Romans 4:1-17, Thursday Night Worship, March 5th, 2020

Last Thursday night we looked at the verses found in the letter to the churches in Rome, Romans 4:1-17.  The ability to link to Abraham was a very important consideration to ancient Jews... if you look at Luke's Gospel he takes us all the way back to Adam in Jesus' genealogy, but Matthew (the most Jewish of the Gospels) is content to just link Jesus to Abraham.  This link to Abraham was all the was needed... Jesus is not only of the house of David but a child of Abraham.

Paul's message is that we all are blessed through Abraham and let us not forget the verses that speak of creating children of Abraham from the very stones themselves.

Please take a listen, it wasn't a long sermon by any means.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Romans 4:1-17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Example of Abraham
4 What then are we to say was gained by[a] Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. 5 But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. 6 So also David speaks of the blessedness of those to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven,
    and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.”

9 Is this blessedness, then, pronounced only on the circumcised, or also on the uncircumcised? We say, “Faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness.” 10 How then was it reckoned to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the ancestor of all who believe without being circumcised and who thus have righteousness reckoned to them, 12 and likewise the ancestor of the circumcised who are not only circumcised but who also follow the example of the faith that our ancestor Abraham had before he was circumcised.

God’s Promise Realized through Faith
13 For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.

16 For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

Footnotes:
Romans 4:1 Other ancient authorities read say about

1 Corinthians 3:10-23, Thursday Night Worship - February 20, 2020

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

Matthew 5:21-37, Anger/Adultry/Divorce/Oaths - February 16, 2020

Jesus has just finished telling us that we must be more righteous than the scribes and the Pharisees (how does one even do that?) and now He's ratcheted things up even farther...  These verses are the beginning of what is sometimes called the 'six antitheses', Jesus gives us one thing and contrasts it (amplifies it) with another.  These verses do a wonderful and complete job of convicting each of us.  There is simply no way that any of us escapes this convicting commentary completely innocent.  All have been angry at their brother and/or sister... all have been seduced in their mind by some alluring woman (or man), far, far too many of us have been divorced, and all of us have claimed some oath or another... often giving them no thought whatsoever.

In the end, this sermon was an extension of the previous week's message and the only thing we are left with is a confirmation of our reliance upon Christ for our salvation.  These verses drive home our failures and shortcomings, they point out to us our sin and the amazing grace that Christ holds forth for us all.

Praise God for the grace of Christ!

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Matthew 5:21-37 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Concerning Anger
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 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. 23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister[e] has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister,[f] and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court[g] with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Concerning Adultery
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.[h] 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.[i]

Concerning Divorce
31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Concerning Oaths
33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.[j]

Footnotes:
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
e) Matthew 5:23 Gk your brother
f) Matthew 5:24 Gk your brother
g) Matthew 5:25 Gk lacks to court
h) Matthew 5:29 Gk Gehenna
i) Matthew 5:30 Gk Gehenna
j) Matthew 5:37 Or evil

Matthew 5:17-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Law and the Prophets
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter,[a] not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks[b] one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Footnotes:
a) Matthew 5:18 Gk one iota
b) Matthew 5:19 Or annuls

Matthew 4:12-23, Sermon given Sunday, January 26, 2020

Last Sunday, we took a look at the very beginning of Jesus' ministry as told in Matthew's Gospel.  I brought to attention the often focused upon point of being 'fishers of men'.  But, we need to look at what type of fishermen these rough souls were... they did not fish with a cast line and a specific lure or bait.  They were not focusing on one type of fish, no they threw their nets out wide and reached out to all the fish within the limitation of the size of their net.

We too are called to cast our nets wide.  Reaching out to any and all that might respond to the story of love, grace, and forgiveness that is portrayed by the cross.  Let us cast wide and fish for all men and women... it's what we're called to do...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Glory,
Roy

Matthew 4:12-23 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee
12 Now when Jesus[a] heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
    on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people who sat in darkness
    have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
    light has dawned.”

