Walking On Water - Matthew 14:22-33 - Sermon from August 13, 2017

Here is the video of last Sunday's sermon.  The scripture referenced was Matthew 14:22-33, best known as the miracle of Jesus walking on the water.  Since I'm so very late in getting this up (it's been a crazy week) I will only expand upon the end of the sermon.  Very (very, very) often these verses are used to talk about faith.  It's related to Peter's sinking in the waves due to his lack of faith.  If only he, and we by extension... had enough faith we could too walk on water.  I have a bit of bad news for you, no matter how strong your faith the laws of physics aren't going to bend to allow you to stroll around on top of liquid water without some additional form of floatation... but you're welcome to walk around all you like once winter hits and sufficient ice has formed... but back to my point.  Is it really the point of sinking in water where Peter's lack of faith is realized?  Or is it at this juncture:
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

It seems to me that Peter is doubting already, and worse he's asking for proof from Christ as to his true identity.  He's in effect putting "God to the test", testing or bargaining with God isn't really a good idea.  I know this from personal experience... 

Peter really never had absolute faith, to begin with, or he wouldn't have asked for proof.  In the sermon, I comment on why one doesn't necessarily have to believe that this was a supernatural event, and one doesn't by logical extension have to believe that Peter wanted a supernatural proof from Jesus.  He just didn't have adequate faith.

But what happened?  Even though he lacked faith, Jesus still came to his aid when he called out to Him for salvation.  This is how it is for us too... none of us has adequate faith, we just don't...  But, if we call out to God, in the words of the father in the 9th Chapter of the Gospel of Mark;
Mark 9:23 & 24
 23 Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!
If we call out as Peter did sinking beneath the waves, then our Heavenly Father, will reach out His hand and pull us to the shore.

I pray that you've all had a wonderful and productive week!

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Matthew 14:22-33  New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land,[a] for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind,[b] he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Before I launched into the sermon, I did address the situation that unfolded in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday.  I no doubt took a somewhat different track and view on this horrible incident than many of my fellow clergy members.  We must firmly and constantly renounce racism and antisemitic rhetoric in this world... but, we must recognize racism and hate from all sides.  To give one side a 'pass' simply ratchets up the hate and conflict.  For far too long groups like Antifa and Black Lives Matter have been given kid gloves treatment.  This not only emboldens and rewards them but, it emboldens and encourages groups like the KKK and White Supremacists.

Clearly, in this conflict, there is also blame to assign to the way the City of Charlottesville chose to handle (or not handle) the protestors.  The police were woefully unprepared it would appear, as the protesters and counter-protesters should never have been allowed to be in such close quarters to one another.

The injuries and sadly the deaths that resulted are absolute tragedies and we all need to pray for those involved whether we agree with their politics and their actions or not. 

May our Lord comfort and sustain the families of those who have died and comfort and heal those who have suffered injuries.  May the love of Christ soften those hearts filled with hate and those focused upon revenge and retribution.  May grace alone stand at the end of the day.  Amen.

August Newsletter Article, Pastor Roy Karlen

Here is my article for the August Newsletter, I'm sorry that I'm so slow on putting this on my blog page.

Be a blessing to someone today!

Roy

The Pastor's Ponderings:

It's really hard to believe that I'm sitting here working on the newsletter article for the AUGUST newsletter... where has the year gone already? August is always a busy month for the Karlen household, it brings with it Gail's birthday, our son Creath's birthday, and then right around the corner in the first few days of September comes our daughter Maddie's birthday. All of these birthdays fall within a period of two and a half weeks, so it's an expensive time of the year for Gail and I. But, it's always been one of our favorite times, these birthdays remind us all of the great blessing that we have with our family. It's easy to get lost in the stress and forget the blessings, but each of us has so much to be thankful for with each new day; let us never forget to lift up a word or song of praise for God's good gifts, which are given daily. Praise God!

