... on the 500th Anniversary of the 95 Theses...

Out of love for the truth of the Gospel, and a desire to illuminate the teachings, commands and examples of Jesus on how to live Agape Love and Grace in the Good News, I humbly offer this homage to Martin Luther’s 95 Theses on this, the 500^th Anniversary of their original posting.  We need Reform in the church.  Now.  

1.True Faithfulness and therefore true Repentance (Mark 1:15; Matthew 4:17) come from changing our thinking on what it means to follow Jesus, in order to truly be followers of Jesus. 

2.It comes in submission to His Word as the fulfiller of Law and Prophets, our professed Savior and Lord of our lives.

3.Righteousness is not personal piety, purity or holiness.

4.Those are things of God and only of God. 

5.Righteousness is faithfulness to the teachings, commands and examples modeled by Jesus on how we live Agape Love and Grace in the world, which is God’s Will for us, thus exhibiting spiritual gifts and producing the Fruit of the Spirit in the world (Galatians 5:22, 23).   

6.Faithfulness to Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord is living the Gospel Mandate, Jesus’ Manifesto on Agape Love and Grace for how we live in this part of God’s Kingdom, here and now.

7.Faithfulness to Jesus as Savior, Redeemer, Lord and fulfiller of Law and Prophets, our authority and the deliverer of God’s Will in the Good News, the New Covenant of Grace is lived by obeying Jesus’ Agape Love Command, in living what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us.

8.Self-righteousness is not righteousness.  (Romans 5:6-11; Ephesians 2:1-10) 

9.Salvation is not based on merit, as those who represent Empire  (the Holy Roman Empire in the 16ht Century, and in Jesus’ day the Roman Empire) live and promote. 

10.Salvation is not earned. 

11.It is given freely, which is by Grace through Faith. 

12.Faithfulness to living what Jesus commanded and an understanding of salvation by Grace are established in the Gospels; therefore personal salvation is not the motive of followers of Jesus.

13.Personal salvation is God’s goal for us and God’s work to be done, and is given by Grace through faith, which also cannot be made into a work toward salvation. 

14.Our motive is living what God wants us to live and letting God save, thus trusting in God’s Mercy and Grace out of faith in God.  

15.Personal salvation as a motive is “self-centered” and is therefore the work of Empire, setting some as better than others, which is not a value in the Kingdom, as we are all “beggars at the foot of the throne of Grace.” 

16.Piety, purity and holiness is of God and only given by God, so it is not about us “becoming” more pious, pure or holy but rather about us becoming more faithful to the following of God’s Kingdom Values as we have been given them in Jesus’ teachings, commands and examples. 

17.We are called and commanded to live Jesus’ Way of being a child of God in this part of God’s Kingdom, here and now.

18.Worship, praise and tithes are not necessarily works toward salvation, as is taught by Jesus (Mark 7:1-8).

19.Faith Litmus tests of spiritual gifts mean nothing, as is witnessed in the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 7:21-23).

20.The highest spiritual gift is telling the truth of God, according to Paul (I Corinthians 14:1-5), but even that is subordinate to living the Agape Love commanded by Jesus (I Corinthians 13; Philippians 2:1-11). 

21.In short, we are to rely on the Grace and Agape of God, and live Agape and Grace in the world around us. 

22.That is righteousness for people clothed in Christ Jesus and His righteousness. 

23.That is faithfulness to Christ Jesus, according to His teachings, commandments and examples for us.

24.The church has been corrupted by the lust for power, greed and desire for prestige, position and status which are Empire values, rather than the Agape Love and Grace which are Kingdom of God Values. 

25.It was true during the time of the Holy Roman Empire under Leo X. 

26.In the time of Jesus and the writing of the Gospels it was corrupted under the Roman Empire and by the Temple Cult leaders.

27.The value of hubris in the Empire overshadowed the humility taught and modeled by Jesus in the Kingdom. 

28.It led to false teachings around wealth, prestige and power, even to the exploitation of the people under Rome and then to the selling of indulgences for salvation under Leo X, and now to the false teachings of Church Growth, Prosperity Theology and the emphasis on Personal Salvation. 

29.It has always led believers to the false view that church is an institution to be served, rather than a movement of followers of Jesus, both then and now. 

30.Worship, Praise, Prayer and Tithes as God’s only expectations of us is not a faithful belief in Jesus’ Good News. 

31.Strict adherence to the Law of Moses (selective in almost every case) leads to hypocrisy and not faithfulness as was shown then and has been seen now. 

