Jeremiah 31:27-34

Jeremiah 31:27-34

How’s Your Heart?

October 17 2010

Like a lot of young boys, I admired my Dad and thought that he would always be around. Even though I knew that people did not live forever, the thought that Dad would die never crossed my mind.

Yea – he had cancer in the early 1960’s when I was 5 or 6 years old and had to undergo radiation treatments – but he survived.  He always complained that the treatments left him to where he couldn’t do a lot of physical labor and he would get tired easily if working outside, but to tell you the truth that was not a real problem for me – I was never all that interested in working outside with him anyway. The important thing for me was that he survived – he was a survivor – and I guess I thought he would always survive.

When I was in college he was diagnosed with diabetes and had to go on a strict diet and take insulin – but he adjusted his food intake, exercised, and took his insulin – and survived.  I guess I thought he would always survive.

Then came October of 1981.

Dad had been raking some leaves on a Saturday morning and came inside at noon sweaty and red – faced – but Mom did not think much about it.  Like I said, after his cancer treatments almost 20 years before that – and now with his diabetes – Dad couldn’t work outside as long as he liked, and Mom thought he had just done too much. He settled into his easy chair and ate lunch while watching his beloved Gamecocks play NC State.  Well, Monte Kiffin had his Wolfpack team more prepared than Jim Carlen had the Gamecocks prepared and NC State beat the Gamecocks in the last plays of the game.  Dad, of course, was upset – Mom later said she remembered his face being beet red – but that was not unusual for him after a South Carolina loss so again she didn’t think much about it. But when he started rubbing his left arm and talking about how it felt numb – and then told Mom he felt worse than he ever had – she began to get concerned.  Dad was not a complainer, so when he began talking about how bad he felt Mom called the doctor.  The doctor told her to call an ambulance – and within 30 minutes Dad was in ICU in the hospital. He was having a heart attack.

In typical Dad fashion he responded to the news that he had had a heart attack by snapping:

“That’s ok – but I’ve got a case to try in court on Monday.”

It took awhile for him to realize that things were going to be different from now on and lifestyle changes were going to have to be made if he wanted to live. Stints were put in his heart and within a few days he was better – and he came home soon after that – and made the lifestyle changes he had to make. For the next 10 years he exercised and did what he needed to do – until he finally died in 2001.

Yea – Dad was a survivor – but he did not live forever.

He beat cancer – he did well with diabetes – and did better than anyone expected him to do with heart disease – but he did not live forever.

After his heart attack Dad wrote Mom a note on her birthday that said something to the effect that he loved her very much – and would take care of his heart to prove it.

He retired not long after his heart attack – he was 61 qt the time — but he remained extremely active – riding a stationary bike when the weather was too bad for him to walk outside – and doing some legal work from the house for as long as he was able.

Our family doctor was a good friend of Dad’s – and every time he would see him he would ask –

“How’s your heart”?

And Dad would usually respond –

“Great”

And – like I said – he lived for 10 years after his heart attack – something some folks don’t do.

I’ve thought a lot about why he lived for 10 years after suffering a heart attack.

Was it because he was just so healthy before the heart attack?

Not really. He had battled cancer 20 years before.

Was it because he was just “tough”?

Well, while he was “tough” that was only part of the reason he lived as long as he did.

A major reason he lived 10 years after his heart attack was because he was able to make the changes he needed to make so he could be healthier and live longer. Instead of fighting retirement, eating healthier foods, and getting more exercise he adapted – did what he needed to do – and lived.

He took care of his heart.

You know – that’s something we all can do.

We all can take care of our hearts.

Yea – we can take life easier – eat better foods – not smoke — and exercise – and take care of our hearts and maybe live longer.

But – there’s another aspect to taking care of our hearts than just the physical aspects of taking care of the muscle that pumps blood to our bodies. In fact, in a lot of ways the word “heart” refers to much more than just our physical hearts.  It can also refer to our emotions – and even the things that are the most important to us.

Our passage for today – Jeremiah 31:27-34 – talks about God putting a new heart in His people.

Do you think it’s a literal heart transplant God is talking about here?

Of course not.

What God is talking about is His people having a change of attitude – a change in what is most important to them.  What God is talking about is His people letting His things be the most important things in their lives – and their having their hearts set on Him – and following His ways instead of all the other ways the world tempted them with. God is telling Jeremiah that there would be a day when His people would have a heart for Him and His things – and would follow Him.

How were their hearts?

How were the hearts of the people of Judah  people in the days of Jeremiah?

Some of them may have had good hearts – strong hearts – and may have tried to live their lives in ways pleasing to God. Some may have had hearts for God.

But did all of them?

Apparently not.

God was not pleased with how many of the people in Judah were living in the time of Jeremiah.  Many of them were not paying attention to God. Many of them did not care what God wanted them to be doing – they only wanted to be left alone to live as they wanted to. By the time in Judah’s history Jeremiah 31 depicts the Babylonians were ready to take over the country of Judah – and Jerusalem was about to be destroyed by the army of Nebuchadnezzar. But – the people of Judah – the people of Jerusalem — continued to not listen to God. Their hearts were hardened to God’s word. It was so bad that, when a scroll with God’s word was read before King Jehoiakim, he cut it up and burned it.  He did not want to listen to God – and neither did many of the people.

How were their hearts?

Their hearts were not focused on God – they did not care about God or His word — but their hearts were focused on the things they wanted to focus on.

And they paid the price for it.

The country of Judah was destroyed. The city of Jerusalem was destroyed. The Temple was destroyed. The people were taken to Babylon. They did not listen to God or have a heart for God – and you know what? They paid the price for it.

But God did not give up.

Just as God promised, the descendents of those taken to Babylon returned to Judah and rebuilt Jerusalem. But more than that – just as God promised – He made a way for a new covenant – a new way to live – that was not based on things written on paper that could be burned or on stone that could be shattered if the people wanted to turn away from God again – but was based on things that could be written on the minds and hearts of those who chose to follow Him. Instead of having hearts set on their things they could have hearts set on God’s things. Instead of having minds focused on what they wanted they could have minds focused on what God wanted.

How could their hearts be?

Their hearts could be set on the things of God – the things that brought them life and not death.

So – how did God make this “new heart” possible?

Almost 500 years after the time of Jeremiah Jesus died on a cross outside of the city of Jerusalem that was rebuilt after the people of Israel returned from Babylon.

He died for all who would believe in Him. He died so that the “new covenant” God promised through Jeremiah – the one that could be written on people’s hearts instead of on paper or stone – could become a reality. He died so that those who believed in Him could follow Him instead of following what they wanted to follow. He died so that those who believed in Him and followed Him could get what God wanted them to get out of life – salvation and a new relationship with Him – instead of what they wanted out of life. He died to give those who believed in Him new hearts – hearts for God and for living in God’s ways.

He died to give new hearts.

He died to give hearts for God.

So – how’s your heart?

How’s your heart?

Is it strong?

Do you have that relationship with God that God wants you have?

Are God’s ways and God’s will for your life written on your heart?

“The heart” is a metaphor for the things that are important in your life.  You can choose to have a heart focused on things in the world that you think might give you pleasure and might be worthy of your attention – or you can choose to have a heart that is focused on God’s things and the things God wants you to focus your attention on. You can live a life that’s focused on what you think you need or you can live a life that’s focused on what God knows you need. You can have a heart that is hardened to the things of God and not pay attention to God’s will for your life and the salvation God offers you – or you can have a heart that has God’s will for your life written on it and you can be committed to living in God’s ways.

How’s your heart?

It’s your choice. Nobody can make it for you. Nobody can force you to decide to have a heart for God. God isn’t going to force you to have a heart for Him. But God offers it – and deeply desires for you to take Him up on that offer.  God deeply desires for you to make His things the important things in your life. God deeply desires for you to stop making worldly things the most important things in your life and for you to start making His things the most important things. God deeply desires for you to have a heart for Him.

When Dad’s doctor after his heart attack would ask him – “How’s your heart”? he would answer “great”! And to a degree it was doing great. It was doing great because he was doing what the doctor had told him to do – cutting down on his stress, eating the right kinds of foods, and exercising. If God were to ask you – “How’s your heart?” – and not just the muscle that pumps blood through your body but the things your life is focused on and the things that are important to you – what would you say?

Could you say:

I have a heart for you, God. I want to follow you. I want to do your will. I want your things to be the most important things in my life. I want a heart for you.

Or – would you say:

I want to follow my own way and blaze my own trail, God. Your things are not important to me right now.  I might give you an hour on Sundays but don’t ask for much more than that.

