Jeremiah 12:1-5

Jeremiah 12:1-5

Chosen To Be Triumphant

(Part 5 of 2007 series on Who Are We?)

January 28 2007

For the past month we have been focusing on different aspects of 2 questions that are important for us as individual Christians – and as a Church.

The first is:

Who are we?

Who are we as Christians?

Who are we as a Church?

Who are we?

And the second being:

What are we supposed to be doing?

What are we supposed to be doing as Christians?

What are we supposed to be doing as a Church?

Who are we?

What are we supposed to be doing?

Who are we as individual Christians?

What are we supposed to be doing as individual Christians?

Who are we as a Church?

What are we supposed to be doing as a Church?

We continue looking at answers to these questions today.

We’ve already noted that we can’t attempt to truly answer these questions by giving our opinions of who we are as Christians – or who we are as a Church –

or what we should be doing as Christians – or what we should be doing as a Church.

It’s not really our opinions that matter here – what matters is what God calls us to be – and what God calls us to be doing.

We have to start – not within ourselves – but with God.

So – here are the important questions for us to consider —

What does God think of us?

What does God call us to be – as individuals and as a Church?

What does God call us to be doing – as individuals and as a Church?

To really find answers to these questions we have to look to God – to God’s word – and see what God’s idea is.

We’ve been using the passage in 1 Peter 2:9 as a “springboard” — so to speak — to look at various aspects of who we are as God’s people – how we can be the Christians – the people – and the Church God has called us to be – and how we can do what God calls us to be doing.

In 1 Peter 2:9 we read:

you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

As we have looked at this passage, we have seen that it gives us an answer to the questions:

Who are we?

and

What are we supposed to be doing?

Who are we?

We are the glorious people of God – Peter writes –

What are we to be doing?

We are chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So — we are:

The glorious people of God –

Chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

That’s who we are – and what we are to be doing.

But – what does that mean?

It’s the specifics of what that might mean that we’ve been considering for the past 4 weeks and will continue to consider for at least 3 more weeks.

What does it means that we are:

The glorious people of God –

Chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

So far we have:

Looked at the first chapter of John – and seen that it means that we are chosen to walk in the light of God – the light of Christ – instead of the darkness of sin.

Looked at Luke’s version of the Baptism of Jesus – and seen that it means that we are chosen for ministry.

Looked at John 2:1-11 – the story of the miracle at the Cana wedding feast – and seen that it means that we are chosen to be the best.

And looked at Nehemiah 8 – where the Law of God is read as it is placed in the rebuilt and rededicated Temple following the Babylonian captivity – and seen that it means we are chosen to worship.

Chosen to walk in the light of Christ

Chosen for ministry

Chosen to be the best.

Chosen to worship.

Four things that being the glorious people of God – chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ — can mean for us.

Today I want us to add a fifth thing to this list as we consider Jeremiah 12:1-5 – and see that we are chosen to be triumphant.

We are chosen to be triumphant.

Read scripture

 

What does it means that we are:

The glorious people of God –

Chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

We’ve seen that it means that:

We are chosen to walk in the light of Christ –

Chosen for ministry

Chosen to be the best

And chosen to worship

I believe is also means we are chosen to be triumphant.

Through all the struggles – trials – hardships – and sorrows of life – God

has chosen us to be – and strengthens us to be – triumphant.

Let’s be honest here — Jeremiah 12:5 –

“If you have raced with men on foot
and they have worn you out,
how can you compete with horses?
If you stumble in safe country,

how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?”

is not one of the best known verses of scripture – but I believe it is a great passage.

It is a question God asks of the prophet Jeremiah, but it is a question He would ask of every one of us, also.

Jeremiah begins the 12^th chapter asking God a question – he wants to know why God allows good things to happen to bad people – and seemingly bad things to good people.

It makes very little sense to him.

It does not seem fair.

We raise those questions to God also, don’t we?

“God, why, if you are a good God and a loving God, do you allow bad things to happen to good people?”

Why has this happened to me, God, if you love me?”

You and I ask those questions a lot.

I read about a young Christian singer, Tim Kaufman. Tim traveled the country giving programs and leading worship in many churches. His wife became pregnant – and they shared their joy with churches throughout the country as they traveled. When the babies were born however, one was born blind and the other had to be continually monitored because her breathing was erratic.

We read about these things – and we wonder why.

We experience tragic things in our own lives – and we might ask God – why?

“God, why, if you are a good God and a loving God, do you allow bad things to happen to good people?”

Why has this happened to me, God, if you love me?”

We can ask so many questions of God.

But – God many times does not seem to answer our questions.

When Jeremiah questions God, God does not answer his question – but instead God asks Jeremiah a question:

“If you have raced with men on foot
and they have worn you out,
how can you compete with horses?
If you stumble in safe country,

how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?”

God many times asks us the same question.

If you can’t make it through what’s happening in your life right now – what are you going to do if worse things happen?

Part of what it means that we are the glorious people of God – chosen to show the world our glorious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – is that

We are chosen to walk in the light of Christ —

Part of what it means is that we are chosen for ministry

Part of what it means is that we are chosen to be the best

Part of what it means is that we chosen to worship

Part of what it means is that we are chosen to be triumphant

God does not ask the question in Jeremiah 12:5:

“If you have raced with men on foot
and they have worn you out,
how can you compete with horses?
If you stumble in safe country,

how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?”

to discourage us or frighten us, but to strengthen and encourage us. I believe this question God raises shows that He is training each one of us, in the face of a troubled world and of all sorts of difficulties, to be triumphant – to triumph in holiness. He has us competing against footmen, for someday, in his perfect plan, He is going to call us to compete against the horses. He’s teaching us to walk, not to stumble, and then to run on the level plains of the Jordan, because someday He’s going to call upon us to face the Jordan in flood stage.

And he wants us to be triumphant.

He is choosing us – training us – to triumph.

We are chosen to be triumphant.

Now – the Jordan River isn’t much of a river. It’s only about 200 miles long. It starts in the high country of Mount Hermon, which is always in snow and is some 9,000 feet high, the highest point in all of Israel. It flows sort of sluggishly through overgrowth and thickets until it arrives at the Dead Sea, some 1,200 feet below sea level, the lowest point in all of the world. At it’s widest point it’s only about 6 feet wide! The Jordan isn’t much of a river – until the snows of Mount Hermon begin to melt quickly in the spring, and the water would come rushing down the river, and it would overflow its banks.

