January 21 Sermon
1 Corinthians 12: 12-31
It’s great being a Christian pastor. Not only do I know as a Christian we have the truth, but as a Christian church here, we are connected to a larger group called the body of Christ. Years ago, every Monday morning I would get together with a co-worker to talk about church. She was Catholic, and I was Methodist. Almost every week, her priest and my pastor preached on the same text. Coincidence?
No. Actually they preached, and I preach as well using the lectionary. The lectionary has 4 texts each week, 2 OT and 2 NT. When we go with the lectionary, after 3 years, we will have mostly gone thru the whole bible. Sticking with the lectionary is also very freeing. Every Sunday our church is connected to 1000s of other Methodist, Episcopalian, Catholic, Lutheran and other churches.
This week, the text from our lectionary that all these churches can use is out of the book of 1 Corinthians. This letter Paul wrote to the Corinthians was sent to clear up some difficulties. The great theologian Paul Sampley says the first issue was Corinth’s fractiousness, where various segments of the community would try to “one up” others.
This would be expressed as boasting or haughtiness, but at other times condescension and disdain, and also thoughtlessness and inconsideration. Frequently their arrogance gains expression in claims of status that the world would value such as wisdom, elegance of speech, or wealth.
Paul’s response is great as he continues to value the distinctiveness of each Christian, yet he affirms a unity that incorporates that diversity. All thru the letter he also counters their claims…by offering himself up as an example, by chiding, by encouraging, by calling for self-assessment, and most essentially by calling for love to be employed in all situations.
Unity –-- Oneness of mind, concord, harmony, or agreement. You see, this Early Church would get together to have a common meal, break bread, read scripture, probably sing some songs, and worship. But when they got together, there was no unity in the body. Paul says there was division (the original word is schemata or schisms) in vs. 25.
Paul told us in chapter 11 that when the church got together, some would go ahead of the other people and get fat and drunk, while the others went hungry. Wesley describes the Corinthian church as separating into little groups or “clicks” which would have anger and resentment against the other.
They were usually grouped based on economic and age factors. One group would jump up and say “we are better than you, so we must eat and drink first”. Instead of unity, there was discord. Instead of one loaf of bread, there were biscuits around the room.
In verse 13, Paul says “For in one Spirit, we were all baptized in one body.” He is referring back to the beginning of chapter 12 describing some of the spiritual gifts we have. Let’s run thru those right quick.
He begins by saying “hey….you have been pagans for so long and you were enticed and led astray. Someone has been tickling your ears. But now since you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, you must be led by the Spirit.” There are other gifts listed elsewhere, but the ones Paul lists here are Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Prophecy, Tongues, Interpretation of tongues.
All of these are activated by the one and only Spirit, and to each person is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good of all. But the Corinthian church members were not using their gifts for the common good of the church. Selfishness was the name of the game.
But Paul says in our text for today, there are many members of the body of Christ yet we are all one.
It was one Spirit who baptized us all……Jews, Greeks, slaves, free, male, female, white, black, brown, red or blue. We were all given the one Spirit.
Paul goes on to say in verse 14, that the body of Christ does not consist of one person running the whole show.
He is really getting into the unity/diversity part. He will address those who have a low estimate of themselves (or low self-esteem) and then he will address those who have a low estimate of others. “If the foot says ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body.
And if the ear would say “because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body. If the whole body were any eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where the sense of smell be?” To go back to those who thought they were not as useful, it would be like the little toe saying “since I am not the brain, I don’t belong to the body.” If we didn’t have our little toes, how would we know where the corner of the bed is in the middle of the night??
To jump ahead to verse 21, “the eye cannot say to the hand ‘I don’t need you’ and the head can’t say to the foot ‘I don’t need you.’ I really like the translation from The Message for these verses. I kind of think Donald Trump read this translation.
It says “No part is important on its own. Can you imagine Head telling Foot “You’re Fired. You’re out of here.”
Verse 18 puts it all in perspective. “God has CALLED the parts of the body, EVERY ONE OF THEM, just as he wanted them to be.” In verse 22 Paul goes on to say “those parts of the body that seem to be weaker, are indispensable, and the parts we think are less honorable are treated with special respect.” Paul uses the Greek word ‘dokeo’ which here is translated as ‘seem’.
He is saying that those who seem weak, poor, down-trodden, less worthy who usually get stepped on by those who have more money or more power or who speak as if they have more authority, must be treated with special honor. I like the way the New King James Version says it…these are the ones we bestow ‘abundant honor’ on.