How’s your heart?

Is yours a heart for God – or not?

Dad lived 10 years after his heart attack – to the surprise of his doctors – because he changed his life. He changed his habits.  He gave up the fatty foods and cigars and stress filled days he had become accustomed to. He still loved his Gamecocks – but he quit getting so upset when they lost. He quit focusing on the things that were bad for his heart and focused on the things that were good for his heart – and his damaged heart actually became stronger.

If you are going to have a heart for God – a heart like Jeremiah promises that can be focused on the things of God and not the things that go against God – you are going to have to make some changes – changes that will help make your heart stronger.

You are going to have to give up things that keep you away from God – things like wanting your way in your life instead of God’s way – doing “your thing” or the things the world is putting before you to do instead of the things God is calling you to do.

The other night some of us went to the “Casting Crowns” concert at the Florence Civic Center and had a wonderful time praising God and worshipping with so many others.  The lead singer made a comment that he was blessed to do Christian music and hoped his songs were a blessing to others also.  He made the point that – if we are going to follow God – we are going to have to have God’s things filling our minds and hearts and not worldly things – and he thought contemporary Christian music was a way we could still listen to upbeat music but with a Christian message.  If you are going to have a strong heart for God you are going to have to find things to help you keep your relationship with God strong – like contemporary Christian music instead of music with lyrics that can pull you away from God.

You are going to have to make attendance in Church for worship important to you –  you are going to have to make coming to Sunday School important – if you are a young person Youth Group is going to have to be important to you – you are going to have to make Wednesday night fellowship and programs important to you – you are going to have to make the other opportunities we offer for learning and fellowship and service important. These are things that can help you make your heart – your commitment to God – stronger. So can serving in the Church – doing what needs to be done instead of waiting for someone else to do it. So can sharing ideas that can benefit us all – and benefit God’s work in this Church and in the world.

Getting involved in the Church is one way you can strengthen your heart – your commitment to God.

I heard about a Church that put on it’s sign in front of it’s facility:

Spiritual Fitness Center

Being active in the Church can make your heart stronger and more focused on God.

Other changes you are going to have to make include having a daily time for reading scripture and for praying – and making it a point to find ways to tell others about Christ and reach out to them with God’s ,love.

Other changes you might have to make involve what you do with what God has given you – your time, your money, your abilities. If you are going to have a heart for God, you need to use the things God has given you for Him.

So – how’s your heart?

Do you have a heart for God?

Have you made the changes in your life so you can have a heart for God?

Glenn MacDonald in his book The Disciple Making Church – which our adults are studying on Wednesday nights – asks the question:

“What would your Church look like if all of you had a heart for God?”

Wow!

What would it look like?

Maybe we would have more people here.

Maybe we would have a spirit of joy and excitement.

It might look a lot like it did last Sunday for Homecoming – and feel a lot like it did last Sunday.

MacDonald says that – whatever it would look like – people in the community would be able to tell the difference and God would be making a difference in the community through us.

Let’s try it and see.

Let’s see what will happen if we all give ourselves to God – and have a heart for God. Amen.

Jeremiah 32:1-2, 6-15

Jeremiah 32:1-2, 6-15

Invest In The Future

September 26, 2010

When I was a kid my Dad used to take me hunting on some land that one of his clients owned.  The land was in a densely wooded area out from Rock Hill. The man who owned the land had died, and his two daughters did not know what to do with the property they had inherited.  They lived in North Carolina and would not come to Rock Hill very often, but when they did they would let Dad, who had been named the trustee of their estate, drive them to the wooded area they owned.

“What do you think we should do with it, Mr. Billy?” they would ask.

“Well, there are some people who want to buy it and cut the trees – but if I were you I would keep it.  I think something better is going to come along in the future.” Dad would respond.

Real estate developers and others in town thought that was a crazy idea. They thought the woods would always be out in the country and in the middle of nowhere. They even accused Dad of mismanaging these ladies estate and laughed at his idea that anything would ever come out of it – but for years Dad advised these ladies not to sell their property. He knew that some day it would be worth much more than what they were being offered. So – for years all the land was used for was a hunting area for Dad – me – and my brother in laws.

Then one day the city announced that it was going to annex a large part of what had been countryside north west of town.  The wooded area Dad’s clients owned was a part of this countryside.  Before long housing developments sprang up and before long plans were announced for a new High School to be built just a few miles from the land they owned. It was then Dad told them to sell their land to a real estate developer – and they made much more money then they would have if they had they sold it earlier. If you ever go to Rock Hill I would invite you to drive by Northwestern High School – and the thriving housing developments around it that sit on the land Dad’s clients used to own and he and I used to hunt.

There are a lot of stories like that of folks who owned property and turned down requests to buy it. Sometimes the folks end up making a lot of money, and then at other times they end up losing a lot. Sometimes people keep land that no one seems to want – and then at other times people purchase land that no one else wants.

The Prophet Jeremiah was one of those who bought land when it seemed to be the craziest thing to do. The scene depicted in our passage for today from Jeremiah 32 seems to be a preposterous time for buying property. The unbeatable army of Babylon had surrounded Jerusalem. Jeremiah had been foretelling the destruction of Judah while other so-called prophets had sought to bolster the fragile morale by assuring the people that God would act to spare them. During a temporary reprieve in the siege Jeremiah had attempted to flee the city and encouraged others to do so, only to find himself imprisoned for treason. Some even wanted to kill him.

So there he was, under armed guard in the court of King Zedekiah, confined, and helpless,  watching his people die of starvation and disease even as they clung to false patriotic hopes. He certainly had every reason to despair and give up hope. But he didn’t. Even while under arrest and while no one wanted to listen to what he was saying, Jeremiah could see that God was still at work. In the middle of all the destruction of the land and all the uncertainty of his future, what seemed to be a ridiculous real estate deal was proposed to him. His cousin Hanamel offered to sell him his property, and more than likely get out before all was lost. According to law, when a kinsman fell on hard times and was forced to sell his family property, the nearest relative was to purchase the property so it would stay in the family. Jeremiah got first option to invest in Hanamel’s property – property that was quite possibly already under foreign domination.

Sounds like trying to sell oceanfront property just before the hurricane hits, does it not?

Hanamel had a good strategy – but only if he would find somebody foolish enough to buy the land.

Somehow, Jeremiah sees more than meets the eye. Somehow Jeremiah could see beyond his present circumstances. In the middle of that dark hour, just months before total disaster and the collapse of society as he knew it, Jeremiah bought the field – and in doing so changed his tune from “doom and destruction” to “hope and restoration.”

Now — this was no speculative business venture or gamble to make money on Jeremiah’s part. Jeremiah was working under orders from God. Jeremiah was investing in the future promises of God. Even as the country’s s social, economic, and legal system crumbled around him, Jeremiah took extreme care to follow procedure. He weighed out the money and secured the proper deeds. Then he arranged to preserve the documents, “in order that they may last for a long time.” All of this was a public demonstration of confidence – a confidence that was not in the economy of the country and not in the government, but in the power of God.

“For thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land.”

Jeremiah says. And Jeremiah backs up his confidence in God with actions. He believes in the future God promises for His people, and invests in it.

So – maybe you are wondering what Jeremiah’s words and actions have to do with us?

Indeed, what does this passage have to do with us?

Our future is hardly in the same jeopardy as the future of Jeremiah and the rest of the people Judah – is it?

We have no enemy armies ready to take over our neighborhoods – do we?  No one is threatening to take us into captivity – are they?

Well, these things are true – but – here’s a question for you to consider.

What about the Church?

Could you say the state of the Church is healthy and vibrant?

Could you say we are doing everything we can to be the people God wants us to be – and doing all we can for God in the Church and in the world?

Not really – huh?

Some say that the Church is not what it used to be.

Some say that the Church is not going to last much longer if things keep going in the direction they are going.

Some are say that the Church needs to change – and are sitting back and waiting for that change to happen because they feel the leaders need to make the change and they don’t need to do anything.

Some are even “abandoning ship” instead of trying to make a difference where they are.

Then again – some – like Jeremiah – see the problems of the present – but also see God’s glorious plans for the future – and are willing to invest what they have in the future.

Yea – the Church could be compared to the country of Judah in Jeremiah’s time — under siege without much hope for a future – and there are many responses we can make to this.

We can despair and moan and groan about what’s happening – much like many in Jeremiah’s time may have been doing – or – like Jeremiah — we can believe in God’s plan for the Church – and do what we can to make that plan a reality.

