tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10266455122050616722024-02-20T04:02:56.279-05:00The Answer is Yesinteracting with Paradox, Faith, History and culture while being a husband, father, minister, teacher and volunteer.Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-53073300162525709692016-12-10T21:35:00.000-05:002016-12-10T21:35:02.031-05:00The Extraordinary: Genesis 3
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<span>The Extraordinary<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>12/11/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Genesis 3, Luke 1:39-56<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span>There once was a woman named
Hannah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was in a polygamous marriage,
and her rival Penninah, year after year would taunt Hannah for one simple
reason:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Penninah had children, but
Hannah had none”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Year after year after year of
being taunted nearly broke down Hannah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>husband would come to her and
she would cry and he would say, ‘aren’t I worth more than 10 sons’ and she
probably replied back that that wasn’t the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had wanted children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Hannah finds herself in the
Lord’s house one day, weeping bitterly as she prayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put yourself in her shoes, imagine a time
when you wept bitterly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she wept she
made a promise to God:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>if you let me
have a son, I will give him to your service”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>The priest in that time was
an ambivalent man named Eli.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hears
her crying and assumes she is drunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Hannah tells Eli that she has been praying out of her great anguish
and grief, his answer is for her to ‘go in peace, and may God give you whatever
it is that you had asked for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>I assume that God had heard
Hannah’s prayer, rather than the half-hearted blessing of the priest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed, the Lord remembered Hannah, and she
gives birth to a young boy named Samuel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Samuel means “heard by God”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>After the boy is old enough,
he is sent back to work at the temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This time, Hannah prays again:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
heart rejoices in the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>God has heard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>The river of bitter tears
that Hannah prayed did not start with her, but they had come to her from long
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, we can trace tears back to
the Garden of Eden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>The man and his wife heard
the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the
day, and they hid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>If the scene wasn’t so
pathetic, it would be humorous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
voices calling out from behind a tree when God asks where they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it wasn’t funny at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin had entered the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shame and separation were already hard at
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God calls out, “where are you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does he hear?</span></div>
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<span>Fear<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I was afraid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Shame<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
was naked<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Distance<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I
hid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Blame<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The woman you put me here with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Deception<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The serpent deceived me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>The first sin wasn’t eating
the fruit;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it was hearing the
serpent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did God really say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, in fact, yes he had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opening one self to challenge God’s integrity
and word is the beginning of the end of paradise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tragically, we see this in the first
response, when it is incorrectly identified that they cannot touch the fruit,
or else they would die. God is not recorded as having said this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They heard wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>We see our LORD God taking
one of his treasured walks, looking forward to seeing man and women and their
enjoyment of paradise, only to hear something horrible had gone wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We long for paradise to return, so that we might
once again be with God when he comes to walk in the garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But before that great day comes, there is
work to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>God clothes the shame filled
man and woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many read the text that
some sacrifice had to be made in order for the skin of clothes to be
given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Praise be to God, for commanding
the cherubim to guard the way to the tree of life with their flaming swords.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They guard the tree, but also, “the way to
the tree”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At any cost, the man and
woman must not get to that tree of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God drives them out of the garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He has heard enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>The good, the very good, the
garden, the unity of the man and woman, the rivers and the gold and the cool of
the evening, and the tree of life, and all the trees of the garden; all of it
changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:place w:st="on">Paradise</st1:place>
is lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only God has the power to
restore it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>We will start to see the plan
emerge in the coming chapters:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a people
will be made from an old couple past child bearing years, as good as dead
Scripture says, though one who had faith to believe God would do what he
promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that chosen nation the
Messiah was to come. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before he comes,
God would send prophets to keep the people on track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These prophets call the people to stop their
fear and shame, their distance and blame, their self-deception. The prophets will
call the people to face the living God, by grace, by faith, because they had
heard the promise, and because God heard himself swear that promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Samuel is one of these prophets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Hannah sings the faith to her son as she
sends him off to the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>A millennium after Hannah and
Samuel return to dust, two women meet in the hill country of <st1:place w:st="on">Judea</st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are relatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Older <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Elizabeth</st1:place></st1:city>
greets young Mary, and she feels her son jump for joy in her womb when Mary
greets her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Elizabeth</st1:place></st1:city> has felt the power of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessed are you, she tells Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessed is the child you will bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Elizabeth</st1:place></st1:city>
considers the favor of God that has come to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why her? She wonders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then before the answer comes, she
blesses:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Blessed is she who has
believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Elizabeth</st1:place></st1:city>
had heard the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like Mary had
heard the Lord before getting up and going to the Hill country, which must have
been some endeavor with a child growing inside you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But faith sometimes equips us to do things
beyond our strength.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>After greeting her relative,
Mary then sings a song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a new song
with clear roots from a song sung 50 generations before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit
rejoices in God my Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>On this 11<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> day
of December, in the year 2016, we continue to look to these two amazing women
who heard God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They inspire us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story of the Garden has affected all of us.
It is literally in our dna, in our bodies, in our souls. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God has heard the human plight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has set up the answer, and prepared <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Elizabeth</st1:place></st1:city> and Mary to be
a special part of that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span>Mary’s song ends with a
reference to God’s help to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>;
that God remembered to be merciful, just as he had promised Mary’s ancestors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Did you hear that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-31309257159227002632016-12-02T15:38:00.001-05:002016-12-10T21:32:48.230-05:00The Extraordinary: Genesis 2
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<span>The Extraordinary<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>12/4/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Genesis 2, Luke 1:26-38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Today we encounter an
extraordinary vision of God’s intent for humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also hear of the angel Gabriel’s call to
Mary, announcing God’s will for her, one of blessing and importance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>We consider God’s intent for
humanity on this second Sunday of Advent, December 4<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>, 2016.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are gearing up for Christmas, and all that
it has come to represent in modern American society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emotions of grief and loss are heightened,
concerns about relatives and where to celebrate holidays can cause anxiety,
decisions about gifts, and who to get them for take people off track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schedules fill up, and pressures related to
the end of the calendar year add to everything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this really the most wonderful time of the
year?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span>It can be, to the extent that
we welcome Jesus Christ into our hearts and understand ourselves as God
intends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does Genesis 2 awaken us to
God’s will for humanity?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>It can be hard to consider a
world before sin, yet this is the report given in Genesis 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture proclaims that it was good, yes,
very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had created paradise, and
placed man there to eat and live and experience the goodness of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s intent was for humanity to live in
paradise, forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Perhaps to our astonishment,
paradise did not mean sitting around being lazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The purpose of paradise was not to be working
on your tan, sipping ice teas, waiting for someone to bring your favorite foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s intent was for humanity to work the
garden, and take care of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
implants a sense of purpose, and the goodness of doing God’s work within
man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>God’s intent includes freedom
for humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God speaks that man is
free to eat of any tree in the garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This includes the tree of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It seems that Humanity could go and eat of this tree, and experience its
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s intent is for humanity to
know and live freely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>God’s intent for humanity
also includes responsibility and accountability in decision making.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God warns not to eat of the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hebrew
word for ‘know’ is a term of intimacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eating of this tree would make its eater intimate with good, but also
intimate with evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this intimacy
would bring death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is perhaps the
most universal of verses in Scripture:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>all of us have known good and evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>God’s intent is for man to be
helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were not meant to be
alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were created for
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is true of our
relationship with God, and one another, as well as the intimate relationship of
husband and wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>God’s intent for humanity to
rule over the animals is given before the fall into sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s intent for the animals of creation is
that they will have provision and care from man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam names the animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The implication is that he becomes familiar
with their patterns, studying them and applying appropriate name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see here the power of the name, and its
potential to shape us and direct our ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Without the knowledge of good
and evil, man and woman knew no shame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In one of the websites provided in the bulletin, guilt is defined as what
is experienced as the result of a broken law, where as shame is the consequence
we feel when we face one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
garden, humans were able to face each other, and this is God’s intent for
humanity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Next week we come to the part
of the story where the knowledge of good and evil comes upon the creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today is that reminder that God’s intent
for the creation is life giving, delightful, and amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were created for relationship with God,
and God’s breath of life within us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Today’s reading from the
gospel of Luke reminds us that God also has intent in a fallen world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know good, evil, and shame have come to
us, but God’s plan was to restore humanity to his intent. This would be
accomplished by the perfect human living shamelessly, living perfectly and being
atonement for the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This intent is
seen in the second person of the Godhead, Jesus Christ, becoming fully
human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a miracle from the
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Mary teaches us that God
values humility and trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She offers
herself to God’s service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will bear
the son who is great, the Son of the Most High, the Son of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is Jesus Christ, who in
his first advent accomplishes salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is in his second Advent that he will bring us to paradise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the grace of God, we will one day
experience God’s good intent in its fullness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though, as Mary knows, it did not come without a cost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-34360721592916327802016-12-02T15:37:00.000-05:002016-12-02T15:37:00.112-05:00The Extraordinary: Genesis 1
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The Extraordinary</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>11/27/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Genesis 1</span></b><span>,
Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 117<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Last week, on Christ the King
Sunday, we introduced our multi-year journey throughout the Bible entitled <u>The
Extraordinary</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started at the end
of Scripture, which shows a delightful picture of Jesus Christ ruling over the
new heavens and new earth as King of kings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is the direction that history moves toward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span>Today, on the 1<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup>
Sunday of Advent, November 27<sup>th</sup> 2016, we begin in Genesis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span>The Extraordinary story of
Scripture starts out with the Creation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>narrative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all know this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, many know this because people
have brought our human dysfunction to this marvelous beginning story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as we set out, I want to identify three
attitudes that we do not have to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we find ourselves having one of these attitudes, we should discard it as
quickly as possible, in order to encounter the Extraordinary God who predates
the beginning of all we know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
then remind ourselves the best way to read this story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>The first dysfunction is
every expression of attacking the Creation story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This shows itself in a variety of ways:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the great lengths people go to try to
disprove something, in uglier moments the mocking and name calling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opposite dysfunction is the need to
defend the Creation story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God doesn’t
need defending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He speaks the truth, and
the truth stands on its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Third, and
this is especially difficult in the internet age, the dysfunction of having to
know it all right now, every last detail and possible meaning, immediately, so
that we can decide if we believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
doesn’t work on those terms. Genesis 1 is about the claim that God is the
Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not have to perform an
exhaustive search of humankind’s historical understanding of the created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have enough time, nor the brain capacity
to take it all in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Genesis 1 isn’t a
final exam, it is an extraordinary introduction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The best way to approach the
beginning of this extraordinary story is simple:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen and obey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That really is our call as believers:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to listen to the Lord, and do his will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we do this, we don’t have to approach this
text with embarrassment, or a sense of fixing someone who doesn’t believe, or
attempting to understand everything before we believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to listen to what God says, and then
obey him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>But since we’ve already read
the text, and we probably felt an inner impulse to either attack it, defend it
or master it, let’s use a historic and scientific tool that is helpful for
finding out the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s call upon
our friend, the Scientific Method. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is a process used by learners in experiment to test observations and answer
questions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>If you need a refresher, the
basic scientific method is this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>Purpose<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Why are you doing this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What question do you have?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Hypothesis<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think will happen?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Materials<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>What did you use?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span></span><br />
<span>Procedure<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>What did you do?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Results<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>What did you see?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Conclusions<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What did you learn?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>What I am about to say, I say with great reverence and respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s put what we know of the Lord in Genesis
1 through the Scientific method.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
will we find?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Purpose:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is
God doing this creating work?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We aren’t given enough
information in Genesis 1 to know why God created the heavens and the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, other places in Scripture tell us why,
but not here, not yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We simply learn
that at the beginning of all that we have come to sense, there God existed, and
that he created.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Hypothesis:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What did God think would happen when he created?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Again, other Scriptures
inform us more than our morning text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But we could say that God’s intent was that creation would be good, and
when he saw it, he declared it good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Materials:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What did God use to make the creation?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Two things:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his power, and his word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>One of my favorite
theological sayings was written by a Pastor named G. Campbell Morgan, who,
writing about Genesis 1:3 said:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God
spoke to nothing, and it listened”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
a wonderful thought, that God is all powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He could have spoken the cosmos into being in a nanosecond without any
effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He might have taken 7 days, with
24 hour periods, to do such matters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
might have taken 4 billion years, or 400 billion years, because God is
timeless, and not threatened or bound by time (He is the only one for whom it
literally is true:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has all the time
in the world). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point is, God is
powerful enough to do these things, his way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>And to show that power, his
wonderful majestic power on display, he spoke, “And God said”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s word was, and is, powerful and
sufficient. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Procedure<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>What
did God do?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>He provided a litany of
magnificence!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>On the first day, He created
Light and Darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>On the second day, he created
sky to separate waters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>On the third day, he created
land, sea and vegetation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>On the fourth day, he created
the sun and the moon and stars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>On the fifth day, he created
creatures of the sea and the birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
blessed them and told them to multiply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>On the sixth day, he created
living creatures according to their kind, and humans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave humans, made in God’s image, their
orders for successful life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>On the seventh day, God
rested, and made the day of rest holy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Results<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>What
did God see?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>God saw what he created, “it
was good”, until he looked at the 6<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> day of work, which was “very
good”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>I find this magnificent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of all the things we can learn about God, the
start of this story emphasizes that his work is good, yes, very good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Conclusions<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
did God learn?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Now, the Presbyterian in me
is a little nervous, for God in his timelessness isn’t described as learning
new things as history unfolds, but, we could say,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>That God’s intent is proven
by his works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And God reserves a day in
the week to be holy, and to rest from work, however good that work may be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>We will be journeying through
the Extraordinary through the different seasons of life, and different seasons
of church calendar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Advent, the
story of the angel visiting Zechariah and Elizabeth is telling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It speaks to God’s intent and God’s good
work.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>John and Elizabeth had wanted
a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when the time is right,
which by the way, was very different than the natural order of things, God
sends the angel to tell this good news to John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>John doesn’t believe, and therefore, he loses his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The easiest path would have been for
Zechariah to listen, and obey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>My prayer for the church is
to believe in the God who creates, the one we meet in Genesis 1, right at the
beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the beginning, God created
the heavens and the earth. May we not lose our voice because we don’t believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the creation story reveals the
Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe in God the Father
Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>One more time, let’s review
the three dysfunctions identified earlier:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If the primary way you read Scripture is as a skeptic, you are invited
into a new and better way:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the life of
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith and truth are friends, not
enemies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As someone with a question, or
something that you want to find out, your job is to use the right materials to
observe the experiment occur as it was intended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>If the primary way you read
Scripture is to prove it to someone else, you can be at rest, and live a life
of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ is the
Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our life is about celebrating
Advent, both past and future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>If you have to know, here is
something to know:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only God knows it
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><br />
Finally, to all of us:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>may we keep it simple:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes to God, listen and obey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For here is a wonderful thought for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">If we are to be godly (that
is, like God), then what is the first thing that we read of in this
extraordinary story to be like God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
answer is to Create.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not called
to be God (impossible), but to be godly, and if we listen to God, and obey God,
we will be creative forces in his world on behalf of all the creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be ambassadors of peace and goodness,
righteousness and mercy, grace and truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even our rest becomes a witness that God alone is able to save by his
power and his word.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-74225686593273931252016-12-02T15:33:00.003-05:002016-12-02T15:33:48.082-05:00The Extraordinary: Jesus Christ as King of kings
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Extraordinary<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>11/20/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Revelation 22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Our story starts out in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Trenton</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">NJ</st1:state></st1:place>,
in a conference room for the Division of Child Protection and Permanency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two possible tracks are created for every
child that enters the foster care system:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>re-unification or adoption.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Having been involved in the
system as a Foster Parent, these two tracks are intriguing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Re-unification means that children who have
been taken out of their home will be reunited with their parents after the
parents satisfy the state’s requirements for children to return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adoption is the creation of a new permanent
family (often nicknamed ‘the forever family’) when the state formally
terminates the rights and responsibilities of biological parents, and then
rules that those rights and responsibilities are given to adoptive
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In adoption, the child becomes
a full forever member of the family into which he or she is adopted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In creating these two tracks,
the state was on to something big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hidden in the government’s layered complexity of process, definition, legal
ramifications, and broken, difficult family dynamics is an extraordinary
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children can be reunified with
the family that they were born into, or for some, they can enter a more hopeful
story by being adopted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Simply put, this is the same
story that Scripture tells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture
includes the story of two redemptive tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both lead to the same Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Hebrew Scripture tells the
story of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
with whom God makes a covenant and wills to bless the world through his chosen
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hebrew Scripture (what
Christians also call the Old Covenant, or Old Testament) tells us of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s
wanderings, faithlessness and rejection of the LORD.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The New Testament, after
announcing Jesus Christ as <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s
Messiah by his atoning work, proceeds to tell the story of new family members
being added to the Covenant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Gentiles, that is, the nations previously outside of God’s covenant, are
allowed to enter relationship with the True and Living God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do so by being adopted into the family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Extraordinary news!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em>Now I need to take one step
back and clarify something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All children
that enter the foster care system do so because of some level of breakdown in
family life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parents have done
something to involve the state’s entry into the conversation of what is best
for the child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where the
metaphor breaks down for our sermon series. God the Heavenly Father, and
Creator of heaven and earth, is not the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are.</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In fact, humans have brought
so much dysfunction to the story that it wouldn’t have surprised anyone if no
Scripture had been written at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
God had just washed his hands of humanity, no one could have accused him of
injustice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Extraordinary story is
that God makes covenant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He chooses the
people <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>
to be his people in this world, and the people by whom the Messiah will
come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And after he comes, there is still
more extraordinary:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the nations are
invited in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In the coming weeks and
years, we are going to become familiar with this extraordinary story of the
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to revisit stories
that are more popular, or at least recognized within popular culture, as well
as stories that we are less familiar with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But all along, we are going to encounter an Extraordinary God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In case you are wondering:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The definition for extraordinary from the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Oxford</st1:place></st1:city> dictionary is…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>very unusual or remarkable, unusually great<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The word is a late middle
English word, from the Latin extraordinarious, or extra ordinem, which meant
outside the normal course of events.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p></o:p></span><span>That God intervenes in human
history is extraordinary, literally outside the normal course of human events.
