Woodlawn CC

Woodlawn CC

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

December 29, 2019 - Hebrews 2:10-18 - Jesus our 'Pioneer'


Jesus was veiled in human flesh in order to come into this world and be our guide to salvation, our bridge, our 'pioneer'... "the pioneer of our salvation."

Take a listen to the sermon from this past Sunday.  It was my last sermon of the year and it will be several weeks before I return from our trip overseas so it will be the longest stretch I've gone since coming to Woodlawn without preaching.  The sermon was well praised and I encourage you to take a moment to listen... you just might gain a new appreciation for the coming of the Christ Child and His fate and place in the history of humanity.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Glory,
Roy


Hebrews 2:10-18 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
10 It was fitting that God,[a] for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father.[b] For this reason Jesus[c] is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,[d] 12 saying,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,[e]
    in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”

13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”

And again, 
“Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”

14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters[f] in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Footnotes:
a) Hebrews 2:10 Gk he
b) Hebrews 2:11 Gk are all of one
c) Hebrews 2:11 Gk he
d) Hebrews 2:11 Gk brothers
e) Hebrews 2:12 Gk brothers
f) Hebrews 2:17 Gk brothers


Hark The Herald Angels Sing!
[Verse 1]
Hark! the herald angels sing:
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic hosts proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! the herald angels sing:
"Glory to the newborn King!"

[Verse 2]
Christ by highest Heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! the herald angels sing:
"Glory to the newborn King!"

[Verse 3]
Hail the Heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing:

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Does Jesus Care? | Frank E. Graeff
1. Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

2. Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

3. Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

4. Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Refrain:
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

Arxēgós (from arxḗ, "the first" and ágō, "to lead") – properly, the first in a long procession; a file-leader who pioneers the way for many others to follow. (arxēgós) does not strictly mean "author," but rather "a person who is originator or founder of a movement and continues as the leader – i.e. 'pioneer leader, founding leader' "  

Martin Luther:
The mystery of the humanity of Christ,
that He sunk Himself into our flesh,
is beyond all human understanding.


Thursday Night Service, Dec. 26, 2019 - Matthew 2:13-23 - Two Ways to React to Christ


In the sermon the day after Christmas I preached over one of the 'darker' parts of the Christmas story.  The slaughter of the innocents.

Here we compare the reactions of the Wisemen and Herod... two entirely different ways of reacting to the coming of Christ.  How are we reacting?

Please take a listen and as always...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Matthew 2:13-23 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Escape to Egypt
13 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 Then Joseph[a] got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

The Massacre of the Infants
16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men,[b] he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men.[c] 17 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
    wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
    she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”

The Return from Egypt
19 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20 “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” 21 Then Joseph[d] got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23 There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”

Footnotes:
Matthew 2:14 Gk he
Matthew 2:16 Or astrologers; Gk magi
Matthew 2:16 Or astrologers; Gk magi
Matthew 2:21 Gk he


The Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2019 - Lighting the Candle of Love


In the sermon given on Sunday, December 22, 2019, I took a bit of a different approach and consideration on the 'Love' of Christ.  This was a sermon that received a great deal of positive accolades afterward. It was a sermon that brought the love of God into our modern circumstances... well, at least it attempted to.

Please take a listen and God bless you... also...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Love,
Roy

Matthew 1:18-25 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

John 3:16-17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.




James 5:7-12, Thursday December 19, 2019 - Patience


The sermon given on December 19th focused on 'patience'.  I did and will again confess, that patience isn't something I've long been known to possess... it is as I say "not my long suite".  Few of us today truly have the degree of patience that we require, and our society doesn't tend to engender patience within us... we as it has so often been pointed out, live in a rush, rush, hurry, hurry, we want it NOW world.