32.It leads to corrupt misuse and abuse of power by the church and by individual Christians for their own “gain”. 

33.The Church/Church bodies are commanded by Jesus to stand with the poor, marginalized and most vulnerable in the world. 

34.Followers of Jesus are commanded not to judge others, not to refuse to help, not to abandon the most vulnerable and not to reject the stranger in the land, neither by ethnicity, faith practice, sexual orientation or any other difference. 35.Bishops, Clergy and Lay Leaders must stop abusing their power, influence and position for promoting their own gain, pushing their own ideologies and agendas, promulgating their own prejudices and preserving their narcissistic focus on self, and must serve God by serving those who God loves in Agape Love and Grace. 

36.They must stand with (advocate) the poor, marginalized and most vulnerable who Jesus loves and lead others to do so, and stand against those in politics, business, society who would hurt them and lead others to do so, if they are to be faithful to Savior and Lord. 

37.There can no longer be lip service to Jesus’ name and duplicitous devotion to Mammon (wealth), Mars (power) and Narcissus (self-indulgence).

38.Followers of Jesus are people of God and part of God’s creation.

39.We are called and commanded to be stewards of the creation, knowing that all things of the creation/Kingdom of God belong to God.

40.The pollution, waste and destruction of the creation that God loves is a sin against God.

41.The abuse of the creation for the sake of personal profit is unconscionable and immoral.

42.The destruction of others in the world for anyone’s personal or national gain through war is a sin against God and neighbor.

43.The destruction of the creation for convenience or profit destroys the creation that God loves, and is therefore a sin against future generations and against God.

44.We cannot abuse, manipulate or exploit the creation for our own gain and be right with God.

45.We must care for, nurture, protect and responsibly benefit from the creation of which we are a part, in order to be faithful to God.

46.We cannot create need or famine and create a lack of breathable air, drinkable water and viable land, especially for the sake of wealth, power or status in the world, and be right with God.

47.Jesus commanded us to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength.

48.As followers of Jesus, we cannot turn off our minds and responsibly follow Jesus.

49.We cannot de-value understanding and wisdom and be faithful to Jesus.

50.We cannot turn off our hearts and follow Jesus.

51.We cannot choose to not live Agape Love and be faithful to Jesus.

52.We cannot focus only on our own souls and faithfully live Jesus’ Way.

53.We cannot only concern ourselves with our own, personal salvation and be faithful to Jesus.

54.We cannot abuse our strength by have power over others and be faithful to Christ Jesus, but we must rather exercise self-control.

55.We cannot love only power for ourselves and abdicate power over ourselves and be faithful to Jesus.

56.The Church of Jesus is called and commanded to address the world with the Gospel of Jesus, not reflect worldly empire within the church. 

57.We are called to preach and teach the Agape and Grace Jesus taught, commanded and modeled and lead people to the transformative experience of living it.

58.We are called Salt and Light by Jesus in order that we might impact the world around us in Agape Love and Grace. 

59.We are called to boldly and directly address those economic, political and social expressions of greed, lust for power and prestige that are represented in Empire and which run contrary to the Kingdom values taught in the Gospels. 

60.We are commanded to address hatred for those not like us by standing with those hated with the love of Christ and standing up to those who would abuse them.  

61.We are called and commanded to reach across boundaries to embrace others, build bridges to connect and include all people and work toward peace and justice in Love and Grace.

62.Service and mercy are what are called for in the Gospel of Jesus in love. 

63.Judgment, rejection, exploitation and refusing to forgive are antithetical to the Good News of Jesus, of Agape Love and Grace.

64.Perpetrating injustice is antithetical to the teachings, commands and examples of Jesus.

65.Working toward the Shalom of all people (well-being, completeness and wholeness) is commanded by Jesus, taught by Jesus and modeled by Jesus.

66.American Civil Religion is anti-Christ - Just as Roman Empire and Holy Roman Empire held an arrogant sense of “superiority”, exceptionalism and in America Manifest Destiny opposed the teachings and commands of Jesus, so do many who profess to be “Christian” today.

67.From before the time of the Discovery Doctrine of 1493, the hubris of Euro cultures to “discover”, conquer and exploit lands, resources and peoples across the world has had an evil expression in the world.

68.These twisted beliefs “justify” their lust for power and control, “justify” their selfishness and greed for more and “justify” being Empire in the world through unjust and immoral means. 

