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Old Testament Lesson
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
This is that famous passage that was once set to music many years ago. But, the message of this passage remains as true today as it ever was. There is a time for everything in life. There is nothing in life that we will not experience. We will experience life and death, joy and tears, celebration and defeat. Good things will happen to us, as will bad things.
Two thoughts to think about this morning, then. The Christian life is not a life that will avoid pain. I don't believe that you get saved and everything is a bed of roses. Many times, most of the time, really, things will get harder. There will be more temptation, more rejection. But, the joys will be lasting, the peace will be enduring, and the hope will be all surpassing. Because of the second thought
In all these things, God is there with us. He has promised to never leave of forsake us. Throughout whatever you may be going through, God will be there. Through everything, His presence can be found. If you will look for it.
New Testament Lesson
Galatians 2:11-21
We are not saved through the law. We are not saved through our actions. We are saved through belief and faith in Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace through faith. Our actions do not save us.
Then, why we do we preachers talk so much about how we behave. If we aren't saved by our actions, why do we care? Our actions show what we really are. No one but God knows the heart. I don't know if someone is saved or lost, I have to go with what they say. In fact, I've never met a lost person. I've never met someone that told me that they are lost. That's not to say I haven't met lost people. It is to say that everyone I've ever met will tell me a Christian, even if their is no evidence of it. Now, they might not have been to church in years, they might not pray, they might not read their Bible, they might not witness, they may curse like a sailor, they may be living in sin, but they will assure me that they love the Lord.
Do I know their heart? No. But, I can see their actions. And, if they claim to be a Christian, they are not living like it. That is why are actions matter. If you say you are a Christan, but are living in sin, you are bringing shame to the Savior that you claim to love. We are not saved by our actions, but our actions show how we really are.
Today, I'm sure that you would tell everyone you are a Christian. What do your actions say?
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 14:1-12
We see here that following Jesus may bring great cost at in your life. Today, There are Christians that are literally giving their lives for the Gospel. Yet here in America, we are are concerned about what God will do for us, not so much about what we will do for God. John the Baptist gave it all for Jesus, and was rewarded with eternal life. That is the thing that we all truly seek. Are you more concerned for the things of earth, or the things of heaven. These earthly things will pass, the eternal will endure forever. Whatever we give up now will be but a fraction of that life in eternity. Today, is your life found here upon the earth, or is it found in eternity with Jesus Christ?
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Pentecost: June 6, 2006
Old Testament Lesson
Ecclesiastes 2:16-26
In this passage, we are reminded that we have no control over those that come after us. We can't control the actions of our children or grandchildren. When they grow older, they will make their own choices and decisions. We see in history that many people have worked hard in their lives only to see their children squander all the work they had put in. Part of what Ecclesiastes teaches us is that we cannot find contentment in the form of another person. We cannot find our identity in our spouses, our children, our grandchildren, friends, or any other human.
We have to find that identity in Jesus Christ. While I am the husband of Holly, the father of Sarah and the soon to be father of Thomas, the son of Connie and Maxine, the pastor of Coy UMC, the title that has to put above all others is Andy, child of God. That has to be my primary identity. Likewise, it must be the same for each of us.
New Testament Lesson
Galatians 1:19-2:10
We see in this passage that Paul had one area of ministry, Peter had another. One was not better than the other; they were equal, just different. We are all not the same, we each have gifts and graces given to us by God. We don't have to be the same. But, for the church to be what God calls it to be, we must each do our part. We must each do what God has called us to do. If Peter would not have done what God had called him to do, the church would not be what it is today. If Paul had not done what he was called to do, those of us that are Gentiles would not be Christians.
Today, what had God call you to that no one else can do. Today, may you be faithful to this Almighty God that has called you to great things.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 13:53-58
We see in this passage those famous words of Jesus, a prophet has no honor in His hometown. That worries me since I'm preaching Homecoming at Johnston Chapel UMC (my home church) in a few weeks. Hopefully they won't try to throw me off a cliff like they did to Jesus one time.
Why does a prophet not have any honor in his hometown? Probably because they don't see him as a prophet. They see him as the child they used to see playing in street. He is a prophet, but they don't see it, because they are not looking as God would have them to look.