Exercise a bit of patience right now and listen to the video... it's not that long... just be patient...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy


James 5:7-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Patience in Suffering
7 Be patient, therefore, beloved,[a] until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.[b] 9 Beloved,[c] do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10 As an example of suffering and patience, beloved,[d] take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

12 Above all, my beloved,[e] do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

Footnotes:
a) James 5:7 Gk brothers
b) James 5:8 Or is at hand
c) James 5:9 Gk Brothers
d) James 5:10 Gk brothers
e) James 5:12 Gk brothers



Friday, December 27, 2019

January 2020 - Newstletter Article - Pastor Roy Karlen


Below please find my Newsletter Article for the January 2020 Church Newsletter.  It's hard to believe it's nearly the year 2020.  I remember as a child thinking there was no way I'd live to see the year 2000... after all, I'd be forty in 2000... and who could live to be that old?

But, here we are closing quickly on a new year and a new decade.  May these new things bring you all only the best.  And may first and foremost among those wonderful things, may it bring you a closer and more fulfilling relationship with your Lord.

God bless and as always...
Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Pastor's Ponderings

As I write this we are drawing ever closer to Christmas... perhaps, by the time you're reading this the Christmas Eve Program has already passed. I want to thank in advance Jodi and all of her helpers, the kids always love putting the program on and the families always enjoy this annual event. Hopefully, being involved in this annual celebration of Christ's birth will help to instill in these young minds a love for Christ that will remain with them for a lifetime. We can only pray that our efforts will be a success and continue working for our Lord. Thank you again, Jodi and all the rest of you who work so hard to teach the children.

December was an amazing month for us at Woodlawn, we need to thank all of the new and returning members of the Church's two Councils. Thank you to all of you for all that you do and for stepping forward to lead the Church into a new decade. But even beyond celebrating the new leaders, we need to celebrate the new members! We baptized three adults into our fold last Sunday. During our morning service, we were so very pleased to baptize Stephanie Blunt. Stephanie is the daughter of Steve Wine and the granddaughter of Shirley Wine. Shirley and Steve were both there to witness her baptism and we all were proud to witness this long-awaited blessing for the Wine family. During the evening gathering, we then baptized both Tiffany and Paul McCoy. Tiffany's parents came to witness their daughter and son-in-law take the 'plunge' and embrace a life of service and following Christ. What an amazing day! Praise God! Please make sure to congratulate and welcome to Woodlawn, Stephanie, Tiffany, and Paul.

Soon it will be a new year and a new decade, and we can only imagine what lies ahead of us... let's do our very best to stay focused upon our calling and accomplishing all that God leads us to do on His behalf here in His Creation. Shortly after you read this, Gail and I will be heading off on the trip of a lifetime. Thanks to the very gracious blessing of a group that I believe prefers to remain anonymous, Gail and I along with three other ministers and their spouses will be taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We will be spending nearly a week and a half touring the Holy sites and walking roads and viewing scenery that the Lord Himself walked upon and gazed upon. There is no way to fully appreciate in advance what impact this trip will have upon Gail and I but we look forward to it with great anticipation and no small amount of joy. Thank you to those who have so kindly and lovingly made this experience possible... God's love and blessings upon you.

I also want to thank in advance Ryan Daisy for agreeing to preach on the two Sundays that we'll be away. Ryan jumped at the chance to fill the pulpit on both dates offered and I can't thank him enough for doing so! It's very much appreciated! Gail and I also thank Clyde and Donna for watching our 'girls' (the dogs) while we're gone and Kathryn for agreeing to keep an eye on our cats. Knowing that our babies are being so well watched over means the world to both Gail and I.

Our prayer is that everyone has a wonderful and meaningful Christmas and that each of you is blessed and is a blessing to others. Let us not only strive to remember the true meaning of Christmas but to be certain to share it with others...

John 3:16-17
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Be a blessing to someone today! 
Pastor Roy


Monday, December 23, 2019

James 4 - Can you be an 'enemy' of God? - Thursday Night Worship Dec 12, 2019


Unfortunately, we had some difficulty with recording the sermon that was given during the Thursday Night Service on December 12, 2019.  The scripture that was focused upon came again from the Book of James, that evening we looked at the seventeen verses that comprise Chapter Four in James Epistle.