The parts that are less honorable are given special treatment, while the more honorable parts do not require this attention. Why?? Those with the authority and power, and those who were able to give more money because of their resources were already getting honor out in society. This group had buildings named after them, had parties in their honor, and were able to share their resources.
When they came to the church, Paul says “hey, you get to stand on your soap box out in the world. Now that you’re here, the last shall be first.”
In verse 24, Paul says that God Almighty himself has called each one of us to the church we are in. He says that God called and brought each of you here with different gifts so there should be no division or strife.
The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church. Every part whether mentioned or not, whether seen or not seen, is dependent on the others. Paul says that because we are one body, when one part suffers, we all suffer. When one part cries we all cry and are involved in the hurt as well as the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the festival.
When Paul is writing to other churches, he tells them the same thing. In Romans 12 he says “rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.” In Galatians 6 he says “Carry each other’s burdens.”
Now you are the church; you are the body of Christ. Stand up and be heard. Let your voices shout out the praises of God so the rafters shake and they can hear you all across the county. He says that only as you accept your part in the church does your part actually mean anything.
God appointed first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, healers, helpers, organizers, and tongues. It’s obvious by now right that God’s body, God’s church is a complete body. We are each called to this church specifically by God. Don’t think you ended up here by accident.
Although you may only be here for a “season”, you are here because God called you here. We are not all preachers; we are not all helpers; we are not all organizers. Paul argues for diversity. He wants each person to be unique in the church.
The New Testament calls this the “priesthood of all believers”. 1 Peter 2 says “you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, God’s special possession.” Priesthood does not mean clergy. Pastors are called to proclaim the Word of God and perform other functions.
The priestly function is one of bridge building, mediating, and connecting people with God. In the OT, priest served as the mediator between the people and God. Now thru Jesus Christ, we have direct access to and communication with God. This blessing is not to be kept to yourself though. You are called to be a blessing to all the nations. An aspect of this priesthood is shown when our church opens up its prayer chain. Many Christians have seen where their prayers have yielded miracles in many lives.
Jesus said “where two or three are gathered, if you follow my will, anything you ask for will be done for you in heaven.” Your priestly function is also evident when you tell unbelievers about God. By both word and works, you are called to convey God’s love to everyone.
When Moses presented this bold commission to the people in Exodus 19, “the people all answered as one, ‘Everything the Lord has spoken we will do.’” They accepted their call enthusiastically. They were of one mind. The Apostle Paul was the same. He was called to go out and convert the Gentiles to The Way.
And you, dear church, are called to go out and proclaim the Good News. That will involve telling others about your Christian life and what Jesus means to you. That will involve asking God for His will for your life. And that will involve not going your own way, but going the path Jesus sets before you, in unity with your fellow servants.
It’s time to go and desire the greatest gift of all, Paul says in verse 31. And he goes on to explain it in the next chapter. The greatest gift you can receive and give is Love. Paul describes love well. I know you have heard the Love Chapter at more than one wedding.
And I will leave you with this because it’s a great way to finish Paul’s statement to the Corinthians. Here is the way Eugene Peterson has translated it in The Message.
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing.
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
Psalm 133
Behold, how good and pleasant it iswhen brothers dwell in unity!It is like the precious oil upon the head,running down upon the beard,upon the beard of Aaron,running down on the collar of his robes!It is like the dew of Hermon,which falls on the mountains of Zion!For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,life for evermore.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
12For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.
17If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many members, yet one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; 24whereas our more respectable members do not need this.
But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, 25that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another.
26If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. 27Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Becoming a Pastor in the United Methodist Church
I've been asked in the past about my call from God to become a Pastor in the UMC. For those who have not been on an Emmaus Walk, they will not totally understand this. Hopefully though, everyone can read all through it and gleen some understanding.
I went on my Emmaus Walk. I thought it was going to be just another weekend retreat. Someone I didn't know sponsored me and even paid my way. We were newlyweds back then and didn't have any money. On my Walk we had lots of personal private time. This was time to pray. It was beautiful in the spring time there in Boerne, TX and I stayed outside a lot. LIttle did I know it was the "wilderness" I was walking in. Each time outside I prayed for God's direction. I had a decent job but nothing spectacular. Everytime I went out and prayed for 20 minutes or so, and each time God said "Wait. There's more."
