Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 is the lectionary text for July 5.
In Jesus' time, the people were so corrupted and disinformed about what God wanted at the hands of a corrupt church leadership and because of living within empire values for so long, that they would not be satisfied with anything other than exactly what they wanted, instead of what God wanted.
We are in such an age.
Jesus came to teach, command and model God's will that we live the values of the Kingdom of God with one another, centered on Agape and Grace. The people wanted what they wanted, and believed that their allegiance to empire would allow them to rise within the system to get (at least some of) it.
After a couple generations of Roman rule and Temple leader corruption, it was all they believed they could hope for in this world.
So, like disillusioned, spoiled and self-centered children, they would not be satisfied with what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled as a better way. They tried to control God, but they could not, so they lashed out. They were oppositional with all who God sent, and to the living of Agape and Grace in the world. It would not serve their selfish desires. Whatever the messengers of God did, they would reject it for trumped up "reasons." It did not stop Jesus. Jesus continued with the consistent message that Agape and Grace are a better way than empire's greed, lust for power and desire for personal status. The more resistance they gave to Jesus, the more persistent and consistent the message of Agape and Grace. Though their "god was the belly," and while claiming to be faithful to God, but "having itching ears" to hear what they wanted to hear, Jesus persisted with the truth of the Kingdom of God, that God wants God's people to live Agape Love and Grace in this part of God's Kingdom, here and now. And the followers of Jesus persisted, and they were ignored, harassed, imprisoned and killed. They persisted, and some came to see the true wisdom of Jesus' Way and lived it. Empire lived on and false teachers and prophets continued to lead the blind away from God, but because of the faithful, so did a different way, God's Way in Jesus.
What a clear description of OUR age and our circumstance in the church, in government, in economics and in society today.
Jesus' prayer acknowledges the blindness of many who thought they knew how to give lip service to God while giving their devotion to empire. Jesus gave thanks for those who trusted Him and followed His Way of Agape and Grace, which is God's Way. The Gospel of Matthew very bluntly points out in this prayer that what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled came directly from God. It is very clear here, that to know Jesus is to know God and to follow Jesus is to be faithful to God.
So, Jesus in Matthew ends this with a call to the pure in heart who would follow Him in the living of Agape and Grace. Jesus acknowledges that living under empire is a burden that will wear you out, make you weary. Jesus calls them/us to bear a different burden - HIS burden. We are called to pick up our Cross, a different Yoke, learn Agape and Grace and the living of it from Him and give our souls a rest from the barrage of attacks on them in the living of empire values. It is the yoke and burden of living Agape and Grace in a world that has no value for them, but it is easy and light for the soul that would otherwise rot and die in its devotion to empire.
Jesus' Way is God's Way. Jesus' Way is not what the false teachers and prophets have twisted it to be in the hearts and minds of so many. It is not the way of empire values. It is the way of Agape (committed action on behalf of the other, even stranger and enemy and especially the most vulnerable) and Grace (undeserved loving mercy given freely to all). It is a better way for EVERYONE in the world. Indeed, it is the only sustainable way FOR the world, as we have seen.
So, we will either act like disillusioned, disinformed and spoiled children who want what we want, or we will follow Jesus in the living of Agape Love and Grace, and be faithful to God.
The question is, will this generation be different from past generations in faithfulness to God?
Will we finally find rest for our souls?
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Sunday, June 21, 2020
whoever...
Matthew 10:40-42 is the lectionary text for Sunday, June 28.
Faithfulness is about the living of Agape and Grace in the world, according to Jesus.
ANYONE who lives Agape and Grace in the world is faithful to God.
The divisions of denomination and even faith practice do not matter.
Find a faith that most touches you as you are and that you most identify with because of who you are.
What matters is...
Are you actively committed to others and their well-being? Even stranger or enemy?
Are you kind and generous with others, even strangers and enemies?
Are you merciful with others, even strangers and enemies?
Are you working on behalf of those who are marginalized, downtrodden, disenfranchised and
because of that very vulnerable?
Do you refuse to judge others not like you?
Do you forgive readily? Do you ask for forgiveness when you have hurt someone?
Do you value the truth and speak the truth in love?