We can see what’s happening and believe that there is nothing that can be done – or – like Jeremiah — we can see God’s glorious future for His Church and believe that God has a plan for us.

We can despair the present and give up on the future – or – like Jeremiah —  we can do what we can in the present and invest in the future.

We can invest in the future.

Friends – things may not look real good right now. I understand that. But I also understand that God has a plan for us and a future for us – and I believe we need to look past the present and look into God’s future. I believe we don’t need to put too much stock in the present situation – but – like Jeremiah — we need to invest in the future.

How can we do this?

How can we look past the present – and invest in the future?

Last week I talked about how God has blessed each of us with gifts and abilities that we can use to do His work and His will in the Church and in the community. We can invest our gifts and abilities in the Church – and help make a difference for the future.

Maybe you can invest your time in the Church. Taking time for the things of God in the Church is a valuable investment. Taking the time to worship, to fellowship, and to learn as we gather on Sunday mornings for Sunday School and worship and on Wednesday nights to fellowship and learn is an investment you can make in your future as you learn how to live in God’s ways – and in the future of the Church as you support what we are doing and what God is calling us to do. Time is something that you probably have – even though you might like to make the excuse that you don’t have time. The truth is, if you use your time for God, you will have time to invest in the Church.  In fact, there’s a sign up sheet in the hall outside the Church office for folks to sign  who are willing to take the time to help set up and clean up for the meal on Homecoming two weeks from today. Can you invest some time to help us in this – or other things we are doing as we prepare for Homecoming?

Maybe you can invest your time for God in the community. Taking time to help others or tell others about Christ is a valuable investment you can make in the community. You can do this with us in the Church as we do things as a group that shows God to others – like helping with the upcoming “Slaw outreach” at the Fair or the meal we’ll be serving to the students at Francis Marion University in November. You can also help us come up with new ideas and new ways to show God to the community. You can also do this on your own every day as you share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

Maybe you have talents and abilities you can invest in the Church and the community that will help others learn more about God. We can always use more people teaching, more people in the Choir and Praise Choir, more people cooking on Wednesday nights, more people willing to serve on committees, more people willing to serve on the Session, and more people willing to work “behind the scenes” to get things done. Whatever your talent or ability might be, invest it for God’s glory and for God’s work and will in the Church and the world.

Maybe you have financial blessings you can use to invest in God’s work in the Church or the community.  We could certainly use it – and so could others. Invest it in the future – in God’s work and will in the Church and the world.

Invest what you have in the future – in God’s plan and God’s future for the Church.

Here’s on specific way you can invest in the future of the Church. This Wednesday night we are going to have Committee Night. This will be a time for us to gather and make plans for how we are going to do what we feel God is calling us to do as a Church. I urge you to come and take part. You might not have been asked to serve on a Committee, but you might have a specific area you are interested in and can help us make plans for. Come and help us make plans for what we feel God is calling us to do. Invest your time and ideas in the work of God in the Church and the community.

I don’t think any of us can say that the Church is where we want it to be at this time – and I don’t think any of us can honestly say we believe the Church is where God wants us to be. But – I do believe that God has a future for us that is brighter than anything we can imagine – and that future can become a reality if we will invest what God has given us in it.

Indeed – God has given you gifts and abilities to use right here – and right now – that can benefit you and others – that can benefit God’s work in the Church and the world – well into the future.

Invest what God has given you now for the future.

Invest in the future. Amen.

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

August 22, 2010

Well – school has started back – and along with it the fine art of writing notes to excuse students from classes or other school activities.

Growing up I had to have my parents write “excuse notes” for me when I was sick – but at other times I was tempted to beg my parents to write excuse notes for me when  I did not want to do something in school or did not have an assignment completed.

I remember one occasion when the University of South Carolina was playing in the ACC Basketball Tournament (that tells you how long ago it was) in Charlotte and my family had tickets for the Thursday night game. Charlotte was only 30 miles from where we lived in Rock Hill so it was not a hard trip at all – except for the fact that we got home late and I had not finished reading a book and writing a book report that was due the next day.  The next morning at breakfast I made the mistake of asking my dad to write me an excuse to give my teacher for not having the report done.  I knew that South Carolina had lost the night before and that dad would be in a foul mood – but I had to ask.

You know what? Not only did Dad not write the note – he also gave me a lecture about taking responsibility. He pointed out to me that I knew when the report was due and when the game was so I should have prepared and had the book read and the report ready well in advance. But he did not stop there. He continued by asking me if I thought the client he was defending in court that day cared what he had done the night before – and as dad did so many time he answered his own question before I had a chance to respond and pointed out that no – all the client cared about was whether or not dad was ready to represent him. But even that was not the end of the lecture as he then asked if I thought he could give the Judge a note asking to be excused from court since he had been at the game the night before – and again before I could answer he exclaimed that no – he could not get out of his responsibilities that day because of the he had gone to the game the night before and he would not help me get out of mine either.

When he finally said “Case closed. End of discussion.” I knew it was better for me to face my teacher without the report than to try to talk any more to Dad about writing an excuse.

Well, I went to school that day without a book report and without an excuse note.  One of my friends and his family had gone to the game also – and he did not have his book report done either. He, however, brought an excuse note from his father.  When our teacher saw his note, she looked at him – and looked at me.  She had been to the game also and had seen both of us there – and knew that my dad had refused to write me an excuse.  She looked at my friend and explained that she would have to talk to his dad about this. She did, and he took back the request.  Both my friend and I made a 0 on the report.

Excuse notes can run rampant in schools. Any teacher or school administrator can tell you how silly some of these notes can be – and how creative some students can be in “faking” excuse notes. Just listen to some of the more humorous excuses parents have written – or that students have turned in claiming they be from their parents:

-Teacher, please excuse Mary for being absent. She was sick and I had her shot. Mary’s Mom.
- My son is under doctor’s care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.
- Please excuse my son’s tardiness. I forgot to wake him up and did not find him until I started making the beds.

The problem is that a lot of us are really good at making excuses for why we don’t do things we know we should – and some of the excuses we give are just as silly as some of the excuses I just read.

The Bible is filled with stories of God calling folks to do things for Him – and the excuses they gave. Here are just some of them:

-         Moses tried to use the excuse that he couldn’t speak well.

– Jonah tried to run away – then tried to use the fact that he didn’t want to do what God was calling him to do as an excuse.
- Isaiah tried to use the fact that he felt unworthy as an excuse.
- Elijah tried to tell God that no one was listening and there was no use in even trying to tell people about God – but God showed him that was a poor excuse.

– Ezekiel tried to act like he could not speak and use that as an excuse.
- Paul tried to use his “thorn in the flesh” – probably some type of physical problem – as an excuse.

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses.

We try to make excuses from time to time – but that does not change the fact that God does not want to hear our excuses – or that God can overrule our excuses – or that God can strengthen us so we can overcome our excuses.

Our passage for today is an example of the excuses we make – how God does not want to hear them – and can overrule them and give us strength to overcome them. Here is Jeremiah – a young boy probably minding his own business – when suddenly he is called by God to be not just a priest – but a prophet. Jeremiah probably knew that the life of a prophet was difficult and even dangerous. Jeremiah probably knew that his message would not be popular and at times people would want to “shoot the messenger” – at least figuratively if not literally.  Not surprisingly, Jeremiah did what most prophets of God before him had done. Jeremiah protested, he made up and excuse, saying that he was no great speaker. He pointed out his age and inexperience. But the Lord did not want to hear Jeremiah’s excuses. God promised to be with Jeremiah and told him not to be afraid. God touched Jeremiah’s mouth and gave him words to speak. And speak them Jeremiah did. He became one of God’s most eloquent spokesmen.

God was not interested in hearing Jeremiah’s excuses – and overruled them.

God then strengthened Jeremiah so that his excuses didn’t matter.

God needed Jeremiah – not his excuses.

You know — the Bible is filled with the most astounding, incredible, powerful demonstrations of God’s involvement in this world and in human lives — but for me perhaps the most amazing miracle that Scripture reveals is not that God created everything, or that God brought a tremendous flood to the earth, or that God helped the Hebrews escape from Pharaoh, or that God rescued Israel through feats of supernatural power. No, I think that — even more remarkable than all these occurrences — is an overwhelming, indeed daunting, realization that all of Scripture reveals that God needs us.

The Lord needs you!

The Lord needs you?

The Lord needs me?

It’s a pretty intimidating proposition.

What does a statement like “the Lord needs you” really mean?

The Lord needs you.