That's how it went the entire weekend. I would go out into the wilderness to pray (like the Israelites went into the wilderness), but God sent me back in each time without answers. Then on the last day when I got up in front of the whole assembly to talk about my walk, God hit me over the head with a 2x4 bolt of lightning. It all became clear. "I want you to lead my church." No timeline, no location, just be like Abraham and trust in me.
And so I did. Oh my I didn't know what I was in for in the Methodist Connectional System. One hoop after another and more discernment and more discernment on my calling. And here are the steps (I had to do them in order):
2 more years in the Methodist Church.
Discuss the call and situation with my pastor.
Read the "Christian as Minister" book. Very detailed about calling and desire.
Obtain a copy of the Ministry Inquiry Process and complete all of that book and process.
Request an interview with the DS to get grilled ...er I mean get questioned about my call. (just a joke).
Get a Candidacy Mentor to start going over this stuff to. (this is at least a year).
Psych exam.
Criminal background check.
Another meeting with the PPR to get recommended.
A vote by the Charge Conference to get recommended.
Meet for an interview with the District Committee on Ordained Ministry.
Then if all these steps are completed successfully, I have the potential to pastor a church while I complete school.
*Licensing School is required to be completed and passed.
Why did I do it? Because that's my call from God. Did I think it would be easy. No. In the last 20 years I've seen every type of sin and discension there is in people in the church. Every church I go to I will seek God's guidance and his will for the church. There are still more steps to be taken for me in the process, and for us as a church to become what God fully intends us to me.
For all my friends, family, associates, and those I don't know all around the world who read my blog, continue to pray for our church. Pray for healing and pray for communication.
Thanks for you support. Blessings...
Pastor Sean
I went on my Emmaus Walk. I thought it was going to be just another weekend retreat. Someone I didn't know sponsored me and even paid my way. We were newlyweds back then and didn't have any money. On my Walk we had lots of personal private time. This was time to pray. It was beautiful in the spring time there in Boerne, TX and I stayed outside a lot. LIttle did I know it was the "wilderness" I was walking in. Each time outside I prayed for God's direction. I had a decent job but nothing spectacular. Everytime I went out and prayed for 20 minutes or so, and each time God said "Wait. There's more."
That's how it went the entire weekend. I would go out into the wilderness to pray (like the Israelites went into the wilderness), but God sent me back in each time without answers. Then on the last day when I got up in front of the whole assembly to talk about my walk, God hit me over the head with a 2x4 bolt of lightning. It all became clear. "I want you to lead my church." No timeline, no location, just be like Abraham and trust in me.
And so I did. Oh my I didn't know what I was in for in the Methodist Connectional System. One hoop after another and more discernment and more discernment on my calling. And here are the steps (I had to do them in order):
2 more years in the Methodist Church.
Discuss the call and situation with my pastor.
Read the "Christian as Minister" book. Very detailed about calling and desire.
Obtain a copy of the Ministry Inquiry Process and complete all of that book and process.
Request an interview with the DS to get grilled ...er I mean get questioned about my call. (just a joke).
Get a Candidacy Mentor to start going over this stuff to. (this is at least a year).
Psych exam.
Criminal background check.
Another meeting with the PPR to get recommended.
A vote by the Charge Conference to get recommended.
Meet for an interview with the District Committee on Ordained Ministry.
Then if all these steps are completed successfully, I have the potential to pastor a church while I complete school.
*Licensing School is required to be completed and passed.
Why did I do it? Because that's my call from God. Did I think it would be easy. No. In the last 20 years I've seen every type of sin and discension there is in people in the church. Every church I go to I will seek God's guidance and his will for the church. There are still more steps to be taken for me in the process, and for us as a church to become what God fully intends us to me.
For all my friends, family, associates, and those I don't know all around the world who read my blog, continue to pray for our church. Pray for healing and pray for communication.
Thanks for you support. Blessings...
Pastor Sean
January 14th sermon A New You John 2
January 14th sermon
John 2:1-10, Isaiah 62: 1-5
What was your wedding like? Show me your hands for those who had an extravagant wedding….you know, presents piled all the way to the ceiling, roses everywhere, doves flying up, Tabernacle Choir singing in the background, angels playing their harps, the sky opens and a spot light from heaven shines on the bride.
Our wedding was in a small church in Kerrville. It was all family and a few friends and we packed that place out. It was April 2nd and there were 6 ft wooden rabbits guarding the front door. Here is how it went. I was on one side looking at Brandy. She was looking at me with those loving eyes. “Do you Sean take Brandy to be your loving wife….” I’m thinking “don’t lock your legs, don’t lock your legs, don’t pass out”…”oh, I do”.
