tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24782165340247644922024-03-08T14:29:06.096-08:00Richard O. Randolph on Faith MattersThis blog examines challenges and issues for religious faith, primarily from a Christian perspective. It will focus especially on what it means to be a person of faith living in the post-modern context of the United States. I anticipate exploring questions relating to contemporary science and religion, prophetic witness, religious pluralism, and spirituality.Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.comBlogger265125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-78430000369322340862020-05-09T18:23:00.002-07:002020-05-09T18:23:30.243-07:00“The Women at the Cross and Mother’s Day”<br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It seems as
though Mother’s Day sneaked up on us this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s completely understandable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are living through an extraordinary time; our lives have been
literally turned upside down by the coronavirus and our routines are disrupted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are currently trying to cope with a “new
normal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nonetheless, this Sunday, May
10th, is Mother’s Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I have been
preparing to lead worship this Sunday, I have been searching for the right
theme for this year’s Mother’s Day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Given that
we are living in this extraordinary time, with its new normal, I was attracted
to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the other women who gathered around the cross
during the crucifixion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’
crucifixion represented a horrible new normal for the women and all of Jesus’
followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of them had devoted their
lives to following Jesus and learning from his teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were convinced that Jesus was the long-awaited
Messiah—God’s own son—whom God had promised to send to the people of
Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Suddenly, in the space of less than
24 hours, Jesus had been swiped from them by the authorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, impossibly, they were confronted
with a horrible new normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was
being taken away from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, they
found themselves at the foot of the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All hope that he was the long-awaited Messiah came to a stunning
halt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It has often been said that one can
gain insight into another person’s true character by observing how they act in
a crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this is true of Mary,
the mother of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the
Gospel of John, Mary and several other women were present, with Jesus, at the Crucifixion:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“Near
the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the
wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><span id="en-NIV-26852" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple
whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, </span><span class="woj">“Woman,<sup data-fn="#fen-NIV-26852a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-26852a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19%3A25-27&version=NIV#fen-NIV-26852a" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;" title="See footnote a"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">a</span></a>]</sup> here is your son,”</span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="text"><span id="en-NIV-26853" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">and to the disciple, </span><span class="woj">“Here is
your mother.”</span><span class="text"> From that time on, this disciple
took her into his home.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="text">Normally, when we read this passage, our
attention is drawn to the latter part, where Jesus, who would be gasping for
breath during the crucifixion, asks John, his disciple, to care for his mother
as though she was John’s mother, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is indicative of Jesus’ deep love for his mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, when we focus on the first part of this
passage; when we focus on the fact that Mary had come to be with Jesus during
this horrible ordeal, we also see the deep love which Mary had for Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without unduly reading too much into the
text, it seems to me that we can identify in Mary four important qualities of
being a good, loving mother:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>Mary
was willing to make sacrifices and take risks for her son.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the mother of Jesus, Mary would have taken
some great risks to be at the foot of the cross for Jesus’ crucifixion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roman executions were public events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All four Gospels agree that Jesus’ crucifixion
attracted a large crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some in the
crowd were simply curious onlookers, who came out to gawk at and ridicule those
being crucified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, many others were
Jewish officials, who were personally scandalized by the teachings of
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary risked being ridiculed and
threaten by the largely hostile crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, she went because she needed to be with Jesus through his ordeal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>Mary
went to provide love and support for her son.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the jeers and mocking from the
bystanders, Jesus also had to endure the slow, excruciatingly painful
crucifixion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For anyone, there would be
moments of loneliness and weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
Jesus, at one point on the cross, cried out:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark
15:34)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary came to the crucifixion to
love and support her son through his ordeal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>Mary
went to suffer in solidarity with her son.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that all good parents suffer when their
children suffer—sometimes, more than their children suffer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary had to be at the Crucifixion because, in
her own way, she suffered in solidarity with her son.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>Mary
prayed for her son during his ordeal.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can well imagine that during Jesus’ three-hour ordeal on the cross, Mary
and the other women prayed for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although perhaps not openly or verbally, we can be sure that they would
have prayed silently in their hearts for God’s deliverance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We noted earlier that, when we read these two
verses, there is a tendency to read past the first part about Mary and to focus
instead Jesus’ efforts to provide future care for his mothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why do we tend to read past the verse which explains that Mary was there,
at the foot of the cross, for Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Could it be that we read past Mary’s presence at the crucifixion because
we just take for granted that all good mothers would be there for their
children undergoing such an ordeal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Could it be that we just naturally have assumed all along that Mary was
a good mother?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, it is unsurprising that
Mary was there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For me, Mary exemplifies four of
the core attributes of a good mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, there’s one more thing about this passage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note that Mary was not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several other women were also there with her;
women who loved and followed Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>The
qualities which make a mother good are not necessarily confined to mothers.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out that all of us can cultivate these
four virtues and manifest them in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of us can take risks and make sacrifices for others; love and support
others; be in solidarity with others; and pray for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is to say, all of us can be like a
mother to others, especially those who are suffering.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The coronavirus is the greatest global
crisis that any of us have ever witnessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are people all around us who are afraid, anxious, grieving, sick,
lonely, depressed, to whom we can be like a mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can begin asking ourselves, what are ways
in which we can:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Take
risks or make sacrifices for others who are suffering through this pandemic<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Provide
love and support for others who are suffering through this pandemic<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Suffer
in solidarity with others who are suffering through this pandemic<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Pray
for others who are suffering through this pandemic<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a community of faith, we also should be asking ourselves if
there are ways in which we can respond collective to these four questions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everyone is always welcome and accepted at Christ United Methodist
Church because God loves us all.</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the coronavirus, I invite you to join
us virtually for our Facebook Livestream worship service each Sunday at 11
am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Facebook address is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/christumclinc/">https://www.facebook.com/christumclinc/</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alternatively, you can see the service later
on our Facebook page or by going to our webpage at:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.christumclinc.org/">https://www.christumclinc.org/</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-1499990864477932132020-04-11T12:17:00.000-07:002020-04-11T12:17:53.244-07:00"A New Normal"<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, April 12th, is Easter Sunday and our celebration of the Resurrection of
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During our live-streaming
service at Christ United Methodist Church, we will read the account of that
first Easter morning, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew:<o:p></o:p></div>
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After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was
dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">And suddenly there
was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came
and rolled back the stone and sat on it. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as
snow. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">But the angel said
to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was
crucified. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see
the place where he</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> lay. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised
from the dead,</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there
you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">So they left the
tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Suddenly Jesus met
them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and
worshipped him. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my
brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>~ Matthew 28:1-10<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve
often wondered what the women were thinking, as they made their way to the tomb
on that first Easter morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were
women who had completely devoted their lives to following Jesus and his teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were there, when Jesus healed the sick.
They were there, when Jesus laughed—and, when he cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were in the Upper Room, and they were probably
at the Garden of Gethsemane, when Judas betray Jesus with a kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike most of the disciples, they were
there, at the foot of the Cross, when Jesus suffered and died.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
recent events had certainly turned their world upside down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their hopes and dreams for a better world had
all been crucified with Jesus on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was as though a New Normal had been established with the death of
Jesus on Good Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they trudged
towards the tomb, I suspect that they were confused, dismayed, depressed, defeated,
afraid.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
we celebrate Easter this year, perhaps we have some new insights into how the
women felt, as they plodded along the path to the tomb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, our world has been turned upside
down by the coronavirus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as the
women in the story, we are confused, dismayed, depressed, defeated,
afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know what it is like to live with
an overwhelming fear and anxiety about the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know what it is like to live day after day
under an ominous cloud of gloom—even when the sun is shining outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, we have a new appreciation for
what the women were feeling that morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is certainly a different normal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Yet, everything changed
when the women reached the tomb. An angel had rolled away the large stone,
sealing the tomb shut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The angel
proclaimed the amazing, completely unexpected, news that Jesus had been
resurrected and left the tomb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, the
angel beckoned the women to come and see the empty tomb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, the angel told them to go quickly
and tell Jesus disciples that, “He <span style="background: white;">has been
raised from the dead,</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there
you will see him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white;">So, the women left the tomb quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were filled with two conflicting emotions of “fear and great joy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They began to run towards the house where the
disciples were staying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they ran
along, suddenly up in front of them stood someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Who was it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white;">It looked like….could
it be…it looked like Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Could it be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it possible?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white;">It was…it was…it
was, Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white;">When they reached
the spot where Jesus was standing, he said:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Greetings!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The women
immediately knelt down, hugging Jesus’ feet and worshiping him—just as they had
done so many times before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was, indeed, a New Normal
introduced that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it was not the
New Normal of Good Friday; a New Normal defined by dread, fear, and anxiety
which the women began with that morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the New Normal of
Easter, which continues even today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was the New Normal of God’s love—and, of transformation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a New Normal of <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white;">Hope instead of
dread<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white;">Faith instead of
fear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white;">Joy instead of
anxiety<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white;">Life instead of death<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white;">Christ’s
Resurrection marks a cosmic tipping point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It marks the beginning of God’s Reign here on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, God’s Reign is not yet fully
established.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it has begun and God
will ultimately bring it to fulfillment in God’s own time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ invites his disciples to join in the
work of building God’s Reign through seeking the divine, acting inclusively,
serving others, working for justice, and caring for Creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is to say, Christ invites his disciples
to Transformation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Currently, we are shrouded in the
overwhelming gloom of COVID-19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it
may be difficult to see much light at the end of the tunnel, one day we will
get through this global crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day,
we will emerge from “sheltering in place” to begin anew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day, things will get back to normal,
except it will be a New Normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
question is, what kind of New Normal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will it be the New Normal of Good Friday?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, will it be the New Normal of Easter
morning?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The coronavirus has exposed
significant cracks and fissures in our society, as well as throughout the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the virus has passed, we
will have opportunities to address these cracks and fissures, thereby
transforming society and creating a New Normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For instance, the coronavirus has
exposed the dangers of inadequate healthcare to all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In American society, where many people do not
have access to healthcare, we have learned that, if a disease is especially
contagious and virulent, then everyone is at mortal risk—both the uninsured and
insured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the pandemic has passed,
will we transform our healthcare system, creating a New Normal where everyone
has adequate healthcare?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will we choose
the New Normal of life, or continue the old normal of death through inadequate
healthcare for some?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As another example, the coronavirus
has exposed problems with our understanding of individual liberty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past 40 years, our notion of liberty
has devolved into a concept where each of us is free to do whatever we want and,
further, we seek to limit civic duty and mutual obligation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, with genuine liberty comes a
responsibility for the common good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
we have learned from the coronavirus, “we’re all in this together.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can never be truly free, if huge segments of
society are struggling to survive and flourish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the pandemic has passed, will we transform our attitudes, creating
a New Normal where we responsibly balance individual liberty and the common
good?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everyone is always welcome and accepted at Christ United Methodist
Church because God loves us all.</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the coronavirus, I invite you to join
us virtually for our Facebook Livestream worship service this Easter Sunday,
April 12th, at 11 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Facebook
address is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/christumclinc/">https://www.facebook.com/christumclinc/</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alternatively, you can see the service later
on our Facebook page or by going to our webpage at:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.christumclinc.org/">https://www.christumclinc.org/</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-27737803275876608892020-04-04T18:53:00.001-07:002020-04-04T18:53:47.541-07:00“The Journey of Remembrance Begins Again—But Differently”<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, April 5th, is Palm Sunday in Protestant and Catholic Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Our Orthodox Christian brothers and sisters observe
Palm Sunday a week later, on April 12th.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Palm Sunday is an important celebration in the Church each year because
on this day we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event
recorded in all four of the Gospels.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
story begins with Jesus sending two of his disciples to a nearby village, where
they are to find a young donkey, with a colt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus instructs his disciples to untie them and bring them back to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before they leave on their errand, Jesus
advises his disciples, “<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">If anyone
says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send
them immediately.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">” </span>(Matthew 21:3)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
his Gospel, Matthew explains that this was done to fulfill a prophecy, which
said:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">Tell
the daughter of Zion,</span><span style="color: #010000;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Look, your king is coming to you,</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> humble, and mounted on a donkey,</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> and on a colt, the foal of
a donkey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Matthew 21:6)</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
When the two disciples return with the donkey,
Jesus mounts it and begins his entry into Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he rides, Jesus’ followers begin spreading
their cloaks on the road in front of the young donkey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they run out of clothes, the people
begin cutting nearby branches off of palm trees and spreading these branches on
the road—hence, the name, “Palm Sunday.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People began joyfully shouting, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">Hosanna
to the Son of David!</span><span style="color: #010000;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> Blessed is the one who comes in the name of
the Lord!</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Hosanna in the highest heaven!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Matthew 21:9)</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
As Jesus rides, more and more people begin to come
out of their shops and homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They join
in the shouting and singing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’
entry into Jerusalem becomes a huge, triumphal parade.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Every
year, Christian communities of faith gather to re-read and reflect upon the
story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Palm Sunday marks the beginning of a seven-day journey of remembrance
during Holy Week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the triumphal Palm
Sunday, the journey of remembrance moves to Jesus’ righteous indignation, when
he enters the Temple and turns over the tables of the money-changers and other
businesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This journey of
remembrance winds its way downward to Maundy Thursday, when we remember Jesus’
Last Supper with the disciples in the Upper Room, followed by his betrayal by
Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Good
Friday, the journey of remembrance continues its downward trajectory, as we
commemorate the Crucifixion of Jesus on the Cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, this journey of remembrance has traced
a deep downward trajectory, from Palm Sunday and Jesus’ triumphal entry into
Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, for its last stage, the
journey of remembrance suddenly zooms upward, as we re-read the story of the
Empty Tomb and Jesus’ Resurrection.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Each faith community—each
congregation—has its own, unique way of re-telling this journey of
remembrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many churches re-create Palm
Sunday by giving everyone palms to wave in the air, sometimes led by a parade
of small children, winding their way through the Sanctuary to begin the service—as
we do at Christ UMC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other congregations
have “services of foot washing,” following Jesus’ example in John 13:3-15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, many congregations—including my
church, Christ UMC—will have special services on Good Friday, commemorating the
Crucifixion of Christ on the Cross.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Christian faith
communities practice all of these customs of remembering, as well as many
others, during their journeys from Palm Sunday to the Cross on Friday and
finally to the empty tomb on Easter morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of these customs of remembering are important, not only because they
help us grow spiritually but also because they help us maintain and grow our
faith communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Participating in these
rituals and customs helps to increase the bonds of relationship within our
faith communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why Easter
Sunday is the most heavily attended worship service of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People want to participate in remembering who
Christ was and his Resurrection.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
But, Palm Sunday this
year will be like none other, for any of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The coronavirus pandemic has turned everything upside down in 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be no live service, filled with
outstanding music and a children’s palm waving processional to begin the
service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, we will live stream a service
online, using as few people as possible as we practice safe social distancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, sadly, we need these rituals and customs
even more this year than ever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The coronavirus is taking
its toll, not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a recent article for <i>The New York
Times,</i> David Brooks described it this way, “There’s an invisible current of
dread running through the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
messes with your attention span.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
know about you, but I’m mentally exhausted by 5 pm every day, and I think part
of the cause is the unconscious stress flowing through us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later in the article, he observes, “The
pandemic spreads an existential feeling of unsafety, …changing the way you see
and perceive threat.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/The%20Journey%20of%20Remembrance%20Begins%20Again%E2%80%94But%20Differently.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Although we can’t
practice the same customs and rituals of remembrance that we normally do during
Holy Week, we can be innovative and creative in developing modified customs and
rituals for this year of the pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For instance, instead of waving actual Palm branches this Sunday, my
church is encouraging everyone to print or draw their own palm branch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we’re asking everyone to display their
paper palm in a prominent place in their homes, such as the refrigerator or a
bedroom door, as a way of beginning their journey of remembrance for Holy Week
this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everyone is always welcome and accepted at Christ United Methodist
