Date: 16 Jun 2002
Time: 16:59:58
There are several admonishments made in the gospel for us not to fear. And yet fear is such a reality in our lives--especially since Sept 11--fear of flying, anthrax, terroists, dirty bombs, etc. Add those to our daily fears about our children, our health, growing older,etc. Yet living as children of God means facing the fears for what they are, and trusting even more in God. Any good examples of people who have embodied such radical trust, i.e. Bonhoeffer? GB in MI
Date: 16 Jun 2002
Time: 19:17:05
For sure, this is an unsettling bit of scripture. For folks who think that becoming disciples is gonna be easy, this is not for them. For those who compromise their belief in Christ and still reach for an easy life, this is hard for them to contemplate. Yet, what a difference we can make in this tired world if we are truly faithful to the Master. Giving up those superficial things that seem so important to us and embracing the One Who calls us can really liberate us. If we desire nothing (of this world)what can we lose?...what can the forces of this world have over us? Being faithful as a Christian can be painful and alienating. What does one, who follows Christ think and say about Bush's determination to eliminate Sadam by any means possible? What are we to say and think about the latest nuclear treaty (which permits recycling nuke warheads into other kinds of weapons). Then there is racial disharmony. Well, the list of what harms this Kingdom of God on earth goes on and on. A radical verse for us to contemplate this Sunday. Look forward to other points-of-view and insights.
Peace and Joy, Francis (Michigan)
Date: 16 Jun 2002
Time: 22:57:04
Powerful passage here... wonder if us UM's will use it? We usually steer clear of the pessimistic...Preach God is Love , rarely the God is wrath... Thinking...hum....hard hitting stuff, preaches to the preacher first... Take the Authority, tell the people what God needs them to know! Will be hard may offend, may be appointed somewhere else another year! LOL! A sermon to phone the DS about! LOL! Take the people from the comfort zone, put the ball in there court! Equip those saints! Pastor Mary in OHIO
Date: 17 Jun 2002
Time: 05:23:34
Verse 32 has special meaning for those in the Christian Church. Making a public confession of Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior is part of becoming a member of the church. I think a problem we all face today is that we are afraid, perhaps of what people might think of us, if we publically speak of Jesus. Somewhere, somebody taught that religion was a private thing. Our people have taken that seriously and are reluctant to share their faith - a fatal mistake! Faith in Jesus does create problems within family. When mom takes the kids to church and dad offers fishing as the alternative, there is tension. PH in OH
Date: 17 Jun 2002
Time: 13:04:45
As Pastor it hard for me see and understand "Why Christian does not to visit non-beleiver of their community and members of their Church who do not attend on a regular basic. I beleive this scripture tells us to take up our cross and follow him. Bob Brown Alabama
Date: 17 Jun 2002
Time: 15:09:08
Last week the National (International) Holler'n Contest was held in Spivey's Corner, North Carolina. Hows that for proclaiming it from the housetops. jrbnrnc
Date: 17 Jun 2002
Time: 18:58:50
10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
I just returned from our Synod Assembly on Sunday evening and had to prepare for a funeral for a gentleman I hardly knew. I was so busy that I didn't write it down, assuming that I'd be thinking clearly this afternoon.
At 4:00, I recieved a telephone call informing me that my uncle (whom I adored as a young person) had fallen out of a tree and died.
He hadn't been a church going person and had disdain for "organized religion." A couple weeks ago, I struggled here with the text that Jesus said, "Not all those who call me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven."
I am numb and without solace right now.
Pr.del in IA
Date: 17 Jun 2002
Time: 19:39:14
Hey PR, I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle. God is good. I trust in that. Is it possible that he rejected organized religion (not God) because the faith failed him? There a churches that let people down, or hurt them, or give them no good reason to turn their lives over to Christ. So many of us have heard sad stories of times when the church or pastor got in the way of a person wanting a closer relationship with God. In this Sunday's passage, Jesus gave this warning, but in other passages, He warned about shepherds who prey on their sheep. Trust in God, who knows our hearts and who judges accordingly...this God of grace. May you find the peace in the midst of your grief.