“Do you Brandy take Sean to be your loving husband….” She’s thinking “oh my this is the best day of my life. I can’t believe I got someone as great as Sean. He is such a hunk. We are going to have lots of kids and a big house. This is wonderful.” “ oh…I do”. And now I pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride.” I dipped then kissed her. The best day of her…I mean our lives.
Well if you think your wedding was a big deal, you have to look at the weddings in the 1st century. They were a week long. This is a true fiesta.
Wine was very important back then for meals and for festivals. Wine was a symbol of joy, but drunkenness was forbidden by scripture. Jesus didn’t intend the guest to get stinking drunk. He made 180 gallons of water into wine to satisfy a large number of guests for a few more days.
It’s been said that the wedding was for a relative or close friend of Jesus. Think about this. It’s a great dishonor for the host to run out of wine for the guest. Mom is upset because the wine has run out. Friends usually sent wine and other items ahead of time for the wedding celebration.
Lack of wine would show a lack of friends. If Jesus or his mom were among the inner circle of friends for the bridegroom, he would be obligated to bring wine. So by providing the wine, Jesus saves the bridegroom from dishonor, but also saves his own prestige.
In the OT, an abundance of wine showed a sign of God’s joyous arrival of a new age.
· On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, (Is 25:6a)
· The mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it (Amos 9:13cd)
· In that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, the hills shall flow with milk (Joel 3:18a)
Six jars that will hold 20-30 gallons each. I would say that 180 gallons of wine would be an abundance. Water back then did not come in bottles of Perrier. It was safer to drink some fermented grapes than the water.
Jesus took this water that might not have been the best to drink and made it into the best wine around. The jars were empty when Jesus first got there and he filled them up. That is what Jesus does for us. Jesus fills us with the best of himself.
The old container is our bodies. Jesus transforms us from the inside out. The sinner becomes a saint. The pagan becomes a child of God. The polluted becomes pure.
This miracle is the beginning of his signs. That abundance of wine was a sign of God’s new age. Jesus changing water into wine was the beginning of a new age. The age of God’s grace was upon the people.
John uses the word sign instead of miracle, because what Jesus did was a sign pointing to something even greater than some water turning into wine. It was a sign pointing to God.
The guests and the wedding steward focused on the new wine and its sudden appearance. But for a sign to fulfill its purpose, it has to point to something greater. What does this point to? It points to Jesus. It points to God.
Those six jars were ceremonial cleansing jars. They would be filled with water for the Jews to wash with before and after eating. And now their use is changed. The old purifying water is gone. The new wine symbolic of Jesus’ blood is here.
When you read about a sign (the water to wine, the healing, the resurrection), remember, it’s a road sign. We are all on a journey. Think about being on an old ship with big sails. We have the spiritual wind behind us and the mile markers pointing in front of us. I told someone the other day I was behind their ship blowing into their sails to move him along his spiritual journey faster, and I would try and let off some of that tension. He told me “you do challenge me, but I don’t want to be lukewarm.” Your wet muddy path is laid out before you. Keep any eye out for those marker signs, that guy on the side of the road, and the jar…the jars that were filled with water, but now filled with the cleansing blood of Christ.
John 2:1-10, Isaiah 62: 1-5
What was your wedding like? Show me your hands for those who had an extravagant wedding….you know, presents piled all the way to the ceiling, roses everywhere, doves flying up, Tabernacle Choir singing in the background, angels playing their harps, the sky opens and a spot light from heaven shines on the bride.
Our wedding was in a small church in Kerrville. It was all family and a few friends and we packed that place out. It was April 2nd and there were 6 ft wooden rabbits guarding the front door. Here is how it went. I was on one side looking at Brandy. She was looking at me with those loving eyes. “Do you Sean take Brandy to be your loving wife….” I’m thinking “don’t lock your legs, don’t lock your legs, don’t pass out”…”oh, I do”.
“Do you Brandy take Sean to be your loving husband….” She’s thinking “oh my this is the best day of my life. I can’t believe I got someone as great as Sean. He is such a hunk. We are going to have lots of kids and a big house. This is wonderful.” “ oh…I do”. And now I pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride.” I dipped then kissed her. The best day of her…I mean our lives.
