Sermon Notes

Acts 14.1-20 - Lystra

2012-01-19T14:59:00.002-05:00

You've seen it in the movies, a person mistaken for a god. It happened in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, when the Ewoks worshiped C-3P0 (right). And it happened to Paul and Barnabas.

The people of Lystra had the right idea about the wrong people.

They wanted someone to worship and trust.

And how quickly we turn when others disappoint us. Lystra went from worship to stoning and don't miss a beat. We build up celebrities, sports heroes, or politicians, only to tear them down in their humanity.

Paul and Barnabas proclaimed God in human form, but they proclaimed Jesus and not themselves. Lystra (and we) miss the really important message - "turn from these worthless things to the living God." There's something more out there - a relationship with a merciful and living God.(below: Lystra (just a mound) today)

Acts 13.13-52 - Psidian Antioch

2012-01-12T15:21:00.001-05:00

When we think of Acts, we think of thousands of new followers of Christ and great success. But some cities held disappointment. Even Paul had bad days. When Paul and Barnabas left this town, "they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium" (Acts 13.51). The church in Antioch of Psidia showed how Paul and Barnabas responded to rejection.
Sometimes, spreading God's Word and God's love is met with hostility or rejection. Jealousy hurts. Shaking the dust off your shoes is a way of moving on to the next item of ministry. And we should remember that failure sows the seeds of great success. The passage says that "as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers" (Acts 13.48). When the world hinders the seed of the gospel, God plants a tree.

Romans 16.25-27

2011-12-15T09:02:00.000-05:00

How do you say goodbye in a letter? Most times, when you end a letter, you end it with a signature. In common practice, the end of a letter points to the sender.
For Paul, this is not enough. He ends the letter of Romans with a soaring doxology to God. Paul signs off by giving the glory to God.
For Paul the glory of God is foremost. His mission seeks not to bring himself into focus. His mission magnifies "the only wise God, through Jesus Christ" (Rom 16.27).
May our lives magnify and glorify God in Christ!

Isaiah 40.1-11 - Make Straight the Pathway

2011-12-01T14:50:00.001-05:00

Today is John the Baptist Sunday (Mark 1, Isaiah 40 - my invention, you won't find it on the liturgical calendar). Can't believe it's that time of year again. You can't get to Jesus without his crazy, straight-shooting cousin John. John is such an interesting guy - hippie clothes, eating bugs, down buy the river.
Yet John's ministry was an enactment of the scriptures. "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." John literally went to the wilderness to make the path back to Jerusalem straight. but he didn't straighten out the road. He straightened out the people. The people recommitted to God, pledging themselves to God's justice and forgiveness in a fallen age.
Let us go down to the river. To (re)enact our baptism. To recommit ourselves to God, repenting and living into the coming Kingdom. When we go down to the water, the Holy Spirit will come to us!

2 Corinthians 9 - Cheerful Giver

2011-11-03T13:24:00.001-04:00

Fall is the season of Stewardship. Every season should be a season of stewardship. Churches do stewardship mainly so that they can create a budget and hopefully increase their income.
It shouldn't be that way.
But even in the early church, the apostles wrote fundraising letters. 2 Corinthians is, at its heart, a fundraising letter. Corinth has made its pledge to Jerusalem. Paul is concerned about collecting from them. Truly, he wants them to give as a response to God, "as a voluntary gift and not as an extortion." (v 5)
For Paul, God is all about abundance. God the giver has made us all wealthy; we share on God's behalf. The grace of God should transform us in many ways, even our attitude towards giving. We "share abundantly in every good work." (v8) Money enables us to do mission and evangelistic work vicariously in other places. The bounty of this work is the "harvest of [our] righteousness." (v 10)
Rather than increasing budgets, the goal for stewardship is to increase our own cheerfulness and thanksgiving, and to sow God's righteousness in the world.
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (v 15)

Acts 12 - The Lord Rescues

2011-10-13T12:30:00.002-04:00

Herod.
The name appears over and over again in the scriptures. Did this guy live forever, or what? No. From Jesus' birth through Acts, there are several rulers known as Herod. Herod the Great was the ruler who slaughtered the innocents while trying to kill the messiah whose coming was prophesied. We see Herod Agrippa I in Acts. Agrippa was boyhood friends with the emperor Tiberius's son. Josephus the historian recounts this story about the garment and the bowel pains. Josephus recounts that the garment was made of silver. Give God the glory - or else!
Contrast Herod's story with Peter's dramatic escape from prison. Led by an angel during a dream-like state, God saves Peter. And Peter gives the Lord the glory.
These stories show the goodness of God and the folly of humanity. Heed not flatterers! May we always give glory to God alone!

Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius

2011-09-22T11:29:00.000-04:00

The meeting of Cornelius and Peter was momentous for the history of the Christian faith. Their meeting showed that Christ overcomes and transforms the barriers of culture. Cornelius takes the risky first step forward, worshiping the God of another culture, only to find that God is the God of everyone, not only the Jews or even the Romans. Peter has the courage and obedience to receive Cornelius, to believe God's desire to associate with Gentiles.
Culture blockades the faith of many. Are we primarily Americans (or whatever nationality) or are we Christians first and foremost? Can we see through our cultural blinders to see the light of Christ as it shines in others? Do we let down our guard so that Christ can shine more through us?
May Christ shine in us for all!

Acts 9.32-43 - Peter: God's First Responder

2011-09-08T13:15:00.001-04:00

Why do bad things happen to good people? Where is God's justice when it comes to the world? It is easy to say that Tabitha's death ultimately glorified God. Yet so many good people, who, like Tabitha in this story from Acts, are "devoted to good works and acts of charity," get sick or die. We cannot understand. Many unethical, destructive people live long lives or remain in power; many self-giving people die young or have obstacles in their way. We call upon God for healing, but we know that is not always God's will. Paul says that God's ways are inscrutable (Romans 11.33). There is much we can never understand about the divine, other than God's presence and grace. Life does not follow our understanding of justice, the human ways of keeping score. Despite our injustice, God's steadfast love and mercy endure forever.
Tabitha's story links us to the tenth anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11. Many people died on that day. Many of their stories glorified God. None of them deserved death. We cry out to God, grieve, and seek to overcome evil with good.
We are also reminded of the people who stepped forward and were willing to die to rescue others. Many ran away from the towers to escape, few ran towards. Many acts of rescue and compassion rose above the occasion. Like Peter, many overcame the fear, sadness and desperation surrounding them to show the dignity of God's creation in humanity. Many gave.
Thanks be to God!

Acts 9.19b-31 - A Little Help from His Friends (and God)

2011-09-01T13:25:00.002-04:00

Early in his ministry, Saul/Paul had a rough ride. First, he had to escape from Damascus over the city walls in a basket. Then, he had to escape from Jerusalem to the coast and on to his home city of Tarsus.
None of this was possible without his friends in Christ. Without his friends, he would have had to chance going through the gate of Damascus and risk being caught. Without Barnabas, he would not have received an acceptable introduction to the Apostles. And without friends, he could not have escaped the Hellenists.
Paul's ministry depended on God. And God always sent friends to rescue Saul from the danger and minister to him in his suffering.

Acts 9.1-19a - Conversion of Saul

2011-08-25T06:05:00.004-04:00

Aside from Pentecost, Saul's conversion is probably the best-known story in Acts. Many popular depictions of the story in art show horses and darkness and light. Only the light appears in the story. The effect, however, is the same. Saul falls down, confronted by the risen Christ. Aside from God's Spirit and Jesus Christ, Paul is the most important human character in Acts. And the story of how he goes from persecuting fascist to messenger for Jesus made a deep impression on the author, Luke. He tells the story three times through the course of the book, meaning that this was an issue that Paul/Saul and his friends had to confront everywhere they went. Aren't you the guy that killed all those Christians at Jerusalem and murdered Stephen?
Saul's story is powerful. God changed a man's heart and changed the focus of his life. How many of us have allowed God to change us that way?