In the thickets along the Jordan were wild beasts that would be driven out by the flood into the villages.

So – God is saying: “I’m teaching you to walk on the level ground, because someday I’m going to call you to stand for me and face the consequences of a flooded Jordan.”

Many of us do not accept this as something to frighten us. Many of us do not want to live a life that is dull and unchallenging. We want a sense that our life has counted for something. We want to compete against the horses. We want to be able to stand in the flood of the Jordan.

I believe God teaching Jeremiah — teaching us – that He has us in a training program to triumph in holiness in order that we might be used by Him in a troubled world.

We are chosen to be triumphant.

In 1 Peter 2:9 we read:

you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

Chosen to walk in the light of Christ

Chosen for ministry

Chosen to be the best

Chosen to worship

Chosen to be triumphant

Jeremiah 12 actually begins with a conclusion:

God is good.

In 12:1 Jeremiah begins with the statement:

You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you.”

What does that mean?

It means “You are always right.”

Just drop a couple of letters.

Jeremiah begins with a conclusion:

“You are always righteous, O Lord. You are always good.”

How great it is that God cares about us and is our heavenly Father!

As Christians we can look at situations in life by looking at them in light of the fact that God is worthy of all of our praise and service—that God is always good.

And so Jeremiah begins with a conclusion: “You are always righteous, O Lord, when I bring a case before you.”

Having begun with this conclusion, however, Jeremiah goes on to a complaint. As he begins to think of his problems, of injustice in the world, of the challenges facing him, I believe his complaint leads him to a wrong premise.

The complaint begins at the end of verse 1:

Why does the way of the wicked prosper?

Why, God, do the wicked prosper?

Why do I see these things going on all about me, and you seem to do nothing about it? Rather it seems that you’ve planted these people and caused them to prosper.

Do you see the wrong premise here?

God has not planted the wicked. The wicked can never have a sense of assurance that around the corner doom and judgment are not waiting for them.

In Psalm 1 there’s a contrast between the godly person and the ungodly person. We’re told that the godly person’s delight and excitement are in the law of the Lord, and in his word “he meditates day and night.” A godly person, excited by the Word of God, is looking day by day to see how that verse of Scripture that he’s studying may apply to the opportunities, challenges, decisions, or problems of the day. A righteous person delights in the Word of God in the sense that they are always looking for ways to apply their faith to the challenges of life.

What brings you “delight” in your life?

There may be a lot of answers to that question.

But — does the Word of God ever excite you?

Does it ever delight you?

Now, I’ll admit I’ve sat through a lot of boring classes – studies – and even sermons – I’ve even taught some of them and preached some of them. But if the Word of God always bores you, if it always puts you to sleep, then—you’ve heard of taking a yearly physical—maybe it’s time to take a “spiritual” to see if there’s something wrong with you in your walk before God.

What’s the description of the godly person?

Their delight is in the law of the Lord, and they are like a tree planted by the rivers of water.

Now, the contrast is, the ungodly are not like that.

They can never be certain.

There are never any roots.

The ungodly are like the chaff, which the wind is driving away

But a godly person is like a person planted by the rivers of water.

Do you see the wrong premise that Jeremiah has come to?

He’s been asking God the questions with his complaint:

“Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? It seems as if they are planted.”

We fall into that same trap many times.

But that’s a wrong premise.

It’s not the wicked that are planted.

It’s those who follow God who are truly planted by the good hand of God your Father.

It’s those who follow God that God watches over and is caring for.

It may seem that the wicked prosper, but they’re just like the chaff, which the wind drives away.

But wherever those who follow God are, whatever their circumstances, whatever the difficulties they face, even when the Jordan is overflowing – so to speak – they are planted and sustained by the hand of God.

Do you see that one of the joys of knowing God through Jesus Christ – of knowing that God is your Father – is that whatever the difficulty, whatever the challenge, whatever the circumstance, you can know you’re not like the chaff, which the winds of circumstance and chance blow away. You’re like the tree planted by rivers of water.

you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

Chosen to walk in the light of Christ

Chosen for ministry

Chosen to be the best

Chosen to worship

Chosen to be triumphant

Jeremiah 12:5 is not a familiar passage of scripture – but it is a great passage – and a challenge.

“If you have raced with men on foot
and they have worn you out,
how can you compete with horses?
If you stumble in safe country,

how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?”

This is a challenge.

What does God say in those moments of confusion, when with tears in your eyes, you want to cry out, “Why?” “

He says: “Trust me.”

If we persist in asking “Why?”

It’s as if God were saying: “Because I’m doing something in your life.”

Yea – Jeremiah 12:5 is a challenge to us.

“If you have raced with men on foot
and they have worn you out,
how can you compete with horses?
If you stumble in safe country,

how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?”

God is training you to triumph in holiness so that you can stand in the midst of pain and sorrow – and stand with others who are hurting – and – triumphantly – show the glories of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God has chosen us to be triumphant.

How can we have any impact upon the world when we are under its confusion, following its ways and its philosophy? No matter how we wish, we can’t make a difference. But God is training us be triumphant – God has chosen us to be triumphant — to be used by God as part of the solution in the world instead of part of the confusion in the world.

So do you see the challenge before us?

God wants to train us to be triumphant in the trials – troubles – and sorrows of life. If we will be obedient to God – if we will have faith in the hardships – trials – troubles – and sorrows of life – we will triumph – and we can share the love of God with others who are going through trials – troubles – and sorrows.

So – who are we as Christians?

Who are we as a Church?

What are we to be doing as Christians?

What are we to be doing as a Church?

you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

We are the glorious people of God –

Called to show the world our glorious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This means that we are:

Chosen to walk in the light of Christ

Chosen for ministry

Chosen to be the best

Chosen to worship

This means that we are:

Chosen to be triumphant.

Amen.

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

Chosen To Worship

Part 4 of Hopewell series on “Who Are We?”

January 21, 2007

For the past few weeks we have been focusing on different aspects of 2 questions that are important for us as individual Christians – and as a Church.

The first is:

Who are we?

