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
Below please find this past Sunday's sermon video. In this time that we're in, we seem to have a strange focus on wanting our ancestors to have been perfect people. The reality is that only one human being was ever perfect and He died on a cross so that you and I in our gross imperfection could be considered saved. Please take a listen and I pray it may reassure and edify you in some small way. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
Romans 7:15-25 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 15 I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. 17 But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, 23 but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with my mind I am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh I am a slave to the law of sin. Romans 7:1-14 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) An Analogy from Marriage 7 Do you not know, brothers and sisters[a]—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only during that person’s lifetime? 2 Thus a married woman is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives; but if her husband dies, she is discharged from the law concerning the husband. 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man, she is not an adulteress. 4 In the same way, my friends,[b] you have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God. 5 While we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are discharged from the law, dead to that which held us captive, so that we are slaves not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit. The Law and Sin 7 What then should we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet, if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity in the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. Apart from the law sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived 10 and I died, and the very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity in the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good. 13 Did what is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, working death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. The Inner Conflict 14 For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin.[c] Footnotes: Romans 7:1 Gk brothers Romans 7:4 Gk brothers
Romans 7:14 Gk sold under sin
Romans 6 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Dying and Rising with Christ 6 What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For whoever has died is freed from sin. 8 But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. 13 No longer present your members to sin as instruments[a] of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments[b] of righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Slaves of Righteousness 15 What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that you, having once been slaves of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to which you were entrusted, 18 and that you, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms because of your natural limitations.[c] For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness for sanctification. 20 When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 So what advantage did you then get from the things of which you now are ashamed? The end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is sanctification. The end is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Footnotes: Romans 6:13 Or weapons Romans 6:13 Or weapons
Romans 6:19 Gk the weakness of your flesh
John 8:31-36 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) True Disciples 31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 7 even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep[a] me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.[b] 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power[c] is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Footnotes: 2 Corinthians 12:7 Other ancient authorities read To keep 2 Corinthians 12:7 Other ancient authorities lack to keep me from being too elated
2 Corinthians 12:9 Other ancient authorities read my power
Last Sunday's sermon looked at the verses found in Matthew's Gospel in Chapter 10, verses 26 through 42. This sermon speaks of your great worth in the eyes of God and hopefully was a message of hope and reassurance in this time of trouble that we are living in today. Please take a moment and listen. I've also included a link to the hymn "His Eye Is On The Sparrow". It's a wonderful old hymn and one that I've come to really enjoy and lean upon. Be a blessing to someone today! In His Grace, Roy
Matthew 10:26-42 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Whom to Fear 26 “So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.[a] 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; 33 but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. Not Peace, but a Sword 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. Rewards 40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” Footnotes:
On June 25th we held what will be our last (until we get through the Covid 19 situation) Thursday night service. We're rebranding what we do on Thursday nights and please go to our Facebook Page (Woodlawn Christian Church Facebook Page) to see what we presented last night. It's possible that I'll vary what we do on Thursday at 7pm but we'll continue to do something. The sermon on this last service covered the 13th Psalm. This is a Psalm of Lament and something worth hearing at this time of trial and tribulations. Please take a listen and we hope it blesses you in some small way. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
Psalm 13 New International Version (NIV) For the director of music. A psalm of David. 1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
I've gathered together the 'Daily Devotions' from June 16th through June 30th. The 16th begins with 1st Peter 1:22-25 and the devotion on June 30th covers the verses found at 1st Peter 4:7-11. Please take a listen and thank you for stopping by. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
Pastor's Ponderings – July 2020 Psalm 13 New International Version (NIV) “A Psalm of David” 1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. How long, Lord? How long indeed... we have now come to July of 2020. The world has shifted on its axis multiple times since the calendar flipped into this new year (figuratively speaking, let's hope my use of this metaphor doesn't indicate a prophecy of such...). None of us expected any of this and sadly I wish I could tell you that it's nearly to the end and that life will be normal very soon... I really wish I could type those words... But we don't know “how long” the Lord will allow all of this insanity to reign. It indeed seems as David laments that the Lord has hidden His face from us and the worst part is of course the 'wrestling with our thoughts'. We don't know what lies ahead so as humans we tend to imagine the worst possible scenario. Repeatedly we see uncontrolled and seemingly uncontrollable mobs destroying so much and those that destroy and loot seem to be getting away with the destruction of so many good people's lives and livelihoods. We're greeted when we turn on the news that the numbers of infections for Covid 19 are continuing to grow... and grow, and we join David in his lament... These are indeed trying times in which we live but we must remember that others have endured equally trying times. There has and will be social unrest, it's a part of the human condition which I fear will be with us always. In the past, our ancestors too suffered during pandemics and strange and baffling diseases. Ultimately, just like them, we will survive and the sun will shine on a 'normal' day once again. How did those ancestors of ours manage? Well, for most of us here in Iowa our ancestors clung to their faith in God... their faith in the same God that David clings to in Psalm 13. When the day seems dark and the world seems to be filled with uncertainty, you can rely on the God of David. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. God has not abandoned us, He is here with us always... we just have to have faith in His 'unfailing love'. Before I sign off I want to let you know that I'm considering making a change in the Thursday Night Service as we move into July. There will still be a broadcast at 7 pm each Thursday night but it may well be 'different'... keep your eyes open and see. Scott, Kim, Kathryn, and I are discussing this possible change, tune in July 2nd. God bless & be a blessing to someone today! Pastor Roy