Well if you think your wedding was a big deal, you have to look at the weddings in the 1st century. They were a week long. This is a true fiesta.
Wine was very important back then for meals and for festivals. Wine was a symbol of joy, but drunkenness was forbidden by scripture. Jesus didn’t intend the guest to get stinking drunk. He made 180 gallons of water into wine to satisfy a large number of guests for a few more days.
It’s been said that the wedding was for a relative or close friend of Jesus. Think about this. It’s a great dishonor for the host to run out of wine for the guest. Mom is upset because the wine has run out. Friends usually sent wine and other items ahead of time for the wedding celebration.
Lack of wine would show a lack of friends. If Jesus or his mom were among the inner circle of friends for the bridegroom, he would be obligated to bring wine. So by providing the wine, Jesus saves the bridegroom from dishonor, but also saves his own prestige.
In the OT, an abundance of wine showed a sign of God’s joyous arrival of a new age.
· On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, (Is 25:6a)
· The mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it (Amos 9:13cd)
· In that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, the hills shall flow with milk (Joel 3:18a)
Six jars that will hold 20-30 gallons each. I would say that 180 gallons of wine would be an abundance. Water back then did not come in bottles of Perrier. It was safer to drink some fermented grapes than the water.
Jesus took this water that might not have been the best to drink and made it into the best wine around. The jars were empty when Jesus first got there and he filled them up. That is what Jesus does for us. Jesus fills us with the best of himself.
The old container is our bodies. Jesus transforms us from the inside out. The sinner becomes a saint. The pagan becomes a child of God. The polluted becomes pure.
This miracle is the beginning of his signs. That abundance of wine was a sign of God’s new age. Jesus changing water into wine was the beginning of a new age. The age of God’s grace was upon the people.
John uses the word sign instead of miracle, because what Jesus did was a sign pointing to something even greater than some water turning into wine. It was a sign pointing to God.
The guests and the wedding steward focused on the new wine and its sudden appearance. But for a sign to fulfill its purpose, it has to point to something greater. What does this point to? It points to Jesus. It points to God.
Those six jars were ceremonial cleansing jars. They would be filled with water for the Jews to wash with before and after eating. And now their use is changed. The old purifying water is gone. The new wine symbolic of Jesus’ blood is here.
When you read about a sign (the water to wine, the healing, the resurrection), remember, it’s a road sign. We are all on a journey. Think about being on an old ship with big sails. We have the spiritual wind behind us and the mile markers pointing in front of us. I told someone the other day I was behind their ship blowing into their sails to move him along his spiritual journey faster, and I would try and let off some of that tension. He told me “you do challenge me, but I don’t want to be lukewarm.” Your wet muddy path is laid out before you. Keep any eye out for those marker signs, that guy on the side of the road, and the jar…the jars that were filled with water, but now filled with the cleansing blood of Christ.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
January 7th sermon Isaiah 43 We are set apart
January 7th We are set apart
Isaiah 43: 1-7
Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22
Scholars locate this scripture of Isaiah from the time of the Exile. You see, Jerusalem had been destroyed. All the Jews were scattered around the world. The Temple building which was central to their life was gone. They felt there was no life to be had. But God says they would be gathered again, because they belonged to God.
I love this scripture from Isaiah. Here is what God is saying to those believers in the crowd who can hear his message. “I made you…from the beginning, you are mine. When you are in over your head and the waters are really rough like they were for Noah on the ark, I’ll be there.
When those who consider you an enemy fight against you and everything you seek to do in my name…… I will be there. When you are between a rock and a hard place and the fire is all around you, you will walk thru the fire and not be burned. For I am your savior.
So don’t be afraid. I’m with you. I want back every last person who bears my name because I created them for my glory.”
What a magnificent statement from Almighty God. “I created you and I set you apart”. You’re not like those other nations. In fact, I would trade every one of them just for you.
I had a dream one night that I was dead. When I opened my eyes, I was sitting on a bench in what looked like a court house. My name was called and I was brought in and seated at the defense table. As I looked around, I saw the prosecutor – a villainous looking man who snarled at me.
I sat down, and seated next to me was my lawyer, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar. The judge appeared and commanded an awesome presence as he moved across the room. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. As he took his seat behind the bench he said “let us begin”.
The prosecutor rose and began “My name is Satan and I am going to show why this man belongs in Hell.” He began by describing the lies I had told; things I had stole; and how I had cheated others in the past. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in the chair I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own lawyer, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten. As upset as I was at Satan for revealing all those things about me, I was equally upset at my representative, who sat there silently - not offering any form of defense at all.
