The birth of Jesus in a manger says that Jesus is a new type of king…

Dr. David Hughes brings the word this week from Matthew 6:19-24

Meditation: We dare to follow Christ because we have been inspired by lives that have lived for Him.

Meditation: “Sacrifice alone, bare, and unrelieved, is ghastly, unnatural, and dead; but self-sacrifice, illuminated by love, is warmth and life; it is the death of Christ, the life of God, and the blessedness and only proper life of man.” Fredrickson W. Robertson

Meditation: To be reconciled with your fellow man, you must first be reconciled with God.

What can we learn from the disciples and from Jesus in this story about how to live with hope when our world is clouded by disappointment, grief, and uncertainty?  Hope requires that we trust that God is at work, even when we cannot see it. Hope asks us to cast our nets on the other side, doing our part to be the miracle we seek. And hope believes that the last things are never the worst things, and God always has one more move.

1. Listens to their pastor
2. Let's their pastor rest
3. Encourages their pastor
4. Keeps their pastor steady

Do we want to be a church that blesses their pastors or a church who causes them to shake the dust off their feet and move on?

Can we see a parallel to Jesus as “living water?”   

The day in which live is to the soul what heat and exertion are to the body, upping our need for the hydration of the living water.  Why wait until the soul is thirsty to drink freely."Thirst isn’t a helpful indicator of hydration. In fact, when you’re thirsty, you could already be dehydrated, having lost as much as 1 to 2 percent of your body’s water content. And with that kind of water loss, you may start to experience cognitive impairments — like stress, agitation and forgetfulness, to name a few.”
— The Mayo Clinic Staff

Every Christian has the desire to be useful to God.  We are afraid, however, that God will ask us to do something we won’t like or the demands too much of our time.   Isaiah provides the template for our experiences of being recruited by God for the tasks waiting us.  Few of us realize how the moments recruitment are the path to a meaningful life.

The Meditation text from Emmet Fox has always spoken to me about our reluctance to admit that we may already recognize the seed God has planted.   The passage was written in the mid-20th century and reflects the language used in that era.  Also, Emmet Fox was something of a “fringe” Christian.  Many of his beliefs are not mainstream - in fact, some are a bit odd.  That has not stopped me from plucking out gems of insight, such as the following passage.  

But how is one to find his true place in life?  Is there any means whereby you may discover what it really is that God wishes you to do?  You may feel inclined to say:  “Even if it be true that God has some splendid thing that he wishes me to do, and to be, how can I possibly found out what it is?  Perhaps you may even be tempted to add:  “I am a very plain, everyday sort of person; my circumstances are extremely restricted; the conditions of my life are just drab commonplace.  How then can there be something wonderful, beautiful, splendid awaiting me?  Or, even if there were, how could I possibly get to know about it?”  And the answer is Divinely simple—Already in your past life from time to time, God himself has whispered into your heart just that very wonderful thing, whatever it is, that he is wishing you to be, and to do, and to have.  And that wonderful thing is nothing less than what is called Your Heart’s Desire.  Nothing less than that.  The most secret, sacred wish that lies deep down at the bottom of your heart, the wonderful thing that you hardly dare to look at, or to think about—the thing that you would rather die than have anyone else know of, because it seems to far beyond anything that you are, or have at the present time, that you fear that you would be cruelly ridiculed if the mere thought of it were known—that is just the very thing that God is wishing you to do or to be for him.  And the birth of that marvelous wish in your soul—the dawning of that secret dream—was the Voice of God himself telling you to arise and come up higher because he had need of you.

                                                                                    --From Your Heart’s Desire by Emmet Fox

The Baptist “brand” has fallen on hard times.  The image many people have of our churches and worship are a hindrance to many people looking for a place to grow faith.  Each year more churches have removed the word from their name.  Yet, Baptists have a rich heritage.  No faith tradition did more to secure religious freedom during the formation of our nation.  Baptists taught that individuals could seek and find their own connection with God.  They could seek God’s guidance in their decision making.

Has their ever been a more pressing time for Christians to seek the leadership of God than the day in which we find ourselves?  We need God’s guidance to chart the path God wishes for us, without deferring our responsibilities to others.