Do you resist the powers and principalities that create hatred and create divisions because they value
greed, power over others and status above others?
Do you speak truth to those in power and with wealth?
Do you advocate for the most vulnerable among us in words and actions, standing with them and
lending your voice and power to help them?
Do you stand up to and oppose those who abuse their power for their own gain at the expense of
others?
If you are living this, then you are following what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us and you are faithful to God, WHOEVER you are.
If you claim the name of Jesus and do not live this, then you are at best duplicitous and are not faithful to God, at least according to Jesus, whoever you are.
The reward that you will not lose for following Jesus?
Clear hearts and minds which are full of good will for children of God.
Better, stronger and more genuine relationships with others based on love.
Contentment in knowing that you are doing the right things for the right reasons.
Being right with God and the peace of mind and heart that comes from that.
Forget heaven for now. That is a GIVEN. Just be satisfied with these rewards and, finally -
SEEING PEOPLE AROUND YOU HAVE ENOUGH AND THEREFORE HAVE SHALOM.
Remember-
What you put out in the world around you creates the world in which YOU must live.
Whoever you are...
Pastor Jamie
Faithfulness is about the living of Agape and Grace in the world, according to Jesus.
ANYONE who lives Agape and Grace in the world is faithful to God.
The divisions of denomination and even faith practice do not matter.
Find a faith that most touches you as you are and that you most identify with because of who you are.
What matters is...
Are you actively committed to others and their well-being? Even stranger or enemy?
Are you kind and generous with others, even strangers and enemies?
Are you merciful with others, even strangers and enemies?
Are you working on behalf of those who are marginalized, downtrodden, disenfranchised and
because of that very vulnerable?
Do you refuse to judge others not like you?
Do you forgive readily? Do you ask for forgiveness when you have hurt someone?
Do you value the truth and speak the truth in love?
Do you resist the powers and principalities that create hatred and create divisions because they value
greed, power over others and status above others?
Do you speak truth to those in power and with wealth?
Do you advocate for the most vulnerable among us in words and actions, standing with them and
lending your voice and power to help them?
Do you stand up to and oppose those who abuse their power for their own gain at the expense of
others?
If you are living this, then you are following what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us and you are faithful to God, WHOEVER you are.
If you claim the name of Jesus and do not live this, then you are at best duplicitous and are not faithful to God, at least according to Jesus, whoever you are.
The reward that you will not lose for following Jesus?
Clear hearts and minds which are full of good will for children of God.
Better, stronger and more genuine relationships with others based on love.
Contentment in knowing that you are doing the right things for the right reasons.
Being right with God and the peace of mind and heart that comes from that.
Forget heaven for now. That is a GIVEN. Just be satisfied with these rewards and, finally -
SEEING PEOPLE AROUND YOU HAVE ENOUGH AND THEREFORE HAVE SHALOM.
Remember-
What you put out in the world around you creates the world in which YOU must live.
Whoever you are...
Pastor Jamie
Monday, June 15, 2020
Divisive
Matthew 10:24-39 is the lectionary text for June 21.
Jesus was sending them out with strong words.
He admonished them to remain obedient, to face the risks and not waiver, but to imitate Him while
remaining faithful to Him and the Gospel message.
The Gospel of Jesus is divisive.
It requires one to choose a side.
As Pastor Schein used to say, "You put down your money, you take your choice and then you live with it."
Why is it divisive, this Good News of Agape Love and Grace?
Because it is easy to understand, but hard to live.
Because people have "itching ears" to hear what they want.
Because people will "blow with every wind of doctrine" that suits their desires.
In Jesus' time, it was because of the corruption of the Temple Cult leaders.
NOTE: Not all Jewish leaders have been or are corrupt - in THAT time and place, under Rome, they were.
They were particularly corrupt and served as false teachers to support their collusion with Empire.
They took on the empire values of Greed, lust for Power and desire for Status.
Jesus regularly confronted and challenged them, in the Synoptic Gospels especially.
In Luther's time, it was Leo X, the Pope.
NOTE: Not all Popes have been or are corrupt - in THAT time and place, under Holy Roman Empire, they were.
