Preaching

The greatest miracle

/ The Pastor

I really want to tell you right now what I am doing for my sermon tomorrow, but I won’t.  I know there are a number of Salem/Belmont people who read this and I don’t want to spoil anything.

So why am I even teasing you with something I am not going to share now?  Well…part of it is to give you a heads up on what I am going to write about on Tuesday (I am taking a comp day Monday so I probably won’t post that day, but who knows).

The other part of the reason I am teasing you is that I am really excited about this.  I am still not sure how things will go tomorrow, but God is in control.  My hope is that God is glorified and that hearts are opened (not by my power but by the power of the Holy Spirit) through the greatest miracle of all.

May God be praised tomorrow and always.

-edh-

Sermon prep on a busy Thursday

/ The Pastor

Today is Thursday…

…and that means sermon prep.  But being that it is July 23 it also means day #4 of VBS…AND…wedding prep day (I have a wedding on Saturday for a couple of friends).  All in all…it will be a busy day (with any luck I will also get my lawn mowed).

In any case…back to sermon prep.  The text I am preaching on is from John 6:1-21.  This is John’s account of the Feeding of the 5000 with Jesus walking on the water to boot.  It’s almost a 2 fer today.

My plan right now is to start things out with a prayer (like I usually do) but this time I am going to use the second lesson text (which is a prayer for the Ephesians — Eph. 3:14-21).  I am going to change some “yous” to “we” and use it for us…here and now.  I thought that sounded like good way to start.  It talks about being strengthened by the Holy Spirit; being rooted and established in love; that we may know Christ; but in the end all glory and honor to God forever and ever, Amen.

Now on to the Gospel text…

…here I don’t really know where I am going yet, but that’s what the Holy Spirit is for.  With everything going on today I am trying not to get too nervous.  Normally I would leave my office at 11am and head to Coffee Choices to eat and write, but with VBS today I can’t leave here until after 12noon (that will throw off the routine).  To the naked, untrained eye this may not seem like a big deal, but routines (for some) are important.  And when I get thrown from mine I often need to focus a little harder to stay on track.

<There I go again…off track…I am supposed to be talking about John 6>

Anyway…here are some initial thoughts about John 6:1-21:
(1) A foretaste of the Feast to come.
(2) When we are “hungry” Jesus WILL feed us.
(3) Jesus can do much with what we consider little.
(4) With Jesus in our life, we will have more than enough.
(5) A defense of youth ministry — a small boy was encouraged to contribute and 5000+ people were fed.

These sound like small tag lines but sermons often start with thoughts such as these.

What do you hear in this text?

In your particular place in your life, how does this text “feed” you?

God bless you today and always.  Praise be to God!

-edh-

Sheep and THE Shepherd

/ The Pastor / 3 Comments

The Gospel text for Sunday seems like a piece meal deal that cuts out a major story (The Feeding of the 5000).  But before we get too excited, the Feeding of the 5000 account is picked up next week when we begin a 6 week stretch in the Gospel of John.  This stretch in John starts with the feeding story and then a series or texts that talk about Jesus as the Bread of Life.  We will deal with that more in the coming weeks…but back to sheep and the Shepherd.

This Sunday, Jeremiah mentions the shepherds who have scattered God’s sheep and God’s response to their irresponsibility.  The Psalm is Psalm 23…”The Lord is my shepherd…“.  The second lesson is from Ephesians 2.  It doesn’t talk about sheep and shepherds specifically, but some correlations can be drawn.  The key verse that jumps out to me here is 2:19 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the chief cornerstone.”  And then the Mark text from chapter 6 has people flocking to Jesus.  And even though he and the disciples are trying to get some R & R, Jesus has compassion on the people “because they were like sheep without a shepherd.  So he began teaching them many things.”  Lots to deal with here.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I still haven’t totally figured out what I am preaching on yet (actually I should say that the Holy Spirit hasn’t revealed it to me yet).  But here are some thoughts I am pondering (at least until further notice):

(1) “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” (Jer. 23:1)
–As people who know the truth of God through Jesus Christ, we have an amazing responsibility.
–God WILL bring all his sheep back under one righteous King (referring to Jesus).
–God has a heart for “sheep”.

