Jesus COMMANDED that we "love your neighbor AS YOU love yourself." It is through this and loving God with all that we have, that we fulfill and live the law and prophets. I believe ALL things in this life are sacred. Nothing is secular for those who believe that God is the one "within whom we live and move and have our being", and who believe that "the kingdom of God is within you." If I am connected to God, I am connected to the other children of God, whom God loves, as a brother/sister. Jesus made treating them well (even stranger and enemy) a spiritual act. In fact, I John 4:20 boldly states that we CANNOT claim to love God if we do not love others... to do so would make us liars. Being humanistic (care for humanity and individuals within humanity) is spiritual by nature, even when lived by non-religious people, because it is an imitation of the teachings and example of "The Word made Flesh".
If I love my neighbor (Jesus defines as stranger and enemy as well) AS I LOVE MYSELF, I will no more want to see harm come to them... no more want to see them go without what they need... than I would want that for myself! I will only want good for them, because that is what I want for myself. I will treat them well, because I want to be treated well. "Do unto others as you would HAVE THEM do unto you." If that is true, then:
I will want them to have employment... all of them... and make a living wage with healthcare benefits and a pension. I may not want them to have opulent wealth, because of the damage it would do to their souls, but to have enough so that they do not go without their needs.
I will want them to have a good education... all of them... and not just some of them have great teachers and computers and chem labs and current books.
I will want them to have affordable housing, medicines, food, utilities, drinkable water, transportation and other necessities for life, so that the most vulnerable and elderly are especially cared for...
I will want them to be treated fairly by the criminal justice system, regardless of their race, age, class, etc.
I will want them to be treated respectfully in the election process, and in a just and equal manner, having their votes count equally with others.
I will want them not to be exploited and therefore kept poor, so that others can get cheap goods, whether they live here or in other nations.
I will want them to be treated well as strangers in any land, and not treated shamefully.
I will want them to be accepted for who they are, regardless of their race, class, religion, age, gender, physical abilities or sexual orientation.
I want them to pay the same price on gasoline, food, insurance and other necessities that others pay, regardless of what area they live in.
I will want them to have uncontaminated ground, breathable air and drinkable water for generations to come.
I want those things for myself. According to Jesus, I MUST want that for them, if I am to obey His commandments, even for stranger and enemy!
If I LIVE the Agape Love that I am commanded to live, I will be committed to them and act on their behalf just as I am committed to myself and act on my own...
So, obey Jesus. Commit yourself to yourself and your neighbor (even stranger and enemy). Act on your own behalf, partly by acting on theirs.
Pray for them. Write your elected officials on every level. Speak out for them and against anything that would harm them or leave them in need. Demonstrate your agape love for them, even publicly. Vote, not only for your self interests, but also for the interests of others, which will, according to Paul, be an act out of having the same mind in you that was in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 2)
Jesus made humanism a spiritual exercise. Exercise it!
Pastor Jamie
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
by their fruits you will know them
I heard on the radio about Georgia's new attempts to gerrymander voting districts to benefit the politically right candidates in the next election. It is more than that. The piece said that the re-districting separates black and brown voters in such a way that it is a return to how things were done here before 1961. It is about those who have power and wealth not only keeping what they have, but getting more, while keeping others down and holding them away from power and wealth. It "just so happens" that it affects mostly those who are not white.
These are specific, intentional and strategized acts designed to benefit some specific people and hurt other, specific people. It is NOT "just business." It is NOT "just politics." It is the embracing of what I call The Unholy Trinity - Mars (the god of power and war), Bacchus (the god of self-indulgence and exploitation of others for self) and Mammon (the god of opulent wealth and greed). It comes out of the belief that power is not just meant for the enhancement of the individual's life or an expression of self-control, but rather leverage over other people and the ability to exploit, manipulate and abuse them. It comes out of the worst kinds of nationalism, ethnocentrism, xenophobia and false sense of superiority. It is not of God.
Jesus called for us to love our neighbor, and defined neighbor as stranger ("illegal" immigrant) and enemy (defined by each individual or group). Jesus said that while others in the world lorded their power over others, it was not to be so among His followers. Jesus made our salvation, at least in part, contingent upon how we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned and welcome the stranger ("illegal" immigrant) - "the least of these", who He calls his brothers and sisters. Recent legislation, rhetoric, direction and projected visions are anti-Christ, by their nature. I must say that Jesus is not pleased.
"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." It is very clear what is being treasured here and now, because "by their fruits you will know them."
Be informed. Write. Speak. Demonstrate. VOTE!!!!!! They haven't taken that away (yet), but clearly they may be working on it! And When you vote, vote not only for your own interests, but for the interests of "the least of these", and for candidates who will most closely follow what Jesus taught and exemplified.
(In order to do that, you might want to READ the Gospels and pay attention to what Jesus taught and did in the world.) Oh yes, and pay attention to what is going on politically and economically in your own country! Complacency implies compliance in cooperation! When we don't pay attention, things are done to us and others without our knowledge. Then it is too late to complain! To whom would we complain? If you are not alarmed, you are either not paying attention or you are among those benefitting from others who are being neglected, exploited and abused right now!
Pastor Jamie
These are specific, intentional and strategized acts designed to benefit some specific people and hurt other, specific people. It is NOT "just business." It is NOT "just politics." It is the embracing of what I call The Unholy Trinity - Mars (the god of power and war), Bacchus (the god of self-indulgence and exploitation of others for self) and Mammon (the god of opulent wealth and greed). It comes out of the belief that power is not just meant for the enhancement of the individual's life or an expression of self-control, but rather leverage over other people and the ability to exploit, manipulate and abuse them. It comes out of the worst kinds of nationalism, ethnocentrism, xenophobia and false sense of superiority. It is not of God.
Jesus called for us to love our neighbor, and defined neighbor as stranger ("illegal" immigrant) and enemy (defined by each individual or group). Jesus said that while others in the world lorded their power over others, it was not to be so among His followers. Jesus made our salvation, at least in part, contingent upon how we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned and welcome the stranger ("illegal" immigrant) - "the least of these", who He calls his brothers and sisters. Recent legislation, rhetoric, direction and projected visions are anti-Christ, by their nature. I must say that Jesus is not pleased.
"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." It is very clear what is being treasured here and now, because "by their fruits you will know them."
Be informed. Write. Speak. Demonstrate. VOTE!!!!!! They haven't taken that away (yet), but clearly they may be working on it! And When you vote, vote not only for your own interests, but for the interests of "the least of these", and for candidates who will most closely follow what Jesus taught and exemplified.
(In order to do that, you might want to READ the Gospels and pay attention to what Jesus taught and did in the world.) Oh yes, and pay attention to what is going on politically and economically in your own country! Complacency implies compliance in cooperation! When we don't pay attention, things are done to us and others without our knowledge. Then it is too late to complain! To whom would we complain? If you are not alarmed, you are either not paying attention or you are among those benefitting from others who are being neglected, exploited and abused right now!
Pastor Jamie
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Socialized Gospel
We live in an age of isolation.
The most prominent feature on a new home is often the garage, built to obscure the front door. People have privacy fences around their back yards with enclosed porches on the back of their homes. Very few new homes have a FRONT porch on which to greet neighbors or passers by. It is possible to see a neighbor only when he/she drives into their garage, and only hear their mower or chatter as they grill behind "the wall". Each person's castle is designed to maximize privacy and let the world "come to me" through TV, radio, home theater systems, the internet and other distant means.
