The View from the Pulpit – 8/9/10
August 10, 2010 by Gary Carter
Filed under View From The Pulpit
Dear Church Family
Good day all. Have you ever had writer’s block? I’m sitting here wondering what to write to you this morning. Truthfully I can’t think of a thing as warm rain sprinkles down. Sunday was Sunday. Many of our group is squeezing every minute out of summer vacation; some in Colorado to take a train to Utah’s tabernacle, others taking a surprise and unplanned side trip after trying to take a cruise to the exotic Caribbean. Life is filled with unplanned adventure.
Now the rain has stopped. It doesn’t deserve a designation of plural. And best I can say is that our journey continues. Praise is sung. Prayers are offered. Talented musicians, greeters, readers, and the rest offer for God’s glory the talents God has given. God’s Word remains fresh as if it rolled off Holy tongue just now, or now. Our words might change but God’s Word continues to speak hope and promise.
We are in a good place. We are right where God wants us. Listen and learn.
In Christ’s Love….Gary
This Week
Tues. 6:00pm – “Whispers of Hope” meets in Nursery II
6:30pm – “Led by Thread” meets in the Parlor
7:00pm – “An Hour of Prayer” meets in the Sanctuary
Wed. 9:30am – “Ladies Prayer & Share Bible Study” meets in the Parlor
Thurs. 8:30am – “Mature Methodist Travelers” travel to Paragould for shopping, lunch, movie
Next Sun. 5:00pm – Youth United in Christ “Back to School Olympics”
They Call It, “Lay Speaker Training”
But the truth is that “speaker” training has become a very small part of what happens at these “Laity Learning Sessions. This fall’s sessions will include encouragement for all of us as we answer our call to tell the story of our relationship with God to others and live as faithful stewards in God’s House. I heard nothing but good things about these two sessions when they were offered in January 2010 to those who lead our committees on Outreach and Stewardship. Snows messed with the schedule and some who planned to attend when it was canceled due to icy roads couldn’t make it when it was rescheduled later. Please consider setting aside some time on Saturday, Oct. 23rd and making the trip to Gordonville (just west of Cape). Your offering will be blest.
The Lay Speaker Team has teamed up with the Laity Learning Sessions to share an AWESOME day Learning, Sharing, Growing. Saturday, October 23, 2010, Zion UMC in Gordonville will host the Lay Speaking/Laity Training event with check-in beginning at 8:00 AM. Churches are encouraged to bring a group to attend either the Evangelism or Stewardship session. Of course the Basic Lay Speaker Training will also be available. For more information please download & share the attached registration brochure. The information is also available on the District website, www.sedistrictumc.org
Summer’s Last Hurrah
The Nurture Committee has set August 29th as the day to “Celebrate Sunday School”. We’ll recognize those children who are being “promoted”. We’ll honor those who have agreed to serve God as Sunday School Teachers. We’ll listen to the old, old story told by various musical individuals and groups. We’ll sing the songs you want to sing. And we’ll hear the story of a meal Jesus shared with a leader of the Pharisees on the Sabbath. We’ll follow that with our own meal – picnic style – and some afternoon activities including “jumpers” and special Christian entertainment around noon.
The Celebration begins at 9:30am as we gather together for one worship service and continues in the Christian Life Center and in the back lawn. This would be a really good day to invite your unchurched friends to come to church with you. Watch for more information.
Back to School Olympics
Youth United in Christ will kick off the school year this coming Sunday (8/15/10) at 5:00pm. It’s for all Middle and High School Youth and will include all kinds of games and activities. The Olympics will happen in and around the Christian Life Center. Bring $5 for pizza/drinks and a big smile on your face.
YUIC Parent’s Meeting
An hour before the Youth Olympics begins this Sunday (4:00pm – 8/15/10) the parents are asked to gather for a very important meeting to make plans for the year. If you are the parent of a Middle or High School Student, your attendance is very important.
Hearing Assist Units are Available in the Sanctuary
The new sound system in the sanctuary has greatly improved the quality of beautiful noise we’re able to make as we worship each week. Many have commented on the improvement. But remember, if you still need a little help hearing there are personal hearing assist units available at each entrance to the sanctuary.
These units are digital receivers that operate like the old 8-transistor radios you (and me) grew up with. They have a speaker that hooks over your ear (so nothing in your hear or over your head) and simple on/off/volume wheel to personalize the sound. Also included in each plastic bag is an alcohol wipe to clean the ear piece before each use.