69.None of this is justified according to the Kingdom Values of Jesus in the Gospels. 

70.Jesus taught that “the first shall be last and the last shall be first.” 

71.Jesus taught humility in service and mercy toward all. 

72.Jesus taught generosity of spirit and with one’s time, ability, possessions, love and advocacy. 

73.God is the God of all nations, not just Rome or Holy Roman Empire or America. 

74.Empire is not of the Kingdom nor an expression of it, but rather antithetical to its values. 

75.Clergy and church who promote such hubris, ignorance and the acceptance of hatred because it benefits them do not walk with God in Christ Jesus because it hurts those who Jesus loves. 

76.Those who claim the name of Jesus but live for and out of status, wealth, prestige and position, power do not walk with Christ Jesus because it makes them believe they can exploit those who Jesus loves for their own gain. 

77.Political Ideologies, social philosophies and economic systems that marginalize, victimize and exploit others are not of Christ. 

78.Politicians, clergy, churches, societies and nations that do so are not faithful to God.

79.The self-sacrificing, unconditional active commitment on behalf of the other that is Agape Love, which was commanded by our Lord, does not allow for the abuse, exploitation or hatred of anyone.

80.If salvation is by Grace, then the judgment of others by anyone but Christ Jesus is a tool of the evil. 

81.Grace and Agape Love deny any validity in the judgment of other faiths, sexual orientation, for any other reason by definition.

82.The belief that one is inherently superior to another by virtue of race, gender, sexuality, economic wealth, bloodline or nation/region of origin is absurd and patently false according to the Gospel of Jesus.

83.If Jesus said nothing about something, as we have that witnessed in the Gospels, how important can it be? 

84.If the First Century believers received those who were ethnically, religiously and sexually different and therefore excluded by the Law of Moses from being received into the Body of Christ (Acts 8:26-40), shouldn’t we do the same?   85.While addressing pederasty, Paul addressed the Roman status symbol of buying children for sex by straight, married men of means. 

86.That practice is unacceptable to God – using or exploiting others for one’s own pleasure is not acceptable to God. 

87.It is not from love, but from a sick desire for power and control over others, and status. 

88.Even IF, we erroneously took it to be a statement about homosexually in general or specifically, we must acknowledge that Paul equated using others for sex with the passions that everyone has, and commanded followers of Jesus, “therefore DO NOT JUDGE,” with regard to those who sleep with those of their same gender. (Romans 1:18-2:11) 

89.That was the central teaching in the passage for those who would be faithful to Christ Jesus in Rome. 

90.Twisting the Word in order to justify our prejudices, in order to manipulate others to side with us or to believe that we are spiritually superior, or in order to justify our exploitation of or discrimination against others is not faithfulness to Christ Jesus.  

91.Using selective passages of scripture to judge others harshly and falsely justify oneself is not a faithful use of scripture.

92.Using them to obfuscate one’s own sins of greed, lust for power and desire for prestige/position/status, things of which Jesus did say a great deal, according to the Gospel witness, is unconscionable and immoral.  

93.The church body, leader or member who judges others who are different goes against Christ Jesus.

94.God alone is God, and God is not our cosmic ATM into which we can punch a magic formula and receive prosperity, or our Genie who is required to give us our wishes when we call on God’s name, or Santa who rewards the nice and ignores the naughty, or the Easter Bunny who leaves us treats in the Spring or the Tooth Fairy who compensates us for every little loss we may suffer.

95. God alone is God, and God is not a Capitalist, an Oligarch, a Conservative, a static set of rules, a wrathful bully or an American, but the God of all nations and peoples who is omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent and all Loving, Merciful and Gracious with all nations and all peoples.                                                                               

    

The Gospel of Jesus is transformative if we are receptive to God’s working in the Holy Spirit, and are willing to live the Agape and Grace at the center of the Gospel of Jesus to which the Holy Spirit always leads and drives us.   It is transformative for individuals, communities, congregations, church bodies and society if we are willing to do what Jesus commanded in His first recorded imperative in the first chapter of the first Gospel written – “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, REPENT (metanoia – change your thinking so that your words/actions/direction will change), and BELIEVE IN THE GOOD NEWS.”  (Mark 1:15)

 

In the name of our Lord Jesus, the Christ.  Amen           October 31, 2017                           Rev. Jamie Kaufman  M.Div.    

 

being religious is not faithfulness Matthew 23:1-12

Piety, religiosity, self-righteousness, blind obedience to the law, purity and holiness are not what the Good News of Jesus in Agape are about.