Who are we as Christians?

Who are we as a Church?

Who are we?

And the second being:

What are we supposed to be doing?

What are we supposed to be doing as Christians?

What are we supposed to be doing as a Church?

Who are we?

What are we supposed to be doing?

Who are we as individual Christians?

What are we supposed to be doing as individual Christians?

Who are we as a Church?

What are we supposed to be doing as a Church?

We continue this looking at answers to these questions today.

We’ve already noted that we can’t attempt to truly answer these questions by giving our opinions of who we are as Christians – or who we are as a Church –

or what we should be doing as Christians – or what we should be doing as a Church.

It’s not really our opinions that matter here – what matters is what God calls us to be – and what God calls us to be doing.

We have to start – not within ourselves – but with God.

So – here are the important questions for us to consider —

What does God think of us?

What does God call us to be – as individuals and as a Church?

To really find answers to these questions we have to look to God – to God’s word – and see what God’s idea is.

We’ve been using the passage in 1 Peter 2:9 as a “springboard” — so to speak — to look at various aspects of who we are as God’s people – and how we can be the Christians – the people – and the Church God has called us to be.

In 1 Peter 2:9 we read:

you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

As we have looked at this passage, we have seen that it gives us an answer to the questions:

Who are we?

and

What are we supposed to be doing?

We are the glorious people of God – Peter writes —

chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

We are:

The glorious people of God –

Chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

That’s who we are – and what we are to be doing.

But – what does that mean?

It’s the specifics of what that might mean that we’ve been considering for the past few weeks and will continue to consider for a few weeks to come. We’re looking at different aspects of what it might mean that we are the glorious people of God – different aspects of what it might mean that we are chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What does it means that we are:

The glorious people of God –

Chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

So far we have:

Looked at the first chapter of John – and seen that it means that we are chosen to walk in the light of God – the light of Christ – instead of the darkness of sin.

Looked at Luke’s version of the Baptism of Jesus – and seen that it means that we are chosen for ministry.

And looked at John 2:1-11 – the story of the miracle at the Cana wedding feast – and seen that it means that we are chosen to be the best.

Chosen to walk in the light of Christ

Chosen for ministry

Chosen to be the best.

Three things that being the glorious people of God – chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ — can mean for us.

Today we’re going to look at an important event in the history of the people of Israel – Ezra’s reading of the Law – the Torah – and the people’s response to it – as it was placed back in the rebuilt Temple after the Babylonian Captivity. As we look at this passage we will see that we are chosen to worship God.

Chosen to worship.

Listen to God’s word in Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

We have come to worship.

For some this phrase might conjure up images of boring services with long prayers and much longer sermons – long winded preachers droning on and on –

talking so much that you wonder if there will ever be an end to it –

talking so long that you just might forget what exactly it was they were supposed to be talking about.

You’ve heard the jokes about the length and boring atmosphere of some worship services —

Like the one about the little boy who was visiting – and went to Church with – his grandparents.

It so happened his grandparents church had plaques memorializing members who had been killed serving in the Armed Forces.

The boy was intrigued by the plaques – and asked his grandfather about them.

“Well, son, they are to honor members who have died in the service”

“Oh”

the youngster responded – then innocently asked:

“Was it the 8:30 or the 11:00 service? ”

Or the one you probably remember that I told back in October about Gladys Dunn – the lady who was looking for a Church to attend — visited one – and found it very beautiful and everything about it very meaningful – except for the fact that the preacher preached far too long and the sermon was dry and not meaningful at all. When he finally said “Amen” – he encouraged everyone to greet their neighbor. Seeing an elderly gentleman beside her who was trying to wake up after sleeping through the sermon, she stuck out her hand and said:

“Hello – I’m Gladys Dunn.”

The man replied “Me too, lady.”

Or the one that one of my New Testament professors at Seminary loved. He loved to point out that in the Last Supper narrative from the Gospel of John Jesus says at the end of chapter 14:

“Rise – we must be going” –

which my professor pointed out was a way of saying

“and in conclusion” –

then proceeds to talk through chapters 15, 16, and 17 before they finally leave.

My professor loved to say that this was proof that Jesus was a Baptist preacher.

Worship and preachers sometimes get a bad rap – - but sometimes times with good reason.

We have come to worship.

For others this phrase might conjure up images of praise songs and clapping and shouting and hands raised in praise of God.

While this is a legitimate style of worship for some – and I believe we all can learn from and benefit from more excitement and enthusiasm and praise in our worship – this style is not for everybody.

I will always remember a case I experienced for the point that this style is not for everybody.

The Reverend Joan Campbell was the Moderator of the General Assembly – the highest position within our denomination – in 1980. I happened to be at Columbia Seminary taking D. Min. classes when she made one of her visits to the Seminary. She spoke at a worship service – and I attended. Rev. Campbell is an African American – and her style of worship was much more expressive than many of us – particularly the Professors at Columbia – were accustomed to. During the first hymn, she raised her hands in praise – and called on everyone else to do so, also. Well – when the Moderator gives a call – you pretty much have to comply. Everyone began raising their hands – some just slightly – but the funniest sight that sent giggles throughout the Chapel was Dr. Shirley Guthrie – one of the leading theologians of our denomination – who had studied under Karl Barth – one of the leading theologians ever – standing on the front row – obviously uncomfortable with this style of worship — with both his arms thrust over his head as if Rev. Campbell had said

“Stick ‘em up ”

instead of “Raise your hands in praise to God.”

The expressive style of worship is good – and we all could use a little more praise and expression in our worship – but it is certainly not for everybody.

We have come to worship.

You know — the boring and “dead” style of worship – the style that will leave the congregation thinking – if not saying – “I’m glad – it’s – done” — is on one extreme on the spectrum of worship experiences – and the hand raising in praise is on the other. There indeed is a lot in between. A lot of styles and attitudes –and for many – if not most people – worship is a time for praising God in whatever way you do that – learning from God – bringing prayers and offerings to God – fellowshipping with God’s people – and leaving refreshed and ready to serve God in the world.

Worship is vital for us as Christians. So vital that I believe that one of the things that being the glorious people of God – chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – means is that we are chosen to worship.

Chosen to worship.

But – what does worship mean?