Peace and Joy,
Francis
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 01:57:30
Pastor Mary, In answer to your question, "Will UM's use this text?", it may depend on how much division is already in the church? I am serving in a situation where a significant number are meeting for church in a motel to avoid contact with other members. If I preach on this text right now, it would be preceived as using scripture to sprinkle holy water upon the splintering of the congregation. Although what has happened may be the fulfilling of these words of Jesus, the situation will just too volatile to use this scripture at this time. In the wake of 9-11, other pastors may find themselves in similar situations where spiritual terrorism is as rampant as any other form of terrorism present in our society today. TN Mack
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 05:01:27
Am struck by the words and the construction in 10:37. whoever is...is not worthy of me. It's a great construction for thought. Does anyone know the Greek roots of this thought pattern and the translation of the word translated, "worthy"?
wondering in massachusetts
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 05:23:32
The Greek for "worthy" is axios. When applied to a person it means the person has merited something. Interestingly, its origin is in the process of using scales to determine value and its principal (first listed dictionary) meaning is "weighing".
I'm sorry I can't speak to the "whoever is ... is not worthy" construction. I do wonder whether this has parallels in Greek philosophical literature.
Blessings, Eric in KS
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 05:25:45
One struggle with this text is to discover the line between cross bearing and the suffering that is just part of being human, not a direct result of discipleship (mosquitos, pain, lonliness etc.) One chink: if you bear these things well, giving thanks for all things and not using them as excuses not to serve others, that's sort of back door cross bearing. the giving up of self will is a more direct connect with cross bearing. I think the distinction is important. What do others think?
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 05:32:13
One struggle with this text is to discover the line between cross bearing and the suffering that is just part of being human, not a direct result of discipleship (mosquitos, pain, lonliness etc.) One chink: if you bear these things well, giving thanks for all things and not using them as excuses not to serve others, that's sort of back door cross bearing. the giving up of self will is a more direct connect with cross bearing. I think the distinction is important. What do others think? AK
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 06:47:32
I read something not too long ago that said "taking up one's cross means to take up one's baptism...one's obedience...to living in the world as Jesus lived in the world." I liked this idea as opposed to taking up one's cross linked to taking up one's pains, sacrifices, etc... Jesus tells us not to be afraid to follow, for the same God who numbers the hairs on our head leads us into the world. Yes, the world will give us a bad time just like it gave Jesus, but God is with us. God cares. In other words, nothing that we go through escapes God's notice. Courage! I was thinking about the Wizzard of Oz...the things they all thought they needed to tackle living...a brain, a heart, courage, home...we have everything we need when we accept the personal, powerful love of God. "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
revdlk in Nebraska
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 07:03:56
I'm going to use the 10:37b as part of my sermon. A friend of mine gave her testimony. Her youngest child was born with the cord wrapped around his neck twice. This was back in the days when we didn't have the great medical advances to be able to see this before the birth. When he was born they almost lost him and then they told his parents that since he had been deprived of oxygen especially during birth, he probably would have brain damage. They named him Sam. Sam lived and they couldn't find any brain damage. I think it was about one year later that God asked my friend to give her children to him. She said she would give her life to God, but told God, "Don't ask me, a mother, to turn my children over to you, God. Not now!" Needless to say she listened to God and did dedicate her children to God. Within one year there was a freak accident with her youngest son. "He was found face down floating in a backyard pool of a friend." They had been at her friends house for Bible Study. My friend found Sam and knew that he was dead. But they called the ambulance and it came and took him to the nearest hospital. The medical team was ready to work on Sam, but all thought it a lost cause. He hadn't breathed for a very long time. I'm not sure how long they worked on Sam - one hour or so? They finally transferred him by helicopter to a bigger hospital nearby. God took care of Sam, when he came out of the helicopter, he started coughing, and pulling on the tubes that were in his lungs, etc. They still told Sam's parent's he wasn't out of the woods - even if he lived there would be brain damage and lung damage. Several weeks later an X-ray revealed where there was once lung damage - there was beautiful healed lungs. They still thought there would be long term brain damage. Of course all the way through my friend was praying. "God, I gave Sam to you and there is nothing I can do for him. Please heal your child."
My friend and her husband took Sam home. Well to make a long story short Sam just graduated from high school and will be attending college this fall. Of course, no brain damage. God took care of Sam.
We need to listen to God and do what God wants us to do instead of complaining and arguing.
We need to tell others about what God has done for us, our friends and our families. I wanted to share this real life event with you.
Shalom, Pastor Phyllis
P.S. My friend turned her life over to God and she just graduated from seminary last month.
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 07:14:20
Does anyone know the origin and meaning of the phrase "Blood is thicker than water"? It seems to be a reference to families sticking together no matter what. That would explain the blood (ties) but what does the water mean in this context?