It is about faithful relationship based on Agape Love. Period.  For God and for Neighbor (stranger, enemy, the most vulnerable, everyone).

The Temple cult leaders of Jesus' time wrapped themselves up in religiosity, piety, their version of purity and holiness and did not know or live Agape Love.  It got them some power, some status and much wealth at the expense of others, but it did not make them faithful to God or Neighbor.

Agape - unconditional, self-sacrificing active commitment on behalf of the other  draws us in Shalom - well-being, completeness and wholeness together for mutual good.  It does not divide so that some have more than they need while others do not have enough for Shalom - enough love, provision, joy, peace and community for the living of these days.

The Temple cult leaders were inconsistent because living by the law is subjective to those who do not submit as servants to God, but who instead try to assert themselves as those who deserve power, wealth and status.  When we focus on the Agape Love of Jesus' Good News teachings, commands and examples, as the center of our lives and the living of them, we cut through all the things that would keep Shalom from happening and find the joy and peace that come from love, and thus work toward Shalom for all those around us.

It is tragic for all concerned.

None of us is qualified to tell others how to live with God.  Jesus claims we are ALL students.  The best we can do is GO TO the Rabbi and serve the Teacher, submit to the Teacher's Way humbly and humbly live what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us.

This is God's Kingdom and not ours.  We are but student followers of the one who IS ONE.  We are recipients of that perfect Love and Grace, and we are called to live that with one another unconditionally, even to self-sacrifice - to actively commit ourselves to the Shalom of even the stranger, enemy and most vulnerable among us.  It really is that simple.

No religiosity, piety, self-righteousness or obedience to Law compares.
All purity and holiness belong to God.
Let us not be religious.  Being religious creates a great deal of injustice, inequity and disunity, and the pain that comes with them.
Let us be faithful to the one we call Savior, Redeemer, fulfiller of the Law and Prophets and Lord of our lives.  Let us live what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us in His Good News of Agape Love.  In that is faithfulness.  In that we will find Shalom in life - ALL of us, together.

Pastor Jamie

the one thing... Matthew 22:34-46

It was when I realized that this is Jesus' central teaching, His command for every follower and at the heart of everything that Jesus modeled for us, as we have that in the Gospels, that my transformation, my "born from above" moment began.

Jesus is the fulfiller of the Law and Prophets.  We know that from His sharing of His mission in Sermon on the Mount.  We know that from the Transfiguration account. 

In THIS it is fulfilled:

To Love God with all one's heart, soul and mind.
    Agape is about loving, but not about feelings.  It is about commitment.  Committing our lives to God means committing how we live them to God's Way for us to live.  We need to use our God-given brains in striving to commit actively to God and Neighbor.

To Love Neighbor as one love's oneself.
   This means I would no more want lack or harm to come to my neighbor than I would want that for myself or those I love.  It means that I will put my time, abilities, energy and possessions to work to make sure my neighbor has what my neighbor needs, because if my neighbor does not have well-being I do not have well-being.

Jesus made it abundantly clear that He is God's Son and not just of the line of David.
Jesus made His authority abundantly clear in the answers to their questions.
Jesus made it abundantly clear that God wants us to live Agape Love for God and humanity -
    active commitment on behalf of the other, even stranger and enemy, and especially
    the most vulnerable -
    self-giving, even self-sacrificing -
    unconditional -
    committed action on their behalf.

If everyone did that in this part of God's Kingdom, here and now, we would be in alignment with Kingdom values and God's will would be done on earth as in heaven.

If we chose Agape for God and abandoned our idolatrous love for self - wealth, power and status, all would have enough and have that Shalom - well-being, completeness and wholeness that God wants all of us to have in this part of the Kingdom, here and now.

No other law need be used (and abused) but this.
We would live the golden rule - "do to others as you would have them to do you." (Matthew 7:12)

No need for prophets ever be considered again.
Indeed, the Word would be etched on our hearts. (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

Indeed, we would be faithful to God and those who God loves.
Indeed, there would be Peace, because we have worked toward living the things that make for peace.

It really is that simple to understand.  It is not easy to live. 
I believe that our call as followers of Jesus is to perfect the living of this perfect love throughout the rest of our lives in this part of God's Kingdom, and not to worry about that part of God's Kingdom.  Living faithfully to Jesus means living Agape Love, which means doing the right things for the right reasons on behalf of others.  Salvation is the work of God in my life.  Faithfulness to Jesus' Way is my response to God's Love and Grace for doing it.