That one and those who supported him were particularly corrupt and served as false teachers to support their own values of Greed, lust for Power and desire for Status.
Luther regularly confronted and challenged them, among others, which was Reformation.
In our time, it is the false teachers of Prosperity, Church Growth, Personal Salvation, Purity and Holiness and White Supremacy.
They are particularly corrupt, these false teachers of Greed, Hatred, lust for Power and desire for Status, the same empire values, since 1981 (and elements before) in THIS EMPIRE, that have corrupted, divided and destroyed communities and individuals within them for centuries before.
Some confront these theologies and the purveyors of them, but many folk have itching ears and blow with every wind of doctrine that sounds good - that promises to give them what they want.
It is a choice - to follow one "Jesus" or the other Jesus.
It is a choice - to give our devotion to the Jesus of the Good News, or give lip service to that Jesus and follow the Jesus created in our own image, the one that pleases us.
It is a choice - to learn from what the (Synoptic) Gospels witness as Jesus' teachings, commands and examples of how to live as children of God in Agape and Grace, or to listen to the voices of those who have created a judging, even bigoted, star spangled banner, capitalistic "Jesus" who is only on their side.
Jesus acknowledged the division, according to Matthew's Gospel.
We will either follow Jesus or not.
We will either live Kingdom values or empire values.
We will choose what others choose, even those close to us, or we will choose Jesus' Way.
We cannot serve two masters.
There is no having it both ways.
Jesus in Matthew says to be WORTHY, we must TAKE UP THE CROSS and FOLLOW HIM.
The Gospel is not divisive.
The duplicitous, self-serving and corrupt false teachers have created the division.
The Good News of Jesus unifies those who strive in faithfulness to live Agape and Grace.
The Good News of Jesus lifts up, builds up and sustains Shalom for all people.
The Bad News of empire's false teachings and values divides, demoralizes and destroys lives.
We must choose.
You must choose.
And here's the thing -
When facing the decision and the consequences of that decision as followers of Jesus, keep in mind-
"Those who find life (a life of empire values) will lose it (a life with God), and those who lose their life (built on empire values) for Jesus' sake (and the sake of Jesus' Good News) will find it (life with God)."
So, put down your money, take your choice and live with it.
Choose wisely.
Pastor Jamie
Jesus was sending them out with strong words.
He admonished them to remain obedient, to face the risks and not waiver, but to imitate Him while
remaining faithful to Him and the Gospel message.
The Gospel of Jesus is divisive.
It requires one to choose a side.
As Pastor Schein used to say, "You put down your money, you take your choice and then you live with it."
Why is it divisive, this Good News of Agape Love and Grace?
Because it is easy to understand, but hard to live.
Because people have "itching ears" to hear what they want.
Because people will "blow with every wind of doctrine" that suits their desires.
In Jesus' time, it was because of the corruption of the Temple Cult leaders.
NOTE: Not all Jewish leaders have been or are corrupt - in THAT time and place, under Rome, they were.
They were particularly corrupt and served as false teachers to support their collusion with Empire.
They took on the empire values of Greed, lust for Power and desire for Status.
Jesus regularly confronted and challenged them, in the Synoptic Gospels especially.
In Luther's time, it was Leo X, the Pope.
NOTE: Not all Popes have been or are corrupt - in THAT time and place, under Holy Roman Empire, they were.
That one and those who supported him were particularly corrupt and served as false teachers to support their own values of Greed, lust for Power and desire for Status.
Luther regularly confronted and challenged them, among others, which was Reformation.
In our time, it is the false teachers of Prosperity, Church Growth, Personal Salvation, Purity and Holiness and White Supremacy.
They are particularly corrupt, these false teachers of Greed, Hatred, lust for Power and desire for Status, the same empire values, since 1981 (and elements before) in THIS EMPIRE, that have corrupted, divided and destroyed communities and individuals within them for centuries before.
Some confront these theologies and the purveyors of them, but many folk have itching ears and blow with every wind of doctrine that sounds good - that promises to give them what they want.
It is a choice - to follow one "Jesus" or the other Jesus.
It is a choice - to give our devotion to the Jesus of the Good News, or give lip service to that Jesus and follow the Jesus created in our own image, the one that pleases us.