Quite often, God tries to speak to us through ways we might not expect, or through people we might not expect. And, we miss the message because we don't think God could speak to us through that means. Today, God is trying to speak to you, maybe through a way you might not expect. Are you eyes open to see how God could speak to you? Are you ears open to hear what God has to say? Today, God will speak. The question is do we pay attention.
Ecclesiastes 2:16-26
In this passage, we are reminded that we have no control over those that come after us. We can't control the actions of our children or grandchildren. When they grow older, they will make their own choices and decisions. We see in history that many people have worked hard in their lives only to see their children squander all the work they had put in. Part of what Ecclesiastes teaches us is that we cannot find contentment in the form of another person. We cannot find our identity in our spouses, our children, our grandchildren, friends, or any other human.
We have to find that identity in Jesus Christ. While I am the husband of Holly, the father of Sarah and the soon to be father of Thomas, the son of Connie and Maxine, the pastor of Coy UMC, the title that has to put above all others is Andy, child of God. That has to be my primary identity. Likewise, it must be the same for each of us.
New Testament Lesson
Galatians 1:19-2:10
We see in this passage that Paul had one area of ministry, Peter had another. One was not better than the other; they were equal, just different. We are all not the same, we each have gifts and graces given to us by God. We don't have to be the same. But, for the church to be what God calls it to be, we must each do our part. We must each do what God has called us to do. If Peter would not have done what God had called him to do, the church would not be what it is today. If Paul had not done what he was called to do, those of us that are Gentiles would not be Christians.
Today, what had God call you to that no one else can do. Today, may you be faithful to this Almighty God that has called you to great things.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 13:53-58
We see in this passage those famous words of Jesus, a prophet has no honor in His hometown. That worries me since I'm preaching Homecoming at Johnston Chapel UMC (my home church) in a few weeks. Hopefully they won't try to throw me off a cliff like they did to Jesus one time.
Why does a prophet not have any honor in his hometown? Probably because they don't see him as a prophet. They see him as the child they used to see playing in street. He is a prophet, but they don't see it, because they are not looking as God would have them to look.
Quite often, God tries to speak to us through ways we might not expect, or through people we might not expect. And, we miss the message because we don't think God could speak to us through that means. Today, God is trying to speak to you, maybe through a way you might not expect. Are you eyes open to see how God could speak to you? Are you ears open to hear what God has to say? Today, God will speak. The question is do we pay attention.
Monday, June 5, 2006
Pentecost: Monday, June 4, 2006
Old Testament Lesson
Ecclesiastes 2:1-15
This books warns us that so many of the things that we think we have to have are actually meaningless. The myth that are pleasure is all important is proved false in this book. Likewise, the notion that that even wisdom will bring contentment is proven false. This entire books is a log of someone examining all the pleasures of life and find that they all, at the end of the day, leave you empty if there is not something greater.
Our world tells us one more possession, one more whatever will be all that is required to make us content and make us happy. We find that is not true, these things, if there is not something greater (God) in our lives, simply leave us more and more empty.
Today, where is your life? Is it found in your possessions? Or is it found in Jesus. If it is not in Jesus, then you will remain empty.
New Testament Lesson
Galatians 1:1-17
This is what is most important to Paul, the Gospel. Nothing else can compare to it. It must be what he is about. It should be the same for you and me as well. The Gospel must be at the center of who we are, for we have been saved by this Gospel and we must exchange nothing for it
Nor must we substitute anything for it. Not our works, not our family, not our job, nothing. We are saved by the Gospel, by nothing else. Remember, we live under grace, so no one can brag. Today, are you living by God's grace?
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 13:44-52
We are supposed to catch the fish, let God clean them. So often, we feel like we have to clean the fish, but that is what God will do. He clean us of our sins, and will clean others as well. We just have to do our part to catch them. Today, are you doing all you can to make sure that more fish are caught for the kingdom?
Ecclesiastes 2:1-15
This books warns us that so many of the things that we think we have to have are actually meaningless. The myth that are pleasure is all important is proved false in this book. Likewise, the notion that that even wisdom will bring contentment is proven false. This entire books is a log of someone examining all the pleasures of life and find that they all, at the end of the day, leave you empty if there is not something greater.
Our world tells us one more possession, one more whatever will be all that is required to make us content and make us happy. We find that is not true, these things, if there is not something greater (God) in our lives, simply leave us more and more empty.