That God redeems is extraordinary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
that God will right the world with his son Jesus Christ as King of kings is
extraordinary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Today, we start our journey
by looking at the end of the extraordinary story of the Bible:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revelation 22.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do so on Christ the King Sunday, November
20<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>, 2016. We do so on this last Sunday of the Church Calendar
year, before our journey of Advent, which announces the new church calendar
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this year, Thanksgiving is in
between the end and the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
a special season of God’s goodness!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Do any of you read the final
page of a novel before you sit down to read a story?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve heard it done, though if reading a
novel, I don’t want to know if the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Butler</st1:place></st1:city>
did it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, that is kind of the point
of reading the book in the first place:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>to find out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Turning to the end of the
biblical story is always a helpful practice for Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can not grow tired of the good future that
the Lord has promised his people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
one who has this hope purifies themselves” (I John 3:3).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Today, we remind ourselves
that there is but One King:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Today, we remind ourselves
that this King’s intent for creation and for humanity is good, gracious and
life-giving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Today, we remind ourselves
that however far we feel from the certain reality that Jesus Christ is the King
of kings and the Lord of lords, we can turn to him and find the righteousness
of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--no matter how much we have sinned<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--no matter how far we have gotten off course<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--no matter what systems threaten us or neighborhood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--no matter what little decisions we’ve made along the way<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>that
over time have distanced us from our Maker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--no matter what anxiety robs us from God’s life for us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--no matter what apathy we have fostered<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--no matter what prosperity has divided our focus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--no matter what idol we have falsely served<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--no matter what disease or difficulty has entered us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--no matter what work of the evil one has made its way into<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>our
lives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--no matter what<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>No matter what, the
Extraordinary is before us today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>“Come!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the one who is thirsty come, and let the
one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life” (Rev. 22:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Revelation 22 speaks a
picture of eternal life that is good and pleasing, and fulfills human life with
its goodness and justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the
way of life offered with Jesus Christ as King.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>“They shall see his face” (vs
4).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Revelation 22 reminds its readers
not to put anything in the place of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Don’t do that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worship God” the
angel warns John (vs 9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ
the King should be first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the
only appropriate order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Revelation 22 warns us
against adding to, or taking from what the Lord has spoken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s word alone speaks to us the salvation
that we need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span></span><br />
<span>Revelation 22 tells us the
King is coming soon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His servants
welcome that word:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen, Come, Lord
Jesus (vs 20)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Revelation 22 ends with a
blessing, a benediction:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The grace of
the Lord Jesus be with God’s people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">We will need God’s grace for
our journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But make no mistake:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s story is Extraordinary!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-39461620974864353202016-09-30T16:38:00.000-04:002016-09-30T16:38:01.472-04:00Intepreting Scripture: Every Language
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>EVERY LANGUAGE<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>10/2/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>John 19:19-22, Revelation 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>I have been involved in a
series of meetings alongside our Presbytery’s Urban Mission Group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After several meetings, we have come to the
conclusion that the very word for which we gather is an elusive word;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>urban.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is amazing how many rabbit trails you can go down when there is no
collectively agreed upon definition of a word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And before we place too much blame upon these Presbyterians, a simple
google search of the word urban shows how little agreed upon definition there
is midst the scholarly world, and even the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> government in their
census endeavors.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Today’s theme is about
language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be providing ourselves
keys this fall for Intepreting Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So far, we have looked at how Scripture defines itself, and last week,
the genres (literary types) of the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today we consider languages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Let me be clear that I am no
linguist, but the little I know, as I set out on my journey of research, only
led to a wide world where I am but a stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the more I discovered, and was excited by, this led to ten more
questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So today, I want to keep this
really simple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Identify the 3
languages that Scripture was originally written<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Talk about how
today’s passages in worship speak to language<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The three languages that the
Bible was originally written in are Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those with strong Roman Catholic
backgrounds, you might have thought that Latin was the third answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up until Vatican II, the language of mass was
Latin, and hundreds of years ago, Jerome translated the Bible into the Vulgate,
that is Latin Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But no biblical
book was originally penned in Latin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Most of what we call the “Old
Testament” or Hebrew Scripture, was written in Hebrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the language of Jacob, renamed <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>,
and his descendants. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This language is
under a larger family umbrella called Semitic languages, all of whom are born
in the <st1:place w:st="on">Middle East</st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Scholars readily agree that
great care was taken by the scribes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was proven historically by the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were a 1000
years older than the previously oldest Hebrew documents that we had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The differences between the two collections
were minimal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>From historian Scott Manning,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Process Used by Jewish Scribes for
Copying Scrolls <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>They could only use clean animal skins, both to write
on, and even to bind manuscripts.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Each column of writing could have no less than
forty-eight, and no more than sixty lines.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>The ink must be black, and of a special recipe.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>They must verbalize each word aloud while they were
writing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>They must wipe the pen and wash their entire bodies
before writing the word “Jehovah,” every time they wrote it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>There must be a review within thirty days, and if as
many as three pages required corrections, the entire manuscript had to be
redone.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>The letters, words, and paragraphs had to be counted,
and the document became invalid if two letters touched each other. The middle
paragraph, word and letter must correspond to those of the original document.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>The documents could be stored only in sacred places
(synagogues, etc).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>As no document containing God’s Word could be
destroyed, they were stored, or buried, in a genizah – a Hebrew term meaning
“hiding place.” These were usually kept in a synagogue or sometimes in a Jewish
cemetery.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>This content was taken from <a href="http://www.scottmanning.com/content/process-of-copying-the-old-testament-by-jewish-scribes/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.scottmanning.com/content/process-of-copying-the-old-testament-by-jewish-scribes/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>Aramaic has a long history (it is older than Hebrew),
but weaves in and out of the story of the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, there is an Aramaic word for
Covenant used in Genesis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aramaic was
the language of political treaty’s in the ancient world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half of the Book of Daniel and 2 chapters of
Ezra are in Aramaic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the time of
Christ, Aramaic becomes the conversational language of the people, with Hebrew preserved
for religious purposes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the New
Testament, Jesus is often quoted speaking Aramaic, such as Eli, Eli, lema
Sabachthani.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus spoke at least, Hebrew,
Aramaic and Greek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Paul knew these
three, as well as Latin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>Greek has a long history of influence, affecting
languages from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Ireland</st1:country-region> to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pakistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the earlier forms of Greek, Attic, was
called in one book I read, “the most expressive medium ever developed for human
thought”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the conquests of
Alexander, some 300 years before Christ, Greek becomes the dominant language in
the world, used across nations and cultures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This form of Greek is called “Koine” or common Greek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is what the New Testament was written
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point of Koine Greek was to get
the message out to as many people as possible as quickly as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>I want to provide 2 brief thoughts:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When reading
the Old Testament, stop and read what the Hebrew names for people and places
mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are always helpful to the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most translations will include their meanings
at the bottom of pages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hebrew
and Greek languages provide a perfect complement to what our Faith should
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hebrew language reminds us of
the care and devotion and attention to detail that should be in our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Greek language reminds us of the
urgency of this gospel message for the world and all people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we have two languages that make up all but
less than 10 chapters of Scripture:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one
that had little change over a 1000 year period, and one that announced good
news of great joy for all the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
our lives, there is the important work of preservation, and the important work
of proclamation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>Today, we weave three passages that are interesting
because of how they use language and voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>The Gospel passage reminds us of the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> power</b> of language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was executed by the <st1:place w:st="on">Roman
Empire</st1:place> as an enemy of the state. The cross was the technique
commonly used for execution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And on this
cross, Pilate has the phrase printed “Jesus, King of the Jews”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was not done unintentionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, the message is written in Aramaic for
the nation <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>:
here is what we have done to your king.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Second, the message is written in the language of the Empire,
Latin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Third, the message is written in
Koine Greek, whose influence extended geographically further, and still the
most common language of Jesus time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>There was power in the language that Pilate used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He chose his words carefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gospel message challenges Pilate’s
intent. This death had redemption, and this King was a lion who was also a lamb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truly this was the Son of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>Psalm 109 teaches us the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">practice</b> of language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
this song, both the wicked and the righteous use language for their
purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wicked open their mouths,
and concerning results occur:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>Lying tongues (vs 2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>words of hatred <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(vs 3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>accusation (vs 4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>cursing (vs 17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>no pleasure in blessing (vs 17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>The righteous practice language in a different way:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>“With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord” (vs 30).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>Let us keep in mind the words spoken by James, “With
our mouths we praise our Lord and Father, and curse human beings, who have been
made in God’s likeness…My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (3:9-10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>In Revelation was see the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> purpose</b> of language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
this picture of the heavenly throne, how are voice and language used?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see the Angel inquire of the creation
regarding someone worthy to approach God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Lamb, that Lion of Judah takes and opens the scroll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 living creatures and twenty four elders
gathered around God’s throne break into song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then ten thousand angels squared circle the creatures and elders, giving
their praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, every creature in
heaven, earth and under earth praise God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>Voice asks a question<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>“The angel proclaimed in a loud voice, “who is worthy to
break the seals and open the scroll?” (5:2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>Voice sings a new song:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>“And they sang a new song:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are worthy to take the scroll and to open
its seals, because you were slain and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have made them to be a kingdom and
priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” (5:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>Voice comes from many:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels,
numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand” (5:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>There is volume in voice:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>“In a loud voice they were saying” (5:12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span>God’s intent for language is that every language of
the earth give praise to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None are
to avoid the honor of blessing God’s name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is why Jesus died on that cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was King of the Jews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He
is King of kings and Lord of lords.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">And this title for Jesus Christ, brothers and sisters,
are the best words that our mouths can speak.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-62340030006813656392016-09-09T14:53:00.003-04:002016-09-09T14:53:37.769-04:00How Did We Get Here? Truth in an Uncertain World
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>There are 51 references in
the Gospel of John to the word “Truth”. At the start of today's sermon, here are several of them to hear.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Word became flesh and
made his dwelling among us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have seen
his glory, the glory of the one and only son, who came from the Father, full of
grace and truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the law was given
through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1:14, 17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span></span><br />
<span>Whoever lives by the truth
comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done
has been done in the sight of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3:21<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>God is Spirit, and his
worshippers must worship in Spirit and in truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4:24<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>I tell you the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–multiple references<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>If you hold to my teaching,
you are really my disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then you
will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–8:32<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>I am the way, the truth, and
the life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one comes to the Father
except through me<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--14:6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>When the Spirit of truth
comes, he will guide you into all the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>–16:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Sanctify them by the truth;
your word is truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–17:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Jesus answered Pilate; In
fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the
truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone on the side of truth
listens to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>---18:37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>“What is truth?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>retorted Pilate<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--18:38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Truth in an Uncertain World<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>9/11/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Acts 17:10-34, John passages<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Passages of time always
strike people differently, but it amazes me that it has been 15 years since the
attacks in <st1:city w:st="on">New York</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Washington</st1:state>
and the skies of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pennsylvania</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can be in high school and your whole life
has been lived in a post-9/11 society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>As we look back, two
distinctive ideas have occurred:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>people
throughout the world felt connected, even brought close by that day, and at the
same time, terror, conflict, war, death have separated people and nations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Fracture in the world is one
of the consistencies of the post-modern world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We live in a world that experiences philosophical and epistemological
crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Epistemological is a fancy word
for “how we know”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a sense in
which this has always been true, for it was Pilate who 1980 years ago scoffed
at Jesus Christ, “What is truth?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it
continues to ring true today, and in our world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The more we know, the more
questions we have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And our questions are
born out of crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What should we know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the questions that come from a
fractured world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>It was into this world that
Jesus came, and his Spirit placed within our hearts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can know truth, because Jesus Christ is
truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the answer to our deepest
questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Part of the fracture that has
occurred in part because of our access to unattainable amounts of knowledge and
opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Google searches reveal a
million sites of opportunity in a second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What are we to do with that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
response has been that for humans, it is easy to deconstruct; that is to use
questions to tear down, to challenge in unhealthy ways if there is any
knowledge or truth in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find
this true in my life:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can be just like
anyone in a chat room or blog and tell you what is wrong with the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The challenge is to use knowledge in a way
that builds something, not simply bringing accusation and deconstruction to the
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If truth exists, then it is by
definition, helpful and good for people, all people, regardless of time and
geography and age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>As we contemplate the John
passages where Jesus mentions truth, what should truth do for the Christian?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Truth should equip us for
life and living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth is an enduring
reality, and able to shape us for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth
isn’t simply something to talk about in playful manner (as the Athenians did in
the Acts story).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth is meant to shape
our lives, and all the living we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Truth and grace are woven
together in the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to be
people of truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christians should
announce the truth of Jesus Christ, challenge falsehood, live truthfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we shouldn’t deceive ourselves that we
are never wrong about anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
was full of truth and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, in our
efforts to lift up Jesus Christ as the truth, should also model and experience
grace too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Truth is something we can
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can know him, and knowing him should open
the door to knowing what is true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Truth liberates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“the truth shall set you free…when the Son
sets you free you shall be free indeed”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We must take great care when we come together as a congregation to be
people of truth, to tell the truth, to find the truth, and to build our story
not on what isn’t true, but what is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we construct congregational life on what isn’t true, then there isn’t a reason
for us to exist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em>Paul Tells the Truth</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Areopagus was the highest
court in Ancient Greece, with honored citizens who had to go through nine
levels of testing to be on the council.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The court pre-dates democracy in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and the council could
summon any person to punish serious crimes, (I found interesting that idleness
was among the serious crimes listed).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because this outsider Paul stirred up the crowds in the marketplace, and
challenged the establish idols of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Athens</st1:place></st1:city>,
he is brought before the court.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>This story models how we are
to act as messengers of God’s truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First off, we meet the Bereans, who are described as noble in character
because they search the Scriptures when Paul proclaims the message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did not blindly follow, but used their
minds, considered their sources and history, and engaged with what he
taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They used Scripture as the
foundation of what they were listening to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Paul went to the marketplaces
to debate and proclaim his message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is a good reminder to us, to interact with people in our workplaces, in our
shopping, our walking down the street:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>these are the places where truth likes to travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Paul spoke the truth when he
was asked to testify.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He brought his
best, his logic and reason and message, based on his understanding of Athenian
society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did not avoid the difficult
topics of idolatry, resurrection and judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Paul remained open to how God
wanted to use him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Areopagus invited
him back to hear more from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul was
available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message of truth will
stand on its own merit, and a number of people were transformed because Paul
spoke the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>Today, we conclude our summer
sermon series called “How Did We Get Here?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have attempted to consider the state of the Church throughout the
world, and how it has experienced Scriptural Values modeled throughout Western
Civilization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to close our series
by briefly reviewing values and warnings that we’ve highlighted, and a one
sentence explanation of why they are important to the church today.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>From Oral History, we learned
that The human story has always been about more than survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>This is true of our faith in
Christ, and equally important for congregations to know, understand and
practice:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>if we are serving God, we have
more important things to concern ourselves with than survival.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>From Greek history, we
learned about wisdom together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
Christian faith relies on the wisdom of brothers and sisters, and our
congregations are gatherings of people who should be wisdom for each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>From Roman History, we
learned about seeking values which endure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>It was during the time of the
<st1:place w:st="on">Roman Empire</st1:place> that Jesus Christ was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to announce his good news amidst the
empires of this world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Medieval world stressed
the importance of community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
created for community, with God and neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We should always be seeking to nurture community with God and neighbor,
and congregations are to be leaders in modeling community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Renaissance invited
people to behold beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We serve the
God of all glory and majesty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christians
should lift up that which is beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Reformation was an age of
correction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People of faith should
always be open to being corrected, for repentance leads to salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Churches must be on the forefront of being
communities of grace and truth where correction is received.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The era of nation building
helped define the roles of authorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are to respect authorities while staying on message that all
authority is given by God, and will answer to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Enlightenment emphasized
progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we always want to
improve, Jesus Christ, and not the idea of progress, is our ultimate
focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can remember that one
definition of progress is the parade route of a Sovereign throughout his or her
realm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is to be announced to the
masses as human history sees his presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The age of industrialization
brought mass production, but our job is not to get more, but rather, take care
(be a steward) of what we have been given.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Today, truth exists, even in
an uncertain world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is the truth,
and Christians have the responsibility to make truth claims to the world on
behalf of our God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>If we consider the final
saying from the John readings, Jesus told Pilate that he was the truth and that
everyone with Christ will side with truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pilates response was to scoff “What is truth?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span></span><br />
<span>As we go out into an uncertain world, who are you more like, Pilate, with your
philosophical scoffing of the existence of truth, or your Lord, whom you are
called to become like?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jesus is the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the truth, all the truth, needed for an
uncertain world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As ambassadors, the
most lasting thing we can do is point people to Jesus Christ.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-20181613135637758992016-09-06T13:06:00.000-04:002016-09-06T13:06:30.346-04:00How Did We Get Here? Stewardship
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Taking Care<span style="mso-tab-count: 8;"> </span>9/4/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Psalm 105, I Corinthians
1:1-9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>How did we get here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been considering the state of the 21<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup>
century church through the lens of history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve lifted up some stories from Western Civilization where biblical
values were expressed:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>meaning to human
existence, wisdom, enduring work and values, being created for community,
beauty, correction, authority and progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today, we turn to 19<sup>th</sup> Century <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Great Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region> for a look at how
industrialization changed the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>For our purposes, I am
suggesting that Industrialization provides a warning to the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the church is the steward of God’s
message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to be stewards of every
expression of the gift of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately,
the church, and our individual lives are to be care takers of God’s story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s story is so important that we are to
help announce it, model it, proclaim it, even challenge systems that ignore it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our focus should not be on our story, but on
God’s story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Industrialization is a movement
from agriculture to Industry as the basis for economy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an era that was born out of an era
where farming had become more efficient, and there was more opportunity to
pursue other types of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The era, started
in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Great Britain</st1:country-region>, but
quickly spreading throughout Europe, and blossoming in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place>, brought great