Acts 8.26-40 - ...in all the earth.

2011-08-18T14:46:00.002-04:00

The story of the gospel in Acts travels from Jerusalem to the road to Ethiopia. Ethiopia probably contained a group of diaspora Jews, like this court official from the court of Candace. Much like the word Pharaoh, Candace (Kentake) was a word that meant queen. Biblical Ethiopia or Cush was ruled by a dynasty of queens. The lands south of Egypt were considered wealthy, providing gold to ancient Egypt.
The church in Ethiopia believes it has the ten commandments, housed in the building in the photo below.

Most people dismiss this claim, but the monk (and scimitars) that guard this shrine say otherwise. To the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia, the ark rests here.
Jesus had called on his disciples to witness to the gospel in all the earth, a commandment fulfilled in this story by Philip. Our openness to new cultures and people different from ourselves is a key to the spread of the gospel. Philip was fearlessly obedient to the Word of God. His sharing changed the world. May the Lord take away our fears and make us open to different cultures. May we all share in the never-ending grace of God.

Acts 8.2-25 - ...in Samaria...

2011-08-11T14:32:00.000-04:00

Most Christians know about Samaritans from the picture presented in Jesus' parable. To call someone a Good Samaritan today loses the irony of the situation. In Jesus' day, to Christ's audience, no Samaritan was good. It was an oxymoron, like "military intelligence" or "old news"
During the persecution of Paul, Philip the deacon took the good news about Jesus to the Samaritans.
What do we really know about the Samaritans? They lived north of Jerusalem, in the remains of the divided northern kingdom of Israel. The original Jews were removed and then repopulated after being attacked by the Assyrians. The ancient historian Josephus said that the Samaritans responded to their circumstances. They had friendly relations with their Jewish cousins when times were good and denied their common ancestry when times were bad.

There are some 800 Samaritans in modern-day Israel. On Passover, they sacrifice lambs at Mount Gerizim.

Stoning Stephen - Acts 7.54-8.3

2011-08-04T15:33:00.001-04:00

Today, when we call someone a martyr, we usually mean that they are whiny, or that they falsely believe that the world is against them, or that they suffer for no reason.
A true martyr is a witness, someone who dies for what they believe in. Stephen was willing to die in obedience to Jesus. The modern world says that we must be crazy to die for our beliefs.
Is there something you are willing to die for? Has God laid some area of mission or ministry on your heart so much that you would give your life for it? Most of us would live for Christ and his commitment to the world. Who would die for Jesus today?

Acts 6.8-7.53 - Stephen's speech

2011-07-28T15:42:00.000-04:00

One of the longest sections of Acts, the actions of Stephen's trial, speech, and stoning are an important story. Stephen tells God's story through Moses and the old testament prophets and patriarchs. Stephen's speech encapsulates the story of the witness of Israel to God in a way that convicts us even today. The message of God the Creator's justice and mercy trumps everything else. Humanity's disobedience is great; God's power is greater. We have received the same law and the same righteous one. How do we receive him, with humility and repentance? Or do we reject him?

Acts 5.12-42 - Gamaliel's Speech

2011-07-14T14:11:00.000-04:00

The apostles reach a crossroad. They've been hauled before the authorities once already. This time, a new voice is heard. We would expect to hear Joseph of Arimathea stand to defend the disciples, since he himself was a disciple of Jesus. But instead we hear the voice of Gamaliel, who taught Paul back when we was Saul of Tarsus.
The effects of Gamaliel's speech are clear. And his point resounds to us today. If what we do is human in origin, it will fail. If what we do is of God, we cannot fail. Following God's plan, God's way, is the goal of life. Following our own way is the road to destruction. May we follow the pathway of God.

Acts 4.32-5.11 Great Grace

2011-07-07T14:41:00.000-04:00

This weeks story shows us a marked contrast. On the one hand, we have Barnabas, the cheerful giver who encourages others.

On the other hand, we have Ananias and Sapphira, who plot to withhold from God.
The penalty seems harsh (death), yet the matters are serious.

We know that we can lie to others and often get away with it; we deceive ourselves when we lie to God. We often live worried about what others will see and as though God cannot see.
How can we live lives that show integrity and honesty to God? How can we encourage others?
The grace of God is great. His giving never ends.

Acts 4.23-31 - The Nations

2011-06-30T14:18:00.000-04:00

Peter continually comments on the Psalms. In this passage, he refers to Psalm 2. The Psalm says:

Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth....
Happy are all who take refuge in him.

As you celebrate the 4th, remember your first freedom, the freedom of religion. We are free to take refuge in God in this nation. Kings (dictators and presidents & prime ministers, congresses & parliaments) and governments cannot protect us. God will protect and guide.Our freedom makes us servants to God.

As a bonus, read the first place this freedom appeared in American law in Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

Acts 4.1-22 - Conflict in the Temple

2011-06-23T14:34:00.000-04:00

When Peter and John and the apostles begin to speak boldly and heal the lame, the authorities in the temple listen. When God heals the lame man, the Sadducee are once again "annoyed" by the teaching that there is a resurrection, now proclaimed in Jesus. Unlike the Pharisees, the doctrine of the Sadducees denied the possibility of resurrection. Jesus' followers went a step further. In addition to their anticipated resurrection at the end of time, they proclaimed that one man, Jesus, had already been raised.
The apostles are bold to answer when the authorities ask, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” They proclaim Jesus Christ.
This scene reminds us of the courage it takes sometimes to proclaim your faith. Peter had denied Jesus before the crucifixion. Now, with the Spirit's help, he is no longer ashamed of his Lord.
May we have the same Spirit and the same boldness to proclaim Christ, especially to those who need to hear of the power of the resurrection.

Acts 2.1-13 - Pentecost

2011-05-25T11:18:00.000-04:00

This Sunday, we begin the season of Pentecost. I know, I know, Pentecost is supposed to be a day, and not a season. But we want to view the entire scene, not just the tongues descending, but Peter preaching and the people changing. So we should spend a few weeks hearing the entire story.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is a gift for the church today. The people saved at Pentecost were saved from the political and spiritual oppression of their daily life. People can find the same salvation today and receive the gift of the Spirit.
As you prepare for Pentecost, read the story of the tower of Bable and hear why and how human language divides us (Genesis 11.1-9). Land, ethnicity, and language may divide us; God's Spirit can unite us!

Resurrected Jesus in Luke

2011-04-28T15:08:00.000-04:00

What was Christ's resurrected body like? Like us, he ate (Luke 24.41). Like his previous ministry, Christ instructed the disciples (Luke 24.44). And the disciples were able to touch him (Luke 24.39). He was, as he said, "No ghost."
The resurrected Lord had overcome death; yet, he was still human and divine as before. May we listen for his risen teaching and his final instructions (Matt 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 21; and Acts 1.1-11).

Maundy Thursday - John 13

2011-04-21T14:26:00.001-04:00

Popular understanding and the story we've received tell us that the Thursday of Holy Week should commemorate Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples and the insitution of the sacrament Lord's Supper. And yet, by name, the word Maundy draws us to other locales in the scriptures.

Maundy means mandate, from the Latin mandare. Jesus institutes a sacrament and delivers a new commandment: "love one another" (John 13.34). In addition to loving the Lord our God and our neighbors, we are to love one another. This is so that the world will know that we are Jesus' disciples (John13.35).