What does it mean that we are chosen to worship?

What does worship mean for us?

What does worship mean – for you?

Why is worship important?

Why bother on a perfectly good Sunday to get up – get dressed – and come to worship?

What’s the big deal?

Well – the big deal is that we – as God’s people – were created to be in relationship with God and others.

We were created for worship.

Created to live lives in relationship with God –

Lives of worship to worship –

Lives of praise to God.

We are chosen to live our lives in relationship with God – in praise to God – and in worship of God.

As we look at who God is calling us to be as individual Christians and as a Church — and what God might be calling us to be doing as individual Christians and as a Church – as we look at what 1 Peter 2:9:

you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

might mean to us –

what it might mean that we are

The glorious people of God –

Chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

We have seen how it means that we are chosen to walk in the light of Christ – chosen for ministry – and chosen to be the best.

It also means that we are chosen to worship.

We are individuals who are chosen to worship.

We are a Church that is chosen to worship.

Chosen to worship.

God has chosen us to worship Him.

Worship is to be the key point in our lives

Worship is to be the key point in our week

Worship is to be the point from which we draw strength from God and from each other so we can live the lives God calls us to live and do the things God calls us to do.

Our passage from the 8th chapter of Nehemiah gives us an idea of the power of worship – and the necessity of it.

Let me set the scene for you a bit.

The Hebrews – who had been in captivity in Babylon for over 60 years – had finally been allowed to return to the Promised Land.

Well – that was indeed great – except for the fact that when they returned they found their fathers and grandfathers homes and farms destroyed – the land that had been so plentiful in wheat and grapes and so many other crops barren – the buildings that had not been destroyed by the Babylonians falling apart – and the Temple – the great Temple planned by David and built by Solomon as the place for Worship – in ruins.

Well, under the direction of Ezra, the priest, and Nehemiah, the governor, the people rebuild their ancestral homes – re-till and replant the fields — and rebuild the Temple.

When the Temple is completed, Ezra and Nehemiah call for all the people to come and worship. For over 80 years at this point there had been no Temple – but now there was one again – and Ezra and Nehemiah called the people to come and worship God.

The law – the Torah – the first 5 books of what we now know as the Old Testament – are read.

The people are reminded of who they are as God’s people and what God has called them to be doing as His people.

Although they were saddened by how they had not lived in the ways God had called them to live, Nehemiah reminded them of God’s forgiveness – and the people leave refreshed – renewed – recommitted and strengthened for living in God’s ways.

Worship was the time when they could find strength from each other and from God for the arduous tasks of rebuilding and reclaiming their land that lay ahead of hem.

We are chosen to worship.

We are chosen to worship.

Like the Hebrews returning from Babylon, we need worship.

However we do it – however we choose to worship – whatever style fits our needs and speaks to our souls – we are chosen to worship – and we need worship.

Worship brings us together before God.

Worship brings us together with each other.

Worship is when we can truly open up to God – and realize that God truly opening up to us.

Part of what being the glorious people of God – chosen to show the world the glories of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – means is that we are chosen to worship.

As we worship, we experience God in new ways.

As we worship, we are reminded again of who we are – a realization the Hebrews returning from Babylon wept over – but we are also reminded of whose we are – children of a loving, forgiving, strengthening God – chosen to walk in His light – chosen for His ministry – chosen to be the best and use the gifts He has given us in the best way we can – chosen to worship Him.

The entire service we have when we gather together is worship.

Our prayers – both corporate and private – our reading of scripture – our songs – our listening to God’s word explained – is all worship.

We are chosen to worship.

But - – why do we gather here to worship?

I have heard some say they can worship just as easily on the golf course – or in admiring the beauty of nature – or at home.

Why do we need to “go to Church” to worship?

It’s because we need the corporate nature of worship.

We need to gather together.

We need to worship together.

When you fail to make the “worship gathering” – when you fail to come to Church – you are cheating yourself – because you are not taking part in that important aspect of the Christian life that is corporate worship. In fact, you are cheating everybody else – all of us who are gathered here for worship – because we are missing your important contribution to our corporate worship.

We are chosen to worship.

We need to gather together.

We need to worship together.

We need each person’s contribution to our corporate worship – and each person needs the strength God gives us as we worship together.

We need the contribution that each of you bring to worship.

You need the strength God gives you as we worship together.

We are chosen to worship

But – I would suggest that – as important as coming together to worship is – it is not the only aspect of worship.

We can worship God every day.

We should worship God every day.

In fact – I’m going to say – we must worship God every day.

The services we have here in this building are important and vital because it is in these we come together to worship and be strengthened by God and each other.

But – every day – can be a day for worship.

Every day we can see how God has blessed us – and rejoice.

Every day we can be aware of God’s love – and rejoice.

Worship can be a part of our lives.

Every day we can celebrate and live out the blessed fact that we are chosen to worship.

Worship can be a part of our being.

Worship can be something that can be so vital to us that every day we give praise to God and serve God.

Isn’t that what being chosen to worship is all about?

Worship – giving praise to God and serving God – can truly be a part of our lives.

Every day can be a day for you to worship.

Every day you can see how God has blessed you – and rejoice.

Every day you can be aware of God’s love – and rejoice.

We are indeed chosen to worship.

You are indeed chosen to worship.

Chris Tomlin is a musician and writer to some of the best contemporary Christian music. Listen to how he takes the idea that we are chosen to worship one step further in his song “Made To Worship” –

All we are
And all we have
Is all a gift from God that we receive
Brought to life
We open up our eyes
To see the majesty and glory of the King

He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember

You and I were made to worship
You and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
When you and I embrace surrender
When you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be

Every day can be a day for you to worship.

Every day you can see how God has blessed you – and rejoice.

Every day you can be aware of God’s love – and rejoice.

Every day you can be filled with the wonder of God’s love.

You are made to worship.

You are chosen by God – to worship.

Listen again to the words of 1 Peter 2:9:

you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

Who are we as individual Christians – and as a Church?

What are to be doing – as individual Christians – and as a Church?

We are the glorious people of God – chosen to show the world the glories of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This means we are:

Chosen to walk in the light of Christ

This means that we are:

Chosen for ministry

This means that we are:

Chosen to be the best – and use the gifts God has given us in the best way we can.