Each person has their own car. Even in large cities like Atlanta, relatively few funds are designated to promote and improve mass transit, while the highways are parking lots twice a day because of the countless vehicles, most of which contain one person. Many of those vehicles are still huge SUV's that use huge amounts of fuel all for one person to get from A to B. Certainly, the lack of mass transit is tied to the lack of concern for those, mostly poor and brown or black, who cannot afford to own a car, but much of it is tied to our desire to "have our own" and not to have to rub shoulders with other people, especially "those people".
Even churches often allow relative anonymity within a huge gathering in an auditorium, where as long as you show up and give your offering, you have done your part. You need not connect with anyone beyond the turning to someone periodically to announce what the preacher has just told you to announce to them. In a sea of unfamiliar faces, one can come for the experience and leave with no connection, no work in community, no work as community and no change as a body.
It would seem that we like it like that, or at least that many prefer the isolated, insulated life.
We live in fear of others. The more we separate from others, the more it allows us to live within the perception that they should be feared. Our perceptions are fed by negative news coverage that we see in isolation, television shows and movies that we watch in isolation, and unchallenged and unchecked inner conversations that we hold in isolation. Yes, the more encounters we have with others may mean more "negative" situations, but the fewer encounters we have with others definitely means that we have fewer powerful and wonderful outcomes. We are teaching our children to be afraid of others, to isolate from neighbors and se themselves as being separate from (perhaps above) others.
In the face of this, we have a very socialized Good News of Jesus. Yes, I said it. Jesus' life, ministry and the writings about Him pre-date "socialism" by 1900 or so years, but it was social good news... it was offered to and in community... it was about relationships with each other and not just with God. It was teaching about neighbors, enemies and strangers and how to treat each other. Before "socialism" became a socio-economic system, it meant "pertaining to community". It was about love, not a feeling that one has within and in isolation, but AGAPE love that is committed action in relationship - unconditional and self-giving. It was Good News for the poor, the oppressed, the sinner, the outcast and downtrodden, AND it was Good News for the Wealthy and Powerful who would recognize the Kingdom values of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are NOT things one can live while cloistered in isolation from neighbor, stranger or enemy... NOT things that can be discarded as central tenets of the Christian faith.
Please, feel free to be socialized... it is Jesus' way.
Pastor Jamie
The most prominent feature on a new home is often the garage, built to obscure the front door. People have privacy fences around their back yards with enclosed porches on the back of their homes. Very few new homes have a FRONT porch on which to greet neighbors or passers by. It is possible to see a neighbor only when he/she drives into their garage, and only hear their mower or chatter as they grill behind "the wall". Each person's castle is designed to maximize privacy and let the world "come to me" through TV, radio, home theater systems, the internet and other distant means.
Each person has their own car. Even in large cities like Atlanta, relatively few funds are designated to promote and improve mass transit, while the highways are parking lots twice a day because of the countless vehicles, most of which contain one person. Many of those vehicles are still huge SUV's that use huge amounts of fuel all for one person to get from A to B. Certainly, the lack of mass transit is tied to the lack of concern for those, mostly poor and brown or black, who cannot afford to own a car, but much of it is tied to our desire to "have our own" and not to have to rub shoulders with other people, especially "those people".
Even churches often allow relative anonymity within a huge gathering in an auditorium, where as long as you show up and give your offering, you have done your part. You need not connect with anyone beyond the turning to someone periodically to announce what the preacher has just told you to announce to them. In a sea of unfamiliar faces, one can come for the experience and leave with no connection, no work in community, no work as community and no change as a body.
It would seem that we like it like that, or at least that many prefer the isolated, insulated life.
We live in fear of others. The more we separate from others, the more it allows us to live within the perception that they should be feared. Our perceptions are fed by negative news coverage that we see in isolation, television shows and movies that we watch in isolation, and unchallenged and unchecked inner conversations that we hold in isolation. Yes, the more encounters we have with others may mean more "negative" situations, but the fewer encounters we have with others definitely means that we have fewer powerful and wonderful outcomes. We are teaching our children to be afraid of others, to isolate from neighbors and se themselves as being separate from (perhaps above) others.
In the face of this, we have a very socialized Good News of Jesus. Yes, I said it. Jesus' life, ministry and the writings about Him pre-date "socialism" by 1900 or so years, but it was social good news... it was offered to and in community... it was about relationships with each other and not just with God. It was teaching about neighbors, enemies and strangers and how to treat each other. Before "socialism" became a socio-economic system, it meant "pertaining to community". It was about love, not a feeling that one has within and in isolation, but AGAPE love that is committed action in relationship - unconditional and self-giving. It was Good News for the poor, the oppressed, the sinner, the outcast and downtrodden, AND it was Good News for the Wealthy and Powerful who would recognize the Kingdom values of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are NOT things one can live while cloistered in isolation from neighbor, stranger or enemy... NOT things that can be discarded as central tenets of the Christian faith.
Please, feel free to be socialized... it is Jesus' way.
Pastor Jamie
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Welcome the Stranger
Jesus said the all authority was given to Him and that He is with us always, even to the end of the age... Matthew 28:16-20
He said that the salvation of people is at least in part contingent upon how we treat "the least", as He said that those who "welcome the stranger" welcome Him, and when they do not, they do not welcome Him...Matthew 25:31-46
And this isn't even the "SOCIAL JUSTICE GOSPEL" of Luke!
And Alabama is now the latest state that is "cracking down" on "illegal aliens". Good Christian folks being interviewed said that their churches are split because many believe it is best for the state due to the economy. Others say that reporting or deporting people, instead of feeding them ("feed the hungry") is not right for Christians to do.
Do Christians consider Jesus their authority or not?
It's time to put up or shut up. It always has been... it is time for you to have integrity or have none.
Will you submit to Jesus as Lord? Will you conform your will to what we have as His teachings in the Gospel, as His will? Will you claim His name and ignore what He ushers in as the Kingdom? Will you accept Him as Savior and reject Him as Lord?
I am amazed (and not) that it is states in the "Bible Belt" that are treating the sojourner in the land shamefully. With folks for whom the Bible has been their "god" for so long, I am amazed (and not) that they can disregard Jesus' teachings and commands so easily and blatantly... loving neighbor (who Jesus defines as stranger and enemy in Luke 10... that we should not ignore the poor (Luke 16), or be mostly concerned for our own wealth above the well-being of anyone else (Luke 12)... we cannot do these things and be alright with God... we can worship Him all we want, but then we are the ones of whom Jesus spoke in Mark 7:6,7 (Isa. 29:13)... the same God of corrupt Israel at the time of Amos 5:21-24... the same God who demands that we treat the stranger well because our ancestors were once strangers in a strange land and wanted to be treated well...
So, regardless of the "reasons", we cannot be OK with God and be mean-spirited, ruthless, selfish, greedy, exclusive, racist, classist or homophobic, for that matter.
God brought down God's own nation, in the Old Testament, for being unfaithful, corrupt and full of hubris. God is the God of all nations, economies, militaries, politics and peoples... if we believe that, and that Jesus is God's Son, Messiah, fulfiller of Law and Prophets, Lord and Savior... we must believe we are in trouble about now as a people who hurt our own and those around us.
Pray. Speak out. Write. Vote. Demand justice, equality, equity in THIS land of Justice for All...
Do it for the soul of the nation... for your own soul. It is on all of us.