The main thrust of the sermon was verse 4, 4 Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

The word in Greek that is being translated as 'an enemy of God' is Echthra.  It can also mean 'hostility' and 'alienation'.  I don't believe that God is ever our 'enemy' in the way we tend to understand the word enemy in English.  God never wishes harm or ill upon anyone, not even those who stand in opposition or wander in alienation from Him. If we feel we are an 'enemy' to God... if we 'hate' God... it is a one-way emotion, God's feeling toward us is only and always a feeling of Love. What I think James wants us to understand is that our actions can and will alienate us from God.  This not enmity is the condition that we find ourselves in when refuse to accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.

If we find ourselves alienated from the love of God it is a self-imposed alienation... please come home... repent and return to God.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Note: I finally retrieved the video!


James 4 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Friendship with the World
4 Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? 2 You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet[a] something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose that it is for nothing that the scripture says, “God[b] yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says,

“God opposes the proud,
    but gives grace to the humble.”

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Warning against Judging Another
11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters.[c] Whoever speaks evil against another or judges another, speaks evil against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. So who, then, are you to judge your neighbor?

Boasting about Tomorrow
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.” 14 Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin.

Footnotes:
a) James 4:2 Or you murder and you covet
b) James 4:5 Gk He
c) James 4:11 Gk brothers


3rd Sunday of Advent - December 15, 2019 - Lighting the Candle of Joy and the Joy of Baptism

Our Sunday worship services on the 15th were simply great!  We baptized Stephanie Blunt during the morning service and then during our evening gathering, we baptized Paul and Tiffany McCoy.  All three were adult baptisms and all are great testimonies to the power of prayer and the working in our hearts by God's Holy Spirit.

The video of the morning service didn't turn out so I stripped the audio from our live stream and made it into a video.  The message was short as it was delivered from the Baptistery.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,Roy


Matthew 3:13-17New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved,[a] with whom I am well pleased.”


Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Second Sunday of Advent - December 8, 2019 - Lighting the Candle of Peace


This was the sermon delivered on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, December 8, 2019.  On that day we celebrated the lighting of the Candle of Peace.

I pray that this message of God's Peace finds you at peace in what is far, far, far too often a World that is anything but peaceful.  If we focus on Christ and His 'peace' we can know peace even when the world seems to be falling apart all around us.

Be a blessing to someone today!  (Share the peace of Christ with them)

In Christ,
Roy

Isaiah 11:1-10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Peaceful Kingdom
11 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
    and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
    the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the spirit of counsel and might,
    the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
    or decide by what his ears hear;
4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
5 Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
    and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

6 The wolf shall live with the lamb,
    the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
    and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze,
    their young shall lie down together;
    and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
    and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
9 They will not hurt or destroy
    on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea.

Return of the Remnant of Israel and Judah

10 On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.


Luke 2:8-14 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[b] praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”[c]

Footnotes:
a)Luke 2:11 Or the Christ
b) Luke 2:13 Gk army
c) Luke 2:14 Other ancient authorities read peace, goodwill among people


Psalm 72:1-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Prayer for Guidance and Support for the King
Of Solomon.
1 Give the king your justice, O God,
    and your righteousness to a king’s son.
2 May he judge your people with righteousness,
    and your poor with justice.
3 May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,
    and the hills, in righteousness.
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
    give deliverance to the needy,
    and crush the oppressor.

5 May he live[a] while the sun endures,
    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
    like showers that water the earth.
7 In his days may righteousness flourish
    and peace abound, until the moon is no more.