This means that we are:

Chosen to worship.

Strive to praise and worship God in all you do

Strive to live to serve God in all you do

Strive to worship God in all we do.

Every day – in every way –live to worship God – because you are

Chosen to worship

Chosen to worship

Amen

John 2:1-11

John 2:1-11

“Chosen To Be The Best”

(Part 3 of Hopewell series on “Who Are We?”)

January 14, 2007

For the month of January and part of February we are focusing on different aspects of 2 questions that are important for us as individual Christians – and as a Church.

The first is:

Who are we?

Who are we as Christians?

Who are we as a Church?

Who are we?

And the second being:

What are we supposed to be doing?

What are we supposed to be doing as Christians?

What are we supposed to be doing as a Church?

Who are we?

What are we supposed to be doing?

Who are we as individual Christians?

What are we supposed to be doing as individual Christians?

Who are we as a Church?

What are we supposed to be doing as a Church?

Remember that I noted 2 weeks ago that we could . attempt to answer the question of who we are as a Church by giving our names – maybe some physical characteristics – maybe talking about who the members of this Church family are – but that would not really answer the question –

who are we?

I also noted that we could try to answer the question of what we are supposed to be doing as a Church by getting everyone together and opening the floor for discussion – each person saying what they feel the Church should be doing.

Each of us saying:

“Well I think we should be doing …”

and each filling in the blank with our opinion.

But that would not really answer the question – what are we supposed to be doing as individual Christians and as a Church?

I related a story two weeks ago that Rick Warren – the author of The Purpose Driven Life – tells about being lost traveling in the mountains. He was on a back road and could not figure out how to get to where he wanted to go. Finally he saw a store and pulled in to ask directions.

“O – you can’t get there from here” was the response he got

“You have to start at the other side of the mountain.”

Warren goes on to say that if we are looking to find our meaning and purpose in life within ourselves – - we’ll never really find it.

We’ve started at the wrong place.

We have to start – not within ourselves – but with God.

Trying to decide who we are as individual Christians and as a Church by looking at who we feel we are and what we feel we should be doing is beginning at the wrong starring point.

We have to start – not with ourselves – or our opinions – but with God.

What does God think of us?

What does God call us to be – as individuals and as a Church?

To really find answers to these questions we have to look to God – to God’s word – and see what God’s idea is.

In 1 Peter 2:9 we read:

you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

We’re using this passage as a “springboard” — so to speak — to look at various aspects of who we are as God’s people – and how we can be the Christians – the people – and the Church God has called us to be.

We’ve discovered that 1 Peter 2:9 gives us an answer to the questions:

Who are we?

and

What are we supposed to be doing?

We condensed the answer Peter provides for us into 2 statements:

We are the glorious people of God –

Peter says we are chosen, royal, and holy —

We are chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

We are:

The glorious people of God –

Chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

That’s who we are – and what we are to be doing.

But – what does that mean?

That’s what we’re considering for the months of January and part of the month of February. We’re looking at different aspects of what it might mean that we are the glorious people of God – different aspects of what it might mean that we are chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Two weeks ago we looked at the first chapter of John and saw that it meant that we are chosen to walk in the light of God – the light of Christ – instead of the darkness of sin.

That’s the first step.

Last week we took it a step further as we looked at the Baptism of Jesus as Luke records it – and saw that another thing that being the glorious people of God – chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – means is that we are chosen for ministry.

Chosen to walk in the light of Christ

Chosen for ministry

Two things that being the glorious people of God – chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ — can mean for us.

Today we’re going to look at the first miracle John records that Jesus performed – and see how we are chosen to be the best.

Chosen to the best.

Listen to God’s word from John 2:1-11:

Read Passage

I don’t know about you – but I love weddings.

I find them to be such festive — joyous occasions.

Times to celebrate the love God places within each of us — times to think about God’s gracious gift of each other to us — times to be happy and celebrate God’s love as we experience it in one another.

Indeed — weddings are festive — joyous occasions.

Times to celebrate life.

Times to celebrate love.

However, I think we can all agree that there are times weddings can also be frustrating and even stress-producing.

I can give you an example of some stress involved around my oldest sister’s wedding. You might guess it had something to do with her younger brother – the baby in the family – the brat –

That’s right – yours truly

I played the drums when I was growing up. In high school I even played in a “band” – not an organized school band – but a very disorganized “rock band”. We thought we were pretty good. Unfortunately no one shared that opinion. We never made any money.

But I did make money playing the drums one day.

And it had to do with a wedding my oldest sisters wedding.

The day my oldest sister Olivia got married everyone was nervous – but me. I went about my normal routine. I was 8 at the time – so I had not joined the “band” yet – but what I would do was go into my room – close the door – put the album of my favorite rock band on the stereo – this was 1963 so it was probably The Beatles, The Monkees or maybe the Rolling Stones – turn the volume up as high as it would go – and pound on my drums – I had a professional Ludwig set by that time – for hours at a time.

That Saturday – to me — was not any different from any other.

Yea – Olivia was getting married that night – but why ruin a perfectly good day just because there was going to be a wedding that night?

I was intent on my normal routine during the day.

Well – as I said – everyone else was nervous.

Particularly Mom.

Finally about noon Dad came in the room – everyone knew it was useless to knock on my door because I would not hear them – and he turned down the stereo. The quiet got my attention. Dad looked at me – gave me some money – and said:

“Bill – take this money — go up to the store – and buy yourself something – anything – but don’t get on the drum set any more today! I don’t think your Mom can take much more of it!”

So I took the money – got on my bike – and had a great time.

I had been paid – but to quit playing the drums – not for playing them!

But Mom – my sister – and the whole family got to enjoy some peace and quiet before the “big event”.

Weddings can be stress producing.

It’s usually not the “bratty little brother” – but there are so many things that can make everyone nervous.

Everyone wants everything to be “just right.”

And Murphy’s Law –

“If something can go wrong, it will!”

becomes a factor many times.

Just when everything needs to be going right — everything begins to go very wrong.

It seems it’s been that way for a long, long time.

At least that’s the case in our Scripture lesson for today.

Jesus — Mary — the Disciples — and of course many others are at a wedding. Weddings in Palestine in Jesus’ time were big — ceremonial — celebrative events. Following the ceremony was a large meal that lasted several days.