wealth, but with a cost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Great Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>, industry was able to
take off because of certain economic changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These changes lead to growth in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>: for example from 1780-1880
there was at least 2-3% economic growth per year. That is every year for a 100
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sustained growth happened in
part because of some of the simply amazing technological advancements, as well
as the introduction of the railroad and steamboat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to simplify the era, industrialization
can be described in this sentence:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring
workers to the machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In the Industrial Age, the
factory is born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Factories are closely
built to natural resources of water and coal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>With 20/20 hindsight, the
results have not been kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great wealth
was created, but at great cost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>Consider some of the negative effects:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*many factories were truly awful
working conditions, with dehumanizing and slave like labor in stifling heat and
windowless buildings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Pollution<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*architecture and town design
was mass produced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Houses and towns were
constructed the same way factories were, expediently and uniformly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a complete lack of diversity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may have seen pictures of row houses in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Great Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>street after street of the same looking
houses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Nutrition and health (infant
mortality rate approached 20% in the 1850’s, and there were chronicled height
decreases among the working class)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*the growth of wealth was
accompanied by the decline of the church tithe (33% was to be given to the work
for the poor).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result is that more
needs become state sponsored.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Increase in disparity of
wealth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Education and voting rights
were kept at bay for the large percentages of working poor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>There is a final significant
harm to the world:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Industrialization and
nationalism become connected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This era
of economic growth hastened a competition among the nations regarding, trade,
taxes and raising tariffs to keep foreign goods out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result is that many nations look inward
and not outward. This nationalism particularly shows itself in world war in the
first half of the 20<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we look back, Industrialization acts as a bridge between the
Enlightenment philosophy of progress and 20<sup>th</sup> century war (with its
technological advancements)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We acknowledge that many of
our brothers and sisters throughout history spent much of their life in very
difficult working conditions, with a disconnect of enjoyment, pleasure and
participation in what they were working for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were care takers of their factories mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this mission became oppressive, and
dehumanized many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Christianity is a different
way:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we should work, and work hard,
and sometimes people might have to work hard at jobs they don’t particularly
like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christians do not have to fall
prey to the folly of “more”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christians
are commanded to keep themselves and their identity rooted in the Lord, and
their first job is being care takers of God’s concerns, God’s story in the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is always our first job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Scripture speaks in other
places to the health that comes from putting God first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said to seek first the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>, and the other things will be added
unto you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We find purpose when we find
God’s will, and there is a tremendous liberty and life shaping aspect of
following God’s will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We are stewards, which is a
word for care takers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to take
care of God’s desire for the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
represent a story bigger than our individual stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Psalm 105 shares that we take
on the story of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--We are to be people who
praise the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--we model strength when we
look to the Lord<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--we remember God’s saving
work for his people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--we remember his promises to
patriarchs of the faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--we watch God fulfill his
promises<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--we see judgments and
pronouncements, we see grace and mercy displayed to the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see life, and death and resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--we testify to God’s
provision and his saving works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The forces of
Industrialization still attempt to speak to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wealth produced leads to a desire for more wealth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is easy to conclude we can compromise
spiritual health, physical health, the care needed for the daily living of
life, the attention required for details, and encounters, each word, specific actions,
every person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To whom much is given,
much is required.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Paul provides good news to
the Corinthian church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God was faithful
to them, just as God had been faithful to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> throughout the
generations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believers in the Corinth
church, like believers gathering as the congregations we are apart of today,
had been sanctified in Jesus Christ, called to be holy people (set apart),
bound together to believers everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God had enriched the church in every way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For <st1:city w:st="on">Corinth</st1:city>
that was with all kinds of speech and knowledge—but for <st1:city w:st="on">Stockton</st1:city>
or <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Titusville</st1:place></st1:city>,
we might be enriched by God in a different way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God has confirmed the story we speak on his behalf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are care takers of a magnificent story of
a magnificent God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>This God has given all the spiritual
gifts we need for our work in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Lord’s faithfulness will guide the stewardship of these gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God, who is faithful, has called us into
fellowship with his son, Jesus Christ our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(1:9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>When we keep track on God’s
story, God provides for all that we need to tell the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Telling God’s story requires all of our care,
but will also lead to blessing and wholeness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">We too have been enriched in
every way and God has given us every spiritual gift as we wait for our story to
receive its triumphant ending:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Lord
Jesus Christ revealed as King of kings and Lord of lords.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-49754317043888566432016-08-27T20:25:00.003-04:002016-08-27T20:25:32.384-04:00How Did We Get Here? Progress?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Progress?<span style="mso-tab-count: 9;"> </span>8/26/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Matthew 7:24-27, Philippians
3:7-14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We’ve been traveling through
the story of Western Civilization, a world reaching system of values that has
at times, lifted up biblical values. We are asking the question:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did we get here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did the Church arrive at its current
station in this world? We’ve learned that the human story is more than
survival, that wisdom is to be pursued together, that we are to seek that which
endures, that God’s announcement of good news shapes our message, that we are
created for community, beholding beauty, receiving correction, and any authority
that we have bows to the Lord’s authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today, we look at the word Progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We stop in the 1700’s
when the idea of rationalism was shaping every conversation and aspect of
society in a movement called the Enlightenment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rationalism is the idea that reason or knowledge, not belief or
experience is the best order for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the 1700’s, once Europeans figured that being rational was helpful
for anything, then it should be helpful for everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every area of life and learning was being
reformed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, Galileo
challenged scientific principles that hadn’t been challenged since Aristotle,
1900 years before him. If Rationalism was applied, well, rationally, then the
world would get better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The application
of rationale principles in society was considered ‘progress’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em>A quick side note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the word progress continues to function as a
powerful word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We like progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people continue to lift up progress as
the most important human work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world
is changing, more knowledge has led to more confusion, and the pendulum is
moving back toward experience as at least equally important as knowledge, but
we still hold very tightly to the value progress.<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em>After all, it is a tight rope
to walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to make
progress, to have a goal, to work toward a better life even if two steps
forward happen alongside one step back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But progress isn’t the end goal for the Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ is.</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Looking back, this era is
fascinating precisely because of its mixed results.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Simply put, if humanity could
simply apply rationalistic thought to every realm of society, good humans would
choose goodness, and society would progress towards highest human expression.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Science attempted to explain
the world apart from religion and greek philosophy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Economic and political
theories attempted to explain the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Mathematics was becoming the
universal language.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Diderot and fellow French
philosophers attempt to classify all human knowledge in the form of
encyclopedia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we all could access
human knowledge and past data, humans will apply it to their current context
and the world will become better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
sounds similar to internet access today, that if we just have it, we’ll all go
home and increase our knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Even God had rational
principles thrust upon him in order to explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God was now a clockmaker, winding up history and then letting it play
itself out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture doesn’t point to
this as true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>But not everything or
everyone made progress. The philosophical development was born out of prosperity,
and assumed that people were good, or would choose good, given a choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this movement ignored that <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place> simply moved its wars out of sight, to foreign
soils while taking the natural resources of other peoples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really wasn’t that people were better, or
were making progress, though they did improve at exporting their problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Enlightenment incorrectly
taught that history was linear, a line that moved upward as time marched on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is good for self-assurance if you are
higher on the line than someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But is it true? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet history is
neither cyclical:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>History doesn’t really
repeat itself, not literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps
history is a cylinder or cone that both relearns lessons and revisits lessons
from the past while continuing on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The counter movement to
rationalism was romanticism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
attempted to keep mystery and beauty as part of the explanation of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the world, not simply mechanical principles
of rationalism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps life was more a
story than an instruction manual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The philosopher who attempted
to weave enlightenment and romanticism was Immanuel Kant. He attempted to
separate truth and goodness as separate human endeavors. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth came through knowledge and goodness was
experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Scripture is the ultimate
answer to weaving together truth and goodness, order and beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span><span>Matthew:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>To hear the words of Jesus
Christ, and to put them into practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This phrase lifts up the connection of truth and goodness, knowledge and
experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Those that hear and practice,
build upon a foundation that endures the difficulties of existence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Those that do not foolishly
choose an uncertain foundation that will ultimately experience a great crash. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>Let’s take a step back and
consider this word ‘progress’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Webster’s
includes several definitions for the word:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>to move toward a
goal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>gradual
betterment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>steady societal
improvement<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>a ceremonial
journey by a sovereign through his realm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>advance towards
higher or better stage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span><span>While the Enlightenment fell
short in its attempt to make progress the most important human word, there is
still value in the word progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
does the Bible say about this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Philippians:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the goal?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Paul teaches and models this
for us. </span><span>Ultimately, our goal from
Scripture’s perspective has very little to do with us, and all about God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>To gain Christ
and be found in him<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(vs 9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>To know
Christ:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>through his resurrection,
sufferings, death and our resurrection (10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>To take hold of
that for which God has taken hold of me (12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>to win the prize
for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ (14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Historically, Revolution was
the result of Enlightenment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some were
good and others went horribly wrong:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but
revolutions popped up in The United States, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Haiti</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Russia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if there is a spiritual revolution
awaiting your response to Jesus Christ:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whoever hears his words and puts them into practice is like a house
built on the rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rains and winds
and storms of life cannot undo that solid foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps we have fallen for the myth of
progress instead of using faith as our template.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Let’s return to one of the
cultural definitions of progress:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
ceremonial journey by a sovereign throughout his or her realm.<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">To consider ourselves in the
audience of the Sovereign, who is involved in a ceremonial journey throughout
his realm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine yourself hearing that
the king is coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You drop what you
are doing in order to go out and wait alongside others for a glimpse of the
King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are part of gathered
celebration to sing the King’s praise, there are people all around us, to shout
his arrival, to bow with reverence, to sing and dance with joy, to listen to
the king’s words, and to obey his will for his realm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing so brings life, righteousness and peace
into the king’s realm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that’s
progress!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-81394912582213197622016-08-12T14:22:00.002-04:002016-08-12T14:22:46.800-04:00How Did We Get Here? Authority That Bows
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Authority That Bows<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>8/14/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Psalm 2, Philippians 2:5-11<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We have been lifting up
stories from Western Civilization where Biblical values were expressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our themes have been mostly positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oral History teaches us that humankind is
made for more than survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Classical <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region> models
the pursuit of wisdom together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ancient <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> sought that which
endures, and was in power when God announced the gospel through sending Jesus
Christ into the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Medieval
world teaches us that we are created for community, and the Renaissance directs
us to behold beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week, the
Reformation brought correction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today,
we look at Authority that bows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>This week is a bit different,
we will lift up a negative example to remind us of a biblical truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We travel to <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>
during the 1500’s and 1600’s and see that an unexpected result of the
Reformation (a religious reforming of the continent) is political
reformation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this two hundred
year era, the role and reach of government greatly expands, and becomes the
model that exists in the world today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Roger Osbourne, in his book <u>Civilization</u>, writes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Much of the “progress” that took place in the centuries </span><span>after
1500 showed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span> an increasing amount of control over towns, regions, churches,
guilds and </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span> individual lives by an increasingly centralized state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The medieval citizen </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span> owed allegiance to an
array of institutions—feudal lord, village president, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span> extended family, local
bishop, pope, guild, town duke or prince—but the state </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span> did away with most of
these, leaving only itself and the family as the </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span> legitimate institutions of the
modern world”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Osbourne, 255)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Now, let me be clear right
from the start, this isn’t a lecture on politics, and certainly not any
partisan view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we bring up this
historical example of the role of government precisely because Christians
affirm a place for government in this life and the next:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ is Lord of all, and will reign
forever, and demands allegiance in every aspect of our life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a government that is far reaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a government that takes over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, all of the clues of Scripture speak
to how good and fantastic, and life giving and peace-filled and liberating this
will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deep down, our skepticism of government
is rooted more in historical failure than future promise in Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>You see, the Bible has a lot
to say about government:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>*Joseph 2<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>nd</sup> in
command in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span>*The people of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> to be governed by God and not <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Moses writing down law for
the people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>*The era of the judges
(tribal leaders) in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*The movement toward a king
(against God’s wishes)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*The promise of a descendant
of David to rule </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Good and bad kings and
queens in Scripture</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*The references to Roman
leaders</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Paul’s claiming the
privilege of being a Roman citizen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*The passage in Romans that
calls us to obey leaders as God’s representatives</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Revelation’s vision of God
on the throne<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>The 15, 16 and 17<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>
century usher in what we call the Modern world, a break with and movement away
from the Middle Ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For today’s
purposes, here are some of the broader movements of how the role of government
changed during these centuries:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Government became
system, rather than person based.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Previous human history mostly modeled that success or
failures of place depended on the strength of the king, rather than a system of
government where the leader represented the goals and values of the said
government</span></i><span>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pre-modern</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the ruler was greater than the
system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the modern world, the ruler
was subservient to the system.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>The seeds of
government services were planted, and people start to see the role of
government as more than simply protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The state slowly takes on more and more over time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Religion was used
to meet systemic ends</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>From our vantage point, the story of <st1:country-region w:st="on">America</st1:country-region> is an attempt to correct this, with <st1:place w:st="on">Jefferson</st1:place>’s vision of a separation of church and state. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>the capital
replaced the importance of the town</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>this leads to an era where towns struggle, after
having thrived in the Medieval world.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>natural resources
used for the goals of national government</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>resources previously benefitted the
place where they were found, such as river towns having tolls that supported
their economy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>the state
overtook the importance of other institutions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> as I mentioned in the Osbourne quote earlier<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>war grew in
popularity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> an attitude started to grow that peace would produce
laziness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the perspectives of</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> governments,
it was thought that war justified the existence of government.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>the attempt to
balance power led to territorial disputes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>once the continent tired of war, nations then fought
their long standing family feuds on foreign soils.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allowed European boundaries to remain,
while also expanding in power and position.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>I bring up these broad
historical trends because some of these continue to shape the role and reach of
government today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Scriptures help us
navigate this type of world with two important thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>From Psalm two:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>every human government has a beginning and
end because God has announced his plan for eternal government.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>From Philippians:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plan is for Jesus Christ to reign as Lord
forever, and that our announcement of his reign calls us to live a life of
humility and sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>Psalm 2<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span>This song reminds us that any
act of godlessness will ultimately face the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This includes the nations and leaders of the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has the power to raise up and
tear down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In real time, it might
sometimes look like the kings are winning in the attempt to overthrow God, but
this is only because we are bound by time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The timeless one has a different reaction to foolish, futile attempts.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>He laughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He scoffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He rebukes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He terrifies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then he tells what is going to happen
next.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>“I have installed my king on <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Zion</st1:place></st1:city>, my holy
mountain”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>In this announcement; the Son
has the Lord’s blessing to rule over the nations, and these nations will be as
an inheritance.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The book of Hebrews teaches
us about God’s Word:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>The word of God is alive and
active. Shaper than any double-edged sword; it penetrates even to dividing soul
and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing in creation is hidden
from God’s sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is uncovered
and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(4:12)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The kings of earth are to be
wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are on notice having been
warned by the King of kings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fear for
God, and God’s power and judgment should shape the policy making and goals of
every administration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When kings of
earth do revere God, they will be blessed by their refuge in the Lord. Ultimately, every leader with power is an authority that will bow before God.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Scripture commands believers
to pray for our leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Power can
corrupt, and all attempts for power and influence should be placed at the feet
of the All-powerful One.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately, the
people are blessed when governments govern well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what we should be praying about for
our land, and the lands of this world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Philippians 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>Every earthly kingdom is
temporal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is true for <st1:country-region w:st="on">San Marino</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">China</st1:country-region>
or <st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region>, as well as three
year old <st1:place w:st="on">South Sudan</st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like people, nations are bound by time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The land watches as people walk upon it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>North America was inhabited by Native
Americans before European countries claimed land as colonies, before the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>
was formed out of revolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 240
years old, the country is relatively young compared to many throughout the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Despite the old or young age
of governments and the nations, all these too shall pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the Lord remains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture points to a God who is interested
in government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps we have not
considered that before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is interested in good
government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because government at its
best helps people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And by announcing
that Jesus Christ will rule as Lord throughout time, he displays his interest
in good government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best one for the
job will ultimately be given the job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Every knee shall bow, every
tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Heaven, earth, under the earth;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the whole lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will bring
glory to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s plan of exalting
Jesus Christ to the highest place, giving him the name that is above every name
will bring righteousness, goodness, holiness, correction, abundance, love,
peace, joy, and blessing to the earth and its people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why God has said that he will do what
he will do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>500 years ago, change took
place as to the role and reach of governments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We could talk and learn about the specifics of what happened for the
rest of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we don’t have to
because we generally have seen this come to be in our modern world today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Government has reached into many realms
beyond protection and security of borders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Scripture suggests that the fear of the Lord by leaders causes a
foundation for goodness and prosperity to be fostered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Yet their failings also teach
us something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our hope is ultimately rooted
only in Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we should
participate, challenge, respect, support, debate, question, vote, call or write
decision makers, be on a local board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These can all be good things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
faith can and should shape how we view the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we should be ourselves when participating
in governing roles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But at the end of
the day, our work for the eternal one should guide every word and deed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the final day, God will show his
announcement to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ
will be exalted and we shall all bow and declare his honor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a wonderful thing that this announcement
brings us hope, and not anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our hope should not cause us
to be conceited, or to seek our own honor, or motivate us to have people bow
before us, or sing our praises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, our
job is to point people to God’s announcement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We should be but humble servants of the message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our attitude should be like Jesus
Christ:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he knew his future, yet he
served, he gave his very life for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With hope in heart and announcement in our mouth, we should act justly,
love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-7769939794940625942016-08-06T14:53:00.004-04:002016-08-06T14:53:51.524-04:00How Did We Get Here? Correction