Pastor Jamie
He said that the salvation of people is at least in part contingent upon how we treat "the least", as He said that those who "welcome the stranger" welcome Him, and when they do not, they do not welcome Him...Matthew 25:31-46
And this isn't even the "SOCIAL JUSTICE GOSPEL" of Luke!
And Alabama is now the latest state that is "cracking down" on "illegal aliens". Good Christian folks being interviewed said that their churches are split because many believe it is best for the state due to the economy. Others say that reporting or deporting people, instead of feeding them ("feed the hungry") is not right for Christians to do.
Do Christians consider Jesus their authority or not?
It's time to put up or shut up. It always has been... it is time for you to have integrity or have none.
Will you submit to Jesus as Lord? Will you conform your will to what we have as His teachings in the Gospel, as His will? Will you claim His name and ignore what He ushers in as the Kingdom? Will you accept Him as Savior and reject Him as Lord?
I am amazed (and not) that it is states in the "Bible Belt" that are treating the sojourner in the land shamefully. With folks for whom the Bible has been their "god" for so long, I am amazed (and not) that they can disregard Jesus' teachings and commands so easily and blatantly... loving neighbor (who Jesus defines as stranger and enemy in Luke 10... that we should not ignore the poor (Luke 16), or be mostly concerned for our own wealth above the well-being of anyone else (Luke 12)... we cannot do these things and be alright with God... we can worship Him all we want, but then we are the ones of whom Jesus spoke in Mark 7:6,7 (Isa. 29:13)... the same God of corrupt Israel at the time of Amos 5:21-24... the same God who demands that we treat the stranger well because our ancestors were once strangers in a strange land and wanted to be treated well...
So, regardless of the "reasons", we cannot be OK with God and be mean-spirited, ruthless, selfish, greedy, exclusive, racist, classist or homophobic, for that matter.
God brought down God's own nation, in the Old Testament, for being unfaithful, corrupt and full of hubris. God is the God of all nations, economies, militaries, politics and peoples... if we believe that, and that Jesus is God's Son, Messiah, fulfiller of Law and Prophets, Lord and Savior... we must believe we are in trouble about now as a people who hurt our own and those around us.
Pray. Speak out. Write. Vote. Demand justice, equality, equity in THIS land of Justice for All...
Do it for the soul of the nation... for your own soul. It is on all of us.
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Lost, found
I am preaching on Luke 15:1-10 today.
Yes, please open your bibles... really, I meant that!
They didn't realize it, but the Pharisees were present AMONG the sinners Jesus taught. They saw themselves as being separate from that rabble, but He was teaching them, too. And Jesus taught about the Lost Sheep and Coin, about how those who were of the fold and wandered off from the shepherd would be gathered again. He was talking about the people of Israel, but also about them, the religious leaders. They had wandered from the true message God gave them for the people. They went their own way and separated from the rest of the flock, perhaps to a church growth pasture or prosperity one, perhaps to a personal salvation only meadow or a judging of others who are not them one. They were out there... false teachers who were lost to God and enticing others to wander and stray...
We have false teachers today. They feed the greed. They encourage the exclusion. They fuel the hatred. They focus on themselves and the church's growth itself, rather than the Kingdom inside every person and every community.
It is easy to be angry with them. It is easy to hate oppressors and the false teachers who lift them up and give them credibility in God's name. It is easy to feel justified in doing that, even righteous... after all...
But Jesus is with THEM, too. Jesus is teaching them, also. Jesus sits with them and us together, trying to get us ALL back in the fold of Loving God and Neighbor. Jesus includes them and not just US. We must therefore include them, teach them, encourage them to follow the path of Jesus and His brothers and sisters who are our brothers and sisters!
We can pray that they and we will see that we are ALL sinners and that GOD LOVES US ALL.
Let us make our mission to sit with them at Jesus' feet, include them, teach them, admonish them (my favorite part), show them a different way, exemplify the love for THEM that Jesus commands of us... bring them back so that there may be celebrations in heaven!
"The way to destroy an enemy is to make him (her) your friend." Abraham Lincoln
Pastor Jamie
Yes, please open your bibles... really, I meant that!
They didn't realize it, but the Pharisees were present AMONG the sinners Jesus taught. They saw themselves as being separate from that rabble, but He was teaching them, too. And Jesus taught about the Lost Sheep and Coin, about how those who were of the fold and wandered off from the shepherd would be gathered again. He was talking about the people of Israel, but also about them, the religious leaders. They had wandered from the true message God gave them for the people. They went their own way and separated from the rest of the flock, perhaps to a church growth pasture or prosperity one, perhaps to a personal salvation only meadow or a judging of others who are not them one. They were out there... false teachers who were lost to God and enticing others to wander and stray...
We have false teachers today. They feed the greed. They encourage the exclusion. They fuel the hatred. They focus on themselves and the church's growth itself, rather than the Kingdom inside every person and every community.
It is easy to be angry with them. It is easy to hate oppressors and the false teachers who lift them up and give them credibility in God's name. It is easy to feel justified in doing that, even righteous... after all...
But Jesus is with THEM, too. Jesus is teaching them, also. Jesus sits with them and us together, trying to get us ALL back in the fold of Loving God and Neighbor. Jesus includes them and not just US. We must therefore include them, teach them, encourage them to follow the path of Jesus and His brothers and sisters who are our brothers and sisters!
We can pray that they and we will see that we are ALL sinners and that GOD LOVES US ALL.
Let us make our mission to sit with them at Jesus' feet, include them, teach them, admonish them (my favorite part), show them a different way, exemplify the love for THEM that Jesus commands of us... bring them back so that there may be celebrations in heaven!
"The way to destroy an enemy is to make him (her) your friend." Abraham Lincoln
Pastor Jamie
Friday, August 19, 2011
Jesus' Authority
In His first recorded words (Mark 1:15... 1st Gospel written, 1st chapter), Jesus COMMANDED (imperative statement) that we "Repent, and believe in the Gospel." Repent (metanoia), means to change one's mind... presumably so that one's life, direction will change... change the way one sees or understands things... change one's perspective on things... and believe in the Good News OF JESUS... what He would preach, teach and command... believe what He tells us as The Messiah... the one who ushers in The Kingdom of God...
stay with me...
Jesus said He came to fulfill the Law and Prophets (Matthew 5:17).
stay with me...
At His Transfiguration, as Moses and Elijah (Law and Prophets) stood with Him, God's voice was heard saying, "This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased; listen to HIM." Even GOD says He is to be listened to AS the Law and Prophets now... (Matthew 17:5)
stay with me...
Jesus fulfilled the Law and Prophets in TWO COMMANDMENTS: Love God with all you have, and Love your Neighbor as yourself. With the same lesson in Luke (10:25-28), Neighbor is defined in the Parable of the Good Samaritan as STRANGER and ENEMY.
stay with me...
Jesus said, "If you continue in MY WORD, you are truly my disciples." John 8:31
stay with me...
Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep MY COMMANDMENTS." John 14:15
stay with me...
Jesus said, "If a person loves me, he/she will keep MY WORDS." John 14:23
please stay...
Jesus said, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you? Luke 6:46
As a Christian, I cannot only give Jesus my praise and worship, for that is not what He commanded.
As a Christian, I cannot ignore what Jesus taught and exemplified in the Gospels, our best record of what
the Jesus of the Gospels did and taught.
Therefore, as a Christian...
