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
I'm trying to get caught up on the blog so here is the sermon from Thursday night's worship on February 27th. That night we looked at the short bit of scripture found in 1st Corinthians 4:1-5. In these few verses, we learn twice that we are called to be slaves to Christ. The word translated in the NRSV as servants means a 'Galley Slave', and the word translated as steward means a slave who is in charge of the finances and order of the household. Please take a listen and see what you think. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Ministry of the Apostles
4 Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. 4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.
We're reminded here by Paul that our lives are to be built on a solid foundation and that the only solid foundation that we can build our lives upon is Christ Jesus. I talk here about my father and his insistence that when we were building a building that it be constructed upon a rock-solid foundation. If we start building on a faulty or unstable base, our lives will end up flawed and very unstable... so let us build (or rebuild if need be) our lives on the firm base that God wishes us to build upon... Jesus who is the Christ. Be a blessing to someone today!! In Christ, Roy
1 Corinthians 3:10-23 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. 14 If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire. 16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?[a] 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 18 Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 21 So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all belong to you, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. Footnotes:
1 Corinthians 3:16 In verses 16 and 17 the Greek word for you is plural
In this world we are all given certain gifts, we are expected to use these gifts to the benefit of God. The end of the selected verses in 1st Corinthians calls us to understand these gifts that the Holy Spirit has blessed us with, there can be no greater failure to explain to our Lord than why we failed so horribly to use these gifts for His purposes. The previous night at Youth Group I discussed the parable of the 'Talents' with the boys that are my group. This parable ties in well with this last line of scripture in the reading, whether you've been entrusted with ten, five, or only one ability by God... invest that currency and use it to further God's Kingdom... or expect to do some 'explaining' later on... Be a blessing to someone today!! In Christ, Roy
1 Corinthians 2:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Proclaiming Christ Crucified 2 When I came to you, brothers and sisters,[a] I did not come proclaiming the mystery[b] of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. 4 My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom,[c] but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. The True Wisdom of God 6 Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. 7 But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. Footnotes: a) 1 Corinthians 2:1 Gk brothers b) 1 Corinthians 2:1 Other ancient authorities read testimony c) 1 Corinthians 2:4 Other ancient authorities read the persuasiveness of wisdom Matthew 25:14-30 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Parable of the Talents 14 “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents,[a] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18 But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29 For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30 As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Footnotes a) Matthew 25:15 A talent was worth more than fifteen years’ wages of a laborer
One of the key things to remember (and one of the most difficult to maintain) whenever we sit down to do the "business" side of the Church, or the Ministry side of the Church, or sad to say even when we sit down together to Worship... is to remember that what we do we do for God. We are here to do God's bidding... not to stroke our own egos, not to advance our own agendas, be they political, moral, or what have you... we are CALLED to be Christ to a broken world. Far, far too often in small ways and in large, we forget that we are answering a call and not making or issuing a calling of our own. Even when we feel called to admonish another or a group we need to realign ourselves to the Spirit and place God first and foremost in our actions. Here Paul is addressing the all too troubled church in Corinth, a church that we all should be able to relate to in general while I hope not in particular. This is a church wrestling with many all too worldly issues... a church that has forgotten to put Christ first and foremost. As we prepare each day let us pray that God guides our actions, and deeds that we can live a life which demonstrates to all those around us that there is an all-loving, all-caring, and all-gracious God... a God that wants to know them if they too will just return to Him. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Salutation 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord[a] and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to my[b] God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— 6 just as the testimony of[c] Christ has been strengthened among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Footnotes: a) 1 Corinthians 1:2 Gk theirs b) 1 Corinthians 1:4 Other ancient authorities lack my
c) 1 Corinthians 1:6 Or to First Clement CLEMENT OF ROME, First Epistle THE FIRST EPISTLE OF CLEMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS Translated by J.B. Lightfoot. 1Clem prologue:1 The Church of God which sojourneth in Rome to the Church of God which sojourneth in Corinth, to them which are called and sanctified by the will of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace from Almighty God through Jesus Christ be multiplied. 1Clem 1:1 By reason of the sudden and repeated calamities and reverses which are befalling us, brethren, we consider that we have been somewhat tardy in giving heed to the matters of dispute that have arisen among you, dearly beloved, and to the detestable and unholy sedition, so alien and strange to the elect of God, which a few headstrong and self-willed persons have kindled to such a pitch of madness that your name, once revered and renowned and lovely in the sight of all men, hath been greatly reviled. 1Clem 1:2 For who that had sojourned among you did not approve your most virtuous and steadfast faith? Who did not admire your sober and forbearing piety in Christ? Who did not publish abroad your magnificent disposition of hospitality? Who did not congratulate you on your perfect and sound knowledge? 1Clem 1:3 For ye did all things without respect of persons, and ye walked after the ordinances of God, submitting yourselves to your rulers and rendering to the older men among you the honor which is their due. On the young too ye enjoined modest and seemly thoughts: and the women ye charged to perform all their duties in a blameless and seemly and pure conscience, cherishing their own husbands, as is meet; and ye taught them to keep in the rule of obedience, and to manage the affairs of their household in seemliness, with all discretion.