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Correction<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>8/7/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Matthew 3:1-12, II Timothy
3:10-4:8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>A baseball season will
provide plenty of examples of how to play the game, and how not to play the
game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are lessons in the losses
and slumps as well as the hitting and winning streaks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In surveying the story of
Western Civilization, we find some ways in which societies have successfully honored
and been blessed by Scripture’s values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are tapping into some of these stories to help us understand the
situation we find ourselves in as Christians, and as the Church, in today’s
world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*we are directed into the key
that human life is more than survival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Classical <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region> modeled
wisdom together<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*Ancient <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> sought that which endures<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*In the middle of 1<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup>
Century <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>,
we see God’s breakthrough announcement of the gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*the medieval world modeled
that we are created for community<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*the renaissance beckoned us
to behold beauty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>*today, we turn our attention
to Reformation, to consider the theme of correction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>If human beings were to
create a list of things to talk about, correction would probably not be high on
anyone’s list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, it is a biblical
idea, and therefore, essential to our Christian life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To run or avoid correction is to avoid God’s
offer of redemption and gift of salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>What is the definition of correction?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>Correct (adjective):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>free from error, in accordance with fact or
truth<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Correct (verb):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to put right (an error or fault)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Correction:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a change that rectifies an error or
inaccuracy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Scripture teaches that people
who accept correction are honored, show prudence and gain understanding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Scripture teaches that people
who do not accept correction are hostile, stupid, resentful and display
refusal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture also teaches us that
refusing correction has social consequences:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“whoever ignores correction leads others astray” (Proverbs 10:17).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should be mindful of our personal
responsibility to open ourselves to correction, for our blessing, and for the
people whom we relate to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Correction is a biblical
word, and it also fits with a broader theme in Scripture:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repentance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Repentance means to turn around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus’ first command to his disciples was to repent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John the Baptist also begins his message with
this word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we turn ourselves toward
God and away from sin, temptation, even self (whether this is an action of the
heart, mind, behaviors or literal turning around), we open ourselves to God’s
will and intent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In our Matthew reading for
today (3:1-12), we find the answer to the question:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who corrects us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story provides two answers: </span><span>the Lord’s messenger and
Jesus Christ himself<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In the gospel story, John the
Baptist was to be the Lord’s messenger, who would announce the coming of the
Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was sent to turn the
people’s hearts to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
proclaimed his message (repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near), lifted
up Scripture, lived a simple life and baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He also corrected the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wove together the message with living the message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He challenged the people to not rely solely
on their history (we have Abraham as our father).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He commanded the people that repentance was
to be followed with bearing fruit for the Lord’s glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In our Christian life, we
should always be open to listening to people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We might find that God is sending his messengers into our lives, so that
we might live fruitfully for the kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And we ourselves might be a messenger to a brother or sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Ultimately, John’s job was to
point people to Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Messiah would provide the baptism that leads to everlasting life. Jesus Christ
was the Lord’s answer to the question of who has the authority to correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is worthy, and lived his life in perfect
obedience to the will of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore,
fully God and perfect human, he can correct us, and point us in the way that
leads to everlasting life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Lord’s messengers will
always point you to Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are not different messages, nor are they working for competing devotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The messenger should always serve the
message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ is the message of
Good News.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We turn our attention to the
year 1517 in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Wittenberg</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martin Luther was dismayed at some of the
practices that were going on around him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He himself was working with all his might to
get the message out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I could use two secretaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do almost nothing during</i></span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> the day but write letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a conventual preacher, <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> reader at meals, parochial preacher, director o f sutidies,
overseer </span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> of eleven monasteries, superintendent of the fish pont at Litzkau,
referee </span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> of the squabble at Torgau, lecturer on Paul, collector of material for
a </span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> c</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>ommentary on the Psalms, and then, as I said, I am overwhelmed with
letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> I rarely have full time for
the canonical hours and for saying mass, not to </span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> mention my own temptations with
the world, the flesh and the Devil<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><span>(Roland Bainton, <u>Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther</u>, USA: Abington Press, 1950, pg 63)<u><o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The problem Luther saw was the
growing popularity of indulgences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Pope oversaw the selling of indulgences, which were essentially a paper that
could be purchased that declared you would be eternally forgiven of your
sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you paid enough, you could buy
indulgences for your previously deceased relatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This fraudulent practice paid for building
projects in the church, and town building projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, The University of Wittenberg had
been approved to sell indulgences for the expansion of town building projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Pope Leo had bigger plans for the sale
of indulgences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was going to rebuild
St. Peter’s Cathedral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he needed the
sales of indulgences throughout the continent to make it happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span></span><br />
<span>This infuriated the prideful German pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And Luther makes his appeal to local scholars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He writes a lecture entitled “The 95 Theses”,
and like all lectures in the day, nailed a flyer advertising the lecture to the
door of the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lecture
highlighted 3 main ideas:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the problem of
using funds to rebuild a church in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>,
the problem of the pope’s authority and the problem for the sinner who
misunderstands indulgences.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>And yet, the call for
correction that Luther clearly saw seemed like more than just the posting of a
lecture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a nail that drove change
into the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>A 20<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> century
theologian described Luther this way:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He was
like a man climbing in the darkness a winding</span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> staircase in
the steeple of an ancient cathedral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the blackness </span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> he reached out to steady himself, and his hand laid hold of a
rope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span> He was started to hear the
clanging of a bell.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
(Bainton, 64)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>Correction is like a bell
that sounds freedom to those willing to listen.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Paul says as much to his
disciple Timothy, in his second letter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>II Timothy:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is our correction found?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Lord will send his
messengers, and those messengers point to Jesus Christ the Message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the simple answer, is that we find
correction when we gather as the Lord’s people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul writes that congregations:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span>*should
model the way of life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*should help us as we pursue godliness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*gather us together alongside those who have taught us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*are to be centered in the Holy Scriptures<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holy Scripture’s job as God-breathed entity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>--teaching<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>--rebuking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(“to turn back or to keep down”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>--correcting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>--training<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Correction is a biblical
value, therefore it is essential to our Christian faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Here are three practical
steps to prepare ourselves so we might find correction, and the blessed life
that comes from it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 73.5pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 73.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Daily <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Reading</st1:place></st1:city> of
Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daily reading shapes two <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>basic
human functions:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listening and speaking.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 73.5pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 73.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Listen to one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t prepare your response,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span>listen to what is being said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Speak Up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Preach, Correct, rebuke, encourage, great<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>patience and careful instruction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Paul encourages Timothy to
put into place the benefit’s that correction provides (vs 5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having received correction allows one: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 55.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 55.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Keep one’s head
in all situations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Endure hardship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>To do the work of
the evangelist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>To discharge your
duties of your ministry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>When we have opened ourselves
to correction:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we find assurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This happened to Paul as he neared the
completion of his earthly life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was
his assurance?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He knew he had fought the good fight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He knew he had finished the race<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He knew he had kept the faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span>He knew
there is a crown of righteousness that the Lord will </span><span>award<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span>He
knew that he was not alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>These assurances can guide us
when we wonder along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martin
Luther’s lecture did not immediately stop the sale of indulgences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it did spark debate, as well as a return
to looking to Scripture as the foundation of theology and practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luther experienced extreme persecution in his
fight for the health of the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
ultimately was excommunicated from the Roman faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But his Christian life helped spark a world
changing movement:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Reformation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we gather today in part because of his
stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opening himself to being corrected
brought unanticipated blessings, such as translating the Bible into German so
that more people could read for themselves, and eventually a
counter-reformation in the Roman Catholic church which essentially acknowledged
that change had needed to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In closing, let us consider
these definitions of correction one more time:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>Correct (adjective):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>free from error, in accordance with fact or
truth<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Correct (verb):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to put right (an error or fault)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Correction:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a change that rectifies an error or
inaccuracy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The author of Hebrews
says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>correction produces a harvest of
righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Did not Jesus say:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-71217324289625155372016-07-30T20:33:00.003-04:002016-07-30T20:33:31.848-04:00How Did We Get Here? Beholding Beauty
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Beholding Beauty<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>7/31/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Isaiah 61, Romans 8:18-30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">flowers, sunsets, walking along the towpath, the river, birds
chirping, the shore, mountains<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>These
are beautiful things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Struggle, hard work, weeds, dandelions, relationships, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">These are also beautiful things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or at least they can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Have you ever thought about dandelions?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do we work so hard to get rid of
them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about the effort and
resources involved with eliminating dandelions from our yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder what God’s perspective is on this
matter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t you easily imagine God
saying:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a great idea, I’m going
to sprinkle within the grass some pretty yellow flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their seeds will bring children gleeful
laughter and play”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">I’m not here to change your dandelion policy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am here today to remind us it is our
job as Christians to be on the forefront of beholding beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For God is, among other things, perfect and
holy, and that is beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Psalmist sings that we are to ‘gaze upon the beauty of the Lord’ (27:4)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our God, ‘has made everything beautiful in
its time’ (Eccl. 3:11).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">This summer we have been asking the question of the Church:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How Did We Get Here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve looked to some way that Western
Civilization has lifted up values from Scripture at different times in its story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, we’ve considered these biblical
ideas:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the human story is more than
survival, wisdom, enduring themes, good news, and community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, we look at beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">There was a period in the story of Western Civilization called “the
Renaissance”, which takes place in the 1300-1500’s AD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This word is a French word developed in the
1800’s which means “rebirth”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starting
in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Italy</st1:country-region></st1:place>,
there was an era of profound and beautiful contributions in the disciplines of
painting, drawing, sculpture, architecture, literature and philosophy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">During this time, many artists reached back to classical models of
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Greece</st1:country-region> and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>, rather than medieval world. They looked
to the classical world and adapted these themes to their age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">On the intellectual front, it is during the renaissance that the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Humanists grow as a movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, the first humanists were Christians, believers reacting to the middle
ages idea of withdrawing from the world, by suggesting you can be faithful to
the Lord in the world, engaged in good and building society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This made sense in a quickly growing urban
society. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">It is only later that humanists in the enlightenment deconstruct
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">One of the best jobs for Christians is to behold beauty, because
what we offer is the truth that God is beautiful and creator of beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can place beautiful things in their proper
context:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in relationship to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Today, we lift up two passages of Scripture that announce beauty,
and invite the Lord’s people to behold beauty, to lift up beauty in this world
and invite others to find God’s will for their lives, which can grow beauty in
any person willing to trust in the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">In Isaiah 61, prophesied around 680 years before the time of
Christ, we see God’s plan for <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
and the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beginning of this
prophesy is important for another reason other than today’s sermon:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it was quoted by Jesus Christ to describe his
ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, after he reads this
passage from the scroll in his hometown of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Nazareth</st1:city></st1:place>, he boldly declares to his
townspeople that “today, this passage is fulfilled”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Today, I am going to re-read the Isaiah passage in four
movements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to offer a title,
and then read the passage again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
invite you to behold a beautiful God’s beautiful vision for a beautiful humanity:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">What God will do for his people:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(vs 1-3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-1"><span>The Spirit of the Sovereign </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textisa-61-1"><span> is on me,</span></span><span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-1">because the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textisa-61-1"> has
anointed me</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-1">to proclaim good news to the poor.</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-1">He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-1">to proclaim freedom for the captives</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-1">and release from darkness for the prisoners,<sup data-fn="#fen-NIV-18845a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-18845a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"><span style="font-size: small;">[</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+61&version=NIV#fen-NIV-18845a" title="See footnote a"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">a</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">]</span></sup></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textisa-61-2"><sup><span id="en-NIV-18846">2 </span></sup>to proclaim
the year of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textisa-61-2">’s favor</span><br />
</span></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-2">and the day of vengeance of our God,</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-2">to comfort all who mourn,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textisa-61-3"><span id="en-NIV-18847"><sup>3 </sup></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-3">and
provide for those who grieve in Zion—</span></span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-3">to bestow on them a crown of beauty</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-3">instead of ashes,</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-3">the oil of joy</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-3">instead of mourning,</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-3">and a garment of praise</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-3">instead of a spirit of despair.</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-3">They will be called oaks of righteousness,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-3">a planting of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-3">for the display of his splendor</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">How This Transforms the World:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(vs 4-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-4"><span>They will rebuild the ancient ruins</span></span><span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-4">and restore the places long devastated;</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-4">they will renew the ruined cities</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-4">that have been devastated for generations.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="textisa-61-5"><sup><span id="en-NIV-18849">5 </span></sup>Strangers will
shepherd your flocks;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-5">foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-6"><sup><span id="en-NIV-18850">6 </span></sup>And you will
be called priests of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textisa-61-6">,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-6">you will be named ministers of our God.</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-6">You will feed on the wealth of nations,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-6">and in their riches you will boast.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">The far reaches of God’s Story:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(vs 7-9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="line" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="textisa-61-7"><span>Instead
of your shame</span></span><span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-7">you will receive a double portion,</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-7">and instead of disgrace</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-7">you will rejoice in your inheritance.</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-7">And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-7">and everlasting joy will be yours.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="line" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="en-NIV-18852"><span class="textisa-61-8"><sup><span>8 </span></sup></span><span class="textisa-61-8"><span>“For I, the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textisa-61-8"><span>, love justice;</span></span><span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-8">I hate robbery and wrongdoing.</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-8">In my faithfulness I will reward my people</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-8">and make an everlasting covenant with them.</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-9"><sup><span id="en-NIV-18853">9 </span></sup>Their
descendants will be known among the nations</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-9">and their offspring among the peoples.</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-9">All who see them will acknowledge</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-9">that they are a people the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textisa-61-9"> has
blessed.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Understanding ourselves in light of God<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(vs 10-11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="textisa-61-10"><span>I delight greatly in the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textisa-61-10"><span>;</span></span><span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-10">my soul rejoices in my God.</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-10">For he has clothed me with garments of salvation</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-10">and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-10">as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-10">and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span style="font-size: small;"><sup><span id="en-NIV-18855">11 </span></sup>For as the
soil makes the sprout come up</span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-11">and a garden causes seeds to grow,</span><br />
<span class="textisa-61-11">so the Sovereign </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textisa-61-11">
will make righteousness</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textisa-61-11">and praise spring up before all nations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>To go back for a moment to this idea of the far
reaching effects of God’s story, let us look to one of the great figures of the
Renaissance:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filippo Brunelleschi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>Born in 1377 in <st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city>
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Italy</st1:country-region>, Brunelleschi is most
famous for the dome of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florence</st1:place></st1:city>
cathedral, and his development of linear perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His self-defined goal for his work was to “reinforce
Christian spiritual reality”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This religious
foundation allowed him to be influential in several realms of thought and
invention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was truly, pun intended, “a
renaissance man”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>*His linear perspective thought was the leading voice
for 500 years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>*His perspective thought also helped the advancement
of modern science,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Galileo called upon Brunelleschi’s
linear perspective ideas<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>*he creates the first renaissance architecture in <st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city> with specific reference to classical <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rome</st1:city></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>*he invented and patented a hoisting machine for the
bricks needed for the Florence Dome, over 4 million bricks moved, as buttresses
were <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>*he was also granted the first patent for a river boat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>*he is the inventor of hydraulic machinery<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>*he contributed to the theatre of the church,
including artistic renditions of angels that would fly over the audience<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>What a fascinating man, who when placing his pursuit
of truth and beauty, had a wide sphere of influence, and changed the course of history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>These things are possible, and beautiful, when
bringing honor to the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>Paul, in his teaching to the Romans, reminds believers
that not only do people look to God’s people to announce God’s hope and
goodness, but also the creation is waiting for God’s children to be revealed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>We have the promise of glory that will far outweigh
any suffering we endure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>We serve a creation that waits in expectation for the
sons and daughter of the Lord to do the Lord’s will in this world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>We are to be patient as we pray, as we work, as we
behold beauty, and announce the Lord’s majesty to the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>We are to let God’s Spirit, in Scripture:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy Spirit, to teach us how to pray, and
how to behold beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit helps
us in our weakness, and points us toward God’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>God is at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is working for the good of those who love him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is working in those he has called for his purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has predestined believers to be conformed
to Christ’s likeness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those that God has
called, God will justify.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those he has
justified, he will also glorify.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>God’s character is beautiful, and so is his work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing to consider the grace of the
Lord:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that you and I are people that God
is working for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a beautiful
thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>It is so beautiful, that our job is to listen and
obey, in every aspect of our life, in every thought, word and deed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, your story, when connected with God’s
story, becomes quite beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="textisa-61-11"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="textisa-61-11"><span>The Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (Isaiah 61:11)</span></span></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-32870555739709893552016-07-30T19:06:00.001-04:002016-07-30T19:06:48.727-04:00How Did We Get Here? Created For Community
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Created for Community <span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>
7/24/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Ruth 1:14-22, Philemon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">With the fall of the Roman Empire came the slow decline of many
towns throughout <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>. This was
expected. Many Roman towns had no real geographical or economic reasons
for existence. A retired war general or senator would pick out land,
build a palace on it, and then whatever other buildings/businesses were needed
for palace survival were then built alongside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The emergence of monasteries accompanies the decline of the
Empire. Here were communities with purpose. People gathered
together in like minded purposes to escape the tribulation of the world and to
pray, and read Scripture. But they too often had geographical
restrictions about them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">In the Medieval world, we see a wonderful model emerge and
prosper: the town. It is the reaction to the Roman town's
purposelessness, and the feudal system's demeaning model. Here was
community, built along water ways and trade routes, that gathered people
together for life together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:place w:st="on"><span style="color: black;">Europe</span></st1:place><span style="color: black;"> was growing, and so was the success of
the crops. There was enough food to eat. And so people were free to
expand their trades to do more than just survive. Originally, artisans
would work, load up their creations in wagons and go on the road to sell.