Church because God loves us all.</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the coronavirus, I invite you to join
us virtually for our Facebook Livestream worship service this Palm Sunday, April
5th, at 11 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Facebook address
is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/christumclinc/">https://www.facebook.com/christumclinc/</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alternatively, you can see the service later
on our Facebook page or by going to our webpage at:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.christumclinc.org/">https://www.christumclinc.org/</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our
Good Friday service will also be Facebook Livestreamed on Friday, April 10th,
at 7 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are welcome to join us at
that service, as well.<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/The%20Journey%20of%20Remembrance%20Begins%20Again%E2%80%94But%20Differently.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
David Brooks, “Mental Health in the Age of the Coronavirus,” in <i>The New York
Times,</i> 2 April 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accessed on
telephone app, 3 April 2020.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-25592648167535787492020-03-14T20:42:00.001-07:002020-03-14T20:42:36.135-07:00“Faith, Anxiety, and the Coronavirus”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Originally,
I was not scheduled to preach this Sunday, March 15th, because it was to be
“United Methodist Women Sunday.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, the special speaker invited by the United Methodist Women
cancelled due to concerns about the coronavirus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, as the church leadership and I learned
more about the coronavirus threat, we decided that the responsible and prudent
course of action would be to cancel all live worship services and to stream a
worship service on Facebook Live at 11 am on Sunday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(We will also record the streaming service
and post it on our church websites for those unable to watch at 11 am on
Sunday.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During the
liturgical season of Lent this year, our worship services are focused around the
theme of “suffering.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the core
components of Lenten observances is to remember the suffering of Jesus,
especially in his crucifixion on the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suffering is also an experience which we all share as part of the human
condition—although some persons suffer more in life than others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have also observed that there are
different types of suffering, including physical suffering, emotional
suffering, and existential suffering.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Two weeks
ago, we examined physical suffering, drawing from the Book of Job in the
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that book from the Hebrew
scriptures, we learned about a good and devout man, Job, whom God causes to
suffer in extraordinary ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although
Job’s friends believe that his suffering must be the result of some terrible
sins he has committed, Job swears that he is innocent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the contrary, Job claims to be a righteous
and devout person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Job demands
a hearing, and an accounting before God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Job wants God to explain why he has been made to suffer is such
extraordinary ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not until the
end of the Book that God appears and speaks to Job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s response is definitely not what Job
expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately, God does not
respond to Job’s charges and questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Essentially what we learn from the Book of Job is that when we ask why
God has caused—or, allowed—us to suffer, we are asking an illegitimate
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question puts us in the
center of the world, and at the center of God’s focus and activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, we are not always at the center, even
though God loves us deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>By its very
nature, this question, why does God cause or allow us to suffer, puts the
believer in the position of trying to <b><i>defend</i></b> God because we
assume that we <b><i>must</i></b> be at the center of God’s focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I t may be that God has not caused or allowed
our suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, we suffer
because it is part of the human condition—something all humans must endure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Yet, even though there
may be no explanation for our suffering, our Christian faith does not leave us bereft
of hope and comfort in the face of suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fundamental to Christian faith is the conviction that God’s love for us
is awesome and literally beyond our human comprehension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, even with our limited insight,
Christians know that eternal and transcendent God loves us so much that God
chose to empty God’s self and become incarnated (literally, enfleshed) as the
human person, Jesus of Nazareth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of
the reasons for God to become incarnated was so that God could experience the
human condition with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndentCxSpFirst">
While we may not understand why we suffer, we
do know that God has shared with us in human suffering in a most profound way,
through the excruciating suffering of Jesus on the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is in solidarity with us and in our own
physical suffering, even if God does not always answer our questions about why
we are suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These reflections on
God, Jesus, and suffering have informed my thinking about the looming coronavirus
pandemic that we face in our society.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndentCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndentCxSpMiddle">
It seems pretty obvious that the world is
currently suffering emotionally as a result of the coronavirus. All of us
suffer fear, anxiety, and apprehension, while those of us who have lost a
friend or loved one to the virus also suffer grief and loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scripture which will ground my
reflections during this March 15th streaming service comes from Jesus’ Sermon
on the Mount, where he addresses the emotional suffering that comes from fear
and anxiety:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndentCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndentCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">“‘Therefore I tell you, do not
worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink,</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> or about your
body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than
clothing? </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor
gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more
value than they? </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span
of life?</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of
the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">yet I tell you,
even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">But if God so
clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown
into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Therefore do not
worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we
wear?” </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and
indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">But strive first
for the kingdom of God</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> and his</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> righteousness, and all these things will be given to
you as well.</span>’”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndentCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In this
part of his sermon, Jesus encourages his listeners to avoid allowing fear,
worry, and anxiety to dominate their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He uses two seeming minor forms of life, birds and wildflowers, and points
out that they flourish without fear, worry, or anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he asks, if God cares for the birds and
wildflowers so well, then shouldn’t we humans, who are created in God’s image,
be more confident that God will take care of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, he encourages his listeners to make
striving for the “kingdom of God” and serving God as their first priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they do that, then everything else will
work out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndentCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndentCxSpLast" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
whole world is currently faced with a crisis, which we have never had to
contend with before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much that
is still unknown, even though we have already begun to get glimpses of the
scope of this crisis from the experiences in China and Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given how much is unknown and the scope of
what lies before us, it is only natural to be filled with fear, worry, and
anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, in this scripture
passage, Jesus counsels us to prevent that fear, worry, and anxiety from dominating
our lives.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #010000;">Instead,
Jesus calls upon us to have confidence that we are not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is still with us, even in the midst of a
pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of us suffer emotionally
from fear, worry, and anxiety, while some of us will suffer physically from the
coronavirus and, perhaps, even death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through
his life and death, Jesus has already experienced human suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus shares in our suffering now and is in
solidarity with us, even in this moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus reminds us that ultimately God is in charge and that God will
prevail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #010000;">But there is more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to controlling our fear, worry,
and anxiety, Jesus reminds us that as his disciples we are called to serve
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This service will take different
forms for each of us during the coronavirus pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some, it may be donating blood or calling
to check in on neighbor or to run errands for someone especially vulnerable to
the virus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever our particular task
or opportunity, during this pandemic we are called to serve God by serving in
whatever safe and appropriate way that we can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everyone is always welcome and accepted at Christ United Methodist
Church because God loves us all.</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the coronavirus, I invite you to join
us virtually for our Facebook Livestream worship service on Sunday, March 15th,
at 11 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Facebook address is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/christumclinc/">https://www.facebook.com/christumclinc/</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alternatively, you can see the service later
on our Facebook page or by going to our webpage at:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.christumclinc.org/">https://www.christumclinc.org/</a>.<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-21464169638183233062020-02-29T21:17:00.000-08:002020-02-29T21:17:48.644-08:00“Why Does God Allow Physical Suffering?”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This past
Wednesday, February 26th, was <b>“Ash Wednesday”</b> on the church liturgical
calendar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ash Wednesday marks the
beginning of the season of <b>“Lent,”</b> that 40-day of preparation leading up
to Easter Sunday and celebration of the Resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As preparation during the season of
Lent, Christians are encouraged to enter into a time of reflection, confession,
penitence, and penance for our sins and shortcomings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is frequently a time of self-sacrifice,
when we give up something which we enjoy as we commemorate Jesus’ ultimate
sacrifice of his life on the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along
with penitence and penance, Lent can also be a time to reflect upon our own
mortality and eventual death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
During Lent this year, Christ
United Methodist Church, where I serve as Senior pastor, will focus on the
theme of <b><i>suffering.</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course,
suffering is a very appropriate Lenten theme because we know that Jesus
suffered excruciating pain, as he gasped for breath, during the
crucifixion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, suffering is also an
integral part of the human condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of us experience suffering at some points in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are various types of suffering, as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Physical suffering is the most
obvious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we may also suffer in
other ways, such as emotional suffering.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We began this series on Ash
Wednesday with a reflection on <b>“existential suffering.”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By existential suffering, we meant the human
ability to contemplate our own death and the ever-present knowledge that,
ultimately, some time in the future we will die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as we know, we are the only sentient
species capable of contemplating our own death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the title of this blog suggests, this Sunday, March 1st, our focus
will be on physical suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
subsequent Sunday’s, we will examine emotional suffering, anxiety, the
temptation to go for the quick—yet, false—fix for suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, on Good Friday, our service will
focus on the suffering of Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Our scriptural passage for this
week’s focus on physical suffering is comes from the Book of Job, in the Hebrew
scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Book opens, the main
character is introduced:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
“<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">There was once a man in the land of Uz
whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and
turned away from evil. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">There were born to him seven sons and three daughters.” (Job
1:1-2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
The first chapter continues by describing how wealthy Job is,
and it characterizes him as “the greatest of all people of the east.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chapter also describes Job as a very
devout man, truly faithful to God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 4.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 4.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Up
in heaven, God boasts about Job’s goodness and faithfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the <i>satan<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/Why%20Does%20God%20Allow%20Physical%20Suffering.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
</i>(or, accuser) is not impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course Job is good and faithful, he retorts, “Look at how well you have
rewarded him!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, the <i>satan </i>proposes
a wager:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strip Job of all that he has
and see if, then, he will not curse God to God’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God accepts the wager and allows the <i>satan</i>
to take away all that Job owns, including the death of his children and most of
his servants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite this horrific loss,
Job’s faithfulness and love for God remains unshaken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i>satan </i>has lost the bet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 4.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 4.5pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
Job 2, when God boasts of Job’s faithfulness, the <i>satan </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>proposes a second wage:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="color: #010000;">“Then Satan answered
the <span class="sc"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>,
‘Skin for skin! All that people have they will give to save their lives. But
stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse
you to your face.’ The <span class="sc"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span> said
to Satan, ‘Very well, he is in your power; only spare his life.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #010000;">So, Satan went out from the presence of
the <span class="sc"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>,
and inflicted loathsome sores on Job from the sole of his foot to the crown of
his head. Job took a potsherd with which to scrape himself, and sat
among the ashes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #010000;">Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still
persist in your integrity? Curse God, and die.’ But he said to her,
‘You speak as any foolish woman would speak. Shall we receive the good at the
hand of God, and not receive the bad?’ In all this Job did not sin with his
lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #010000;">Now when Job’s three friends heard of all
these troubles that had come upon him, each of them set out from his
home—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They
met together to go and console and comfort him. When they saw him from a
distance, they did not recognize him, and they raised their voices and wept
aloud; they tore their robes and threw dust in the air upon their
heads. They sat with him on the ground for seven days and seven nights,
and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Job 2:4-13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #010000;">This passage from Job is
very rich, with many different angles and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>nuances to explore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, in my proclamation, time will restrict me to just the
main question of <i>theodicy</i>—that is, “<b>Why does God allow good people to
suffer physically?</b>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within the
Abrahamic traditions, we have generally viewed God as omnipotent (all-powerful),
omniscient (all- knowing), and all-loving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, to re-state the question<b>, “Why would an all-power, all-knowing,
and all-loving God allow physical suffering?”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #010000;">In
his book, <i>On Job,</i> Gustavo Gutierrez, the Latin American Liberation
Theologian, observes:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“To put the matter
quite concretely, the wager [between God and the <i>satan</i>] has to do with
speaking of God in light of the unjust suffering that seems, in human
experience, to deny love on God’s part.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/Why%20Does%20God%20Allow%20Physical%20Suffering.docx#_edn2" name="_ednref2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, why would a truly loving God
enter into such a cruel wager with the devil?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>“Why would an all-power, all-knowing, and all-loving
God allow physical suffering?”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Historically, Christians have proposed two different answers to this
question:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #010000; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">A
small minority of Christians – most recently process theologians – have opted
to redefine God’s power so that God is no longer omnipotent and therefore not
responsible for everything that happens in the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #010000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #010000; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">A
far greater number of Christians have taken the opposite approach and tried to redefine
God’s benevolence by finding some deeper good in the physical suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For these Christians, chronic pain may appear
on the surface to be bad, but a deeper, more thoughtful analysis reveals that
it is actually a good gift from a benevolent, omnipotent God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an
illustration, the physician Harold Koenig reported on a patient with chronic
back pain who interpreted his pain as a means to glorify God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The patient told Dr. Koenig, “…it’s like the
Lord is telling me, ‘This is a burden that you’re going to have to carry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried the cross and your sin, and you’ve
got to carry this.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there’s a reason
for it, if it’s to glorify Him, then I’ll carry it until the day I die.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/Why%20Does%20God%20Allow%20Physical%20Suffering.docx#_edn3" name="_ednref3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #010000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;">More
recently, some Christian theologians have proposed a third answer to the
question of <i>theodicy.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This third
approach advocates for simply accepting physical pain and suffering as part of
the human condition, rather than trying to find some explanation of why God
allowed this suffering to occur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance,
pastoral </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">theologian
Peggy Way, who has struggled with polio in her own life, asserts that the
theodicy problem appears to put Christians into the uncomfortable position of
having to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">defend</b> God.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/Why%20Does%20God%20Allow%20Physical%20Suffering.docx#_edn4" name="_ednref4" style="mso-endnote-id: edn4;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than trying to defend God, she
proposes that humans embrace their finitude, including their suffering, and
live joyfully in the moment. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Similar to the conclusion
by Peggy Way, the Christian ethicist Stanley Hauerwas asserts that the way to
address the theodicy problem is not by trying to defend God in terms of
omnipotence or omniscience or love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rather, he suggests, “if Christian convictions have any guidance to give…it
is by helping us discover that our lives are located in God’s narrative—the God
who has not abandoned us even when we or someone we care deeply about is ill.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/Why%20Does%20God%20Allow%20Physical%20Suffering.docx#_edn5" name="_ednref5" style="mso-endnote-id: edn5;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Actually, this newer, third
answer to the question of physical suffering is closer to the way in which the
Book of Job resolved the problem of theodicy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Throughout the Book, the character Job demands, again and again, a
hearing before God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This hearing would
be in the form of a court trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a
sense, Job seeks to sue God for “deity malfeasance.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the Book, God appears, to answer
Job and his accusations:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div style="background: white; margin-left: 45.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">“</span><span style="color: #010000;">Then the <span class="sc"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span> answered
Job out of the whirlwind:<br />
‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?<br />
Gird up your loins like a man,<br />
I will question you, and you shall declare to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 45.35pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br />
‘Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?<br />
Tell me, if you have understanding.<br />
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!<br />
Or who stretched the line upon it?<br />
On what were its bases sunk,<br />
or who laid its cornerstone”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Job 38:1-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;">God’s line of questioning of Job goes on and on and on,
from chapter 38-41.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, it is Job’s
turn to respond:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">Then Job answered the </span><span class="sc"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-variant: small-caps; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Lord</span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #010000;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">:</span></span><span style="color: #010000;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">‘I know that you can do all things,</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> and that no purpose of yours can be
thwarted.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">“Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?”</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> things too wonderful for me, which I did
not know.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">“Hear, and I will speak;</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> I will question you, and you declare to me.”</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> but now my eye sees you;</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">therefore I despise myself,</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> and repent in dust and ashes.’</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Job 42:1-6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Inherent within the
impulse to answer the question of <i>theodicy</i> is the assumption that we
humans are central to God and God’s plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are, however,
deeply, deeply loved by God and that brings us back to Lent and our spiritual
preparation, leading up to Easter Sunday and the celebration of the
crucifixion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Fundamental to Christian
belief is the profound love which God has for each of us; a love which is
literally beyond our comprehension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet,
even with our limited insight, Christians believed that the omnipotent, omniscient,
transcendent God chose to empty God’s self and become incarnated (literally,
enfleshed) as the human person, Jesus of Nazareth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the reasons for God to become
incarnated was so that God could experience the human condition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="color: #010000;">“Why would an all-power, all-knowing, and all-loving God
allow physical suffering?”</span></b><span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not know the answer to that
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, we do know that God has
shared with us in human suffering in a most profound way, through the
excruciating suffering of Jesus on the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is in solidarity with us and in our own physical suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to join us
at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, March 1, as we begin our
reflections on suffering, as part of our Lenten preparation for Easter Sunday
in April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.</b><span style="color: #010000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
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<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/Why%20Does%20God%20Allow%20Physical%20Suffering.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Although the notion of Satan as an evil, fallen angel eventually develops in
the Hebrew scriptures, at the time when the Book of Job was written he was
conceived more as an accuser who alerted God of humans who were being
sinful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See the “Excursus:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Role of Satan in the Old Testament,” by Carol
A. Newsom in “Commentary on the Book of Job” in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New Interpreter’s Bible</i>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vol.