I knew I was guilty of all those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least cancel out part of the bad things I had done? Satan finished with a fury and closed by saying, "This man belongs to me in hell, since he is guilty of all these charges, and there is no person who can prove otherwise."
When it was his turn, my lawyer first asked if he might approach the bench. Satan yelled, "I object!," but the judge remarked, "Overruled," and beckoned my attorney to come forward. As he got up and started walking, I was able to see him in his full splendor and majesty. I realized why he seemed so familiar.
My attorney was Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge, "Hi Dad," and then he turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying that this man has sinned. I won't deny any of these allegations. And yes, the wages of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished."
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to his Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that every person might have eternal life. Since this man has accepted me as his Savior, he is mine."
My Lord continued, "His name is written in the book of life, and no one can snatch him from me.
Satan still does not understand that this man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy." As Jesus sat down, he quietly paused, looked at his Father and replied, "There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all."
The judge lifted his mighty hand, slammed the gavel down, and bellowed from his lips, "This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed!"
As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I'll win the next one." I asked Jesus as he gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to me and asked me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, Paid in Full."
Allow that to sink in for a moment. We were intricately formed by God, created for God’s glory, and belong to God. What does that mean? I’ve already talked about how we belong to God. Now, we were “formed by God”…In Genesis we were made in the image of God.
That doesn’t mean we can play God, no matter how egocentric we are. It means we have some attributes of God…Patience, kindness, gentleness, peace, the ability to love. We have the “free will” to lie, be greedy, and hate others, but those are not from God.
We were also “created for God’s glory”. What is God’s glory? According to Webster, glory is “very great praise, honor, and distinction bestowed on someone; a source of admiration.”
So we were created that when we are looked upon by others, praises will go up to God. Do you understand what that means? You are called to be perfect because EVERY unbeliever is looking at you and waiting for you to cause some sort of ruckus or slip up in some way so they can say “see…that ‘Christian’ messed up. He’s no good, so neither is God.” We are going to get back to being perfect in a little while.
Our marquee sign out front says “there is always a second chance.” Those who are against God and God’s will don’t believe that. What does “always” mean? It’s like the word “all”….all means all and that’s all all means. Even if it’s the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 29th, 92nd, 246th time, there is always a second chance. That’s all summed up in the word “grace”. We don’t like that word “grace” sometimes, because it means forgiveness.
A couple years ago, a very close friend wounded me. He was in my accountability group and something I shared with him, he used against me. It really hurt, because I thought he was someone I could trust.
He is in the position even today where he could still hurt me, but I’ve moved on. I did forgive him and gave him grace or mercy. The consequence though was a loss of friendship for both of us.
Grace and mercy is where our baptism comes in. PULLING OUT THE LARGE WATERGUN. Now I was not at any of your baptisms, and I figure if there is more than one person here today who wants to be baptized, I’ll do it the efficient way.
Trust me, it does not matter whether you are dunked or dry cleaned, the baptism is the same. You are only baptized once in your life. If you do it more than once, you are telling Christ he did not die for all of your sins and it was not finished, and you will be in effect nailing him to the cross over and over again. If you have not been baptized and want to be, come up at communion and stay up. We will do it then.
When we are baptized, we remember Jesus’ baptism. John says it best. I baptize you with water, but when Jesus comes, he will baptize you with the fire. But John looks back to these words from Isaiah “you will go thru the fire, but you will not be scorched”. Your baptism is a sign to the entire world to show you are set apart from all other creation.
It’s a sign saying to the world “I am different now. I’m not that hate filled scum anymore. I am a new creation.” And in God’s eyes, you are. 20 years after your baptism when you’re not acting like a Christian, and you finally realize it, you can go to God.
You say “God, I thought I…I…I was a new creation, but I’m acting like that hate filled scum I was before.” And God looks upon you with loving eyes and says “to me, you look perfect, and that’s what matters. You can see your acting like pond scum because you don’t have your eyes fixed on my son Jesus.
If you will seek my will for your life every day and stop following the path traveled by your cousin or your friends, you will see my plans laid out before you.” “But Lord, what about such and such that I just did?” “Your sins are as far away as the East is from the West. I’ve thrown them in the deepest part of the ocean.”