It is a choice - to learn from what the (Synoptic) Gospels witness as Jesus' teachings, commands and examples of how to live as children of God in Agape and Grace, or to listen to the voices of those who have created a judging, even bigoted, star spangled banner, capitalistic "Jesus" who is only on their side.
Jesus acknowledged the division, according to Matthew's Gospel.
We will either follow Jesus or not.
We will either live Kingdom values or empire values.
We will choose what others choose, even those close to us, or we will choose Jesus' Way.
We cannot serve two masters.
There is no having it both ways.
Jesus in Matthew says to be WORTHY, we must TAKE UP THE CROSS and FOLLOW HIM.
The Gospel is not divisive.
The duplicitous, self-serving and corrupt false teachers have created the division.
The Good News of Jesus unifies those who strive in faithfulness to live Agape and Grace.
The Good News of Jesus lifts up, builds up and sustains Shalom for all people.
The Bad News of empire's false teachings and values divides, demoralizes and destroys lives.
We must choose.
You must choose.
And here's the thing -
When facing the decision and the consequences of that decision as followers of Jesus, keep in mind-
"Those who find life (a life of empire values) will lose it (a life with God), and those who lose their life (built on empire values) for Jesus' sake (and the sake of Jesus' Good News) will find it (life with God)."
So, put down your money, take your choice and live with it.
Choose wisely.
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, June 7, 2020
... and then there's Jesus
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 is the lectionary Gospel text for next Sunday.
Jesus hung with, ate with, associated with those not approved by the religious leaders of His day.
They were heaped in empire values and viewed themselves "above" others.
They believed that they had reached a certain status in society, and they abused their power to
hold down, back and out others of whom they did not approve.
They thought themselves more pure and holy than others, and therefore more worthy.
They believed in self-righteousness and merit as a part of their embedded theology.
Jesus set them straight.
Mercy. God wants mercy, not judgment or punitive treatment.
We are all sinful. We all need Grace. We are called to be loving and gracious regardless of merit.
We cannot earn our salvation.
Those who believe otherwise have their own sins with which to deal.
And then, Jesus acted.
Jesus showed mercy to the daughter of a synagogue leader.
Jesus showed mercy to an "unclean" woman.
Jesus showed mercy.
If your belief is that some are better than others in this world, and especially in God's eyes, your embedded beliefs are leading you astray.
If you believe that we can earn our salvation through purity and holiness, tithes and worship and praise, your embedded theology is failing you.
If you believe that this faith is all about you and Jesus, and your personal salvation, your embedded theology has failed you.
If you believe that part of faith is being blessed and highly favored above others, or that you are necessarily to prosper by worshiping, praying, tithing, praising Jesus, you have been the victim of false teachers.
Jesus taught, commanded and modeled the active living of Agape Love - active commitment/committed action on behalf of the other, even stranger and enemy and especially the most vulnerable.
Jesus exhibited Grace - undeserved loving mercy, given freely.
Jesus commanded us not to judge others.
Jesus commanded us to forgive.
Jesus commanded us to care for the most vulnerable, strangers and even enemies.
Jesus advocated on behalf of women, foreigners, people of other faiths and even occupiers.
Jesus said His followers are the ones who deny self, take up the Cross and follow Him.
Jesus set folk straight on their false and embedded beliefs.
If your faith allows you to be only concerned with yourself and those connected to or like you,
if it allows you to hate others not like you, if it allows you to get as much as you can for yourself at the expense or to the exclusion of others around you, if it allows you to abuse your power over others to exploit or hurt them and if it allows you to desire or strive for status/position/superiority over others, it is not of Jesus. I assure you. There are many false prophets and teachers who will tell you what you want to hear, and having "itching ears" to hear what you want, you may be tempted to follow their teachings. If you are being taught in ways that lead you to give your devotion to yourself above others, it is not of Jesus. Don't listen to them. For your sake, the sake of your soul, the sake of others and the soul of our nation and the world, do not listen to them.
Look to Jesus. Read what Jesus is witnessed as saying in the Gospels.
Live Agape Love and Grace, be merciful with others.
