tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18620253973933156622024-01-24T16:38:53.492-08:00Ben A. Wagner's Blog Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862025397393315662.post-12018698886215460002021-09-07T20:44:00.002-07:002021-09-07T20:44:48.228-07:00Before 9/11/2001 - The Jonestown Massacre <p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;">Before 9/11/2001,</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;">“the greatest single loss of American civilian life in a deliberate act” occurred at Jonestown in Guyana, South America.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;">(</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown#Deaths_in_Georgetown" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;"><span class="s1" style="color: #dca10d;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown#Deaths_in_Georgetown</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;">).</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;">The fraudulent ministry of Jim Jones and the horror that resulted contains painful lessons for Christians.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;">Here are a few facts that I learned listening to the audio version of Jeff Guin, </span><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;">The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and the People’s Temple</i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;"> (2017). </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* Jones gained prominence in Indiana by working successfully for racial integration.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* He claimed to be a revival preacher and faith healer to gain a following among Christians.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He used a variety of techniques to fake healings and prophecy. </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* Early on he preached a mixture of socialism and Christianity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He modeled himself after Father Divine, an African American spiritual leader who worked to alleviate poverty for blacks but claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* Jones moved his congregation to rural California because he thought it would be safer there in case of a nuclear strike against the US, which he prophesied was imminent. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* He confided to some members of his inner circle that he did not believe in a “sky god” but only in a religion that made things better in the here and now. Observers of his personal life noted that he did not pray.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>*<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because of his social programs and activism in California he gained influence among some prominent Californians, including then San Fran. major Willie Brown.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* He had hundreds of people working long hours for his organization. He told one member of his inner circle(I’m paraphrasing), we can keep them here “if we keep them poor and tired”. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* Jones eventually used his power to sexually exploit many people, claiming the right to sleep with other men’s wives. He also slept with men.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* When investigators turned their attention on his organization, Jones convinced hundreds of his followers to move to the jungles of Guyana, a South American (then socialist) country, where they could build a self sustaining community away from outsiders and enemies. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* A group of concerned parents claimed that their children were being held by Jones against their will and contacted California State Rep. Leo Ryan. In 1978 Ryan went to investigate, with members of the press, to see if anyone at Jonestown wanted to leave.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ryan left with some defectors and Jones had him and others killed at the airport. This set in motion Jones’ plan to make a final “revolutionary stand.”</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* A master manipulator to the very end, Jones convinced his followers that their enemies were coming to torture and kill them and their children.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It would be better to die with dignity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His most loyal followers had prepared vats of flavor aid (not kool aid) laced with cyanide.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Armed guards surrounded the group as Jones pressured his followers to come forward and drink the poison.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There is evidence that some were forced to drink. Around 300 infants and children died, along with 600 or so adults.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jones was found dead due to a gun shot. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Painful Lessons: </p><ol class="ol1"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jones’ message was socialism, not Jesus and him crucified and raised.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Beware of any preacher who uses Christian lingo to exalt an ideology rather than the Christ of the bible. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> Read your bible! </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jones knew how to create a spectacle through “miraculous” healings,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>fervent preaching, and exciting music.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He created a culture of “us versus them”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He appealed to people’s base emotions and felt needs.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Beware of emotional manipulation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On the other hand, Jones appealed to the sincere desire of many of his followers to be part of a racially integrated movement.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His detractors pointed out hypocrisy - there were few minorities in leadership or in his inner ciricle. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Those followers who had qualms about Jones were willing to overlook his terrible faults because of the “good he was doing” and because they were convinced (due to the “miracles”) that he was divinely gifted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Beware of the “too important” or “too gifted to fail” leadership fallacy. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jones’ followers made him into an idol, their mediator to God.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or they thought of him as a reincarnation of Christ.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is ultimately what Jones craved - to be worshipped.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Thou shalt have no other gods but me” (Ex. 20:3).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Ponder and heed Jesus's warning about wolves: </span>“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they ferocious wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:15-16). </li></ol><div><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862025397393315662.post-6458337040351647472021-08-24T08:57:00.004-07:002024-01-24T13:38:27.643-08:00No, the Shot is Not the Mark of the Beast <p>Since the development of the COVID 19 vaccine I have heard some Christians claim or wonder if it is the mark of the beast, described in Revelation 13:11-18. Obviously, if a Christian believes this he or she will resist the shot, for to take the mark is to align oneself with the beast who is opposed to Christ. But I believe that there are good reasons, based on a plain reading of this text, to reject this concern. [<b>1</b>]</p><p>First, consider the <u>description of the beast</u>. He has the authority to make <i>all inhabitants of the earth</i> "worship the first beast" (vs. 12). This beast also has the power to "perform great signs. . . to deceive "those who dwell on earth" (vv. 12-13). Is there currently anyone or any entity today who matches such a description? Is there anyone or any entity who has such world wide authority? Is there anyone or any entity performing supernatural signs to decieve people <i>thoughout the world</i> with regard to whom they worship ? I think the honest answer must be no. If there is currently no such person, then there is currently no such beast, and currently no mark of the beast, including the vaccine. </p><p>Second, consider <u>the description of the mark.</u> There are good reasons to believe that the description of the mark of the beast (on the right hand and the forhead) and the number 666 are symbolic and that John did not mean for his readers to take them literally. According to Alan Johnson, "The Greek word 'mark' usually refers to a work of art such as a carved image of a god (Acts 17:29), a written inscription, an impress "seal" of the emperor, or a "brand" on camels indicating ownership. But such a mark was never placed on a person, let alone on the "right hand" or on the "forehead." The 'mark' is not a literal impress seal or mark of identification, but it is John's way of symbolically describing authentic ownership and loyalty."["Revelation" in <i>Expositors' Bible Commentary-Abridged </i>(2004), accessed at https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation+13&version=ESV.] </p><p>Thus, the mark of the beast may be more subtle and less obvious than a literal, physical mark. Those looking for a connection between a physical mark and alignment with the antichirst may be on the wrong track. However, if one does believe that the physical description of the mark of the beast should be taken literally, clearly a vaccine does not fit the description. The mark is visible. The vaccine is invisible. </p><p>Furthermore, consider the purpose of the mark of the beast in Rev. 13. "No one can buy or sell, unless he has the mark of the beast." The purpose of the mark of the beast is to identify those who are aligned with the beast and then to restrict all of them from economic activity. <i>All</i> who do not have the mark of the beast cannot buy or sell <i>anything</i>. Currently about about 50% of people in the US are not fully vaccinated. They can still engage in economic activity. Of course, it is reasonable to assume that those who are unvaccinated could, unfortunately, face some restrictions and will endure some negative financial consequences (e.g. loss of job for some who refuse vaccination). But there is a vast difference between <i>some </i>people in a category suffering <i>some</i> negative consequences and <i>all people </i>in that category suffering from complete economic restriction. The text says, "<i>no one</i> can buy or sell." </p><p>Finally, consider<u> the consequence of not receiving the mark of the beast.</u> Those who resist worshipping the beast and do not receive the mark will "be slain" (vs. 15). This is the most clear and unambigous sign of the antichrist program. We know that at various times in the early church Christians who would not engage in worship of the Roman emperor were indeed slain in horrendous ways. Today, there are Christians throughout the world who stand firm in their commitment to worship Christ alone, knowing that such a stand will cost them their life. No one is being slain for refusing to take the vaccine. Unfortunately, however, those who refuse the vaccine are at higher risk of dying from COVID 19. </p><p>I have no doubt that the spiritual enemy of the church is using COVID 19 for destructive purposes. I believe our spiritual enemy is using this pandemic to divide, distract, and to increase doubt and despair. My purpose in writing this is not to demean anyone, most especially fellow believers, who choose, for whatever reason, not to take the vaccine. I hope, however, that this brief article will provide food for thought for those who may be hesitant because they worry it may be the mark of the antichrist. </p><p>I also believe that God is at work in the world and in the church for good. Plagues and pandemics have always been part of the suffering of this fallen world. As Christians we are reminded that our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). Someday, beyond this vale of tears, our faith will become sight! In the meantime, we are called to share the gospel and work for the good of our neighbor, for the glory of God. </p><p>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>[<b>1</b>] I am assuming a more literal than symbolic reading of the book of Revelation because this is likely the approach taken by those who worry that the vaccine may be the mark of the beast. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862025397393315662.post-55189526067665406152015-02-04T13:14:00.002-08:002015-02-04T13:14:33.919-08:00How Christianity Has Been Good for Western Culture. Last Sunday I briefly mentioned in my sermon how Christianity has been good for western culture. Of course one can think of many atrocities committed in the name of Christ (people routinely cite the Crusades, the Inquisition, and the way some Christians used the bible to justify slavery). <br />