4, (Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2002), CD-ROM Edition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="edn2" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/Why%20Does%20God%20Allow%20Physical%20Suffering.docx#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Gustavo Gutierrez, <i>On Job, God-Talk and the Suffering of the Innocent,</i> translated
by Matthew J. O’Connell (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Press, 1987), 5.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="edn3" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/Why%20Does%20God%20Allow%20Physical%20Suffering.docx#_ednref3" name="_edn3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Harold
Koenig, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chronic Pain:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biomedical and Spiritual Approaches</i> (New
York:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haworth Pastoral Press, 2003)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">,</i> 46.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="edn4" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/Why%20Does%20God%20Allow%20Physical%20Suffering.docx#_ednref4" name="_edn4" style="mso-endnote-id: edn4;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Peggy Way, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Created by God, Pastoral Care
for All God’s People</i> (St. Louis:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chalice Press, 2005).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="edn5" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/From%20Ashes%20to%20Fire/Why%20Does%20God%20Allow%20Physical%20Suffering.docx#_ednref5" name="_edn5" style="mso-endnote-id: edn5;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stanley Hauerwas, G</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">od, Medicine, and Suffering</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> (Grand
Rapids, Michigan:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">William B. Eerdmans
Publishing Company, 1990)</span>, 67.</div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-9636503625874506072020-02-15T21:22:00.001-08:002020-02-15T21:22:35.212-08:00“What Gets in the Way of God’s Vision for Us?”<br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, February 16th, we continue our worship series on dreaming and
envisioning the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my church,
Christ United Methodist, prepares to embark upon a major strategic visioning
initiative later this spring, our worship and reflections during February have
focused on the role which dreaming and envisioning the future play in the
scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve titled this new series,
“Let’s Dream Together, Again.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On this
third Sunday in the series of four, I have decided to flip the question around a
bit and explore ways in which we can sometimes thwart or hinder God’s vision
for communities of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To ground my
reflections, I found myself drawn to Proverbs 29:18:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">“Where there is no vision, the people perish: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.</span>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(King James Version)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">There is no small
debate among Biblical scholars concerning what the writer means by “no vision.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, among many Christian faithful, the writer
appears to mean that without a vision of where they are supposed to go—and who
they are supposed to be—the faithful will perish, probably in the sense of
falling away from the faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That, at
least, is the way I will interpret the first half of this verse in my
proclamation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As noted above, I intend to flip the
theme of dreaming and envisioning on its head by asking a different question
this Sunday:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What gets in the way of God’s
vision?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will propose that there are four
major ways in which people of faith may hinder or thwart God’s vision:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>Fear.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we allow ourselves to become so
overcome with fear that we lose our nerve and our ability to envision with
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We become petrified by fear and
unable to move forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are afraid of
the risk that we are taking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
we fear failure, while occasionally we fear success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes our fear takes the form of <b><i>scarcity
thinking,</i></b> when we think that we are not big enough/rich enough/numerous
enough/talented enough/entitled to dream really big dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we slip into scarcity thinking, then we
forget that the God, whom we serve, is a God of abundance, lavishing abundantly
upon us when we seek to do God’s will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We forget that God will provide.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>Idolatry.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, instead of asking about God’s vision
for us, we change the question to ask about <b><i>our vision for ourselves.</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We no longer ask God to dream with us and
show us what God’s vision is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead,
we put ourselves in the place of God—either individually or as church
communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dream about what will
make us look important and prominent to the people and other churches around
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dream about how everyone else
will look up to us and admire us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>We
dream too small.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes in
churches, we cast visions for ourselves that are too small. We develop modest,
manageable goals which we feel certain that we can obtain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We close our minds to what God may be asking
us to dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s vision for us may be
bold and audacious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, we remain stuck
is the small and safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that way, we
thwart God’s vision for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>We
are happy with the status quo and don’t want to dream.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may feel too comfortable with the way
things are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may not want to dream and
vision with God because God will surely want us to grow and perhaps even change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t like change because we like the ways
things are now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t want to grow
because we may have to share power with newcomers who join our church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not want to change and, therefore, we
thwart God’s vision for our church community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The second half of this verse from
Proverbs says, “<span style="background: white; color: black;">but he that keepeth
the law, happy is he.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the Hebrew
people the Law was a special gift from God because it was through the law that
the Hebrew people understood what God wanted them to do as God’s Chosen
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, Psalms 119 says,
in part:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">I will keep your law continually,</span><span style="color: #010000;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> for ever and ever.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>…</span><br />
<span style="background: white;"> I find my delight in your commandments,</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> because I love them.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"> I revere your commandments, which I love,</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> and I will meditate on your statutes.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(verses 44, 47-48)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">That is to say,
the person who trusts and follows God will find direction, flourishing, and
joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we think and prepare to strategically
vision about our future at Christ United Methodist Church, it is vitally
important that we avoid these traps which can thwart God’s vision for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also vitally important that—as Proverbs
suggests—we invite God to dream, vision, and plan with us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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If you live in the Lincoln, Nebraska area and do
not have a place of worship, then I invite you to join us at Christ United
Methodist Church this Sunday, February 16, as we continue our series of
reflections on the role of dreaming and envisioning as faithful
discipleship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A” Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services on Sunday
mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the services
are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<u><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please
note:</span></u><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The final proclamation on the theme of
dreaming together will be next Sunday, February 23rd, with Associate Pastor
Beth Graverholt reflecting on “Perseverance.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since I will not be offering the proclamation next Sunday, there will be
no blog post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I am excited to
hear what Pastor Beth has to say about perseverance and I think that you will
find her proclamation very insightful and uplifting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-53685702508132904672020-02-01T19:42:00.000-08:002020-02-01T19:42:20.515-08:00“Dreaming Together, Again”<br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, February 2nd, we begin a new worship series at Christ United Methodist
Church on dreaming and envisioning the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As my church prepares to embark upon a major strategic planning
initiative later this spring, the church staff and I thought that it would be
good to focus our worship and reflections this month on the role which dreaming
and envisioning the future plays in the scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve titled this new series, “Let’s Dream
Together, Again.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
begin the series this Sunday with Joel 2:23-28.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The major portion of this passage is about God’s promise of salvation to
the Hebrew people:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;">O children of Zion, be glad<br />
and rejoice in the <span class="sc"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span> your God;<br />
for he has given the early rain for your vindication,<br />
he has poured down for you abundant rain,<br />
the early and the later rain, as before.<br />
The threshing-floors shall be full of grain,<br />
the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><br />
I will repay you for the years<br />
that the swarming locust has eaten,<br />
the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,<br />
my great army, which I sent against you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: -.25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br />
You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,<br />
and praise the name of the <span class="sc"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span> your God,<br />
who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never
again be put to shame.<br />
You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,<br />
and that I, the <span class="sc"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>, am your God and there is no other.<br />
And my people shall never again<br />
be put to shame. (verses 23-27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: #010000;">These verses focus on the salvation of the Hebrew people
as the restoration of their relationship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this restored relationship, God will
bestow great abundance and bounty upon the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be timely rains, both at the
beginning and ending of the growing season, so that the crops grow, thrive, and are bountiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Israel will once again be a land
of plenty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further, they shall no longer
be put to shame in front of other peoples because the blessings and bounteousness
of God will be evident for all to see that God is with them and that God blesses them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
the passage continues with verse 28:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #010000;">Then afterwards<br />
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;<br />
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,<br />
your old men shall dream dreams,<br />
and your young men shall see visions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In verse
28, the emergence of prophesies and dreams and visions indicates that the time
for this great restoration of relationship has arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When people begin to see visions and
prophesy, then the time of salvation has arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The relationship with God will be restored and there
will be direct communication between God and God’s people through the pouring
out of God’s Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, we would do
well to note the pivotal role which this passage has for the early church in
the Book of Acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For it is this passage
(continuing through verse 32), on which Peter bases the first Christian sermon
at the day of Pentecost, when the first Christians received the Holy Spirit
(see Acts 2:16-21).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Notice in
this passage that the people’s dreams and visions are not self-made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, the dreams and visions do not come from
the people, themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, God
pours out God’s spirit upon the people and then they have prophesies and dreams
and visions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, their dreams
and visions are informed and empowered by God through the spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be clear, these prophesies, dreams, and
visions come from God by way of God’s spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span>If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to join us
at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, February 2, as we begin our
series of reflections on the role of dreaming and envisioning as faithful discipleship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my proclamation, I will observe that it is
not enough to simply dream and envision a better future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, we must be sure that our dreams and
visions are empowered and guided by God’s spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will suggest several tests which we can use
to determine whether our dreams and visions are genuinely from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
One way to test our dreams and visions is to ask whether
they help us to embody the essential characteristics of the first Christian
Church, which we discovered during our January series on the Book of Acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These four characteristics were:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 76.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Church was a community of worship and
support for its members.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 76.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Church served others, especially the poor
and vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 76.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Church welcomed everyone, even strangers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 76.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Church learned and adapted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-86311879842404513922020-01-25T20:39:00.002-08:002020-01-25T20:39:57.772-08:00"The Church Learns and Adapts"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During
January, we have been studying the Book of Acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts provides a history, describing the birth
and development of the early Christian Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have used this examination to try and identify four essential
characteristics of the early Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have called this four-part series, “Re-Claiming the Essentials of the Early
Church” because I believe that the four characteristics identified in this
exploration should also be integral to the life of the contemporary
Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The first characteristic we
identified was that the first Church was a community of faith, in which members
loved and supported one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
second characteristic was that, early in its development, the first Church
realized that everyone has a role to play in terms of service—and, that many
are called to lead in various areas where they are qualified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week, we studied the story of the
Ethiopian eunuch, who became a Christian convert, and we realized that a third
essential characteristic of the first Church was that it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>welcomed and accepted everyone because Jesus
last instructions to the apostles were to share the good news of God’s love “to
the ends of the earth.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
On the fourth and final Sunday in
this series, we will examine how the Church learned and adapted in response to its
changing pastoral context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our focus
this Sunday, January 26th, will be the Great Jerusalem Council, described in
Acts 15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cause for this church
council actually came from the early Christians in the city of Antioch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Luke, the author of Acts, sets the stage:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were
teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of
Moses, you cannot be saved.’ <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and
debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go
up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In my
interpretation of Acts, at Pentecost the first Church is established as
basically a spiritual renewal movement within Judaism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, the first converts were already
Jewish faithful, who saw Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, as foretold the
prophecies of the Hebrew scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peter and the original Twelve lived in Jerusalem and would go to preach
and teach about Jesus in the Temple. Over time, devout Jews became Christians,
and there was no firm distinction between Jews and Jewish Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>However, more
and more non-Jews also heard the Gospel and were attracted to
Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially, these
non-Jewish were “God-fearer” Gentiles:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>persons who had been strongly attracted to Judaism and who studied
Jewish scriptures and worshipped in Jewish services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ethiopian eunuch, whose story we studied
last week, would be an example of the type of non-Jews who were attracted to
Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their interest raised an
important question:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did one have to
become a Jew first, before becoming a Christian?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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If Christianity were nothing more
than a spiritual renewal movement within Judaism, then perhaps one could be
required to become a Jew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem
with requiring persons to become Jews before Christians, lay in the circumcision
requirement which even grow men would have to endure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, circumcision on a grown man would
be incredibly painful and there was always the risk of infection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, for the early Christians this seemed to
be a particular onerous burden for a Gentile seeker, who was really just
interested in passing through Judaism to participate in Christianity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Actually, this question of whether
Gentiles could become Christians had already been resolved before we come to
Acts 15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we saw last week, in Acts 8,
Philip baptizes and accepts the Ethiopian into the Christian faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, in Acts 10, we have the story of how
God spoke to Peter in a vision, reassuring him that it was appropriate to baptize
and welcome Gentiles as Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Later, when Peter returns to Jerusalem, he is questioned about welcoming
Gentiles as members of the Christian community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, after Peter describes his vision from God, everyone agreed that
God intended for the Gospel to be shared with Gentiles as well as Jews.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
So, the controversy stirred up in
Antioch by Jewish purists had actually already been resolved and the
trouble-makers in Antioch were completely out-of-line in their
condemnation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, the controversy was
serious enough that the Antioch church decided to send Paul, Barnabas, and some
others to Jerusalem to clarify whether or not Gentiles can be accepted into
Christian fellowship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When they arrive in Jerusalem, this
first question concerning whether Gentiles can become Christians is easily
dispatched:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, Gentiles can
become Christians because this is in keeping with Jesus’ last instructions
before his Ascension into Heaven to share the Gospel, beginning first with the
Jews and then secondly with the Gentiles—carrying the Gospel to “the ends of
the earth.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
However, a second question,
concerning lifestyle and table fellowship arises from a group of Christian
Pharisees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although they recognize and
accept that Gentiles can become Christians, they question whether Gentile and Jewish
Christians should co-mingle in the same faith community; perhaps there should
be separate Gentile and Jewish Christian communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Luke describes in Acts 15:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">When they [Paul, Barnabas, and the others from Antioch] came
to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders,
and they reported all that God had done with them. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">But some believers
who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, ‘It is necessary
for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.’</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts 15:4-6<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In Antioch, the question raised by the critics was
whether Gentiles converts had to follow conventional Jewish practices, including
circumcision, in order to become Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The second concern, raised by the Pharisees in Jerusalem, was whether
Jewish Christians would have to become like Gentiles in order to be part of the
Christian community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was basically
a question of Jews remaining loyal to their ancestral traditions, even though
they accepted and worship with Gentile Christians, who were not keeping the
Jewish traditions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Peter addresses the assembly by
reviewing how God has called him to share the Gospel with the Gentiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he asks, “<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">Now therefore why are you putting God to the test by placing
on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been
able to bear?</span>” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">The Biblical scholar, Robert Wall, helpfully observes that “Peter’s
conclusion addresses the purity of a Jewish social identity within an inclusive
faith community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Torah purity demands
utter blamelessness and this state is impossible to attain, then the Pharisees’
concern is misplaced even if sincere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More
to his… point is that such a [purity] perspective actually subverts a Jewish
identity marked by trusting a faithful God to ‘save us through the grace of the
Lord Jesus’ (v.11).”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Learns%20and%20Adapts.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="background: white; color: #010000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">After Peter has finished speaking, the gathered assembly
listens as Paul and Barnabas describe how they have perceived God’s Presence
through the conversion of the Gentiles to the Christian faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After hearing about the experiences of Peter,
as well as Paul and Barnabas, James, who is the new leader of the Jerusalem
Church, asks if there is a scriptural warrant that would confirm their decision
to admit Gentiles into the new Church, along with Jewish Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James finds a scriptural warrant in the
following scripture:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“After this I will return,</span><span style="color: #010000;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen;</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> from its ruins I will rebuild it,</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> and I will set it up,</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">so that all other peoples may seek the Lord—</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> even all the Gentiles over whom my name has
been called.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> Thus says the Lord, who has
been making these things </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">known from long ago.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
A strong case has now been made for
including Gentiles, based upon Peter’s vision from God, Paul and Barnabas’
experiences sharing the Gospel with Gentiles, and the scriptural warrant from
the Hebrew prophets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point,
James proposes a compromise of sorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
proposes that the early Church welcome the Gentiles without reservation, but
that the gathered assembly should write to the Gentile churches, asking “<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">to abstain only from things polluted by
idols and from fornication and from whatever has been strangled</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> and from
blood” (Acts 15:20).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robert Wall notes
that the church council basically asks the Gentile Christians to abstain from “four
impurities observant Jews associated with the pagan world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">I believe that the story of the Jerusalem church council in
Acts 15 illustrates an essential characteristic of the first Christian Church,
which is vitally important for us, today, in the twenty-first century church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That characteristic is the willingness to
learn and adapt to shifting pastoral contexts for ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been said that the seven most deadly
words for a church are:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve never
done it that way before.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These seven
deadly words certainly did not apply the early church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, through a process of learning from
experiences and studying scripture, the first church was remarkably open to
change, if it meant being faithful to the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, the Church learned and adapted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to join us
at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, January 26, as we reflect upon
the importance of the Church learning and adapting as its pastoral context shifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the Proclamation, I will share some
ideas about how the current, twenty-first century church may be required to
learn and adapt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Learns%20and%20Adapts.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Robert
W. Wall, “Commentary on the Book of Acts” in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New Interpreter’s Bible</i>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vol.