I think Jesus is saying that our tie to him (through the waters of baptism, as in Romans 6) is stronger than families ties, so a good theme would be: "Water is thicker than blood".
Unfortunately, this is the place where much conflict in churches comes about. Those who attend are afraid to offend their non-attending relatives by saying (or hearing it said) that it does make a difference if you are a believer or not. They also do not want to admit that there is a problem, which they should be addressing, so they create a problem with the church or the pastor, in order to direct the attention away from themselves.
My congregation's constitution even has a clause that no one can ever be removed from membership if they do not request removal. How does this help anyone, other than easing our consciences?
Until we can say that our ties with other believers, even of other races, languages, denominations, is stronger than our ties with non-believing family members, we will not have a strong relationship with our Savior.
Is it any wonder that Jesus says: "Do not be afraid" 3 times in this passage? If we take it seriously, it is frightening. But the promise is there for those who believe that we will find life and be acknowledged before God in heaven. JRW in OH
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 09:40:41
Re: Blood is thicker than water- found on the site named phrase finder:
Meaning
So it is, but this proverb hasn't to do with scientific measure of viscosity. The expression, meaning that family can be relied on better then friends.
Origin: Dates back to 1672.
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 11:54:14
JRW in OH: if you don't mind, please expand on your thoughts a little bit more. I thought I knew what I was doing--had my sermon title and the bulletin all done--until I read your post. I'm doing a baptism and would love to pick up that theme, esp. since the mother is a diaconal minister in the United Methodist Church (specialization in Christian Education, but currently working for a county educational cooperative).
Anyone else's thoughts on the matter would also be appreciated!
Carol in Iowa
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 12:39:55
I have the priviledge(?!?) of writing a message to be read by a lay person when I am on vacation June 30. It is the text on "Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me..." In it, I talk about the human tendency to form cliques, in which we (subconsciously?) define people as either welcome or unwelcome in our little groups. But Jesus welcomes the untouchables throughout his ministry, (even when he calls them dogs). Jesus defines us as welcome, even if the world should turn away. We are welcome because he has chosen us. We are adopted into his family by both WATER and BLOOD, the waters of baptism, and the blood of Jesus.
Many still say blood is thicker than water, even when speaking of water membership in the body of Christ. Witness the family feuds that exist within many congregations, and between congregations, and between denominations, and within them... Oh, I could go on...
I like the "Water is thicker than Blood" idea. It is, but people just don't understand.
Michelle
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 14:07:30
I have been thinking about vs. 34 -- I have come not to bring peace, but a sword. Jesus is never recorded as carrying a sword or any other weapon, so it seems clear to me that Jesus is not referring to a physical sword. That got me to checking on how "sword" was used in the OT.
There are, of course, MANY references to swords as instuments of war. The other references include:
+ an angel of the Lord guarding the tree of life in the Garden of Eden
+ an angel of the Lord preventing Balaam from taking the wrong path
+ several references in Psalms and Proverbs (and other places) where the tongue is a sword that can cut/hurt others
My hunch is that the sword Jesus brings is like that of the angel of the Lord, whose purpose is to steer us away from any path that God forbids us to travel -- even if that path is one set out for us by family or the dominant culture. That path may not be the one hoped for us by father/mother/inlaw/culture, leading to some conflict, and controlling behaviors, and testing of our faithfulness.
The verses about not being worthy seem to mean the same as the opening verses -- none of us is above our master and teacher, Jesus, so we are to follow him, and him alone.
We are reminded again that there is a difference between assurance and peace!
OLAS
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 14:16:04
I think Jesus is saying here, "I hold you in high regard. You are very valuable to me. Much more valuable than sparrows. And if my father cares for them, My father will care much more for you. So, you enemy is not me. You enemy is not God, your master. You will find that the very people who will be against you, are the closest of relatives to you. So don't be afraid. I will take care of you. Because I love you, much more than anyone else does."
T
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 15:53:20
JRW asked "Does anyone know the origin and meaning of the phrase 'Blood is thicker than water'?"
I found the following page of origin information at "The Phrase Finder" -- hope it helps:
http://phrases.shu.ac.uk/bulletin_board/7/messages/546.html
Blessings, Eric in KS
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 19:11:34
Re: WATER from sermon illustrations.com
The body needs about 3 quarts of water a day to operate efficiently. It helps break up and soften food. The blood, which is 90 percent H2O carries nutrients to the cells. As a cooling agent, water regulates our temperature through perspiration. And without its lubricating properties, our joints and muscles would grind and creak like unused parts of some old rusty machinery.