I don't think anyone could demonstrate, however, that these events are consistent with the teaching and life of Jesus Christ.<br />
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On the other hand, below are some examples, complied from historian <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Exposing-Myths-About-Christianity-Answering/dp/0830834664/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Jeffery Burton Russell's book Exposing Myths About Christianity</a>, of how the teachings of Jesus promoted positive change in western culture. <br />
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What do you think about Russell's list? Would such institutions and movements have developed apart from Christianity? <br />
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<li>"In Europe and America Christians originated hospitals, orphanages, schools and universities"(108). </li>
<li>"Christians have a notable record of social constructiveness, including. . .developments in science, natural law, women's rights and civil rights, advocacy for the rights of the poor, growth of democracy, and the struggle against poverty and oppression (76). </li>
<li>"Christianity invented the idea of human rights. There were no human right in antiquity - in Egypt or Babylonia, Greece or Rome, China or India or Mesoamerica. There was only power" (112). </li>
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Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862025397393315662.post-40887911970298292212015-02-02T07:16:00.000-08:002015-02-02T07:16:11.027-08:00Mere Christianity Study Guide for Feb. 4th<b>Book 1 - Chapter 2</b><br />
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What are the reason for making a distinction between the Law of Nature and the "herd instinct". </div>
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thing we learn in school are merely good manners and social
conventions. Other things we learn, like mathematics, are universal
truths. Why is there good reason to believe that the Law of nature is a
universal truth? </div>
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How would you answer someone who has reservations about a universal morality? </div>
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<b>Book 1 - Chapter 3 </b></div>
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The
Law of Nature as it refers to most of nature is descriptive - it
describe how nature acts. However, the Law of Human nature is
prescriptive - it says how humans ought to act. What clused does this
provide for understanding the world? </div>
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What clues do we have, that there is something beyond the material/natural world? </div>
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Is there something that encourages you to believe that there is more to the world than you five senses can perceive. </div>
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Questions taken from the Mere Christianity study guide of <a href="http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/">The C.S. Lewis Institute </a>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862025397393315662.post-10906907049422214392015-01-23T07:37:00.001-08:002015-01-23T07:37:20.796-08:00Get (Re)Acquainted with a Classic - Mere Christianity <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We begin our study of C.S. Lewis' classic, Mere Christianity, 7 PM, Wednesday, Jan. 28th, at Church of the Resurrection, Chesterfield, MO. All are welcome! Here are questions for the first session. </b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lesson 1<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In this lesson we will learn some of the background to C.S.
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</span>In preparation for Lesson 1 please read the Preface, Chapter 1, and
Chapter 2.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Preface<o:p></o:p></div>
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What is “Mere Christianity” and how is Lewis using the term
Christian?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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What is his point about the right use of words, such as
“gentleman”, as it relates to his definition of Christians?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Lewis uses the image of a great hall with several rooms to
talk about the unity and differences between Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What struck you about this imagery?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Chapter 1<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why does Lewis think it is important to pay attention to the
underlying dynamics of quarreling?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Why is there good reason to believe that the idea of a
universal law of nature is a solid truth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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How does Lewis, at the end of the chapter, seek to
demonstrate that everyone believes in right or wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Chapter 2 <o:p></o:p></div>
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What is the difference between the “herd instinct” and the
natural law, according to Lewis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
does he argue for a difference?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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What would Lewis say to someone who would argue that we get
our morals from education and cultural, and therefore all morals are