That is what God wants.
Pastor Jamie
Jesus hung with, ate with, associated with those not approved by the religious leaders of His day.
They were heaped in empire values and viewed themselves "above" others.
They believed that they had reached a certain status in society, and they abused their power to
hold down, back and out others of whom they did not approve.
They thought themselves more pure and holy than others, and therefore more worthy.
They believed in self-righteousness and merit as a part of their embedded theology.
Jesus set them straight.
Mercy. God wants mercy, not judgment or punitive treatment.
We are all sinful. We all need Grace. We are called to be loving and gracious regardless of merit.
We cannot earn our salvation.
Those who believe otherwise have their own sins with which to deal.
And then, Jesus acted.
Jesus showed mercy to the daughter of a synagogue leader.
Jesus showed mercy to an "unclean" woman.
Jesus showed mercy.
If your belief is that some are better than others in this world, and especially in God's eyes, your embedded beliefs are leading you astray.
If you believe that we can earn our salvation through purity and holiness, tithes and worship and praise, your embedded theology is failing you.
If you believe that this faith is all about you and Jesus, and your personal salvation, your embedded theology has failed you.
If you believe that part of faith is being blessed and highly favored above others, or that you are necessarily to prosper by worshiping, praying, tithing, praising Jesus, you have been the victim of false teachers.
Jesus taught, commanded and modeled the active living of Agape Love - active commitment/committed action on behalf of the other, even stranger and enemy and especially the most vulnerable.
Jesus exhibited Grace - undeserved loving mercy, given freely.
Jesus commanded us not to judge others.
Jesus commanded us to forgive.
Jesus commanded us to care for the most vulnerable, strangers and even enemies.
Jesus advocated on behalf of women, foreigners, people of other faiths and even occupiers.
Jesus said His followers are the ones who deny self, take up the Cross and follow Him.
Jesus set folk straight on their false and embedded beliefs.
If your faith allows you to be only concerned with yourself and those connected to or like you,
if it allows you to hate others not like you, if it allows you to get as much as you can for yourself at the expense or to the exclusion of others around you, if it allows you to abuse your power over others to exploit or hurt them and if it allows you to desire or strive for status/position/superiority over others, it is not of Jesus. I assure you. There are many false prophets and teachers who will tell you what you want to hear, and having "itching ears" to hear what you want, you may be tempted to follow their teachings. If you are being taught in ways that lead you to give your devotion to yourself above others, it is not of Jesus. Don't listen to them. For your sake, the sake of your soul, the sake of others and the soul of our nation and the world, do not listen to them.
Look to Jesus. Read what Jesus is witnessed as saying in the Gospels.
Live Agape Love and Grace, be merciful with others.
That is what God wants.
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Making Disciples
Matthew 28:16-20 is the lectionary text for Sunday, June 7
Please note that Jesus' final command is not, "Go and Save people by getting them to accept me as their personal Lord and Savior." That was not Jesus. No. We leave salvation to the Holy Spirit. God works salvation in us.
First, Jesus proclaimed, as we have witness in Matthew's Gospel, that He had ALL AUTHORITY in the Kingdom of God - both, the heavenly part of the Kingdom AND the earthly part. Jesus is THE authority for any who would like to be right with God, who follow in Jesus' Way to walk with God.
Jesus is Lord of our lives and not just Savior. If we would be right with God, who claim the name of Jesus, we must follow Jesus - go where Jesus went, live what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us, as we have witness in the Gospels and especially Jesus' Great Commandment that we live Agape Love and Grace with Neighbor as Self, as an expression of our complete Agape Love of God with whole hearts, minds, souls and strengths.
Then Jesus commanded that we GO. It is a command. It is movement. It is putting the Good News of Agape Love and Grace out there in the world around us, in the public sector. It is not here about preaching on corners, but living Agape Love and Grace in the world around us so that others will see the witness of Jesus in us. It is taking the teachings, commands and examples of Jesus and applying them to every aspect of life - familial, social, political, economic and ecclesiastical. It is putting something different in the world from the values of empire in greed, lust for power and desire for status. It is different from what the world gives, and thus people will take notice of it, be moved by it and be drawn to Jesus through it.
