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
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.
In the sermon the day after Christmas I preached over one of the 'darker' parts of the Christmas story. The slaughter of the innocents. Here we compare the reactions of the Wisemen and Herod... two entirely different ways of reacting to the coming of Christ. How are we reacting? Please take a listen and as always... Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
Matthew 2:13-23 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Escape to Egypt 13 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 Then Joseph[a] got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” The Massacre of the Infants 16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men,[b] he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men.[c] 17 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.” The Return from Egypt 19 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20 “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” 21 Then Joseph[d] got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23 There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.” Footnotes: Matthew 2:14 Gk he Matthew 2:16 Or astrologers; Gk magi Matthew 2:16 Or astrologers; Gk magi Matthew 2:21 Gk he
In the sermon given on Sunday, December 22, 2019, I took a bit of a different approach and consideration on the 'Love' of Christ. This was a sermon that received a great deal of positive accolades afterward. It was a sermon that brought the love of God into our modern circumstances... well, at least it attempted to. Please take a listen and God bless you... also... Be a blessing to someone today! In His Love, Roy
Matthew 1:18-25 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Birth of Jesus the Messiah 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. John 3:16-17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
The sermon given on December 19th focused on 'patience'. I did and will again confess, that patience isn't something I've long been known to possess... it is as I say "not my long suite". Few of us today truly have the degree of patience that we require, and our society doesn't tend to engender patience within us... we as it has so often been pointed out, live in a rush, rush, hurry, hurry, we want it NOW world. Exercise a bit of patience right now and listen to the video... it's not that long... just be patient... Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
James 5:7-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Patience in Suffering 7 Be patient, therefore, beloved,[a] until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.[b] 9 Beloved,[c] do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10 As an example of suffering and patience, beloved,[d] take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 12 Above all, my beloved,[e] do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. Footnotes: a) James 5:7 Gk brothers b) James 5:8 Or is at hand c) James 5:9 Gk Brothers d) James 5:10 Gk brothers e) James 5:12 Gk brothers
Below please find my Newsletter Article for the January 2020 Church Newsletter. It's hard to believe it's nearly the year 2020. I remember as a child thinking there was no way I'd live to see the year 2000... after all, I'd be forty in 2000... and who could live to be that old? But, here we are closing quickly on a new year and a new decade. May these new things bring you all only the best. And may first and foremost among those wonderful things, may it bring you a closer and more fulfilling relationship with your Lord. God bless and as always... Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
Pastor's Ponderings As I write this we are drawing ever closer to Christmas... perhaps, by the time you're reading this the Christmas Eve Program has already passed. I want to thank in advance Jodi and all of her helpers, the kids always love putting the program on and the families always enjoy this annual event. Hopefully, being involved in this annual celebration of Christ's birth will help to instill in these young minds a love for Christ that will remain with them for a lifetime. We can only pray that our efforts will be a success and continue working for our Lord. Thank you again, Jodi and all the rest of you who work so hard to teach the children.
December was an amazing month for us at Woodlawn, we need to thank all of the new and returning members of the Church's two Councils. Thank you to all of you for all that you do and for stepping forward to lead the Church into a new decade. But even beyond celebrating the new leaders, we need to celebrate the new members! We baptized three adults into our fold last Sunday. During our morning service, we were so very pleased to baptize Stephanie Blunt. Stephanie is the daughter of Steve Wine and the granddaughter of Shirley Wine. Shirley and Steve were both there to witness her baptism and we all were proud to witness this long-awaited blessing for the Wine family. During the evening gathering, we then baptized both Tiffany and Paul McCoy. Tiffany's parents came to witness their daughter and son-in-law take the 'plunge' and embrace a life of service and following Christ. What an amazing day! Praise God! Please make sure to congratulate and welcome to Woodlawn, Stephanie, Tiffany, and Paul.
Soon it will be a new year and a new decade, and we can only imagine what lies ahead of us... let's do our very best to stay focused upon our calling and accomplishing all that God leads us to do on His behalf here in His Creation. Shortly after you read this, Gail and I will be heading off on the trip of a lifetime. Thanks to the very gracious blessing of a group that I believe prefers to remain anonymous, Gail and I along with three other ministers and their spouses will be taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We will be spending nearly a week and a half touring the Holy sites and walking roads and viewing scenery that the Lord Himself walked upon and gazed upon. There is no way to fully appreciate in advance what impact this trip will have upon Gail and I but we look forward to it with great anticipation and no small amount of joy. Thank you to those who have so kindly and lovingly made this experience possible... God's love and blessings upon you. I also want to thank in advance Ryan Daisy for agreeing to preach on the two Sundays that we'll be away. Ryan jumped at the chance to fill the pulpit on both dates offered and I can't thank him enough for doing so! It's very much appreciated! Gail and I also thank Clyde and Donna for watching our 'girls' (the dogs) while we're gone and Kathryn for agreeing to keep an eye on our cats. Knowing that our babies are being so well watched over means the world to both Gail and I.
Our prayer is that everyone has a wonderful and meaningful Christmas and that each of you is blessed and is a blessing to others. Let us not only strive to remember the true meaning of Christmas but to be certain to share it with others... John 3:16-17 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Unfortunately, we had some difficulty with recording the sermon that was given during the Thursday Night Service on December 12, 2019. The scripture that was focused upon came again from the Book of James, that evening we looked at the seventeen verses that comprise Chapter Four in James Epistle. The main thrust of the sermon was verse 4, 4 Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. The word in Greek that is being translated as 'an enemy of God' is Echthra. It can also mean 'hostility' and 'alienation'. I don't believe that God is ever our 'enemy' in the way we tend to understand the word enemy in English. God never wishes harm or ill upon anyone, not even those who stand in opposition or wander in alienation from Him. If we feel we are an 'enemy' to God... if we 'hate' God... it is a one-way emotion, God's feeling toward us is only and always a feeling of Love. What I think James wants us to understand is that our actions can and will alienate us from God. This not enmity is the condition that we find ourselves in when refuse to accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. If we find ourselves alienated from the love of God it is a self-imposed alienation... please come home... repent and return to God. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy Note: I finally retrieved the video!
James 4 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Friendship with the World 4 Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? 2 You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet[a] something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose that it is for nothing that the scripture says, “God[b] yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. Warning against Judging Another 11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters.[c] Whoever speaks evil against another or judges another, speaks evil against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. So who, then, are you to judge your neighbor? Boasting about Tomorrow 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.” 14 Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin. Footnotes: a) James 4:2 Or you murder and you covet b) James 4:5 Gk He c) James 4:11 Gk brothers
Our Sunday worship services on the 15th were simply great! We baptized Stephanie Blunt during the morning service and then during our evening gathering, we baptized Paul and Tiffany McCoy. All three were adult baptisms and all are great testimonies to the power of prayer and the working in our hearts by God's Holy Spirit. The video of the morning service didn't turn out so I stripped the audio from our live stream and made it into a video. The message was short as it was delivered from the Baptistery. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ,Roy
Matthew 3:13-17New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved,[a] with whom I am well pleased.”