The quotation from Roger Williams contains language we would not use today.   But he captures the Baptist ideal that each of us are free to practice faith as God leads, not as directed by government or society.

There goes many a ship to sea, with many hundred souls on one ship,

whose weal or woe is common, and is a true picture of a

commonwealth, or a human combination or society.  It hath

fallen out sometimes that both [Catholics] and Protestants,

Jews and Turks, may be embarked in one ship; upon which

supposal I affirm, that all the liberty of conscience, that ever I

pleaded for, turns upon these two hinges: that none of the

[Catholics], Protestants, Jews or Turks be forced to come to

the ship’s prayers or worship, nor compelled from their own

particular prayers or worship if they practice any.

                                                 Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island

Jesus makes it clear that the Kingdom has both a future fulfillment - and a current expression.   What’s happening next in God’s work is already happening.   

Oswald Chambers reminds us the work of the kingdom is not “out there” in the future, it is waiting for disciples who are willing to let it start happening now.

"There are things to be brought about in this world that can only be done through those of us who are prepared to fulfill the conditions of discipleship."

-Oswald Chambers

The rich, however, are self sufficient. Only the rich are described as "self-made." They don’t have to ask for a thing and depend on no one. Thus, the rich in spirit never ask for anything related to their spirits because they're so sure they already have what they need. They never depend on anyone else and, as a result, their portion is to be alone. While Scripture often refers to Hell as a place of burning, it also refers to it as a place of loneliness and outer darkness where we are by ourselves (see Matthew 22:13 and Jude 13 for two references). Following De Sales logic, the poor in spirit ask God for help and get the kingdom of heaven. Needing nothing for their souls, the rich in spirit ask for nothing of anyone and get to be by themselves. Hell is their portion. Only those who have never been lonely could miss what a curse loneliness is.

De Sales' statement started me thinking about turning around all the Beatitudes. Can we see the truth of what is blessed by seeing what is cursed? This sermon examines what truly blesses, by thinking about what surely curses.

 Well, the kids had to cry for you
 I had to try to do
 things that the Dad should do
 since you've been gone
 Well, you really let us down
 You may be Heaven 'bound
 but you've left one hell of a mess here at home

 Yes, Jesus loves you, but I don't 
 [...]
 God may forgive you, but I won't
 and I won't even try
 

Iris Dement is an Americana singer. The Americana genre blends everything from folk, country, blues, zydeco, and rock. Dement has performed with such notables as John Prime and Emmy Lou Harris.

The lyrics of this song struck me for their raw honesty about following Jesus and our relationships with others. Other Christian commentators have called it satanic, but I think she actually captures the spirit of Paul’s opening verses to 1 Corinthians 13, known as the "Love Chapter." Today’s sermon challenges those of us who possess a loveless faith - the kind that can move mountains, but doesn’t care for other people. The kind that claims heaven, but denies family. The kind of faith captured in the words of this song.  

1.  Have a high view of the gospel. Do not invest politics with any more power.
2.  Have a shepherd’s heart. If tempted to thunder like a prophet from the pulpit, remember some people came with burdens today totally unrelated to the latest new cycle.
3.  Make the congregation a place for all people. Too many relationships have been disrupted by politics: marriages, family reunions, social gatherings. Congregation and pastor alike should covenant to live up the the words of Paul in Romans 12:18 - "If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

Surely the church can be one place where Christians of various political leanings can still pray together, serve together, and worship together, despite voting differently. 

• Where in the Bible can you find the Lord’s Prayer?
• Do you know the names of the four Gospels?
• Can you find the 23rd Psalm?
• Can you identify where the following people are found in Christian Scriptures (Old or New Testament):  Moses, Paul, David, Peter, Abraham?

Children and youth are constantly faced with moral decisions.  How can they make decisions based on their faith if they don’t know the basics about it?