relative?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862025397393315662.post-5753131499159351962015-01-23T07:32:00.004-08:002015-01-23T07:32:54.435-08:00A Life Giving Reminder for Pastors and Ministry Leaders Wise words from <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/derwin-gray/2015/january/most-important-sermon-youll-ever-preach.html">Darwin Gray's blog</a>, based on Paul Tripp's book, <i>Dangerous Calling. </i><br />
<div class="article-body post-body spacer-bottom-10 spacer-top-40" id="body" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 0.95rem; margin: 40px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 530px;">
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<div class="text" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.5; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Dear preacher,</div>
<div class="text" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.5; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I know you love to preach. And I imagine you’re really good at it, too.</div>
<div class="text" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.5; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;">
From personal experience, I know the sheer terror of preparing a sermon. I also know the feeling in that moment when suddenly the terror becomes sheer joy because God takes his word, your words, and the Holy Spirit’s power to bless people deeply.</div>
<div class="text" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.5; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;">
But do you know that the greatest sermon you’ll ever preach is not to your congregation but to yourself?</div>
<div class="text" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.5; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Listen to wise words of Dr. Paul Tripp in his book <a class="" href="http://www.paultripp.com/dangerous-calling" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0054a0; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dangerous Calling</em></strong></a>:</div>
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<div class="text" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.5; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;">
If you are in ministry and you are not reminding yourself again and again of the <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">now-ism</em> of the gospel, that is, the right-here, right-now benefits of the grace of Christ, you will be looking elsewhere to get what can be found only in Jesus. If you are not feeding your soul on the realities of the presence, promises, and provisions of Christ, you will ask the people, situations, and things around you to be the messiah that they can never be. If you are not attaching your identity to the unshakable love of your Savior, you will ask the things in your life to be your Savior, and it will never happen. If you are not requiring yourself to get your deepest sense of well-being vertically, you will shop for it horizontally, and you will always come up empty. If you are not resting in the one true gospel, preaching it to yourself over and over again, you will look to another gospel to meet the needs of your unsettled heart.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="callout_left" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #eac102; float: left; font-family: open-sans-n7, open-sans, serif; font-size: 1.3rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 20px 5px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 220px;">
If you are not requiring yourself to get your deepest sense of well-being vertically, you will shop for it horizontally, and you will always come up empty.</div>
<div class="text" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.5; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Preacher, preach the glories of the gospel to yourself daily––over and over again. Your congregation doesn’t need you just to be a good preacher. They need you to be a <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="" href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/derwin-gray/2014/november/healthy-leader-healthy-church.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0054a0; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">spiritually and emotionally</a></strong> mature disciple of Jesus.</div>
<div class="text" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.5; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Marinate on that.</div>
</div>
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<label class="nav-label nav-related u-left label-position" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #464646; float: left; font-family: open-sans-n4, open-sans; font-size: 0.7rem; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 100px;">Related Topics:</label><div>
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Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862025397393315662.post-57806613428901423982015-01-06T13:55:00.001-08:002015-01-06T13:55:16.026-08:00Religious Certainty from Sunday's Sermon - Jan. 4th At the end of my sermon on Jan. 4th - preaching on Luke's story of the boy Jesus in the temple - I discussed John Henry Newman's analogy for religious certainty. I think it resonated with several people. <br />
<br />
I mentioned Newman's analogy because at the beginning of Luke's Gospel, he said the reason he wrote Jesus was so that Theophilus - and anyone else reading the gospel - might have <u>certainty</u> of the things you have been taught." <br />
<br />
Many people believe that only science or math can provide certainty about what is true. However Newman argued that religious certainty is different than mathematical proof, but it is still a kind of certainty. <br />
<br />
Newman compared religious certainty to a cable. A cable is strong because it brings different
strands together. Belief in Jesus is
like that. We experience the presence of
Christ – in prayer, in the sacraments, the work of the Holy Spirit. We see the moral difference Christ has made in
people’s lives and in ours. We study the life and teachings of Christ in the Bible and the great teachings of the church. When all these strands come together – the experiential, moral, and intellectual - our faith is strengthen and we arrive at high degree of certainty that Christ is who the New Testament claims. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Newman said when it comes to the truth about
religion some people demand an iron bar – mathematical certainty. But a man who says "I won’t trust a bridge that is suspended by cables, I