8 May he have dominion from sea to sea,
    and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Footnotes:
a) Psalm 72:5 Gk: Heb may they fear you


Romans 15:4-13 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will confess[a] you among the Gentiles,
    and sing praises to your name”;

10 and again he says,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”;

11 and again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
    and let all the peoples praise him”;

12 and again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse shall come,
    the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Footnotes:
a) Romans 15:9 Or thank

Art by Jon Crane

James 3:1-12 "Taming the Tongue" - Thursday Night Worship Dec 5, 2019


This was a sermon on "taming the tongue", unfortunately, today monitoring what we speak isn't our only concern.  Our comments (or likes & dislikes) online are also a major concern.  We live in a very wonderful, strange, and fragile time... information travels so fast (almost as fast as a small town coffee shop) that one something takes off it's gone and the damage is done.

During this time of Advent, let us focus on our spoken and typed words... let them be ones that encourage rather than destroy or injure.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

(I'm very behind on blogging and the busted up finger hasn't helped.  Today I am finally able to use it somewhat for typing... Praise God!)


James 3:1-12 New Revised Standard Version
Taming the Tongue
3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters,[a] for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. 4 Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.

How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature,[b] and is itself set on fire by hell.[c] 7 For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, 8 but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters,[d] this ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters,[e] yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

Footnotes:
a) James 3:1 Gk brothers
b) James 3:6 Or wheel of birth
c) James 3:6 Gk Gehenna
d) James 3:10 Gk My brothers
e) James 3:12 Gk my brothers


Tuesday, December 10, 2019

December 1, 2019 - First Sunday of Advent - The Candle of Hope (Prophet's Candle)


On Sunday, December 1st, we celebrated the lighting of the First Candle of Advent.  This candle is celebrated in our Church tradition as the Candle of Hope.  It is also known by other traditions as the "Prophet's Candle", in remembrance of the prophecies found in the Old Testament which gave us the promise of Jesus.  Today, we not only celebrate the birth of Christ so long ago but we also look forward with steadfast "Hope" (Faith) in the Second Coming of Christ.

May this Christmas find your heart filled with this promise... our hope in Him... and Him alone.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Hope,
Roy

Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.  Psalm 25:5


Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.   Psalm 31:24


May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.   Psalm 33:22


Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.  Psalm 42:11


You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.  Psalm 119:114


I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.   Psalm 130:5


Know also that wisdom is like honey for you:
If you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.   Proverbs 24:14


For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11


But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.    Micah 7:7


But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31


Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.   Hebrews 10:23


Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.   Hebrews 11:1


Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.   Romans 5:3-5


But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.  Romans 8:25


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.   Romans 15:13


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.   1 Peter 1:3


But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.  
1 Peter 3:15


I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.  Ephesians 1:18

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.  Ephesians 4:4

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.   Colossians 1:27




Thursday, December 5, 2019

Luke 22:31-62, Sunday, November 24, 2019 - Denying Christ


During this sermon, we consider the denial of Jesus by Peter and Judas.  It's easy enough for all of us to point fingers at both Peter and of course Judas for their shortcomings in their relationships with Jesus.  We point fingers without considering how and how many times we deny and betray Christ...

Let's try and reflect upon that more than just a little bit...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Luke 22:31-62 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded[a] to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” 34 Jesus[b] said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.”

Purse, Bag, and Sword
35 He said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” 36 He said to them, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.” 38 They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough.”

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
39 He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”[c] 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” [[43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]][d] 45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”[e]

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
47 While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” 49 When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” 50 Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!”

Peter Denies Jesus
54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. 55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

Footnotes:
a) Luke 22:31 Or has obtained permission
b) Luke 22:34 Gk He
c) Luke 22:40 Or into temptation
d) Luke 22:44 Other ancient authorities lack verses 43 and 44
e) Luke 22:46 Or into temptation


December 2019 Newsletter Article


Well, November was a crazy month and I topped it off by smashing and deeply lacerating my ring finger on my left hand.  Many have asked how I injured myself and it was simple carelessness on my part.  The finger (and the fingers on either side were smashed as well they just didn't get cut or broken) was injured on a machine used for joining picture frames and it's one I've used for 27 years without serious injury.  Therein lies the problem... I was too confident and unafraid... when we get too familiar is when we start taking shortcuts or hurrying... and I was doing both.