If hearing is a problem, try one of these and see if it doesn’t help. And thanks to all of your special donations that made this ministry improvement possible.
Audio/Visio Servant Technicians Needed
Calling all those who want something to do during worship. We need servants to “run the board” during “UpWords” and “The Celebration” every Sunday and for special occasions. Don’t let the 88 knobs, buttons, and sliders scare you. Most times just one button and one slider are all you’ll need to make sure we’re able to hear what’s being said, sung, or played. The video portion is coming soon which will provide even more opportunities to spur your attention. Contact the church office now to volunteer. Training sessions will begin soon.
“My Lord, What a Morning!”
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Luke 12:32-40
I love to see denominational leaders squirm. A few years ago I discovered that one way to make that happen is to invite them to preach and request them to build their sermon around the questions, “What is faith?” and “What difference has your faith made in the way you offer ministry to God?” It seems that many of those who are gifted administrators and leaders are rarely asked to talk about their faith any more. They tend to think that people would rather hear their take on what’s happening on the Conference, District (or Presbytery) level and how that’s going to affect the local church.
Several years ago I spent several years setting the month of November aside as a “Faithful November” and asking our leaders these important questions. (it started when “Presbytery” was 10% of what I was appointed to do) Almost every sermon included at least the first three verses of the eleventh chapter of Hebrews somewhere in the beginning. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (NRSV)
That would seem a very simple sentence. But the ideas behind it are quite complex. Greek translators struggle to find the correct English words to communicate what the original author most likely had difficulty finding the Greek words to say. Here’s Hebrews 11:1 other biblical scholars chose:
- Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (NRSV)
- 1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (NIV)
- 1Now faith is the (A)assurance of things (B)hoped for, the conviction of (C)things not seen. (New American Standard)
- 1-2The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. (The Message)
- 1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. (Amplified Bible)
- 1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (New Living Translation)
- 1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)
- 1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of(A) things not seen. (English Standard Version)
- 1Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. (Contemporary English Version)
- 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (NKJV)
- 1 Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. (New Century Version)
- 1Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see. (God’s Word Translation)
- Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (21st Century KJV)
- 1 Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. (ASV)
- 1And faith is of things hoped for a confidence, of matters not seen a conviction, (Young’s Literal Translation)
- 1Now faith is [the] substantiating of things hoped for, [the] conviction of things not seen. (Darby Translation)
- 1 Now faith is the reality [a] of what is hoped for, the proof [b] of what is not seen. (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
- 1 Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see. (New International Reader’s Version)
- 1 But faith is the substance of things that be to be hoped, and an argument of things not appearing. [Forsooth faith is the substance of things to be hoped, an argument, or certainty, of things not appearing.] (Wycliffe New Testament)
- 1If people believe God, then they know they have the things they hope to get. It is the proof of things we do not see. (Worldwide English New Testament)
- 1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (NIV-UK)
“Substance” and “Assurance” are used most often to describe those things we hope for. The Greek word is “hypostasis” which means:
1) a setting or placing under
a) thing put under, substructure, foundation
2) that which has foundation, is firm
a) that which has actual existence
1) a substance, real being
b) the substantial quality, nature, of a person or thing
c) the steadfastness of mind, firmness, courage, resolution
1) confidence, firm trust, assurance
“Conviction“ and “Evidence” seem the most prevalent words used talk about those things those things we cannot see. The Greek is “elegchos” which means:
1) a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested
2) conviction
I think now I understand why most preachers read the scripture and then start telling stories about people who had faith. It is perhaps a concept best seen than described. They are in good company. The author of Hebrews did the same thing. Out of the thirty-three verses in Hebrews’ chapter eleven , eighteen of them begin with the words, “By faith….” Today we skipped right on past Abel, Enoch and Noah. If we’d read a bit farther we’d hear about Isaac, Jacob, Esau, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab; not to mention Gideon, Barack, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets.
Instead we concentrate on Abraham and Sarah, the father and princess of many nations. “8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. 12Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” (NRSV)
Can you imagine going because you were told to go? That’s what Abraham did. God said, “Pack up and go to a land I’ll give you.” And Abraham said, “Okay.” It seems to me that those words used to describe “faith” ought to also include “trust”. And of course “trust” isn’t needed unless we do what’s asked and “obey”.