Today, where is your life? Is it found in your possessions? Or is it found in Jesus. If it is not in Jesus, then you will remain empty.
New Testament Lesson
Galatians 1:1-17
This is what is most important to Paul, the Gospel. Nothing else can compare to it. It must be what he is about. It should be the same for you and me as well. The Gospel must be at the center of who we are, for we have been saved by this Gospel and we must exchange nothing for it
Nor must we substitute anything for it. Not our works, not our family, not our job, nothing. We are saved by the Gospel, by nothing else. Remember, we live under grace, so no one can brag. Today, are you living by God's grace?
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 13:44-52
We are supposed to catch the fish, let God clean them. So often, we feel like we have to clean the fish, but that is what God will do. He clean us of our sins, and will clean others as well. We just have to do our part to catch them. Today, are you doing all you can to make sure that more fish are caught for the kingdom?
Seasons come and seasons go. . . .
I grew up calling the liturgical season between Pentecost and Advent Kingdomtime. Now, I don't believe that is the "accepted" term. It is also called Ordinarytime, but that sounds a little ordinary. I usually call this time the Sunday's after Pentecost, i.e., next Sunday, June 11 is the Second Sunday after Pentecost, and this goes on into the low twenties. That also the official UMC stance on the season as well.
I'm leaning towards for the purpose of the blog listing this as Pentecost: Monday, June 4, 2006, but I'm not sure.
I'm leaning towards for the purpose of the blog listing this as Pentecost: Monday, June 4, 2006, but I'm not sure.
Friday, June 2, 2006
Easter: June 2, 2006
Old Testament Lesson
Jeremiah 31:27-34
The Lord said that He would make a new covenant with His people, and write the Law upon their hearts. We see in this passage the proper order of holiness. It must start with the Law being written upon your heart; that will change everything else. Once God's law is upon your heart, it changes you actions, it changes your thoughts, it changes everything about you.
Today, if your actions are the same as they were when you were converted, are you truly converted? This change must start on the inside and work its way out. Yes, our actions to affect it, but it must start inside. Today, have you made peace with God? Is His law written upon your heart?
New Testament Lesson
Ephesians 5:1-20
When we see sin mentioned in the Bible, there aren't distinctions. Today in this passage, we a listing of sins that will keep us from entering into the kingdom of heaven. First, those that are immoral. Yeah, that makes since. Those impure. Well, obviously. Then, the greedy. Well, there it went from preaching to meddling. Surly, that's not as bad as the others, right? Well, according to the Word this morning, greed will keep you out of the kingdom of God as quick as sexual immorality will.
We cannot categorize sins in to those that others do and those that we do. No sin is acceptable. No sin shall enter before God. No sin shall be taken lightly. Within this passage greed is as condemned all type of sexual immorality. Today, how do our lives stack up in light of that?
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 9:9-17
It is not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick. That is what Jesus says in this passage. Until we admit that we are sick and sinful, He can offer us nothing. Until we admit that we need Him, we can't fully receive His grace. He came to save us, to love us and the call us. Until we understand that we are in need of saving, in need of being loved, and in need of being called, we can't fully know just how much He has for us.
Jeremiah 31:27-34
The Lord said that He would make a new covenant with His people, and write the Law upon their hearts. We see in this passage the proper order of holiness. It must start with the Law being written upon your heart; that will change everything else. Once God's law is upon your heart, it changes you actions, it changes your thoughts, it changes everything about you.
Today, if your actions are the same as they were when you were converted, are you truly converted? This change must start on the inside and work its way out. Yes, our actions to affect it, but it must start inside. Today, have you made peace with God? Is His law written upon your heart?
New Testament Lesson
Ephesians 5:1-20
When we see sin mentioned in the Bible, there aren't distinctions. Today in this passage, we a listing of sins that will keep us from entering into the kingdom of heaven. First, those that are immoral. Yeah, that makes since. Those impure. Well, obviously. Then, the greedy. Well, there it went from preaching to meddling. Surly, that's not as bad as the others, right? Well, according to the Word this morning, greed will keep you out of the kingdom of God as quick as sexual immorality will.
We cannot categorize sins in to those that others do and those that we do. No sin is acceptable. No sin shall enter before God. No sin shall be taken lightly. Within this passage greed is as condemned all type of sexual immorality. Today, how do our lives stack up in light of that?