What for? The God who created the universe, the almighty and eternal God, has need of little ol’ me? The God who created at least 200 billion, billion stars? The God who created this galaxy — a galaxy so big that it takes a light ray 100,000 years to pass from one end to another? And how many galaxies did God create?     Countless.
And the Lord needs me? He needs you?

Yea – the Lord needs you.
Paul taught us never to say to one another, “I have no need of you” (1

Cor.12:21). But to say that God needs us is another matter. In one sense, of course, God doesn’t need anything. God is God, period. But God has chosen to work in certain ways that make you and me absolutely critical. As someone has put it:

“Without God, we can’t do anything. Without us, God won’ do anything .”

You don’t think the Lord needs you?

Jeremiah tried to convince the Lord that he was too young and inexperienced to be a mouthpiece for God. He tried to tell God that He really didn’t need him that He needed someone who knew the ropes, had some clout, could brandish an already established reputation. Jeremiah cannot imagine the Lord “needing” a young, inexperienced priest such as himself for anything. The concept of the Lord “needing” anything is strange enough to us and Jeremiah, but if that is the case, surely God only “needs” the best – right?

Wrong.

The Lord Needs You!

Jeremiah could not avoid his direct call from God any more than Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jonah, Paul, or so many others who tried to give God excuses instead of giving God what He wanted – He wanted them.

For God, “strength made perfect in weakness” makes the perfect servant. Zechariah 4:6 says it all, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord.”
So – the Lord needed Jeremiah – not his excuses.
The Lord needs you – not your excuses.

Just as God overruled Jeremiah’s objections and strengthened him for what God called him to do, God can strengthen you and give you what you need for doing His work in the Church and in the world.

God doesn’t need your excuses – He needs you!

Last week I challenged our students beginning school to be witnesses for Christ in their schools. How did that go? Did you witness for Christ to your friends and classmates – or do you just have excuses for why you didn’t?

I also challenged those of you who work every day to share Christ at your job. How did that go? Again – do you have stories of how you did this – or just excuses?

I also challenged those not working to share Christ with others in the community. Do you have stories of how you did this – or just excuses?

God needs you to see how you can serve Him in your daily life – whatever you are doing every day.

He does not need your excuses.

What about the work of the Church?

God needs you to see what you can do to get His work done in the Church.

What specific thing does God need you to do?

That depends on your gifts and talents – but I am sure that there are more folks who can sing – teach – serve on the Session – attend worship – attend Bible Study – attend service and fellowship times – and do so many other things here at the Church — than currently do these things. It’s not that we don’t have wonderful choir members – teachers – Session members – worship attenders – and folks that come to Bible Study and fellowship times – but I really think we can make room for one more in any of these groups if you feel called to do any of these things – or other things – and quit making excuses.

What’s God calling you to do?

What excuses are you giving?

Do you feel that you’re too busy?

Do you not want to get involved?

Or are you afraid it would take up too much of your time?

Or has no one asked you to do something?

Friends – these are excuses – and God does not need your excuses.

God needs you.

God needs your gifts.

God needs your talents.

God needs you.

Jeremiah listened and heard God’s call to do God’s work in the world.

If you listen hard enough, I believe you can hear God’s call also.

Listen – listen to what God is saying – listen to how God is calling you – listen to what God is calling you to do.

God needs you.

Listen to Him – and quit giving excuses.

Amen.

Jeremiah 31:7-14, 1 Peter 2:1-10, John 1:1-18

Jeremiah 31:7-14

1 Peter 2:1-10

John 1:1-18

We Are All Called

January 3, 2010

Christmas 2

Officer Ordination / Installation

Happy New Year!

It is indeed a new year – a year filled with new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities.

But we have to let it be that for us.

We have to let ourselves take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that God may be laying before us — or this year will not be any different than any other.

You may remember my story about when I was young I used to want to stay up until midnight on New Years Eve and “see the New Year in”.  When I was 4 I decided that I was going to stay up and “see the New  Year in” – for it was not just a new year – but a new decade.  When the clock struck midnight it was no longer going to the 1959 – but 1960 – not the 1950’s – but the 1960’s!  I was sure that this was going to bring great changes – and things were going to suddenly look different.

I was excited! I was ready to stay up to “see the New Year in” – to “see the new decade in” but around 10:30 my tiredness caught up with my excitement. I decided I would lie down for awhile – but slept through the whole thing. On the morning of January 1, 1960 I awoke – disappointed that I had missed the New Year – the new decade — coming in – but raced outside to see how the New Year looked. I expected things to look different. Surely things would look different. Of course, nothing looked different. I told my parents that I did not know what the big deal was – everything looked the same to me.

Is that how the new year will be for us – just the same?

Or – will we see and take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that lie before us?

For us here at Hopewell, today is not only a time for celebrating and thinking about the new possibilities and new opportunities God may be presenting us in our personal lives this new year – but it is also a time for celebrating and thinking about new possibilities  and new opportunities God may presenting us as a Church. Dresden Tucker and Sonny Sandifer have heard God’s call to serve Him and the Church — have responded by saying “Here I am” – and we have ordained them as Elders and installed them to active service on the Session.  Jay Gregg and Jimmy Gregg have also heard God’s call to serve Him and the Church – have responded again by saying “Here I am” – and we have installed them to active service on the Session.

God is laying new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities before us. But – - here’s the thing — we can grasp these new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities – and with God’s strength can do new and greater things for Him in the Church, the community, and the world — or we can just keep doing same old things in the same old ways and it can be “business as usual” – the same thing as always – and wonder why things remain the same.

It’s up to us.

Actually, it’s up to you.

It’s up to you to make the new year – with the new opportunities that lay before us – what you will make of them.

We can take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities God is laying before us – and truly be changed as individuals and as a Church – or we can just keep doing the same old things the same old ways and wonder why things never change.

You remember that Joshua told the people of Israel that they had to choose who they would serve – but as for him – he was going to serve the Lord.

In the same way, you have to choose if you are going to take advantage of the  new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities God is laying before us – and truly be changed as an individual – and if we will be changed as a Church.  But, as Joshua – I want to go on record as saying that – as for me – I want to take advantage of the new possibilities God is laying before us.  I want Hopewell to be the Church God would have us be.  I want us all to say – when God calls us – “Here I am – tell me what You want me to do”.

Anybody with me?

Anybody else want to listen for God’s call to us – and say to God:

“Here I am  – tell me what You want me to do”

Some of you may remember John Belushi’s stirring speech in the movie “Animal House” – and although he got his facts very confused – he ended with charging out the door – by himself.  He then returned and – with the typical Belushi raised eyebrow – looked around the room to see why no one else was following him.

I don’t want to go charging into the year by myself.

I pray that you will follow me – and together we will hear God’s call – and together we will be willing to respond to God:

“Here I am – tell me what You want me to do”

But – here’s another question.

After you choose that you want to take advantage of the  new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities God is laying before us – and truly be changed as an individual – and want to work for a change in the Church – after you decide that you want to respond to God’s call:

“Here I am  – tell me what You want me to do”

How do you do it?

How can you really take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities God is laying before you – and truly be changed?

How can you act on that commitment you make when you say to God:

“Here I am – tell me what You want me to do”

The passage from 1 Peter I read a few moments ago gives us an idea of what God thinks of us:

you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light

We are a chosen n race — a royal priesthood — a holy nation — God’s own people

That’s who we are as a community of Christians.

You are a chosen n race — a royal priesthood — a holy nation — God’s own person.

That’s who you are as an individual.

Chosen – royal – and holy

Holy – the Greek word is haggios — which means different – or set apart

That is who we are!

As a Christian, that’s who you are!

Regardless of what we might think about ourselves — regardless of what our opinions of ourselves might be –  this is what God thinks – and what God’s opinion is.

Regardless of what you might think about yourself  — regardless of what your opinion  of yourself might be –  this is what God thinks of you – and what God’s opinion is.

And it is God’s opinion that counts here!

And – God has a purpose for us – a purpose for you — as Peter writes –

to proclaim the mighty acts of him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

So – now you know what God thinks of you – and what God is calling you to do. We are the glorious people of God – called to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You are a glorious person of God – called to show to the world the glory of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That is who we are – and what we are to be doing. That’s who you are – and what you are to be doing.

A glorious person of God – called to show to the world the glory of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

When you say to God:

“Here I am – tell me what You want me to do”

You are saying –

“I’m willing to be live as Your glorious person – and I’m willing to do what I can to show the world Your glory.”