I cannot hate my enemy, for He COMMANDS that I love my enemy.
I cannot ignore or hurt the poor, for He taught me that to do so is not faithful (Dives, Rich Fool, Rich
young ruler), and that my SALVATION is at least in part dependent upon how I feed the hungry,
clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned and welcome the stranger, for when I help or
refuse them, I help or refuse JESUS (Matthew 25:31-46).
I cannot treat strangers in the land badly! As I treat strangers in the land ("illegal aliens"), so I am
treating Jesus. I cannot want them to be deported, or work toward that! (Matthew 25:31-46)
I cannot cause a child to sin by withholding an education, food, security, employment for their
parents... for to do that sets them up to be desperate and do desperate things. (Matthew 18:5,6)
I cannot wish ill for anyone so that I might prosper... love your neighbor AS YOUR SELF.
I cannot judge someone who is different from myself. (Matthew 7:1-5)
I cannot value worldly wealth over Kingdom values like love, peace, grace, kindness... etc.
(Matthew 6:19)
I must take care of His people (John 6; John 21).
I must deny my self, take up my cross and FOLLOW HIM. (Matthew 16)
We need more Christians.
We need more Christians who will Follow Him!
We need more Christians in politics, business and church, who will write laws, conduct business and be
the Christian movement in the world out of Kingdom values, the way Jesus taught us!
We need more Christians who will stand with those whom Jesus loves!
We need more Christians who will speak out, act out and get out the vote for those who WILL follow
Jesus' way of being in the world!
Jesus is Savior. He is also LORD. Will YOU follow Him? Will you teach others who claim His name
how to follow Him? Will you encourage them to do that? Will you demand that they do it, for the
sake of "the least of these", who are HIS brothers and sisters, and YOURS?
I want to be a FOLLOWER of JESUS in the world... the salt and light... to change the world around me.
How about you/
Pastor Jamie
stay with me...
Jesus said He came to fulfill the Law and Prophets (Matthew 5:17).
stay with me...
At His Transfiguration, as Moses and Elijah (Law and Prophets) stood with Him, God's voice was heard saying, "This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased; listen to HIM." Even GOD says He is to be listened to AS the Law and Prophets now... (Matthew 17:5)
stay with me...
Jesus fulfilled the Law and Prophets in TWO COMMANDMENTS: Love God with all you have, and Love your Neighbor as yourself. With the same lesson in Luke (10:25-28), Neighbor is defined in the Parable of the Good Samaritan as STRANGER and ENEMY.
stay with me...
Jesus said, "If you continue in MY WORD, you are truly my disciples." John 8:31
stay with me...
Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep MY COMMANDMENTS." John 14:15
stay with me...
Jesus said, "If a person loves me, he/she will keep MY WORDS." John 14:23
please stay...
Jesus said, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you? Luke 6:46
As a Christian, I cannot only give Jesus my praise and worship, for that is not what He commanded.
As a Christian, I cannot ignore what Jesus taught and exemplified in the Gospels, our best record of what
the Jesus of the Gospels did and taught.
Therefore, as a Christian...
I cannot hate my enemy, for He COMMANDS that I love my enemy.
I cannot ignore or hurt the poor, for He taught me that to do so is not faithful (Dives, Rich Fool, Rich
young ruler), and that my SALVATION is at least in part dependent upon how I feed the hungry,
clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned and welcome the stranger, for when I help or
refuse them, I help or refuse JESUS (Matthew 25:31-46).
I cannot treat strangers in the land badly! As I treat strangers in the land ("illegal aliens"), so I am
treating Jesus. I cannot want them to be deported, or work toward that! (Matthew 25:31-46)
I cannot cause a child to sin by withholding an education, food, security, employment for their
parents... for to do that sets them up to be desperate and do desperate things. (Matthew 18:5,6)
I cannot wish ill for anyone so that I might prosper... love your neighbor AS YOUR SELF.
I cannot judge someone who is different from myself. (Matthew 7:1-5)
I cannot value worldly wealth over Kingdom values like love, peace, grace, kindness... etc.
(Matthew 6:19)
I must take care of His people (John 6; John 21).
I must deny my self, take up my cross and FOLLOW HIM. (Matthew 16)
We need more Christians.
We need more Christians who will Follow Him!
We need more Christians in politics, business and church, who will write laws, conduct business and be
the Christian movement in the world out of Kingdom values, the way Jesus taught us!
We need more Christians who will stand with those whom Jesus loves!
We need more Christians who will speak out, act out and get out the vote for those who WILL follow
Jesus' way of being in the world!
Jesus is Savior. He is also LORD. Will YOU follow Him? Will you teach others who claim His name
how to follow Him? Will you encourage them to do that? Will you demand that they do it, for the
sake of "the least of these", who are HIS brothers and sisters, and YOURS?
I want to be a FOLLOWER of JESUS in the world... the salt and light... to change the world around me.
How about you/
Pastor Jamie
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Having and Giving
"I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want, that there may be equality. 'The one who gathered much had nothing over, and the one who gathered little had no lack.'" II Corinthians 8:13-15 (Exodus 16:18)
"Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things which he/she possessed was his/her own, but they had everything in common... There was not a needy one among them, for as many were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made to each as any had need." Acts 4:32-35
"Every one to whom much is given, of that one will much be required; and of the one to whom others commit much they will demand the more." Luke 12:48 Jesus
Keeping in mind that this pre-dates communism by 1900 years or so...
I am inspired that the teachings of Jesus were lived so boldly and full-heartedly in the First Century Church, taught by Paul and lived by all. Shared early on was a "Love Feast" Agape Meal, for all who worshiped. If some had food and others did not, those who had it brought it to share. At one point, it was being confused for the Eucharist and was separated to be after the Worship, but at the beginning it was a PART of the worship! I always knew there was something sacramental about potlucks! :-)
Those who have more, give for those who do not have enough. What a different value from "getting more for me and my own." What a difference from "I earned it fair and square.", "Let them get their own", or "I was blessed by God and they were not." The Rich Fool (Luke 12), Dives (Luke 16), the
rich young ruler (Matthew 19) did not "get it." They had great wealth but could not see themselves sharing of it, in Jesus' stories of them. Zacchaeus (Luke 19) got it and was transformed to see a greater value than getting by any means and keeping at any cost. Jesus lifted him up differently.
Perhaps God has blessed those with more in order to help them grow spiritually and in agape love... perhaps because they needed to be tested. Perhaps it is for THEIR benefit that they should give. Perhaps it is THAT which the poor provide for them in abundance - the opportunity to keep Jesus' commandment to love in an unconditional, self-sacrificing way (Agape). I will pray that the wealthy take advantage of those opportunities and share of theirs.
It would hardly even affect their lifestyle for those who make over $250,000 per year to pay all their taxes. It might mean a new car a little less frequently, a new boat a little less frequently, etc... Balancing the budget on the backs of those already poor, instead of taxing the wealthy means A GREAT DEAL to those who already barely have enough or not enough...
If we are Christians, we will value our brother or sister in need above our own abundance, and give of that abundance for their sakes. Perhaps we can appeal to Christian wealthy folks, Christian CEO's and Christian politicians to find that agape love that is COMMANDED by Jesus for them to have, and do the right thing by their sisters and brothers in need. I have taken to writing the White House and Congress almost weekly (not weakly) about just that. Perhaps you could do the same?
We need to help them out here!