It was not a suggestion.  It is a command.  It is the Law and Prophets.  Living Agape is everything.

Pastor Jamie

a trick answer

Matthew 22:15-22

They tested Jesus to justify their own duplicitous devotion.
They served Caesar in order to serve themselves.

The Temple Cult leaders were in collusion with Rome (Empire) and gave lip service to God, but gave their hearts to the gods of wealth, power and status.

It was unlawful in Empire not to support the Empire, but immoral for people of God to support the abusive, exploitative and hateful agenda of Empire.

Many resisted paying the tax.  Some had little left, because Rome took everything from them.  Others resisted because they themselves were greedy.  But some resisted because to pay the tax meant supporting Empire, which meant supporting the abuse, exploitation and oppression of God's people.

Jesus had preached and taught resistance to Empire.  Jesus was a Rabbi.  Jesus was also subject to Roman power, both military and economic.  They were trying to put Jesus at odds with either Rome or the people.  Jesus did not bite.

If it is about coins and images on coins, then pay what is due the one whose value is the coins.  It means nothing, ultimately.  Give to Rome the things Rome demands, even while resisting.  Capitulate to what one must do, but resist.  Participate in the abuses as the abused in such extreme ways (going the extra mile while carrying the Centurian's gear, giving the cloak and not just the coat that is required by one's debtors) and thus make a mockery of their abuses of power and influence.  Smile as you serve them.  Be polite.  And resist in other ways.  On the surface, comply.  In your heart and mind, resist.  Engage in non-participation wherever possible.  Impede their progress.  Make it harder for them to execute their abuses and oppression.  Do not yourself get caught up in exploiting sisters and brothers with them.  Do not allow yourself to be in collusion with them as are the religious leaders.  Do not gain a little power over others from them, as do the political leaders. 

Your devotion belongs to God.
The Agape Love that Jesus commanded is meant to be lived with God and neighbor, and not given to wealth, power and status.
God does not allow duplicitous devotion.
In our hearts and minds, we must acknowledge that it ALL belongs to God, ultimately.
In our hearts and minds, we must never buy into an abusive, oppressive and exploitative way with others who are also children of God.
We must never benefit from a system of oppression, exploitation and abuse.
The religious leaders and political leaders sold out.  We must never sell out.

Comply with the demands of the oppressors on the surface.  Give them what they require, for their value is not your value.  Do it just enough to stay out of trouble, but not enough to gain from it personally.  And otherwise, resist participation in Empire.  Never take on their values.  As much as possible, keep others from being hurt by it.  Teach others Jesus' Way as an alternative.  Sabotage it.  Dismantle it. 

And in your hearts and minds, love God with all you have and your neighbor as yourself.

We cannot serve two masters, said Jesus.  It all belongs to God.

Pastor Jamie

that you come and how you come

Matthew 22:1-14

Those invited to follow God's Son in the celebration of the feast that has no end, to be wed to the Son and walk faithfully with Him in His Good News of Agape Love and Grace, would not come, because they were too busy making money and thought themselves above it. 
So, God invites those who were not at first invited - those marginalized, downtrodden, good and bad to come to the banquet.
They will come when they come to understand what the Good News means for the world in which they live.

But when we come, we must come right.
We must come clothed, not in the common covering of self in greed, lust for power and status or in hatred.
We must come clothed, not in self-righteousness in a belief that we can be pure enough, holy enough or worthy in and of ourselves.
We must come clothed in Christ - in HIS Righteousness by Grace.  We must come knowing that we are covered by that Grace and value it.
We must come clothed in the Love of Christ for us and for all others.

If we come covered in that Grace and Love, then we come covered in the belief that we are called to BE that Love and Grace in the world around us, Christ's Heart and Mind, Christ's Hands and Feat, Salt and Light in the world.

If we come, we must come right, clothed in Christ Jesus and His righteousness.
We must come as people wed to Christ Himself, vowing faithfulness to walk with Christ for the rest of our lives.  We must come as people who celebrate the Love and Grace with which we are covered, and create it in the world around us, not for those who we think are worthy, but all others in Grace, just as we receive that from Christ Jesus freely.

Come.  Come Right.

Pastor Jamie

My homage to Luther's 95 Theses on the 500th Anniversary month of their posting... (see Oct 8 blog below)

Out of love for the truth of the Gospel, and a desire to illuminate the teachings, commands and examples of Jesus on how to live Agape Love and Grace in the Good News, I humbly offer this homage to Martin Luther’s 95 Theses on this, the 500^th Anniversary month of their original posting.  We need Reform in the church.  Now.  