As you think about this Thursday, think not only about the Lord's Supper, but, as a disciple of Jesus, think of the commandment given in the upper room.

Luke 22.39-53 - Garden of Gethsemane

2011-03-31T15:39:00.001-04:00

In the garden, Jesus' actions instruct us about prayer. The Christian life is a prayed life. What is prayer supposed to change? The world? Our problems? Our neighbors? The sick?
The first thing that prayer should change is us. When Jesus prayed in the garden, he asked that the cup of his suffering would pass from him. Jesus asked first for God's will.
When we approach God in prayer, we should primarily ask "thy will be done."
May we use prayer as an opportunity to get our will in line with God's will.

Luke 9.37-50

2011-03-10T14:18:00.000-05:00

This week's passage is found in all of the synoptic gospels. Read Mark 9.14-37 and Matthew 17.14-18..5. Compare the three tellings. In each gospel, some element of the story is more important, based on what they include or omit. John Calvin calls this the "harmony of the gospel." Like the parts of a song, each gospel varies in pitch, rhythm, and voice, yet they sing the same tune. For instance, ordinarily, Mark uses the fewest words to tell the story. Yet, in this case, Mark tells a more elaborate version of the story than Matthew or Luke.

Reading the synoptic gospels together can lead to a deeper understanding of Jesus life and ministry. Try it!

Luke 9.1-22

2011-02-24T13:28:00.000-05:00

Jesus' ministry takes a bold step in Chapter 9. Up to this point, the healing has been done by Jesus. After Jesus calls the twelve to take his message and ministry to the rest of Israel, the ministry of Jesus is no longer a local phenomenon. The twelve are sent to the other towns, ministering under the authority of Jesus. Ever since, Christ has called the church to ministry in Jesus' name.
The disciples also feed the 5,000 in the name of Jesus.
The fame of Jesus' ministry reaches the notice of Herod, the power of his day. Herod had John the Baptist killed hoping it would end the prophetic criticism of his kingdom. Along comes Jesus with the same message. Who is this Jesus?
The question echoes today. Who is this Jesus?
Many answers come from the crowds. The correct answer comes from Peter: Messiah.
When confronted with this same question, who do we say he is? And, more importantly, what does it mean to say that Jesus is the Messiah of God. If we say that He is Lord and King, what do we do next?
First, we recognize that we are not king. Someone else is Lord of our lives and Lord of everything.
Having confessed that Jesus is Lord, we conform our lives to His will, not our own. What change does the confession that Jesus is the Messiah create in you?

John the Baptist Cameo - Luke 7.18-35

2011-01-20T14:23:00.000-05:00

John the Baptist enters Luke's narrative once again. John's ministry did not end with the baptism of Jesus. John continuously called on the people to repent, proclaimed the kingdom of God, and baptized people into forgiveness.
Yet John knew his primary mission was to point to the Messiah. And John wants a definitive answer about Christ's messianic status. Jesus says that his ministry proclaims who he is.
Jesus then turns the tables. People wanted to know who John was. And why Jesus and John were so different. The ministry of John and the ministry of Jesus contrasted with one another greatly, yet they had the same message. John prophesied in the wilderness; Jesus stuck to the towns. Jesus goes to homes to eat what is put in front of him; John eats bugs. John allowed (even the wrong kind of) people come to him; Jesus went to the people.
Who's ministry is right?
Wrong question. But the answer is "both." When you're the messiah, you hear God speak one way; when you're the forerunner to the messiah, God speaks clearly to you as well.
And Jesus says something even more amazing - as great as John was, the least is greater than he. It's not a status thing, it's not earned; it's a grace thing. God gave John grace; God gives the least even more grace.

Luke 1.39-56

2010-12-09T14:26:00.000-05:00

Cousins often share a special relationship.
I love the story of Elizabeth and Mary. As cousins, they share family joy and fear. Elizabeth shares in the gift of prophecy with her son: Jesus is here; jump for joy.
Remember how tenuous Mary's situation is. She leaves her village for a reason. Think of how odd Elizabeth appears to her neighbors.
God has put them together to share in salvations promise.

Luke 1.26-38

2010-12-02T14:24:00.001-05:00

In this week's scripture, Mary learns that she will give birth to the Son of God and that her cousin will unexpectedly give birth. Mary's story is the story of society's most vulnerable. Jesus is not born into the wealthiest family or to Nazareth's most experienced parents. God did not send Jesus to the community with the best schools or to an earthly father who was anything other than a distant relative of David.
Luke describes Mary as someone on whom God has looked with favor. God's favor comes to us not as something we deserve. God's favor is grace. And Mary is humble, God's servant. Mary steps up to fulfill history.
"For nothing will be impossible with God."

Luke 6.37-49 - Sermon on the Plain (Part 2)

2010-11-11T15:46:00.000-05:00

Jesus' most famous sermon continues with some of his more famous imagery. Jesus is a preacher, but Jesus is not preachy. His images are earthy and easy to understand, yet they are not earthly, dull, or flat. Jesus' true message is about imitation and discipleship. If we follow the ways of Jesus, we are more concerned with leading ourselves than leading others.
When we call Him "Lord, Lord", we commit ourselves to imitate Him, learn His ways and follow Him.

Luke 6.20-37

2010-11-04T11:25:00.000-04:00

Two of Luke's difficult sayings on stewardship:

Luke 18.22

Acts 2.45

Luke 4 - part 2

2010-09-16T06:08:00.002-04:00

Unfortunately, this is what people think of when they think of an exorcism. Spinning heads and vomit. Priests leaping from windows. The reality of this kind of oppression is actually worse. The man in the congregation at Capernaum suffered greatly, with no relief until Christ. Many suffer the same way in our own day; often, this suffering is diagnosed as some sort of mental illness. (1) We do a disservice when we despiritualize this kind of suffering. (2) We must develop a healing ministry for people who suffer in this way. Casting out demons is not a matter of some type of incantation, but the healing power of the presence of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Luke 4

2010-09-15T23:12:00.000-04:00

In Luke 4, Jesus begins his ministry in the synagogue. Jesus preaches with authority, a recurrent theme early in Luke. What does this authority look like? What about someone else who reads the same words. Was Jesus just an effective public speaker? Surely that is not it. Some have spoken powerful, manipulative words, without this kind of authority. They led people to their deaths or had them kill others.

Jesus delivers the Old Testament prophetic message with a new authority, full of the grace of God, delivered to an amazed and sometimes angered congregation. Healing and exorcism accompany these sermons. Jesus came to transform and show the true power of God for humanity. As he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God...I was sent for this pupose." God be praised.

Luke

2010-08-19T09:29:00.002-04:00

This week we begin an extended sermon series on the gospel of Luke.

Some common assumptions about Luke the writer:

1. Physician - the gospel of Luke recounts many healings and presents a compassionate Jesus. However, this profession for Luke is biblically based on Colossians 4, not the gospel itself.

2. Gentile - if Luke is a Gentile writer, he is certainly the evangelist most interested in the Jewishness of Jesus. The beginning chapters of Luke's gospel present close up views of the Temple and Jesus' very Jewish upbringing, including his circumcision on the eighth day. Based on this information, recent scholars have challenged this tradition.

3. Character in the Story - in Acts 16, Luke uses "we" in the narrative, placing himself in the story as Paul sails the Mediterranean.

The gospel:

1. Is part one of a two part series, including the book of Acts. Paul begins before the birth of Jesus and ends with Paul in Rome.