Yea – it is a new year. A year filled with new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that God is laying before us. Yea – starting today we have a new Session – this particular group has never served and lead before.

It’s up to us to decide what we are going to do with the new things God lays before us.

It’s up to the members of the Session to decide what they are going to do  with the new things God lays before them and before us.

But – it’s up to each of you to decide if you are willing to truly say to God:

“I’m willing to be live as Your glorious person – and I’m willing to do what I can to show the world Your glory.”

It’s up to you to decide if you are going to say to God:

“Here I am – tell me what You want me to do”

God is calling.

God is calling each of us.

God is calling you.

We like to talk about how members of the Session are “called by God”
– but the truth is we are all called.

We are all called to take advantage of each and every opportunity God lays before us – and to let God truly make this year different – for us as individuals – and for us at Hopewell Presbyterian Church.

We are all called.

How will we respond?

How will you respond?

It’s up to us to decide what we are going to do with the opportunities God is giving us. It’s up to us to decide if we are going to let God bless us – and truly live out our calling to be glorious people – called to show to the world our glorious God

It’s up to you to decide what you are going to do with the opportunities God is giving you. It’s up to you to decide if you are going to let God bless you – and truly live out your calling to be a glorious person of God – and show your glorious God to the world.

One opportunity each of us are going to have take part in what God is doing here at Hopewell will occur next Sunday.  We are going to have a very special day here next Sunday as we gather around God’s Table for the Sacrament of Communion during worship – then gather next Sunday afternoon at 3:00 to share some of the ideas God gave us as we spent last fall in our Prayer Groups. I look forward to seeing each of you at Worship and at the sharing time next Sunday as together we strive to listen to God respond to His call to us.

You heard Dresden, Sonny, Jay and Jimmy respond in the affirmative to the Ordination questions earlier. That’s a way of their responding to God’s call by saying:

“Here I am. Tell me what you want me to do”.

“I want to be Your glorious person – show me how I can show Your glorious will to the world”.

What about you?

How do you respond?

If we truly want this year to be different for us as individuals and as a Church, it’s up to each of us to respond to God by saying – in our own way:

“Here I am. Tell me what you want me to do”.

“I want to be Your glorious person – show me how I can show Your glorious will to the world”.

The members of the Session are called by God.

We are all called by God.

We are all called.

How do we respond?

How do you respond?

I urge you to decide that this year will not be “business as usual” or “just the same” for you – and for us as a Church.

I urge you to commit to making it different.

I urge you to let God change you.

I urge you to let God change us — so we can indeed take advantage of all the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that God is laying before us – and become God’s glorious people – called to show to the world our glorious God. Amen.

Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Luke 21:25-36

There’s Light In The Darkness

Advent 1

November 29, 2009

You know — late November and December can truly be dark times.

It’s dark by 5:00. For many of us it’s dark by the time we get home from work — too dark and for that matter too cold to do anything outside — and the trouble is we know it won’t get much better until March.

Not only can it be dark – it can also be depressing. At times darkness may seem to hover around us like a shroud. For many of us, our spirits are just a dark as the darkest night.

Maybe the problem is that we get so rushed – and so pushed.

Christmas is coming — there is so much to prepare for.

So many packages to wrap.

So many presents to buy.

So many places to be.

So much to do.

Too much to do.

It can be depressing — can’t it?

Then — for many — December can be a very sad month.

More people suffer from depression in December than in any other month of the year.

The joys of the Holiday season may turn to depression as family gatherings don’t turn out to be as “happy” as they had been planned to be. Even the thought of family gatherings can be depressing for some as they remember loved ones who have died or for some other reason may not be able to gather with them — or are not willing to gather with them.

The “happiest” time of the year can also be the saddest.

Then there is the concern many have for their jobs – how they are going to pay for food to eat and a place to shelter themselves and their families – much less have Christmas gifts to give.

And, of course, there is the concern that many have for peace in the midst of violence – whether they live in war zones or communities where violence affects them directly or whether they just read about it in the paper or hear it on the evening news.

It can be a depressing time.

Maybe it’s a depressing time for you.

Maybe you feel overwhelmed and are wondering what you are going to do – how you can make a living and provide for your family – or how you are going to cope with the darkness you might feel in your life.

Maybe you came to Church today to get a dose of “good cheer” in the midst of the dark times. We are moving towards Christmas so maybe you came today expecting to hear about the sweet baby Jesus and the peace He can bring.

Well – I’m sorry – because if that’s what you expected then you might be surprised – or maybe disappointed – to come face to face with Advent and scripture passages from Jeremiah and a Gospel passage that does not promise peace, but conflict.

Maybe you’re thinking: “What’s going on here?”

Maybe you’re thinking: “Wait a minute! Christmas is coming. What about:

Silent night, Holy night, All is calm, All is bright?”

Instead of Silent Night we get:

“…nations will be in anguish…the roaring and tossing of the sea…People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world…the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”

Ho, ho, ho indeed! Where is Santa when we need him?

Why read from a Gospel lesson such as this to begin Advent and our preparation for the coming of the Christ child?

Well, I believe that there is a good reason for it.

The sad truth that all of us who are old enough know is that we do not live in a “Santa Claus world” – and not many of us live “Santa Claus lives”.

We need to know how to live in our world – cope with the problems that we experience – and see what God has to say to our world and our lives – instead of trying to “sugar coat” the reality of our world and our lives.

We do live in an uncertain world – or maybe it would better to say that we live in a certain world – a world where we can be certain that there will be violence  and danger and economic hardship.

Nine years ago there were headlines out of the Holy Land:

“Violence forces Bethlehem to cancel Christmas plans.”

Bethlehem’s city fathers called off ambitious plans to celebrate Christmas 2000 – the 2000^th anniversary of the birth of Christ in that town. They said that a time of Palestinian-Israeli conflict was no time for merrymaking. The town of Jesus’ birth was dark and deserted that Christmas – without festive street lights, craft fairs and choirs in Manger Square that had been planned. In the months before Christmas seven Palestinians from the Bethlehem area were killed in rock-throwing clashes and gun battles with Israeli soldiers.

Indeed, we live in a world where there seems to be little “peace on earth and mercy mild…”

The fear and foreboding Jesus speaks of in our Luke 21 passage for today greet us at every turn.

So – what’s the answer?

That’s the question we wrestle with – but we are not the first to have wrestled with this question.

The prophet Jeremiah in our Old Testament lesson for today certainly knew what dark and depressing days were. Jeremiah lived in Judah in some very dark days for the country. For almost 100 years the Babylonians threatened Judah. The people, however, were sure that God would save them — then, in 587 BC , the Babylonians conquered Judah and ten years later Jerusalem lay in ruins.

These were dark times for the people who trusted God.

Why had this happened?

Where was God?

Dark and depressing days indeed.

Then – at the time our Gospel passage was written the people in Israel knew what dark and depressing days could be like, too. They, too were under the authority of a foreign government — this time it was the Romans. They prayed for God to come and change things. They prayed for God to send the Messiah to free them — but — they had prayed for so long — and with no answer.

Had God finally given up on His people?

So – what was the answer for Jeremiah – and for the folks in Jesus’ day?

Where was the hope for them?

Indeed – where is the hope for us today in today’s world?

More specifically – where is the hope for you and the things you deal with in your life?

The hope for Jeremiah was in God.

Jeremiah instructed the captives in Babylon to look past the destruction and the problems they saw and experienced in life – and look to the fact that God was with them – even in their struggle and their despair.

In the midst of their struggle and despair Jeremiah had the audacity to believe that God was with them – and that the light of God shone – no matter how dark their lives became.

Did you get that?

In the midst of their struggle and despair Jeremiah had the audacity to believe that God was with them – and that the light of God shone – no matter how dark their lives became.

In the midst of our struggle and despair – in the midst of a world where we can be certain that there will be violence and dangers and economic hardships – in the midst of our darkness and fear – God is with us – and the light of God shines – regardless of how dark our lives become.

In the midst of your struggle and despair – in the midst of a world where you can be certain that there will be violence and dangers and economic hardships – in the midst of your darkness and fear – God is with you – and the light of God shines – regardless of how dark your life becomes.

There is light in the darkness.

It’s the light of God.

It’s the light of Christ.

So – why choose this text from Luke where we read that:

“…nations will be in anguish…the roaring and tossing of the sea…People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world…the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”

Because it reminds us that even in our darkness – there is the light of God.