Pastor Jamie
"Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things which he/she possessed was his/her own, but they had everything in common... There was not a needy one among them, for as many were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made to each as any had need." Acts 4:32-35
"Every one to whom much is given, of that one will much be required; and of the one to whom others commit much they will demand the more." Luke 12:48 Jesus
Keeping in mind that this pre-dates communism by 1900 years or so...
I am inspired that the teachings of Jesus were lived so boldly and full-heartedly in the First Century Church, taught by Paul and lived by all. Shared early on was a "Love Feast" Agape Meal, for all who worshiped. If some had food and others did not, those who had it brought it to share. At one point, it was being confused for the Eucharist and was separated to be after the Worship, but at the beginning it was a PART of the worship! I always knew there was something sacramental about potlucks! :-)
Those who have more, give for those who do not have enough. What a different value from "getting more for me and my own." What a difference from "I earned it fair and square.", "Let them get their own", or "I was blessed by God and they were not." The Rich Fool (Luke 12), Dives (Luke 16), the
rich young ruler (Matthew 19) did not "get it." They had great wealth but could not see themselves sharing of it, in Jesus' stories of them. Zacchaeus (Luke 19) got it and was transformed to see a greater value than getting by any means and keeping at any cost. Jesus lifted him up differently.
Perhaps God has blessed those with more in order to help them grow spiritually and in agape love... perhaps because they needed to be tested. Perhaps it is for THEIR benefit that they should give. Perhaps it is THAT which the poor provide for them in abundance - the opportunity to keep Jesus' commandment to love in an unconditional, self-sacrificing way (Agape). I will pray that the wealthy take advantage of those opportunities and share of theirs.
It would hardly even affect their lifestyle for those who make over $250,000 per year to pay all their taxes. It might mean a new car a little less frequently, a new boat a little less frequently, etc... Balancing the budget on the backs of those already poor, instead of taxing the wealthy means A GREAT DEAL to those who already barely have enough or not enough...
If we are Christians, we will value our brother or sister in need above our own abundance, and give of that abundance for their sakes. Perhaps we can appeal to Christian wealthy folks, Christian CEO's and Christian politicians to find that agape love that is COMMANDED by Jesus for them to have, and do the right thing by their sisters and brothers in need. I have taken to writing the White House and Congress almost weekly (not weakly) about just that. Perhaps you could do the same?
We need to help them out here!
Pastor Jamie
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Jesus and the "H" word
Clearly, homosexuality is not an issue for Jesus.
The Fulfiller of Law and Prophets, Lord and Savior... King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace...
said a lot about greed, abuses of power, judging others, misusing God's Word, poverty, hunger and the need for people of means to help those who have none... etc., etc... and said NOTHING about homosexuality - the orientation or the act. How important could it be to our faith or our salvation, if JESUS said nothing about it in ANY of the Gospels?
So, why is it one of the BIG issues in the church today, and among the political/religious right?
Scapegoating... need to blame somebody for our woes... we do not want to deal with economic immorality, especially since greed is so popular, even or especially among clergy...
Relative purity... the desire to point out the sins of someone else or a group of someone elses'... it's the "Jerry Springer" appeal... to watch others and think... "At least I am not them." If I can point out someone else that EVERYONE who matters thinks is bad, I can look at least not so bad in other areas.
Our need to hate SOMEBODY... this is the last, acceptable group in society to hate, discriminate against, bash (verbally or physically) and disenfranchise... after all, "the Bible says..."
Yet, MOST who claim it is in scripture have never read it themselves, and have certainly not studied scripture in its original language, culture, history and literary truths (even many clergy have not). But people give all kinds of credibility to those who judge, hate and bear false witness against them... pederasty, adultery and shameful treatment of strangers are addressed...
Even Paul, when summing up his passages on IMPURITY... shares that ANYONE should "Therefore"
not even judge them, because they have the SAME passions and are doing the same things...
Jesus DID say... Do not judge, and you will not be judged!
Jesus doesn't care! It is not an issue! Let's be aware of the things that ARE issues to Him in the Gospels, shall we, and concentrate on them?
Jesus is my Savior. He is also my LORD. HE is the authority over all the Law and Prophets for me. How about you?
Pastor Jamie
If we loved...
If we loved AS JESUS LOVED... there would be no poor, as the community lived it in the 1st Century Church (Acts 4:32-35)
If we loved NEIGHBOR AS SELF... we would have no enemies... we would destroy them by making them our brothers and sisters...
we would feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned and welcome the stranger...
there would be no desire to deport anyone, as they would all be our neighbors
there would be no lay offs, as companies and stockholders would be glad to take less profit rather than hurt their employees and their families - as we would not want to see our selves go without, so we would not want it for anyone else
there would be no default threat, as ALL would pay their fair share of taxes as thankful, loving American citizens and corporations - as we want stability for our selves, we would want it for ALL
there would be little illiteracy, as ALL schools would have the same resources - as we demand it for our selves, we would demand it for our neighbors (even enemies and strangers)
we would ALL be middle class... IN THE WORLD... what a wonderful thought!
some would not go without healthcare or medication because they could not pay - because we would demand coverage for them just as we would for our selves, or cover for them out of love
we would not fight wars, but use EVERY means necessary to make justice and keep peace, for we would not want to see their innocent citizens be killed on their streets, anymore than we would want to see that happen to us on ours...
we would accept everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, background, etc., etc., etc.... because JESUS welcomed and engaged people of ALL distinctions, so we would love AS HE LOVED... as Phillip baptized an Ethiopian Eunuch, excluded by the law for being sexually, ethnically, religiously different, and including him... so we would accept all...
we would value Kingdom values over earthly values, put people over profits, see power as something over our selves and not over others, but there to help others... pray for our enemies, give them what they need... give our selves more freely and learn how to LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY, as JESUS LOVED...
oh yes... and we would have PEACE and JOY like we do not have in the world now...
PEACE that starts within and JOY at living it with each other in the world around us...
we would BE SATISFIED... with thankful hearts, counting what we ALREADY HAVE as tremendous, especially God's Grace and Love...
Sounds good, eh?
So why don't we love like that?
Pastor Jamie
If we loved NEIGHBOR AS SELF... we would have no enemies... we would destroy them by making them our brothers and sisters...
we would feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned and welcome the stranger...
there would be no desire to deport anyone, as they would all be our neighbors
there would be no lay offs, as companies and stockholders would be glad to take less profit rather than hurt their employees and their families - as we would not want to see our selves go without, so we would not want it for anyone else
there would be no default threat, as ALL would pay their fair share of taxes as thankful, loving American citizens and corporations - as we want stability for our selves, we would want it for ALL
there would be little illiteracy, as ALL schools would have the same resources - as we demand it for our selves, we would demand it for our neighbors (even enemies and strangers)
we would ALL be middle class... IN THE WORLD... what a wonderful thought!
some would not go without healthcare or medication because they could not pay - because we would demand coverage for them just as we would for our selves, or cover for them out of love
we would not fight wars, but use EVERY means necessary to make justice and keep peace, for we would not want to see their innocent citizens be killed on their streets, anymore than we would want to see that happen to us on ours...
we would accept everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, background, etc., etc., etc.... because JESUS welcomed and engaged people of ALL distinctions, so we would love AS HE LOVED... as Phillip baptized an Ethiopian Eunuch, excluded by the law for being sexually, ethnically, religiously different, and including him... so we would accept all...
we would value Kingdom values over earthly values, put people over profits, see power as something over our selves and not over others, but there to help others... pray for our enemies, give them what they need... give our selves more freely and learn how to LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY, as JESUS LOVED...
oh yes... and we would have PEACE and JOY like we do not have in the world now...