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 02:32:08
Great posts this week! I thought this might be a good one folks could use especially in rural areas.
"The Cross, for the baptized, is like the branding iron used on cattle. It marks you for Life! Live then, as one branded by Jesus."
p.s. check out the Jeremiah passage, it brings this NT passage into focus. ~KB in ks
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 06:38:34
I hate to stray from the topic, but am in desperate need of some ideas. Just came back from spending time with my parents in FL to help in caring for my mother who had a stroke. My youngest brother is getting married this Saturday and due to my mom's condition my parents will not be there. I am performing the service. Any suggestions on how to lovingly address my parents absence? LHinNJ
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 06:46:39
Thanks to those who introduced me to "The Phrase Finder", RE "Blood is thicker than water".
Jesus seems to be saying that it is not easy being a Christian (Remember Kermit the Frog singing "It's not easy being green"? This whole section of Matthew is instructions for disciples.
I, too, have a baptism. I am working with the concept that we are baptized into something that will have serious, and eternal, consequences for our lives. Being baptized into the death of Christ (2nd Lesson, Romans 6) means that we have to put certain things to death, which might get in the way of true discipleship. We can't continue in sin, but must continue to struggle against sin, and we may find the greatest opposition right within our homes and families.
In many cultures people are completely cut off from family, and even society, when they become Christian. (I heard about this being true in Japan) We have tried to make it so easy to be a Christian that it doesn't matter what you do, but that is not true to the calling of our Lord.
I live in Amish country where some have decided that the way to be different is how you dress and what you use for transportation. I think it is much harder to live differenty from the world when we do not look any different. We lose our lives for Christ's sake in service to others, but there is where we find true life. Friends and family will not understand that because our society says that the way to live is to grab all you can for yourself and to get ahead at any expense. Yet, we don't have to look veryf ar to see that this does not work.
Thanks for the stimulation. JRW in OH
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 06:52:24
Jesus said: Everyone therefore who confesses me before others, I also will confess before my Father in heaven;
but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
The Band R.E.M. sings in the song, "Losing my Religion"
Every whisper Of every waking hour I'm Choosing my confessions Trying to keep an eye on you Like a hurt lost and blinded fool Oh no I've said too much I set it up
we are always confessing, what do we confess? Pr.del in Ia
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 06:56:49
LHinNJ writes: Any suggestions on how to lovingly address my parents absence?
Display 2 candles symbolizing their presence and maybe relay greetings and blessings on their behalf Pr.delinIA
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 07:15:01
AFter hearing of yet another suicide bombing in Jerusalem, I read the text and thought of the instructions given to those who detonate their body bombs. It frightened me to think these words of Jesus could give encouragement to those who believe their cause is just or of God, and they would not be turned aside by those who did not see the light, and they would not fear water others would do, only what God could do. I remember the sermon preached at my seminary graduation. Read the bible with one hand and the newspaper with the other. What is "good news" about this call to pierce with the sword? Where I'm at initially is thinking of the way of the Master. He did not harm another. He took upon himself the affliction, the sacrifice, and refused to be party to those who wanted a political or military answer. It is probably true that whatever our faith, it does demand complete devotion. How frightening to live in a world where those who sense their faith is calling them to destroy life may be more committed than those who are called to honor and devote themselves to the image of God in each life. JP at BG
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 11:03:11
Pastor Mary, I'm a UM and I will preach this scripture. I'm sure many will. Yes, it has some harsh tones. Yes, there may be those even within our own households who will disagree with preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. Yes, we will and are pitted against one another. HOWEVER, I do not see this as a totally pessimistic message, it is indeed a message of INCREDIBLE GRACE to continue to walk in the way of the Lord Jesus. Grace is also very important to those of us who are UMs, as well as many others. Peace! lp in CO
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 11:08:29
Pr del in IA, Your uncle had a disdain for organized religion...not necessarily for the Lord Jesus. Don't know his history, but there are many who have been hurt by the church. That pains me as a pastor, but it is a reality. Never underestimate God's hand of grace reaching out to your uncle at the time of his death. God is God! You are in my prayers. lp in CO
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 11:25:35
Pastor Mary, I'm a UM and I will preach this scripture. I'm sure many will. Yes, it has some harsh tones. Yes, there may be those even within our own households who will disagree with preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. Yes, we will and are pitted against one another. HOWEVER, I do not see this as a totally pessimistic message, it is indeed a message of INCREDIBLE GRACE to continue to walk in the way of the Lord Jesus. Grace is also very important to those of us who are UMs, as well as many others. Peace! lp in CO
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 13:20:33
LHinNJ - Family Wedding with absent parents
Regarding the wedding... I would make mention of the fact that your parents are living out their vows... "In sickness and health... to love and to cherish"... I always say... "I'm not asking the two of you DO you love each other... we wouldn't be here if you didn't!"