As we progress through this Advent Season, let's remember to not rush... nor be careless... nor take shortcuts... about our relationship with God.  Advent is a time when we should embrace the waiting as well as reflect upon the coming of the Christ Child.

Be a blessing to someone today!!

In His Glory,
Roy


Pastor's Ponderings

We made it through another November!  November is for us at Woodlawn always a busy and hectic time.  Our God's Portion Sale was another great success and I want to thank everyone who worked so very hard to pull off this oh so very important project.  I'm not going to even try to list everyone as there were just too many.  Thank you to all who pitched in and helped Donna to get the lunch ready as well as those who collected, donated items, purchased items, set up the room, clerked, cleaned, organized, or did any of the many things we don't really think about that need to be done.  Thank you all!!!

We also had a great meal last Sunday for our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner.  This year Kim and Laura cooked the turkey, potatoes, and gravy, thank you, ladies! There was so much food that certainly nobody went away hungry!  After we ate we went up and decorated the Sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas Season.  Thank you to everyone who pitched in and decorated the Church in record time.  It was great to have Ryan Daisy home to help (his height comes in handy!) and it was great to have Paul and Tiffany McCoy helping us out as well.  Their four little ones also were a great help as were all of the rest of the little ones who were running around helping and keeping us all entertained.

I don't know if you've noticed but we've had a lot of little people in worship lately and there is little that should give us greater joy than seeing children in Church and being active in Church functions and projects.  Having said that, Jodi and her helpers are putting together another Christmas Eve Service and they should have a great gaggle of little ones performing.  If you know of any youngsters who aren't attending but who could (should) be... please invite them to come to Sunday School and Jodi will gladly include them in her program.  Rumor has it that at least one of the youth will bless us with their musical talents during worship on the 8th, so plan to be in Church on the 8th.

Our Annual Congregational Meeting (and potluck) is coming up on December 15th.  The meeting and potluck will be immediately following worship, this is an important annual event where we elect our leaders for the following year as well as set our Church budget.  Please plan to attend this important meeting.  The nominating committee is working to find a full slate of candidates and I believe there are a couple of jobs left to fill, if you'd be interested in serving in a leadership role please let Kathryn know.  There is (I believe) still one slot on the Christian Council to fill and you don't even have to be a member to serve on the Christian Council. (FYI, you must be a Church member to serve on either the Church Council or as an Elder)

That reminds me, also please remember that joining Woodlawn is an extremely easy thing to do, all that must be done is to tell either the Church Council Chair (currently Mel) or the Pastor that you'd like to join the Church.  Then, as long as you've been baptized, (if you're not we can baptize you in either a public or private celebration) you're a member!  Please also remember that you must be a member to vote at the Annual Congregational Meeting on the 15th.

I'm going to cut this article a bit short as my injured finger is making typing a real challenge.  I do pray that everyone has had a great Thanksgiving and I pray all will have a wonderful and Christ-filled Christmas.


Be a blessing to someone today!!  
Pastor Roy 



Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Thursday Night Worship, Nov 21, 2019. James 2:1-13


I apologize, with the Thanksgiving Holiday, having a dozen people staying with us for several days, and as you can see in the video... having smashed, torn, and broken my finger, I am horribly behind in blogging.  My goal is to be caught up by weeks end... hopefully...

Here is the sermon from November 21st where we continued our brief journey through James' letter.

Be a blessing to someone today!!

In Christ,
Roy

James 2:1-13 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Warning against Partiality
2 My brothers and sisters,[a] do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?[b] 2 For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,”[c] 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.[d] Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? 7 Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?

8 You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11 For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

Footnotes:
James 2:1 Gk My brothers
James 2:1 Or hold the faith of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ without acts of favoritism
James 2:3 Gk Sit under my footstool
James 2:5 Gk brothers