True Faithfulness and therefore true Repentance (Mark 1:15; Matthew 4:17) come from changing our thinking on what it means to follow Jesus, to be followers of Jesus.  It comes in submission to His Word as fulfiller of Law and Prophets.  Righteousness is not piety, purity or holiness. Those are things of God.  Righteousness is faithfulness to the teachings, commands and examples modeled by Jesus on how we live Agape Love and Grace in the world, thus exhibiting spiritual gifts and producing the Fruit of the Spirit in the world (Galatians 5:22, 23).   Faithfulness to Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord is living the Gospel Mandate, Jesus’ Manifesto on Agape Love and Grace for how we live in this part of God’s Kingdom, here and now. Faithfulness to Jesus as Savior, Redeemer, Lord and fulfiller of Law and Prophets, our authority and the deliverer of God’s Will in the Good News, the New Covenant of Grace is lived by obeying Jesus’ Agape Love Command, in living what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us.

Self-righteousness is not righteousness.  (Romans 5:6-11; Ephesians 2:1-10)  Salvation is not based on merit, as those who represent Empire (then, the Holy Roman Empire, in Jesus’ day the Roman Empire) live and promote.  Salvation is not earned.  It is given freely, which is by Grace through Faith.  Faithfulness to living what Jesus commanded and salvation by Grace being established, therefore personal salvation is not the motive of followers of Jesus.  Our motive is living what God wants us to live and letting God save, thus trusting in God’s Mercy and Grace out of faith in God.  For personal salvation as a motive is the work of Empire, setting some as better than others, which is not true in the Kingdom in which we are all “beggars at the foot of the throne of Grace.”  Piety, purity and holiness is of God and only given by God, so it is not about us “becoming” more pious, pure or holy but rather us becoming more faithful to the following of God’s Kingdom Values as we have been given them in Jesus’ teachings, commands and examples.  Worship, praise and tithes are not necessarily works toward salvation, as is taught by Jesus (Mark 7:1-8). Faith Litmus tests of spiritual gifts mean nothing, as is witnessed in the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 7:21-23). The highest spiritual gift is telling the truth of God, according to Paul (I Corinthians 14:1-5), but even that is subordinate to living the Agape Love commanded by Jesus (I Corinthians 13).  In short, we are to rely on the Grace and Agape of God, and live Agape and Grace in the world around us.  That is righteousness in Christ Jesus.  That is faithfulness to Christ Jesus.

The church has been corrupted by the lust for power, greed and desire for prestige, position and status which are Empire values, rather than the Agape Love and Grace which are Kingdom of God Values.  Then it was the Holy Roman Empire under Leo X.  In the time of Jesus and the writing of the Gospels it was the Roman Empire.  The value of hubris in the Empire overshadowed the humility taught and modeled by Jesus in the Kingdom.  It led to false teachings around wealth, prestige and power, even to the exploitation of the people under Rome and then to the selling of indulgences for salvation under Leo X, and now to the false teachings of Church Growth, Prosperity Theology and the emphasis on Personal Salvation.  It led to a view that church was an institution to be served, rather than a movement of followers of Jesus, both then and now.  Worship, Praise, Prayer and Tithes as God’s only expectation of us not faithful to the Gospel.  Strict adherence to the Law of Moses (selectively in almost every case) lead to hypocrisy and not faithfulness as was shown then and has been seen now.  It leads to corrupt misuse of power by the church and by individual Christians.  The Church/Church bodies are commanded by Jesus to stand with the poor, marginalized and most vulnerable in the world.  Followers of Jesus are commanded not to judge others, not to refuse to help, not to abandon the most vulnerable and not to reject the stranger in the land, neither by ethnicity, faith practice, sexual orientation or any other difference. Bishops, Clergy and Lay Leaders must stop abusing their power, influence and position for promoting their own gain, promulgating their own prejudices and preserving their narcissistic focus on self, and must serve God by serving those who God loves in Agape Love and Grace.  They must stand with (advocate) the poor, marginalized and most vulnerable who Jesus loves and lead others to do so, and stand against those in politics, business, society who would hurt them and lead others to do so, if they are to be faithful to Savior and Lord.  There can no longer by lip service to Jesus’ name and duplicitous devotion to Mammon (wealth), Mars (power) and Narcissus (self-indulgence).