Lots of food

Lots of wine.

A big party.

The biggest party the family would ever have.

Everything seems to going along handsomely at this particular wedding until the wine gives out.

This was not just a problem for this particular celebration — but the family’s reputation and social status was at stake. A failed wedding party doomed a family’s reputation for generations to come. That’s just how important these events were.

And in the midst of this lavish celebration, the wine gives out.

No way to just go to the corner store and buy some more — there were no corner stores in Cana.

No way for someone to replenish from their private stock — no one had even close to the amount needed.

The biggest — most important party the family would ever have — the party that would help decide the family’s reputation for years to come — and the wine gives out.

The party comes to a grinding halt.

Murphy’s Law strikes again.

You can almost feel the tension.

What will they do?

Mary approaches Jesus and tells Him about the situation.

But Jesus responds —

“What concern is that for you and me?”

But then — just when it seems Jesus will not to anything –

He does something miraculous — marvelous — and wonderful.

He tells the servants to fill six stone jars sitting nearby with water.

They do.

They fill each to the brim — pouring up 120 – 180 gallons of water.

Jesus then tells them to take some to the steward.

They do.

But — it is no longer water –

It is wine.

Wine!

And not just the cheap stuff — but better than before — the best wine the steward had ever tasted.

Wine!

Strike up the band — the party is not over — it has just begun!

And some understand what has happened — and believe in Christ.

For them — indeed – the party has just begun.

Many see this as a strange story – they find it hard to understand.

They look at Jesus’ reply to Mary and say:

“He’s right.

What concern was it to Jesus that there is no wine?”

Weren’t there more important things for Jesus to be doing?

Weren’t there any sick or lame or blind to be healed?

Weren’t there any to talk to and explain God’s will for life to?

Shouldn’t Jesus have been more concerned with God’s will for justice and healing and peace than with a party with no wine?

But — all of these questions fail to address the real point of this

story.

What we should ask ourselves is:

“What does this story tell me about Jesus?”

What does this story tell us about Jesus?

What should we see about Jesus as we look at this story?

What do we learn about Jesus as we look at this lesson?

Do we learn that He wants all our parties to be a success?

Of course not!

What we see here is that Jesus can change us just as He changed the water.

What we see here is that – as Christians – we are people who are chosen to be the best – for God’s glory.

What we see here is that – as a Church – we are people who are chosen to be the best – for God’s glory.

In 1 Peter 2:9 we read:

you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

One thing that being the glorious people of God — chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – means is that we are chosen to be the best!

We are people who are chosen by God – for a purpose – that purpose being that we are to be the best people – the best Church – we can be. Being second best – or second rate – won’t do.

We are chosen by God to be the best.

You see – Jesus changing the water into wine was much more than a miracle to help those good folks enjoy their party – or even save their reputation.

Jesus took the water – and He changed it.

But He did so much more than just changing the chemical composition of that liquid.

He took it and changed it so it could meet His purposes – so it would do His will – so it would glorify Him.

It was chosen by Jesus –

It was changed for Jesus – to do His will – to meet His purposes for it – to glorify Him.

Chosen by Jesus

Changed for Jesus

The master of the banquet said the wine brought to him was “the best”.

He says:

“Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

It was the best he had ever tasted! It was not the cheaper stuff most people used at the end of a party when nobody cared anymore what they were drinking – it was the best!

The NIV translates Greek word kalos “choice” in one place and “best” in the other — the word can also be translated beautiful, handsome, and excellent. However you translate it, it’s used to describe something that is the very best it can be – the best.

One thing that being the glorious people of God — chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – means is that we are chosen to be the best!

Chosen to be the best!

We are people who are chosen by God – for a purpose – that purpose being that we are to be the best people – the best Church – we can be. Being second best – or second rate – won’t do.

Friends – that water so long ago was not the only thing chosen by Jesus – that water was not the only thing that became the best after and encounter with Christ.

Every time Jesus touched a life – that person was chosen by Jesus – to be the very best they could be – for God’s glory.

Even now – every time God touches a person – that person is changed – chosen by God – to be the very best person they can be.

Chosen to be the best.

Chosen to be the best.

Chosen by God to be used for His purposes – to be used for His will – to show His glory – to do His work and will in the world.

If we truly want to be the Christians God is calling us to be –

If we truly want to be the Church God wills for us to be – then we have to understand that we are people – we are a Church – God has chosen to be the best.

Chosen to be the best.

Chosen to be the best.

you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

What does it mean that we are the glorious people of God — chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

It means that

We are people who are chosen to walk in the light of Christ.

It means that

We are people who are chosen to for ministry.

It means that

We are people who are chosen to be the best.

We are people who are chosen to be the best.

Once God touches our lives, we are can no longer be the same. We no longer can just live any way we please. We no longer can just do whatever we please. We are now – as Peter puts it –

a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,

chosen by God

to be a holy people

Indeed – no longer people who can do whatever they choose – but who are chosen – holy – in the Greek hagios – set apart – different

God has chosen us so we can be set apart – different – the best.

But – God does not do this just so we will be – different – and holy – the best — but so we will serve Him – glorify Him — and fulfill His purpose in the world.

So – indeed – we are

Chosen to be the best

Chosen to be the best

Jesus changed the water into wine so it would fulfill His purpose for it – so it would do His will.

It was chosen by Jesus – for Jesus’ purposes.

It’s the same with us.

The water brought glory to Christ as it was changed into wine – and served God’s purposes.

As God chooses us, we can be people who say

We are chosen to be the best.

We are chosen to be the best.

Chosen by God – to be the best — for a purpose – to serve and glorify God.

We do this as we worship God in the very best way we can –

We do this as we study and learn more about God in the very best way we can –

We do this as we serve God and others in the very best way we can –

We do this as we fellowship and share God’s love with each other in the very best way we can.

Give your best to the worship – study – service – and fellowship of the Church.

Give your best efforts to showing God’s love to the world – and serving God in the world.

We are chosen to be the best.

We are chosen to serve God in the best way we can.

We are chosen to give our best to God and to others.

As you go through your life, let God make you the very best person you can be.

Serve God in the very best way you can.

Give your very best to the one who has chosen you to be the best.