Right smack in the middles of what seems to be a very depressing Gospel text where Jesus is saying that terrible things are in store – there are a few words that jump out as if they were printed in flashing neon:

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Jesus is telling His disciples that disappointment, despair, disease, even death do not have the final word. Jesus is telling them that when they face these things that they need to not focus on them – but to focus on God.  Jesus is telling them to look up and see the light of God in the midst of the darkness of the world.

There is light in the darkness.

That’s Jesus’ message to us, also.

In a world where we can be certain that there will be violence and dangers and economic hardships –we need to look up and see the light of God.

There is light in the darkness.

In your life where you may be experiencing dark and depressing things you   need to look up and see the light of God.

There is light in the darkness.

Some years ago, the comedians Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks  did a series of comedy sketches called the “2000-Year-Old Man” . The premise was that Reiner interviewed Brooks – who was playing a man 2,000 years old.

At one point, Reiner asks Brooks: “Did you always worship God?”

Brooks replies: “No. We had a guy in our village named Phil, and for a time we worshiped him.”
Reiner asks: “You worshiped a guy named Phil? Why?” and Brooks replied:      ”Because he was big, and mean, and he could break you in two with his bare hands!”
Reiner then asks: “Did you have prayers?”
Brooks answers: “Yes, would you like to hear one? O Phil, please don’t be mean, and hurt us, or break us in two with your bare hands.”
Reiner then asks: “So when did you start worshiping God?”
And then Brooks gave this wonderful answer: “Well, one day a big thunderstorm came up, and a lightning bolt hit Phil. We gathered around and saw that he was dead. Then we said to one another, “There’s somthin’ bigger than Phil!”                                                                                                                                                                                                    Did you catch that?  “There’s somthin’ bigger than Phil!”  Great comedy – and a great truth.

We live in a world where we can be certain that there will be violence and dangers and economic hardships – but we can also be sure that there is “somthin’ bigger”. You can be sure that your life will be filled dark and depressing times – but you can also be sure that “there is “somthin’ bugger”.  There is “somthin’ bigger” than the violence – the dangers – the economic hardships – and the dark and depressing things of our world and our lives. That “somthin’ bigger” is the light God shines in our lives and our world – the light of Christ – the light of hope – and the light of love.

Some years ago the community of Spencer, South Dakota was devastated by a tornado. Among the many losses, including six victims, was St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. The day after the tornado the pastor of St. Matthew’s walked through the devastation. She writes that it was an unbelievable sight – a grain elevator twisted and fallen, a water tower toppled, vehicles and other heavy items strewn around like toys, whole buildings gone from their foundations.

When she got near the site of the Church someone called out:  “Look! There He is! There’s Jesus!”

Sure enough, there was the statue of Jesus that had stood at the altar of the Church. There it – or He was — a beacon to what had been the site of a 100-year-old congregation’s place of worship. The pastor later wrote that it was so fitting to look up from the chaos around her and see Jesus — arms outstretched, welcoming, and loving His people. She wondered how the statue had survived the devastation – and later learned that two young girls, helping clean up for a family member in a nearby home had taken time to come over to where the Church had been and found the statue in the rubble. They decided that everyone in Spencer needed to see that Jesus was still there, so they stood him up for all to see.

Yes, we live in a world where we can be certain that there will be violence  and dangers and economic hardships — you can be sure that your life will be filled dark and depressing times – but you can also be sure that Jesus is with you – and that there is the light God that shines in our lives and our world – the light of Christ – the light of hope – and the light of love – in spite of the darkness.

There is light in the darkness.

The message for today may not be sugar coated – but then again neither are our lives.

The message for today is that – no matter how dark or desperate things become – there is light — God’s light that shines in the world through Christ.

The message is that in the midst of the December darkness – and the darkness of our lives – there is the light of Christ.

The message is that “there is somthin’ bigger” than our world filled with violence and our lives filled with darkness – and that is the light of Christ.

Because of what God has done for us, there is light in the darkness.

However dark your life may be or may become – know that God’s light shines.

There is indeed light in the darkness.

Amen.

Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18

Jeremiah 31:7-14

Ephesians 1:3-14

John 1:1-18

This Year Will Be Different

January 4, 2009

Communion

Happy New Year!

We are 4 days now into a new year – a year filled with new possibilities – new potential – - new opportunities.

Some of you may have made New Years Resolutions – promises to yourself and possibly to others to improve some area of your life.

Maybe some of you have made a resolution to lose weight. That’s one of mine for this year – but it has been one of mine for several years now – with little success.

This year – though – will be different!

Maybe some of you have made a resolution to exercise more. That’s been another one of mine for the past several years – with little success.

This year – though – will be different.

Maybe some of you have made a resolution to spend more time with your loved ones.

Some of you have made a resolution to spend more time with God or in serving others.

We have a tendency to make New Years resolutions.

Some of you may be doing really well with your resolutions so far.

I mean – we are lonely 4 days into the year!

But – then again — some of you may have already be struggling.

And some of you may have not even made any resolutions at all – knowing that they are hard to keep.

But every year – we tell ourselves –

This year will be different.

This year will be different.

I remember one December 31^st when I was with some friends – and we happened to met another friend. This one turned to one of the others I was with and said:

“Well – I know you’re misbehaving today – you’re probably getting it all out of your today – because I’m sure your New Years Resolution will be to behave next year.”

We all laughed.

But – whether you made a New Years Resolution or not – whether you are keeping your resolution so far or not – it can not be denied that it is a new year – and it indeed can be – if we will let it be – a time for new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities.

We can truly say that this year can be different.

And – if we let it be – we can truly say that

This year will be different.

This year will be different.

But we have to let it be that for us.

We have to let it be different.

We have to let ourselves take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that may be before us this year – or this year will not be any different than any other.

When I was young I used to want to stay up until midnight on New Years Eve and “see the New Year in”. When I was four we not only were celebrating a new year – but a new decade—the 1960’s! I was just sure that it would be different – look different in some way – and I begged my parents to let me see the new year – the new decade – in. Finally, they decided to let me stay up.

I was excited!

I was ready to stay up to “see the New Year’ – the “new decade” – “ in” – but around 10:00 my tiredness caught up with my excitement.

I decided I would lie down for awhile – but slept through the whole thing.

On the morning of January 1 , 1960 I awoke – disappointed that I had missed the New Year – the new decade — coming in – but raced outside to see how this new year – this new decade — looked.

I think I expected things to look different.

A New Year had come in.

A new decade, for that matter.

Surely things would look different.

But – guess what.

Things did not look different.

Things looked the same.

Disappointed again – I went back inside – and told my parents that I did not know what the big deal was – everything looked the same to me.

Is that how this new year will be for us – just the same?

Is that how it will be for us personally?

Is that how it will be for us as far as our personal relationships with God go?

Is that how it will be for us as far as how we do as a Church – how we serve God in the Church – the community – and the world?

Will 2009 be for us – as individuals and as a Church – just more of the same?

Or – will it be different?

Will we see and take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that lie before us?

Will we commit ourselves to letting God make a difference in our lives – then making a difference in the Church — the community – and the world?

Will this year be the same – or indeed – will it be different?

Will your commitment to God – to the Church –

to loving God with all your heart – soul – mind and strength – and your neighbor as yourself –

be greater – or different – this year?

Or will it be the same?

We all have the opportunities to make it different – but will we?

If you are like us – you have not only been involved in celebrating a new year and maybe making resolutions this week – but have also been involved in taking down Christmas decorations and sorting through Christmas gifts.

You know the process – you go through the gifts – decide which ones you really like and will use – and put the rest away.

Christmas gifts can be very nice – and with many we remember the one who gave them to us every time we see them.

Others are not as special – and are put away – either to be brought out at some other point in time or forgotten about forever.

But – when putting away all the Christmas gifts — there is one Christmas gift we should not just “put away” – should not just put aside and maybe look at again next year.

That’s God’s Christmas gift to us –

The Greatest Gift of All

God’s Son – Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ –

as John writes – THE WORD –

the one who is part of the Godhead –

who was with God from the beginning –

who was part of the creating force that created the world. –

who came into the world to show us God –

who came into the world to save us from our sins –

who came into the world to give us life

Jesus Christ – God’s gift to us of salvation – of peace – of love – of justice.

Jesus Christ – God’s gift of Himself to us.

I remember a sign I once saw outside a church in Greensboro, NC before one Christmas that read:

THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

IS NOT UNDER THE TREE – BUT

ON A TREE.

The best gift we can ever receive is not one that will be wrapped under our Christmas trees – but Jesus Christ – the Son of God – who died on a cross – on a tree – for us.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

IS NOT UNDER THE TREE – BUT

ON A TREE.