10, (Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2002), CD-ROM Edition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
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</div>
</div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-5362151964197474702020-01-18T19:53:00.000-08:002020-01-18T19:53:37.618-08:00"The Church Welcomes Everyone"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During
January, we have been studying the Book of Acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts provides a history, describing the birth
and development of the early Christian Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have used this examination to try and identify the essential
characteristics of the early Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have called this four-part series, “Re-Claiming the Essentials of the Early
Church” because I believe that the four characteristics identified in this
exploration should also be integral to the life of the contemporary Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The first characteristic we
identified was that the first Church was a community of faith, in which members
loved and supported one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
second characteristic was that, early in its development, the first Church
realized that everyone has a role to play in terms of service—and, that many
are called to lead in various areas where they are qualified.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, January 19th, we will explore the hospitality of the first Church,
which genuinely strived to love and accept everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our focus scripture is Acts 8:26-28, the story
of the Ethiopian eunuch and his conversion to Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story begins with Philip who—along with
Stephen—was one of the seven chosen to distribute food and other basic
necessities to those early Christians who were poor and vulnerable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See Acts 6:1-7 and my blog last week, “The
Church Serves.”)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“An angel of the Lord” instructs
Philip to go down to a wilderness road, where he encounters an Ethiopian
eunuch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts describes the Ethiopian with
these words:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the
Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come
to Jerusalem to worship </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading
the prophet Isaiah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">At least one book, several doctoral dissertations, and
countless scholarly articles have been written about this scriptural passage
and who the eunuch precisely was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite
the ambiguity, it is important to realize that Luke, the author of Acts, was a
master storyteller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may be certain
that Luke carefully sifted through all of the information available to him and selected
certain stories to include because they illustrated what Luke considered to be
the key moments and most important attributes of the first Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking this perspective, we must ask why Luke
considered the story of the Ethiopian eunuch so important to his story of the
first Christian churches?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
I believe that the interpretive key here is Acts 1:8,
where, just before his Ascension, Jesus tells his followers:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But you will receive power when the Holy
Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all
Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These last earthly words from Jesus form the
outline for Acts 2-8:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Acts
2:1-42, describes how Jesus’ followers received the Holy Spirit<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Acts
2:43-7:60, describes how the Gospel was spread in Jerusalem<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Acts
8:1-25, describes how the Gospel was spread in all Judea and Samaria.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our passage, Acts 8:26-38, logically continues Luke’s story
of the spread of the Gospel “to the ends of the earth” because, from a Jewish
perspective, Ethiopia would certainly count as “the ends of the earth.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Although geographically
very distant and culturally very different, the Ethiopian was a proselyte to
Judaism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was most likely a “God-fearer,”
Gentiles, “who had been strongly attracted to Judaism, who studied the Scriptures,
worshiped in the [Temple] Court of the Gentiles, attended the synagogues, but
who had not become Jews.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Welcomes%20Everyone.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, even though he was a devout, spiritual
pilgrim, the Ethiopian was significantly marginalized from the rest of Judaism
and the Jewish culture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Ethiopian was also marginalized in another important way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a eunuch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within the Jewish laws, eunuchs were
specifically excluded from the faith community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For example, Deuteronomy 23:1 asserts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">No one whose testicles are
crushed or whose penis is cut off shall be admitted to the assembly of the </span><span class="sc"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-variant: small-caps; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Lord</span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #010000;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">.</span>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the
Ethiopian’s physical disfigurement pushes him even further to the margins of
Jewish faith and culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Despite
the Ethiopian’s imperfection and marginalization, Luke recounts that the Holy
Spirit directs Philip to, “‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">So Philip ran up to
it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what
you are reading?’ </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he
invited Philip to get in and sit beside him” (Acts 8:29-31).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Ethiopian’s invitation to Philip signals a keen spiritual discernment in that
he recognizes Philip can serve as his theological mentor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The passage from Isaiah, which the Ethiopian
is reading, comes from Isaiah’s prophecy of the “suffering servant.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The verses quoted by Luke in Acts are these:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,</span><span style="color: #010000;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> and like a lamb silent before
its shearer,</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> so he does not open his mouth.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">In his humiliation justice was denied him.</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> Who can describe his generation?</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><br />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> For his life is taken away from
the earth.’</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">Robert Wall
observes that in the Greek translation quoted by Luke, the last line says that
his life was “lifted up from earth.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Welcomes%20Everyone.docx#_edn2" name="_ednref2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Philip uses this passage, especially the
final line, to begin sharing the Good News about Jesus, who was lifted up from
earth at his Ascension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the chariot
(really, a carriage) they are riding in comes to a body of water, the Ethiopian
asks to be baptized into the Christian faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, Philip baptizes him and the Holy Spirit comes down upon him, to
empower him as a disciple of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This story of the Ethiopian eunuch
is a story about difference—and, how it makes no difference to the people of
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ethiopian had so many
differences from the first Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He came from a different country, a different culture, a different
religion, a different race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to
the Jewish Law, the Ethiopian should have been ostracized because of his
physical disfigurement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, the Holy Spirit
guided Philip to him because God intends for the Church to welcome everyone,
regardless of any disqualification we may think that they have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is the third essential
characteristic of the first Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
the continuation of the first Church, we in the twenty-first century must be
committed to welcoming everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span>If you live
in the Lincoln, Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite
you to join us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, January 19, as we
reflect upon this third essential characteristic of the first Church and what
it means to be a welcoming church in the twenty-first century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Welcomes%20Everyone.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Albert
C. Winn, <i>The Acts of the Apostles </i>in “The Layman’s Bible Commentary,”
edited by Balmer H. Kelly, vol. 20 (Atlanta:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>John Knox Press, 1962), 65.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="edn2" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Welcomes%20Everyone.docx#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Robert W. Wall, “Commentary on the Book of Acts” in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New Interpreter’s Bible</i>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vol.
10, (Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2002), CD-ROM Edition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-49069406281352628902020-01-11T19:48:00.002-08:002020-01-11T19:48:50.337-08:00"The Church Serves"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, January 12th, I continue our four-sermon series examining the Book of
Acts, as we study the essential characteristics of the first Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that these four characteristics should
also be integral to the life of the contemporary Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We began the series last week by
exploring how the early church formed a community of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their community was defined by five aspects:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->They
took care of one another, especially in times of crisis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->They
worshiped God and grew together in their faith and understanding of
discipleship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->They
shared friendship and fellowship with one another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->They
served those in need; worked for justice; and shared the Gospel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->They
were a community defined by joy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
As the story of the first church continues, we learn
that the church continued to grow numerically, larger and larger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, a problem began to develop as the
church grew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This problem is described
in Acts 6:1, “<span style="color: #010000;">Now during those days, when the
disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the
Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of
food.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
<span style="color: #010000;">Biblical scholars Albert
C. Winn and William Barclay both observe that a daily distribution of food and
other necessities had become a common practice within the Jewish synagogues
in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerusalem at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Barclay explains:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
In the Synagogue
there was a routine custom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
officials who were known as receivers of alms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Two collectors went round the market and round the private houses every
Friday morning and made a collection partly in money and partly in goods for
the needy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later in the day this was
distributed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who were temporarily
in need received enough to enable them to carry on; and those who were
permanently unable to support themselves received enough for fourteen meals,
that is enough for two meals a day for the ensuing week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fund from which this distribution was
made was called the <i>Kuppah </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or
basket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to this there was a house-to-house
collection made daily for those in pressing need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was called the <i>Tamhul, </i>or Tray.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Serves.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Scholars are uncertain about
the distinction between “Hellenists” versus “Hebrews.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is consensus that both were groups of
Jews who had been attracted to Christianity through the Apostles’ preaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s most likely that the distinction is
rooted in differences in language and perhaps culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “Hebrews” were most likely from Jerusalem
and their native language was Aramaic, the same language which Jesus
spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By contrast, the “Hellenists”
were most likely diaspora Jews who had returned to Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, they were Jews, whose parents had
fled, or left, Jerusalem at some point for other countries—thus,
dispersing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although they had grown up
in other cultures, these Jews had returned to live in Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most likely, the “Hellenists” also spoke
Greek, instead of Aramaic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, there may
have been some language barriers between them, as well.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Serves.docx#_edn2" name="_ednref2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At any rate, these were serious charges made by the
Hellenists because they raised justice concerns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The well-being of “widows” and other
vulnerable persons—including, orphans, resident aliens, the destitute, and the
powerless—was at stake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further, these
charges threatened the unity of the first church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When this matter is brought before the
Apostles, the recognized leaders of the first church, they address it in the
following manner:<span style="color: #010000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #010000;"> And the twelve called together the whole community
of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of
God in order to wait at tables. Therefore, friends, select from among
yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom
we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves
to prayer and to serving the word.’ What they said pleased the whole
community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together
with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of
Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid
their hands on them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #010000;">The word of God continued to spread; the
number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the
priests became obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:2-7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When the
matter is brought before them, the Apostles identify two separate
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, there is the concern to
care for all of the needy within the fledgling Christian community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, the Apostles recognize that they
cannot adequately manage the growing administrative challenges <b><u>and</u></b>
continue in the ministry of the Word, telling the story of Jesus and God’s
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, it is important to remember
that the Apostles were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, teachings, crucifixion, and
resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the growing church
were not eyewitnesses and so could not speak from the same experiences as the
Apostles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span>To
address these twin concerns, the Apostles decide to delegate authority to others
who can administer the food distribution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The wording which Luke, the author of Acts, uses here can be misleading
to the contemporary ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quotes the
Apostles as saying, “it is not right that we should …wait at tables.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the modern context, this could be
interpreted as a condescending rejection of more menial tasks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, the Apostles were sharing their
power and authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the
Biblical scholar John Wall observes, the Apostles are “willing to share their
spiritual authority—which the redistribution of goods symbolizes… .Before this
crisis the Twelve acted only in collaboration with the Holy Spirit; now, the
community’s growth and ethnic diversity prompts the realization that their
performance standards have not been met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their mature recognition signals the redistribution of their authority to
others within the community.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Serves.docx#_edn3" name="_ednref3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[iii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Apostles establish three criteria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
new administrators should be (1) persons well regarded and trusted by the faith
community; (2) full of the Spirit; and (3) wise, meaning possessing some skills
at administration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the seven are
selected, the Apostles “prayed and laid hands upon them,” thus conferring their
authority and power upon the seven elected administrators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story continues by saying that “t<span style="color: #010000;">he word of God continued to spread; the number of the
disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem…”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Note that credit for the continued growth of the church is given to “the
word of God” and not to the Apostles, personally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
this point, we can take a step back from this passage and examine the essential
characteristic of the first church, which it describes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This characteristic is that God calls each of
us to a special role within the life of the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the roles and tasks have greatly diversified
since the time of Acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, the
church needs persons equipped with many different skills and abilities to fill
many different roles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, the
typical church needs persons with IT skills, financial skills, social media
skills, marketing skills, pastoral care skills, skills at repairing expensive
and complicated machinery, as well as skills at teaching, preaching, and, yes,
waiting on tables.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to join us
at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, January 12, as we spend some
time reflecting on our own individual skills and talents and what roles God may
be calling us to fill in the contemporary church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Serves.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> William
Barclay, <i>The Acts of the Apostles</i> in “The Daily Study Bible Series,”
edited by William Barclay (Philadelphia:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Westminster Press, 1955) 50.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>See also Albert C. Winn, <i>The Acts of the Apostles </i>in “The
Layman’s Bible Commentary,” edited by Balmer H. Kelly, vol. 20 (Atlanta:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Knox Press, 1962), 55.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="edn2" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Serves.docx#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
See Barclay, Winn, and also John Wall, “Commentary on the Book of Acts” in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New Interpreter’s Bible</i>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vol. 10, (Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2002),
CD-ROM Edition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="edn3" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20Serves.docx#_ednref3" name="_edn3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[iii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Wall.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-30610898443365543862020-01-04T15:05:00.001-08:002020-01-04T15:05:39.978-08:00“The Church as Community” <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Happy
New Year!!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I return with my sermon
blog, after a long Advent-Christmas-Vacation hiatus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve
decided to begin this new year with a short, four-sermon series examining the
Book of Acts (Henceforth, “Act”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
entitled this series, “Re-Claiming the Essentials of the Early Church, A Study
of Acts.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts provides a history,
describing the birth and development of the early Christian Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I intend to use this series to try and
identify the essential characteristics of that early Church, and I will assert
that the four characteristics which we discover should also be integral to the
life of the contemporary Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
examine the following four themes:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">January 5 – “The Church as Community”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Acts 2: 43-47<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">January 12 – “The Church Serves Those in Need”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Acts 6: 1-7; 7:54-60<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">January 19 – “The Church Welcomes Everyone”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Acts 8:26-38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">January 26 – “The Church Learns & Adapts”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Acts 15 (Selections)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, January 5th, we start with the beginnings of the Church, just after the
disciples and early followers received the Holy Spirit and the Apostle Peter
preached the first Christian sermon (See Acts 1 & 2.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point, the early Christian Church
settled into a pattern of life in Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They formed a close community of faith, initially led by the original
disciples—excluding Judas, who betrayed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here’s how Luke, the author of the Book of Acts, describes this new
faith community and their practices:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText">
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon
everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the
apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in
common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the
proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time
together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad
and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.
And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”
(Acts 2:42-47)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
The model of community depicted at the end of Acts
2 is one defined by five core characteristics:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 38.9pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>They
took care of one another.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke
writes that they “had all things in common…and [would] distribute…to all, as
any had need.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please note that the
early church was not a model of communism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Communism includes the common ownership of the means of production.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke does not say that the first Christians
earned their income through shared “means of production.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 38.9pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
Instead, his words focus more on how the first
Christians took care of one another’s physical needs, such as having sufficient
food, clothing, and shelter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biblical
scholar John Wall points out that Luke seems to have the Hebrew “Jubilee Year”
in mind as he writes this passage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A “Jubilee
Year” occurred every 50th year, when the agricultural land is given a “rest”
and property—which had been sold or taken as compensation for debts—was returned
to its original owners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wall writes, “According
to this biblical pattern, the redistribution of proceeds from sold property
reflects the social character of God’s kingdom, where all share equally in the good
gifts of God.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20as%20Community.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
However, it seems implicitly clear that the first
Christians cared for one another’s other dimensions as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed, they cared for each other
spiritually, emotionally, and socially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In other words, they were fully focused on caring for each other’s
complete wellbeing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 38.9pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.9pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>They
sought to worship God and grow spiritually, together.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke records that the first Christians “spent
much time together in the temple.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
the Jewish community, the temple was their place to worship, but it was also a
place to engage in study of the Tanakh (scriptures) and other sacred
texts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the first Christians spent
much time worshipping God and seeking to grow in their understanding of faith
through the study of Hebrew scriptures and the teachings of the Apostles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.9pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>They
shared friendship and fellowship with one another.</u></b> Luke observes that
the first Christians shared common meals and fellowship in each other’s homes,
savoring this time together with great joy and gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his Commentary on Acts, Albert C. Winn
observes that these fellowship meals probably included a worshipful component, a
forerunner of the Sacrament of Holy Communion:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.9pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
“We cannot escape the impression that these common meals included
sacramental fellowship with Jesus himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They looked backward to the table fellowship they had had with him in
the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sense his presence even
now in the Spirit in their midst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
they looked forward to the feast in the Kingdom which he had promised (Luke
22:16).<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20as%20Community.docx#_edn2" name="_ednref2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.9pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>They
helped non-Christians and shared the good news about Christ.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m inferring that they helped even those who
were not Christians because they earned the goodwill of those around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also shared the story—the Good News—of
Jesus Christ, resulting in more and more persons deciding to join their faith
community and become Christians.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.9pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 38.9pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>They
were joyful.</u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke describes the early fellowship meals as
occasions where the first Church share food “with glad and generous hearts.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Building on this description, William Barclay
observes, </span>“It was a <i>happy </i>Church ...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gladness was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gloomy Christian is a contradiction in
terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The joy of the Christian is not
necessarily a boisterous thing; but deep in the heart of the Christian [person]
there is the joy that no [person takes] from us.”<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20as%20Community.docx#_edn3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title="">[3]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20as%20Community.docx#_edn3" title=""><!--[endif]--></a></span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 38.9pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.9pt; text-indent: .25in;">
As we begin this
series on the essential characteristics, I will suggest that this example of
the first Christians in Jerusalem provides a model of the type of churches we
are called to become in the twenty-first century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, one of the essential characteristics
of the church, then and now, is that God calls the church to be a community of the
faithful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to begin
this new year by joining us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, as
we begin our reclamation of the essentials of the early Church, through a study
of Acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20as%20Community.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> John
Wall, “Commentary on the Book of Acts” in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New Interpreter’s Bible</i>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vol.