Jesus commanded that we MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS. Because of our witness of love, people will be drawn to the difference that Jesus' Way makes. It will make folk want to come and be a part of it. So, we need to make them student followers of Jesus and Jesus' Way. All people, regardless of nationality, country of origin, ethnicity, race, culture, class, sexual orientation, ability or age are to become student followers of Jesus' Way of Agape Love and Grace because they have seen our witness of how it works in the world. We are not supposed to spread intolerance, exclusivity, devotion to money, abuses of power or value for position in the name of Jesus. We are to spread Agape Love and Grace, and then to make followers of Jesus' Way of those who respond positively to it.
And when they come, Jesus commands us to BAPTIZE THEM. Like the Ethiopian Eunuch who was baptized by Philip in the desert, so no matter what differences a person may have, even if they have been traditionally excluded by the Law of Moses because of their sexual orientation, they are to be INCLUDED in the Community of Agape Love and Grace. We are to acknowledge that they are sisters and brothers and a part of the body of Christ of which we are a part. Like the Hellenists included in the leadership, they are to be respected, valued, honored and included in ministry. They are to flavor the Shalom Community and its work with their presence, needs and gifts.
Jesus commanded us to teach them to OBEY everything that HE commanded. Jesus, fulfiller of Law and Prophets, with ALL authority in heaven and on earth, commands us to live what HE commanded, as we have witness in the Gospels. Jesus' imperatives are our imperatives. Chiefly, Jesus' central command is to live Agape Love and Grace in the world around us. For some, Jesus is prophet. For some, Jesus is the Great Prophet. For us, Jesus is Messiah and LORD. Jesus has authority in our lives and how we live them. Jesus is THE authority for us. In teaching those who come to live everything that Jesus commanded, we must be living it ourselves.
This is the Great Commission. We are called and commanded to THIS as OUR MISSION, the MISSION of Jesus and Jesus' Way. Leave salvation to the Holy Spirit. Leave hatred, greed, lust for power and desire for status to the promotors of empire. This is the Kingdom of God, and for those who would be right with God, this is our mission in the world around us. It really is that simple.
And remember, says Jesus, "I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE END OF THE AGE."
This, I believe is both Comfort and Accountability for us. The Holy Spirit, we know is with us always, relentlessly pointing us to Christ Jesus. Jesus is with us, the Judge of the living and the dead, the one with all authority in heaven and earth. Our Lord is with us. If you claim the name of Jesus, that must give you pause. It does me.
Pastor Jamie
Please note that Jesus' final command is not, "Go and Save people by getting them to accept me as their personal Lord and Savior." That was not Jesus. No. We leave salvation to the Holy Spirit. God works salvation in us.
First, Jesus proclaimed, as we have witness in Matthew's Gospel, that He had ALL AUTHORITY in the Kingdom of God - both, the heavenly part of the Kingdom AND the earthly part. Jesus is THE authority for any who would like to be right with God, who follow in Jesus' Way to walk with God.
Jesus is Lord of our lives and not just Savior. If we would be right with God, who claim the name of Jesus, we must follow Jesus - go where Jesus went, live what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us, as we have witness in the Gospels and especially Jesus' Great Commandment that we live Agape Love and Grace with Neighbor as Self, as an expression of our complete Agape Love of God with whole hearts, minds, souls and strengths.
Then Jesus commanded that we GO. It is a command. It is movement. It is putting the Good News of Agape Love and Grace out there in the world around us, in the public sector. It is not here about preaching on corners, but living Agape Love and Grace in the world around us so that others will see the witness of Jesus in us. It is taking the teachings, commands and examples of Jesus and applying them to every aspect of life - familial, social, political, economic and ecclesiastical. It is putting something different in the world from the values of empire in greed, lust for power and desire for status. It is different from what the world gives, and thus people will take notice of it, be moved by it and be drawn to Jesus through it.