God’s great gift to us of Himself – Jesus Christ – God’s gift to us of salvation – of peace – of love – of justice.

That’s the greatest gift – isn’t it?

Here’s something to remember for the new year –

If you want the New Year to really be different –

If you want to really see a difference in this year –

If you really want 2009 to not just be the same as every other year –

If you really want things to be different this year –

If you really want your life as a Christina and as a member of Hopewell to be different this year –

If you really want to see and take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that lie before you this year –

You have to open the greatest gift of all —

You have to open yourself up to Christ – and the salvation – love – joy – and peace Christ can bring for you.

When you open yourself to the greatest gift, you life changes.

You experience God’s love, joy, and peace for this life – and salvation for the life to come.

The year – in fact your life – cam not be “business as usual” – but the year – and your life – will be filled with the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that God will lay before you.

As John writes – you will have the power to become a child of God –

born not of blood or the will of man – but of God

You will be blessed in a special way.

If you will open yourself up to Christ, and let Him change your life, you’ll see a difference in your life. And – a number of us will do that – we will see a difference in the Church.

This year will be different.

Our lives will be different.

The Church will be different.

You’ll be blessed with a different life – a different way to live – and a different way to love God and others.

You’ll be blessed with an ability to share the richness of God’s love – grace – peace – and salvation with the community – indeed a world that is hurting and needs to experience Jesus Christ in a new way.

Jesus Christ – God with us –

God in our midst –

God in our world –

God’s will for salvation – justice – mercy – and peace –

is God’s greatest gift to you.

Jesus Christ is the way to make your life different – the Church different — the community different – the world different.

Jesus Christ is the only one who can give us the assurance to say:

This year will be different.

This year will be different.

Accepting God’s gift – with the salvation – love – mercy – justice and peace Jesus brings – is the way to make your life different – the Church different – the community different – the world different.

As we accept that greatest gift –

as we begin to let God change us – and through us change our Church – our community – and our world – things will indeed be different.

Committing – or recommitting — your life to serving Christ – is the only way you can insure that this year will not be “business as usual” – but will be filled with God’s love and blessings for us as a individuals and as a Church.

Committing – or recommitting — your life to serving Christ – is how you insure that you can take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that God will lay before you.

Make that commitment.

Make it your New Year – or maybe we should say New Life – resolution to accept God’s greatest gift — Jesus Christ – and either commit or recommit yourself to sharing Christ with others.

If you can do that – you will be able to receive – and share the greatest gift God offers — and can have a happy –

no – I think it better to say – blessed –

New year

And new life.

That’s indeed how we can make sure that this year will be different!

Amen.

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.

Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 12:20-33

JEREMIAH 31:31-34

JOHN 12:20-33

“IT’S TIME!”

LENT 5 APRIL 1, 2006

READ SCRIPTURE

We are 5 weeks into our season of Lent – 5 weeks into our journey with Christ and His disciples as they journey to Jerusalem – where Jesus will be crucified for our sins. As we journey with Christ on that road to Jerusalem, we see His commitment to His task. As we journey with Him it is our prayer that we will become more committed to Him.

This is a time for reflection upon our relationship with Christ — our relationship with God.

This is a time for us to recommit our lives to God and to Christ — to living in His ways.

This is a time for us to turn to Christ — and recommit our lives

to following Him — to being the person He calls us to be.

It is a time for us to see the new life God offers us through Christ — and accept it — and live in God’s new ways.

New life.

This is the message of Lent.

New life because of the death of Christ.

New life through a new commitment to Christ.

That’s the message of our texts for today.

Our Old Testament text almost shouts the promise of new life as Jeremiah envisions the renewal of the covenant — the promise of God to love — guide — bless — and save the people — if the people would follow God.

Our New Testament lesson has Jesus saying that it’s time to have that covenant renewed within us.

Listen to God’s word.

READ BOTH PASSAGES

The poet Ann Weems writes:

GOING THROUGH LENT

IS A LISTENING.

WHEN WE LISTEN

TO THE WORD,

WE HEAR

WHERE WE ARE SO

BLATANTLY

UNLIVING.

IF WE LISTEN TO THE WORD,

AND HALLOW IT

INTO OUR LIVES,

WE HEAR

HOW WE CAN SO ABUNDANTLY

LIVE AGAIN.

Weems. “A Listening.” Kneeling In Jerusalem. p. 33

Jeremiah wrote:

BUT THIS IS THE NEW COVENANT

I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL

AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:

I WILL PUT MY LAW WITHIN THEM,

AND I WILL WRITE IT ON THEIR HEARTS;

AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD,

AND THEY WILL BE MY PEOPLE.

Jeremiah 31:33

Jesus said:

“THE TIME HAS COME

FOR THE SON OF MAN TO BE GLORIFIED.

WHOEVER SERVES ME MUST FOLLOW ME,

AND WHERE I AM,

THERE MY SERVANT WILL BE, ALSO.”

John 12:26

IF WE LISTEN TO THE WORD,

AND HALLOW IT

INTO OUR LIVES,

WE HEAR

HOW WE CAN SO ABUNDANTLY

LIVE AGAIN.

Our Old Testament text almost shouts the promise of new life as Jeremiah envisions the renewal of the covenant — the promise of God to love — guide — bless — and save the people — if the people would follow God.

But — that’s where the covenant — the promise — broke down.

If God promised to love — guide — bless — and save the people if they would follow Him — what would happen if they would not follow God?

Would the world be destroyed — as in the days of Noah?

Would all die because of the poison of sin — as many had died in the wilderness when they were bitten by the poisonous snakes?

What would happen if the people did not follow God?

That’s the question of the Israelites in captivity in Babylon.

Years after they had reached — taken — and settled in the Promised Land they found themselves enslaved again — this time in Babylon.

Why?

What happened?

Could it be that they had forgotten the promise of God to love — guide — bless — and save them if they would follow Him?

Yes — it could be that indeed.

The people of God had forgotten to be God’s people.

They had forgotten their part of the covenant — and now — once again — they were captives.

What now?

What would happen now?

What could happen now?

Would God do something?

Could God do something?

What would God do?

What could God do?

Apparently something new was needed. The covenant wasn’t working. It had to be changed. It had to be made new. But — could it be made new? Could there be a new way for God to guide — love — bless — and save them — and for the people to follow God?

Jeremiah envisioned a renewal of the covenant with God.

A way for the covenant to be “keepable.”

BUT THIS IS THE NEW COVENANT

I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL

AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:

I WILL PUT MY LAW WITHIN THEM,

AND I WILL WRITE IT ON THEIR HEARTS;

AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD,

AND THEY WILL BE MY PEOPLE.

God was going to renew the covenant — not because the people deserved it — but because God loved the people — and deeply wanted to love — guide — bless — and save them — and deeply wanted them to follow Him.

IT’S TIME

IT’S TIME

What an exciting — beautiful promise God makes to God’s people in captivity. When they had looked at God’s covenant — God’s promises to them — all they could see was how badly they had failed. But now God gives them a way to see new life. The renewal of the covenant wasn’t going to come by some new laws — or even some new promises — it was going to come when the people let the promises of God — the uncompromising — unending — never take “no” for an answer love of God change their lives.

BUT THIS IS THE NEW COVENANT

I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL

AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:

I WILL PUT MY LAW WITHIN THEM,

AND I WILL WRITE IT ON THEIR HEARTS;

AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD,

AND THEY WILL BE MY PEOPLE.

JESUS ANSWERED THEM:

“THE TIME HAS COME

FOR THE SON OF MAN TO BE GLORIFIED.

WHOEVER SERVES ME MUST FOLLOW ME,

AND WHERE I AM,

THERE MY SERVANT WILL BE, ALSO.”

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

In the death of Christ, the time has come.

In the resurrection of Christ, the time has come.

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

That’s the message of Lent —

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

Friends – it’s time for each of us to hear God’s promise of new life — a life where God changes our hearts and we know God.

It’s time for you to hear God’s promise of new life — a life where God changes your heart — and you know God.

Too many times we are all like the Israelites — forgetting how to be the people God has called us to be — forgetting to be God’s people — forgetting to act in God’s ways. And we have become captives — not to a government of foreign people as the Israelites were to the Babylonians — but we have become captives to sin — to the things of the world — the things that keep us away from God — the things that keep us from living in God’s ways. We have become captives to sin — and find it hard to become free.

It’s time for freedom.

It’s time to let God’s will begin to truly make a difference in your life.

Through Christ on the cross — you can be free from sin — and God’s new covenant can be written upon your heart.