Of course the most important story to tell does not include a human. Hebrews tells us that the reason Abraham, the father of our faith, had faith in God was because he saw God as One who was faithful. (see the last part of verse eleven) It seems we can only have faith in someone who is faithful. We can only trust and obey someone who is proven to have the right answers to our questions and who is showing a way that will lead us to that for which we hope.
What do you hope for? What do you believe will bring you the most peace and happiness? What, if you receive it, will take care of everything else you need? We proclaim God through Jesus Christ as the One who brings “Peace on earth and good will to all.” We try to convince the world that a right relationship with God is enough; enough joy, enough resources, enough peace, and enough life. And we long for that day when everyone has faith in God. That will be heaven. That day will be glorious.
I tried to imagine that this week. I tried to imagine the day that dawns when all creation lives a faith in God who is faithful. I flashed back to my Sr. year in at Hardin-Central when our boys’ quartet received a “1” at state singing:
My Lord, what a morning!
My Lord, what a morning!
O my Lord, what a morning!
When the stars begin to fall.
You’ll hear a sinner mourn, ( a sinner pray, a Christian shout, a Christian sing.)
To wake the nations underground,
Looking to my God’s right hand,
When the stars begin to fall.
My Lord, what a morning!
I blame cable T.V. It was much easier to claim Christian and sneak by when the only thing to do on Sunday morning was worship. Then we had a choice of 3 channels out of Kansas City, ABC, CBS, NBC. We could choose to stay home on Sunday morning and not go to church but if we did….the airwaves were filled with scripture. And there was nowhere to go because nothing was open on Sunday. There really was no other viable choice.
Today is different. And I’m not just talking about television viewing. A person has to choose to be Christian today. It is not the default setting for those of us who live in the United States. The difficult thing is that we can’t point to someone else and blame them for the problem. Maybe it’s God’s fault (or plan) that we have to choose. And choose we do, Sunday’s are filled with other things that pull us away from the Sabbath’s purpose as declared by God. Have you ever really thought about what your choices reveal about where you’ve put your faith? (Please remember that preachers normally preach what they need to hear.)
But I have hope. Not because of my choices but because of God choice. I read a little from Henri Nouwen this week. He says he received the greatest revelation about faith at, of all places, the circus! “Nouwen went to see the German trapeze group “The Flying Rodleighs” perform. He was mesmerized by their breath-taking performance as they flew gracefully through the air. At the end of the show, he spoke with the leader of the troupe, Rodleigh himself. Nouwen asked him how he was able to perform with such grace and ease so high in the air. Rodleigh responded, “The public might think that I am the great star of the trapeze, but the real star is Joe, my catcher…The secret is that the flyer does nothing and the catcher does everything. When I fly to Joe, I have simply to stretch out my arms and hands and wait for him to catch me. The worst thing the flyer can do is try to catch the catcher. I’m not supposed to catch Joe. It’s Joe’s task to catch me” (Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life)
Amen.
Next Week
Year C, Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (August 15)
Scriptures
Isaiah 5:1-7
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Sermon
“A Love-Song”
Call to Worship
Sing to the Lord a new song!
We sing a song of peace and hope!
Sing to the Lord a song of strength.
Our strength is in the Lord of hosts!
Sing to the Lord a song of joy!
Our song is a song of service and faithfulness. AMEN.
Opening Prayer
Lord of light and life, you have called us this day to open our hearts, our minds, our spirits to hear your words of encouragement, healing, and hope. Give us patience and willingness to serve you in all that we do. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. AMEN
Hymns
O Come, All Ye Faithful – 234
When We All Get to Heaven – 701
Prayer of Confession
God of healing mercies, we come to you this day as imperfect people. We know that you desire for us hope, happiness, and love, yet we have found so many ways in which to block your gifts, or to grab hold of them as if we were entitled to them. We have been given the pathway to peace in the witness of Jesus Christ. He taught us to live as people of compassion and service. But our service has been mostly for ourselves, for our own gratification. We have failed to be your church, your witnesses on earth. We have neglected the needs of others in our rush for our own comfort. Forgive us, O merciful God. Heal our wounded spirits. Turn us again to you, that we may again learn of your love and mercy. Help us to become partners in peace and hope for others. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Benediction
Plant us again in your vineyard, O Lord. Help us to grow in our witness and service to you by serving others. May your peace always be with us! AMEN.
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