Last Thursday night's sermon covered the verses found in Paul's first letter (or at least the letter we now present as his first letter) to the Church in Corinth. Here in 1st Corinthians 10:1-17, Paul is dealing among other things with temptations. In the NRSV the words are translated as 'testing or test', but they perhaps are better understood as 'temptation or tempting'. I won't speculate upon why the translators decided to use testing but others choose to use temptation. (In fact, in a quick look at a Parallel New Testament on my desk I see that all 8 of the translations in it use 'temptations'.)
The problem with using 'testing', is that it can imply that any difficulty, any hardship, anything that tests us is something for which God has provided a way out. In other blog posts, I have commented on how much I dislike the saying "God won't give you a cross you can't bear.", this saying is frankly not true... death, disease, financial ruin, the list goes on and on with things that we alone cannot bear... but, we can bear and endure through all things with God's help.
BUT, back to the temptation. None of us will ever be tempted in a fashion that hasn't tempted someone else... somewhere else... at some other time. The fact that some (many) resist the temptation is proof that these temptations can be withstood. We all too often want to mitigate our own responsibility and make excuses for our shortfalls. All of us can resist, God will always provide a way out of the temptation... often (almost always) that way out is as simple as saying 'NO'. Trust me, I speak as someone who has been seduced by temptation far too many times, falling into the clutches of my own ego and human frailty... but, there was not one time when I could not have walked away and escaped that temptation.
By no means am I saying that resisting and escaping all temptations is 'easy'... by no means... in fact, it is often extremely difficult. The power of the flesh is very real and very controlling... but, others have escaped and thus we must confess that it is, in fact, possible and the fact that we fall short lies upon our own desire to succumb to the temptation that lies before us. I am certain that this sermon doesn't sit well with some... but, perhaps that alone is the mark of a good sermon or at least a good sermon point. I will never claim to give the most eloquent presentations in my sermons, but hopefully as rough and as unpolished as they are they make you think...
Be a blessing to someone today! In His Grace, Roy
1 Corinthians 10:1-17 (NRSV) Warnings from Israel’s History 10 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,[a] that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness. 6 Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ[b] to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10 And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. 13 No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my dear friends,[c] flee from the worship of idols. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Footnotes: a) 1 Corinthians 10:1 Gk brothers b) 1 Corinthians 10:9 Other ancient authorities read the Lord c) 1 Corinthians 10:14 Gk my beloved 1 Corinthians 10:1-17 New Century Version (NCV) Warnings from Israel’s Past 10 Brothers and sisters, I want you to know what happened to our ancestors who followed Moses. They were all under the cloud and all went through the sea. 2 They were all baptized as followers of Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from that spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ. 5 But God was not pleased with most of them, so they died in the desert. 6 And these things happened as examples for us, to stop us from wanting evil things as those people did. 7 Do not worship idols, as some of them did. Just as it is written in the Scriptures: “They sat down to eat and drink, and then they got up and sinned sexually.”[a] 8 We must not take part in sexual sins, as some of them did. In one day twenty-three thousand of them died because of their sins. 9 We must not test Christ as some of them did; they were killed by snakes. 10 Do not complain as some of them did; they were killed by the angel that destroys. 11 The things that happened to those people are examples. They were written down to teach us, because we live in a time when all these things of the past have reached their goal. 12 If you think you are strong, you should be careful not to fall. 13 The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it. 14 So, my dear friends, run away from the worship of idols. 15 I am speaking to you as to reasonable people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 We give thanks for the cup of blessing,[b] which is a sharing in the blood of Christ. And the bread that we break is a sharing in the body of Christ. 17 Because there is one loaf of bread, we who are many are one body, because we all share that one loaf. Footnotes: a) 10:7 “They . . . sexually.” Quotation from Exodus 32:6. b) 10:16 cup of blessing The cup of the fruit of the vine that Christians thank God for and drink at the Lord’s Supper.
