This blog began as documentation of my journey into formal ministry. Now that I have received a call it will continue to function as a place for me to address concerns, celebrations and anything else that might catch my fancy. Please remember to "Be A Blessing To Someone Today"! God Bless, Roy
The sermon last Sunday covered the verses found in the Gospel of John 6:56-71. I spent a little bit of time talking about the 'blood and body' before moving on to the words in verse 60, where the Disciples realize just how hard Jesus' teaching really is, and many turn away. Before we judge the Disciples harshly, we need to ask ourselves have we ever told God that His teachings are just "too hard"... Haven't we told God His ways are too hard when we refuse to forgive, when we refuse to love, when we hate our neighbor? Anytime we fail to follow these commands, we too turn our backs on Christ and walk away mumbling... "it's too hard". Be a blessing to someone today! (forgiving someone would be a great place to start) In His Grace & Love, Roy
John 6:56-71 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.
60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”[a] 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He was speaking of Judas son of Simon Iscariot,[b] for he, though one of the twelve, was going to betray him. Footnotes: a) John 6:69 Other ancient authorities read the Christ, the Son of the living God
b) John 6:71 Other ancient authorities read Judas Iscariot son of Simon; others, Judas son of Simon from Karyot (Kerioth)
September Newsletter Article - Pastor Roy Karlen Pastor's Ponderings Well, there have been a few mornings lately that have certainly felt like Fall was in the air and now I sit down to write my September Newsletter Article, so it must be official... Fall is coming sooner than later. September means that all the kids are back in school and so much newness is about in their lives as they've advanced and for many, it's a very new beginning with moving up into middle school, high school, or college. Even for us adults, it's exciting to watch our children and grandchildren going off on new adventures. The Youth Group will be starting soon and as I have done in the past, I will be helping Janelle over at Union Church by teaching one of the classes. This year I will be tasked with teaching a group of 4th-grade boys. I am looking forward to this new group and the new challenge and hope it will be a great year for the students I am charged with. I've always enjoyed working with children and even though it can be frustrating it is vastly rewarding. Our Youth Sunday School starts up again on September 9th, and we all need to thank Jodi for all the hard work she puts into teaching the little ones. If you know of any little people (or big people as well, we're always excited to get more adults in Sunday School) that might be interested in coming to Sunday School invite them to come and see us on September 9th at 9 am for the kick-off to a new season of learning about our loving and grace-filled God! We really have no greater responsibility as a Church than the education and molding of our youth. There is no future for the Church if there are no children learning to carry on our faith in the future. Each of us no matter, if we have children or grandchildren of our own, has a responsibility to these young children among us. Also, each of us by the way we live our lives and how we treat these children is, in fact, influencing and teaching these little ones. This Thursday night during our Thursday Evening Worship, I will be preaching over the verses found in James 1:17-27. These verses among so many others found in Scripture urge us to behave in a Christ-like fashion. Remember, that we behave as such not only for our own sake but much more-so for the sake of the children who are watching and learning from us day by day. Always be a reflection of Christ to those around you. I will be away for a while in September, Gail and I will be leaving for vacation on September 13th and will be away until September 19th, I will be back in the Church on September 20th. We are going to spend some time visiting my 'roots' up in Wisconsin where the Karlen family were among the founders of the Cheese Industry. My great-grandfather Christian Karlen and his brothers were cheesemakers and immigrated from Switzerland to Wisconsin, bringing their craft along with them. The building that they used is crumbling now but still, there, my brother and I are planning to go and visit it while we're in Wisconsin. We'll be attending the Wisconsin Cheese Festival while we're there and I'm really looking forward to it! True to my Swiss roots I do love cheese! Once again, I need to put a plug in for the Thursday night Service. If you haven't been to one, by all means, come on up at 7 pm on Thursday night and see what's going on. So far, everyone seems to really enjoy the services, if you can't make it but still