have to have an iron bar" is unreasonable. In the same way, it is not reasonable to demand an iron bar of mathematical proof before one will cross the bridge of faith and believe in Christ. </span><div>
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Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862025397393315662.post-46155266146231544902014-11-07T12:16:00.003-08:002015-01-23T07:45:38.540-08:00WelcomeWelcome! <br />
<br />
On this blog I'll post Sunday's sermons or sermon excerpts and other material from my teaching and reading related to my ministry at Church of the Resurrection, Chesterfield, MO. <br />
<br />
I hope the content here is a blessing and encouragement to whoever takes a look.<br />
<br />
Grace and Peace,<br />
<br />
Ben+Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862025397393315662.post-88875812236701031892014-11-07T11:52:00.001-08:002014-11-07T12:21:01.488-08:00Evangelism and Dale Carneigie On Wed. night I taught from Col. 4, where Paul asks the Colossians to pray that God will open doors for him to share the Gospel with clarity. Paul's in prison, but his priority is ministry. He doesn't ask prayer for his release, but that the Gospel would be unleashed. Then Paul gives advice about evangelism: "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" (Col. 4:5-6). <br />
<br />
In reflecting on these verses, I took the occasion to share some insights from Randy Newman's, <i>Questioning Evangelism: Engaging People's Hearts the Way Jesus Did</i> (Kregel: 2014). <br />
<br />
At one point Newman lists Dale Carnegie's nine guidelines for relating better to people. Carnegie is famous for the book <i>How to Win Friends and Influence People</i>. I've not read the book and I have to admit to me the title is a bit off-putting -- it seems like a guide to manipulation. Real evangelism is not a matter of manipulation or technique. But to my surprise, I found Carnegie's list helpful. I could even see how it relates to the biblical principles of showing grace and respect to non-Christians. Here is the list (from pg. 47-48). <br />
<br />
1. Don't criticize, condemn, or complain.<br />
2. Give honest, sincere appreciation.<br />
3. Arouse in the other person an "eager want." <br />
4. Be genuinely interested in other people.<br />
5. Smile.<br />
6. Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in the world.<br />
7. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.<br />
8. Talk in terms of the other person's interests.<br />
9. Make the other person feel important -- and do it sincerely.<br />
<br />
Of course, if we don't cultivate a love for God and people made in His image, a list like this can become merely a check-list for a slick, sales pitch. But we could do a lot worse than trying to put into practice some of these common sense guidelines, especially when we are first getting to know the people God has put in our path. Why don't you try practicing one or two this week? <br />
<br />
<br />Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862025397393315662.post-47100912728356297672014-11-07T11:24:00.002-08:002014-11-07T13:03:49.703-08:00Sermon on Mt. 23:1-12, Nov. 2 Pentecost 21<style>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">STOOPING TO GREATNESS</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In our Gospel reading
Jesus says, “The greatest among you shall be your servant.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus teaches us
that the path to greatness is service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s good for us
to reflect on this today - the Sunday of All Saints. . . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">For Anglicans
All Saints Day is a time to give thanks and remember those who have gone before
us – who have died and are now with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I bet, as you
look back on your life and the Christians who influenced you – your mom or dad,
your grandparents, etc. – you remember them most
fondly for some traits related to what Jesus is talking about here: their
service to others, their humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last week the
father of one of my childhood friends died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was a Baptist minster who stayed ministered in the same region –
serving churches in two small towns – for over fifty years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He never received notoriety or fame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never appeared on the cover of any magazines. Was never the headline speaker for a major conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What he did was serve faithfully, year after
year, decade after decade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">One person
wrote, if it wasn’t for Him my family would not have had a way to church when I
was younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another person
called him the patriarch of a family of grace and service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">One other person
said that she was his neighbor and grew up next to his house, she remembered
him as a humble and kind man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another
expressed appreciation for his kind demeanor, his love for God and his
sparkling eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now, I bring
this up because this ordinary man, Douglas McGloughlin, who you never heard of
and will probably never hear about again, lived out what Jesus is talking
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe not considered great in the
eyes of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in the Kingdom of
God, he was great for his service and humility. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And of course,
there have been countless, millions of Christians like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Greatness in
God’s Kingdom is open to all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that
doesn’t mean it comes easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s not easy because
of our pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus in our
Gospel points out the pride of the religious leaders of His day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pride that kept them from serving others.