Through Christ on the cross, you can be the person God has called you to be all along.

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

It’s time for you to see Christ on the cross — and the new life God promises because of the death and resurrection of Christ.

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

It’s time for you to let God touch you in a new way — to let that uncompromising — unending — never take “no” for an answer love of God change your heart and change your life.

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

Will you let it happen?

Will you let yourself be renewed — made into a new person — by God?

Will you let God do away with that part of you that is not all that interested in the things of God — the things that make for a Christian life — and renew your heart so that the things of God are the most important things in your life?

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

Will you let God — in His uncompromising — unending — never take “no” for an answer love change your heart and change your life?

Will you let God change you so that His will is the most important thing in your life — and the things that make for the Christian life become the most important things for your life?

Will you start letting the things of God be the important things in your life?

Will you?

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

You can’t put it off any more.

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

Letting God change your life — letting the uncompromising — unending — never take “no” for an answer love of God change you is the most important decision you can ever make. Making that decision can give you eternal life in heaven. Failing to make that decision only leads to eternal life in sin — and in hell.

Let God write His law upon your heart.

Let God change you.

Do it now.

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME.

Maybe you’ve never really let God make a difference in your life.

If not — do it.

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

Maybe you turned to God a long time ago — but it never really meant a lot to you — and never changed your life. If that’s the case — turn to God — and let Him change your life.

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

Maybe you turned to God a long time ago — but like the Israelites you have forgotten what it means to truly be the person God has called you to be.

If that’s the case — use this as the opportunity to turn back to Christ.

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME.

Lent is indeed a time for us to reconsider our relationship with Christ — and recommit ourselves to Christ.

Indeed —

GOING THROUGH LENT

IS A LISTENING.

WHEN WE LISTEN

TO THE WORD,

WE HEAR

WHERE WE ARE SO

BLATANTLY

UNLIVING.

IF WE LISTEN TO THE WORD,

AND HALLOW IT

INTO OUR LIVES,

WE HEAR

HOW WE CAN SO ABUNTANTLY

LIVE AGAIN.

Weems. “A Listening.” Kneeling In Jerusalem. p. 33

BUT THIS IS THE NEW COVENANT

I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL

AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:

I WILL PUT MY LAW WITHIN THEM,

AND I WILL WRITE IT ON THEIR HEARTS;

AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD,

AND THEY WILL BE MY PEOPLE.

“THE TIME HAS COME

FOR THE SON OF MAN TO BE GLORIFIED.

WHOEVER SERVES ME MUST FOLLOW ME,

AND WHERE I AM,

THERE MY SERVANT WILL BE, ALSO.”

IT’S TIME

IT’S TME

AMEN

EASTER 2005

Jeremiah 31:1-6
Colossians 3:1-4
John 20:1-18
Can You See The Lord?
Easter
March 27, 2005

Today is the most joyously celebrative day in the Christian year.

You can tell it in the beauty of the sanctuary.

You can tell it in the beauty of the music.

You can tell it in the beauty of the service as we celebrate the Sacrament of Communion.

You will be able to tell it in the fellowship we will be able to share at the breakfast.

All these elements work together to make this day the high point of the Christian year for us. But what really makes it the high point of the Christian year is the fact that this is our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus — and the new life He gives us — new hope for new life in heaven as well as new hope for new life here and now.

All three of our lessons this Easter day witness to the amazing fact that God is making our lives — our world — new. God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous. God is changing us — and our world — in the resurrection of Christ. By the resurrection of Christ our lives — our world — can be changed — they can be made new.

Easter is a time of hope and joy.

The message of Easter is a message of hope and joy — especially when it is least expected.

Can you imagine the joy — the hope — Mary must have felt as she encountered the risen Christ?

She must have felt all hope was lost as she came to the tomb –

Jesus — whom she had followed and in whom she had placed all her hopes and dreams — was dead — and it must have seemed that all her hopes and dreams of a better way of living — a new life — had died with Him. All her hopes and dreams must have seemed to have been buried with Jesus. She must have felt alone — and like there was no way that she could get new hope for her life.

But then — she encountered the risen Christ.

There is a new hope.
There is a new joy.
There is hope for a new and different way to live.
Just when she least expected it — God gave her new life — and new hope.
There is hope for a different life — life that was much more meaningful and joyous than she had ever dared imagine before.

As she ran back to the disciples with the news that she had seen the Lord she may have been confused — maybe incredulous — maybe even scared — but she also must have felt hope.

Hope that Christ was with her.
Hope that things could truly be different.
Hope that her life could truly be changed.
Can you imagine what hope and excitement must have been in her voice as she announced to the disciples:

“I have seen the Lord!”

What a message of joy and hope that must have been!

“I have seen the Lord!”
“I have seen the Lord!”

Friends — this is hope.

As we gather around the Lord’s table on this Easter morning — and as we celebrate the Sacraments — there is hope.

There is hope for our lives — there is hope for our families — there is hope for our community — there is hope for our church — there is hope for our world — because of the risen Christ.

Because of the risen Christ — there is new life.

Because to the risen Christ — there is hope.

Because of the risen Christ — there is hope and new life when we least expect it.

We can see the risen Lord.

Can you see the Lord?
Can you see the Lord?

Can you see the hope — the new life — the love the risen Lord offers us?
Can you see the new life God gives us — especially when we least expect it?

Can you see the Lord?
Can you see the Lord?

If so — act like it!

Let the joy of the risen Lord infect your lives — how you worship — how you fellowship with each other — how you share God’s love with the world. Let the world know that you see the risen Christ.

Let the surprising love of God that renews us and gives us new life — especially when we least expect it — give you such joy that the world will see it and wonder what has happened.

Let it make a noticeable difference in your life.

If we have seen the risen Christ we can not keep that fact a secret among ourselves. We can not keep the new life and new hope God offers us through the risen Christ a secret to ourselves.

We must put it into the world –
we must put it in the way we worship –
we must put it in the way we fellowship –
we must put it in the way we reach out into the world with God’s love –
we have to bring to each other and to the world the message Mary brought to the disciples.

“I have seen the Lord!”

Can you see the Lord?
Can you see the Lord?

Has your life been changed by an experience with the risen Christ?
Have you experienced the Lord’s love in a new way?
Have you let Christ make your life new?
Have you experienced God’s new life — especially in a way you never expected it before?

Can you see the Lord?
Can you see the Lord?

Easter has a clear message.

Because of the resurrection of Christ — our lives — our families — our community — our church – - our world — can be made new by our God who makes all things new — even when — or maybe it‘s better to say especially when — we least expect it.

Let the message of Easter change your life.
Let the message of Easter change how you live.
Let the message of Easter change how you relate to all people.
Let the message of Easter truly change how you live.

Let the message of Easter give you hope for life — life here on earth and life the future life in heaven.

Have you ever been sailing?

If so — even though you may not realize it — you may have encountered one way to illustrate the hope of Easter — the new life and new hope God gives us — even when we least expect it.

Paul Willis, pastor of The Cathedral Of His Glory in Greensboro,NC tells a story of sailing with his grandfather off the coast of North Carolina when he was a young boy. One day as they were sailing the wind stopped — the sea became a dead calm — and their sailboat began floating aimlessly in the water. Try as they might, they couldn’t get the ship to head in the direction of home — and it was getting dark. Young Paul panicked — and did not know what to do. He knew they couldn’t swim to shore — they were much too far out.

What were they going to do?

His grandfather knew that all they could do was wait — and — being an experienced sailor and fisherman — he knew the wind would begin blowing again.

Darkness fell — and still no wind.

Young Paul knew they were doomed.

Grandfather knew that the wind would come back in time.

Finally — late into the night — grandfather woke Paul and told him to trim the sails. Paul did not understand why — the wind was still not blowing — but off in the distance he heard a faint sound. The sound became stronger and stronger until finally he could feel the wind. With the sails trimmed, the boat made its way home.

Willis likens the unexpected — to him — wind to the new life God offers us.

Just when we think things are at their worst –
there is the wind — the Spirit — of God — giving us new life –
new hope — for our lives.

It happened that way for Mary and the disciples.
It happens that way for us.

Indeed, that is the message of Easter.

Feel it.
See it.
Believe it.
Experience it.
Live it.

See the new hope God gives.
Celebrate the new hope God gives.

Can you see the Lord?
Can you see the Lord?

See the hope!
Sere the life!
See the Lord!

Come.
Let us experience the risen Christ.
Let the joy of the Easter message change your life — and through us change the world.

Come — and see the Lord.

Amen