2. Is not really a gospel, but an epistle to a certain new Christian named Theophilus.

3. Is intended "so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed" (Luke 1.4).

Amos 5 - Overflowing Worship

2010-07-08T14:39:00.002-04:00

Amos 5.24 is probably the most famous passage in the book, particularly over the last century. Martin Luther King's quotation of the text will echo for years to come. Hard to top that.

These are some of the strongest words of the prophet Amos. The day of the Lord is dark. The Lord calls Israel to task, not just for its actions, but also for its very worship, a worship pleasing to humanity and displeasing to God.

"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."

May our worship overflow with spirit and truth!

219th General Assembly

2010-07-06T12:01:00.003-04:00

Click here to watch and keep up with the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s General Assembly in Minneapolis.

Heidelberg Catechism

2010-06-10T20:42:00.004-04:00

I hope you are enjoying the Heidelberg Catechism in the Thursday updates. Kevin DeYoung, from the Reformed Church (a Dutch Reformed cousin of the PC(USA)), has written a neat little book about the catechism called The Good News We Almost Forgot. Check it out if you want to know more about this timeless summary of the faith.

1 Corinthians 14

2010-05-27T12:51:00.002-04:00

This Sunday, we continue our study of the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 14.

Paul answers two questions:

1. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts?

Answer: Build up the church, not ourselves

2. What is the goal of the gifts?

Answer: To show unbelievers that "God is really among you."

Paul's discussion is more complicated than this, but essentially, because the church at Corinth had forgotten the purpose of the gifts, they had elevated one gift above all the others - tongues. God's purpose in the gifts is for unbelievers to find faith.

How can we use our gifts for the benefit of unbelievers?

George Goodman

2010-05-20T14:20:00.004-04:00

Rev. George Goodman is preaching on Romans 8 this Sunday. In July, George retires from 20 years of service to Presbytery of the Peaks as Associate General Presbyter. Fittingly, he brings a message on Pentecost to a congregation whose formation he helped make possible and assisted from the beginning. George is committed to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and courageously preaches the word of God. His ministry to the ministers of Peaks Presbytery has left a legacy of honest caring and intentional listening.

I thank God for George Goodman.

1 Corinthians 13 - love

2010-05-13T10:50:00.004-04:00

Sunday, we arrive at 1 Corinthians 13, a passage commonly used at weddings. This is one of my favorite passages from the Bible. We so often hear it out of context; our challenge is to hear it within its context. Read 1 Corinthians 12 to hear echoes in 1 Corinthians 13. The gifts mentioned there must be rooted and grounded in love. Love is the better way.

The truly difficult word to understand in the passage is "love". Greek has three words for love: eros (desire), philos (friendship/companionship), and agape (self-emptying, divine). 1 Corinthians 13 uses agape. 1 Corinthians 13 is not a romantic passage. God emptied Himself in Jesus Christ, the ultimate act of this kind of love. How can we seek this kind of love in our lives? Love is the greatest.

1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts

2010-05-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

Spiritual Gifts Assessment from Church Growth Institute, the Methodist Church or Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Passages for Spiritual Gifts

Romans 12.6-8

Ephesians 4.11-12

1 Corinthians 12

Galatians 5

1 Corinthians 11

2010-04-29T12:24:00.000-04:00

To understand Paul's discussion of hair and clothing at worship, we need to understand its context. The statue of Caesar above shows how Caesar would have led worship, wearing this robe and hood with his office.

When it came to prayer and worship, superstition abounded among the Gentiles. Paul's later discussion of noisy gongs and clanging cymbols reminded his contemporaries of the insistence of noise, so that nothing interrupted their prayers.

Paul appeals to making our worship counter-cultural. The pagan males cover their heads; Corinthian men should not. The women do not cover their heads; Corinthian women could set themselves apart with shawls.

As Christians, we struggle with what to accept from our culture, what to reject, and what to subvert. Fashions change; the Lord does not change.

A larger issue for worship Paul discusses is the Lord's Supper. The practice of the Lord's Supper divided Corinth. The Supper signifies Christ. The practice of the Supper often distracts and points to something else. For the Christian community, the Lord's Supper offers the reality of Christ through the Holy Spirit. For Corinth, the Supper meant bring your own food and wine. The Corinthians eat on their own, together, not sharing. The taste, smell, and texture of the cup and the bread remind us of Jesus only when we eat together, not seeking to eat alone.

1 Corinthians 10 - Old Testament references

2010-04-26T10:11:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 10.2 - Exodus 13 - 14
1 Corinthians 10.3 - Exodus 16
1 Corinthians 10.4 - Exodus 17
1 Corinthians 10.7 - Exodus 32
1 Corinthians 10.8 - Numbers 25
1 Corinthians 10.9 - Numbers 21
1 Corinthians 10.10 - Numbers 14

1 Corinthians 10

2010-04-22T08:38:00.000-04:00

Since Easter, we have dwelt in Paul's discussion of the resurrection. Paul spends time discussing doctrines that the church has dropped. Belief in the resurrection, both Jesus' resurrection in the first century and the general resurrection in the future, is crucial to Christian faith now.

This Sunday, we jump back to 1 Corinthians 10, where we will lead up to Pentecost and the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 14. Paul addresses a community with two theologies competing with the Christian faith. Many of the Jewish Christian members of the community struggle with their old identity in the face of pagan converts; the former pagans struggle with the exclusive claims of the Christian faith. On top of this, in Jesus Christ, a new identity is forged in freedom and grace.

Context determines how we exercise our freedom in Christ.

For Corinth, freedom in Christ meant eating or not eating idol meat. For Christians today, there are many forms of idol meat - alcohol, vegetarianism, etc. There are actions that hurt our testimony to this freedom in Christ in the eyes of some unbelievers; these same actions are fine outside their presence.

Conscience is our guide, not legalism. Yet the conscience we follow is not always our own.

We Presbyterians say that "God alone is Lord of the conscience", as Paul reaffirms here. Yet sometimes our own conscience is not primary. The conscience of the unbeliever, out attempts to win everyone for Christ, should determine our behavior.

1 Corinthians 2.1-5

2010-03-25T13:10:00.000-04:00

This Sunday is Passion/Palm Sunday. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem placed Jesus onto the radar screen of the authorities. The cries of the people, Hosanna ([God] save us), reminded the Roman and Jerusalem authorities of prophecy and politics. Although the authorities did not understand his kingdom or his message, they were correct in his annointing. The scene swiftly shifts from the palm lined entrance of a messiah into Jerusalem to the cross of a suffering servant.

Paul believes he is a herald of this king. No ordinary messenger, a herald brings the special message of a royal person. Heralds have authority and speak directly on behalf of a king. When Paul uses the word "proclamation" (kerygma), he means that his preaching is a royal message from the king of the universe.

The heart of Paul's proclamation is Jesus Christ and the cross. The cross reveals the power of God. On the cross, Jesus Christ died perfectly obedient to God, judging humanity and offering forgiveness.

During Holy Week, we remember the cross. The road to the empty tomb passes through Golgotha, blocked by the cross. Jesus Christ suffered on our behalf. May we pause there this week to see the true power of God.

Youth Sunday

2010-03-18T15:11:00.000-04:00

^"12Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching." 1 Timothy 4.12-13

Since Forest Presbyterian's youth group is leading worship 3/21/2010, there is no sermon update this week. Check back next Thursday for Passion/Palm Sunday, when we will discuss 1 Corinthians 2.1-5. Check out the podcast link to the right to listen to earlier sermons.

God bless!

Yours in Christ...

1 Corinthians 6

2010-03-11T11:08:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, Paul pushes the Corinthians further on the ethics of the community. He argues against taking fellow Christians to court and the anti-nomianism present at Corinth.