In this sermon, I took a different angle and looked at the 'sacrifice' of Matthew. I don't recall anyone really talking about just what Matthew gave up to follow Christ. Of course, we believe that he gained far, far more than he deserted, but, he did turn his back on basically all he had left in life. Take a listen and consider the sacrifice of Matthew... have we given anything up to follow Jesus? Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
Matthew 9:1-13 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 9 1 And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town. Jesus Heals a Paralytic 2 And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” 7 And he stood up and went to his home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. The Call of Matthew 9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 10 And as he sat at dinner[a] in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting[b] with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Footnotes: a) Matthew 9:10 Gk reclined b) Matthew 9:10 Gk were reclining
The sermon from this past Sunday was a deviation from the Lectionary. I chose to instead speak from the message found in the 88th Psalm. This Psalm is often called 'The Most Depressing Psalm'. In this sermon I take a slant that I have never heard or seen taken... and that is that it isn't a depressing Psalm at all. My point is that this long bemoaned Psalm is actually one filled with hope and the promise of delivery and grace. Please take a listen, I hope it may bless you in some small way. Thank you and as always... "be a blessing to someone today"! In Christ, Roy
Psalm 88 New Century Version (NCV) A Sad Complaint A song. A psalm of the sons of Korah. For the director of music. By the mahalath leannoth. A maskil of Heman the Ezrahite. 88 Lord, you are the God who saves me. I cry out to you day and night. 2 Receive my prayer, and listen to my cry. 3 My life is full of troubles, and I am nearly dead. 4 They think I am on the way to my grave. I am like a man with no strength. 5 I have been left as dead, like a body lying in a grave whom you don’t remember anymore, cut off from your care. 6 You have brought me close to death; I am almost in the dark place of the dead. 7 You have been very angry with me; all your waves crush me. Selah 8 You have taken my friends away from me and have made them hate me. I am trapped and cannot escape. 9 My eyes are weak from crying. Lord, I have prayed to you every day; I have lifted my hands in prayer to you. 10 Do you show your miracles for the dead? Do their spirits rise up and praise you? Selah 11 Will your love be told in the grave? Will your loyalty be told in the place of death? 12 Will your miracles be known in the dark grave? Will your goodness be known in the land of forgetfulness? 13 But, Lord, I have called out to you for help; every morning I pray to you. 14 Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you hide from me? 15 I have been weak and dying since I was young. I suffer from your terrors, and I am helpless. 16 You have been angry with me, and your terrors have destroyed me. 17 They surround me daily like a flood; they are all around me. 18 You have taken away my loved ones and friends. Darkness is my only friend. Psalm 139 Revised Standard Version (RSV) The Inescapable God To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 139 O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me! 2 Thou knowest when I sit down and when I rise up; thou discernest my thoughts from afar. 3 Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou dost beset me behind and before, and layest thy hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, thou art there! If I make my bed in Sheol, thou art there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there thy hand shall lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Let only darkness cover me, and the light about me be night,” 12 even the darkness is not dark to thee, the night is bright as the day; for darkness is as light with thee. 13 For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful.[a] Wonderful are thy works! Thou knowest me right well; 15 my frame was not hidden from thee, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth. 16 Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance; in thy book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious to me are thy thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with thee.[b] 19 O that thou wouldst slay the wicked, O God, and that men of blood would depart from me, 20 men who maliciously defy thee, who lift themselves up against thee for evil![c] 21 Do I not hate them that hate thee, O Lord? And do I not loathe them that rise up against thee? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any wicked[d] way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting![e] Footnotes: a) Psalm 139:14 Cn Compare Gk Syr Jerome: Heb fearful things I am wonderful b) Psalm 139:18 Or were I to come to the end I would still be with thee c) Psalm 139:20 Cn: Heb uncertain d) Psalm 139:24 Heb hurtful e) Psalm 139:24 Or the ancient way. Compare Jer 6.16 Psalm 40 New International Version (NIV) Psalm 40[a] For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. 1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. 4 Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.[b] 5 Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. 6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened[c]— burnt offerings and sin offerings[d] you did not require. 7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll.[e] 8 I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” 9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. 10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. 11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. 12 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. 13 Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me. 14 May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. 15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. 16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” 17 But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay. Footnotes: a) Psalm 40:1 In Hebrew texts 40:1-17 is numbered 40:2-18. b) Psalm 40:4 Or to lies c) Psalm 40:6 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts but a body you have prepared for me d) Psalm 40:6 Or purification offerings e) Psalm 40:7 Or come / with the scroll written for me Psalm 29 Revised Standard Version (RSV) The Voice of God in a Great Storm A Psalm of David. 29 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,[a] ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy array. 3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, upon many waters. 4 The voice of the Lord is powerful, the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars, the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sir′ion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. 8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness, the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the Lord makes the oaks to whirl,[b] and strips the forests bare; and in his temple all cry, “Glory!” 10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king for ever. 11 May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! Footnotes: a) Psalm 29:1 Heb sons of gods b) Psalm 29:9 Or makes the hinds to calve Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV) 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