The "I DO" response is great for movies and soap operas... no, we now ask WILL YOU... Will you love each other after the hair line decreases and the waste-line increases... WILL you love each other next week and next year for the next (How ever many years your parents are married)?
PS I was able to officiate at my sister's wedding... my parents were/are divorced. My dad also a pastor was in attendance with his new wife, as was my mother, it was not an easy wedding with that "hurt" in the sanctuary.
Blessings,
pulpitt in ND
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 13:26:45
Pr del in IA,
I've met people without a "formal religious" connection who were just as worthy of Grace as "church going folks"...
Remembering my dad's definition, I'm sure borrowed from someone else... All of us are Saints... as the difference between a saint and a sinner is simply... "A Saint is a sinner who knows they're forgiven!"
pulpitt in ND
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 13:34:50
Pastor Mary, I too a UM will preach on this text...
We talked about this at our UM Text Study that meets on Tuesday mornings...
I said, "If I preach this text, I'm going to say I DON'T LIKE this text - Fathers will be pitted against sons, mothers against daughters... etc. etc. How is this a helpful text?"
Those in attendance commented that this referred more to the "new church" one of the family members might be a part of... that's how they'll be pitted against each other."
Many will focus on the Sparrow first part... it's safer! ;?)
I wonder too, 10:30 The hairs on our heads... I heard someone say that "there are some heads that God doesn't spend as much time counting... for their bald or balding..."
With grins,
pulpitt in ND
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 14:25:04
Looking at 10:35-37, I'm in a quandry. I see that we are not to love our parents or our children more than God, but where do spouses fit into the equation? Granted, I'm reading this text through the eyes of one pastor who's to be married to another pastor next month, but I do wonder what the implications may be -- or perhaps I'm grasping at something that's simply not there. ERS in SD
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 18:44:48
Pastor Mary- though not UMC (does UCC with a bunch of UM pastor friends count ? lol) I can preach on this passage without seeing this as a God of wrath - rather a God of reality. How often had God witnessed that God's ways divided households as some followed the commandments and other chased false idols? In Jesus' words I hear not that the purpose of Jesus was to divide, but that would be the end result, because of our sinful/fallen ways. Some would beleive and follow, and others wouldn't. But there is Good News here, because we are given the new life, even if it isn't easy for us (and is life ever really easy for anyone, whether Christian or not?). Just some thoughts as I begin the sermon process. There is a Book out called "The Voice" by R.W. Metlen. It looks like a children's book, but is really for adults. It's a wonderfully written and illustrated book about hearing a voice when fishing telling the character "Follow Me". Its about letting go and following "The Voice" which is God/Christ as evident by the opening page which has Matt 10:39 on it. I am thinking of using it this week as my sermon- and trusting the congregation to make the connection. Its put out by Paulist Press if anyone is interested (and keeps selling out at the Seminary Bookstore where I just graduated from). Pastor Deb Bangor, ME
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 19:08:06
LH in NJ,
There are always special people who cannot be present on specific special days. However, it is not the day of the marriage ceremony that is most telling, it is all the days that led up to it and all the days that follow. Your parents, I believe, will support this marriage even without their bodily presence at the ceremony.
We learn about marriage from the example of our parents' marriages (not all good). A brief mention of some of the positive things learned from your parents' marriage would be appropriate (and don't forget what is learned from the other's parents also).
Or you could include thanksgivings in the prayers, for all the support given by those who love the bride and groom, even those unable to be present in this place on this day.
One caution. Focus on the future being built by the couple being married. I don't believe your parents would be happy to hear that it was more good words of them than for the marrying couple!
I pray for you. Preach Christ. :)
Michelle
Date: 19 Jun 2002
Time: 19:14:33
Pr. del in Ia,
"We're always confessing... What do we confess?"