As you all know, the congregation met on July 16th and voted overwhelmingly to approve the merger with First Baptist Church. Those gathered also voted on a new set of By-Laws for Woodlawn Christian Church to accommodate the new merger and our now dual affiliation with the Disciples of Christ and the American Baptist Church. Bill Hungate was selected to sit as a member of the Church Council until the Annual meeting in December when new officers will be elected. Minnie Huster was appointed to be an additional At-Large Member on the Christian Council and will also serve until the Annual Meeting. Let's all make sure to be as welcoming and excited as possible to have all these wonderful Baptist souls here worshiping and in fellowship with us! Praise God!!

This past Sunday was our first worship service as one congregation and if you missed it, you missed a great service. Not because of the sermon mind you... But rather because Kathy Holm has agreed to be our Song Leader here at Woodlawn (she as most know led the singing at First Baptist for many years) and her mother Clarice O'Tool played the piano for us. We had 83 souls in worship and with Kathy's strong voice leading us, well, it was just wonderful to hear the singing. I really can't tell you all how happy I was during worship. Make plans to get to Church this Sunday, there is a wonderful new sense of spirit and it's just a joy-filled experience! Praise God!!!

This coming Sunday, July 30th, we will be starting a new session in our Adult Sunday School class. We will be starting a study of the Gospel of John, even if you miss the first session please feel free to start coming if you have any interest. The Adult class goes from 9:00 am to 9:50 am every Sunday morning. We have been meeting in the Chapel but will be meeting in the Courtyard Room for the next few weeks. Please come and join us!

Also, this coming Sunday, July 30th, the Sunday Night Group will start a new session on the book of Galatians. Galatians is one of my favorite letters from Apostle Paul and we'll be studying it for the next few weeks. The Sunday Night Group meets at 6 pm in Fellowship Hall. We always have a meal, prayer time, sing a few songs, and then have a lesson or perhaps watch a video. If you're free and have an interest, please come on down to the Church at 6 pm and join us! And again, even if you miss the first night (or any other session) come on over anyway. We'd love to see you all there!

The members of the Church Council, Christian Council, and the Elders will also be starting a new study in August. All three groups will be meeting together to complete a study of the program entitled “Catch, a Church-wide Program for Invitational Evangelism”. This program will be done in six sessions, each of approximately an hour in length. The class dates (all on Tuesday nights) are August 15th, August 29th, September 5th, September 19th, October 10th, and October 24th. The sessions will start at 6:30 pm and be held here at the Church in Fellowship Hall. The program is about becoming (or improving upon) a church that 'fishes for people', it's a lesson on evangelism put out by a Methodist Church in Kansas City. If anyone who isn't a member of either Council or an Elder would be interested in taking the class, please let me (Pastor Roy) know. There is a Participants book for the class so I need to know at least approximately how many are going to be attending. But, even if you're just curious, please come to the first session to see if you're interested, I can always photocopy from another book until we can get one purchased for you.

Make sure you've marked your calendars for the concert on September 16th! And make sure you're telling all your friends and relations to make plans to be here for the concert! This year it will be on the Church grounds and we'll also have a full concession stand so folks can just come on over to hear the music (WHICH IS FREE!) and purchase their supper here. Tell everyone to bring along a lawn chair and to be ready to hear some wonderful Christian Music!

This week has been VBS here at Woodlawn and it's been a great week for certain. The kids have been very good this year and the program has worked very well, Ryan Daisy has been a big hit during the nightly skits. Good job Ryan! Janet Daisy and Jodi Frank have done another great job with preparing and pulling off another VBS program. I can't begin to list all of those who've helped with VBS this year but THANK YOU to each and every one of you. Without all of your assistance and hard work, we couldn't pull this very important program off each year. Thank you to everyone!

Well, I need to wrap up this long article, so I'll just close with this...

Be a blessing to someone today! (and every day!)