But the town offered a new way of life: the marketplace. Marketplaces
were licensed by the King, often gathered in the center of the town, alongside
the sanctuary. Guilds sprung up throughout parts of the town, and this
allowed warehouses to be built and business owners to sell where they
lived. It was a marvelously successful model.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Town life was also interesting. There were windy brick and
stone streets (rather than the modern way of buildings having to fit the road,
here the road fit what already existed. There was a mix of gardens and
shade and open doors to family businesses. The market would also include
some travelers who brought items from far away lands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Town life was an expression of ownership through
participation. There were no police forces, the towns citizens
policed. Citizens closed the draw bridge at night. Citizens took
turns watching guard. It was understood that everyone participated, and
that was the only way to make it work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Towns in Medieval Europe were not large. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Paris</st1:place></st1:city> was the biggest at 100,000
people. Cities whose names we recognize today might have only had 25-40
thousand people. Imagine living your whole life in a town of that
size. Between you and your family, you might have met, or at least recognize
the name or profession of every family living in your town. This sense
of community, and the need to work together, guided the Medieval town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">It is not by accident that modern supermarkets remake themselves
in a town market model. It is not by accident that big box stores have
centers, which act like the guilds of the Medieval town. It is not by
accident that successful groups work hard to make you feel known and welcome
and have a sense of belonging. This is simply the correction to the
extreme individualism brought about by the modern world. Yes, we are
individuals, but we were really created for community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">The story of Western Civilization is many things, and reaches
throughout the entire earth. But at times throughout its long history, it
has embodied some important values from Scripture. This summer we are
lifting up these values to help us understand our position as a church in 21st
century <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
We have seen from oral history that humankind is made for more than surviving,
that wisdom together was modeled by Classical Greece, the human need to seek
that which endures from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>,
and that in the midst of the kingdoms of this world God makes his proclamation
of salvation. This week, our theme comes from the Medieval world,
and its successful community living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Ultimately, Scripture teaches that humans are created for
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and foremost, community
with the Truine God, but also with neighbors, friends, family and church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Community is the way to understand ourselves,
to grow, and to support one another as we move toward God’s will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">The story of Ruth teaches us to be community as we travel towards
God's salvation. There are four characters in today’s reading. We
briefly meet Orpah, a daughter in law to Naomi. Naomi has pleaded with Ruth
and Orpah that she feels overwhelmed by the thought of traveling together and
that it would be better to part ways in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Moab</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Orpah, though not
without weeping, agrees and goes her different way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Ruth does not agree with Naomi's counsel. Rather than separate,
she clings more tightly to her mother in law. In this moment, she makes
one of the more beautiful and profound declarations of intent:
(1:16-18). Together, they travel back to Naomi's home of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">The third character is the townspeople. They are shocked to
see Naomi return. After all, Naomi had left when things got difficult. "Can
this be Naomi?" they whisper as she comes home. The people are also
part of the story because they then hear Naomi's self-description about God's
affliction. The townspeople continue in a non-speaking role in the rest
of chapter one. It was barley harvest. The people get back to work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Finally, we see Naomi, a difficult character to peg. She had
left <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city>
in difficult times of famine. At first glance, it seems harsh to blame
her family for such actions, but did others leave? When she returns,
there was a population who knew her: they had stayed, and endured
difficult times. When today's reading begins, she has urged, even
begged her daughter in laws to leave her. To provide and remain together
seems too difficult to Naomi. Yet we see Naomi, after Ruth's passionate
speech, willing to travel with her daughter in law, displaying some
awareness of the value of community that her daughter has verbalized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">When Naomi, whose name means pleasant, hears the townspeople talk
of her return, her struggle becomes evident: Do not call me pleasant,
call me bitter (mara). I had it all, until God took it away. I was
full, and God made me come back empty. It is the Lord who has afflicted
me, and brought misfortune upon me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The community listens to Naomi pour out her
soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">If we were to read on in the story, Naomi seems to settle in back
home, and eventually provides help and a better sense of community to Ruth as
she enters into what God has for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Ruth's sense of community is ultimately rewarded in a way only God
could do. Ruth was a Moabite, outside of God's covenant with <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>, a gentile, one from the nations, and a
hated nation from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s
perspective. But Ruth's willingness and desire to become part of the
covenant is noticed by Naomi, the townspeople and ultimately her kinsmen
redeemer, Boaz. Boaz and Ruth marry, and Ruth eventually becomes the
grandmother to a shepherd named David. Ruth's obedience to God ushers her
into the community of God's people, and her place in the salvation story.
Ruth is an ancestor to Jesus Christ. You never know how <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>obedience to the Lord will bless the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Our second story today is from New Testament times. There is
an influential man named Philemon, whose family has a church that meets in
their home. Long before sanctuaries and buildings, early Christian
communities met in homes. They were often larger homes, capable of
hospitality for smaller groups. Philemon has slaves in his household, and
one of them escapes, his name is Onesimus. In a story whose author must
be God, Onesimus comes into the service of the Apostle Paul while he is
imprisoned. He becomes a valuable helper in gospel work. Upon
learning that he is an escaped slave, Paul writes his master Philemon, with
whom Paul had done gospel work, to request that Philemon not pursue legal
action or personal justice, but rather, use this opportunity to teach and model
the good news of the gospel. In Christ, believers become brothers and
sisters in the faith. Paul urges Philemon to relate to Onesimus brother
to brother, not master to slave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">The theme of this short letter is the importance of relating to
people of faith spiritually. After all, we were created for
community: with God, with brother and sister in faith, with neighbor,
family and friends. When we believe in Jesus Christ, he becomes our
master, and we are his servants. We take on a story that is not our own
making, but rather, a story that makes us. This includes being family
with the family of God. The people that we worship alongside, we should
not relate primarily because we live near each other, or because we share
similar interests, think alike on various topics, or because we have the
similar understanding of what success looks like in today's world. We
relate to each other because, through God's great generosity, we will live
together forever. In heaven, we will look back with great gladness to God
that he allowed us to know each other before arriving into ever lasting
life. We have started a never ending story here and now. We are
community because of Jesus Christ. He is Lord. We are his
followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His followers are invited
into deeper relationship with the Lord, as Jesus called his disciples
“friends”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Paul’s letter speaks to the value of community:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the church in home, Philemon’s family living
as believers, Philemon’s love for God’s holy people, his previous effective
work for God’s kingdom, his refreshing the hearts of the Lord’s people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul ends his letter bringing greetings to
Philemon from several who had wished him well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">To tie these stories together:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">--Naomi reminds us that even in difficulty, there is community to
support you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">--Ruth models to us a thoughtful, selfless support, and see God’s
blessing in that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">--Philemon models that we always have opportunity to grow
spiritually with one another, and that is our primary relationship as
community:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the practice of being the
Lord’s people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">--Paul exhorts us to keep the matters of God’s kingdom as our
priority, and to enter the life Christ desires and the Lord wills, there will
be a deepening sense of community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Hymn writer Shirley Murray says it this way in her beautiful words for <u>Now to Your Table Spread</u>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><em>Here is our commonwealth, in sharing what is
good.</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is speaking of the Lord’s
table, the ultimate biblical symbol of the new community Christ is
building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is our commonwealth, in sharing what is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Community is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are created to be in community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-88588773014546481782016-07-30T19:02:00.002-04:002016-07-30T19:02:30.705-04:00How Did We Get Here? Announcing Good News
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Announcing Good News<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>7/17/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Mark 1:14-20, II Timothy
1:6-14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Paul tells the Galatian
church that at “when the time had fully come, God sent his son into the
world”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(4:4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>How Did We Get Here?<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on">Oral History</st1:city>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Greece</st1:country-region>, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Today we stay in the Roman Empire,
about half way through <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>’s
almost millennial empire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In a corner of the empire was
a land that dwelt in the middle of trade routes, with the large city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> at its
center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It contained people highly
skeptical of Roman power, even rebellious at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The seemed to challenge everything, including
<st1:city w:st="on">Rome</st1:city>’s borrowed and renamed version of the
pantheon of gods taken from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> endorsed a different
idea:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>monotheism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In their tenuous
relationship, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>
had even secured a religio licita, when allowed them to forego emperor
worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>It is into this world that
Jesus Christ comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When the time had
fully come”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had come to be Messiah
and fulfill God’s will for salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His death forgives our sins and his resurrection brings the promise of
new life for his believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This message
entered 1<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup> century <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was in the <st1:place w:st="on">Roman
Empire</st1:place> that the message of the Gospel happened historically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Roger Osbourne, author of <u>Civilization:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A New History of the western World</u>,
compares the message of Jesus Christ to the message and substance of the <st1:place w:st="on">Roman empire</st1:place>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Into all this cam a faith that reconnected spiritually,
believe and experience, a d presented a profound and meaningful alternative to
the chaotic spiritual emptiness of the Roman world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The contrast could hardly have been
greater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new faith presented a
strong attraction to the spiritual heirs of Socrates, living at a time of moral
confusion, and to the people of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>,
who were deprived of meaningful religious experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Christianity also offered a strong and
supportive network of like-minded people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The artisan classes in particular were effectively closed off form the
ruling elite by their lack of citizenship, but the Church offered an
alternative spiritual empire in which they had full membership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(117)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>7 Comparisons and Contrasts
in Paul’s Teaching to Timothy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Vs 7<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>The Holy Spirit does not make us timid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>The Holy Spirit gives us power, love and
self-discipline<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Vs 8<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Do not be ashamed about the Lord’s testimony or me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Participate by God’s power in suffering for the
gospel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Vs 9<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>We are not called because of our own doing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>We are called by the Lord’s own purpose and grace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Vs 9-10<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Grace given before time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Grace is revealed now<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Vs 10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus
has destroyed death<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>He has brought life and immortality to light by
gospel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Vs 12<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No cause for shame<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>There is truth and conviction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Vs 12<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul entrusted to God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>God entrusted to Paul<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Jesus calls the
disciples:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come, follow me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>He calls without
delay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Jesus demands all from
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this is good news.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>When we put God first, and
seek him first, then is when we find the rest, and we find ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Is God one more thing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of many things?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or everything?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Racko game illustration:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Even if every other number is
order, but the first card isn’t…you can’t get any points.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>How true for life:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even if everything else looks in place, but
we live without God first, it is all terribly off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Jesus’ first words:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>He announces good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The time is now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>
is near.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repent and believe the good
news”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Do you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Will you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Paul wrote:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know whom I have believed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-486488760276049012016-07-30T19:00:00.005-04:002016-07-30T19:00:57.963-04:00How Did We Get Here? That Which Endures
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>THAT WHICH ENDURES<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>7/10/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Isaiah 35, II Timothy 2:8-13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>This summer we are asking the
question “How did we get here?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “we”
is 21<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup> century post-modern Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To answer the question we will survey the
broad themes of western civilization through the lens of Scripture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Our story started out in the
pre-written world of Oral History.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
learned that humanity is about more than surviving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two weeks ago, we looked to Classical Greece,
and found the idea of wisdom together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today, we look at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>,
for that noble pursuit of that which endures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span>Rome</span></st1:place></st1:city><span> is the longest lasting empire in the Western story,
with almost a thousand years of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like all great life, <st1:city w:st="on">Rome</st1:city> was not without
its warts, and some of those warts can provide caution to the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>
in its leadership position in the world today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<st1:city w:st="on"><span>Rome</span></st1:city><span> was founded by two men named <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Romulus</st1:place></st1:city> and Remus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One was an exiled prince, and one was a
thief. Roger Osbourne writes that this mix of nobility and aggression becomes
the DNA of the empire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span>We see this at the height of
Roman power, one third of the empire lived as slaves, almost 2 million people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span>We see this in the wars of
expansion, an unsustainable pattern of having to conquer more lands in order to
support and feed a growing population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One million <st1:place w:st="on">Gaul</st1:place>’s are killed in one
campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on">Rome</st1:city>
was often engaged in conflict, and biographer Edward Gibbons wrote that “<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> conquered the world
in self-defense”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span>Yet there was also an
effective communication within the empire. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roman Roads connected the empire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was always opportunity to work yourself
up the chain, if you were willing to adopt Roman values (as they say, When in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>…).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Local customs were tolerated as long as they
didn’t interfere with <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>’s
agenda. There was a successful administration of partnerships and treaties
within the empire, at one point over 150 treaties in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>
was historically, the largest professional organization the world had ever
seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span>The story of the <st1:place w:st="on">Roman Empire</st1:place> and expansion was, from a human perspective,
a story that endured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> was excellent at finding things that
worked and borrowing them for their culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our example this morning is of the Aqueduct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span>Latin for “Water way” an
aqueduct would transport water to key locations throughout the empire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>
perfected the aqueduct, civilizations were largely successful to the extent
they could rely on local water resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The water resources dictated the size of the town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As <st1:city w:st="on">Rome</st1:city> grew,
(there were a million people in the city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> in the 1<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup> century), they
needed more water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They called upon a
pre-existing method of building aqueducts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Often underground, sometimes in the form of large bridge-like structures
multi story and supported by curved columns, aqueducts followed the landscape
to deliver water, except when the landscape got in the way, and that is when
Roman engineering worked the landscape to keep the water flowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At their height, there were over 400 miles
of aqueducts leading to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And these aqueducts brought in over 300
million gallons of water to the city every single day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They provided for Roman bathhouses,
gardening, latrines, fountains, private homes, and commerce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Quintus Marcius aqueduct, cost 180
million Roman coins, about 720 million dollars by today’s standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span>The story of the aqueduct was
fascinating, in part because of the efforts of maintenance required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was surveying, health tests,
experiments in efficiency, inspections, upkeep, security, regulations for
access and licensing fees. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a mountain
was in the way, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>
moved the mountain, or at least part of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We still see these marvelous feats of engineering standing today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes, a few of them are still functioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span>The story of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> offers many lessons, good and bad, in
contributions to society that stood the test of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But their story is far less enduring than the
message of Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This message of
Scripture is what gathers us together, and keeps us together today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span>We turn our attention to that
which endures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will lift up three
ideas:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>The Lord’s work
endures<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>The Lord’s
promises endure (the images of Isaiah 35)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>our participation
(rooted in Christ) endures<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>The Lord’s work endures.</span></i><span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we see
the word endure in the Bible, connected to the Lord, here is what we find:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>God endures
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s nature and character are
eternal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>the most common
phrase is found in the Psalms:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s
love endures forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, in Psalm
136, the phrase is used 26 times as a refrain to the witness of God’s saving
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each verse, the people would
sing back:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s love endures forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>God’s name
endures forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>God’s fame
endures forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 135:12 proclaims
“Your name LORD, endures forever, your renown, LORD, through all generations”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>God’s word endures
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The grass withers, and the
flower fades, but the Word of the Lord endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>God’s throne
endures forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lamentation Book in
Scripture ends this way “You LORD, reign forever, your throne endures from
generation to generation” (5:19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>God’s promises
endure forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>The Lord’s promises endure.</span></i><span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
important to remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we read in
Scripture of judgment, God will keep his word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When warnings are given to the wicked to repent, his promises will one
day come to fruition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this is also
true of God’s promises of provision and salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also remain, even when not seen or
experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are still true, and
will always be true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span>I hope you listened to Isaiah
35.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are promises in images that
excite our imagination, and deepen our hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span>This past week included some
very hot days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recall how hot you felt
outside this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And imagine someone
coming to you and saying:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It won’t be
long before this same spot provides refreshment, or this same spot is a frigid
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Winter seems far away now, and we
aren’t quite ready to think about fall though we might open our arms to its
weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we know these things are coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summer doesn’t last forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span>But when Isaiah proclaims the
Lord’s word:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he speaks to landscape that
is far more permanent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deserts will
be glad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t say, hey place that
has had a couple of warm days, be glad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Isaiah speaks to the desert: established as parched land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isaiah speaks to wilderness of joy, to dry
lands seeing the glory of flowers, to blind people seeing, to deaf hearing, to
those weak and fearful standing on promise, to lame leaping, to mute shouting,
to streams taking over the desert, to pools replacing burning sand and bubbling
springs emerging out of thirsty ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span>Isaiah gives an image of a
highway (and mind you, that image doesn’t excite any of us if we think of being
stuck in traffic), but the Way of Holiness will show itself, void of folly,
wickedness and ravenous beast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
the Lord’s promise?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span>“The redeemed will walk on
the Way of Holiness, and those the LORD has rescued will return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will enter <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Zion</st1:place></st1:city> with singing; everlasting joy will crown
their heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gladness and joy will
overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away” (35:10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Our participation (rooted in
Christ) endures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an old song
“Only what you do for Christ will last”…and that sentence is supported by
Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind you, your work for Christ
can be varied:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it can be a smile to a
neighbor, it can be a sacrificial gift, it can be speaking the truth, or
challenging the systems of this world, or announcing good news to people, or
praying with someone who is sad, or cooking meals or just being there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>When our words and actions
are rooted in Christ, that is, done for his glory and honor, our participating
joins an everlasting story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week,
I wrote some reflections for the <st1:place w:st="on">East Bethany</st1:place>
church, my first call, celebrating 200 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In them, I declared that I would stand before God and give praise to God
for each person from that congregation, stand and name their names in
praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is true:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all of life can be an offering of praise to
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>I want you to listen to a
passage from Scripture whose context is about financial giving to a hurting and
hungry congregation that Paul is collecting money for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as you listen, I want you to think about
more than money, think about your words, your deeds, your purpose, all that you
are, your emotions and thoughts and prayers from the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about how they, when offered to the
Lord, can help bring Christ’s life to the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>(read II Corinthians 9:6-15).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Our life, when lived with
Christ, can bring glory to God, and can have eternal consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Paul encourages Timothy and
Timothy’s congregation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we died with
Christ, we will also live with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we endure, we will also reign with him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Paul also warns the
church:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we disown him, he will also
disown us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are strongly cautioned to
avoid faithlessness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we do not have
faith, God’s faithfulness will remain, but will we experience it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s promises cannot fail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s work cannot be undone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will be faithful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Just like the aqueduct
existed before <st1:city w:st="on">Rome</st1:city>, but was made better by <st1:city w:st="on">Rome</st1:city>, the cross was also a tool of the empire that existed
before <st1:city w:st="on">Rome</st1:city>, but used more fully by <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, this human device for torture and
punishment was ultimately redeemed by God through Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cross brings life to the world, through
the forgiveness of sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In closing, as
Christians, we are to connect these two familiar tools of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Despite human intentions, the cross brought God’s victory to the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can be right with God because
of the cross of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then, are to
be an aqueduct of good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to
share Christ’s water of healing life with the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not our life nor healing that we offer,
but Jesus Christ’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are simply the
stone or concrete, or ultimately flesh and bones, by which it travels to its
needed audience. Direct the good news to the people:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Lord endures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His works endure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His promises endure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in Christ, we can join that which
endures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All praise and glory to
God!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-54140702021314540552016-06-25T20:21:00.004-04:002016-07-30T19:03:46.108-04:00How Did We Get Here? Wisdom Together<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Wisdom Together<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>6/26/16<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Proverbs 4, Colossians
1:28-2:7<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Solon found himself right in
the middle of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before him was placed
a political, social, emotional and human conundrum, and failure would mean civil
war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On his left were the wealthy, the
land owners, the oligarchy (a leadership group consisting of family
heads).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On his right, the farmers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Aristotle would later
describe Solon as “middle class in wealth and status” (this is one of, if not
the, earliest recorded use of the term). <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 1.25in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The problem was an extreme