The Church of Jesus is called and commanded to address the world with the Gospel of Jesus, not reflect worldly empire within the church.  We are called to preach and teach the Agape and Grace Jesus taught, commanded and modeled and lead people to the transformative experience of living it.  We are called to boldly and directly address those economic, political and social expressions of greed, lust for power and prestige that are represented in Empire.  We are commanded to address hatred for those not like us by embracing them with the love of Christ.  Service and mercy are what are called for in the Gospel of Jesus in love.  Judgment, rejection, exploitation and refusing to forgive are antithetical to the Good News of Jesus, of Agape Love and Grace.

American Civil Religion is anti-Christ.  Just as Roman Empire and Holy Roman Empire held an arrogant sense of “superiority”, exceptionalism and manifest destiny which opposed the teachings and commands of Jesus, so do many who profess to be “Christian” in America.  Their twisted belief “justifies” their lust for power and control, “justifies” their selfishness and greed for more and “justifies” being Empire in the world.  None of this justifies them according to the Kingdom Values of Jesus in the Gospels.  Jesus taught that “the first shall be last and the last shall be first.”  Jesus taught humility in service and mercy toward all.  Jesus taught generosity of spirit and with one’s time, ability, possessions and advocacy.  God is the God of all nations, not just Rome or Holy Roman Empire or America.  Empire is not of the Kingdom nor an expression of it, but rather antithetical to its values.  Clergy and church who promote the ignorance and acceptance of hatred because it benefits them do not walk with God in Christ Jesus because it hurts those who Jesus loves.  Those who claim the name of Jesus but live for and out of status, wealth, prestige and position, power do not walk with Christ Jesus because it makes them believe they can exploit those who Jesus loves for their own gain.  Political Ideologies, social philosophies and economic systems that marginalize, victimize and exploit others are not of Christ.  Politicians, clergy, churches, societies and nations that do so are not faithful to God.

If salvation is by Grace, then the judgment of others is a tool of evil.  Grace and Agape Love deny any validity in the judgment of other faiths, sexual orientation, for any other reason by definition.  If Jesus said nothing about something, as we have that witnessed in the Gospels, how important can it be?  If the First Century believers received those who were ethnically, religiously and sexually different and therefore excluded by the Law of Moses from being received into the Body of Christ (Acts 8:26-40), shouldn’t we do the same?   While addressing pederasty, Paul addressed the Roman status symbol of buying children for sex by straight, married men of means.  That practice is unacceptable to God – using or exploiting others for one’s own pleasure is not acceptable to God.  It is not from love, but from a sick desire for power and control over others, and status.  Even IF, we erroneously took it to be a statement about homosexually in general or specifically, we must acknowledge that Paul equated using others for sex with the passions that everyone has, and commanded followers of Jesus, “therefore DO NOT JUDGE.” (Romans 1:18-2:11)  That was the central teaching in the passage to those in Rome.  Twisting the Word in order to justify our prejudices, in order to manipulate others to side with us or to believe that we are spiritually superior, or in order to justify our exploitation of or discrimination against others is not faithfulness to Christ Jesus.  Using selective passages of scripture to judge others harshly and falsely justify oneself is not a faithful use of scripture.  Using them to obfuscate one’s own sins of greed, lust for power and desire for prestige/position/status, things of which Jesus did say a great deal, according to the Gospel witness, is unconscionable and immoral.  The church body, leader or member who judges goes against Christ Jesus.

The Gospel of Jesus is transformative if we live the Agape and Grace at the center of it.  It is transformative for individuals, communities, congregations, church bodies and society if we do what Jesus commanded in His first recorded imperative in the first chapter of the first Gospel written – “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, REPENT (metanoia – change your thinking so that your words/actions/direction will change), and BELIEVE IN THE GOOD NEWS.”  (Mark 1:15)

In the name of our Lord Jesus, the Christ.  Amen                                                           October 1, 2017

Rev. Jamie Kaufman  M.Div.    

 

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as in heaven Matthew 21:33-46 for October 8

The context is hearing that the religious ones are not as faithful and are thus behind the tax collectors and prostitutes in the Kingdom of God.  The "sinners" did not collude with Rome - Empire, as did the Temple Cult leaders of Jesus' time.  They were victims of it.  They did not have any power or control, but were exploited by those who did in both state and religious bodies. 