In Matthew, Jesus counsels the church to resolve disputes in the church face to face, before even involving any other people. Jesus understood human nature and our desire to solve our problems by involving others. Jesus counsels that we be direct, honest, and assertive.

The Corinthians had begun to take church matters into the Roman courts. Acts 18 shows how quickly the Corinthians had forgotten their history; the leaders of the synagogue tried to take Paul to court. Now, the Corinthian church was repeating history, asking a pagan civil court to settle a theological matter. Our baptism join us together in Christ and means Christians should settle our disputes within the community if at all possible.

The phrase "all things are lawful for me" translates more literally as "all things are possible." The law is not even at issue. The Corinthians think that since they are free from the letter of the law that they can do whatever they want. Paul counters with his earlier metaphor - our bodies are the very presence of God in the world, a temple, a place set apart. Paul focuses their attention on the Spirit within. Our response to the grace of God - glorify!

May we glorify and enjoy God forever!

1 Corinthians 5

2010-03-04T10:19:00.000-05:00

Paul's epistles are "occasional" letters. Occasional does not mean that the letters are written at irregularly spaced intervals. Instead, Paul's letters are addressed to specific congregations with specific issues. Corinth's issues revolve around sex, resources/food, and power.

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul finally begins to address the issues at hand. The word Paul uses is porneia, the root for our word pornography (a written porneia). The root of Porneia meant prostitute, male or female. This kind of sexual anarchy described violates the sanctity of the community and of the individuals involved. In Corinth, a man is living with his father's wife. Paul accuses a member of the community of incest, an ethical violation in virtually every culture. This breach corroded the life of the congregation and led to arrogance and defensiveness.

Paul makes the theological connection between sex and passover. Passover is a time for renewal and restoration, a deliverance from whatever is oppressing us. Lent is the forty days leading up to passover, a time to throw out the old things from our lives, remembering what Jesus has done for us and the new life to which he has called us. Actions based in "Sincerity and Truth" require repentance. May we become worthy, for worthy is the Lamb, Jesus Christ!

1 Corinthians 4

2010-02-25T09:27:00.000-05:00

Since he is soon to virtually disappear from Paul's letter to Corinth, we should speak more about Apollos. Apollos remains a mysterious character in the Bible. He grew up in Alexandria and appears at Ephesus in Acts 18.24-28. After Priscilla and Aquila teach him "the Way of God," Luke's euphemism for faith in Christ, Apollos goes to Greece, where he eventually comes to teach in Corinth.

Alexandria was the seat of knowledge in the ancient world, famed for its library. Founded by the conquering hero Alexander the Great, who saw himself as the new Pharoah, scholars tells us that ancient Alexandria developed into a city whose population was one third Egyptian, one third Greek, and one third Jewish. Philo's school there taught a unique brand of Judaism, heavily influenced by Greek philosophy and rhetoric. Apollos must have been raised in this tradition, which gave him the confidence to "speak boldly in the synagogue" (Acts 18.26).

Acts comment that Apollos "powerfully refuted the Jews in public" (Acts 18.28) tells how persuasive he must have been. Paul's refutation had led him before Gallio, the local Roman magistrate. Paul would have relished the opportunity to offer a defense before Gallio; God had other plans. Apollos had the rhtorical skill to avoid that kind of confrontation, for a time.

Where Apollos succeeded with outsiders, he struggle within the church. St Jerome tells us that Apollos left for Crete, returning to Corinth only after Paul's letter. This is tradition, not scripturally based. Paul says that he encouraged Apollos to return from Ephesus (1 Cor 16.12). Apollos politely refused. Corinth was an ornery bunch, tougher opponents for Apollos than the leaders of the synagogue.

Some, including Martin Luther, believe Apollos wrote Hebrews. Hebrews reads more like a sermon or a teaching than a letter. Paul or someone else may have written it. The text gives us few clues. Martin Luther's idea is more of a wish than scholarship.

Ultimately, Apollos was a faithful preacher and teacher, who demurred when people thought more highly of him than Paul. Many say he later became a bishop, some say there in Corinth. More importantly, Apollos would have remained a faithful, dynamic teacher of the Way of God.

1 Corinthians 2.6-16

2010-02-11T13:26:00.000-05:00

On Passion/Palm Sunday we will come back to 1 Cor 2.1-5. This Sunday, we will focus on the remainder of chapter 2.

One word can make all the difference in our understanding of the scriptures. In this case, the word "unspiritual" (v14) causes the problem. Unspiritual does not accurately translate the word psychikos. Nor does the "natural man" of the King James Version.

Paul intends to contrast the spirit and the psyche. The Greek means something more like the "psychological man" - the person who is focused on the inner self.

The psyche is not bad, but it is not the basis for life with God. The Spirit completes us. We have a human part and a God part. The human part is already there, filled with the human spirit. The spiritual part is empty, destroyed at the fall, filled in only when we receive the spirit of God.

The Corinth church was filled with people who believed they had spirit, and that others in the church did not. But that is a story for later in the book. His main purpose here is to orient us around the Spirit of God, the foundation of all true Wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1.18-31

2010-01-28T11:35:00.000-05:00

²²For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, ²³but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

The community in Corinth consisted of a mixture of backgrounds, Gentile and Jewish. In order to understand the difficulty these groups had trusting and understanding the cross of Jesus Christ, Paul's other epistles provide some clue.

For the Jews, dying on a tree was an abomination. As Paul quotes Deuteronomy 21.22-23 in his epistle to Galatia, "for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.”" Crucifixion, according to modern historians, usually involved nailing the victim to a standing tree (our modern imagination of the event ordinarily contains a post driven into the ground - still a tree), putting him under this curse (Deuteronomy also explains why Jesus followers were so insistent that his body come down right away). Paul offers a theological explanation for this manner of death. In Galatians 3.13, Paul he says that Jesus became a curse for us in order to remove the curse of the law. The legal source of the stumbling is understandable, albeit surmountable.

The Gentiles were under the sway of gnosticism, the philosophical schools of the day, and many other worldviews. Paul lumps them together in Colossians. The key to understanding Paul's problem with this "wisdom" is that it is constructed by humans. Wisdom is not bad according to Paul; any wisdom which elevates itself above Christ is.

How do we understand the cross today? What are our stumbling blocks? What wisdom competes with the cross?

²⁴but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1.10-17

2010-01-21T12:59:00.000-05:00

Although Corinth was an ancient Greek city, many of its inhabitants during Paul's time were new immigrants.

1 Corinthians menitions a Gaius. Acts 18 names a Titius Justus. R. F. Collins suggests that they are the same person, a wealthy Roman colonist, a former soldier, Gauis Titius Justus. As the Roman Empire ran out of money, they began to pay former soldiers in land.

Corinth was a port city, standing along the Isthmus of Corinth. The southern section of Greece, the Peloponesus, is a penninsula. Today, a bridge connects Corinth to the mainland of Greece and a canal cuts across the isthmus.

The Romans destroyed the city in 146 BC under L. Mummius. Jews, Romans, Greeks and others from around the world resettled Corinth.

As context for the epistle, Corinth hustles and bustles with the activity of a busy seaport. Converted the Gentiles still struggle with their relationship to their former idols; Jewish Christians still seek to hold firmly to their traditions; the new Christians, like Paul, struggle to proclaim the gospel of Christ amidst the confusion.

Corinth's conflict is implied by Paul's answer to it. In this week's section (1.10-17), the Corinthians are voting for their favorite apostle instead of Jesus and attempting to establish their own authority based on who performed their baptisms.

Paul's letter intends to focus Corinth on the cross, the love of Christ, and the power of the resurrection. And so should we.

