becoming involved in a cause outside of ourselves can often bring answers to questions we didn’t even realize we were asking. Seeing things from another persons perspective. Maybe walking a while in their shoes. Such experiences can provide the sort of purpose and meaning that we may be missing in our day to day routines!
Prayer: Lord, when we are feeling lost help us to find our way through Your Holy Spirit being our guide. Guide us as we listen. Guide us as we serve. Guide us as we pray. Guide us through the Scriptures. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen.
As we reflected on Luke 15: 1-10 and the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin this past Sunday we thought about the dangers involved in being lost! That sermon can be found here.
What are some strategies we can turn to when we feel lost?
Look at a map.
The Scriptures can be a great guide to help us through our problems. As we read of how different bible characters dealt with the issues of their day, we can often find guidance for ourselves. Some of the greatest sayings of Scripture can give a framework in which to find the way. ‘Treat others in the way you would like them to treat you’ ‘Pray for your enemies’, ‘Be Patient’… these little nuggets can help us navigate many moral dilemmas.
Ask Directions.
I know what they say…. real men never ask for directions! Yet Christian doctrine has always insisted that Jesus was a ‘real man’. And He found it very necessary to carve out a place in His life for prayer. So have His disciples across the centuries. When we are feeling lost, we seek God for direction.
Help others.
Becoming involved in a cause outside of ourselves can often bring answers to questions we didn’t even realize we were asking. Seeing things from another persons perspective. Maybe walking a while in their shoes. Such experiences can provide the sort of purpose and meaning that we may be missing in our day to day routines!
Prayer: Lord, when we are feeling lost help us to find our way through Your Holy Spirit being our guide. Guide us as we listen. Guide us as we serve. Guide us as we pray. Guide us through the Scriptures. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
The Call and the Cross
As we met around the communion Table this past Sunday we considered the topic of our calling of Jesus to take up our own Cross and follow Him. The text of the sermon can be found here.
In a world were we like to take things easy… why on earth would we willingly take on the kind of commitment that Jesus asks of us?
All is not well with our world. Whilst we enjoy the benefits of freedom, health and bountiful resources, we are the fortunate ones. The same cannot be said for many with whom we share our planet. It seems not simply a religious principle, but a humanitarian one, that we who have much should not rest easy whilst many have so little.
History teaches that progress rarely happens without struggle. The great freedoms we enjoy are not accidental. Laying behind our privileges are the historical acts of those who selflessly pursued higher goals… often to the point of surrendering their own lives. Struggles against slavery, for equal rights for women, for just labor practices… the list goes on and on.
We seek a higher goal. If we dare take the name ‘Christian’ then we intimate that we are taking on the mantle of Christ-like living. We state our belief that His way of doing things is the ‘WAY’, that His life represents what ‘LIFE’ should be, that His truth is the ‘TRUTH’ regarding what really counts for something.
Prayer: Lord, we hear Your call to take up a Cross and follow. We may not want to hear it… but You keep calling. Help us to recognize that You call us to bring positive change to this world we share with so many others less fortunate than ourselves. Amen.
In a world were we like to take things easy… why on earth would we willingly take on the kind of commitment that Jesus asks of us?
All is not well with our world. Whilst we enjoy the benefits of freedom, health and bountiful resources, we are the fortunate ones. The same cannot be said for many with whom we share our planet. It seems not simply a religious principle, but a humanitarian one, that we who have much should not rest easy whilst many have so little.
History teaches that progress rarely happens without struggle. The great freedoms we enjoy are not accidental. Laying behind our privileges are the historical acts of those who selflessly pursued higher goals… often to the point of surrendering their own lives. Struggles against slavery, for equal rights for women, for just labor practices… the list goes on and on.
We seek a higher goal. If we dare take the name ‘Christian’ then we intimate that we are taking on the mantle of Christ-like living. We state our belief that His way of doing things is the ‘WAY’, that His life represents what ‘LIFE’ should be, that His truth is the ‘TRUTH’ regarding what really counts for something.