want to be involved, it is 'Live-Streamed' on our Facebook page. Either way, please do try to take it in and please tell a friend or family member to come up and visit us on Thursday night (or Sunday morning). Remember that on the 4th Thursday of the month there is a meal before the evening worship. We sit down to eat at 6 pm and once we're done we move into the Chapel for worship. These meals are either hosted by a member/members or we do a free-will offering. The meal in September will be hosted by Judy & Bill Hungate, thank you, Judy and Bill!! We'll be having a Church Clean Up day on September 8th, that morning we'll start at 8 am and work on various projects around the church. Clyde is putting together a list of projects and there will be things that will be slated towards every skill and ability level. Don't feel like you can't contribute, there will be all sorts of things to do. If you know of something that needs attention, let Clyde know so he can add it to the list. At noon, we'll stop and have a meal together, the meal will be hosted by the Men's group. Please mark your calendars for the Clean Up Day, and let's work to fix, clean, and prepare the Church for fall and winter! Plus we'll feed you, so it's all good!! Thank you ALL! With that, I think I'll wrap up this article for September. Please do remember though... each and every single day to “be a blessing to someone”! Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Pastor Roy
The sermon last Thursday night covered the final bit of Ephesians as prescribed by the Lectionary. Ephesians 6:10-20 to be precise. One of the points that I made in the sermon is that generally when we hear sermons or view illustrations of this passage about "Putting on the Armor" of God, the imagery is of us standing alone... facing evil and it's onslaught alone. The brave Solider of God with our sword held high and our shield before us, the Devil has no hope it would seem... But, I don't believe this image is the one that the Author of Ephesians sought to create. Let's consider how the armies of the day, specifically the Roman Army fought and lined up for battle. They stood in rows, with their shields overlapping, one source stated that approximately a third of the solider next to you was covered by your shield and conversely, approximately a third of you was covered by the soldier's shield that stood on your other side. These armies and warriors worked together, they stood together in battle and they relied upon each other. They were 'UNITED', the over-arching message of Ephesians is one of unity and even though to us this idea of 'putting on the armor' of God may sound strange in a religion concerned with peace, love, and grace... to the people of that time they would understand that the message was about standing firm as one. We are each a 'solider' in the Army of our Lord, we each need to shield the soul next to us and to stand strong together no matter what the world decides to propel against us. Bless the one(s) that stand beside you by being firm and determined in the Lord... Be a blessing to someone today! In His Grace, Roy
Ephesians 6:10-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Whole Armor of God 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our[a] struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these,[b] take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,[c] 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. Footnotes: a) Ephesians 6:12 Other ancient authorities read your b) Ephesians 6:16 Or In all circumstances
c) Ephesians 6:19 Other ancient authorities lack of the gospel
Our Sunday Worship this past Sunday (August 19) was an outdoor service. We haven't had an outdoor service yet this year due to the weather, but Sunday we beat the odds and had a nearly perfect day. Had the humidity been a bit lower it would have been perfect. The sermon focused upon two of the Psalms, the 112th, and the 111th. These two Psalms are really twins, likely written together and really should be considered together. Both are 'Alphabetical Acrostics' meaning that both consist of 22 lines each starting with a successive letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. The 111th focuses upon God and the 112th focuses upon humans, particularly, our response to God and the benefits of faith and righteous behavior. Righteousness is a theme in both Psalms, but we need to remember that even though the 112th talks about 'our' righteousness, it is ultimately only a reflection of the righteousness of God. It's God and our relationship with Him that is what allows any of us to be considered 'righteous'. I closed the sermon with the following prayer and I'll allow it to be the closing of this brief blog post as well. Be a blessing to someone today! In His Righteousness, Roy We worship the God who saves, delivers, heals, provides, rescues, conquers, and reigns! We worship the God whose Word works in our lives... Amen!