PEACE that starts within and JOY at living it with each other in the world around us...
we would BE SATISFIED... with thankful hearts, counting what we ALREADY HAVE as tremendous, especially God's Grace and Love...
Sounds good, eh?
So why don't we love like that?
Pastor Jamie
in his footsteps
Everyone has heard or read the now famous poem... footprints in the sand... it has touched many people... I have a variation in my mind and heart that I regularly visualize - I see one set of footsteps on the path, because I am walking in His footprints. I believe I am called to FOLLOW JESUS in the world around me and not just believe in Him and Worship/Praise Him. That means that I do not walk my own path. It means that I walk the path prepared for me, forged ahead of me and upon which I must walk as one who claims the name of Jesus. It means that I cannot claim to be His follower and live in the world in a way that ignores or hurts neighbor ("the least", stranger, enemy). It means that I cannot judge others. I must stubbornly refuse to judge others, even when my attitudes would say otherwise. It means that I must help others in need when I am able to do so. It means that I cannot value earthly wealth over the great and abundant wealth of the treasures of the Kingdom: Agape Love, Grace, Peace, Joy, Kindness... It means that I address the forces in the world that would hurt my neighbor, turn God's house into an economic enterprise and wage war. It means that when people see me, even if they have known me, they see Christ Jesus in me... it means that I flavor the world around me with the Great things of the Kingdom of God.
I am not there yet. How 'bout you?
Walk as Jesus walked in the world. To do that, you need but study the four Gospels (and Acts), to see what He said, did and how He was in the world. It is a short read. See how His closest followers failed at times and strove to follow Him, and how they did that in the 1st Century world. No, it does not mean putting on sandals and a robe, growing a beard and being an itinerate preacher in the "Holy Land." It means being transformed by the renewal of your mind and heart to submit to His will for you and conform to His way for you in the world in which you live.
That can be a life-long quest - to walk the path He walked... put my feet where He walked...
Walk in His footsteps. The world needs that.
Pastor Jamie
I am not there yet. How 'bout you?
Walk as Jesus walked in the world. To do that, you need but study the four Gospels (and Acts), to see what He said, did and how He was in the world. It is a short read. See how His closest followers failed at times and strove to follow Him, and how they did that in the 1st Century world. No, it does not mean putting on sandals and a robe, growing a beard and being an itinerate preacher in the "Holy Land." It means being transformed by the renewal of your mind and heart to submit to His will for you and conform to His way for you in the world in which you live.
That can be a life-long quest - to walk the path He walked... put my feet where He walked...
Walk in His footsteps. The world needs that.
Pastor Jamie
Friday, August 12, 2011
Wrath of God or Natural Consequences?
There are natural consequences to our actions, both positive or negative. "You will get what you give," is what Jesus said... hmmm, good Christian karma... Whether an act of God, or a natural process of the universe... what we put out there is what we get back...
If we exploit people in our own nation or those across the world, for our own personal gain at their expense, it will come back on us. But if we treat laborers with respect and dignity, treat them fairly with pay, benefits, pension and working conditions... it will mean that good will happen for employers, politicians and the whole nation.
If we widen the gap between the rich and poor, eliminating the middle class, so that very few have the most, and the many have the least, it will not go well for those who actively work to create that reality. But if we work toward the gainful employment and advancement of ALL people equally, it will mean that the whole nation will prosper.
If we adopt mean-spirited and ruthless greed as our most prominent national characteristic, over-extending our resources toward disaster for many so that a few can cash in, it will mean disaster for all of us. But if we are satisfied with making a decent living and including others in that, adopting slow and real growth for all as our way, we will have financial security as a nation.
If we continue to destroy, waste and pollute the planet upon which we live and depend, rendering the land we live on, water we drink and air we breathe poisonous, we will kill ourselves. But if we take seriously the GOOD science that informs us of the negative effects of our poor stewardship of the creation, and work to lessen our negative effects on our planet, we will avoid global drought, famine, natural disasters and annihilation.
If we use our war machine to gain natural resources like oil, to dominate economically in the world and to exact vengeance on our "enemies", we will make more enemies, not who "hate freedom", but rather resent our hubris and arrogance. If we do not only strive for what is best for us, but what is best for us and the rest of the world, we will again be a respected nation among nations and all will have peace.
So, what will we put out there? Please demand that our leaders "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly", because what we put out there is what we will get back!
Pastor Jamie
If we exploit people in our own nation or those across the world, for our own personal gain at their expense, it will come back on us. But if we treat laborers with respect and dignity, treat them fairly with pay, benefits, pension and working conditions... it will mean that good will happen for employers, politicians and the whole nation.
If we widen the gap between the rich and poor, eliminating the middle class, so that very few have the most, and the many have the least, it will not go well for those who actively work to create that reality. But if we work toward the gainful employment and advancement of ALL people equally, it will mean that the whole nation will prosper.
If we adopt mean-spirited and ruthless greed as our most prominent national characteristic, over-extending our resources toward disaster for many so that a few can cash in, it will mean disaster for all of us. But if we are satisfied with making a decent living and including others in that, adopting slow and real growth for all as our way, we will have financial security as a nation.
If we continue to destroy, waste and pollute the planet upon which we live and depend, rendering the land we live on, water we drink and air we breathe poisonous, we will kill ourselves. But if we take seriously the GOOD science that informs us of the negative effects of our poor stewardship of the creation, and work to lessen our negative effects on our planet, we will avoid global drought, famine, natural disasters and annihilation.
If we use our war machine to gain natural resources like oil, to dominate economically in the world and to exact vengeance on our "enemies", we will make more enemies, not who "hate freedom", but rather resent our hubris and arrogance. If we do not only strive for what is best for us, but what is best for us and the rest of the world, we will again be a respected nation among nations and all will have peace.
So, what will we put out there? Please demand that our leaders "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly", because what we put out there is what we will get back!
Pastor Jamie
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Transformation
Transformation: a marked, recognizable change
Metamorphosis: a marked change in appearance, character, condition or function.
I believe that I am in the process of transformation. I attribute some of that to my age and life experience, some of it to a desire to be a better person for God, those whom I love and the world around me, and some to my participation in Landmark Forum and now the seminars.
I believe it is possible to love oneself and still want to be changed. I believe that I am being "worked on", if not sanctified as a process throughout my life. I believe that I have a history but need not BE my history, that I am my experience but can seek and find new life experience, and that I am dynamic and not static as a child of God. God is not static, but very dynamic. I believe that the Lord IS "the one within whom I live and move and have my being." I believe that "the Kingdom is within (me)."
I believe that as Jacob the scoundrel could wrestle with God and be transformed to the point at which his name no longer suited him (then Israel), and as Saul the oppressor was blinded by the light of Christ and therefore saw things more clearly, having a metamorphosis that necessitated his name to reflect his new self (Paul), that as Zacchaeus the corrupt official was changed from a corrupt and greedy official to one who restored what he had taken from others... so, it is possible that God can transform me through the people around me, my life experiences now and my consideration of how God is in them.