I believe we confess our unwillingness to live as we are called to do. The second lesson, "Shall we continue to sin...?" Many would say, "Sure, why not?" Maybe that's a question we need to speak, for there are many answers. We are saved by grace, are we not? What does it mean to proclaim (confess) faith in Christ, when we continue to choose to live contrary to Christ's call?
Michelle
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 03:19:42
In order to "pray" this scripture and witness this Word one of the resources worthy of reading again and digesting, I believe, is Bonhoeffer's "Cost of Discipleship". The contrast between "cheap grace/cheap discipleship" and "costly grace/costly discipleship" may call one to address the difference between the church as a bureaucratic organization (with the paradigm of social organization out of the industrial revolutiion.., namely a "factory") and the church as the covenant servants of the people of God bound together by the "koinonia". From Cllement of Rome in early Church life there is a relevant message about the distinction of the "two" Churches; one the eternal Church or the "spiritual church" and the other the "earthly visible church". In a day when persons may seek the "spiritual covenant-community-church" beyond the beyond the larger bureaucratic social systems they have grown to mistrust both within the church and beyond in political-economic structures, the reading of the "2nd Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians" may be relevant and fruitful. Costly disciple is lived in the community of faith, in the fellowship of the wounded servants serving a "Wounded God", the "koinonia" of the fellowship of the suffering, where the Incarnate Word of God is not only preached but is practiced in every sacramental moment(i.e., every moment of being/becoming). This Incarnate fellowship calls one beyond the pseudo relations established in the "persona" of role expectations by family or friends or co-workers or peer group. The higher expectation of the most excelent way is spelled out by Saint Paul in 1st Coritnthians 13 as well as by the Gospel of Jacob (Letter of James) in being do'ers of the Word. (PaideiaSCO reflecting in GA mts.)
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 05:09:43
There's almost too much in this pericope! I plan to focus on vv. 34-39 with this interpretive thought -- The question here is not the creation of strife between family members but, rather, the re-anchoring of one's life. From where or whom does one get the meaning in one's life. Many in Jesus's time and, it sometimes seems, even more in our time, find their personal worth and meaning in their relationship with others -- parents live "through" their children; children grow up dependent on the accomplishments or reputations of their parents. These are impermanent, changeable, and ultimately disappointing anchors. The sword Jesus brings is to sever us from such anchors so that we may re-anchor our lives on the solid foundation of God in Christ. We have to "lose" the life anchored to the ephemeral and find our lives anchored to the eternal.
These are the mid-week beginnings of sermon musings.
Blessings, Eric in KS
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 06:05:22
Thanks for your suggestions and wisdom concerning my brother's wedding and parents absence. You have shaped my perspective -- it is the commitment and joy of the day that is the focus -- and the presence of our eternal Parent. Blessings, LHinNJ
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 06:43:00
Regarding the wedding: you might ask your parents, or one of them, to write a letter (or dictate one over the phone) that could be read. Just a few sentences in their own words so that they are present in body if not in spirit.
Melissa
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 09:38:23
Have any of you heard of the "Fisherman's Prayer?" Someone requested it for a funeral. Any help in finding it would be greatly appreciated! --Pastor Daryn in WI
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 09:39:14
Dear Pr.del in IA
Go to Matthew's Gospel, 25th chapter - the words, give me food, drink, clothing - the words 'whatsoever you did, even to the smallest of the members of my family" these are an affirmation that evidence of faith is found in relationships - every good story that comes out at this time about your uncle's kindness, humor, generosity and loving nature are testament to his relationship with God -
"Come, you that are blessed by my father, enter the kingdom which was prepared for you from before the foundation of the world...."
Canada
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 10:12:23
RE: The Sword
Jesus' sword is his word. Robert Tannehill, now retired from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio wrote a book some years ago, "The Sword of His Mouth." Jesus' message is a two-edged sword. It is good news to some and bad news for others. It is Jesus' word which separates the sheep from the goats. PH in OH
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 10:26:02
Here are a couple of different versions of "A Fisherman's Prayer"...
===============
I pray that I may live to fish....... Until my dying day. And when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray: When in the Lord's great landing net And peacefully asleep That in His mercy I be judged Big enough to keep.
================
Dear Lord, I pray, Let me fish 'til That certain day, And when your net Is cast into the deep, I pray you judge And find me fit to keep, When in your home O'Lord I say, Forever may I fish and stay.
========================
Jack Kennedy referred to this as The Fisherman's Prayer: "O God the sea is so great and my boat is so small." (Adm. Hyman Richover is said to have given a plaque engraved with this prayer to each newly commissioned submarine captain.)