1 Corinthians 1

2010-01-14T13:32:00.000-05:00

This week, we begin with the Paul's first epistle to Corinth. Although Paul wrote and refers to other letters to Corinth, only two remain as scripture.

Paul founded and had a rocky, intense relationship with the church at Corinth. Luke gives us his version of the story in Acts 18.1-18. Notice the names that the two books have in common, particularly Priscilla and Aquila (who are no longer in Corinth when the letter is written), and Sosthenes (Paul's secretary), who is beaten before the local magistrate.

An epistle is a letter. Think of letters you have written - what is in them? Paul's letter begins as any other letter would, by telling who is writing and by naming the addressee. Then, Paul greets his readers. Paul's greeting is worshipful. His greeting does not come from himself - it comes from God in Christ.

Matthew 1.18-25

2009-12-17T11:01:00.000-05:00

At Christmas, we often focus on the birth of Jesus found in Luke 2. Matthew's story is often forgotten. The lectionary relegates Matthew 2 to Epiphany, after the twelve days of Christmas. Yet it is Matthew who tells us about Joseph and how Jesus descends from Abraham.

We are reminded first of Jesus genealogy (Matt 1.1-17). Note this inclusion of the four women; their stories are mostly scandalous (Rahab, Tamar, Ruth , and the wife of Uriah, Bathsheeba).

Jack Kingsbury reminds us that Matthew's story is about Jesus. It is easy to get lost in the settings, animals, and minor characters at Christmas, yet the story remains about Jesus.

It is easy for Jesus to get lost in the shuffle.

This Sunday's sermon focuses on one word in Greek - "genesis". The NRSV translates Genesis as "birth;" others argue that the broader sense of this word should be used. Jack Kingsbury says that this passage tells not of the birth of the baby Jesus, but the origin of the name Jesus. As Joseph struggles to accept and name this child, salvation history hangs in the balance....

Zephanian 3.14-20

2009-12-10T11:02:00.000-05:00

painting by Gwen Meharg

We continue this week in the minor prophets with Zephaniah. Zephaniah was roughly contemporary with the reformist king Josiah of Judah (2 Kings 22). The story of Josiah is fascinating. The priests rediscover the Hebrew scriptures, most importantly the book of Deuteronomy. In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah begins to implement God's law. Idols are cast out. The people begin to worship the Lord. Josiah is the last good king in 2 Kings.

Zephaniah's prophecy most likely heralded and caused this change in Judah. In Zephaniah's prophecy, God's judgment universal judgment gives way to the possibility for universal restoration. The message of Zephaniah holds today. At Christmas, God established His presence in the midst of the people, coming as a strong deliverer, beginning to reconcile the world through a baby. The cross of Jesus proclaims the same universal judgment on sin, evil, and injustice; the resurrection proves that the incarnation began to restore all the world to God, gathering in the lame and the outcast.

Rejoice!

Advent 2

2009-12-03T10:25:00.000-05:00

In Hebrew, Malachi means my messenger. It is the same word used in the Old Testament for angel.

The book of Malachi is a book of disputatons, a series of questions and answers. This Sunday's text does not include the questions from the end of chapter 2: "How have we wearied him [the Lord]?" (answer: by saying, "all who do evil are good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them") and "Where is the God of justice?" Yet this final question is the springboard for Malachi's message.

Malachi answers the second question, saying that the Lord is coming and how he will act when he comes. His message was one of repentance and reform. "Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3.7)

Christians interpret Malachi in a post-Christmas context. In this text, Malachi is a messenger sent to tell of a second messenger (John the Baptist) who prepares the way for the Lord (Jesus Christ). The fundamental question still remains: knowing of the Lord's (re)appearance, what are we going to do to prepare for him?

Tax Collector's Guide to Stewardship 3 - Matthew 25.14-30

2009-11-12T11:40:00.000-05:00

The denominations of money used in Matthew's gospel are larger than Luke. Matthew tells Jesus' parable of the talents; Luke recounts the parable of the pounds (not to be confused with this pound) and the widow's mite.

Based on the larger denominations of money, Matthew's community was probably wealthier than Luke's. Matthew's community has the resources to give. Jesus warns Matthew's readers about the consequences of their stinginess; he minces no words.

The parable also calls people to take risks for the kingdom.

As a wealthy people, Matthew's gospel speaks a tough word to us today, even and especially in a harsh economic environment.

The parable of the talents is much discussed, for its obvious English double entendre. The English word talent, meaning abilities, derives from the monetary unit, not the other way around.

Tax Collector's Guide to Stewardship 2 - Matthew 13

2009-11-05T13:09:00.000-05:00

In Matthew 13, Jesus tells two parables about two small items: a mustard seed and yeast. Jesus' parables teach us through commonplace images.

Once the yeast goes into the dough, there is no going back. The bread may not rise or bake properly, but the bread will never be the same. We live in a Wonderbread culture, where food magically appears in grocery stores. Unless your family bakes, you may have begun to lose your connection to this image of yeast. Yet, real dough takes time to rise. The kingdom of heaven is not instantaneous.

The Mustard Seed parable has most recently dominated conversations on CNBC about the market. Investment theories can come from anywhere. Although Jesus parables may make some sense when discussing the market, we must also recognize that Jesus meant to talk about the Kingdom against the backdrop of money and resources, in a world that lives and breathes stuff, rather than talking about stuff in a world that lives and breathes the Kingdom.

How is the Kingdom like a mustard seed? How is the Kingdom like yeast?

Tax Collector's Guide to Stewardship - Matthew 22

2009-10-30T13:59:00.001-04:00

In this week's passage, we hear Jesus give an unsurprising answer to an obvious question. Attempts to trip Jesus on the law always fall flat. Jesus keeps the main thing the main thing.
And yet, there is a lot going on here.
The First Commandment comes from Deuteronomy 6. What sounds do we hear every day? Do we listen? Israel was commanded to listen and repeat.
The Second Commandment comes from Leviticus. Leviticus grounds many attempts to read through the Bible in one year. Yet, within a book of sacrificial instructions, comes this wonderful passage on neighbors. I love the end of Leviticus 19.14: I am the Lord. After every commandment, we are reminded that God is the Lord.
Stewardship begins not with our money, but with ourselves. May we use this season of stewardship as a time to change ourselves.

Ruth 4

2009-10-22T13:49:00.000-04:00

^"7Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one took off a sandal and gave it to the other; this was the manner of attesting in Israel. ⁸So when the next-of-kin said to Boaz, “Acquire it for yourself,” he took off his sandal."

How do we make covenants today? How do we signify a transaction has taken place? A signature? A handshake? You probably would not give someone your shoes.

Boaz made his covenant by taking off his shoe. When I think of this agreement, among other things, I think of Moses, standing on holy ground, taking off his shoes before the burning bush.

People in some cultures take off their shoes when they enter a building. Taking off our shoes usually signifies respect. It makes hospitality (and agreements) difficult to leave, makes it more painful to walk away. In some way, Boaz's word is consecrated.

Genealogy also plays a key role in this passage. Some genealogies run forwards (past to present). Others run backwards (back to the source). Pay careful attention to who is included and who is left out. What story does the genealogy of Ruth and Boaz's children tell? Why?

Ruth 3

2009-10-15T11:38:00.000-04:00

The best example of threshing I've seen is in the move Sweet Land, a movie about immigrants to the U.S. Midwest. They thresh the grain the old-fashioned way. Impressive work for such a small amount of grain. It is hard to describe, yet it forms many of the images of the Bible, particularly in the preaching of John the Baptist and Jesus. The threshing floor is also the scene for Ruth 3.