When we are baptized, Jesus is the only one who meets us in the water. All the people in our past desert us, and we have yet to meet all the real Christians. And we realize that when Jesus is in that water with us, it is overflowing with forgiveness, repentance, God calling us by name, God claiming us as his own. After meeting us in the water, Jesus meets us in every circumstance in our life, and even in death.
When Jesus was baptized, he came out of the water and the heavens opened up. God calls out “This is my son, whom I love.” When you are baptized, when you come out of that water, the heavens break open, 10,000 angels break out into cheers, a spot light shines down upon you, and God says “This is my son, this is my daughter, whom I love.”
Even those times when you don’t believe that because you are feeling like that pond scum or those times when you believe you are on top of the world and better than anyone else, it’s still true. God loves you and I love you.
A wise man once told me “it’s easier to die for your faith than it is to live for your faith.” That is so true. It’s easier to fall on the sword than it is to put on the armor God has set out before you and fight for the truth. But fight we must, because that is why we were baptized.
God never changes, but our delivery method might. And the enemy we fight together is NOT one of flesh and blood. It is evil rulers, mighty powers and authorities in this dark world.
So it’s time to stand and take communion. I’ll leave the scripture and this sermon in your hands now with one thing to remember…when you walk out the door today, there is no falling on the sword death in the message. Like Christ, I am calling you to be set apart and a new creation; just as your baptism requires. Because everyone who has gone to the foot of the cross and asked God to represent them had received the same verdict… “paid in full.”
Isaiah 43:1-7
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. 4Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; 6I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— 7everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22
15As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Isaiah 43: 1-7
Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22
Scholars locate this scripture of Isaiah from the time of the Exile. You see, Jerusalem had been destroyed. All the Jews were scattered around the world. The Temple building which was central to their life was gone. They felt there was no life to be had. But God says they would be gathered again, because they belonged to God.
I love this scripture from Isaiah. Here is what God is saying to those believers in the crowd who can hear his message. “I made you…from the beginning, you are mine. When you are in over your head and the waters are really rough like they were for Noah on the ark, I’ll be there.
When those who consider you an enemy fight against you and everything you seek to do in my name…… I will be there. When you are between a rock and a hard place and the fire is all around you, you will walk thru the fire and not be burned. For I am your savior.
So don’t be afraid. I’m with you. I want back every last person who bears my name because I created them for my glory.”
What a magnificent statement from Almighty God. “I created you and I set you apart”. You’re not like those other nations. In fact, I would trade every one of them just for you.
I had a dream one night that I was dead. When I opened my eyes, I was sitting on a bench in what looked like a court house. My name was called and I was brought in and seated at the defense table. As I looked around, I saw the prosecutor – a villainous looking man who snarled at me.
I sat down, and seated next to me was my lawyer, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar. The judge appeared and commanded an awesome presence as he moved across the room. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. As he took his seat behind the bench he said “let us begin”.
The prosecutor rose and began “My name is Satan and I am going to show why this man belongs in Hell.” He began by describing the lies I had told; things I had stole; and how I had cheated others in the past. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in the chair I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own lawyer, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten. As upset as I was at Satan for revealing all those things about me, I was equally upset at my representative, who sat there silently - not offering any form of defense at all.
I knew I was guilty of all those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least cancel out part of the bad things I had done? Satan finished with a fury and closed by saying, "This man belongs to me in hell, since he is guilty of all these charges, and there is no person who can prove otherwise."
When it was his turn, my lawyer first asked if he might approach the bench. Satan yelled, "I object!," but the judge remarked, "Overruled," and beckoned my attorney to come forward. As he got up and started walking, I was able to see him in his full splendor and majesty. I realized why he seemed so familiar.
My attorney was Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge, "Hi Dad," and then he turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying that this man has sinned. I won't deny any of these allegations. And yes, the wages of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished."
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to his Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that every person might have eternal life. Since this man has accepted me as his Savior, he is mine."
My Lord continued, "His name is written in the book of life, and no one can snatch him from me.
Satan still does not understand that this man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy." As Jesus sat down, he quietly paused, looked at his Father and replied, "There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all."
The judge lifted his mighty hand, slammed the gavel down, and bellowed from his lips, "This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed!"
As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I'll win the next one." I asked Jesus as he gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to me and asked me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, Paid in Full."
Allow that to sink in for a moment. We were intricately formed by God, created for God’s glory, and belong to God. What does that mean? I’ve already talked about how we belong to God. Now, we were “formed by God”…In Genesis we were made in the image of God.