Give your best gifts – give your best efforts – do your best – for God.

In the book The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren writes about his idea that – one day – we will all stand before God and God will ask us 2 questions.

Listen to how he describes the 2 questions:

“First – What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ? …

Second – What did you so with what I gave you?

What did you do with your life – all the gifts, talents, opportunities, energy, relationships, and resources God gave you?

Did you use them for the purpose God created you for?”

We are chosen to be the best.

We are chosen to serve God in the best way we can.

We are chosen to give our best to God and to others.

It might be a good idea to ask yourself every once in a while:

“Am I really giving my best to God?

Am I really giving my best efforts to God’s work?

Am I letting God use me in the best way I can?”

Like the water changed into wine, let God use you – let God choose you – to be your best—to do your best — for His purposes – and His will.

So – who are we as Christians?

Who are we as a Church?

What are we to be doing as Christians?

What are we to be doing as a Church?

We are

a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

We are chosen to walk in the light of Christ

We are chosen for ministry

We are chosen to be the best.

Be the best.

Give your best.

Do your best.

Be the best.

Amen.

Luke 3:15-17,21-22

Luke 3:15-17,21-22

Chosen For Ministry

(Part 2 of Hopewell series on “Who Are We?”)

January 7, 2007

(Officer Installation and Communion)

 

We’re going to be focusing for the next month or so on different aspects of 2 questions – the first being:

 

Who are we?

Who are we as Christians?

Who are we as a Church?

Who are we?

And the second being:

What are we supposed to be doing?

What are we supposed to be doing as Christians?

What are we supposed to be doing as a Church?  

Who are we?

What are we supposed to be doing?

As we observed last week, we can’t really answer these question by pooling our ideas on who we are and what we are to be doing as individuals Christians and as a Church and expecting to get an answer that way.  To really find answers to these questions we have to look to God – to God’s word – and see what God’s idea is.

In 1 Peter 2:9 we read:

you are a chosen people,  a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,  that you may declare the praises of Him  who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

            We’re going to use this passage for the next month or so as a “springboard” — so to speak — to look at various aspects of who we are as God’s people – and how  we can be the Christians – the people – the Church God has called us to be.

            Remember last week we discovered how 1 Peter 2:9 gives us an answer to the questions:

Who are we?

What are we supposed to be doing?

We condensed the answer Peter provides for us into 2 statements:

We are the glorious people of God – Peter says we are chosen, royal, and holy —

We are chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

We are:

The glorious people of God –

Chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

That’s who we are – and what we are to be doing.

But – what does that mean?

For the next month or so we’re going to look at different aspects of what it might mean that we are the glorious people of God – called to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Last week we looked at the first chapter of John and saw that it meant that we are chosen to walk in the light of God – the light of Christ – instead of the darkness of sin.  Before we do anything else as Christians – before we can do anything else as a Church – each of us are going to have to decide to walk  in the light of Christ – and not the darkness of sin. 

That’s the first step.

Today we are going to take it a step further as we look at the Baptism of Jesus as Luke records it – and see that another thing that being the glorious people of God – chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – means is that we are chosen for ministry.

Chosen for ministry.

Listen to God’s word from Luke 3:15-17, 21-22:

Read Passage

The Presbyterian minister and poet Ann Weems writes – in her poem “New Shoots”:

Born in the light of the bright morning star,

we are new.

Not patched, not mended … but new

like a newborn …

like the morning …

The guilt-blotched yesterdays are gone;

the soul stains are no more!

There is no looking back;

there are no regrets.

In our newness, we are free.

In the power of God’s continuing creation,

we are:

new shoots from the root of Jesse,

new branches from the one true Vine,

new songs breaking through the world’s deafness.

This then is a new day.

New shoots, new branches,

new songs, new day …

Bathed in the promise of God’s New Creation,

we begin.

Ann Weems.  “New Shoots”  Searching for Shalom, p. 56

            Today is The Baptism of the Lord Sunday — the day when the church has historically reflected upon the baptism of Christ.

            Today is also the first Sunday in the new year – that new year that – as we reflected on last Sunday – is one that can be filled with new possibilities – new potential – new opportunities for us here at Hopewell.  Wentworth

We have already celebrated some of those new possibilities – new potential – and new opportunities this morning as we have installed Elders back into “active duty” so to speak in installing the Session’s class of 2009.  I firmly believe these have not just been elected by this congregation — but they have also been called by God to lead us into this new year and into the future – with all the new possibilities – new potential – new opportunities God lays before us.

On this Baptism of the Lord Sunday – and also this day we have installed the Sessions class of 2009 — I want to suggest that one thing being:

the glorious people of God –

chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

means is that we are chosen – for ministry.

We are chosen for ministry

Baptism is that powerful sacrament we celebrate as a church when an unbaptised adult joins the church or when parents present their child to be brought into the family of God.  We celebrated it a few weeks ago when Lance, Laura, and Coty joined the Church – and Laura and Coty were baptized.

It is indeed a powerful sacrament.

A power – filled sacrament. 

            But — what does Baptism really mean?

            Ann Weems in her poem “New Shoots” seems to understand Baptism as an opportunity to somehow become a new person — to somehow become something or someone that you are not already now.

The guilt-blotched yesterdays are gone;

the soul stains are no more!

There is no looking back;

there are no regrets.

In our newness, we are free.

 

she writes — concluding that

 

In the power of God’s continuing creation,

we are:

new shoots from the root of Jesse,

new branches from the one true Vine,

new songs breaking through the world’s deafness.

This then is a new day.

New shoots, new branches,

new songs, new day …

Bathed in the promise of God’s New Creation,

we begin.

            Newness

            That is indeed one way to understand Baptism.

            An opportunity to be someone different – to do things differently – to be different, new people.

            Baptism is not merely an initiation rite into the church — sprinkling water over someone’s head or immersing someone in water — whichever method is used — and saying some words and praying some prayers –            

            It is not merely words — merely promises made — with no requirement of response or responsibility expected.

            It is an opportunity.

            It’s an opportunity to be someone different – to do things differently – to be different, new people.

 Luke’s record of the Baptism of Jesus gives us an opportunity to consider the newness – the new opportunities – Baptism offers us.