Prayer: Lord, we hear Your call to take up a Cross and follow. We may not want to hear it… but You keep calling. Help us to recognize that You call us to bring positive change to this world we share with so many others less fortunate than ourselves. Amen.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Calling
Our summer series on “Repeating themes” concluded by looking at the theme of “Calling”. The text of the final sermon can be found here.
Matthew 4:17-22 gives us the account of Jesus calling fishermen as His first disciples, redirecting their fisher skills to be used in service of the Good News.
What skills have you accumulated over the years? We are all different, working in different places, gathering differing skills. Have you ever sat down and thought about what you fill your days with? It can be a valuable thing to take some time out and take a personal skills inventory. It can also be quite surprising!
How can your skills be used to promote good news? Jesus took fisher skills and harnessed them for the work of the Kingdom. Such is a calling He invites us all to embrace… namely using ‘who we are’, for the purpose of extending to others His loving invitation to encounter God. The greatest tool God can use is our willingness to be the people God intends for us to be!
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am Your unique creation, different to any other. You have led my life thus far and equipped me with many skills. Help me to allow You to use who I am to share the message of Your love with others. Amen.
Matthew 4:17-22 gives us the account of Jesus calling fishermen as His first disciples, redirecting their fisher skills to be used in service of the Good News.
What skills have you accumulated over the years? We are all different, working in different places, gathering differing skills. Have you ever sat down and thought about what you fill your days with? It can be a valuable thing to take some time out and take a personal skills inventory. It can also be quite surprising!
How can your skills be used to promote good news? Jesus took fisher skills and harnessed them for the work of the Kingdom. Such is a calling He invites us all to embrace… namely using ‘who we are’, for the purpose of extending to others His loving invitation to encounter God. The greatest tool God can use is our willingness to be the people God intends for us to be!
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am Your unique creation, different to any other. You have led my life thus far and equipped me with many skills. Help me to allow You to use who I am to share the message of Your love with others. Amen.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Living
In Worship this past week we looked at the theme of living. The sermon for the day can be found here. Biblically speaking… what is life? An all to brief survey follows. Life is….
The breath that is God breathed into every soul.
Symbolized by a Tree of life
Saved in Noah.
Restored by Elisha.
The path of blessing for the righteous.
Praised in the Psalms... as God redeems, guides, protects,
... a fountain, a joy, a blessing.
The reward for humility (Proverbs)
In the prophets, a way to pursue.
Become as a 'watered garden'
A covenant of life and well-being.
A river that flows through the temple.
For Jesus...
Something God will take care of. Don't worry.
Something defined by more than life on earth.
For John...
In Christ is life
Whoever believes has eternal life
John 3:16!
Jesus is the Bread of life... to be consumed.
In Acts
Jesus is the author of life.
Repentance leads to life.
In Romans
Seeking brings life
We are saved by His life... to walk in newness of life.
All die in Adam, all live in Christ.
In Corinthians
The Spirit gives life.
Life is at work in us.
Our true life hidden in Christ.
In Titus
We are encouraged to take hold of life
In 1 John
Life is manifest in the love we have for God and each other.
In Revelation
We eat from the Tree of Life
Our names are in the Book of life.
We drink from the Water of life
And the Spirit and Bride say “Come”…
Prayer: Lord Our God we thank You for the gift of life. Teach us this day to embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers to us. As we glimpse Your purposes in our daily lives may we be renewed to serve one another. Amen.
The breath that is God breathed into every soul.
Symbolized by a Tree of life
Saved in Noah.
Restored by Elisha.
The path of blessing for the righteous.
Praised in the Psalms... as God redeems, guides, protects,
... a fountain, a joy, a blessing.
The reward for humility (Proverbs)
In the prophets, a way to pursue.
Become as a 'watered garden'
A covenant of life and well-being.
A river that flows through the temple.
For Jesus...
Something God will take care of. Don't worry.
Something defined by more than life on earth.