(2) Psalm 23…”and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  Picking up where Jeremiah left off.

(3) Ephesians…God’s gift of salvation is for ALL people through Jesus Christ.

(4) As “sheep” we all need a shepherd.  But as we see from Jeremiah, we need to be aware of what shepherd we are following.  There is only one GOOD Shepherd.

Those are just a few things I am pondering and I am sure others will pop up today.  So with that I ask you:
What preachable moments are you seeing in the texts?
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 23
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

As a lay person sitting in the pew (and I know there are a number of you out there reading this…and many who are here in Jackson) what do you need to hear…right now…in this place?

What does it mean for you to be considered “sheep” and that Jesus is our “Shepherd”?

Until next time, happy scripture reading and have a blessed “sheepish” day following our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Praise be to God!

-edh-

“Sheepish” scripture and Holy Spirit inspiration

/ The Pastor / 4 Comments

This Sunday (Pentecost 7) we have some sheep and shepherd talk…and I like it.  It is a far cry from last week where we had Amos talking about God’s plumb line and Mark talking about John the Baptist being beheaded.  Not that we are to shy away from the difficult texts, but it is always fun to deal with ones that are…and I don’t want to say “easy”…but rather fun, descriptive, memorable (like Psalm 23), and other adjectives that just are not coming off my tongue right now.  I don’t know what I am preaching on yet but I am sure something will inspire me.

<on that note…about being inspired>

I want to share with you what happened to me last Thursday.

I usually come to my office on Thursday morning with some idea on what scripture I am using in the sermon and with some idea on the direction I will be heading.  Last Thursday I was clueless.  I had no idea what scripture to preach on and had no idea on even a focus statement.  Those are Thursdays that make me a little nervous (“O you of little faith”).  So I went up to the sanctuary (as is my custom on Thursday mornings) to read the scripture and talk through some ideas.  And before I knew it I had the scripture and focus statement.  I ran up to my office and started typing.  By the time I was ready to leave for Coffee Choices to have lunch and write the sermon (as is my custom on Thursdays) the sermon was done.  The Holy Spirit got a hold of my fingers and went to work.  It was quite a sight to behold…and a lot of fun.

“O you of little faith”

That was the phrase I kept hearing.  And I should know better because this is not the first time this has happened.  It just goes to further remind me that the sermon that is preached on Sunday does not belong to the preacher, but to God.  I try to refrain from saying “my sermon” and try to use the phrases like “the sermon” or “God’s message” etc.  To get into a “zone” like I did on Thursday is such a humbling thing.  It also further reminds me of part of the prayer I pray each Thursday morning (an excerpt and paraphrase of Luther’s sacristy prayer), “I am not a good writer, speaker or preacher and if this was left up to me I would surely bring it all to ruin”.  Amen to that.

So with all that in mind I am off to prepare for Sunday or rather…listen for God’s direction.  Maybe I should start with God being my shepherd and me following like a little sheep.

Praise be to God!

-edh-

Missed opportunity?

/ The Pastor / 3 Comments

I can’t help but think that there was a missed opportunity yesterday.

Millions of people across this vast globe watched the Michael Jackson memorial service on TV and a few select people were able to be there in person.  I for one did not watch, but saw and heard a number of sound bites no matter the station I was watching (even ESPN had a couple sound bites).  Now…I don’t want to generalize this memorial service but I can’t help but think that it was probably no different than any other celebrity’s memorial service.

What was the missed opportunity?

Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his (Jesus) blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”

Imagine if that verse were read at the memorial service (or one like it).  Imagine if the Gospel were preached in all it’s purity.  Imagine if people across the globe got a chance to hear celebrities witness to their faith (if there is indeed faith there to be witnessed to).  Like I said…I wasn’t there, didn’t watch and I don’t know the people in attendance.  But the sound bites I heard never once mentioned Jesus, God, faith or anything of the sort.  Missed opportunity.

With memorial services like this the tendency is to focus on the person who has died.  There are stories told to highlight what a great person they were.  There are facts shared that illustrate what a difference the person made in the lives of others.  There are tears shed and emotions laid out for all to see.  No doubt that Michael Jackson had an influence on many people, loved many people and helped many people.  No doubt that he will be missed and mourned for a long time.  But as with any person on this vast planet…Michael Jackson was a sinner.

Don’t get me wrong…he was no worse than anyone else, but he was a sinner.  I am a sinner.  You are a sinner.  But despite those facts Ephesians 1:7 is true for you and me and Michael Jackson.  I wish this was shared with the millions of people that were watching…and mourning.  Missed opportunity.

Funerals are an excellent opportunity to preach the Gospel to people that normally would not put themselves in a situation to hear the Gospel preached (i.e. they don’t come to worship unless it is Easter, Christmas or a funeral).  We can’t miss these opportunities.  People are searching for answers and reassurance.  What a missed opportunity to share with people that because of what Jesus has done and through faith we will all be together again.

Death doesn’t have to be good bye, but rather see you later.

The memorial service yesterday was an opportunity that was missed and will never come again.  Take advantage of situations in your life to preach the Gospel, share the Good News of forgiveness and proclaim the gift of life we have from God through Jesus Christ.

Let’s not miss opportunities.

-edh-

Storms

/ The Pastor

I love storms…

…especially if they don’t cause lots of damage and no one gets hurt.   When a good ole fashioned summer thunderstorm rolls in I am all eyes and ears.  One time when I was in seminary, a tornado warning was issued for my area.  People in my dorm were heading downstairs to the storm shelter but I took a detour…I went outside to see if I could see the funnel.  No such luck.  Recently I attended a storm spotters training session lead by a guy from the National Weather Service out of Sioux Falls, SD.  I went not to become a weather spotter, but because I like storms; I want to know what I am looking at.  I learned a lot and plan to attend more spotter training classes to hone my weather knowledge…because I love storms.

Casting Crowns sings a song that my wife and I really like called “Praise You in the Storm”.  Since this is a Christian song they are obviously not talking about a summer thunderstorm, but referring to the ole cliche…”the storms of life”.  We all encounter them but the difference is how we react to them: Do we run and hide; crumble under the pressure; curse the storm (and maybe curse God); or do we look at the storm as something that can build us up.  In the Gospel text for this Sunday (Pentecost 3) from Mark 4:35-41, the disciples are in a boat with Jesus when a nasty storm pops up.  Jesus is sleeping but the disciples are scared silly.  Pushed to their breaking point they wake Jesus up and accuse him of not caring for them.  Jesus rebukes the wind and the storm becomes quiet.  He then says “Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?”

In Job, Job is questioning God about why this suffering has come upon him when God finally speaks up and says “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” Etc, etc… Job has no other reply than “I know that you can do all things; no plan of your can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)  The storms of life will not “thwart” any plan that God has and therefore we can have faith and trust that God has still won the day.

How do you respond to “storms”?  Do you run and hide?  Do you crumble under the pressure?  Do you curse God?

OR

Do you “Praise Him in the Storm”?

We can praise God in the storm because God has overcome this world through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ FOR YOU and FOR ME.  A mere thunderstorm can never define you.  A tornado can not take away what God has given you.  A hurricane can not have power over God.

God may not take away the storms in your life, but one thing is for sure…God will be with us through the storm; we will never be alone.  When the next storm brews and threatens all you have…give praise to God for the life you have in Jesus Christ and let the world’s storms take their best shot…you already have a home that no thunderstorm can destroy.  For that…I will praise God in the sun, wind, rain, clouds…and…I will praise God in the storm.