Blessings, Eric in KS
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 11:58:32
We have our closing Sunday School picnic/outdoor worship this Sunday. Using the focus of what it means to be a disciple, I have chosen to speak to "Deciding to Follow." There are so many choices out there for (young) people of all ages to follow. But most of them do not "tell it like it is" the way Jesus is in these verses. Now that I have the title, I need to work on the words! Will also be conducting a memorial service for the oldest member of our congregation Sunday afternoon.
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 11:58:38
We have our closing Sunday School picnic/outdoor worship this Sunday. Using the focus of what it means to be a disciple, I have chosen to speak to "Deciding to Follow." There are so many choices out there for (young) people of all ages to follow. But most of them do not "tell it like it is" the way Jesus is in these verses. Now that I have the title, I need to work on the words! Will also be conducting a memorial service for the oldest member of our congregation Sunday afternoon.
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 11:59:12
Sorry, that last contribution was from Betty in NY
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 13:37:09
LH: one more about the wedding. I have encouraged brides and grooms to place a picture at the wedding of a loved one who could not be there for one reason or another (infirmity or death) a visual reminder of the love that so shaped the bride/groom. It can be done joyously, decorated with a ribbon etc. My daughter chose this route for her recently deceased, and much loved grandfather. We had a small table set aside at the altar rail with his picture on our "side". When I have seen this done, the focus is all on the bride and groom and the future, but they love the link with their beloved family.
Ks in PA
Date: 20 Jun 2002
Time: 21:09:56
I am going to use this passage in my preaching sunday, was to begin with... I may be a young UMC and female...but ole fashioned tell em the truth preacher! Basically, the main things I think this passage brings out is SUBMISSION and OBEDIENCE...Not being afraid to take authoriry that God gave you and take that risk... Risk Taking Church... Yes I will probably mention something about 9-11 terror and relate it to this... We don't like to focus on GOD IS LOVE sometimes... but a coin has a heads and a tails.... two sides... He we know Christ came to be peaceful first time to submit to father's will to die for us... but in that peace He stirred something up... So, yes, we as christians should be peacemakers, but in same respect stir people up make them think! I can't help think about Gandhi's quote, First they Laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win! That quote comes off of Barbara Bailey Hutchenson's website-a singer...(she's a UMC too) If you think about it that's what happens to Christians- they LOL at us , then persecute, But then we win! Look at Jesus! Early Church! And the endtimes....I read the back of "the GOOD BOOK" and we win! Remember that... Pastor Mary in OH
Date: 21 Jun 2002
Time: 06:08:27
Am I a victim or Victor? Without Christ I am a Victim. With Christ I am a Victor!
Christ gives me the opportunity to "Join" the Victory Celebration or . . .
Not works, GRACE. Don't forget the GRACE! HMH
Date: 21 Jun 2002
Time: 08:38:02
JP at BG - Thanks for your entry. I think one distinction that is helpful is to realize that the sword is in Jesus' hands, not ours. The way I see this text, it says "Do not fear, conflict is inevitable, because God is creating something new." (Given, the last part is not specifically in this text, but since this is instruction to the disciples about their work for the kingdom of heaven, I think it is valid to include.) Because God is at work, the conflict or split with the world happens even when we wish it wouldn't. Yet because this is instruction to the disciples for mission, it does not mean we abandon the ones with whom we encounter conflict. KB in WA
Date: 21 Jun 2002
Time: 10:41:44
This is a submission before reading any of your comments. My sermon title "Water is thicker than blood." My basic theme is that our new identity in Christ (water of baptism) takes precedent over our identity as family member, profession, etc.
some thoughts: we sometimes fear sharing our faith with our own families. we need to risk whatever danger lies there in order to live authentically as Christian.
My own call to the ministry involved great fear in sharing the call with my husband. He had married me when I was a Medical Secretary. I couldn't imagine how he would respond to the idea of marriage to a minister. Breaking through that fear brought me great joy as we shared the goal of ministry together. But if I hadn't? What a loss!
Now I'll see what you are all talking about.
Pam in San Bernardino
Date: 21 Jun 2002
Time: 12:50:55
10:26 "So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known.
So how do I preach this when at the moment I am filled with fear and anxiety over mistakes I made. Guilt surrounds me, I am almost frozen, unable to move forward and no place to hide.
tom in ga
Date: 22 Jun 2002
Time: 08:51:30
tom in ga - what's up? write me at rector@stfrancis-ks.org if you like.