divide in wealth and the outcome was debt and debt bondage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Farmers were becoming slaves in their own
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some had their children taken
away as slaves by the wealthy to settle debt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The system was broken, tension was heated and civil war was ready to
happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The landowners wanted to keep
their land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The farmers wanted to live
outside of an unreasonable debt system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone’s eyes turned to Solon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is the plan?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Solon was given the resources
and trust of both parties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would
respect his decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solon cancels the
debts, returns the children and land ot those who had them taken away, calls
the exiles home and warns the rich that moderation is better than luxury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solon then introduces a term:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eunomia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Eunomia was the greek word
for “the good order”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This word was
born out of abstract thinking, but it also made sense to the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was what was needed:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the good order.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
As a result of Solon’s call
to good order, classical <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region>
expands its government to include more participation among a variety of
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Society was defined by certain
classes and phyle, and each of them had representation, and specific jobs
given, with those who<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>were outwardly
successful continuing in leadership roles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Solon touched on something
with a deep truth:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that there is eunomia
(good order) to society, but also to family life, and the natural world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of Solon, there was now a good order
to the oligarchy and farmers of Ancient Greece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 6<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> century in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region> gives birth to a golden age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Democracy prospers because a good order was
defined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This summer, we will be
looking at the question:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How Did We Get
Here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a review of the broad themes
and values of western civilization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last
week, we introduced Oral, Pre-Written History, with its lasting gift that life
is more than survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, we lift up
Classical Greece, and the practice of Wisdom Together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Classical <st1:country-region w:st="on">Greece</st1:country-region>, strong from the 800’s to 400’s BC, ruled
throughout the Mediterranean, and whose values were continued by <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> when that Empire
came to rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Greece</st1:country-region></st1:place> provided several successful
examples of wisdom together, including:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->the purer form of
democracy, that people could cast their vote after healthy debate<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Heads of
families, rather than dictators or emperors, worked together to offer direction<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
master/disciple model used by Jesus Christ<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Plato’s weaving
together a multi-discipline worldview that eventually became what we call
western civilization<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Continuing the
idea that the individual was part of something bigger and more important.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Wisdom is defined as the
ability to discern inner qualities and relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom is more than knowing what is right, it
is also acting correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could say
that wisdom is using the right information the right way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Greek word for wisdom is Sophia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The Book of Proverbs is a
collection of wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This includes
individual sayings, but also the background of why Solomon seeks to convey
wisdom to the next generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom is
for our life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In Proverbs 4, we have a who,
what, why, when, where and how of wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Who?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom is called a protector, someone who
watches over us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom is referred to
as feminine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom is someone who seeks
to exalt people, to lift them up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is
a garland to wear around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
What should we do with
wisdom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4:13 cautions us to guard her,
for she is our life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Why should we have her in our
lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom offers us health, even
long life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is in our lives so that
our steps will not be hampered and our running not stumbling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should have her in our life so that we
avoid the evil path.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
How do we get wisdom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to listen to instruction, to pay
attention, to get understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is a responsibility on our part, and bad habits can make it harder to
overcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to take hold of her
words, and keep the commands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solomon
speaks clearly that getting wisdom will cost us; but that it is worth whatever
it costs, even all we have.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
When and where will you use
wisdom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom can be present
throughout all the seasons of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
will be on our path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom is about the
matters of the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to be wise
in our words, to look out for wisdom with our eyes, and our gaze, and to give
wisdom careful thought as we forge out paths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Displaying wisdom requires a steadfast dedication, to stay on the right
path, and to not turn toward evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In Colossians, Paul teaches
us about wisdom in the church (our life together).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He appropriately proclaims that Jesus Christ
is our wisdom, and that we should teach about him and learn about him, and from
him and his teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Focusing on Jesus
Christ allows us to find maturity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
a wonderful gift maturity is, it is that good order that speaks to us as
created beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus gives us wisdom,
and the energy to help others find wisdom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
What happens when we find
Christ, and his wisdom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel close to
fellow travelers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul tells the
Colossians that they will be encouraged in love, united in love, and have the
full riches of complete understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are these things that you want in your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want them for the congregation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together, we are invited to know the mystery
of God (Jesus Christ), in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing Jesus also allows
us to not be deceived, to have a faith that is firm, rooted and growing in
Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It isn’t just about being
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All sorts of groups can be on
the same page, and be together in their work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our work as Christians is about Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is the one we lift up, and in doing so, we find ourselves lifted up
by old friend wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Ancient <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region> does
offer us one extreme warning about being together, but not being wise
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some competition had been
developing among the different philosophical groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When tensions rise, and accusations start to
fly, one of the teachers is brought to trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A vote is called, and the people pay attention to the accusations rather
than what was wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as a result,
Socrates was sentenced to capital punishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a tragic loss that wisdom had been disconnected from the
togetherness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It was Socrates who brought
forth important questions for the world to consider:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is just?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is truth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is good?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Hundreds of years later,
across the sea, God sends the answer in the person of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was just, true and good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he said this about himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that he was the way (that is
just).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that he was the
truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that he was the
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For God is the author of life, and God is
good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Pray for wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not just for yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for wisdom together in all realms of
your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for your colleagues,
pray for your work’s mission statement, pray for the congregation you are a
part of, pray for your neighborhood, pray for your family, and for families,
pray for leaders, in government and in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">We can have wisdom together,
because God has sent Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
him is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-56353315993288579542016-06-25T20:20:00.003-04:002016-07-30T19:02:44.392-04:00How Did We Get Here? More Than Surviving<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
More Than Surviving<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>6/19/16<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Genesis 21:8-21, Romans
8:31-39<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
To the Glory of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“We were meant to thrive”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Does life feel like so much
of your energy is simply about getting through a day, or a week, or a
month?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I just get through
this…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you feel that you are
surviving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barely?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In the beginning of the year,
we sought to answer the question:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who
are we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are members:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of Christ’s body, and of a Christian congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This summer, we’ll explore the question:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did we get here? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will look into the history of Western
Civilization, its themes and values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will look at how the values of ages long past shape us today, and how they are
related to Scripture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If you are interested in the
text beyond Scripture that I will be referencing, it is “Civilization:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A New History of the Western World” by Roger
Osbourne.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We start our story with
beginnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, we will look at the
era of oral history, history before writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the great lessons of this time is that human existence is more
than survival.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
When we call upon what we’ve
heard of this time, we might think of how difficult daily existence must have
been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But historians see clues that tell
a bigger story. We see a sense of purpose, growth and logic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
example,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
--The cave art speaks to the
human need to communicate<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
--Humans in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>
add farming to hunting and fishing<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
--there is movement of goods
and trade from a large geographic area through the super highway river systems
of <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
--In <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Cumbria</st1:country-region></st1:place>, 4000 years ago, a discovery
of an area with enough debris for over 45,000 ax heads.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
--in early Celtic
Culture:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fostering talented children
instead of next of kin for leadership roles in tribes<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
--the emergence of customary
law, rooted in family, where the individual was seen in the context of society,
and land was redistributed yearly in order to avoid too much accumulation<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It is not only what we know
of early history, but what we know of the beginning pages of Scripture, that
speak to humans doing more than just surviving:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
--In Genesis 4:26, “at that
time men began to call on the name of the Lord”, we have public worship<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
--customary laws seen in
Lamech, seeking protection after his law breaking<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
--the cities referenced to in
Genesis 1-11<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
--the architecture of <st1:city w:st="on">Babel</st1:city> and the <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ark</st1:place></st1:state><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It reminds me of when I was
in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
and I saw one of the generally agreed upon oldest structures in the world, some
10,000 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there anything good
we make today that will still stand 10,000 years from now?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Yes, the work of surviving
took more time in the era of oral history than it might for many of us
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life was difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And our technological innovation certainly
bring a sense of ease into our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But we are made for more than survival.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Genesis:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Abraham sends his son Ishmael
and Hagar his mother out into the wildnerness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>Marilynne Robinson<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“This is how life goes—we
send our children into the wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of them on the day they are born, its seems, for all the help we
can give them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them seem to be a
kind of wilderness unto themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
there must be angels there, too, and springs of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even that wilderness, the very habitation of
jackals, is the Lord’s I need to bear this in mind.”<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>-<st1:place w:st="on">Gilead</st1:place>, 119<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
God promises to be present<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
God speaks to Abraham in his distress<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
God promises Ishmael’s life a
purpose<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
God guides Hagar<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
God hears the cries and hurt<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
God shows the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This is a specific story for <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is chosen today as an example
of beginning generations facing difficulty, but also a deep sense of purpose
and humanity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There are special promises
from Paul to the Roman congregation, and all to you and I, in our own way, in
the wilderness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
God is over and beyond
anything else.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
(Me & God, Josh Turner
song)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
As a believer, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--is God against the one he sent his son into the world
for?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--is God condemning those he has chosen and justified?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--is God separating himself from his people who go through trouble, hardship, persecution, famine,
nakedness, danger or sword?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--No.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We are more than (Survivors)
conquerors through Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Death, life, angels, demons,
present, future, any powers, height, depth, anything else in all the
creation:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it cannot separate us from the
love of God in Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This theme of beginnings
passed down to us orally, speak to us old wisdom, the importance of
communication and connection and community, the proper place of self, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and the proper mix of local and movement in
the grand world, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life has always been
about more than survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all life
comes from God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
What can we look back and
find valuable for life today?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Many in our world
can thrive, not just survive<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->people of faith
come alongside to support those who’s full attention is given to surviving<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->solving issues
locally, and as a sense of family<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 37.5pt; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">place surviving
and thriving into God’s realm.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-47793166397916236302016-05-21T20:32:00.001-04:002016-05-21T20:32:08.461-04:00Our Job as Members: Giving God the Glory
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Our Job as Members:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Giving Glory to God<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>5/22/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>John 9, Colossians 3:15-17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Our Job is to give God the glory.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Webster's Defines <em>Glorify:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to
make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, admiration<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to light up brilliantly<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span><span>Paul tells the Colossians how
to do this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Every word, every deed, all in the name of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanking God through Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Why should we glorify God?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Because of who God is, and what God has done.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>“The Lord is good, and his love endures forever”<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Life is about engaging that idea of
giving God the glory as we live through the seasons of life, as we live in our
historical context, and as we navigate the culture and society that we are part
of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we give God the glory when
we are uncertain about the future?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
do we give God the glory when we are tired?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or hurting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or confused?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>“Every word, and every deed
in the name of Jesus Christ, thanking God for Jesus”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The practical answer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your next word, your next deed in the name of
Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And after you’ve offered
your next word to God’s honor, do the same thing again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Let’s look today at the
characters in this Gospel story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
preparation I listed them, and the word that seemed to characterize what we
know of them from the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In this story, Jesus did
God’s work:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a miracle, a healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is worshipped at the end of the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the story unfolds, there are
several different reactions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>The Man Born Blind<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span>The descriptive word is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HEALED</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ultimately, the man receives healing from his blindness, but more
importantly, he receives healing of his soul through a relationship with Jesus
Christ.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>His lot in life difficult, he
was a beggar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when Jesus commands
him, he obeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, he receives
sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>When people are talking about
him, he speaks plainly:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am the
man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hi people, hello, over here, It was
me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Yet he didn’t go back at
first to find his healer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When asked
what he thought of the healer, he replies simply:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a prophet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and I would say something similar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The man, when before the
religious decision making group, is on the end of a fascinating command:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give Glory to God, tell the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>What is his answer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I once was blind, and now I see. </span><span>(that is an answer that gives
God the glory)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The healed man even has a
little feisty side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When asked to repeat
his story:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already told you
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you asking because you want to
follow him too?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span></span><br />
<span>After being thrown out of the
presence of the Pharisees, the man meets Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When asked if he believes in the Son of Man, he replies, tell me who it
is and I will believe.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Being told it is Jesus, the
man worships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lord, I believe”, and he
worshipped Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>THE DISCIPLES:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span>The descriptive phrase is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DRAWING CONCLUSIONS</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They ask a question of Jesus which was the
conventional wisdom of the day, and is still something people today
wonder:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who did something wrong for this
person to be blind?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Even if the question seemed
legitimate to them, it wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
quickly corrects them and redirects their understanding to God’s ways, and not
human understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Neighbors that see a New Man<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span>The descriptive word is<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> TALKING</b>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In the story, there is a
discussion going on between those that think one thing and those that think the
other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the answer was right in front of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that they have more of an interest
in sharing their opinions than in seeking the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>The Pharisees<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span>The descriptive word is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DIVIDED</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon hearing that this miracle occurred on
the Sabbath, their classic stumbling block came up once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And some said that this proved that Jesus
wasn’t from God, and the others used the same logic to declare that it shows he
must have been from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But needless
to say, someone got it wrong along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Could God really be that upset that his Son healed a person?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Their inability to understand
the Sabbath quickly deteriorates into inappropriate thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it God’s will to hurl insults at someone
with whom you disagree?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it God’s will
to throw someone out of a group?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it
God’s will to ignore a person when God speaks wisdom through someone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it God’s will for us to feel so superior
over another person? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The conflict within the souls
of these leaders leads them to do things that aren’t God’s will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>The Parents<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span>The descriptive word is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">REDIRECTING</b>. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Surely, it would have been
difficult to consider the social consequences of being thrown out of the
synagogue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the social center of
the Jewish life in the 1<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup> century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But it is simpler to tell the truth than to be afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>(truth will always win
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might be beaten up, dismissed,
ignored, challenged, but truth endures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because if something is true, then its true)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In this case, the pressure
was too much for the parents:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask him,
he is of age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>JESUS<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span>The descriptive word is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WORKING AND HEALING</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ self-understanding of his mission was
perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as a result, he understood
time, and lived with the perfect balance of urgency and intentional behavior.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>“As long as it is day, we
must do the work of him who sends me”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span></span><br />
<span>He says this after dismissing
the disciple’s misunderstanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man
was going to display the works of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus was going to do that work, for he was the light of the world.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>(earlier, the 2<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>nd</sup>
definition of glorifying was to light up brilliantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By doing the works of God, Jesus lit up
brilliantly his father’s character and mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He brought light to the story, and as a result, the blind man could see,
but so could anyone willing to look and believe.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>He healed the man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He worked God’s work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he healed the man’s soul. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Jesus also taught his
followers to not think more highly of themselves than they should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing so can lead to blindness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>Finally, there were <strong>PHARISEES</strong>
with Jesus, and the descriptive word of them is <strong>OFFENDED</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We can easily imagine the
scene, they were around Jesus, hanging on every word, when Jesus declared a
truth which they weren’t expecting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Uh,
uh…uh, uh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep…wait, WHAT?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is when they get defensive:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you’re saying that we are blind too?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Being offended is a
oft-recorded response in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
people were offended and are offended today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we encounter the truth of Christ, we can choose to be offended, and
distance ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, we can open our
hearts by faith to believe in him, and even if he pronounces a judgment that is
hard for us to hear, we should remember the one who speaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has come into this world for judgment,
that is, to announce a verdict; that the blind will see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We have these people in the
story with their reactions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some ways
these reactions reflect our faith in the 21<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup> century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words like DRAWING CONCLUSIONS, SPEAKING
(without discerning), DIVIDED, REDIRECTING,OFFENDED:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>these do not have to be the words we use for
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are words we might chose
for ourselves, much to our shame.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Rather, the man who once was
blind, but now saw:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a true statement for all who are in
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
And Jesus, coming to work and heal invites us to follow him:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we can work for God’s glory, we can bring
Christ’s healing to the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>How do we do that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Your next word, your next
action. All in the name of Christ. Then repeat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-55992316586706655772016-05-01T07:59:00.006-04:002016-05-01T07:59:56.318-04:00Our Job as Members: Worship, NOTES
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Our Job as Members:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Exodus 34:29-35, II
Corinthians 3:7-18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Review<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Members of Christ’s body through faith in Jesus as Lord<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Members of a congregation take on responsibilities<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Members of a Presbyterian congregation can look to the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>resources
of our history<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>3 weeks of final
consideration:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worship, Discipleship,
Glory to God <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, worship: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Webster's Definition:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>worth, repute, respect, reverence paid to
divine being<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><strong>A Summary from the Book of Order:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Directory for Worship<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <em> </em></span><em>“Time:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christians
may worship at any time, for all time has been hallowed by God.”<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This hallowed sense informs the 7 day week, daily worship
and church year<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Space:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christians
may worship in any place, for the God who created time also created and ordered
space”<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Matter:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created