In Christ,

Pastor Roy

Sermon over Genesis 32:3-32 - Wrestling with God

This Sunday (August 6th) the sermon was over Genesis 32:3-32, the story of Jacob wrestling with whatever the entity was that he wrestled with next to the Jakkob River.  There are nearly endless commentaries on this piece of Scripture and a multitude of ideas as to who or what the entity was which 'wrestled' with Jacob.

In the sermon, I touched upon a few of the likely candidates but, here I will just leave you with one possibility.  Was this entity either Esau himself, or Esau's guardian spirit, or perhaps just Jacob's anxiety overwhelming him on the eve of his reunion with his brother.  It is very worth noting the verses that follow so nearly the scripture verses for today.

4 But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. 5 When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” 6 Then the maids drew near, they and their children, and bowed down; 7 Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down; and finally Joseph and Rachel drew near, and they bowed down. 8 Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company that I met?” Jacob answered, “To find favor with my lord.” 9 But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” 10 Jacob said, “No, please; if I find favor with you, then accept my present from my hand; for truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God—since you have received me with such favor.

Jacob is afraid of what was coming during his encounter with Esau, we are told this over and over in the verses leading up to this reunion.  His fear is well warranted, for he has cheated and betrayed his older brother and Esau himself threatened to kill Jacob.  But, the reality of the reunion is so vastly different than Jacob had felt it might be... Esau extends grace to Jacob and embraces Jacob before Jacob has a chance to beg for forgiveness or to even say a word to his brother.

I have to wonder about this action, a story so reminiscent of the story of the Prodigal Son, a story in which it's obvious that Esau is modeling God towards Jacob... Jacob even says so...

In our lives we worry about meeting God when our days end here in this world, but, I believe that both the story of the Prodigal Son and the story of the reunion of Jacob and Esau tell us quite clearly that no apprehension is warranted.  God wants to reconcile with us even more strongly and completely than Esau wanted to reconcile with his long lost brother.

Praise be to God!

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Glory,
Roy

Genesis 32:3-32New International Version (NIV)

3 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4 He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. 5 I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.’”

6 When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”

7 In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups,[a] and the flocks and herds and camels as well. 8 He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group,[b] the group[c] that is left may escape.”

9 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, Lord, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. 11 Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. 12 But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’”

13 He spent the night there, and from what he had with him he selected a gift for his brother Esau: 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty female camels with their young, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. 16 He put them in the care of his servants, each herd by itself, and said to his servants, “Go ahead of me, and keep some space between the herds.”

17 He instructed the one in the lead: “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘Who do you belong to, and where are you going, and who owns all these animals in front of you?’ 18 then you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau, and he is coming behind us.’”

19 He also instructed the second, the third and all the others who followed the herds: “You are to say the same thing to Esau when you meet him. 20 And be sure to say, ‘Your servant Jacob is coming behind us.’” For he thought, “I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.” 21 So Jacob’s gifts went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night in the camp.

22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”

But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

27 The man asked him, “What is your name?”

“Jacob,” he answered.

28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,[d] because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

29 Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.”

But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there.

30 So Jacob called the place Peniel,[e] saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”


31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel,[f] and he was limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob’s hip was touched near the tendon.

Footnotes:
a) Genesis 32:7 Or camps
b) Genesis 32:8 Or camp
c) Genesis 32:8 Or camp
d) Genesis 32:28 Israel probably means he struggles with God.
e) Genesis 32:30 Peniel means face of God.
f) Genesis 32:31 Hebrew Penuel, a variant of Peniel

Sermon on the "Wheat Among the Weeds", Matthew 13:24-43

This past Sunday, July 30th, the sermon was over the Parable of the "Wheat and the Tares" also called the "Wheat Among the Weeds".  It was a fitting bit of scripture to follow the sermon which I gave on the 23rd, as it drove home the message of remaining in association with those who disagree or even are in contention with you.

The bottom line is that we are all called to live our lives here on this side of the veil in fellowship and cohabitation with the 'weeds'.  We are not to try and carve out a nice comfortable space where everyone is in perfect accord and thinks and believes as we do.