10, (Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2002), CD-ROM Edition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="edn2" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20as%20Community.docx#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Albert C. Winn, <i>The Acts of the Apostles </i>in “The Layman’s Bible
Commentary,” edited by Balmer H. Kelly, vol. 20 (Atlanta:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Knox Press, 1962), 42.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, John Wall disagrees in his, “Commentary
on the Book of Acts” in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New
Interpreter’s Bible</i>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vol. 10,
(Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2002), CD-ROM Edition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="edn3" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2020%20Sermon%20Blogs/Re-Claiming%20the%20Essentials%20of%20the%20Early%20Church,%20A%20Study%20of%20Acts/The%20Church%20as%20Community.docx#_ednref3" name="_edn3" style="mso-endnote-id: edn3;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
William Barclay, <i>The Acts of the Apostles</i> in “The Daily Study Bible
Series,” edited by William Barclay (Philadelphia:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Westminster Press, 1955) 26-27.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-72570134701889383322019-11-23T19:12:00.002-08:002019-11-23T19:12:56.392-08:00“You Have Only Just Begun” <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, November 24th, I’m returning to the pulpit at Christ United Methodist
Church after a two-week study leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
return occurs on a very special Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At several families’ request, we have had an intensive confirmation
class this fall, and this Sunday is “Confirmation Sunday” for the youth who’ve
taken part in this class.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On
Confirmation Sunday’s, I usually try to focus on a scriptural passage that will
provide helpful advice for the confirmands, as they take their vows of full
church membership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this Confirmation
Sunday, I have chosen the story of Mary and Martha in the Gospel of Luke:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
“<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now as they went on their
way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into
her home. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and
listened to what he was saying. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to
him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the
work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried
and distracted by many things; </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better
part, which will not be taken away from her.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>~ Luke 10:38-42<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
In the story, Mary and Martha model two completely
different responses to the unexpected visit of their friend, Jesus, and his entourage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha focuses on being a gracious and
generous host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can imagine Martha
scurrying around, picking up things as Jesus and his entourage entered her
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, she would have hurried to
get water for them to bathe their feet, washing off the dirt from walking along
the dusty road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, she would have
hastened to prepare food and drink for all of her unexpected guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha wanted to be a great host, generously
welcoming Jesus and his followers, and making them very comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By being a gracious host, Martha intended to
show Jesus how much she loved and cared for him as a family friend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By contrast, Mary, her sister, dropped everything, sat down
in front of Jesus (most likely taking the spot of a disciple) and listened to
Jesus’ teaching with rapt attention, drinking in every word which he spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As time passed that evening, some sibling tension emerged on
Martha’s part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This tension kept
building and building, until eventually she could take it no longer and so she
said to Jesus, <span style="background: white; color: #010000;">“Lord, do you not
care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to
help me.” </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> On the surface, this seems like a fair request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterall, Martha had been doing all of the
work, hosting this large,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>unexpected
group.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, Jesus’ response was
completely unexpected, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many
things; </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better
part, which will not be taken away from her.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, Jesus challenged Martha’s
priorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha thought that the best
way to be a good and gracious host to Jesus was to focus on all of the details
of welcoming her guests, making them comfortable, and providing generous food
and drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, Mary’s devotion to Jesus’
teaching was a much higher expression of her love for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is to say, devotion to the teachings of
Christ is the best expression of our love for God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over the course of my
ministry, I have taught many confirmation classes and confirmed many youth into
full church membership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always felt
a little ambivalent about the way in which we organize and conduct confirmation
classes in most mainline Protestant churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My ambivalence arises because we put so much emphasis on learning more
and more and more about the Christian faith and what it means to belong to the
church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is not wrong to push
confirmation students to learn as much as they can about the scriptures and
Christian discipleship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, sometimes I
worry that we unwittingly convey to students and their families that they are
going to learn <b><u>all</u></b> that they need to know about being a Christian
through their confirmation class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christian discipleship is
always a progressive learning process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God seeks to enter into a relationship with each of our confirmands that
will last a lifetime—and beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christian discipleship is not a set body of knowledge to be
mastered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, instead, discipleship is a
“lifestyle,” in the sense of a set of values, commitments, wisdom, and practices
which we pursue in relationality with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our expectation should be that we will grow in our discipleship and that
we will grow in our relationship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Christian discipleship, we never reach an endpoint. We are always
finding new ways to grow, especially in our love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Confirmation class should
provide the confirmands with the background and tools to begin God’s intention
that we grow throughout our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus,
Confirmation Sunday’s are never endings, but rather beginnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, the title of this proclamation to the
confirmands (and everyone else), “You have only just begun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we think about
confirmation from this angle; when we think of confirmation as a beginning,
then it seems to me that the story of Martha and Mary offers an important illustration
and reminder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living in the twenty-first
century, with its many responsibilities, obligations, diversions, and
distractions, we frequently find ourselves in those <i>“Martha-Mary decision
moments.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we love Jesus more by
working frantically to be a good and generous host—the course chosen by
Martha?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, do we love Jesus more by studying
his teachings and following in his footsteps—the course chosen by Mary?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
There will always be houses to clean, food to
prepare, dishes to wash, laundry to do, homework to complete, work and jobs, movies
to watch, ballgames to watch, concerts to attend, and much, much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was Martha’s way and all of these activities
are good and necessary in proportion for a happy and fulfilling life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, Mary’s path is even more important—to seek
God and grow in our relationship with the Divine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hope and my prayer for the confirmands, as
well as for myself and Christ United Methodist Church is that along with Mary,
we will prioritize loving Jesus by studying his teachings and following in his
footsteps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
If you live in the Lincoln, Nebraska area and do not
have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and join us at Christ United
Methodist Church this Sunday, November 24th. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A” Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services on Sunday
mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
weekend, the 8:30 service, held in our Sanctuary, will be led by Josh Seifert,
our student intern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The title of his
Proclamation is “Discerning our Faith.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 9:45 “Gathering,” which is a more informal service held in our
Family Life Center (gym), and the 11:00 traditional service held in our
Sanctuary, will be the confirmation services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are welcome at any of the three services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-42408735290763347022019-11-09T16:04:00.001-08:002019-11-09T16:04:59.871-08:00On Study LeaveI am on study leave from my pastoral duties for two weeks, November 4-17. During this time there will not be a weekly sermon blog. Watch for my next blog the week of November 18th, in preparation for Sunday, November 24th, when we will be celebrating "Confirmation Sunday" and Thanksgiving.Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-20207962373168552552019-11-02T19:45:00.001-07:002019-11-02T19:45:30.599-07:00“The Power of Love as the Basis of Hope”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This Sunday,
November 3rd, is “All Saints Day,” the Sunday traditionally set aside to
remember and give thanks for friends and loved ones who have died this year—or,
in years past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Church, these
departed friends and loved ones are referred to as “saints.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our worship services at Christ United
Methodist Church this weekend, we will recognize and commemorate<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our “saints” by ringing a bell as we lift up
the name of each departed friend or loved one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
I will base my meditation for All Saints Day on
selected verses from Romans 8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although
I find this entire chapter in Romans to be very powerful, the focus of my
meditation will be on a simple claim made by Paul towards the end of the chapter,
“For I am convinced that neither death, … nor anything else in all of creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Romans 8:39)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">For the Apostle Paul, God’s
love is so profound, powerful, and so utterly beyond our comprehension that it
literally conquers all—even death itself.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">From the teaching and model of Christ, we know that God loves each and
every human person and that God seeks to be in a loving relationship with each
of us, as children of God, who are created in God’s own image.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Thus, for the Apostle Paul, </span><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><u>logically,</u></b><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
death cannot be the termination of our existence.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">No!</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Far from it.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Instead, death must
be a point of transformation in our existence and our relationship with
God.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
In this profound transformation, we become part of
God’s New Creation at the end of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As described in the Book of Revelation: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And I heard a loud voice from the throne
saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as
their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">he will wipe every
tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will
be no more, for the first things have passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For Paul, God’s love for us provides the basis for our hope
that the death of our loved ones is not simply the <b><u>termination</u></b> of
their existence, but instead the <b><u>transformation</u></b> of their
existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pau believes that</span> the structure
of God’s love for us has to be the same as the structure of our love for one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless of who it is that we
love, the common denominator is always the same:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we want our relationship with the beloved to
continue forever and we want to grow closer and closer in our relationships
with those whom we love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndentCxSpFirst">
God’s love for us must be the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants our relationship to last forever,
and God wants our relationship to grow closer and closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, logically, death cannot possibly be the
end; the termination of our existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No, instead, death must be a transformation point to a deeper and more
powerful, loving relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndentCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
And, we know that because
of this profound love, God always wants the best for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that God wants us to thrive and
flourish in this life—and, in the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In God’s Wisdom, God made humans social creatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are shaped and molded and influenced by
our network of family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
since we know that God wants only the very best for each of us; then, we can be
confident that God will provide a time and an opportunity for us to be reunited
with our loved ones—even after death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>The power of God’s
love is the basis for our hope in the face of death.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Apostle Paul writes in another one of
his letters, <span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your
sting? Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1 Corinthians 15:55)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I noted above, the power
of God’s love forms the basis for our hope that death is not a termination, but
rather a transformation in which we become part of God’s New Creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday
and the additional stories of his resurrection appearance can be interpreted as
a foreshadowing of our own physical resurrection and transformation as part of
God’s New Creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course, there is no
scientific explanation for this radical transformation of ourselves into part
of God’s New Creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, some
scientists and theologians, working across academic disciplines, have argued
for a broader view of God’s work as Creator, in which God’s work of creation
begins <i>ex nihilo,</i> (out of nothing), but then continues throughout
history, until it is completed at the end of time, when God redeems the
universe and transforms it into a New Creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They point to the possibility of other laws of nature in other universes
as signaling the possibility that part of God’s final redemption of Creation
would be “redeeming” the laws of nature, so that eternal life as described in
the Book of Revelation becomes a reality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Again,
to reiterate, the power of God’s love forms the basis of this hope.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
If you live in the Lincoln, Nebraska area and do not
have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and join us at Christ United
Methodist Church this Sunday, November 3rd, as we remember and celebrate our
loved ones who have passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come
and join us, as we lift up our loved ones by name and ring a chime in memory of
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A” Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services on Sunday
mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the services
are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Gathering”
at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more informal and
interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-33752231873252496972019-10-26T20:39:00.000-07:002019-10-26T20:39:23.568-07:00“The Greatest of these Is Love”<br />
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Over the
past several weeks, we have been exploring the theological concept of
stewardship at Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln. In our reflections, we have defined <b><i>stewardship</i></b>
as the role and task of caring for those gifts, with which God has blessed us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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Most regular
church attenders are familiar with <b><i>stewardship</i></b> in two contexts. First, we speak of our role as stewards of
God’s good Creation, believing that God has set us aside from all other species
to care for all of creation. Secondly,
we frequently speak in the church of good stewardship of our financial
resources and the importance of supporting our church financially with our
offerings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Two weeks ago,
in my sermon, I suggested that we needed to expand our concept of stewardship to
recognize and include many of the additional gifts and blessings God has given
us. For instance, I suggested that we
needed to be good stewards of our physical bodies, by eating properly, exercising,
and getting enough sleep. Or, suppose
that God has given us some special talent, such as a gift for teaching. Then, part of being a good steward would include
developing our gift for teaching, by going to school, practicing, and learning
from other teachers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Last week
in my sermon, I focused on financial stewardship as a form of spiritual
discipline or practice. By sharing our
financial resources with the church, then we open ourselves and become more vulnerable,
which helps us develop a greater trust and reliance upon God. In this way, we grow closer to the Divine,
with an even deeper love for God. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Further, in my blog last week, I
suggested that there were four primary motivations why people give financially
to the church:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 99.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Out
of a sense of duty, obligation, or guilt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 99.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->To
honor or glorify themselves or another person.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Out
of a sense of gratitude and love for their church<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Because
they believe that their gift will make a difference in God’s ministry to the
world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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On this final reflection on <b><i>stewardship,
</i></b>I would like for us to think further about giving out of love for our
individual community of faith—the third motivation in the above list for giving
financially to our church. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My scriptural text this Sunday will be 1 Corinthians
13. Among Christians, the nickname for
this passage is “the great love chapter.”
Traditionally, it is read during weddings. While it is certainly a very, very
appropriate scriptural passage for a wedding, that was not the Apostle Paul’s
intent when he wrote these 13 verses.
Instead, Paul was trying to address and heal severe divisions within the
Church of Corinth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For instance, there was a deep
division between wealthy and poor Corinthian Christians. And, there were other divisions between the
different church members based upon their “spiritual gifts.” Some church members felt that they should be
honored because they had the spiritual gift of “speaking in tongues,” whereas
other church members “only” had the gift of teaching or caring for the poor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In this
thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul attempts to address these
divisions head on, by encouraging the various Corinthian church members to love
one another. To accomplish this goal,
Paul adopts the literary form of an <i>encomium</i>
on love. In the literary world of Paul’s
day, an <i>encomium </i>was a literary
praise for a certain moral virtue; in this case, love. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In the encomium’s prologue (verses
1-3), Paul seeks to establish love as forming the core of a faithful life. He does this by listing some of the major
qualities which the Corinthian Christians had come to highly regard in the life
of a Christian. Paul begins by listing
“speaking in tongues,” or glossolalia.
Then he lifts up prophetic ability and knowledge. Finally, he lifts up faith and sacrifice for
God. In each case, Paul proclaims that
if these actions are not performed out of love, then they are nothing; they are
just hollow accomplishments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In the next
section, Paul describes what love is, as well as what love is not:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Love is not</span><o:p></o:p></h1>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Envious<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Boastful<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Arrogant or rude<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Irritable<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Resentful<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Domineering, insisting on its own way<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Love is</span><o:p></o:p></h1>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Patient<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Kind<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Bears all things<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Hopes all things<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Endures all things<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In commenting on this chapter, the Biblical Scholar R. Paul
Sampley writes, “…love is never held alone in one’s self; love always involves
another; love always links one’s self to another. …Love is a two-way street that provides a
context of mutuality, understanding, and relatedness between each person and
others, between God and believers, and between believers and believers.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/Stewardship/The%20greatest%20of%20these%20Is%20Love.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Thus, despite their internal differences with
one another, the Christians in the Corinth Church must learn to forgive and
love one another. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In his
third and final section, Paul asserts that unlike prophecies, knowledge, and
even languages—which inevitably end—<b>love
never ends.</b> <b>Love sustains.</b> Then, in
keeping with the encomium formula, which he is using, Paul concludes by
comparing love with two other virtues, faith and hope. He writes, “Now faith, hope, and love abide,
these three; and the greatest of these is love.” (v. 13) For Paul, love is preeminent because love is
the principal characteristic of God. For
Paul, God’s love makes possible our faith, understood as right relationship
with God, and our hope, which we have through our faith. Therefore, love is foremost. Love is the most important virtue, especially
for faith communities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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This
Sunday, as we make our estimates of financial giving for next year, I am going
to ask my congregation to reflect 1 Corinthians 13, as the Apostle Paul originally
intended it to be read—not as a reflection on romantic love, but rather as a
reflection on how God intends for faith communities to live together. To love one another; to be patient and kind
with one another; to bear and endure all things; to believe in one another; and
to hope together. I believe that our
congregation already loves one another in these ways, but I want to challenge
us to look for new ways in which we can love one another even more, as brothers
and sisters in Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and
join us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, October 27th, as we reflect
on the importance of love for one another in Christian communities of
faith. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street. We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.