Praise be to God…ALWAYS and forever, Amen.

-edh-

God’s grace revisited

/ The Pastor

As I mentioned on Monday, I am working through the book of Acts this month, following the First Lesson for each Sunday.  Last week I preached on Acts 8 – Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.  This Sunday the text is from Acts 10 – Peter and Cornelius.  Both texts deal with the grace of God coming in “usual” circumstances and coming to people that the new church did not expect.

In Acts 10, Cornelius is a Roman centurion who was considered a “God-fearer”.  He did total subscribe to the Jewish faith but was still seeking for God.  Cornelius was generous to the poor and was an example to his family.  It seems that he was on the verge of something but just couldn’t put his finger on it.  Cornelius needed a witness and Peter was it.  So Peter and Cornelius have “visits” from the Spirit and the two eventually meet.  While Peter was proclaiming the Gospel to Cornelius and his family, the Spirit came upon Cornelius’ group and they began speaking in tongues.  Peter and all who were with him were amazed that the Holy Spirit was poured upon Gentiles…of all people.  This was a significant turning point in Acts where the new church realized that Gentiles were also included in the mission of Christ.

After Peter witnesses this amazing event he asks a similar question the Ethiopian Eunuch asked in Acts 8, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water?” Or rephrased, “Can anyone keep these people from receiving the grace of God?” Obviously the answer is NO since the Spirit came upon those Gentiles and there wasn’t anything anyone could do to stop it.  The grace of God is for ALL people.

Who around us do we consider “Gentiles”?

Who in our communities do we consider “outside” the church?

Is there anyone we know (or group of people) that we consider unworthy of attention?

Who’s not worth the effort?

In Acts 8 and Acts 10 we see that the mission of Christ does not stop at the “boundaries” of the church building or at the group of people who call themselves the church.  The grace of God extends across boundaries and shatters our expectations.  In Acts 1:8 Jesus says “…and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth.”

Who are the “Corneliuses” out there that need a witness?

Who is the Spirit leading you to?

Listen and pay attention.  Someone out there needs a witness.

-edh-

The grace of God

/ The Pastor / 2 Comments

I have been slow to update anything here and for that I apologize.   I guess vacation really threw me off my blogging routine.  Let’s see what we can do to change my past habits.

In any case (enough with the excuses)…I am preaching my way through the Acts texts this month.  After Easter the first lesson is from the books of Acts so I thought I would spend some time here with my congregations.  So far it has been a fun journey.  Yesterday (May 10) the text was from Act 8; Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.  After Philip spends some time sharing the Gospel, the Eunuch sees some water and asks “What is to prevent me from being baptized?”

What a great question…

…but I phrased the question like this yesterday, “What is to prevent me from receiving the grace of God?“ Ultimately…I believe this is what the Eunuch was really asking.  So I turned the question and threw it back at the congregation and asked them: is there anything that can prevent us from receiving the grace of God? Can sin do it?  Can our dark past or embarrassing secrets do it?  Can hardship?  Well…the (very) short answer is…NO!  Nothing can prevent us from receiving the grace of God.  We may be able to turn our backs on God, but God is not going to stop giving us His grace.

The Ethiopian Eunuch is so overjoyed and blown away by this amazing grace that he returns home praising God.  How could he possibly keep this to himself?  This was indeed amazing grace.  But…is it really amazing grace for us…right now?

I believe the problem with the church today is that we have taken grace for granted.  We are so used to hearing about grace.  We are comforted by songs like “Amazing Grace how Sweet the Sound”.  We discuss grace as a good Bible study topic.  But how often do we really contemplate God’s grace…for us…right now.  I mean think about it…each breath we take is an example of God’s grace.  Each time we wake up in the morning we experience God’s grace.  The birth of a brand new baby is an experience of God’s grace.  And…coming up to the table to receive the body and blood of Jesus is an experience of grace.  But yet we take this for granted.  We should be going through our days overjoyed with what God has done for us.