the material universe and pronounced it good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The covenant community understood that the material world reflects the
glory of God.</em></span></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Mission</st1:city></st1:place>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All time, all space, all matter are created
by God and have been hallowed by Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christian worship, at particular times, in special places, with the use
of God’s material gifts, should lead the church into the life of the world to
participate in God’s purpose to redeem time, to sanctify space and to transform
material reality to the glory of God<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Elements of Christian Worship:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>prayer, scripture read and proclaimed,
baptism, the Lord’s Supper, self-offering, relating to Each other and the world<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p><em> </em></o:p></span><span><em><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ordering Christian worship:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gathering around the Word, Proclaiming the Word, Responding to the Word,
Sealing of the Word (Sacraments), bearing and following the Word into the
world</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <em> </em></span><em>Gatherings:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer,
service of wholeness, evangelism, mission, special groups, welcome, ordination,
reconciliation, marriage, death</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span></span></b> </div>
Background for the Exodus Reading:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Exodus and Law, tabernacle,
the golden calf, the law re-introduced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>40 days and nights, Moses
chiseled the stone with the commands of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>What do we learn about God in this passage?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Lord’s presence shines
bright and glorious<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(God is light, and
in him there is no darkness)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Lord’s transforming glory
causes closeness and distance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>There are always vain
attempts to cover up the glory of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Vain is the key word in this sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>God’s light accompanies his
commands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>God has intent and
instruction for human beings in order for God’s will to be accomplished<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>People sensed the greatness
of God by way of the radiant faces <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>How does Paul compare the Old and New Covenant?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Death by way of law v. life
of the Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Glory v. more overwhelming
glory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Condemnation v. justification<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>temporal v. eternal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We learn that it is not good to veil God’s glory,
in whatever form it is. The </span><span>New covenant gives us
boldness. </span><span>Turning to the Lord, veil is
taken away, freedom is experienced and a new charge is given:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mirror the glory of God,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>let the Spirit shine (holy, not yours), we
reflect his glory more and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
being transformed into Christ’s image.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We can learn what worship is by looking at the strength's that Paul lists regarding the new covenant:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Life of the Holy Spirit,
overwhelming glory, by Christ’s justification, eternal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>How is your face shining?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>How are you shining forth the
glory of the Lord?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Our job as members:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>worship, worth giving to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is worthy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>All of life can be worship:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Commit<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your ways to the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Pray to the Lord in all
situations and seek the glory of God in all aspects of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Words, deeds and thoughts
offered to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Book of Order Worship<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Mission</span></i></st1:city></st1:place><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All time, all space, all matter are created
by God and have been hallowed by Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christian worship, at particular times, in special places, with the use
of God’s material gifts, should lead the church into the life of the world to
participate in God’s purpose to redeem time, to sanctify space and to transform
material reality to the glory of God<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Highlights from <u>Book of Order:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Directory for Worship</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Christian Worship:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>An Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise
and honor, glory and power to the Triune God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In worship the people of God acknowledge God present in the world and in
their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they respond to God’s
claim and redemptive action in Jesus Christ, believers are transformed and
renewed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In worship the faithful offer
themselves to God and are equipped for God’s service in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Spirit of God quickens
people to an awareness of God’s grace and claim upon their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit moves them to respond by naming
and calling upon God, by remembering and proclaiming God’s acts of
self-revelation in word and deed, and by committing their lives to God’s reign
in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In the person and work of
Jesus, God and a human life are united but not confused, distinguished by not
separated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The people of God response
with words and deeds of praise and thanksgiving in acts of prayer,
proclamation, remembrance and offering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the name of Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Christian
community worships and serves God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 47.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 47.25pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>in shared
experiences of life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 47.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 47.25pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>in personal
discipleship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 47.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 47.25pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>in mutual
ministry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 47.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 47.25pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(4)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>in common
ministry in the world<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Time, Space and Matter:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Time:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Christians may worship at any time, for all
time has been<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hallowed by God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This hallowed
sense informs the 7 day week, daily worship<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and church year<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Space:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Christians may worship in any place, for the
God who<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>created time also created and ordered
space”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Matter:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God created the material universe and
pronounced it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The covenant community understood that the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>material world reflects the glory of
God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><span>Mission</span></st1:city></st1:place><span>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All time, all
space, all matter are created by God and have been hallowed by Jesus
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian worship, at particular
times, in special places, with the use of God’s material gifts, should lead the
church inot the life of the world to participate in God’s purpose to redeem
time, to sanctify space and to transform material reality to the glory of God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Elements of Christian Worship</span></b><span>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>prayer,
scripture read and proclaimed, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, self-offering,
relating to each other and the world<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Ordering Christian Worship</span></b><span>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gathering
around the Word, Proclaiming the Word, Responding to the Word, Sealing of the
Word (Sacraments), bearing and following the Word into the world<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Gatherings</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer, service of wholeness, evangelism,
mission, special groups, retreats, welcome, ordination, reconciliation,
marriage, death</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-13367543335800671742016-04-16T12:57:00.004-04:002016-04-16T12:57:44.422-04:00Leadership Notes
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Leadership<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>4/17/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>I Samuel 16:1-13, John
20:24-29<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p>Reminder of the theme in our Membership series:</o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Members of Christ’s body by
faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Members of a congregation,
specifically, Presbyterian understanding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Leadership:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Definition of the word: (Merriam-Webster)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>A position as a leader of a
group<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The time when a person holds
the position<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The power, ability, capacity
to lead other people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>Verb:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to lead<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>To guide on a way especially
by going in advance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>To direct on a course or in a
direction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>Biblical Definition:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>One of the Spiritual gifts
defined in Romans 12, I Corinthians 12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>“if it is to lead, then do it
diligently”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>Presbyterian Structure, there
are 3 positions of ordination for church leadership<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Elder, Deacon, Teaching Elder
(Pastor)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>Everyone in a congregation,
when using their spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit, demonstrates
leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are moved into a deeper
relationship with God and community by the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>The Story of David Becoming King<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span>Saul was the first king of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was made king though God says this action
is a rejection of God by the people. God had communicated to the Covenant
people that he would be their king.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> wanted
one like everyone else had, when really they had the one that no one else
had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They couldn’t see the life and
blessing before them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Saul does not obey the
instructions that God gives him, and the word comes to Samuel “I regret that I
have made Saul King”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of this
background, today’s reading emerges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Some lessons we learn from Samuel about Leading:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em>It is the job of a leader to
do the will of God.</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(16:1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Lord calls Samuel out of
mourning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case, God had rejected
Saul, and now God was sending him to ordain the next king that he had chosen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em>It is the job of a leader to
think biblically and godly</em> (16:6-7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We are to place our thinking
and understanding before God, so that his plans and ways are honored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord tells us he has a very different way
of looking at the world, and at human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God tells Samuel to start thinking more like God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em>It is the job of a leader to
ask the right questions</em> (16:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Jesse provided all of the
information he had wanted to do, to the prophet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Samuel then asks, Do you have any other
sons?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaders can ask thoughtful and
creative questions, which move toward solution and fulfilling God’s will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><em>It is the job of leaders to
rise and anoint when God’s word comes.<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Maybe not literally, but in
this case, when God calls to Samuel and makes his command Samuel obeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those times when leaders are to lead, they
do so as a response by faith, to where they feel God is leading them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>John:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
Response to Jesus Christ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span>All of us can lead when we
use the spiritual gift the Spirit has put within us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all the gifts testify to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all announce, in their own ways, the
glory of God.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Disciples Announce:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have seen the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Yet so often, the gut
reaction by Thomas prevails:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Unless I
see, I will not believe”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span></span><br />
<span>The Living and Risen Jesus
Christ:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>He gives peace, making us right
with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Peace be with you”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>He tells the truth, silencing
our objections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Put your finger here,
reach out your hand”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>He invites us to life:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Stop doubting, and believe”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Scripture reminds us “a
little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). We might often be surprised by who God puts in our lives to direct his will into our hearts.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">If we are paying attention,
everyone will lead when they display their spiritual gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definition was “to direct on a course or
action”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-79665829799867387542016-04-01T15:14:00.003-04:002016-04-01T15:14:42.385-04:00Notes on the Benefits of Membership
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">The Benefits of
Membership<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">II Chronicles
34:13-33<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Culturally, the
decline in people becoming members of organizations is well documented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not limited to the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the easier work is to recognize the
deconstruction that has taken place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
more interesting question is, by placing less value on membership, what are we
missing?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Definition
from the Book of Order:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">MISSION</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> with a Purpose<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">*Church
engaged in God’s mission <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">*Engaged
with all the gifts necessary for being a church<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">*local
congregation provides an example of the witness of the Church, contributing
strength to the whole<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">The specific mission:</span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reach out with the gospel, gather for worship, offer care and nurture,
speak for justice and righteousness, bear witness to truth and God’s reign
coming to the world<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Not
designed to work without trust and love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">MEMBERSHIP by a Promise<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">What is membership?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">individuals
living together in covenant life with God and each other through their
confession of Jesus Christ as Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Baptism:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of believers—God’s gift of grace calls forth
a </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">response<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"> of children—God’s love claims people </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">before they
are able to respond in faith.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Let us understand
membership in Christ's body as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>a gift of grace</u></b>
that has come to us from before us, and a gift that needs a response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Illustration</span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> of giving a gift:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Take
what you know of a person you love, that you want to bless.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">You take
care and the steps necessary to make another person happy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">What do
you hope for when you give the gift?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you response.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Ultimately,
the benefits of membership are not self-fulfillment but participation in God’s
mission for the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">What do members do?</span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ministry of members </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">(read
directly from the <u>Book of Order)</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Model led by Josiah (Healed by
Yahweh)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Differences:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">*Transition from Assyria to <st1:city w:st="on">Babylon</st1:city>, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>
free to rule itself<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">*Josiah comes to reign in 631 <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">*a time of monarchy, not
constitutional representative<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">*part of God’s work in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>, not the church nor <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">*lessons of the benefits to
membership to be learned by this story<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">The benefits of community and
membership</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 42.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Leaders
who seek the righteousness of God and are attentive to and humble before God.
(19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 42.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Truth
telling, even if it involves judgment of sin against the community<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 42.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Garamond;">the
gifts of a great variety of people are valued, such as Hulduh,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 42.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Garamond;">to
be brought into God’s story, his call and judgments<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(23-26<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 42.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Garamond;">mercy
to the humble <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 42.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Garamond;">being
called together (the least to the greatest, together) to listen to God’s word
together (30)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 42.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Garamond;">healing
and mercy to the community that remembers the word of God, even if it has not
been reviewed or practiced for generations (30)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 42.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Garamond;">togetherness
that invites participants to remember God’s covenant with the people and obey
it now (32)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 42.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to clean the space of idolatry (33)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 42.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to live in devotion to the Lord (33)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-37123450757582484752016-03-19T13:07:00.001-04:002016-03-19T13:07:18.041-04:00Notes: The Real Reason We Are Members
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Real Reason We Are
Members<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>3/20/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Matthew 21:1-11, 28-32<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>In 2016, we’ve been talking
about Membership:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--In the Body of Christ, with
Jesus as Lord and Head of the Church<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--with a Historical
Presbyterian understanding, some 227 years old, which called upon Scripture and
deeply-rooted theology.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Today, we lift up:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>The real reason we can begin to speak about
membership.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We are members of Christ’s
body only because of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Will of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The work of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wisdom of the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>We gather today at the
start of Holy Week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We speak today about
membership in Christ’s body as we enter into<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Triumphal Entry <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Last Supper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The cross<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Empty grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Truly a Holy Week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>With great humility, we can
start to understand ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
members because of:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>God’s Will<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>It is the will of God:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--To restore human beings to
right relationship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--To bring back the children
of God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--That we have a part and
role in God’s will for the creation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--Membership is accomplished
solely by and for the glory of God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span><span>With great humility, we can
start to understand ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
members because of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Christ’s Work<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Christ’s work this Holy Week
was<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--to declare he was King to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(when he declared his kingship, people
celebrated!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--to offer himself to his
Father’s will as the sacrifice for sins, as only he was able to be satisfactory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--To die<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>--To be raised to new life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>With great humility, we can
start to understand ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
members because of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>The Spirit’s Wisdom<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>it is only the power of God's Spirit, we do not conjure up a
relationship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Right relationship with God
is not self-effort, good works or self-initiated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The Holy Spirit reveals the
knowledge of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one knows the mind
of God except the Spirit of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>Psalm 118: <br />
These things are marvelous in our eyes<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>I Corinthians 2:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>No eye has seen, no ear has
heard no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared…these things God
has revealed to us by His Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span>Types of Responses<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span><span>21:6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Disciples went and did as Jesus
instructed them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The simplest and best response for Christian discipleship</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>21:32:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do not choose that model, we are
still invited<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Repent and Believe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Two sons:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>neither is a perfect son, but it is obvious
that to repent and do something later is better than the second son’s
behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this sense, a vow not
fulfilled is inappropriate way to relate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
(via Marc Hays, Classical Conversations, <u>Lent: Baby Steps Toward Maturity</u>)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Church seasons as a book
within a room. While focusing on reading, you might see other objects in a room out of the corner of your eye, but your focus remains in front of you. Church seasons help us focus.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lent:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to pray and
repent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Holy Week:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to be
still and silent before God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Ecclesiastes 5:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>let your words be few.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">If this week, you look to the
Son and believe, you will have life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stand in awe of God, and his wondrous works.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-85346796786207637642016-03-14T15:52:00.003-04:002016-03-14T15:52:55.409-04:00The Race and the Prize
The Race and the Prize 3/13/16<br />
Hebrews 12:1-17, Matthew 13:52<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>You are startled awake,
jumping up from your pillow, with sweat on your forehead and your heart
racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a scary dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you wipe your groggy eyes, a thick fog is
causing clear thinking to elude you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your head hurts. You are confused and dazed, cloudy and
discombobulated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something isn’t right,
and you can’t quite seem to figure out what it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You feel lost, alone, and in a dark place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moment haunts you with how meaningless
and scared you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it isn’t just a
fleeting moment. Somewhere along the way, this is how you feel all the
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This darkness and isolation has
become your entire existence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>It is into that moment, from
out of the darkness, comes a hand, reaching out to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Follow me”, the voice says.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Run the race that I have for you, and walk
the path that is right, true, and good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t stray off the path, keep on following me, and I promise that
something good will be at the end of the path.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The choice is before
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue in this awful state of
stupor, or follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you consider this
choice, you decide to speak out to this voice that has come to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Is the path easy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You ask.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>Not always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I know some of it is very difficult.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span>What if I fall down?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You inquire.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span>You probably will get
bruised.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>What if I take the wrong
path? You wonder out loud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>If you follow me and listen
to my voice, you won’t follow the wrong path.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>What if I want to choose a
path different than where you lead me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>If you do, at any point, ask
for my help, I’ll lead you out of the wrong path back toward the path I chose
for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you ready to make a
decision?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you follow me?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>One last thing…Do you have
one piece of advice for me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span>Yes, Pay attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, will you follow me?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>After a simple ‘yes’, you
start to walk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The voice then spoke to me
again:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The path you will now walk will
be called the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the
race is the prize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be times
you should run with reckless abandon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There will be times to consider your steps carefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But most of the time, a steady step forward,
one step at a time, will do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the
time, we will walk together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Your first sense as you look
at this path is wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You behold
majestic trees in a forest, which seem to clap their hands in praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their roots are built into the soil and
history. The trees are a large and stable presence along the path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a diversity of shrubbery and plant
life along either side of the path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is mostly quiet, and as you get into a rhythm of walking, the noise
producing contraptions you’ve brought with you seem less meaningful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You feel good as you experience all that is
around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in this place, you feel
well enough to walk at a good pace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>But not all is wonder-filled
on the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point, you stoop
down to see some mushrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling
hungry, you extend your hand to reach for them, when that hand that lifted you
out of the muck and mire stops you, and the voice warns you:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are poisonous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Putting them in your body will cause your
body harm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Further on down the path,
there is a cavern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling curious, I
call out to the voice:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is that
cavern?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>To me came this word:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the cavern of anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you go in there, the darkness makes it
hard to find your way out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the more
you give your anger a voice, the volume increases and it sends sound bouncing
from one wall to the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time the
sound hits a wall, it fractures into further sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The angrier you get, the paralyzed you will
be by the volume of the fractured sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Avoid the cavern of anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
end up there, call to me, and ask for my help. I will help you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my help will require that you leave your
anger in the cavern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>After this, the path became
quite narrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a sharp, steep