Stephen Prothro has written much about religious literacy.  Check out his website for more information: stephenprothro.com

Abraham’s story, along with ours here today, is part of that grant story. His story goes on for a while here in Genesis. He went through years of learning to trust God. Jesus said that Abraham saw his day and was glad. He was glad in his choice to give his life to God. Here are three things that set Abraham on the right path from Genesis 13 onward: 

1. Abraham listened to God. (Vs14) 
2. Abraham walked with God. (Vs17) 
3. Abraham worshiped God. (Vs 18) 

Like Abraham, our lives matter in the grand story that God continues to tell. God is on the move and we are to be ready. 

1. As we listen, God speaks through us. 
2. As we walk, God shows us where to show his love. 
3. As we worship, God makes this place into the Promised Land where we and others have a real, divine encounter with Jesus Christ. 

1. It’s easy to note how leadership in Acts transitions from Peter to Paul.  Often overlooked, however, is the transition from Jerusalem as the center of Christian activity to Antioch.
2. Multiple kings in the Selucid Empire were named Antiochus, which means something like “helper.”   Antioch was named for one of these kings.  The most notable Antiochus for students of the Bible is Antiochus Epiphanese (IV), who persecuted the Jews of Judea during the time of the Macabees. 
3. See Acts 13 for more about the missionary work initiated by this early church.

1. See I Kings 11 for the background on Solomon and his wives.  The historian mentions 700 wives and 300 concubines.  The story mentions specific foreign gods introduced into the court of Solomon and how their worship displeased God.
2. One additional quote on idolatry from Chris Hedges in Losing Moses on the Freeway (The Free Press, New York, 2005): "Idols promise us power.  God does not.  Before God we all are powerless."  (p.37)

Another way to think about the subject us that idols promise control.  God asks for our surrender.

Here is the reading referenced near the end.  Although described as a prayer, it has always struck that it does not actually speak to God; rather, it describes what the writer has prayed for in the past and the answers received.

A CONFEDERATE SOLDIER'S PRAYER
 Author Unknown, 
 (Attributed to a battle weary C.S.A soldier near the end of the war)
 
 I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
 I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
 I asked for health, that I might do greater things;
 I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
 I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
 I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
 I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
 I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
 I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
 I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
 I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
 Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
 I am among all men most richly blessed. 

1. One died for all; we are invited to live better. 
2. We see everyone in Christ; new creations. 
3. God is bringing the world back to himself. 
4. We are the ambassadors of God’s message. 
5. One died for all; we become truly alive in God. 

The YES of God in Jesus Christ makes all of these verses true and powerful and alive. 

We as the church have a purpose and a place in this world. We are God's messengers of hope in a dying world. We must hold on to that. All of our work and life as a church points to that. To be the church is to say “yes, Lord Jesus” to his work in the world. We say “yes Lord” to not just being a Christian in name but being the righteousness of God out in the world. We are not here to hide but to glorify. 

Here is the good news of Easter:  when we find ourselves afraid, we don’t have to stay stuck there.   The disciples found out that no matter how many locks they fastened on their door, Jesus showed up anyway.  He came to free them.   A garden tomb could not hold him, and locked doors cannot keep him away.  Jesus penetrated their walls and showed up in the midst of their fear.  And when he did, the words that he spoke to them were, “Peace be with you.”  

1. There are actions that disqualify individuals from certain professions:
   • Bankruptcy disqualifies people from banking
   • Sex offenders are disqualified from working with children.
2.  Crucifixion disqualified Jesus from being the Messiah (see Deuteronomy 21:22). 
3. Crucifixion was shameful in the Roman world. Hebrews 12:2 separates the cross into two experiences: pain and shame. 
   • The cross was designed to dehumanize.
   • The victim was naked to shame.
   • The location of a cross was designed to maximize crowds who could ridicule.
   • The physical pain reduced people to begging for help and pleading to die.
4. Crucifixion was considered obscene and not discussed. It was godless (Mark 15:33-34).
   • See Fleming Rutledge, The Crucifixion.  It is hard for me to preach Lent and Holy Week without utilizing something I learned in this book.  Chapter Two, “The Godlessness of the Cross,” begins with this quote: "In order to speak of the crucified God we need a theology of abandonment, of dereliction, of an alienation so profound that it can only be expressed in language marked by paradox and by great daring and risk. The Crucifixion of the Son of God by one of the most advanced civilizations in the ancient world does not seem to be an acceptable or reasonable method of redeeming the world. There is something so outrageous and obscene about it that the agony in Gethsemane becomes the only comprehensible part of the whole saga." -- Kenneth Leech in We Preach Christ Crucified
5. The Centurion was a battle-hardened military man.  
   • He had seen deaths nearly as bad, yet at the death of Jesus he was moved to say, “this man was the Son of God.”
   • The meditation text printed in the bulletin was from another indispensable resource for preaching on the cross: "The crucifixion of Jesus set men (sic) thinking more than anything else that has ever happened in the life of the human race. And the most remarkable fact in the whole history of religious thought is this: that when the early Christians looked back and pondered on the dreadful thing that had happened, it made them think of the redeeming love of God." -- D. M. Baillie in God Was in Christ: An Essay on Incarnation and Atonement, p. 184. 