Psalm 112 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Blessings of the Righteous 1 Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments. 2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. 4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous. 5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice. 6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever. 7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord. 8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor. 10 The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away;
the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
Psalm 111 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Praise for God’s Wonderful Works 1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. 8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it[a] have a good understanding. His praise endures forever. Footnotes:
The text for last Thursday's sermon was originally going to be over Ephesians 5:15-20, but I ended up expanding it to cover Ephesians 5:1-21. The reason for expanding the text was that I did want to flesh out the 'cautions' given to us in the verses prescribed to us by the Lectionary. Particularly, the verses warning about sexual misconduct, we don't need to belabor the sexual content of these verses credited to Paul, but there is a definite sexual connotation and we would be at fault if we chose to just disregard or discard it entirely. What the author is trying to get across to us is that we are to be 'changed', we are no longer to walk the walk of an unbeliever. Rather, we are called to a higher standard of behavior and belief, we are to set an example for others by the way we live and conduct our lives. To this point, we are called to live lives of celebration to God. We are called by these verses to "sing psalms and hymns... singing and making melody to the Lord in your heart, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Praise be to God for the innumerable blessings that we receive, blessings that we don't and can't even begin to list and recogonize, blessings that come to us moment by moment, day by day, year by year... blessings that stretch out to include each and every day of our lives in this world. Let us lift a song of praise and glory to our Lord today and all days... Be a blessing to someone today! In His Love, Roy
Ephesians 5:1-21 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 5 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us[a] and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. 5 Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be associated with them. 8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Footnotes:
a) Ephesians 5:2 Other ancient authorities read you prof·li·ga·cy ˈpräfləɡəsÄ“/ noun 1. reckless extravagance or wastefulness in the use of resources. "the government returned to fiscal profligacy" 2. licentious or dissolute behavior. "the emperor's sexual profligacy"
Photo by Christian Begeman, Christian takes amazing photos!
Below please find the video of this last Sunday's sermon and below that the scripture along with some additional supporting scripture that I used in the sermon. The sermon focused upon the fact that we are all called to support the body of Christ, the Church. We are not to be dividers but uniters, we are not to destroy but rather to build up. We are not to speak harshly to our brother or sister, nor are we to disparage our brethren. One should not speak in gossip... words which either intentionally or unintentionally sow the seeds of division. Too often, the tiniest seed is the one that grows up to divide the body and has the potential to drive many away from the body and grace of Christ.
Let us not lay stumbling blocks before our fellow followers, but rather work together no matter our differences... to lift up and strengthen the body of Christ.
Be a blessing to someone today!
In Christ,
Roy
Ephesians 4:25-5:2 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Rules for the New Life 25 So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not make room for the devil. 28 Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up,[a] as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 31 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, 32 and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.[b] 5 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us[c] and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Footnotes: a) Ephesians 4:29 Other ancient authorities read building up faith b) Ephesians 4:32 Other ancient authorities read us c) Ephesians 5:2 Other ancient authorities read you Ephesians 4:15-16 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love. Ephesians 4:25-30 New Century Version (NCV) 25 So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body.[a] 26 When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day. 27 Do not give the devil a way to defeat you. 28 Those who are stealing must stop stealing and start working. They should earn an honest living for themselves. Then they will have something to share with those who are poor. 29 When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. 30 And do not make the Holy Spirit sad. The Spirit is God’s proof that you belong to him. God gave you the Spirit to show that God will make you free when the final day comes. Psalm 4:4 New International Version Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. New Living Translation Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude English Standard Version Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah New American Standard Bible Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. King James Bible Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Contemporary English Version But each of you had better tremble and turn from your sins. Silently search your heart as you lie in bed. Good News Translation Tremble with fear and stop sinning; think deeply about this, when you lie in silence on your beds. Holman Christian Standard Bible Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Selah NET Bible Tremble with fear and do not sin! Meditate as you lie in bed, and repent of your ways! (Selah)
Aramaic Bible in Plain English Tremble in awe and you will not sin; speak in your hearts and meditate upon your beds. GOD'S WORD® Translation Tremble and do not sin. Think about this on your bed and remain quiet. [Selah] JPS Tanakh 1917 Tremble, and sin not; Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah New American Standard 1977 Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Jubilee Bible 2000 Stand in awe, and sin not; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and desist. Selah. King James 2000 Bible Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. American King James Version Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. American Standard Version Stand in awe, and sin not: Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah English Revised Version Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah Webster's Bible Translation Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. World English Bible Stand in awe, and don't sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. Young's Literal Translation Tremble ye, and do not sin;' Say ye thus in your heart on your bed, And be ye silent. Selah. Proverbs 12:18 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 18 Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Matthew 5:22 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister,[a] you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult[b] a brother or sister,[c] you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell[d] of fire. a) Matthew 5:22 Gk a brother; other ancient authorities add without cause b) Matthew 5:22 Gk say Raca to (an obscure term of abuse) c) Matthew 5:22 Gk a brother d) Matthew 5:22 Gk Gehenna Matthew 12:36 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; Proverbs 18:21 New Century Version (NCV) 21 What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded.
Romans 14:13 New International Version (NIV) 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.