17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”[b]

Jesus Calls the First Disciples
18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Jesus Ministers to Crowds of People
23 Jesus[c] went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news[d] of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Footnotes:
a) Matthew 4:12 Gk he
b) Matthew 4:17 Or is at hand
c) Matthew 4:23 Gk He
d) Matthew 4:23 Gk gospel

1st Corinthians 1:10-18, Thursday Night Worship Sermon, "Ladders"

My sermon last Thursday night had to do with all the various 'Divisions' that we as humans bring into our Christian faith.  I could have chosen any number of illustrations to focus upon but given our recent trip to the Holy Land, I discussed and used the "Ladder at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre".  It's sometimes referred to as "the ladder that only Jesus can move", it's a very sad tale of a problem that haunts us from large to small congregations.  There is, unfortunately, in nearly every church some ladder somewhere that is still a thorn in someone's side... these ladders tend to get brought out whenever there is some new decision to be made and are touted about as some form of rationale for whatever opposition they are twisted to represent.

It would be such a wonderful day... such a Christ-Like day... the day when we put all the ladders away and just serve Christ...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

1 Corinthians 1:10-18 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Divisions in the Church
10 Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,[a] by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters.[b] 12 What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God[c] that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Footnotes:
a) 1 Corinthians 1:10 Gk brothers
b) 1 Corinthians 1:11 Gk my brothers
c) 1 Corinthians 1:14 Other ancient authorities read I am thankful

January 19, 2020 - Sermon on Jesus' Baptism

Last Sunday, we canceled worship services due to the weather.  I did, however, come over to the church and give a Facebook Live-Stream at 10 am.  I've included the video of the message that I gave during that time.

I had a different sermon in mind prior to the decision to cancel worship, but for whatever reason, I decided to change the direction of the sermon.

Here I talk about baptism and about Gail and myself being re-baptized while in Israel.  We each were baptized and also retrieved a vial of water from the Jordan River.  I want to thank Reverend Bill Wenig of Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Des Moines for doing me the honor of performing the baptism for me.  I performed the baptism for Gail and it was a very meaningful and emotional time for us both.

It's a short sermon so please take a listen.

Be a blessing to someone today!!

In His Grace,
Roy

Mark 1:1-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Proclamation of John the Baptist
1 The beginning of the good news[a] of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.[b]

2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,[c]

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,[d]
    who will prepare your way;
3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
    ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight,’”

4 John the baptizer appeared[e] in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with[f] water; but he will baptize you with[g] the Holy Spirit.”

The Baptism of Jesus
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved;[h] with you I am well pleased.”

The Temptation of Jesus
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news[i] of God,[j] 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;[k] repent, and believe in the good news.”[l]

Jesus Calls the First Disciples
16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Footnotes:
a) Mark 1:1 Or gospel
b) Mark 1:1 Other ancient authorities lack the Son of God
c) Mark 1:2 Other ancient authorities read in the prophets
d) Mark 1:2 Gk before your face
e) Mark 1:4 Other ancient authorities read John was baptizing
f) Mark 1:8 Or in
g) Mark 1:8 Or in
h) Mark 1:11 Or my beloved Son
i) Mark 1:14 Or gospel
j) Mark 1:14 Other ancient authorities read of the kingdom
k) Mark 1:15 Or is at hand
l) Mark 1:15 Or gospel

Matthew 3:13-17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Baptism of Jesus
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.”

Footnotes:
a) Matthew 3:17 Or my beloved Son

John 1:29-51 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Lamb of God
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”[a]

The First Disciples of Jesus
35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed[b]). 42 He brought Simon[c] to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter[d]).