If I were to chastise the church today, especially mainline denominations, it would be concerning the trend towards ostracizing those voices that are in disagreement.  But, this trend is all too present in the more Fundamentalist denominations as well, it seems that whether it be the right or it be the left, we have lost the ability to have calm and reasoned conversations and disagreements. 

The parable of the 'Wheat and the Tares' is a story of being 'non-judgemental'.  It is not up to us to judge the weeds of this world, in fact, who among us has not been... and still is at times a weed in God's garden?  In ripping up those perceived as 'weeds', we will all too often rip up those that are, or will eventually be 'wheat'.  God has the capacity to change hearts, minds, and souls.  God can and will turn the weeds into wheat.  Besides, far too many of us regard ourselves as 'wheat' and any that disagree with us as 'weeds', and those we disagree with believe themselves to be 'wheat' and we to be 'weeds'... who judges rightly?  Let's just live and learn together and not pass judgment upon our neighbor, for judgment is reserved for God and not for any mortal man.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Love,
Roy

Matthew 13:24-43  New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Parable of Weeds among the Wheat
24 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. 27 And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ 28 He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. 30 Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

The Parable of the Mustard Seed
31 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

The Parable of the Yeast
33 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with[a] three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

The Use of Parables
34 Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. 35 This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet:[b]
“I will open my mouth to speak in parables;
 I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.”[c]

Jesus Explains the Parable of the Weeds
36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38 the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42 and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears[d] listen!
Footnotes:
a) Matthew 13:33 Gk hid in
b) Matthew 13:35 Other ancient authorities read the prophet Isaiah
c) Matthew 13:35 Other ancient authorities lack of the world
d) Matthew 13:43 Other ancient authorities add to hear

Your Pastor's Favorite Verse - 2nd John verses 1 through 6 (NCV translation)

The scripture that I chose to preach over this past Sunday is found in that tiny small book in the Bible known as 2nd John.  It also contains my self-proclaimed favorite verse in scripture.  The verse in question is; 2 John, verse 6 - And love means living the way God commanded us to live. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is this: Live a life of love.

I have often called this verse "the Bible in one verse", but the reality is that it's the Bible in the last five words of the verse.  If we could all just live a life entirely of love, well, we would pretty much be covering what Christ tried to convey to us. Remember that bit about the most important commandment?

I particularly like the way that the 'New Century Version' translates this portion of the verse "Live a life of love".  In the sermon, I also mentioned the other ways that this verse is translated.  The 'New Revised Standard Version' translates it as such; And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it.

We as Christians are called to walk in the path of Christ, we are to live a life of love... to walk in love with God's Creation and God's People, each and every day of our lives.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

2 John verses 1-6  New Century Version (NCV)
1 From the Elder.

To the chosen lady and her children:

I love all of you in the truth, and all those who know the truth love you. 2 We love you because of the truth that lives in us and will be with us forever.

3 Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, will be with us in truth and love.

4 I was very happy to learn that some of your children are following the way of truth, as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, this is not a new command but is the same command we have had from the beginning. I ask you that we all love each other. 6 And love means living the way God commanded us to live. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is this: Live a life of love.


2 John 1-6  New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from[a] Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.

4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. 5 But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it.

The Merger With First Baptist Church and the Parable of the Sower - Matthew Chapter 13

This past Sunday, the sermon covered the Parable of the Sower found in the Gospel of Matthew in the 13th Chapter.  I have preached over this Parable before at Woodlawn and the last time I chose to focus on the aspect of judging.  The Sower in the story does not discriminate concerning the soil, the seed (the word of God) is offered to the rich soil as well as the poor soil.  No predetermination is made due to the preconceived condition of the soil.  We are not to judge who may or may not be the 'right' kind of soil to hear and grow God's word.

This time, I chose to focus on the soil from a different angle. This parable is sometimes also called the "Parable of the Four Soils", and there is something that those of us who grew up tending the soil know about soil... the condition of soil can be changed.