The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary. “The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Come, join us. Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/Stewardship/The%20greatest%20of%20these%20Is%20Love.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">J. Paul Sample, Commentary on 1 Corinthians in the <i>New Interpreter’s Bible</i>, vol 10, (Nashville,
Abingdon Press, 2002), CD-ROM Edition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-52370741201472484082019-10-19T20:33:00.000-07:002019-10-19T20:33:05.521-07:00“Stewardship as a Spiritual Practice”<br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We continue
our three-week exploration of the Christian concept of <b><i>stewardship </i></b>this
Sunday (October 20th) at Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our reflections, we have defined <b><i>stewardship</i></b>
as the role and task of caring for those gifts, with which God has blessed us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, we will focus on stewardship as a spiritual practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story of the “Widow’s Offering” in Mark
12: 41-44, will form our foundational scriptural text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
this story, Jesus and his disciples visit the great Temple in Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Temple, they go to the “Court of the
Women” where the Temple treasury is located.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is at the Treasury that people stop to make their financial offerings
to God by dropping their contributions in one of 13 treasury chests, called
Shofars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus
and his disciples sit down, across from where the Shofar-chests are
located.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was usually a good place
for people watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frequently, rich
members of society would make a grand show as they deposited large sums of money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as the various people came and
deposited their offerings, a poor widow meekly crept up to the treasury and
deposited two small copper coins, which together were worth about one penny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two such coins were practically worthless in
the economy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>However,
Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has
put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
can imagine that Jesus’ disciples were initially perplexed by his
observation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely, Jesus had witnessed
the vast sums of money which the wealthy had already placed in the treasury.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus
responds by observing, “For all of them [the rich] have contributed out of
their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all
she had to live on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
we reflect for a moment, there are really just four reasons that persons
contribute to charitable organizations, such as religious institutions:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Out
of a sense of duty, obligation, or guilt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->To
honor or glorify themselves or another person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Out
of a sense of gratitude<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Because
they believe that their gift will make a difference in God’s ministry to the world<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Obviously, it is better and more desirable to give
out of a sense of gratitude—or, because we believe that our gift will make a
real difference improving the condition of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, it is these two motivations which enable
stewardship to become an important, transformational spiritual practice in our
lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and
join us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, October 20th, as we discover
how financial stewardship supporting our church can become a spiritual practice
which enables us to grow closer to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-5154176007715081022019-10-12T20:43:00.000-07:002019-10-12T20:43:11.725-07:00"Stewardship as a Way of Life"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span>This Sunday, October 13th, our Christ United
Methodist faith community embarks upon a three-week exploration of the
Christian concept of <b><i>stewardship.</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In our reflections, we will define <b><i>stewardship</i></b> as the role
and task of caring for those gifts, with which God has blessed us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the
church, we usually have one or two senses in which we typically invoke the
word, <b><i>stewardship: </i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Frequently, within the institutional church, we
refer to <b><i>stewardship</i></b> as the amount of money we pledge—or, give to
the church—to help with church expenses and in recognition of how much God ha
blessed us financially.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->More and more, we may also refer to <b><i>stewardship</i></b>
of the natural world; of Creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We recognize
that God has entrusted human persons with care, or stewardship, of the rest of
nature.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yet, when we broaden our
understanding of <b><i>stewardship </i></b>“as the role and task of caring for
those gifts, with which God has bless us,” then the scope of our stewardship
role is correspondingly increased:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->For instance, if God has blessed us with our
physical bodies, then shouldn’t we expand our vision of stewardship to include
taking good physical care of our bodies through physical exercise, as well as
watching our diet and what we put into our bodies and avoiding smoking or
excessive drinking.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Or, suppose God has blessed us with a special
gift or ability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps God has blessed
us with a natural ability to perform surgery or to teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, shouldn’t we expand our vision of
stewardship to include developing those special talents we have, in order to
serve God and humanity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Finally, suppose we are blessed with a splendid,
supportive family that loves and cares for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, shouldn’t our vision of stewardship be expanded to taking special
care of our special family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When viewed from this perspective, then perhaps faithful
discipleship includes seeing and living stewardship as a way of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Psalm 24, the psalmist begins:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">The earth is the </span><span class="sc"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Lord</span></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">’s and all that is
in it,</span></span><span style="color: #010000;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> the world, and those who live in it;</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">for he has founded it on the seas,</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> and established it on the rivers.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
At the beginning of this psalm, the psalmist affirms that
God has blessed us with many, many blessings in nature, in the world, and in our
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The proper response from those
who love God is to adopt stewardship of all these blessings as a way of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and
join us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, October 13th, as we begin
our exploration of what it means to be a good steward of all God’s blessings to
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-59247276289821434742019-10-05T20:34:00.000-07:002019-10-05T20:34:11.879-07:00“The Power of Relationships”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, October 6th, our faith community will join with congregations around
the world in celebrating “World Communion Sunday,” which is always observed on
the first Sunday of October.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>World Communion
Sunday is observed by many Christian denominations—both in the United States
and around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This special Sunday
was set aside to celebrate and encourage Christian unity and ecumenical
cooperation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“World Communion Sunday”
centers around the worldwide, ecumenical celebration of the Sacrament of Holy
Communion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This year, Christ United Methodist
Church will join with faith communities across Lincoln and around the world, as
we remember that despite denominational divides, we are all united together as
brothers and sisters in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
remembrance of this unity, Christ UMC will join with other churches in
celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion on the same Sunday. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Traditionally, “World Communion”
celebrations have focused on how different denominations can unite their resources
to focus on alleviating hunger, helping provide housing, adequate health care,
as well as peace and justice issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Working out of this tradition, the Christ UMC worship staff felt
compelled to reflect on the terrible problem of guns and violence in our American
society and around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We began
to look at the rapidly escalating number of mass shootings going on in the
United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
In 2018, there were 323 recorded
mass shootings in the United States, resulting in 307 fatalities as well as an
additional 1,274 wounded victims who were able to survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This current year of 2019 has already seen a
steep increase in mass shootings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With statistics
through September, which marks the end of the third quarter, or 75%, of the
year, we have had 334 mass shootings, a number for 9 months that is already
higher than the entire year of 2018.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
far, these mass shootings have resulted in 385 deaths and 1,342 wounded victims—both
numbers already surpassing the 2018 totals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have a terrible epidemic in our country and our government seems content
to ignore this epidemic and just hope that everyone just forgets about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except, we can’t forget.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b>What can the Church do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can multiple denominations united
together do?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Based on our research, we
determined that most of the perpetrators of mass shootings were angry, socially
isolated young men, who felt completely disconnected to the society around
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, they were angry, socially
isolated young men, who had found an online social community with one of the
many hate groups which have established a presence on the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For socially isolated young men, membership in
a hate group takes the place of participating as a member of a faith community,
where one is loved and cared for as a beloved child of God and member of the
faith community.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Along with other members of our worship
staff, I believe that the present context of violence, frequently perpetrated
by young, socially isolated men, challenges Christian churches with a clear
pastoral mandate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, following
Christ, we are called to an intentional ministry of inviting and welcoming
young men and women who are lonely and feel estranged from their peers and
society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, churches are
called by Christ to enter into loving relationships with these persons, who
feel as though they are outcasts and unloved by society.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
As senior pastor at Christ United Methodist
Church in Lincoln, I see and hear of many teenage boys and girls who are
desperately seeking the affirmation and acceptance of a grown man or woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of these teens do not have a reliable
father-figure or mother-figure in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes their mothers or fathers are just really too busy trying to
earn a living for their family, while in other situations those mentors are just
absent in the lives of teenage boys and girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(To be clear, these teens are not necessarily from families within my
church. Sometimes they are friends of our church kids, or our church kids share
with me their concern about friends from school who are struggling with
loneliness, depression, and isolation.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
There is a profound power in
relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have known this relational
power in my own life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout much of
my life, I have been mentored by men, who first helped me understand what it
means to be man who follows Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Later in life, when I entered the ministry, I was fortunate to be
mentored by other men, who helped me become a better pastor through their
affirmation, encouragement, and correction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though I had a wonderful father, who loved me greatly and was deeply
involved in my life, I also grew and benefitted from these mentors throughout
much of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a profound
power in relationships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
I believe that church can provide powerful
relationships for socially isolated teenagers and young adults.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">
As Christians, we have models of powerful
relationships in the scriptures, which I believe can help churches begin to
address the epidemic of mass shootings in this country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Paul’s Letter to Titus, in chapter 2, he
provides a model for a well-ordered household.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These household ethics were somewhat common in Greek and Roman
literature at the time of Paul, and he provides other domestic codes of ethics
in some of his other letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, what
I find intriguing about the domestic code in Titus is that Paul places primary
responsibility on the shoulders of the “older members.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, in regards to the duties and responsibilities
of women, Paul writes:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText">
“Likewise, tell the older women to be reverent in behavior,
not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good, <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">so that they may
encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">to be
self-controlled, chaste, good managers of the household</span>…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>~ Titus 2: 3-5a<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-left: 0in;">
Paul continues with similar instructions
to Titus regarding the “younger men:”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText">
“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Show yourself in
all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity,
gravity, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent
will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.</span>” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>~ Titus 2:6-8<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Although
the Apostle Paul’s concerns were far different than the epidemic mass shootings
which we are suffering from today, I believe he provides an important model and
inspiration which churches united and working together could achieve today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our society has so many teenage boys and girls,
whom we have basically set adrift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are desperately looking for acceptance, affirmation, and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need older adults in their lives, who
can accept, affirm, and love them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
also trying to understand what it means to be an adult man or woman in this
society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are desperately seeking
adult role-models, whom they can trust.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Jesus
also provides an example for us, with his treatment of Zacchaeus in Luke
19:1-10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus and his entourage were
traveling towards Jerusalem, when they entered the town of Jericho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Jesus enters the town, Luke (the Gospel
Writer) introduces us to Zacchaeus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although
Zacchaeus was a Jew, he was a social outcast, with literally no friends,
because he was a tax collector for the Romans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The occupying Romans contracted with certain Jewish “entrepreneurs” to collect
prescribed indirect taxes, such as tolls and tariffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Jewish tax collectors were required to
pay the taxes upfront to the Romans, but then they would go through the town
collecting the taxes, with the goal of collecting more in taxes than they had
already paid to the Romans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly,
this was a system designed got crooked cheating and injustice.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/The%20Power%20of%20Relationships~%20World%20Communion%20Sunday.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Tax
collectors were despised in villages, such as Jericho, for several
reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, they were seen as
colluding with the hated Roman occupiers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Second, they were probably charging a higher tax than the individual
actually owed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, third, no one likes
paying taxes anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, even though he
was extravagantly rich, Zacchaeus was hated and despised in Jericho, with no
friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Zacchaeus
had heard about this new prophet, Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he learned that Jesus would be passing through Jericho on his way
to Jerusalem, Zacchaeus just had to see Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The only problem was that there was already a huge crowd of people also
eager to see Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke tells us that Zacchaeus
was a small man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t see over
the crowd, nor could he push his way through the crowd to get a view of
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, Zacchaeus ran ahead down the
street and climbed up in a sycamore tree in order to view Jesus as he passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Jewish culture of the time, for a
grown man to run down the street and then climb a tree was considered very
degrading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jewish men just didn’t do
that sort of thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, Zacchaeus didn’t
care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really important that he
catch a glimpse of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This
is how Luke describes what happened next:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
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When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to
him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">So, he hurried down
and was happy to welcome him. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be
the guest of one who is a sinner.’ </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my
possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of
anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Then Jesus said to
him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of
Abraham. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-left: 3.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>~ Luke 19:5-10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i>Do you see
what Jesus did with Zacchaeus?</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus invites Zacchaeus into his Jesus’
entourage of followers—essentially, Jesus’ family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of all the homes in Jericho, where Jesus could
stop for a meal and refreshments, he chooses the home of Zacchaeus the hated
and despised tax collector.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accustomed
to living on the margins of society, Zacchaeus moves to the center of Jericho
society, when Jesus chooses to have dinner at his home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zacchaeus, who has absolutely no friends in
Jericho, is suddenly “best buds” with Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the story unfolds, we learn that Jesus’ visit to his home is
transformative for Zacchaeus, who pledges an extravagant amount of money to
help the poor and to repay anyone whom <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he has defrauded four times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
It
is the power of relationship, and we believe at Christ UMC that it provides
contemporary Christians with the model for transforming the lives of lonely, disillusioned,
angry youth, who are looking for affirmation and a model of what it means to be
an adult man or woman.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and
join us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, October 6th, as we celebrate
World Communion Sunday and reflect about how we can welcome, affirm, and
encourage teenagers who are trying to figure out what it means to be a
responsible man or woman in our society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/The%20Power%20of%20Relationships~%20World%20Communion%20Sunday.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
R. Alan Culpepper, Commentary on the Gospel of Luke in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New Interpreter’s Bible</i>, vol 9, (Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2002),
CD-ROM Edition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-49531668035584789112019-09-28T19:51:00.001-07:002019-09-28T19:51:22.677-07:00“Seven Guides for Discernment in the Interpretation of Scripture”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the past four Sundays, Christ United Methodist Church
in Lincoln has been exploring, <span style="color: black;">“How God Speaks to Us
through the Scriptures.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Sunday,
September 29th, we conclude this exploration reflecting on discernment as an
integral component of using Scripture to guide our lives as followers of
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">We know that the holy scriptures
are intended for all persons, living at different times and in different
contexts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, scripture must
speak to the early Christians who were being put to death for their faith, as
well as Medieval Christians trying to understand the Black Plague and its
devastation of whole towns, as well as contemporary middle-class Christians
living in Nebraska.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the scriptures
must speak to all persons, then properly interpreting the scriptures for our
own time and context is vitally important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">So, in this final sermon in the
series, I intend to focus on faithful interpretation of scripture for our time
and context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When hearing how someone
else interprets a particular scriptural passage, how can we be sure that their
interpretation is faithful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed, how
can we be sure that our own way of interpreting scriptures is faithful to God’s
intent for us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">In my proclamation this Sunday,
then, I will propose seven guides for faithful interpretation of
scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here they are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Bible is intended to be read within a
community of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it is
important to read the Bible alone and individually, ultimately our
interpretation of scriptures must be tested within our community of faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Diversity of Christian perspectives offer a
potential corrective to misinterpretation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(This may mean looking beyond our community of faith, if our faith
community is mostly homogeneous.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When disagreeing with another Christian
individual or community, be respectful and always assume the best of intentions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask yourself what you can learn from their
perspective (see #2 above).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to
re-state their interpretation in words which they would agree with.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Interpretation needs to be consistent with
recurring themes in the Scriptures<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God affirms the goodness of Creation (see 1
timothy 4:4a) and charges us with its care.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God continues in God’s work of creation, but now
God works to redeem all of creation and establish God’s Reign fully.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God is love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->All human persons are created in God’s image and
loved by God<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->In response to God’s love for us, we should love
God, other persons, Creation, and ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Part of loving others includes sharing the Good
News of God’s love with them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->As his followers, Christ invites us to join with
him in the work of building the Reign of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->As a Resurrection People, Christians should live
lives of joy, hope, and love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Correct scriptural interpretation takes into
account the passage’s context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other interpretive
tools may also be useful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Proof-texting”
almost always leads to misinterpretation of scripture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Beware of interpreters who stand to gain materially
from their particular interpretation of scripture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Scriptural interpretations should always promote
good and reject evil.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and
join us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, September 29th, as we explore
how to faithfully interpret scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During the service, I will provide some “test-cases” and ask members of
the congregation to use the seven guides to determine whether a particular
scripture was properly interpreted in the case. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-75609505893624968312019-09-21T20:43:00.001-07:002019-09-21T20:43:59.797-07:00“Can I Accept Evolution and Believe in the Bible?” <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
month at Christ United Methodist Church we have been focusing on <b><i>“How God
Speaks to Us through the Scriptures.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We began two weeks ago by looking at what it means to say that “all
Scripture is inspired by God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
last weekend, we looked at different approaches to understanding the
scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture is foundational to
Christian faith, life, and identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
we have seen, scripture is an important common denominator that unites all
Christians, regardless of our differences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, as we have also seen, Christians may interpret the scriptures quite
differently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, September 22nd, we look at a concern and a challenge:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For both Christians and non-Christians,
scientific discoveries appear to contradict the teachings of scripture and
their authority as “inspired by God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, this topic is much larger than I can handle in a single sermon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, this Sunday I will attempt to address an
important part of this topic by looking at the question, <b><i>“Can I accept
evolution and believe in the Bible?” </i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The challenge here is that </span>evolution’s
account of how biological life emerged and developed on Earth appears to
directly contradict the story of Creation in Genesis 1 of the Bible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Although almost all 19th century
Christians believed evolution could be reconciled with the Genesis 1 creation story,
in the early 20th century a radical “creationist” interpretation <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>emerged among some American Christians during
the 20th century.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/How%20God%20Speaks%20to%20Us%20through%20the%20Scriptures/Can%20I%20Accept%20Evolution%20and%20Believe%20in%20the%20Bible.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically, “creationism” is the attempt to ground
scientifically our belief that God created the universe, as literally described
in Genesis 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Creationism proposes an
alternative theory that explains away or replaces the theory of evolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Essentially, creationism presents
itself as a superior form of science, which explains the origins of the
universe in Genesis 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While popular
news reports tend to treat creationism as a single, unified theory, there are
actually several alternative proposals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three
of these alternatives are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1) “day-age,”
(2) “gap,” and (3) “Flood” or “Creation Science.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
For some Christians, some form of
creationism offers a plausible way of reconciling conflicts between scientific
evolution and faith in the scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think that I understand the attraction of creationism—it centers on trusting
the accuracy of the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
question the descriptive accuracy of Genesis 1, then what does that imply for
other claims in the Bible, such as God’s promise of eternal life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where—and, how—do we draw the line between
fact and fiction; truth and falsehood?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
the Creation story in Genesis 1 is untrue, then how can we trust that the
promise of eternal life is true?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a real dilemma, which I cannot address
during this blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Yet, for many others the
creationist approach is not much helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For example, some of the arguments appear to be nothing more than mere
semantic games, as when the “day-age” alternative proposes that the “days” in