decline within inches of the edge of the path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The voice speaks out to you:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is where trouble lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can sense
and experience trouble even if you are running the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t have to fall off the path in order
to know trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To get through, hold my hand as you keep on
stepping forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>After walking through
trouble, we enjoyed a time where the path was level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was kind to our feet and knees and
backs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this respite of level walking,
we were able to regain strength for the next part of the race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Next, we came to a fork in
the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a warning sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the left, the arrow pointed “The race”,
and to the right, the arrow pointed “The Trail of Fears”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having succeeded in my race so far, I
decided to leave the path, and I chose the trail of fears. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few steps onto the trail, I heard voices of
other travelers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We aren’t sure where
this leads, we were forced upon this path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It isn’t our fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t want
to go here. We are scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel all
alone here, so let’s go down the path together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>I didn’t think these
travelers were correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose this
path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could have chosen to stay on
the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We brought ourselves
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But perhaps there is comfort in
the company of these travelers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>It turned out that this was
not so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>The trail taught us
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That if we speak out every
fear to every traveler, we become weaker rather than finding strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our feet come to a halt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our feet become so heavy they are difficult
to lift up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every fear that was voiced
awoke the fears that were within us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
fed off of each other, until we were at a stand still, not knowing where to go,
with our souls almost devoured. T</span><span>hen I remembered:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you get lost, call out to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>So I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span></span><br />
<span>As I called, I saw a terrible
sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was only 3 or 4 steps
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of those few steps was
a horrible cliff that would have led to our death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out that our paralyzing fear caused
such a slow movement that it distorted our sense of space. But because the
trail was indeed short the return back was attainable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The voice called to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned around, and went back to Race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few others joined me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others didn’t.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>As I started back on the
race, my legs felt a little weak from my wrong choice, but I knew that I could
return to health because I was on the right path.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Continuing the race, the
path left the forest and turned into a deep valley, darkened because of the
setting sun behind us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The voice said
that this was the valley of the shadow of death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then I understood that the prize might
not always be won in this life, but the promise remained real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was in this valley that I saw more
clearly the hand that had reached out to me, and the voice which had spoken to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this voice was the voice of the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he was in charge even in this
place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>After traveling through the
valley, we found that our legs had regained their strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my surprise, there was a billboard along
the path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was unusual, but the
message provided hope:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t grow weary
and lose heart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose to keep my
diligence, and found my legs grow stronger with each step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But at the same time, I noticed a sense of
hunger. It was more than a sense;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
really hungry. And it was getting dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What would we do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we be
okay?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed another fork, with the
same choices as before:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the race, or
the trail of fears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this time I
chose the race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Immediately after my choice,
I came to a lodge with tavern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met
delightful travelers, some of whom looked familiar to me, and even an old
friend or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there was also many
new travelers who I would now meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was light so we could see one another and enjoy fellowship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there was food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plenty of food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We celebrated together and then we rested for
the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My choice reinforced a
truth:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the path came equipped for
everything I needed to run the race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Looking back, there was that
place of food and lodge every seven days throughout my entire journey on the
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Sometimes, I found the quiet
of the race to be lonely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked it
being alone better than the loud noises. Most of the time, the quiet allowed me
to think clearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While running the
race, I would occasionally hear voices further up along the path, and they
would be beckoning me to keep going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
so when I received encouragement, I would beckon to those behind me in the
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would tell them to run and not
grow weary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always tried to remember
to call forward a thank you for the encouragement I had received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure if they heard me or not, but it
seemed more important to say it than for the words to be heard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>All the while, through all
the different opportunities and seasons, and all the different travelers I
would get to know, and the voices from behind me or before me, there stayed
with me that voice of the one who first helped me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the voice was a whisper, and
sometimes a loud thunder, sometimes a voice and sometimes a sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that voice always stayed with me, and it
always called out to me, “Pay attention” and “Follow me”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>After a long time of travel,
I came to a book that was placed upon a stump along the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cover of that dusty, well used book said
these words:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My responsibilities”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the book and the first words I read
were “Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make level paths for your feet, so that the
lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That indeed was something I was able to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being responsible provided the discipline
needed for the journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Sometimes when I would rest
by the campfire, at the end of a days walk, I would think about some of the
things that I had seen along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Distance and further travel had allowed me to understand more clearly
what I had seen earlier in the journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thought back to the cavern of anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It turns out that while I was looking at the cavern, there was a sign
above me that I had not given much notice. It read “Training ground”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By staying in the race, I was receiving
training in righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would also
recall those times of food and lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were such cherished times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
look back at those gatherings, and they were called “peace”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>At one point, I had another
dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time it wasn’t a nightmare,
but rather a healing rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I awoke
from it, rather than sweat and heart palpitations, I was complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What my eyes saw was new yet strangely familiar; I was home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot find the exact words to describe
what I saw, but I do have one word:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There before me was
joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only for me; but for a countless
number from every race and nation and village and tribe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abundant Joy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In what seemed like seconds, I turned around to see my children enter
this joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">After that, I heard that
great voice which had once saved me from hell and was with me throughout the race;
“Well done, good and faithful runner, enter into the joy of your master.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out, that the voice that I had heard
was that of Jesus Christ<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For the joy
set before him, Jesus endured the cross”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fix your eyes on Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-44638313742010344762016-03-05T10:31:00.002-05:002016-03-05T10:31:42.544-05:00A New Openness to God
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>A New Openness to God<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>3/6/16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Hebrews 10:19-39<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">BOOK OF ORDER:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A NEW OPENNESS TO GOD<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<i><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT;">F-1.0404 Openness<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">In Jesus Christ, who
is Lord of all creation, the Church seeks a new openness to God’s mission in
the world. In Christ, the triune God tends the least among us, suffers the
curse of human sinfulness, raises up a new humanity, and promises a new future
for all creation. In Christ, Church members share with all humanity the
realities of creatureliness, sinfulness, brokenness, and suffering, as well as
the future toward which God is drawing them. The mission of God pertains not
only to the Church but also to people </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">everywhere and to all
creation. As it participates in God’s mission, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A)
seeks:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">a new openness to the
sovereign activity of God in the Church and in the world, to a more radical
obedience to Christ, and to a more joyous celebration in worship and work;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">a new openness in its
own membership, becoming in fact as well as in faith a community of women and
men of all ages, races, ethnicities, and worldly conditions, made one in Christ
by the power of the Spirit, as a visible sign of the new humanity;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">a new openness to see
both the possibilities and perils of its institutional forms in order to ensure
the faithfulness and usefulness of these forms to God’s activity in the world;
and<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">a new openness to
God’s continuing reformation of the Church ecumenical, that it might be more
effective in its mission.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br />
<o:p><span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Are you Open
to God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, we talk about a new
openness to Go</span></strong><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">d.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt -0.25in;">
<strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">OPEN
Definition<o:p></o:p></span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Adjective </span></strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Allowing access, passage, or a view through
an empty space, not closed or blocked up<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">exposed to the air or to view; not covered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Antonym:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>closed, shut<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Verb </span></strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">move or adjust (a door or window) so as to
leave a space allowing access and view.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In our relationship with God, the definition of “open” is
very helpful:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Do we allow God access into our hearts and souls?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(He already has it, for the record, Psalm 139
teaches us this…but from a human perspective).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Have we closed God off from any part of our existence?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heart, mind, soul, strength, words, thoughts,
deeds?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Have we lived with an understanding that everything we
are is clear and known by God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing
is hidden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing is covered up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit of God can transform the heart
that is exposed before God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">When open is used as a verb:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we move our hearts and minds toward God, so
that God can help us see more clearly?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do we let our perspectives be opened to how God looks at the world,
existence and life?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Book of Order calls for a new
openness to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It calls us to make sure
we are always letting God have first place in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not second, not third, not last or left over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It calls us to display openness to the Lord in four specific ways:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span></o:p> </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Openness in
our relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Openness to
how we see the community of faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Openness to
looking at how we structure ourselves for effectiveness in God’s kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Openness in
how we relate to God’s work throughout his Church<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Are you closed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
are you open?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the Holy Spirit
saying to you in this moment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Closed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Open?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Is our spiritual life reflected more in the Pharisee, or
the tax collector?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before God’s
presence, do you feel entitled or self reliant?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or humble?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Letter to the Hebrews gives us Biblical thought on
Openness to God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em>What does Being Open to God Mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vs 19-25<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">What is the Alternative to Being Open?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vs 26-31<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Recalling when we have been open to God in our past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vs 32-39<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">What Does Being
Open to God mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vs 19-25<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Jesus has opened the door for you and I to have a right
relationship with God the Father. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
imagery from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s
Sacrificial system is drawn upon here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the temple, the curtain separated people
from the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Most Holy Place</st1:address></st1:street>
where God dwelt. The high priest would offer the animal sacrifice, whose blood
was an atonement for the sins of the people..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of the blood is sprinkled throughout the temple furniture to remind
all of the cost of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Water was always
present to wash and make clean after the sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Christianity teaches us that Jesus Christ is the
sacrifice for our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the blood
of Christ that allows us into the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Holy
Place</st1:address></st1:street> to meet God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus bodily sacrifice tears down the wall of separation that distanced
humanity from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is the priest,
who rather than offering a sacrifice of an animal, offers himself. Jesus, our
high priest then speaks on our behalf before God. Our hearts are cleansed by
the sprinkled blood, and allow us to be pure, washed clean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The imagery of Christ as sacrifice shows us the open door
to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being open is being in a
right relationship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our life is
rooted in Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is our Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one else, including ourselves, can rescue
us from the stain of our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Christ, we can have confidence, that Jesus has opened the way. We can live life
sincerely, and with assurance from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Christ we can draw near, we don’t have to be distant anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Christ, we can have hope, and hold onto
that hope without swerving or wavering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Christ, we can encourage our family of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Christ, we should never give up on one
another, and not give up the practice of being together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Is your spiritual life confident in what Scripture says
Jesus did?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is your life sincere, assured
because of God’s promises?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you open,
or closed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have hope?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you encourage one another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are open to God, these descriptions
should be true of you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">What is the
Alternative to Being Open?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Verses
26-31 provide us with caution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
sacrifice that Jesus made is the utmost serious and important event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to toss it out, or disregard its meaning
for our lives has a costly consequence to our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author tells us if we deliberately keep
on sinning and ignoring God after we have claimed Christ as Lord, that “no
sacrifice for sins is left”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May these
not be haunting words for us:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not
trample on Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not treat as
unholy that most holy sacrifice of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do not insult the spirit of grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It will be a terrible thing for you if you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The paragraph in Hebrews is not written to
unbelievers, but believers who have discarded Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Recalling when we
were open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vs 32-39<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Presumably, there have been times when you’ve felt open
to God, that you’ve felt close because you walked with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t forget those times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was it about those seasons in your life
that was different?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has it been so long
that you can’t remember?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you’ve
never been open to God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, is the
day that can change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The righteous shall
live by faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And faith doesn’t shrink
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God takes no pleasure when your
faith shrinks back and is destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
takes pleasure in those who have faith, and rewards them with salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">If you can’t remember a time when you were open to God,
and you want to be, then let today be the first day. Find out today what God’s
will is, do it today, and then do it again tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then do it again the day after that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need to persevere so that when you have
done the will of God, you will receive what God has promised.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Are you closed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
are you open?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">NEW TESTAMENT
REFERENCES TO GOD’S WILL<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Matthew 7:21, Mark 3:35, John 6:40, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 7:17, Acts 20:27, Acts 22:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Romans 1:10, Romans 8:27, Romans 9:19, Romans 12:2, II
Corinthians 8:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Galatians 1:4, Ephesians 5:17, Ephesians 6:6, Colossians
1:9, Colossians 4:12, I Thessalonians 4:3-5, Hebrews 2:4, Hebrews 10:36, James
4:15,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I Peter 2:15,I Peter 4:2,I John 2:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">As well as when Paul references this phrase in his
introductions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I
Corinthians 1:1, II Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, II Timothy
1:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-59664514735624528542016-03-05T10:23:00.000-05:002016-03-05T10:23:01.864-05:00Big Important Words Notes
Big Important Words 2/28/16<br />
I Peter 1:1-2<br />
<br />
I've been lifting up the Biblical and Presbyterian understanding of membership (in that order). This sermon lifted up the Marks of the Church. The Book of Order (BOO) is referenced for the marks.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>I Peter Introduction</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Congregations where in the provinces of Modern day Turkey. They highlight the importance of place and geography.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>God’s elect:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he has you in place for a purpose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>God has purpose for the
church in all places, and all times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><span style="color: maroon;">Chosen</span></st1:place><span style="color: maroon;"> by God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;">Through the
sanctifying work of the Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;">For the purpose
of obeying Jesus Christ, sprinkled with his blood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><strong>Unity:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;">Chosen according
to the foreknowledge of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>“unity is God’s gift to the
church in Jesus Christ”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(BOO)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>It is God’s call upon us that
is our unity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t the demonstration
of being united.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We already are united
in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a body, one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we don’t feel unity, we should look only
to ourselves, what should I do to help affirm something that God has declared
to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>As a body, we are to care for
our members, fellow parts of the body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>“to become priests for one
another, praying fore the world and for one another and sharing the various
gifts God has given to each Christian for the benefit of the whole
community”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(BOO)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><strong>Holy:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;">The sanctifying
work of the Holy Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>“holiness if God’s gift to
the Church in Jesus Christ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>holy means: To be set apart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;">“Just as he who
called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written, “Be holy,
because I am holy”</span><span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(quote from Leviticus)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>How are we made holy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sprinkled with the blood of Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span><strong>Catholic:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>“on the whole”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Universal, widespread<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>“the whole being represented
in each local church”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>A term of contrast to
describe a faith that is not heretical.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>“what is believed everywhere,
always and by all”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>---Vincent of Lerins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>--often, scripture, creeds, sacraments, ministry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Catholic notes taken from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Westminster</st1:place></st1:city>
Dictionary of Christian Theology)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span><strong>Apostolic:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span>Christ sent his
disciples,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tertullian, “the churches
come from the apostles, as the apostles had come from Christ and Christ from
God”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(WDCT)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>Continue the faithfulness of
the witness to Christ first done by the Apostles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;">“sent”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said, “Peace be with you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.”
And with that he breathed on them and said, “receive the Holy Spirit”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: maroon;">“For the purpose
of obeying Jesus Christ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span>The jobs of Members:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>live the unity that is in Jesus Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>To be holy, so that we also
live as a holy congregation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span>Faith isn’t just our faith,
we are part of a faith bigger than us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Message has made its way to
us, who are we getting the message to?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026645512205061672.post-9649586395531286812016-02-20T14:34:00.002-05:002016-02-20T14:34:12.622-05:00Membership: the Church as Body
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Luke 15:1-7, I Corinthians 12:21-31</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
In Psalm 139, David sings<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #990000;">You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit
me together in mother’s womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you
for making me so wonderfully complex!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Paul corrects the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Corinthians</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> in this way</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy
Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do not belong to yourself, for God bought
you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. I Co. 6:19</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Thinking about the organs of a human body and our passage
about the church as body, the appendix is fascinating. Despite centuries of research, the exact purpose of the
appendix is still not certain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
sometimes said, perhaps as encourage a person who has had their appendix
removed, ‘well, you don’t need that’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What they really mean to say is “you can survive without it”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as Paul reminds us, it is against the
rules to say, “we don’t need you”.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There are two examples of complaints that Paul uses in his
teaching about the church as body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
first complaint is “Because I am not”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>An imaginary hand might say “Because I am not an eye, I am not
important”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second complaint is “I
don’t need you” to another member of the body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Appendix, you aren’t needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Begone.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>“Because I am not…"</strong></div>
When a part of the body needlessly compares itself to
another part in an inappropriate way, it rejects God’s part for them in the
body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How absurd that the stomach demand
to see?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The body would die because it
wasn’t doing the job it was called to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It isn’t inappropriate to see strength in another person and
wish to emulate that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it isn’t
appropriate to compare yourself to another part of Christ’s body when he has called
you to your role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needlessly comparing
yourself draws you away from God, while following God’s purpose for you brings
health to the body.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<strong>“I don’t need you...”</strong><br />
The Scripture calls us to spur one another on to good deeds,
to encourage one another as long as it called today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture also commands us to take sin and
wrongdoing seriously enough to identify it and seek to leave it behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the Scripture does not devalue
humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it is wrong for us to say
to another part of Christ’s body:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
need you.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>Perhaps the biggest reason why is this phrase is an affront
to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has placed his body
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if someone judges a person
as not needed, they make this declaration without all of God’s knowledge and
will in view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Also, there is a finality to the phrase “I don’t need
you”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the Scripture says that an eye
saying to the head ‘I don’t need you’ doesn’t cease to make the head continue
to be a head.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em>What is God showing us through the church as body image?</em></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">He has
put his Son Jesus Christ in Charge, and Jesus is the head of the body.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God
places emphasis on ‘senses’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
body as a big eye would lose the majesty of the sense of smell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A big nose would lose out on music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The body losing their senses is a sick
body, not complete, dysfunctional.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God
wants his body to awaken to all that God has created it to be.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God
has a specific intent for specific parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Scripture says that God has put each part exactly where it should
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His will, not ours.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God
looks at the parts of the body uniquely and purposefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has good plans for all the parts of
the body.</li>
</ol>
Ken Goodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026679064161721087noreply@blogger.com0