             To truly understand the nature of Baptism, maybe we should look at Jesus’ Baptism. That may help us understand what His baptism may have meant for Him – the new opportunities for ministry it laid before Him – and the new opportunities baptism lays before us.

 Here is Jesus — born of Mary in a miraculous way – now an adult.

Probably in his early 30’s.  

An adult.

Ready to assume His place in the world.

             But — what place is that?

            Will He be a carpenter all His life?

            No — there is more in store for Him – and He knows it. 

            But — what?

            Maybe He is not quite sure.

            Surely Mary has told Him about how special He is. 

Surely He has divine yearnings within His soul.

             But — what does it all mean?

            He comes to John — a cousin who was also born in a miraculous way — and is baptized.

            And the heavens are opened. 

            And the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove.

            And God says:

            “You are my Son, the Beloved,

            With You I am well pleased.”

             Surely all this meant something to Jesus — but what?

             Could it be that — for Jesus — His Baptism was the beginning of His ministry — the beginning of His understanding of who He is and what He is to do — and the beginning of God’s strength for doing God’s will?

            Could it be that Baptism was a time for Jesus to realize God’s amazing love — and respond to it?

            At Jesus’ Baptism, God acted in a powerful way — and called Jesus into a powerful ministry.  Jesus began a 3 – year journey of healing, teaching, and working miracles that ended on the cross — but continued at the resurrection — and by the work of the Holy Spirit — still continues today.

 At His Baptism Jesus was called by God — reminded of who He was and what He was to do — and He began doing it.

            He realized God’s plan for His life — and responded to it.

            He realized God’s amazing love — and responded in commitment.

             He realized that He was chosen – for ministry.

            He was chosen for ministry.

              Maybe that’s what His Baptism was all about for Him.

            Maybe that’s what this Baptism of the Lord Sunday – this day we have installed a class of Elders — can be all about for us!

            Baptism is a sign and seal — a reminder — of who we are and what we are to do as God’s people.  It is a reminder of God’s amazing love for us — and a call to respond to God’s love by letting it change our lives and make us new people. It’s a reminder for us that: 

We are chosen for ministry

 We are chosen for ministry

            This Baptism of the Lord Sunday can be a reminder to us that we are God’s people — created by God — called by God — loved by God – chosen by God — but created — called — – loved – and chosen for a purpose — that purpose being to show God to the world.

This Baptism of the Lord Sunday can be for us a reminder of who we are — and that we are not free to find our identity in anything else but God. 

1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we are:

The glorious people of God –

Chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

 Luke’s story of the Baptism of Christ can remind us that we are God’s people and are to live in His ways — loving God and loving others — showing our love for God and the love of God as we reach out into the world doing God’s work. 

             In other words –

We are chosen for ministry

 We are chosen for ministry

            Jesus understood the strength the Holy Spirit gave Him at His baptism and the audible call of God He heard as an invitation to do something new. He took the strength of the Holy Spirit – the definite, audible call of God – and did something new with it. 

He did ministry.

He understood that He was

 Chosen for ministry.

Friends – we are all

Chosen for ministry

 We are chosen for ministry

 We are chosen for ministry 

            Earlier in service today we heard the questions our Denomination requires of Elders as they are installed.  A few weeks ago as Lance, Laura, and Cotie joined the Church and Laura and Cotie were Baptized we heard the questions the  Denomination requires of those wishing to be Baptized –  – whether it be of parents bringing their children for infant baptism or of adults coming for Believer baptism. 

I ask that you now listen to the questions the Denomination requires at Baptism — and consider your response:

 1.  Do you renounce all evil, and powers in the world which defy God’s righteousness and  love?

                        Do you?

             2.  Do you renounce the ways of sin that separate you from the love of God?

                        Do you?

             3.  Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Lord and Savior?

                        Do you?

             4.  Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying His word and showing His love, to your life’s end?

                       Will you?

             5.  Will you be a faithful member of this congregation, share in its worship and ministry, through your prayers and gifts,  your study and service, and so fulfill your calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

                        Will you?

            You know — maybe your Baptism was years ago.

            Maybe it was so long ago you have forgotten the promises you made as you were Baptized.  Maybe you haven’t thought about them in a long time.

              Maybe you were Baptized as an infant — and your parents made promises to raise you in ways so you could later on decide to repent and follow Christ — but you have failed to do this — or it has lost its importance for you.

             Maybe you are not Baptized.

            Whatever — on this day when we celebrate Jesus’ Baptism – let God speak to you of the newness – the new possibilities – the new opportunities that God offers each of us.

             We installed a new class of Elders today – but the work of the Church – the ministry of the Church – is not just for these 3 – or just for rest of the Session members – it’s for all of us.

             We can’t just sit here.

            This is a new day – there are new opportunities – possibilities – potential that lie before us.

            Like Jesus at His Baptism, we can respond by going into the world with the strength – the courage – the power God gives us for doing His work and will in the world. 

            Like Jesus – we all are chosen — for ministry.

That’s part of what it means to be:

 the glorious people of God –

chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

 It means that we are each chosen for ministry.

             It is up to each of us to take the ministry of God into the world.

             Ministries of healing –

Ministries of service —

            Ministries that show people who are in need that God cares for them – and is with them in their need —

            Ministries that show those with addictions that the love of God is more powerful than any drug imaginable —

            Ministries that attempt to bring Christ to those who do not know Christ

            We are chosen for – and strengthened for – ministry

 We are chosen for ministry

 We are chosen for ministry

             As we consider who we are as a Church and what God might be calling us to be doing – one thing we need to remember is that – -

We are chosen for ministry

 We are chosen for ministry

        We are chosen for doing new things – being new people – showing God’s love to the world in new ways. 

            Indeed – as Weems writes:

This then is a new day.

New shoots, new braches,

new songs, new day …

Bathed in the promise of God’s New Creation,

we begin.

           Indeed –

   We are chosen for ministry

 We are chosen for ministry

Walking in the light of Christ.

Realizing we are chosen for ministry.

These are 2 things that being

 

the glorious people of God –

chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

 

means.

            So – to paraphrase Anne Weems a bit –

as we are bathed with the promises of the new possibilities – new  opportunities – and new potential that God lays before us –

 

Let’s begin!

 Amen