We as stewards of the soil can modify and improve the soil we are called to tend to. The hard 'path' can be broken up and made receptive to the roots of the word, we can clear the rocks from the rocky soil and again loosen and prepare the seed bed, we can most certainly pull and remove the weeds that are there choking out the word, all three of these 'unreceptive' soils can be made to be 'receptive' and fertile.  We are called to till as well as to sow.

Matthew 13:1-9 & 18-23 New Revised Standard Version

1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 Let anyone with ears[a] listen!”


18 “Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.[c] 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

At the end of the sermon, I delved into a personal meaning that the Parable of the Sower holds for me.  This scripture was the scripture verse used at my Grandfather Fletcher's funeral back in 2001.  My Grandfather was a man to whom tradition and heritage meant a great deal, and this scripture passage holds that meaning for me as well.  Grandfather was a wonderful Christian man and most certainly sowed the seeds of God's love in this world.  He was born, grew up, and lived his entire life on the same farmstead near Reliance, South Dakota.  He used to say "I had the good fortune of being born in the best place on Earth and the good sense to stay there", he loved South Dakota and he loved Lyman County where he lived.

But as much as Grandfather was deeply rooted to the prairie of South Dakota, he kept apprised of the changes in technology.  His father purchased the first tractor in Lyman County, Grandpa was one of the first to get a combine and leave behind the old threshing machines, he embraced each new advancement in technology, and I'm certain that if he were still alive and well today (at the ripe old age of 113 mind you) he'd be on the internet keeping abreast of the newest technology and advancements in science and certainly farming.

He was rooted, but he used those roots for strength, not as a way to stop him from moving forward and trying new methods and ways.  I discussed how I too am rooted back in Lyman County, South Dakota, a great deal of who and what I am was written back there in that land and a great deal of who and what I am lays with my grandparents who are all four buried in the same small cemetery outside of the small, small town of Reliance.  But... as I said in the sermon; "Roots are there to give you strength, stability, to define you in many ways... BUT... roots are not what reaches to the sky..."

My roots lie back in Lyman County, South Dakota but, my branches are here in Lake City, Iowa.  It is here that God has called me to serve Him.  We cannot let our roots, our heritage stop us from changing and evolving... from reaching to the sky.  Let your roots, your heritage, your past, strengthen you for what lies ahead, never let it stop the branches of your life from reaching for the sky.

Our worship service on Sunday was held jointly with the members of First Baptist Church.  After the service, the two congregations went to separate rooms of the church building to vote upon the merger.  

My friend and mentor Reverend Bob Molby was here to represent the Mid-American Baptists (American Baptist, USA) Executive Minister Marshall Peters and to support and assist the members of First Baptist Church as they discussed and voted on the merger. Their vote was unanimous in favor of the merger.

The Reverend Mike Omundson was here to represent the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest (Disciples of Christ) Regional Minister Bill Spangler-Dunning.  Mike opened our meeting with a prayer and our Church Council President Mel Alcox opened the meeting.  After a brief and unfortunately contentious discussion, the vote was cast for the merger and was overwhelmingly in favor of the merger.

After this voting, the now one merged congregation met together in Fellowship Hall and ratified the proposed set of By-Laws.  There was again a brief and contentious discussion but again the By-Laws were overwhelmingly approved.  After the meeting was adjourned, we all sat down together and enjoyed a wonderful fellowship meal provided for by generous donations from anonymous congregation members and other individuals from our local community.

I am so pleased to present to you the newly joined congregation, now known as: "Woodlawn Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ and American Baptist)".

It is the union of two great faith traditions and two great heritages of service here in Lake City.  With what is now one church, supported by two incredibly deep root systems (First Baptist was founded in 1861 and what became known as Woodlawn Christian Church was founded in 1865) we have such incredible stability from which to continue to grow branches that will reach to the sky.  

I am so happy and so proud of all of the members of our new congregation.  We truly have so many wonderful and loving individuals here at Woodlawn.

Let us all be a blessing to someone today!