For John...
In Christ is life
Whoever believes has eternal life
John 3:16!
Jesus is the Bread of life... to be consumed.
In Acts
Jesus is the author of life.
Repentance leads to life.
In Romans
Seeking brings life
We are saved by His life... to walk in newness of life.
All die in Adam, all live in Christ.
In Corinthians
The Spirit gives life.
Life is at work in us.
Our true life hidden in Christ.
In Titus
We are encouraged to take hold of life
In 1 John
Life is manifest in the love we have for God and each other.
In Revelation
We eat from the Tree of Life
Our names are in the Book of life.
We drink from the Water of life
And the Spirit and Bride say “Come”…
Prayer: Lord Our God we thank You for the gift of life. Teach us this day to embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers to us. As we glimpse Your purposes in our daily lives may we be renewed to serve one another. Amen.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Dying
In our summer worship services we’ve been examining reoccurring themes that weave in and out of the Bible’s 66 books. This past week we looked at the theme of dying. The sermon for the day can be found here.
As Christians we should not be afraid to talk about death. We are mortal and somewhere along the line death will be our destiny. We confess to believing that death is not the end but part of a process that leads us home. On what grounds dare we make such bold assertions?
We first and foremost have the witness of Jesus Christ. It is a pillar of our faith that “He died and He rose again”. The work of Jesus began long before He was born and will continue long after we have gone. He raised Lazarus from the tomb. He spoke about eternal life as a fact. He demonstrated to His disciples both in His resurrection appearances and through His ascension that the boundaries we place upon life do not apply. God raised Him from the dead!
We have the witness of countless saints who across the centuries died in the hope of Christ. The first Christian martyr, Stephen, declared in his dying moments; “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts7: 56). The conviction that this life is not all that there is has led many to stand firm as intimidators threatened to take their lives. They have glimpsed something beyond the boundaries death seeks to contain us within.
We have the witness of Scripture. Paul writes in Romans 6:8 “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.” Spiritual growth involves dying to our self and living for Christ. As we share in His death, so we are promised we will share in His life (both in the now and beyond the now).
Through our faith in Jesus Christ we are given an opportunity to glimpse beyond the barriers of space and time, and invited to believe that “we ain’t seen nothing yet!”
Prayer: Lord, help me to see death as part of Your plan for our lives. Let us not be fearful of its power nor be in dread of its inevitability. Remind us that there is more to life than life on earth. Help us not to live only for alone but live everyday in the light of eternity. Amen.
As Christians we should not be afraid to talk about death. We are mortal and somewhere along the line death will be our destiny. We confess to believing that death is not the end but part of a process that leads us home. On what grounds dare we make such bold assertions?
We first and foremost have the witness of Jesus Christ. It is a pillar of our faith that “He died and He rose again”. The work of Jesus began long before He was born and will continue long after we have gone. He raised Lazarus from the tomb. He spoke about eternal life as a fact. He demonstrated to His disciples both in His resurrection appearances and through His ascension that the boundaries we place upon life do not apply. God raised Him from the dead!
We have the witness of countless saints who across the centuries died in the hope of Christ. The first Christian martyr, Stephen, declared in his dying moments; “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts7: 56). The conviction that this life is not all that there is has led many to stand firm as intimidators threatened to take their lives. They have glimpsed something beyond the boundaries death seeks to contain us within.
We have the witness of Scripture. Paul writes in Romans 6:8 “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.” Spiritual growth involves dying to our self and living for Christ. As we share in His death, so we are promised we will share in His life (both in the now and beyond the now).
Through our faith in Jesus Christ we are given an opportunity to glimpse beyond the barriers of space and time, and invited to believe that “we ain’t seen nothing yet!”
Prayer: Lord, help me to see death as part of Your plan for our lives. Let us not be fearful of its power nor be in dread of its inevitability. Remind us that there is more to life than life on earth. Help us not to live only for alone but live everyday in the light of eternity. Amen.
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