I believe that I can "(forget) what lies behind and (strain) forward to what lies ahead, press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." It is a striving. God is in the striving. I believe the Buddhist tenant that it is not the destination, but rather the journey that we should be present to daily. I believe that I find God in the moment, that Kairotic time is a real experience, that it is all about what I have, which is right now. I am being blessed in the striving.
So, to what am I going? I will know when I arrive, but if I focus on that which I believe is the destination too much I will not experience God in the moments along the way. I will perhaps go down paths that I have forced or skewed because of my own guiding in it. I believe I can have goals and yet be open to other possibilities, and create new possibilities that are in alignment with God's will for me and those around me. You see, I believe for ALL of us, our path intersects the paths of others around us (family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers), and our lives are made more complete. Just as Peter's shadow fell on people in Jerusalem and they were healed, so the shadow of our lives falls on the lives of others, and they are made more complete or whole by it... and the other way around... THAT is how God works - through us with each other!
I want to live in a world that is FULL of the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If I want to live in such a world, I need to be transformed to LIVE those things... to PUT THAT OUT THERE in the world around me, regardless of what others around me may be putting out there...
So here is to transformation - to me being the best me that I can be... to me putting out in the world good things around me for the sake of those around me in it... to me creating possibilities for my life that will touch, inspire, move and encourage others around me to be the best them they can be and put good things out in the world around them... one person at a time... one encounter, one conversation, one interaction, one demonstration of the good stuff... that is how the WORLD is transformed to be a place of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. gentleness and self-control.
What are you putting out there?
Pastor Jamie
Metamorphosis: a marked change in appearance, character, condition or function.
I believe that I am in the process of transformation. I attribute some of that to my age and life experience, some of it to a desire to be a better person for God, those whom I love and the world around me, and some to my participation in Landmark Forum and now the seminars.
I believe it is possible to love oneself and still want to be changed. I believe that I am being "worked on", if not sanctified as a process throughout my life. I believe that I have a history but need not BE my history, that I am my experience but can seek and find new life experience, and that I am dynamic and not static as a child of God. God is not static, but very dynamic. I believe that the Lord IS "the one within whom I live and move and have my being." I believe that "the Kingdom is within (me)."
I believe that as Jacob the scoundrel could wrestle with God and be transformed to the point at which his name no longer suited him (then Israel), and as Saul the oppressor was blinded by the light of Christ and therefore saw things more clearly, having a metamorphosis that necessitated his name to reflect his new self (Paul), that as Zacchaeus the corrupt official was changed from a corrupt and greedy official to one who restored what he had taken from others... so, it is possible that God can transform me through the people around me, my life experiences now and my consideration of how God is in them.
I believe that I can "(forget) what lies behind and (strain) forward to what lies ahead, press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." It is a striving. God is in the striving. I believe the Buddhist tenant that it is not the destination, but rather the journey that we should be present to daily. I believe that I find God in the moment, that Kairotic time is a real experience, that it is all about what I have, which is right now. I am being blessed in the striving.
So, to what am I going? I will know when I arrive, but if I focus on that which I believe is the destination too much I will not experience God in the moments along the way. I will perhaps go down paths that I have forced or skewed because of my own guiding in it. I believe I can have goals and yet be open to other possibilities, and create new possibilities that are in alignment with God's will for me and those around me. You see, I believe for ALL of us, our path intersects the paths of others around us (family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers), and our lives are made more complete. Just as Peter's shadow fell on people in Jerusalem and they were healed, so the shadow of our lives falls on the lives of others, and they are made more complete or whole by it... and the other way around... THAT is how God works - through us with each other!
I want to live in a world that is FULL of the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If I want to live in such a world, I need to be transformed to LIVE those things... to PUT THAT OUT THERE in the world around me, regardless of what others around me may be putting out there...
So here is to transformation - to me being the best me that I can be... to me putting out in the world good things around me for the sake of those around me in it... to me creating possibilities for my life that will touch, inspire, move and encourage others around me to be the best them they can be and put good things out in the world around them... one person at a time... one encounter, one conversation, one interaction, one demonstration of the good stuff... that is how the WORLD is transformed to be a place of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. gentleness and self-control.
What are you putting out there?
Pastor Jamie
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Pray for Them, for Us
We need to pray for the oppressed - those held down or out or away from power, community or
economic security by those who have those things...
We need to pray for the oppressors - their souls and their well-being is at stake... Rich Fool, Dives, Rich
Young Ruler, Debtor, Evil Tenants - all parables of Jesus about those who have and hoard, have and
ignore those who do not, have so much they cannot follow Him or give any up and who think that
they have the power to treat others poorly... sheep and goats is the lesson of Jesus and those who
refuse to treat "the least" well in society...
We need to pray for the victims - those who have been intentionally hurt for the sake of someone else's
sick desire or personal gain
We need to pray for the victimizers - their souls are in danger... their spirits are sick and they need help
When there is an oppressive system that victimizes people, both the victims and oppressors are locked into it... it warps what is normal, what is good, what is healthy, what is accepted... some, who are not directly victimized are locked into their silence, awaiting their time to be either victims or oppressors... ALL are victims of a system of oppression, for it locks us ALL into a bad system... one cannot hold another down without staying down with him/her (MLK, Jr.)... one cannot hold another out without being locked inside whatever they want to be "inside" with - it becomes their own prison... one cannot hold another away without being locked into the fear of having to hold onto what they do not want the other to have, which takes a lot of energy, fear and focus - locked into their own paranoia and possessiveness.
Pray for EVERYONE in an oppressive system that rewards some and keeps others down and out, that gives unequal opportunities based on ANY differences, that does not offer a "level playing field" education to all students, that does not demand respect for workers but only recognizes employers, that imprisons a disproportionate number of young, black males for profit... that judges people for ANY reasons, vilifies visitors as scapegoats in the land and treats them shamefully, that balances budgets on the backs of those with less and does not demand more of those with the most... if you are a victim, I am praying for you. If you are an oppressor, I am praying for you. If you are someone silent and watching this happen, just hoping to go unscathed or to hold onto your little bit, or in the hopes that one day you will be "in the club", I am praying for you. It is an oppressive system and we ALL play roles in it. My role may be some victimization, but I will not be an oppressor. I will speak, write, vote, demand, protest and pray! My role will not be silence!
Pastor Jamie
economic security by those who have those things...
We need to pray for the oppressors - their souls and their well-being is at stake... Rich Fool, Dives, Rich
Young Ruler, Debtor, Evil Tenants - all parables of Jesus about those who have and hoard, have and
ignore those who do not, have so much they cannot follow Him or give any up and who think that
they have the power to treat others poorly... sheep and goats is the lesson of Jesus and those who
refuse to treat "the least" well in society...
We need to pray for the victims - those who have been intentionally hurt for the sake of someone else's
sick desire or personal gain
We need to pray for the victimizers - their souls are in danger... their spirits are sick and they need help
When there is an oppressive system that victimizes people, both the victims and oppressors are locked into it... it warps what is normal, what is good, what is healthy, what is accepted... some, who are not directly victimized are locked into their silence, awaiting their time to be either victims or oppressors... ALL are victims of a system of oppression, for it locks us ALL into a bad system... one cannot hold another down without staying down with him/her (MLK, Jr.)... one cannot hold another out without being locked inside whatever they want to be "inside" with - it becomes their own prison... one cannot hold another away without being locked into the fear of having to hold onto what they do not want the other to have, which takes a lot of energy, fear and focus - locked into their own paranoia and possessiveness.