Nothing can prevent us from receiving the grace of God.  Period.  Don’t take it for granted, rather, praise God always and forever…so much so that people think that you are on something.

God’s grace is indeed amazing…what a sweet, sweet sound.

Amen!

-edh-

P.S.  Next Sunday (May 17) is Acts 10…Peter and Cornelius.  I will have some thoughts on this text coming up later.

Preach Jesus

/ The Pastor / 6 Comments

I have a Celebration of New Life service (a.k.a. funeral) to prepare for this week.  It takes place on Friday morning.  In my preparations I got to thinking about some other funerals that I have attended for people I know and for family.  There are two that stand out to me.  They stand out because at each service Jesus was not preached.  Actually…the name “Jesus” was not uttered…not even once.  Jesus was alluded to, but if I were an unbeliever or someone who has never even heard about this guy, Jesus, I would not have heard any Good News.  And both of those services were supposedly Christian funerals.

In seminary, my preaching professor told us that when we preach try to mention Jesus’ name at least once.  The obvious implication was to make sure that we were preaching the Good News of Jesus dying and rising for us.  For if we are not preaching about Jesus then we are just there giving a speech about some religious topic.

For me, a funeral is a golden opportunity to preach the Good News to those who normally would not step foot inside a church.  You also have people who I call CEOs (Christmas Easter Only…with the occasional wedding or funeral).  When I preach at a funeral I not only have the mourners in mind but those who don’t normally hear the Gospel.  We can’t miss these opportunities.

Jesus needs to be preached!

The best funeral preaching advise I have received came from a woman from Salem who died.  She left me detailed instructions about her funeral.  This is an excerpt of what she wrote (and how she wrote it):

“DON’T TALK ABOUT ME BECAUSE IT IS NOT ABOUT ME.  THIS IS A CELEBRATION OF NEW LIFE.”

And believe me…I was going to listen to her…and I still do.  To this day, this is why we call funerals “A Celebration of New Life.”

Preach Jesus…and don’t miss “golden opportunities”.  Preach Jesus and preach Life.  Preach Jesus…even if you are not ordained, preach Jesus (in words and deeds).  Preach Jesus.

[Did I mention…preach Jesus?]

-edh-

You ain’t seen nothing yet

/ The Pastor / 2 Comments

The Gospel text for Sunday is from John 1:43-51.  This is the account of Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael.  Jesus tells Philip to “Follow me” and he does (maybe not literally at first) and goes to find Nathanael.  Upon hearing that this “prophet” is from Nazareth Nathanael promptly asks, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”  Nazareth seemed like such an unlikely place for a prophet to come from, but Philip says, “Come and see“.  Nathanael does “come and see” and what he sees is a “prophet” who knew more about him than he thought.  Nathanael is so amazed at what he hears he immediately makes a confession of faith; “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”  Nathanael makes this confession of faith based on what he hears but Jesus basically says, “You ain’t seen nothing yet” (Jesus actually used better grammar than that but I thought it fit).

Our evangelistic efforts with people involves more than just telling people about Jesus, but it should also include showing people Jesus.
We do this through our actions.
We do this through bring them to worship where we experience Jesus in the preached Word and the sacraments.
We show people Jesus through the fellowship of other believers.
We show people Jesus through service.
Telling people about Jesus is one thing…but they ain’t seen nothing yet.

Nathanael didn’t believe until he experienced Jesus first hand.  And even then; even during that first encounter he hadn’t experienced truly who Jesus was.
That is why we keep coming back.
That is why we don’t just read the Bible once.
That is why we worship each and every week.
One encounter with Jesus is great, but if you liked that then you ain’t seen nothing yet.

“Come and see” is great advice…but remember to keep coming and to keep seeing.  For as Jesus says “you ain’t seen nothing yet”.

-edh-