Blessings, Eric in KS
Date: 22 Jun 2002
Time: 14:49:33
This is a text about the presence of fear. But not in those who can kill us. Rarely do we talk about fear of God. BUt fear/terror for those who can and have killed "us" Americans. So we use our own source to retaliate instead of having more fear in God. Pastor J
Date: 22 Jun 2002
Time: 16:38:24
Tom in GA...
wrote: So how do I preach this when at the moment I am filled with fear and anxiety over mistakes I made. Guilt surrounds me, I am almost frozen, unable to move forward and no place to hide.
tom in ga I'm with Eric... what's up brother Tom, you ok?
With prayers,
pulpitt in ND pulpitt@702com.net
Date: 22 Jun 2002
Time: 17:12:44
fine time to contribute, of course: back home from running the bulletin off at Staples. But maybe it is a good time for anyone with second thoughts. The title is "Suicidal Faith"; it leans on Romans 6:11 and the gospel lection (building up to the "great reversal" in 10:39, but painful enough well before there. It seemed like an obvious title when I typed it in the bulletin--a very hard saying, but...the truth. Now, though, the spine of the sermon will be telling the congregation how that title went from being a "positive, good" thing to being a bad thing. I really didn't consider the suicide bombers when I conceived the title (& thought it commendable and commending Xn obedience); didn't even think of them during my turnaround ("suicidal faith--oh, baaaddd"). But they do fit, I believe. Whether we seek to "find" our life, or to "lose" our life, we still focus on MOI. My info on the suicide bombers sez they have notions of paradise...Suicide is selfish; following Christ Jesus requires and assures that we shall find more interesting and more fruitful and more holy pursuits than our own well-being...GG in NC
Date: 22 Jun 2002
Time: 17:50:17
My sermon, developed along the "anchoring" lines I mentioned earlier, is posted at
http://www.stfrancis-ks.org/subpages/asermons/proper7-a-rcl-2002.htm
Blessings, Eric in KS
Date: 22 Jun 2002
Time: 19:11:37
GG in NC
Isn't it true that the suicide bombers of this past week - like most of them, come from very VERY poor families... CNN reported today that the ones this week - or rather their families were paid $30,000 a piece for their lives... what's one life worth... times however many were killed... disturbing to be sure.
pulpitt in ND
My title is "A World of Opposites"... and I too am leaning toward desperate...
I started it... but that's about it...
Year A ?A World of Opposites?? by Rev. Rick Pittenger Genesis 21:8-21 Matthew 10:24-39
Little Senya puts her shoes on the wrong feet? to her there is no left or right? My daughter ties her shoes the opposite way that I do? when she learned to tie them? I just reversed the way I tie mine? made for an easy mirrored lesson on tying ones shoes. Until this week, I thought the only way to mow a lawn was north and south or east and west. I developed a new way to mow? in ever widening circles? blowing the mowed grass to the outskirts of our yard?Humidity levels forced us all to turn on the A/C this week. Thus the new ?sanctuary? we find ourselves in. Spouses sometimes are very little alike... opposites attract... blah blah blah... fighting in Palestine...Israel...
Date: 22 Jun 2002
Time: 19:57:26
One of those times that I am changing my sermon at the 11th hour. LITERALLY! It is 10:53. I have really been struck by the idea that our baptism brands us. Even if we stray away, we are still branded. Also, by not honoring the brand on our lives, we lead others astray with us. My sermon title has been changed to, yes, you have it, "Branded". Sorry I did not think of this sooner so I could have received some input. Oh well! Toni in WV
Date: 23 Jun 2002
Time: 02:46:58
Brother Tom in GA - what ever is going on, you are in our prayers, and whatever it is, nothing can separate you from the love of Christ, nothing!
Mark in WI
Date: 27 Jun 2002
Time: 09:04:14
Getting a late start and not wanting to deal with this being the Sunday before the 4th and the expectations this brings for my congregation, I need a little help! I decided to let the pledge of allegience but added the pledge to the Christian Flag. However, where can I find those words? Can anyone help me? I'm going to suggest the singing of patriotic songs before worship just to let them have their own time for celebration and also am having a woman read some patriotic things. I have several men and women who served in the war and know those little things mean a lot, even if I wish we could stop all the violence in our world at this time. Thanks for letting me vent and for your help. SK in IA