Here is additional quotation from Jűrgen, Moltmann, The Crucified God, New York, Harper & Row, 1974:

To suffer and to be rejected are not identical.  Suffering can be celebrated and admired.  It can arouse compassion.  But to be rejected takes away the dignity from suffering and makes it dishonorable suffering.  To suffer and be rejected signify the cross.  To die on the cross means to suffer and to die as one who is an outcast and rejected.  If those who follow Jesus are to take “their cross” on themselves, they are taking on not only suffering and a bitter fate, but the suffering of rejection.  According to their own experience, the greatest Christian saints were also the most profoundly abandoned by God.  The expression “cross” for the sufferings undergone in following Jesus takes its meaning solely from the cross of Christ, not from natural or social sufferings.  “The cross . . . is not the sort of suffering which is inseparable from this mortal life, but the suffering which is an essential part of the specifically Christian life.”  p. 55

Outline

• The old Holiday Inn commercials capture the  ethos of being smart without any study or preparation.
• Those commercials capture the ethos of our day: “Google is; therefore, I know.” We all think we are experts because we can look up anything on the internet.
• Psalm 119 has 176 verses.  It says 176 different ways that God’s way to live leads to life.  
• Yet, the ways of God seem crazy to us.  If the Beatitudes are the key to blessing, why don’t we seek to live according to them?  If it is more blessed to give than receive, why don’t we spend as much time planning our giving as we do shopping?
• This passage appears in the lectionary for Lent because it represents a distinct alternative way of life to what the world suggests.  
• Disciples must decide whether God knows better or the world knows better how to live.

Proverbs 26:12 says: Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”

John 3:14-21

Outline

• “Bad decisions” is an explanation of sin that works for children, but is inadequate for mature Christians.
• Both Testaments speak to the seriousness of sin.
• Forgiveness of sins is no small issue, but a relationship with Christ goes beyond forgiveness to deliverance.
• The story in Numbers 21:4-9 combines several biblical images related to sin: serpents, death, deliverance.
• In John 3:10-15, Jesus makes plain the connections in the story from Numbers.  Only now he tells us the full story: we are saved by a savior on a cross, not a serpent on a stick.
• Anyone involved in a 12-step group recognizes we cannot save ourselves and need to be rescued from sin.  Those of us not in such a group can recognize the same need for rescue from sin’s power.

Other comments:

The idea for this sermon began as I noticed churches in impoverished areas with the word “deliverance” in their names.  There aren’t many suburban or upper-middle class churches where people think in terms of being delivered from sin. Forgiveness seems a much safer concept to us.

Perhaps impoverished people have less resources to throw at their problems.  They see their captivity to sin before we see ours.  This thought inspired the phrase “middle class misdemeanors” as our concept of sin. 

I’m indebted to The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge for a greater appreciation of Christ’s victory over the powers hostile to God.

II Chronicles 28 contains the key ingredients for Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan: the wounded in need of care, binding wounds and clothing the naked, Jericho, and kindness shown by Samaritans to Judeans.  

The inspiration for this sermon comes from The En-Gedi Resource Center.  If you enjoy Bible Study, bookmark this site.