Now, within that context Jesus tells of the vineyard.  This is God's Kingdom, here and now.  The work of the Holy Spirit is to produce fruit in this part of the Kingdom, changing hearts and minds to follow God's Will and live Kingdom Values, and thus transforming the world.


Those who were put in charge of the work of the Holy Spirit decided that it was their own vineyard and they had their own agenda.  God sent messengers, servants to account for the work in the vineyard.  They were not treated well, silenced in fact, even tortured and killed.  Then God sent the Son, and we know the rest of the story.


Not much has changed, really.


Those who lead the church have commandeered the church at least for their own purposes.  Like the time before the Reformation, it has been a Babylonian Captivity of the church.  Sharing their own American Civil Religion complete with false teachings around church growth, prosperity theology and emphasis on personal salvation, they have manipulated the people by twisting the Gospel message.  They have interjected their own political agendas.  They have focused on things that would keep them in power, help them gain more wealth and enjoy greater prestige, position and status in the world. 


Luther, through his 95 Theses for debate, and others tried to correct the direction of the vessel, but the corruption was so well-engrained that reform was impossible.  Even as folk split from the corrupt body, still in time the same corruptions, as old as Jesus' temptations, crept in again along with other, newer and slicker forms of deception and duplicity in devotion to God.  Now we stand in need of reform again, at least in the American church.


Jesus foretold His own death at the hands of people who, hearing the truth would kill to preserve their own corrupted teachings and beliefs.  Jesus warned that the Kingdom of God would be taken away from those who have so dishonored God, and would be given to those who produce the fruits of the Kingdom - of His Gospel of Agape Love and Grace.


Just as a refresher for those of you who really want to know what the fruit of the Spirit is for folk who obey Jesus' command to live Agape Love -  (from Galatians 5:22,23)


LOVE - that is Agape - active commitment on behalf of the other, even stranger and enemy and especially the most vulnerable


JOY - living joyfully, without guile or malice, and not living fearfully or warily in the world around us, which produces Shalom - well-being, completeness and wholeness in the world around us


PEACE - the above mentioned shalom, which starts from within and puts well-being in the world because we live the "things that make for peace" - love, kindness, justice, equity with ALL around us


PATIENCE - working with those who are striving, even when they fail, and assuming the best rather than the worst in folk around us, giving people the benefit of the doubt and not judgment, in humility showing the kind of love for others that Jesus shows with us


KINDNESS - simply being kind to folk that we encounter, not because we feel like it, but because perhaps they NEED it, and especially with those who are struggling, those who exhibit signs of not receiving much kindness and those who seem not to know what kindness is


GENEROSITY - the opposite of greed - not looking only to our own interests, but to the interests of others (Phil. 2:1-11)... not withholding in abundance, but sharing with others who have less or next to nothing, and not just material things, but generous in advocacy, in sharing of time and abilities, and generous with our hearts- not because they deserve it, but because they NEED it... realizing that their well-being is tied to our own


FAITHFULNESS - following Jesus and His teachings, commands and examples in the Gospels of Agape Love and Grace, even in a self-sacrificing way for the sake of others who God loves


GENTLENESS - not being harsh with words or actions, but gentle with others in humility, knowing that this makes a better world and brings joy instead of despair and peace instead of conflict


SELF-CONTROL - not power over others, but over ourselves... considering our words and actions before executing them to maximize the above fruit of the spirit in the world around us... ignoring status that comes from influence over others and the prestige and position it may give, but considering the well-being of all around us and operating out of considered thought, rather than impulsive feelings or "self-ishness"


When we submit ourselves to Jesus' Good News of Agape Love and Grace as God's Will and strive to live what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us, then we will exhibit this fruit of the Spirit in the world around us.  That is our mission as people of Jesus - to transform the world in Jesus' love.


When the church submits to this as the mission, as did the First Century believers (see Acts), then any pursuit of prestige and status, power and wealth will subside and the Holy Spirit will transform the world around us in Jesus' love.


When individuals submit to Jesus and follow Jesus, then their lives will be lives of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control and that is exactly what they will put out in the world around them, being transformed and being agents of transformation in the world. 


Until then... we still must suffer the consequences of Empire (the antithesis of Kingdom of God) as the victims who are most exploited by its greed, lust for power and desire for prestige/position/status, and when Jesus comes again, those who have represented, participated in, benefitted from, promoted and promulgated Empire (and therefore not the Kingdom of God, for one cannot serve two masters) will have their own suffering to face.  That is, if you believe Jesus.


Pastor Jamie