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wonder if we
can see any hint, any trace amounts, of the kind of pride Jesus is talking
about in us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus criticizes
these religious leaders because they were power hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of serving others, they seem to
relish the power they had over others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’
seat, so do and observe whatever the tell you”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe the Lord is saying when they are teaching from Moses’ law,
from the scriptures, do and observe what they are teaching from Moses’ law,
from the Old Testament scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But then he goes
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vv. 3-4:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But not the works they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For they preach, but do not practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and
lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move
them with their finger.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus is talking
about all the regulations that the scribes and Pharisees came up with to ensure
that they obey God’s law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
regulations went far beyond God’s written word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Take for example, God’s command to keep the Sabbath written in
scripture:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember the Sabbath and keep
it holy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work six days, but rest on the
seventh day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do no work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s pretty clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But then what is work?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One definition is carrying a burden, a load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well then, what is a load? Anything that weighs more than two dried
figs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or a pebble big enough to throw at
a bird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or ink enough to write two
letters of the alphabet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On and on it
goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">You see what
happened?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They turned a simple command
of God into a labyrinth of regulations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their intentions were good – to keep God’s law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they went beyond God’s written word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a system that fostered pride and power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had the power, through their man made
rules, to say who was truly holy and who was a sinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">They could
control people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they didn’t have
compassion on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They are not
willing to move these regulations with a finger.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
tendency, this hunger for power over people, rather than a desire to serve and
love them --- is a temptation for any of us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One spouse tries to
control, to dominate the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sibling rivalry. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the work place – through office politics, one ups manship, gossip
and slander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dog eat dog culture. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It happens in
churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Controlling pastors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Controlling board members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Control others, asserting yourself over
others, rather than serving others in humility and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s a deep-rooted
evil in the human heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can only
be broken when we are broken, time and time again, by seeing our own sinfulness
and God’s love for us shown in Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There’s another form of pride here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another alternative to serving others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its to
impress others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Look at what
Jesus says about this: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">vs. 5:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They do all their deeds to be seen by
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For they make their phylacteries
(little boxes of scriptures) broad and their fringes long.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">They used their
religious dress to draw attention to themselves. To impress people with their
piety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted to impress, rather
than to serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vs. 6: Jesus
goes on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want the best seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The seats of honor – the front of the
synagogue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And they
clamored after titles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Titles that
marked them off as spiritually superior – superior over others. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">vv. 7-10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are some
dangers in religious titles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I – Rev.
Dr. Ben Wagner - want to acknowledge that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whether the title is rabbi or father or teacher or leader or pastor or
rev or most rev.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Titles can imply spiritually superiority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The person with the title is spiritually
superior over the person without the title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But Jesus says to his disciples, you are all brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are different roles in the
body of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some have different
spiritual gifts and responsibilities. But that doesn’t mean one person is in a
place of spiritual superiority over another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No, we are all brothers and
sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All sinners in need of grace,
serving the same master.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There’s another
danger with titles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can lead to too much deference, too much
reverence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can betray a tendency to
elevate a religious leader almost to the place of godlike status.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if the leader is my link to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">J.C. </span>Ryle – “Human nature is tempted to lean on a
visible minister, rather than an invisible Christ.” </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Congregations have to watch
this – putting their ministers on too high a platform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of over dependence on the pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And pastors of course must resist this kind
of exaltation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are all
called to know God for ourselves through Christ. Each Christian has the
privilege, through Christ, of knowing God as their Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A newly ordained Bishop in England quickly let it be known that he did not want
to be addressed as “my Lord.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
title, he felt, was too excessive, too deferential, to close to the honor that
was due only to one Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Having said
all this, I don’t think we need to do away with titles for religious
leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think its
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to use some term to
describe the spiritual leader of the congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we have to be careful, that we don’t slip
into excess that would lead us into the kinds of ostentation and pride that
seeks to impress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A few years ago
when I felt I was really struggling with preaching, I reached out to a
mentor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, I think the problem I’m
having is I’m trying to impress people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said something I won’t forget – “you are never less impressive then
when you try to impress people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay
close to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speak His word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let Christ do the work.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tried to follow that advice, although
it’s a constant battle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We all have to
battle this kind of pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">School children,
young adults often have to battle peer pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometimes as
adults, we get overcommitted, find it hard to say no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is that – we may have become people-pleasers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Or we can get so
concerned about people’s opinion of us – we work hard to gain acceptance and
accolades from others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">What’s at the
root of all this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really fearing
or reverencing people more than God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God must become bigger than people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So that, as one Christian writer puts it, “I need people less and can love
them more (Edward T. Welch).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christ calls us
to lives of humility and service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do
we cultivate this in our lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We meditate on
what Christ has done for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely this is how the disciples maintained
humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They remembered Jesus – their
Rabbi, their Master - kneeling down to wash their feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And saying to them, this is an example for
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what it looks like to serve
in my Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They remember the Lord,
stripped, bruised and beatened, humbled – hung on a cross – to die for the sin
of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the Son of man did
not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for
many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As we live beneath the cross each day, this will soften our
pride, lead to greater humility and a deep desire to serve others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1862025397393315662.post-74653698830618806072014-10-28T13:03:00.002-07:002014-10-28T13:03:36.710-07:00Sermon on Psalm 90 Oct. 26th - Pentecost 21
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">TEACH US TO
NUMBER OUR DAYS</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">On
Monday, my day off, I took my little girls to the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful, sunny day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before we went to the park, I had to pick
something up at the grocery store. When I got of the car I noticed the truck
next to me had a sign on the side– it said gravedigger.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gravedigger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a very unwelcomed intrusion into my
sunny day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first thought was, if I
was a gravedigger I think I’d use a temporary sign, so I could remove it when
my work was done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People don’t want to
see a gravedigger truck outside of a graveyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">That’s
sort of our natural reaction to the unsettling fact of death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put it out of sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Bible doesn’t let us do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Bible is realistic about death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
read today about Moses’ death, recorded in Deuteronomy 34. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we recited Moses meditation on death and
the passing of time in Psalm 90. Perhaps Moses composed this Psalm just before
the end of his life<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe
you feel like I do when I saw that gravedigger’s sign – this is not what I want
to think about right now, on this beautiful Sunday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
Moses says, in Psalm 90, there is wisdom in thinking about the truth, the hard
truth – that our days are numbered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So
teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A life of wisdom is a life lined up with
what’s real, what’s true, what’s most important. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a life lined up with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
Psalm teaches us there is wisdom in knowing our days are numbered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses uses several images in this Psalm to
get that point across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">vs
6 – “you sweep them away as with a flood.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think about that picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
all seen those terrible images on TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
hurricanes, tsunamis, swollen rivers – flooding cities and towns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sweeping everything away in its wake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses is saying, that’s what our days are
like on earth, swept away so suddenly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then swept
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">“like
a dream” . . . a faint memory. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
about this image?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– vs. 5-6 - Our life
is like grass that is renewed in the morning – it flourishes and grows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what youth is like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in the evening it fades and withers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
is a hard to accept. We want to stay young. Look young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A glossy magazine showed up in my mail –
you’ve seen them -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chock full of ads for
plastic surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fix wrinkles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fight gravity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A blinking ad on my computer says, this 55 year old mom looks 30 again! We
want time to stand still or better yet, go backwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The
myth of youth resides in this idea of it as a stable state, an established
power that we flatter and celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
no sooner have we finished burning our incense than, already a different visage
appears through the smoke, and we do not recognize it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Francois Mauriac, in his spiritual
memoir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
not a stable state – our life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses
says, its like grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flourishes in the
morning, fades in the evening and withers in the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s humbling, isn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why
does this happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses answers, because
of sin. Turning away from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To reject God is to reject
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses writes, you return man to
dust, and say, Return, O children of man – literally,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>children of Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Adam and Eve sinned, death came into the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And God said to Adam and Eve –
your days are now numbered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are dust
and to dust you shall return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s God’s
judgment on all who sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s God
judgment on us. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">But,
thank God, that not where He leaves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And that’s not where Moses leaves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, life goes quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Youth
fades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grass withers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">But,
this Psalm reminds us some other truths. . . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
begins with this great truth –“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all
generations.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life here seems
transitory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God is our
dwelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our dwelling is not a place – our dwelling
place is a person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps Moses needed
to remind himself of that right on the edge of the promise land – a place where
he can’t enter. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our
dwelling is God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And God is
eternal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vs. 2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the creation of anything – from
everlasting to everlasting, you are God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then there is this famous verse – Moses knew about the relativity of
time before Einstein proved it – A thousand years in your sight are but as
yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time is relative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God stands outside of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is the creator of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is eternal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Teach
to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom is making God, this eternal God, your
dwelling place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You shelter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moses
discovered that, in his life with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our text from Deut. says, the Lord knew Moses face to face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">So,
in light of our short, transitory life, it’s wise to look to the eternal God as
dwelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To grow in a relationship with
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be able to trust Him and say, my
times are in your hands O God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether I
live, whether I die --<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom is loving God with all our heart,
soul, mind and strength – as Jesus says in the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s our calling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
there is more wisdom here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s true
that we are like grass, we flourish and fade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But Moses does not let this thought lead him to the doghouse of
despair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. This Psalm doesn’t end with a wimper of
resignation --<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s the point of it
all?”</span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moses
asks for God’s blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a God
who wants to bless us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>14:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That we may rejoice and be glad all our
days.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we be glad all our days –
when we face up to the hard facts of time ticking away, suffering, death,
ebola, terrorism?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can be glad in the
midst of it if we know the steadfast love of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vs.