That doesn’t mean we can play God, no matter how egocentric we are. It means we have some attributes of God…Patience, kindness, gentleness, peace, the ability to love. We have the “free will” to lie, be greedy, and hate others, but those are not from God.
We were also “created for God’s glory”. What is God’s glory? According to Webster, glory is “very great praise, honor, and distinction bestowed on someone; a source of admiration.”
So we were created that when we are looked upon by others, praises will go up to God. Do you understand what that means? You are called to be perfect because EVERY unbeliever is looking at you and waiting for you to cause some sort of ruckus or slip up in some way so they can say “see…that ‘Christian’ messed up. He’s no good, so neither is God.” We are going to get back to being perfect in a little while.
Our marquee sign out front says “there is always a second chance.” Those who are against God and God’s will don’t believe that. What does “always” mean? It’s like the word “all”….all means all and that’s all all means. Even if it’s the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 29th, 92nd, 246th time, there is always a second chance. That’s all summed up in the word “grace”. We don’t like that word “grace” sometimes, because it means forgiveness.
A couple years ago, a very close friend wounded me. He was in my accountability group and something I shared with him, he used against me. It really hurt, because I thought he was someone I could trust.
He is in the position even today where he could still hurt me, but I’ve moved on. I did forgive him and gave him grace or mercy. The consequence though was a loss of friendship for both of us.
Grace and mercy is where our baptism comes in. PULLING OUT THE LARGE WATERGUN. Now I was not at any of your baptisms, and I figure if there is more than one person here today who wants to be baptized, I’ll do it the efficient way.
Trust me, it does not matter whether you are dunked or dry cleaned, the baptism is the same. You are only baptized once in your life. If you do it more than once, you are telling Christ he did not die for all of your sins and it was not finished, and you will be in effect nailing him to the cross over and over again. If you have not been baptized and want to be, come up at communion and stay up. We will do it then.
When we are baptized, we remember Jesus’ baptism. John says it best. I baptize you with water, but when Jesus comes, he will baptize you with the fire. But John looks back to these words from Isaiah “you will go thru the fire, but you will not be scorched”. Your baptism is a sign to the entire world to show you are set apart from all other creation.
It’s a sign saying to the world “I am different now. I’m not that hate filled scum anymore. I am a new creation.” And in God’s eyes, you are. 20 years after your baptism when you’re not acting like a Christian, and you finally realize it, you can go to God.
You say “God, I thought I…I…I was a new creation, but I’m acting like that hate filled scum I was before.” And God looks upon you with loving eyes and says “to me, you look perfect, and that’s what matters. You can see your acting like pond scum because you don’t have your eyes fixed on my son Jesus.
If you will seek my will for your life every day and stop following the path traveled by your cousin or your friends, you will see my plans laid out before you.” “But Lord, what about such and such that I just did?” “Your sins are as far away as the East is from the West. I’ve thrown them in the deepest part of the ocean.”
When we are baptized, Jesus is the only one who meets us in the water. All the people in our past desert us, and we have yet to meet all the real Christians. And we realize that when Jesus is in that water with us, it is overflowing with forgiveness, repentance, God calling us by name, God claiming us as his own. After meeting us in the water, Jesus meets us in every circumstance in our life, and even in death.
When Jesus was baptized, he came out of the water and the heavens opened up. God calls out “This is my son, whom I love.” When you are baptized, when you come out of that water, the heavens break open, 10,000 angels break out into cheers, a spot light shines down upon you, and God says “This is my son, this is my daughter, whom I love.”
Even those times when you don’t believe that because you are feeling like that pond scum or those times when you believe you are on top of the world and better than anyone else, it’s still true. God loves you and I love you.
A wise man once told me “it’s easier to die for your faith than it is to live for your faith.” That is so true. It’s easier to fall on the sword than it is to put on the armor God has set out before you and fight for the truth. But fight we must, because that is why we were baptized.
God never changes, but our delivery method might. And the enemy we fight together is NOT one of flesh and blood. It is evil rulers, mighty powers and authorities in this dark world.
So it’s time to stand and take communion. I’ll leave the scripture and this sermon in your hands now with one thing to remember…when you walk out the door today, there is no falling on the sword death in the message. Like Christ, I am calling you to be set apart and a new creation; just as your baptism requires. Because everyone who has gone to the foot of the cross and asked God to represent them had received the same verdict… “paid in full.”
Isaiah 43:1-7
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. 4Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; 6I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— 7everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22
15As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
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