Genesis 1 are not literally 24-hour days, but rather epochs lasting for thousands
of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An even more serious concern
is that creationism is not <b><u>real science </u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>because it provides no empirical evidence or
testable hypotheses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of
accepting creationism, these Christians tend to see evolution as an explanation
of the origins and development of physical life on Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, this raises the question of what we are
to make of Genesis 1, as well as other creation stories in the Bible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
my sermon, I will suggest that there are some Biblical interpretation tools
which may off help for those who cannot accept a literal interpretation of Genesis
1:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black;">The first
interpretive tool is called the </span><b><u>Form Approach.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible is not a single, solitary
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, it is a virtual library
of different genres of (prose or verse, letters, laws, court archives, war
hymns, poems of lament, etc.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first
step in the form approach is to determine what kind of literature we are dealing
with, in terms of a particular passage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
So, in order to understand Genesis
1, our first step is to ask, <b><i>“What kind of literature is this?”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the creationist, the answer is pretty
simple and straightforward, Genesis 1 must be a scientific textbook, explaining
how the universe began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem with
this interpretive approach is that the scientific method was not developed for many
millennia after Genesis 1 was written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, the problem with the creationist reading is that it is anachronistic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, it imposes a way of thinking
(scientific method), which was unknown at the time that Genesis was
written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If the
Genesis 1 Creation story is not a science textbook, then what genre of
literature is it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will suggest that
the creation story must actually be read as a narrative parable, which explains
three types of relationships:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God’s relationship with Creation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God’s relationship with human persons.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Humans’ relationship with Creation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
To explain my interpretation, I need
to introduce a second interpretive tool:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b><u>Source Approach.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
this approach, the interpreter tries to find the original sources which lie
behind a given biblical text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This type
of analysis must be reserved for experts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>scriptural scholars, who are also linguists because they must be able to
read and understand many ancient languages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
What these experts tell us is very surprising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do not believe that the scriptures
were<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>written down by spiritual leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, they believe much of the early
Hebrew tradition was originally <b><u>“oral tradition,”</u></b> handed down
from generation to generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Think of
sitting around a campfire and telling stories.) The theory is that these
different sources about the events in these books were compiled together when
Judah was kicked out of their land in 586 BCE. The books of the Old Testament
from Genesis to Kings were composed by a series of editors out of four major
strands of literary traditions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
According to their analysis—and there is broad consensus
among Biblical scholars on this point—Genesis 1 belongs to the youngest of the
four strands of literary traditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Given that dating, we know that Genesis was formed at a time when Israel,
the Hebrew nation, was settled and well established.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hebrew people occupied their homeland in
the midst of many other peoples, with their own religious beliefs and
practices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Egypt and Mesopotamia were two of
Israel’s neighbors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of these
neighboring countries had strong religious theologies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The leaders of both countries—the Pharaoh in
Egypt and the King in Mesopotamia—were worshiped as divine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were divine-rulers, sons of the gods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this role, the ruler had two important
responsibilities bestowed upon them by the gods:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->They were responsible for insuring that the agricultural
fields were protected and well-cared-for, so that the fields remained very
fertile, capable of producing plenty of food for the people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->They were to serve as a protector for the widow
and the orphan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, they were
responsible for insuring that the marginalized members of their society were
cared for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
In the Genesis 1 story, God affirms the goodness of
all Creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again and again and again
in Genesis 1, God judges creation good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
at the end of this week of creation, God creates human persons:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So God created humankind</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> in his image,</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>in
the image of God he created them;</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>male
and female he created them</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One Biblical scholar has written that in the Genesis 1
creation story, God creates a democracy, rather than a kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In opposition to the beliefs of the Egyptian
and Mesopotamian cultures, where the Pharaoh or King has the responsibility of
caring for creation, in Genesis 1, everyone is given this responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I do not read Genesis 1 as a
scientific textbook, I do believe that it has something very important to tell
us—perhaps even more important than how the universe began:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What is God’s relationship with Creation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>God affirms again and again and again the
goodness of all Creation.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What is God’s relationship with human persons?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Humans are created in the image of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of us—every last one of us—are divine-rulers,
children of God.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What is humans’ relationship with Creation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>As children of God, we a given the
responsibility to care for Creation, as good stewards.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and
join us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, September 22nd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/How%20God%20Speaks%20to%20Us%20through%20the%20Scriptures/Can%20I%20Accept%20Evolution%20and%20Believe%20in%20the%20Bible.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>See
Ronald L. Numbers, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Creationists, The
Evolution of Scientific Creationism</i> (Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The University of California Press, 1992).<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-41610410027874452282019-09-07T19:03:00.000-07:002019-09-07T19:03:07.667-07:00“All Scripture is Inspired by God”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, September 8th, is “Back-to-School Sunday” at my church, marking the
launch of programming and committee work for the autumn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we re-focus and re-start with the first
month of the fall, our worship services will re-focus on a fundamental of
Christian faith and life:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian
sacred scriptures as contained in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Beginning this Sunday, we embark upon a four-week series, entitled:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How God Speaks to Us through the Scriptures.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
begin this series with words of advice that the Apostle Paul shares with his
young protégé, Timothy:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: #010000;">“But as for you [Timothy],
continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you
learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that
are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All
scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who
belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #010000;"> </span><span style="color: #010000;">~ 2 Timothy 3:14-17</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
the verses just before our passage of scripture, the Apostle Paul warns Timothy
that living a faithful life as a disciple of Christ will never be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul says that there are always bad people
who are eager to persecute the followers of Christ (2 Timothy 3:11-12).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make matters even worse, Paul says that
there will also be persons seeking to deceive Christians (2 Timothy 3:13).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In light of these dangers, Paul counsels Timothy
in verse 14 to “continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing
from whom you have learned it…”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
other words, Timothy should faithfully follow what he has learned and believed
since his childhood, remembering that it was the Apostle Paul, himself, who has
taught and mentored Timothy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #010000;">Since childhood, Timothy
has learned from the “sacred writings that are able to instruct” him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “sacred writings,” which Paul refers to,
would be the Hebrew scriptures, which Christians frequently refer to as the Old
Testament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These sacred writings include
the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jewish Torah, the Prophets, and the
other Writings in the Hebrew scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In addition to the Jewish sacred scriptures, Paul also includes what
Timothy has learned through his faith in Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Biblical scholar, J.D. Dunn
observes:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, the assumption [of
Paul] is that the gospel is the outworking of [the Jewish] Scripture, so that
the wisdom, salvation, and faith held out in the gospel are continuous with
that inculcated in the [Jewish] holy writings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is also to say that the gospel’s saving power is of a piece with
the saving power of [Jewish] Scripture…”.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/How%20God%20Speaks%20to%20Us%20through%20the%20Scriptures/All%20Scripture%20is%20Inspired%20by%20God.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #010000;">In the next verse (v. 16)
Paul begins with the claim that “All scripture is inspired by God…”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Scriptures are not just words written by
a scribe, who happened to be spiritually inspired at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, God was somehow present in the
writing of these words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, Paul details
a four-pronged purpose for scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God gives us scripture:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 94.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #010000;">For teaching,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 94.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #010000;">For reproof<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 94.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #010000;">For correction,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 94.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #010000;">And for training in
righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #010000;">In other words, scripture teaches us, rebukes us
when we err, corrects us, and trains us to live ethical lives and work for
justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture shapes and informs our
lifestyle as followers of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
Paul, as well as for Christians today, the scriptures have a power and centrality
in the lives of those who seek to follow Christ as his disciples.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Further,
Christians understand that scriptures offer guidance when we are faced with
critical life decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scriptures
also reassure us when we are afraid, as well as comforting us in times of sadness,
grief, or loneliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scriptures can
offer clarity in times of confusion; they can inspire and reassure us in times
of doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through studying the
scriptures, we grow in our faith and love for the Divine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although God speaks to us through other
means, such as through nature or the wisdom of another person, scripture
remains primary in our understanding of how God seeks us and speaks to us.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and
join us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, September 8th, as we launch
our fall programming with “Back-to-School Sunday.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the proclamation time, we will reflect
further on the power and centrality of scripture in the lives of Christ’s
disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/How%20God%20Speaks%20to%20Us%20through%20the%20Scriptures/All%20Scripture%20is%20Inspired%20by%20God.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">J. D. Dunn, Commentary
on “The First and Second Letters to Timothy and the Letter to Titus” in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New Interpreter’s Bible</i>, vol 11,
(Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2002), CD-ROM Edition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-3803577193541181362019-08-31T21:37:00.000-07:002019-08-31T21:37:01.873-07:00“Confidence in Christ Brings Joy”<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span>Over the past several weeks, we have been reflecting
on the <b><i>“Joy of Christ.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At Christ United Methodist Church, where I serve as Senior Pastor, “The
Joy of Christ” has always been an important theme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, it is proudly displayed on the
inside wall of our Family Life Center (gym).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We began this series of reflections by exploring how we can experience
the <b><i>Joy of Christ</i></b> through serving others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week, we discovered that the <b><i>Joy of
Christ</i></b> can lead to an abundant life, when we strive to live our lives
in a manner that reflects the teachings and ministry of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Sunday, we will conclude the series of
reflections by reflecting on ways in which the <b><i>Joy of Christ </i></b>can
give us confidence for the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
experiences fear and anxiety from time-to-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As unique, individualized persons, we experience fear and anxiety in
very personal ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a unique,
individualized species with varying dreams and commitments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, despite our differences, almost all
persons experience some fear and anxiety about one common thing:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our individual death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of us knows that ultimately, we will
each die someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, we know that
there is nothing to prevent our ultimate death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, the <b><u>typical </u></b>human live must be lived with shadows of
our ultimate death lurking off on the horizon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yet,
Christians are not typical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we
certainly live with the reality that our death remains lurking ahead of us, we
also live with the promise of Christ that he will never abandon us; that we
will one day be resurrected, just as he was on Easter Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For we have this promise that God’s love for
each of us is so deep and that God wishes to be in relationship with us,
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This promise is guaranteed by
God through the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ’s Resurrection offers the guarantee
and promise that God’s love for us will not be broken; that one day, we too
will be resurrected and transformed as children of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So, <b><i>the
Joy of Christ </i></b>should always include the <b><u>confidence</u></b> that
through the love of God, we do not have to fear or be anxious about death because
of Christ’s promise of life eternal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Apostle Paul elaborates on this confidence in his letter
to the Christians in Corinth:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="color: #010000;">Now if Christ is proclaimed
as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of
the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not
been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has
been in vain and your faith has been in vain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God
that he raised Christ—whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not
raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been
raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are
still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have
perished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If for this life only we have
hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #010000;">But in fact Christ has been raised from the
dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came
through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a
human being…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1 Corinthians 15:12-21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Although twenty-first century Christians tend to ignore or
overlook it, the truth is that many people who were living at the time of the
early church doubted the resurrection of the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greek and Roman views ranged from believing
that resurrection was impossible to allowing that perhaps resurrection could
occur in isolated miraculous events, such as the resurrection of a deceased
monarch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similarly, within Judaism,
there were divided opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the one
hand, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, while the Sadducees
rejected resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among the
Corinthians, it seems likely that a great many of them doubted the possibility
of a general resurrection of the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the same time, it appears that all of the Corinthians believed in the
possibility of resurrection in some sort of miraculous manner, including the
resurrection of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As a former Pharisee, the Apostle Paul deeply believes in
the general resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further, the
Apostle Paul believes that the Resurrection of Christ marks a cosmic tipping
point in the history of the universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Resurrection marks the in-breaking of God’s Reign here on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, when we look around at our world
today, it is sometimes hard to discern the reign of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, for Paul, we can be confident that the
reign of God has begun and will eventually come to fruition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God continues to be active in the world,
creating, re-creating, and redeeming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
the end of time, when Christ comes again, God will transform us and all of the
world into a New Creation, existing in a new and deeper relationship of love
with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So, in his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul
wants to convince them of the reality of a general resurrection which will
occur when Christ comes again and God’s Kingdom is fully established.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To convince the Corinthians, Paul begins at a
point in which they all agree:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Resurrection
of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He begins this passage by arguing
that if Christ has actually been resurrected, then it must follow that there
will be a generalized, physical resurrection of all his disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Biblical scholar, Paul Sampley, writes:
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 27.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: #010000;">“For
Paul, the two claims–that Christ has been raised and that others will be
raised–are inseparable. The one leads ineluctably, but only later, to the
other; the latter is simply the yet-to-be finishing of what God has begun in
the former. So the future resurrection of the dead is a consequence of Christ’s
having been raised. God’s faithfulness assures that.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/The%20Joy%20of%20Christ/Confidence%20in%20Christ%20Brings%20Joy.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #010000;">For Paul, the Resurrection
of Christ marks this cosmic tipping point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In his resurrection, Jesus gives the faithful a foretaste of what is to
come for them; that they will experience a physical resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time, the Resurrection is also
God’s cosmic guarantee that God’s work of redemption will ultimately prevail
and all of Creation will be transformed into a New Creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #010000;">Later, in this chapter,
Paul takes up an objection to his claim of a bodily, physical resurrection, which
he has undoubtedly already heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
objection concerns what we will look like, when we have been resurrected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, what will a man who lives to a
ripe, old age look like, after his resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will he look like he did as a young man?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, will he appear as he did in middle
age?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, will he appear as he did at the
moment of his death?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul responds:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">But someone will ask, ‘How are the dead raised? With what
kind of body do they come?’ </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as for what you sow, you do not sow the
body that is to be, but a bare seed, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">But God gives it a
body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">Here,
Paul uses the metaphor of a seed being planted, to meet this objection,
concerning what we how we will appear after our physical resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, the seed metaphor goes even further than
simply meeting an objection about appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the seed is planted in the soil and then germinates and sprouts, it
has also been transformed into a plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Similarly, we expect that when God’s redeems the physical world at the
end of time, that all of Creation will be transformed into a New Creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As followers of Christ, we are called
to live lives of joyful confidence, knowing that even death itself will be
defeated by the love of God, and that we will be transformed into New Creatures
through God’s work of redeeming the universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we live with this confidence, then we experience the <b><i>Joy of
Christ </i></b>at a newer, deeper level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Experiencing the joy of Christ at this deeper level changes how we read the
Bible and the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">When we read the Bible, we know and understand that no matter
what happens, in the end, God’s love will prevail; all wrongs and injustices
will be righted and all tears will be dried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Further, when we come to accept that God’s plan for redeeming the world
extends beyond just humans to include all of life, then we realize that God’s
love is not restricted to just human life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No, God loves all life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it
is only to human persons that God has also given the responsibility to care for
all of Creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From this, it follows
that Christian disciples should view all life as sacred and to be cared for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and
join us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, September 1st, where we
will conclude our series of reflections on the <b><i>Joy of Christ,</i></b> by focusing
on what it means live with <b><i>confidence in the love of Christ</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Christ UMC is located at 4530 “A”
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services
on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the
services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family Life Center (gym), and it is more
informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Come, join us. Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/The%20Joy%20of%20Christ/Confidence%20in%20Christ%20Brings%20Joy.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">J. Paul Sampley, Commentary on 1 Corinthians in
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New Interpreter’s Bible</i>, vol 10, (Nashville,
Abingdon Press, 2002), CD-ROM Edition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-28322393750599823542019-08-24T20:18:00.001-07:002019-08-24T20:18:56.748-07:00“Abundant Living in the Joy of Christ”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, August 25th, we continue our three-sermon series on the <b>“Joy of
Christ.”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last Sunday, we explored
how we can experience the Joy of Christ through serving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Sunday, we shift our focus to reflect on
how we experience the Joy of Christ through <b><u>abundance.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To understand this joy of Christ, I have selected
two parables which Jesus tells about sheep and their shepherd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the first of these parables, Jesus
describes himself as “the good shepherd.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the
sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The one who enters
by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his
voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">When he has brought
out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they
know his voice.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will not follow
a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of
strangers.” </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not
understand what he was saying to them.</span>”~John 10:1-6<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In this
first parable, Jesus describes himself and his ministry as being <b><i>“the
good shepherd.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During Jesus’ ministry here, most
shepherds cared for a small flock of 10-20 sheep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the day, the shepherd would take his
sheep out into the countryside to graze on grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the day was over, the shepherd would
frequently return to his home village with his sheep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each village had a common, fenced-in area
where all of the sheep were kept overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Usually, someone from the village spent all night watching the sheep and
protecting them from human thieves or animal predators, such as wolves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When morning came, the shepherd would call out his sheep by
name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he had assembled all of his
sheep, the good shepherd would lead them back to the pastures, where they could
continue grazing, under the watchful eye of the shepherd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sheep recognized the voice of their shepherd
and trusted him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By contrast, Jesus says that thieves and bandits would try
to steal the sheep at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the
one watching over the sheep would be stationed at the gate, thieves and robbers
would not try to enter the sheep pen through its sole gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, they would try to find a weakness in
the sheepfold’s fencing and gain entrance to the pen in that way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus notes that sheep would be wary of strange humans who
called to them in their pen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the
sheep would try to run away from thieves and bandits, but they come to their
one, true shepherd because they recognize his voice and know that they can
trust him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus uses this metaphor of the sheep and their shepherd to
describe what his relationship will be with the disciples after his death and
resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the good shepherd,
Jesus will reach out to us and call us, so that we may remain close to him, just
as the <b><i>good shepherd</i></b> in the metaphor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, as the <b><i>good shepherd,</i></b>
Jesus will take care of his followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will protect them from predators and other threats to their
well-being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as the shepherd in the
parable finds fresh, green meadows for the sheep to graze, so also Jesus will
provide spiritual nurture and sustenance to his followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unfortunately, the crowd does not understand the metaphor of
the good shepherd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, Jesus provides a
different metaphor:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<span style="background: white; color: #010000;">So again, Jesus said to them, “Very
truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">All who came before
me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I am the gate.
Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find
pasture.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 10:7-9<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 4.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In this
second metaphor, Jesus switches his role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whereas in the first metaphor, Jesus is identified as the “good shepherd,”
who loves and cares for his sheep, in the second story Jesus becomes the gate to
the sheep pen itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who are to
be reconciled with God and become his disciples enter through the gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By contrast, “thieves” try to compromise the
fence by searching for a weak spot in the fencing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then, as
a way of summarizing what he has tried to convey,
Jesus says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
“The thief comes only to steal and
kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 10:10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-right: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Whereas the thief comes in selfishness to steal, kill, and
destroy, Jesus is the embodiment of the Divine, bringing life and abundance in
our living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is to say, the transcendent
Divine became incarnated in the human person, Jesus of Nazareth, so that
everyone could have life and live abundantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The good shepherd provides his sheep with abundant life in three ways:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Guiding
the sheep along paths and keeping them headed for their destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Taking
them to lush meadows and clear streams, so that they have plenty to eat and
drink.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Protecting
them from predator animals in the field and keeping them secure in the village
sheep pen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Similarly, Jesus provides abundant life for his
disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our loving discipleship with
Christ, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we experience God’s guidance
whenever we encounter a crisis—or, a crossroads—and need help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, as with the good shepherd in the
metaphor, Christ provides for us and our needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, Christ watches over us, always present with us during the
disappointments, set backs, and crises of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When we become his disciples, we
experience the joy of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of
this profound joy, we experience abundant life, when we strive to live our lives
in a manner that reflects the teachings and ministry of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and
join us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, August 25th, where we
will continue our reflections on the <b><i>Joy of Christ,</i></b> by reflecting
on <b><i>abundance</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ UMC
is located at 4530 “A” Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
three worship services on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a
traditional worship format and the services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family
Life Center (gym), and it is more informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-11407047301181492692019-08-17T20:28:00.000-07:002019-08-17T20:28:00.145-07:00“The Joy of Christ through Serving” <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have been
away over most of the past six weeks, co-leading a Volunteer in Missions team to
Puerto Rico to assist with repairing homes that were severely damaged by Hurricane
Maria—and, then taking some vacation time away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sunday, I will begin a three-sermon series on the “Joy of Christ.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Joy of Christ” has always been an
important theme for Christ United Methodist Church, where I serve as Senior
Pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is proudly displayed on the inside
wall of our Family Life Center (gym).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, <b>what does it mean to experience the “Joy of Christ”?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Contemporary Christians live at an
interim period between the Resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday and the
final victory of Christ, when God’s Reign is fully established, at the
end-of-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this interim period, God’s
Reign has been established, yet it is not yet fully completed and we catch only
glimpses of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s coming reign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As disciples of Christ, we are called to be a
Resurrection people, filled with joy because we know that ultimately God will
prevail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
For me, this cosmic interim time is
somewhat akin to watching a televised recording of my favorite sports team—after
checking the final score beforehand and knowing that my team won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as I sit watching the pre-recorded game, I
can be happy and confident, knowing that, no matter how badly my team is doing at
the moment, ultimately, they will win the contest. Similarly, as a Resurrection
people, we are called to live lives filled with the <b><i>Joy of Christ</i></b>
because we are confident that, ultimately, God will prevail and God’s Reign
will be established completely.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this series, I will look at the “Joy of
Christ” from three perspectives:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Service (August 18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Abundance (August 25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Confidence (September 1)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 22.5pt;">
We begin this series from the
perspective of the <b><i>joy of Christ through serving.</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To ground our reflections on service, I will
be preaching from a portion of the Apostle Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 22.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 40.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
“We want you to
know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the
churches of Macedonia; <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy
and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their
part. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to
their means, and even beyond their means, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this
ministry to the saints— </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves
first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us…”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 40.5pt; margin-right: 40.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #010000;">This passage
of the Letter occurs at a point when Paul is shifting his focus to discuss the
special offering which he is collecting for the church in Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul had a vision for the new churches which
he was establishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a vision in
which the various churches were in solidarity with one another; sharing and
caring for one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One central
component of his vision was a collection of money, which his Gentile churches
would collect for poor Christians in Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the Apostle Paul, this collection was a way for the Gentile churches
to express their appreciation and solidarity with the Jerusalem church which
had welcomed them as brothers and sisters in the faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul begins his discussion with the
Corinthians by sharing what the churches of Macedonia have already done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He begins by noting that the Macedonian
Christians have already contributed <b><u>joyously</u></b> and generously to
the offering despite “a severe ordeal of affliction” and their extreme poverty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biblical scholars are uncertain precisely
what the Macedonians’ “affliction” was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most likely, it was ill treatment at the hands of non-Christians in their
communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At several other passages
in other letters, Paul refers to hostile treatment suffered by the Macedonia
Christians at the hands of non-believers. See Philippians 1:29-30; 1 Thessalonians
1:6; 2:14; and 3:3-4:4.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #010000;">Yet,
despite their “ordeal of affliction” and an extreme poverty that was probably
greater than was typical for the early church, the Macedonians contributed
joyously and generously to the offering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul continues by noting that the Macedonians contributed beyond their
means; beyond what Paul himself had expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This generosity brought joy to Paul’s heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #010000;">For
the Macedonians, the offering was not a sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, it was a <b><u>privilege.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul observes that the Macedonians gave so
joyously and generously because they had already dedicated their whole lives
and their hearts to Christian discipleship—to following and serving
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, their generous donation was
an inevitable expression of their whole attitude of love and devotion to
Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #010000;">The
Macedonian Christian provide not just a model for the Corinthians, but for us
twenty-first century American Christians as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serving is all about our attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we offer our entire lives in faith and
active devotion to God through our Christian discipleship, then we, too, can
experience the <b><i>Joy of Christ</i></b> through serving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The forms of that serving may vary:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it can be serving through making a financial donation,
as the Macedonians; or serving by going on a Volunteers-in-Mission trip to
Puerto Rico; or serving by helping out with flood relief in Nebraska; or
serving by preparing a meal for the hungry in Lincoln.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Growing out of our deep love for God, we experience
the love of Christ through serving.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #010000;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
If you live in the Lincoln,
Nebraska area and do not have a place of worship, then I invite you to come and
join us at Christ United Methodist Church this Sunday, August 18th, where we
will begin this short worship series on the <b><i>Joy of Christ,</i></b> by
reflecting on serving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ UMC is located
at 4530 “A” Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three
worship services on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 8:30 and 11:00 services feature a
traditional worship format and the services are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family
Life Center (gym), and it is more informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is welcome and accepted because God
loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478216534024764492.post-63099850040409604632019-07-13T21:15:00.000-07:002019-07-13T21:15:04.698-07:00“Hagar: Trusting God’s Providence”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This summer we have been getting to
know some of the <b>“Supporting Cast of the Bible,”</b> less well-known
Biblical figures, from whom we can nonetheless learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our supporting character this Sunday, July
14th, is Hagar from the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those scriptures she is depicted as a
slave girl from Egypt, serving Sarah.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Hagar—Sarah—Abraham
story occurs in two places, in Genesis 16 and 21.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some significant differences in the
two versions of this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For our
purposes, I will focus primarily upon the second version of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the story in Genesis 21.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there is an important explanation in
Genesis 16 that I want to point out before proceeding to Genesis 21. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The earlier
version in Genesis 16 begins with an explanation that Sarah was unable to
become pregnant and have children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today,
with a better scientific understanding of human reproduction, we know that with
a couple trying to conceive, either the man or the woman may be the one who is
infertile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the conventional
understanding in the ancient world was that the female partner was always the
cause of infertility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, in that
milieu, a couple’s inability to conceive led to great social stigma and shame
for the woman—but not for the man—in the relationship.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/Supporting%20Cast%20in%20the%20Bible/Hagar,%20Trusting%20God%E2%80%99s%20Providence.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God has
already promised Abraham that he will have as many descendants as there are
stars in the heavens (See Genesis 15:1-6).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, in shame and remembering God’s promise, Sarah offers her servant
girl to Abraham, encouraging him to procreate through Hagar. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although crudely offensive to contemporary
sensibilities, this was actually a common practice at the time of Sarah and
Hagar.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/Supporting%20Cast%20in%20the%20Bible/Hagar,%20Trusting%20God%E2%80%99s%20Providence.docx#_edn2" name="_ednref2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, Abraham conceive a son with Hagar and
names him, Ishmael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shifting
our attention to the second version of the Hagar—Sarah—Abraham story, Genesis
21 begins by telling its readers that ultimately Sarah, too, conceives and
bears a son, whom they name Isaac.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now,
Abraham has two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Isaac begins to grow, Sarah becomes
concerned that Isaac will have to share his inheritance with Ishmael when
Abraham dies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She says to Abraham, “<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘Cast
out this slave woman with her son; for the son of this slave woman shall not
inherit along with my son Isaac’”</span> (Genesis 21:10).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sarah’s
request “was very distressing to Abraham on account of his son.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, God reassures Abraham, encouraging
him to grant Sarah’s request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
promises Abraham that God will take care of Hagar and Ishmael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further, God promises that, just as with
Isaac, Ishmael shall be the father of a great nation of descendants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, based upon his deep and abiding trust in
God, Abraham gives Hagar bread and a canteen of water and sends her out into
the desert with Ishmael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hagar wanders aimlessly in
the desert until the water runs out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
Ishmael becomes extremely dehydrated and at the point of death. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filled with fear and despair, Hagar places Ishmael
in the shade of a bush and moves a short distance away from him because she
could not bear to watch Ishmael die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sitting there in the hot, dry desert, Hagar lifts up her voice and weeps
bitterly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, God had not forgotten
Hagar and her son, Ishmael:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText">
“And God heard the voice of the boy; and the angel of God
called to Hagar from </div>
<div class="MsoBlockText">
heaven, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Do not
be afraid; for God has </div>
<div class="MsoBlockText">
heard the voice of the boy where he is. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Come, lift up the
boy and hold him fast with</span></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> your hand, for I will make a great nation of him.” </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Then God opened her
eyes and </span></div>
<div class="MsoBlockText">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> she </span>saw a well of water. She went, and filled the skin with water, and
gave the </div>
<div class="MsoBlockText">
boy a drink.” (Genesis 21: 17-19)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
story concludes by noting that God was with Ishmael as he grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ishmael lived as a nomad in the wilderness
of Paran, becoming an expert with the bow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through his mother’s connections in Egypt, Ishmael married and had many
children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There are many different angles and
nuances in the </span>Hagar—Sarah—Abraham story; there are many directions
which a sermon on this story might take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For instance, Islam traces its religious heritage through Ishmael to Abraham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could use this passage as point of
departure to talk about the inter-religious Christian-Islamic relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, feminist Biblical scholars have
closely studied the Hagar—Sarah—Abraham story, making very important contributions
to Biblical scholarship and deepening our understanding of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are other interesting angles, as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite all of these important
perspectives, I can only focus on one theme in my proclamation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, my focus on Sunday will be the simplest
and most straightforward, as I interpret this scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From my
perspective, an important lesson to be learned from the Hagar—Sarah—Abraham story
is that God loves us and God will provide for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this story, God goes out into the desert
and delivers Hagar and Ishmael from certain death by helping Hagar to perceive
a well of water, which had been there all along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will provide for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, God’s providence does not always come at
the time and in the manner which we request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes God is present at unexpected times, and God provides in
unanticipated methods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was certainly
the experience of Hagar in the desert. <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent">
If you live in the Lincoln, Nebraska area and do not
have a place to worship, then I invite you to come and join us at Christ United
Methodist Church this Sunday, July 14th, as we meet Hagar and learn from her
experiences in the scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ
United Methodist Church is located at 4530 “A” Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three worship services on Sunday
mornings at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
8:30 and 11:00 services feature a traditional worship format and the services
are held in our Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
proclamation on Hagar will be part of the 8:30 and 11:00 services. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The Gathering” at 9:45 is held in our Family
Life Center (gym); it is more informal and interactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In “The Gathering” this summer, we are
exploring diverse areas of Christian discipleship, using a different Disney
film each week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week’s film is <i>Aladdin.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using scenes from this film, we will examine
the understanding of freedom from a Christian perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come, join us at any of our three services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everyone is welcome and accepted because
God loves us all.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/Supporting%20Cast%20in%20the%20Bible/Hagar,%20Trusting%20God%E2%80%99s%20Providence.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Terence E. Fretheim, “Commentary on the Book of Genesis” in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New Interpreter’s Bible</i>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vol. 1, (Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2002),
CD-ROM Edition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="edn2" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Richard/Documents/Christ/2019%20Sermon%20Blogs/Supporting%20Cast%20in%20the%20Bible/Hagar,%20Trusting%20God%E2%80%99s%20Providence.docx#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Ibid.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Richard O. Randolphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07378069673706053275noreply@blogger.com0