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 9:9-17
It is not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick. That is what Jesus says in this passage. Until we admit that we are sick and sinful, He can offer us nothing. Until we admit that we need Him, we can't fully receive His grace. He came to save us, to love us and the call us. Until we understand that we are in need of saving, in need of being loved, and in need of being called, we can't fully know just how much He has for us.
Thursday, June 1, 2006
Easter: Thursday, June 1, 2006
Old Testament Lesson
Zechariah 4:1-14
This passage contains one of the more powerful verses in all the Bible, verse 6, ""This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." We can't do this by our might, or by our power, but only by the Holy Spirit. We can't walk as we should, we can't be who we should, we can't do anything with the power of God through us.
So often we are tricked into thinking that we can just be good enough, or work hard enough, or just do it through our own will power. If we can do any of that, there was no reason for Christ to have come. If we can earn it, if we can work hard enough, then it isn't grace. We can't save ourselves. We can't be good enough, we can't work hard enough, we can't give up enough. Not by our might, or by our power, but by the Lord's Spirit.
Now, by His Spirit, we can do amazing things. But, through our own power, we can do nothing. Today, are you trying to earn your way into heaven? Are you trying to just be good enough? Are you hoping that if you work hard enough, you will earn God's love? It doesn't work that way. It is a free gift, you just have to trust. Today, where is your trust? Is it in God? Or is it in your own strength?
New Testament Lesson
Ephesians 4:17-32
We see in this passage what it will look like when we live by God's strength. We see that when we, by God's Spirit, put away the old and put on the new, we will be different people. Too many people try to act like a Christin without first being one, and that gets old really quick, because without the power of God working through you, you can't do it.
If we place ourselves in Christ, then we will live as we should. We will not be perfect, for no one is, but we will be striving towards what God would have us to be. We will be different. God's grace will be at work within us. We will be different. If we are walking with Jesus each day. If we do that, all else will fall into place.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 9:1-8
We see that before Jesus healed this man, He forgave his sins. It doesn't matter what physical condition you are in today, your sins can be forgiven and you can walk with God, today. Jesus started this healing with the most important; He forgave sins. Today, it doesn't matter if you sick or healthy, rich or poor, whatever condition you are in. Today, Jesus wants to forgive you of your sins. Don't let your circumstances get in the way of His forgiveness. Not matter who you are or where you are; you can be forgiven today.
Zechariah 4:1-14
This passage contains one of the more powerful verses in all the Bible, verse 6, ""This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." We can't do this by our might, or by our power, but only by the Holy Spirit. We can't walk as we should, we can't be who we should, we can't do anything with the power of God through us.
So often we are tricked into thinking that we can just be good enough, or work hard enough, or just do it through our own will power. If we can do any of that, there was no reason for Christ to have come. If we can earn it, if we can work hard enough, then it isn't grace. We can't save ourselves. We can't be good enough, we can't work hard enough, we can't give up enough. Not by our might, or by our power, but by the Lord's Spirit.
Now, by His Spirit, we can do amazing things. But, through our own power, we can do nothing. Today, are you trying to earn your way into heaven? Are you trying to just be good enough? Are you hoping that if you work hard enough, you will earn God's love? It doesn't work that way. It is a free gift, you just have to trust. Today, where is your trust? Is it in God? Or is it in your own strength?
New Testament Lesson
Ephesians 4:17-32
We see in this passage what it will look like when we live by God's strength. We see that when we, by God's Spirit, put away the old and put on the new, we will be different people. Too many people try to act like a Christin without first being one, and that gets old really quick, because without the power of God working through you, you can't do it.
If we place ourselves in Christ, then we will live as we should. We will not be perfect, for no one is, but we will be striving towards what God would have us to be. We will be different. God's grace will be at work within us. We will be different. If we are walking with Jesus each day. If we do that, all else will fall into place.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 9:1-8
We see that before Jesus healed this man, He forgave his sins. It doesn't matter what physical condition you are in today, your sins can be forgiven and you can walk with God, today. Jesus started this healing with the most important; He forgave sins. Today, it doesn't matter if you sick or healthy, rich or poor, whatever condition you are in. Today, Jesus wants to forgive you of your sins. Don't let your circumstances get in the way of His forgiveness. Not matter who you are or where you are; you can be forgiven today.
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