15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Make us glad for as many days as you
have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Balance the scales God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, the promise of the Christ, the
Promise of His Resurrection is, that Day is coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things will be balanced. More than
balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scale is going to tip
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul
writes: I considered that the sufferings of this present life are nothing
compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans 8:18</span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">That’s
where we are headed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s where the
world is headed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An unveiling of the
glory of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when we will know
Joy and Gladness, as never before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
in the meantime, its right to ask God –bless us with gladness and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are called to be people of joy – it’s to
be a mark of a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of the
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">People
should come into this place and think – what’s wrong with these folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re at peace, they’re joyfully
worshipping, they laugh a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t see
the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t they know about all the
evil in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t have
problems?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t they know what’s
happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But we also know something else – the steadfast love of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So God makes us joyful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses prays that God will bless His people
with gladness and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
then he prays something that I think is a great prayer for this church, at this
moment in our history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">vs.
16-17: “Let your work be shown to your servants; and your glorious power to
their children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the favor of the
Lord be upon us and establish the work of our hands upon us, yes establish the
work of our hands.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moses
is saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God you’ve called us to
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve called us out of
Egypt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve led us to the promise
land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, your people, your servants, in
this generation, need a fresh touch of your power, a fresh realization of
beauty and majesty.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what’s capture
by this word translated favor – its more like let your beauty be upon us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isn’t
that appropriate for us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s called
this church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He called this church out
of Egypt, so to speak, years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out
from under a denomination that is no longer faithful to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He’s led this church to this place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To this neighborhood – to be a witness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do we need now, we need what Moses prays
for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s favor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A fresh realization of His majesty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We need to be renewed – not simply through programs and plans – but by
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t want to just ride out are
time here – coast into the sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
still has something for us, in this generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let’s
ask for His blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
notice, Moses also prays for the next generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make your glorious power to the
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Establish the work of our
hands – so that the next generation, the children –</span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">will
know your glory and power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
an important thought – an appropriate prayer for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we are doing now – the work of our hands
– can impact generations of people after us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To have an Anglican church here – a Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered,
Bible-based, Gospel saturation Anglican church here, just off this busy road
and Hwy – this could build God’s kingdom for generations, in this region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your
ministry here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your participation
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you give – in terms of time,
money, talent – it’s helping us build something that can last generations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
your ministry as a mom or dad, grandpa or grandma, aunt or uncle – is to pass
on the faith to the next generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
model it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To share it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 71: “So even to old age, do not forsake
me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those
to come.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But life is meaningful when God is at the
center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moses
starts by telling us face the facts: time here goes fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then he says, now turn and face God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With God there is eternal safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With God there is gladness and joy, meaning
and significance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With God there is
hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
Christians we know that hope, even in pain, grief,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at the end of life -- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>because of the resurrection of Jesus
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joe
Bayly: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
Saturday morning, in Jan., I saw the mail truck stop at our mailbox on the
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to go get the mail without
thinking about getting my coat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
bitterly cold, the brisk wind from the north, the ground covered with
snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened the mailbox and was about
to make a mad dash to the house when I saw what was on the bottom, under the
letters: Burpee Seed Catalog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">On
the front were bright zinnias.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the
back, huge tomatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
a few moments I was oblivious to the cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I leafed through the catalog, tasting corn and cumcumbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smelling roses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those brief moments, I was living in
springtime and summer, winter was past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
ran back into the house and reflected, how my moments at the mailbox is like
our experience as Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel
the cold, along with those who don’t have share our hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in our cold times, we have a seed
catalog. We open it and smell the promised spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The firstfruits that settle our hope is Jesus
Christ, raised from cold death to eternal glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16126029254783580422noreply@blogger.com0