"It costs God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things: but to convert rebellious wills cost Him crucifixion." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
This past Thursday night the sermon was over the verses found in the Gospel of John at John 6:35-51. The final point that I chose to focus on had to do with verse 38: "38 for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me." Here we need to note that Jesus himself stated that He did not come into this world to do "His will", but rather to do "the Father's will". Just like Jesus, we are called to do the Father's will in this world. Too often, we forget this and go about trying to accomplish our own will but do it in the name of the Father (or Son, or Spirit) in order to give our will the credence that it so sorrily lacks. We do this because of our ego, we all have this ego inside us that drives us to do things that build us up... but, it's not about us... this calling to follow Christ is about doing the Father's work. It's about building up the Father's creation, we need to become less as the Father becomes more and more in our lives. This week as you go about your days, try to remember that the life you were given in this world wasn't about you... it was about furthering God's work in this world. Let us build up and not destroy, let us lend comfort and not administer distress, let us love and never hate. Be a blessing to someone today! In His Glory, Roy
John 6:35-51 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; 38 for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.” 41 Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets (a), ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” a) John 6:45 Isaiah 54:13
The verses that we looked at last Sunday were those found in the Gospel of John in the 6th Chapter, verses 24-35. Out of these verses I highlighted the following: (28 Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”) The point that I made during the sermon was that the crowd may well have been asking Jesus to show them how He performed the miracle of the 'Feeding of the Five Thousand'. Meaning that just maybe they wished for Him to reveal to them this trick of manifesting food from nothing. To them, this was just a short-cut to feeding their earthly hunger. The point of Jesus being spiritual food totally passed them by... Let us not get so wrapped up in the things of this world, those things that creep into our days, our lives, and try to rob us of our connection with Christ. It's a short sermon, so please, give it a listen. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
John 6:24-35 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 24 So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which[a] comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Footnotes:
Last Thursday, Gail's phone/camera acted up again and the video was ultimately all broken up with some of the segments being corrupt and unable to be opened. I'll have to look at her phone again and see what is going on with it, she deleted all the old videos but still, it's acting up. At any rate, I have included below the link to the "Livestream" on Facebook. Some of the music is muted and I apologize for that, Facebook doesn't seem to believe that we have the proper licensing for music even though we have tried to rectify this, it seems every week we have to go through the same hoops and it's tiring... at any rate let me give you a synopsis of the sermon if I can.
The verses that I touched upon are again found in the book of Ephesians, chapter 4, verses 1 through 16 to be precise. Once again, the overarching theme of the book of Ephesians is one of 'Unity', the author is extolling upon all of us (this letter was intended as a 'circular letter', one to be distributed to all the churches of the time) the incredible importance of unity within the body of Christ, a/k/a 'The Church'. I used weightlifting as a metaphor/illustration for the importance of unity and how we are all truly working together... even though at times one aspect of the church (or denomination(s) even) may seem removed from another, ultimately though, all are connected. I discussed how in the bench press that (if done correctly) the legs are actually a vital part of the lift, and how the back is also vitally important, if you don't have a strong back you won't have a strong bench... it's as simple as that... in the end, it's very difficult to completely isolate any particular muscle or even muscle group. Just as is true with the human body, it's very unlikely that one can ever divorce the various aspects of church ministry from one another. This is one of the problems with identifying where programs fall within the divisions of our 'Christian Council' here at Woodlawn, everything overlaps in some way and many overlap in several (many, many) ways. There is a reason why Jesus talks about us being the 'body' of Christ, you simply cannot divide us. Together we must put away childish inclinations and join together as one, otherwise, we'll never accomplish what we are called to do, and that calling is to spread the "Good News", to spread the message of Jesus and the love, grace, and forgiveness that He represents to transform this lost, hurting, and wanting world. We all too often (okay, nearly ALWAYS) get caught up in the method and the means of accomplishing a particular goal and completely forget what the primary concern is... that all crucial detail called "Christ". We are all one in Christ Jesus... it's about time we started acting like it... Be a blessing to someone today! In His Grace! Roy
4 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
7 But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it is said,
“When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive;
he gave gifts to his people.”
9 (When it says, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended[a] into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) 11 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. 14 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. 15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.
Footnotes:
a) Ephesians 4:9 Other ancient authorities add first