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you,[e] you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Footnotes:
a) John 1:34 Other ancient authorities read is God’s chosen one
b) John 1:41 Or Christ
c) John 1:42 Gk him
d) John 1:42 From the word for rock in Aramaic (kepha) and Greek (petra), respectively
e) John 1:51 Both instances of the Greek word for you in this verse are plural

Luke 3:21-22 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Baptism of Jesus
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved;[a] with you I am well pleased.”[b]

Footnotes:
a) Luke 3:22 Or my beloved Son
b) Luke 3:22 Other ancient authorities read You are my Son, today I have begotten you

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.

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

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

Luke 20:27-38 Who is going to care for us... who is responsible for us? Sermon given November 10, 2019

Photo by Christian Begeman

This sermon looked at the scripture found in Luke's Gospel in Chapter 20, verses 20-38.  Here the issue isn't who gets to enjoy the benefit of being married to the woman nor even who gets the honor of being married to the woman, but rather who is responsible for her... who must take care of and provide for her.  Jesus' point here is that none of these seven brothers need to be concerned about 'having' to be responsible for the woman... God will now be taking care of her and providing for her.  In Heaven... God provides for and takes care of us all... what a wonderful thing to realize.

Praise God...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy 

Luke 20:27-38 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Question about the Resurrection
27 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28 and asked him a question, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man[a] shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30 then the second 31 and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.”

34 Jesus said to them, “Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35 but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37 And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.”

Footnotes:
a) Luke 20:28 Gk his brother

Sermon November 3, 2019 - Zacchaeus and Jesus

The story of Zacchaeus is a story about a changed heart.  Jesus encounters Zacchaeus and calls him to him, through this interaction Zacchaeus is immediately changed forever.  Encounters with Christ are supposed to be like that... thus, we have to ask ourselves have we been changed?

Are we living differently than we did before we found the love, grace, and glory of Christ?  Does this change go beyond our Sunday appearance or is it just a one day a week change?

Things to ponder...

The children helped me with the sermon, so please take a listen!  And thank you, Scott Crandall, for helping with the sermon as well!  God bless!

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Grace,
Roy

Luke 19:1-10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus and Zacchaeus

19 He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7 All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8 Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

Luke 17:11-19, Sunday Worship - October 13, 2019 - The Ten Lepers

These verses in Luke's Gospel are often used to illustrate the all too common issue of the majority of those confirmed or baptized into our denominations leaving and never returning.  I don't think this is about that issue at all (though it is a very real and concerning issue!).  Rather here I see a story about the ultimate outsider... the leper who is also a Samaritan.  While he was afflicted just like his companions, who we are led to believe are Hebrews, he seems to have been included at least to the extent of their mutual affliction... now that he and the rest have been healed that old division has resurfaced.

The Samaritan returns to Jesus because he knows he is not welcome to accompany the Jews any longer... he will be much, much less welcomed at the Temple.  For him to enter the Temple would probably mean death... so, he returns to the Temple that does welcome him.  He returns to the one who healed him and he prostrates himself before his Savior.  The real message that I see here is that Jesus is the new Temple... the true Temple... the Temple where all are welcome no matter who or what they (we) are.

Praise be to God!

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Luke 17:11-19 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus[a] was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers[b] approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus’[c] feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18 Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”

Footnotes:
a) Luke 17:11 Gk he
b) Luke 17:12 The terms leper and leprosy can refer to several diseases
c) Luke 17:16 Gk his

Sept 8, 2019 - Sermon over Luke 14:25-35 "The Cost of Discipleship"

Here is the sermon from Sunday, September 8th.  I apologize that I'm so far behind, I will try to be caught up by the end of the week.

Take a quick listen and learn of the cost of Discipleship... and that God isn't asking you to hate everyone and everything.  God is love and never forget that aspect of God's relationship with you and with me.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Luke 14:25-35 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Cost of Discipleship
25 Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, 26 “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. 33 So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.

About Salt
34 “Salt is good; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?[a] 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; they throw it away. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”

Footnotes:

a) Luke 14:34 Or how can it be used for seasoning?