This Sunday's sermon also deals with the messy issue of family. Nobody's family is perfect.

Sunday's text is one part embarassing, one part romantic, and one part confusing. Ruth makes a courageous move toward Boaz, one that could have ended poorly, shaming Boaz and herself.

When the term "next-of-kin" is used, another rendering of this term is "kinsman redeemer." Since land in Israel reverted to the tribe during jubilee years, only a family member could redeem family land in dispute. Only a family member could redeem a family member.

Ruth 2

2009-10-01T15:00:00.000-04:00

Gleaning, Ruth's temporary profession, continues to this day.

Leviticus 19.9-10 and Deuteronomy 24.17-22 tell the Lord's commandments about gleaning. These verses help us to understand Ruth's context.

In our time, poverty is still rampant, particularly for widows and orphans around the world. Most of us do not have a farm, nor anywhere for others to glean.

Yet, we can do something about poverty. Read Ronald Sider's book about hunger. Chew on his prescriptions.

Learn about Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest). Find out what Americans are doing to end hunger.

Discover the Society of Saint Andrew and see how Chirstians are gleaning to end hunger today.

Read about World Communion Sunday, which is this Sunday. The Presbyterian Church (USA) focuses on peacemaking this Sunday. If we could end war, we could make a dent in starvation.

Finally, prepare yourself for the bread of life, gleaned from the harvest that God sowed, food from the free gift of grace, given and not earned.

Ruth 1

2009-09-24T13:48:00.000-04:00

This week, we begin studying the story of Ruth.

The book of judges ends "...and [every man] did what was right in [his] own eyes" (Judges 21.25) The Hebrew uses the word for man, not the word for human being, or person, (adam - yes, the first person was named "human being"). If all of the men are behaving badly, it is interesting to find the story of women of faith, compassion, and service, a remedy to the collapsed society of the Judges.

A name is everything in Hebrew, as we hear Naomi change her name from "Pleasant" to "Bitter."

Naomi = pleasant

Ruth = companion, friend

Orpah = neck, back-turner

Mahlon = sickly, weak

Chilion = finished, done (they don't stand a chance, do they?)

The story of Ruth does follow her name - it is a story of friendship, companionship, and love. It is also a story of poverty, desperation and compassion. And it is the story of a God who develops a royal lineage, willing to take yet another detour through the plains of Moab, patiently walking beside us until our story reaches the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1) and beyond, even to us.

Stewardship Post

2009-09-22T11:08:00.001-04:00

I've posted a stewardship study link on my other blog - you can click on it over to the right. Check it out!

Jonah 4 - Angry Prophet, Loving God

2009-09-17T10:45:00.001-04:00

If you had had a great success, what would your reaction be? Maybe you didn't want to do the job in the first place, but nothing stood in your way. Would you be happy if you succeeded? Would you want to see things through to the end? Would you secretly hope for failure?

Ninevah has heard Jonah's message. God has spared the great city, much to Jonah's chagrin. Jonah mopes outside the city to see what will happen.

The last chapter of Jonah read like a parable, ending with an open-ended question. God is asking us this same question.

Jonah's name comes up in the New Testament at Matthew 12.38. The people cry out for a sign; Jesus gives them Jonah's sign, prophesying his death and resurrection, causing the early church to depict Jonah's story in art alongside the good shepherd.

The plant in the story is either a castor oil plant or a bottle-gourd. Jonah sets up a Succoth, or booth. The original meaning of Succoth is "thicket." Bottle-gourds grow as vines. Castor leaves can grow to 45 cm.

The "worm" is most likely a black vine weevil grub. The grubs live in the soil, attacking the plant from below. The grubs attack the root of the plant destroying it from within.

Are you like Jonah? Have you built a booth?

Jonah 3

2009-09-10T14:02:00.000-04:00

If the first two chapters of Jonah are a detour, chapter three details God's original purpose for Ninevah - a message of judgment and an opportunity for repentance.

First, notice the use of numbers in Jonah. Three days comes up continually. Forty days is also a Biblical time frame: Noah (Genesis 7-8 - although the flood lasted 150 days total), Moses (Exodus 24), and Jesus' tempation in the wilderness (Matthew 4, Mark 1.12, Luke 4), to name a few. Lent lasts forty days and begins with the same sign of ashes. 40 days is a time for meditation, reflection and intentional repentance.

How many days would it take you to walk across Forest or Lynchburg? while talking?

Also, notice the interaction of the people with their livestock. It is not enough to repent on their own; their animals, the people's possessions and livelihoods, are part of the problem and the solution. Our lives are not neatly divided into our stuff and God's stuff; we cannot spiritually repent and continue to live as we have. And God loves creation, including animals.

Next week: people and much cattle.

Jonah's Song

2009-09-03T12:53:00.000-04:00

People remember Jonah and the fish/whale, but they seldom remember that Jonah was a songwriter. The narrative pauses and a psalm begins. St Athanasius said that the Psalms are unique among the scriptures in that most scriptures speak to us; a Psalm speaks for us.

Only a song could describe the change that occurs within Jonah. A change of heart, an "A-ha!", is difficult to describe. There may be no action that the world can see. Yet a great change occurs within the human heart; God moves us further than any car, train, airplane, or, in Jonah's case, boat could ever take us.

Deep within the belly of an aquatic giant, a song begins.

Jonah describes his rescue in a song. Was it a changed Jonah who wrote the song or the song that changed Jonah?

If you could tell the story of your relationship with the Lord in a song, what would it be? What images would you use? Try it.

See the other Jonah Marbles.

Jonah 1

2009-08-27T13:16:00.001-04:00

This week, we begin a four week study of the book of Jonah!

Jonah is a Bible School and Sunday School favorite. What do you remember from Jonah growing up? Most likely, the "whale" (the Hebrew says "big fish" - we can talk about him later).

The story of Jonah endures, for many reasons. Most importantly, Jonah is human. And his story reveals a lot about the character of the LORD to us.

Jonah is part of the collection of the Book of the Twelve, or the Minor Prophets (called minor because their books are smaller, not more or less important). Most of these prophets are short on narrative about their respective prophet and long on message, usually a prophecy to Judah or Israel (the divided kingdoms of Israel), or some surrounding nation.

OT reference:

Jonah is a common name. The book of Jonah gives us no real historical foothold, instead a large window of time, because Ninevah prominence lasted only so long before the Medes and Babylonians overran them.

However, 2 Kings 14.25 mentions a Jonah. Some say are the same prophet. It is plausible, but no one really knows.

Mark 4.35 (compare Mt 8.23-27, Luke 8.22-25) shows Jesus in a boat, asleep. The contrast between Jesus' and Jonah's experiences in the boat certainly come to mind.

Have more fun with Jonah here.

James Finale

2009-08-20T11:18:00.000-04:00

Sunday is our final foray into James' epistle. His closing themes are justice, patience, integrity, and prayer, particularly prayers for the sick.

Some scriptures to read beforehand:

Elijah's Prayers for Rain: 1 Kings 17-18 (particularly 17.1-7 & 18.41-46)

Swearing: Matthew 5.33-37; 23.16-22

Riches: Matthew 5.19-21

Remember, James and Matthew share many verses and themes. Try re-reading James and then quickly reading sections of Matthew, specifically Jesus' teachings. Enjoy!

(Preview: next week, we begin a 4-week series on Jonah)

Jeh-

Ovah

Needs

All

Humans

Grace Abounds

2009-08-13T13:17:00.000-04:00

We have no "autograph" copies of the bible, meaning no texts written in the original author's hand (or any other kind of autograph, for that matter - how much would Paul's autograph fetch on ebay). When biblical scholars compare ancient manuscripts, especially the odlest copies, they find minor differences between the texts. This week, we find out how one letter can make a big difference in the translation of the Bible.