In His Love & Glory,
Pastor Roy

Take My Yoke Upon You - Matthew 11:16-19 & 11:25-30

The Scripture which I chose to preach over this past Sunday is comprised of two readings from the 11th Chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 11:16-19 (NRSV)
16 “But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,
17 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
    we wailed, and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; 19 the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

Matthew 11:25-30 (NRSV)
25 At that time Jesus said, “I thank[a] you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.[b] 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

These verses in Matthew start off contrasting the styles of John the Baptist and Jesus, but both styles have met with resistance from the Jewish people.  John in his ascetic manner living in the wilderness, living off the land as you will and calling for repentance, and Jesus who was no stranger to eating and drinking with sinners represent the two ends of the spectrum.  John represented by the reference to children playing "funeral" and Jesus compared to the children playing "wedding".  Neither of the two contrasting styles has been embraced by those in power and these verses speak to that lack of embrace. 

We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.

The reality is that far too many individuals are just plain contrary in this life.  No matter what angle or what logic you bring to the table they will contend with you because, that's just what they do.  But, that doesn't mean we stop coming or that we stop advocating for our Lord.  It's not for you or for I to judge when it's time to give up on someone, God could have easily given up on me but He didn't... and so I don't give up on others either.

In the sermon, I talk about the 'Yoke' of Christ.
28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
In the time of Jesus, it was common for Rabbis to talk about the 'Yoke of the Law' or the 'Yoke of Torah'.  Likewise, the approach that each Rabbi taught concerning the Law was described as that Rabbi's 'Yoke'.  Jesus comes to us talking about the lightness of His 'Yoke', about how easy His approach to Torah is.  But just what was/is the 'Yoke' of Christ?  Let's jump to Chapter 22 in the Gospel of Matthew for some insight.

Matthew 22:36-40 (NRSV)
36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Here we learn what Jesus' 'Yoke' was... it's the burden of loving God and loving others.  The importance of this verse is highlighted in that this exchange was preserved in all three Synoptic Gospels. Here is first Mark's version and then Luke's version.

Mark 12:28-31 (NRSV)
28 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Luke 10:25-37 (NRSV)
25 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus.[a] “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”

29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii,[b] gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Note that immediately following Luke's version is the story of the 'Good Samaritan'.  I've talked before about the role of the two great First Century Rabbis Shammi and Hillel.  These two Rabbis had conflicting views on who this 'neighbor' was that we are to love.  Shammi taught that only a fellow Hebrew was your neighbor, Hillel taught that all Hebrews and all Gentiles were your neighbors but... that the Samaritans were NOT your neighbor.  In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus casts as the hero the Samaritan and shows him to be the role model of what a neighbor should be.
36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Clearly, in Christ's definition, even the despised Samaritan is one's 'neighbor'.  This was incredibly radical and liberal thinking for the time.  Here Jesus was to the 'left' of even Hillel, but there are other times when he's to the right of Shammi, this is why I call Jesus a 'Radical Moderate' and why I too call myself a 'Radical Moderate'.

I did not mention in the sermon that when Jesus listed the 'Greatest Commandment' that he was actually quoting from Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (NRSV)
6 Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the ordinances—that the Lord your God charged me to teach you to observe in the land that you are about to cross into and occupy, 2 so that you and your children and your children’s children may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life, and keep all his decrees and his commandments that I am commanding you, so that your days may be long. 3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you, and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you.

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. 6 Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. 7 Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, 9 and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Truly, loving God and loving others is the one thing above all else that we are called to as followers of Christ.  As Matthew tells us from this "Yoke" hangs all the Laws and all the Prophets.  It is by this 'Yoke' that we bear all the responsibilities assumed as Christ followers.  It is also through the 'lenses' of these two 'Loves' that we interpret all of the Law and Prophets.  We must view the Law and Prophets through the eyes of love, if our interpretation does not come out loving... then we have mistaken 'Earthly' yokes and lenses for the 'Yoke of Christ'.

Be a force of love to this wanting world...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In His Love & Care,
Roy