Pray for EVERYONE in an oppressive system that rewards some and keeps others down and out, that gives unequal opportunities based on ANY differences, that does not offer a "level playing field" education to all students, that does not demand respect for workers but only recognizes employers, that imprisons a disproportionate number of young, black males for profit... that judges people for ANY reasons, vilifies visitors as scapegoats in the land and treats them shamefully, that balances budgets on the backs of those with less and does not demand more of those with the most... if you are a victim, I am praying for you. If you are an oppressor, I am praying for you. If you are someone silent and watching this happen, just hoping to go unscathed or to hold onto your little bit, or in the hopes that one day you will be "in the club", I am praying for you. It is an oppressive system and we ALL play roles in it. My role may be some victimization, but I will not be an oppressor. I will speak, write, vote, demand, protest and pray! My role will not be silence!
Pastor Jamie
Thankful
I am thankful for what I have. I will not focus on what I do not have and want, because what I need I have. My daily bread is given to me and so much more. If God did nothing else for me for the rest of my life, I could spend it giving thanks for what God has already given me. Redemption and salvation chief among them, God has given me such gifts in my life so that I am truly wealthy in the things of the spirit. The people God has placed in my life are marvelous. My wife is truly a gift to me. My family and friends are wonderful. The work I do is exhausting at times, frustrating at times and boring at times, but it is ministry and I get to make a difference in peoples' lives. My co-workers are incredibly caring people. The church I attend is a blessing. The pastor is a wonderful, kind and thoughtful man. The people who attend the church are the salt of the earth. The mission God continues to unfold before us is exciting, challenging and endearing.
I have a great deal! I am blessed! I am satisfied because I have a thankful heart. I am grateful for what I have been given. While the nature of greed may be that, no matter how much I have, I will always want more, the nature of thankfulness is that I see what I DO have and that I am truly blessed, because it is enough and more! Enough IS enough for me!
I will be a good steward of what God has entrusted to me. I will use my possessions to God's glory and the for the sake of God's people. I will give, as I have an abundance (more than enough). I will use my 168 hours each week to Worship, rest, play, build my marriage and family, serve the Lord and do the work that God has given me to do. I will waste less and destroy nothing of what God has given me. I will pollute as little as I am able, as I am a part of God's creation and subject to it, as well as being a steward of it. I will give my offerings as a RESPONSE in thankfulness, for what God has given to me!
And I will count myself as blessed... beyond wealthy... because I know, ultimately, from what source my life has come... and I know what I have... and it is substantial... so, I am thankful... that means that I have what no greedy person can have... satisfaction out of a thankful heart.
See what you have? See how blessed you are? You have what you need or you would not be here, and you have so much more... see all that you have and be satisfied, with a thankful heart.
Pastor Jamie
I have a great deal! I am blessed! I am satisfied because I have a thankful heart. I am grateful for what I have been given. While the nature of greed may be that, no matter how much I have, I will always want more, the nature of thankfulness is that I see what I DO have and that I am truly blessed, because it is enough and more! Enough IS enough for me!
I will be a good steward of what God has entrusted to me. I will use my possessions to God's glory and the for the sake of God's people. I will give, as I have an abundance (more than enough). I will use my 168 hours each week to Worship, rest, play, build my marriage and family, serve the Lord and do the work that God has given me to do. I will waste less and destroy nothing of what God has given me. I will pollute as little as I am able, as I am a part of God's creation and subject to it, as well as being a steward of it. I will give my offerings as a RESPONSE in thankfulness, for what God has given to me!
And I will count myself as blessed... beyond wealthy... because I know, ultimately, from what source my life has come... and I know what I have... and it is substantial... so, I am thankful... that means that I have what no greedy person can have... satisfaction out of a thankful heart.
See what you have? See how blessed you are? You have what you need or you would not be here, and you have so much more... see all that you have and be satisfied, with a thankful heart.
Pastor Jamie
Saturday, August 6, 2011
How far we have come!
The president of the congregation came up to me after my sermon on Amos 8/Matthew 25 and said, "You know, Pastor, if we followed what Jesus taught it would mess everything up." I suggested that it might mess things up for him and folks like him, but be a whole lot better for a lot of other folks. I also asked him if he realized how powerful his statement was, reflecting how far away from the teachings we have come, in that to follow Him now would mean messing up the way we have made it. He said that it is unrealistic now. I believe we have become very adept as disassociating our way of living from the Lord we claim to follow. Politicians run on platforms of Christian principles, but write laws that hurt and/or exploit the most vulnerable in our land and across the world. Corporate Execs sit with their families in church on Sundays and hear the sermons, sing the praise, etc.. Then they actively work to make more money at the expense of those they lay off, fire, exploit or cheat, even by "legal" means, thinking that is not only right but good business. In fact, the congregation president with whom I had that encounter discussed the practice of not hiring full time employees, but hiring more part time folks in order to avoid paying benefits, which he claimed is not unjust, but just good business - nothing personal. That man was baptized, confirmed, married and would be buried in that church. Life - long member...
I believe folks can do this, partly because they hear from the pulpit that God gives them favor, wants them to be rich, blesses them above others and wants only happiness for them. We have come to believe it is all about "me and Jesus", that personal salvation is all that matters, and that I can do whatever I want otherwise and God is cool with it. I must be reading four different Gospels. How far we have come (from the teachings of Jesus)! How far are you from what Jesus taught about living your life with others in the world? Do you know what He commanded of you in the Gospels? I encourage you to read the four Gospels, a relatively quick read, and pay attention to His imperative statements... WARNING, once you know, you know, and it may transform how you live... even "mess everything up"! Much love, Jamie
I believe folks can do this, partly because they hear from the pulpit that God gives them favor, wants them to be rich, blesses them above others and wants only happiness for them. We have come to believe it is all about "me and Jesus", that personal salvation is all that matters, and that I can do whatever I want otherwise and God is cool with it. I must be reading four different Gospels. How far we have come (from the teachings of Jesus)! How far are you from what Jesus taught about living your life with others in the world? Do you know what He commanded of you in the Gospels? I encourage you to read the four Gospels, a relatively quick read, and pay attention to His imperative statements... WARNING, once you know, you know, and it may transform how you live... even "mess everything up"! Much love, Jamie
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Jesus, Lord of ALL
I offer this blog for those who, yes, know Jesus as Savior, but also want to follow Him as LORD of ALL in their lives - how they view the world, how they live in the world, who they are as the "New Creation" in Jesus. I believe I am called as one who calls myself a "Christian", not only to believe in Jesus and not only to offer Him Worship and Praise, but also to FOLLOW what He taught and exemplified. I believe I am called to conform my life to His way and submit to His will for me. There are too many folks claiming the name and then blatantly ignoring what Jesus taught on how we are to be with each other and in the world. I want to inspire people to "be transformed by the renewal of (their) minds", and follow Jesus in how they live. I will offer teachings of Jesus, IMPERATIVES that Jesus shares and other offerings from the Gospels, our best written record of Jesus' teachings, and the words of Paul and throughout scripture. I will address politics, economics, relationships, the church, community and other arenas of life, as I believe that Jesus is Lord of ALL things in our lives. I believe we cannot claim Him as Savior and ignore Him as Lord. I believe that it is about "me and Jesus", but not ALL about "me and Jesus." I believe that to be a Christian means that I live as Jesus calls me to live in the world around me. Please join me in this venture!
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