In verse 2 of James 4, beginning with the scholar Erasmus, scholars have recognized that the word for envy turns into the word murder if one letter is left out. Even a conservative commentator like Calvin thought that this was likely an omission in the text. Bringing the text once again to the thorny problem of envy.

Grace is the antidote to sin. We talk much about sin, without giving it a definition. Literally, the word for sin means "to miss the mark," as an arrow would fall short of a target. Before reading James's definition of sin in verse 17, compare, contrast, and consider Paul's definition in Romans 14.23.

Follow-up to James 3

2009-08-11T10:04:00.001-04:00

Check out this speech by Alain de Botton at the TED conference. Chapter 3 of James touched briefly on envy; de Botton's speech is an excellent follow-up (although it is not a sermon, it still begs us to reach for a spiritual center), particularly as envy relates to our work life.

James begs us to act as equals, neighbors, in the church. His divine wisdom realizes that egalitarianism and equality struggle constantly with envy and selfish-ambition.

Wisdom 2

2009-08-06T14:52:00.000-04:00

This week, we continue in James 3. James speaks of the tongue. What are our modern equivalents of the tongue. Blogs? Facebook? Email? Twitter?

What is heavenly wisdom? Where have you seen it?

The Wisdom of Jimmy

2009-07-23T17:00:00.000-04:00

This Sunday we begin a sermon series on the book of James. James packs a lot of teaching into a short book.

James closely tracks many of the teachings in the book of Matthew. Were the two writers in similar circles? Was the two books written by the same person?

James is also called a catholic (universal) or general epistle. This means that the epistle was not written to a particular church. James was written to the twelve tribes of the diaspora (the church scattered throughout the ancient world).

The words of James are sometimes troubling and always challenging.

Sermon Title: Single-minded Faith

Text: James 1

Sowing & Reaping

2009-07-14T11:24:00.000-04:00

"Sowing & Reaping" will begin to have regular blog entries again, mostly random thoughts and links. Sermon info will continue to appear here on Thursdays. A link is also available in the "links."

Road, Unforgotten, Life-Form

2009-07-09T09:42:00.000-04:00

This Sunday's passage is often used at funerals and has been a flashpoint for heated theological discussion.

We will focus on the three words of the I am saying: way, truth, and life. "Life" is a recurrent theme throughout the "I am" sayings.

In Acts, the earliest Christians were called people "who belonged to the Way" (Acts 9.2).

In John's gospel, Pilate asks, "What is truth?" (John 18.38). Jesus also says in John, "You will know the truth and the truth will make you free." (Jon 8.32)

John 12 marks a distinct shift in John's gospel. Some scholars say that John moves from an account of the signs and wonders of Jesus (John 1-11) to an account of the exaltation of the Son of Man (John 12-21).

Read John 11.45-13.38. Raising Lazarus from the dead is the final straw for the authorities in Jerusalem. Jesus must die; the Palm Sunday/Good Friday/Passion narrative begins. The chapters following the foot-washing scene of John 12 read like a farewell address. The "I am" sayings are the bridge unifying the two sections of the book.

PS - there is a bonus "I am" saying in John 6.20.

John 11 - Resurrection and the Life

2009-07-02T10:33:00.000-04:00

John 11

"I am the resurrection and the life...."

What separated Pharisees from Saducees, among other things, was belief in the resurrection of the dead. At the judgment, at the end of this age, the Pharisees (and probably a majority of Jesus' Jewish contemporaries) believed that the dead would rise and be judged. Mary believes like her contemporaries. In Christian doctrine, we call this teaching the "General Resurrection" . As the Westminster Larger Catechism says, "at the last day, there shall be a general resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust" (Book of Confessions - 7.197).

Jesus wants to clarify this final resurrection for her and for us. When we believe in Jesus, the resurrection and the life, "the bodies of the just, by the Spirit of Christ, and by virtue of his resurrection as their head, shall be raised in power, spiritual, and incorruptible, and made like to his glorious body" (BoC - 7.197). Good news indeed!

Yet when Jesus spoke of eternal life, he spoke of more than life after death or the final resurrection. Jesus spoke of the eternal life that begins now! If we have eternal life, what does that mean for the way we live today? Does what we do today have an impact on eternity?

(Click here to read more from the Book of Confessions on PDF)

"I am the Good Shepherd"

2009-06-25T11:20:00.000-04:00

John 10. 11-18

"Staying with the Sheep"

This Sunday, we continue with Christ's figure of the sheep and the shepherds. (This "figure of speech" (v6) is the closest thing to a parable in John's gospel) Shepherd imagery is found in Ezekiel 34. Ezekiel prophesied the Lord as shepherd.

Jesus knew this scripture and used a figure that the people could understand. Jesus interpreted the meaning of this imagery for his own ministry and mission to the world.

Verses 23-24 are powerful and messianic. "I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them and be their shepherd."

Psalm 23 is also an appropriate meditation for this week.

Thank you God for Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd.

John 10 - "I am the Gate"

2009-06-18T11:56:00.000-04:00

John 10.1-10

"Open to God"

We will spend two Sundays on John 10. In the first half, Jesus says that he is the gate. The Bible talks a lot about sheep and shepherds. Jesus uses an everyday image that was familiar to his audience.

Sheep were so crucial to worship in the Temple, that Nehemiah 3 describes the restoration of the Sheep Gate, on the Northeast corner of the Temple.

Sheep bond with their shepherds, recoginizing their voices and responding to their songs.

May we listen for the voice of our shepherd.

Pray for our youth and their chaperones on their trip to Massanetta. Have fun and grow in Christ together!

Light of the World

2009-06-11T11:49:00.000-04:00

John 8.12-30 - "Walking in Christ's Clarity"

Where did I come from? Where am I going? Why am I here?

Have you ever asked yourself these questions? Jesus was clear about his answers to these questions, although his answers mystified his contemporaries and lead us into spiritual reflection. And it should lead us to ask Him for clarity in our lives.

This week, as Jesus says, "I AM the light of the world," what does that light mean for our lives?

Read Exodus 13.17-14.25 to hear the story of the pillar of fire, the Lord leading the people in the wilderness as light in the darkness. Also see Deuteronomy 16.13-17 for more about the festival of tabernacles or booths, celebrated in John 8.

Congratulations to the class of 2009 - Alex, Brian, Dorothy, and Joshua. God bless you in the years ahead!

Join me for the church-wide picnic after church!

"I AM..."

2009-06-04T15:00:00.000-04:00

This week we begin a new sermon series on the "I AM..." sayings of Jesus from the gospel of John. "I am the Bread of Life", says Jesus. A fitting statement for celebrating the Lord's Supper. What does it mean for Jesus to be the bread of life? And what are these stories about manna from the Old Testament? Read Exodus 16 and Numbers 11 to understand the people's experience of manna in the wilderness.

If bread is nourishment, what does it mean to rely on Jesus for nourishment?

The Complete Series

1. John 6.25-59 I am the bread of life

2. John 8.12-20 I am the light of the world

3. John 10.1-10 I am the gate

4. John 10.11-18 I am the good shepherd

5. John 11.17-27 I am the resurrection and the life

6. John 14.1-14 I am the way the truth and the life

7. John 15.1-17 I am the true vine

Congratulations to our seniors. Look forward to getting to know you this weekend. May God bless you in these exciting years ahead - your adventure has just begun! Take Christ with you on the journey.

Our second graders receive their Bibles this Sunday. A special gift for special kids. Remember, Bibles are meant to be read.