Jesus commanded that we MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS. Because of our witness of love, people will be drawn to the difference that Jesus' Way makes. It will make folk want to come and be a part of it. So, we need to make them student followers of Jesus and Jesus' Way. All people, regardless of nationality, country of origin, ethnicity, race, culture, class, sexual orientation, ability or age are to become student followers of Jesus' Way of Agape Love and Grace because they have seen our witness of how it works in the world. We are not supposed to spread intolerance, exclusivity, devotion to money, abuses of power or value for position in the name of Jesus. We are to spread Agape Love and Grace, and then to make followers of Jesus' Way of those who respond positively to it.
And when they come, Jesus commands us to BAPTIZE THEM. Like the Ethiopian Eunuch who was baptized by Philip in the desert, so no matter what differences a person may have, even if they have been traditionally excluded by the Law of Moses because of their sexual orientation, they are to be INCLUDED in the Community of Agape Love and Grace. We are to acknowledge that they are sisters and brothers and a part of the body of Christ of which we are a part. Like the Hellenists included in the leadership, they are to be respected, valued, honored and included in ministry. They are to flavor the Shalom Community and its work with their presence, needs and gifts.
Jesus commanded us to teach them to OBEY everything that HE commanded. Jesus, fulfiller of Law and Prophets, with ALL authority in heaven and on earth, commands us to live what HE commanded, as we have witness in the Gospels. Jesus' imperatives are our imperatives. Chiefly, Jesus' central command is to live Agape Love and Grace in the world around us. For some, Jesus is prophet. For some, Jesus is the Great Prophet. For us, Jesus is Messiah and LORD. Jesus has authority in our lives and how we live them. Jesus is THE authority for us. In teaching those who come to live everything that Jesus commanded, we must be living it ourselves.
This is the Great Commission. We are called and commanded to THIS as OUR MISSION, the MISSION of Jesus and Jesus' Way. Leave salvation to the Holy Spirit. Leave hatred, greed, lust for power and desire for status to the promotors of empire. This is the Kingdom of God, and for those who would be right with God, this is our mission in the world around us. It really is that simple.
And remember, says Jesus, "I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE END OF THE AGE."
This, I believe is both Comfort and Accountability for us. The Holy Spirit, we know is with us always, relentlessly pointing us to Christ Jesus. Jesus is with us, the Judge of the living and the dead, the one with all authority in heaven and earth. Our Lord is with us. If you claim the name of Jesus, that must give you pause. It does me.
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, May 24, 2020
Come, Holy Spirit
Joel 2:28-32, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21
Pentecost
The Holy Spirit of God shall flow from hearts like rivers of living waters.
The Word, etched in hearts (Jeremiah 31), will flow forth into the world.
I know a few things about the Holy Spirit of God.
The Holy Spirit UNITES us in Jesus. The Holy Spirit of God does not divide the body, but unites us in a common love for, devotion to and willingness to follow Jesus as Lord of our lives. Regardless of any differences among us, we are united in Agape Love in the following of Jesus' Way, and living the Grace that Jesus gave to us, with others.
The Holy Spirit GUIDES us to Jesus, points us to Jesus, drives us to Jesus. The Will of God is revealed in Law and Prophets and then in Christ Jesus and the Good News of Agape Love and Grace. The Holy Spirit acts through the Word and our hearts and minds, to deliver us to the place of Jesus and live in the Way of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit arrives after Jesus departs (in flesh) and INSPIRES us to follow Jesus and particularly what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us in Agape Love and Grace. It is the Will of God that we should follow Jesus by living what Jesus taught, commanded and showed us as faithfulness to God.
The Holy Spirit EMPOWERS us, beyond exhibiting spiritual gifts that are to glorify God and not edify ourselves. The Holy Spirit moves within us and stirs within our hearts and minds to find the courage and strength to live what Jesus commanded us to live in a world that lives by a different set of values.
The Holy Spirit SAVES. We need not work toward the salvation of others and should not revel in anything we have done or take credit for their salvation. If it has been done, it has been done by the Holy Spirit of God. Salvation is by Grace through Faith. Faith is a gift from God. That gift is nurtured and enlivened by the Holy Spirit of God. It's not our job. We either get with the program or stand in the way by our own attitudes, behaviors, misbeliefs and bad theologies/false teachings. It is all the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is RELENTLESS. The Holy Spirit never stops working on us to point us to and drive us to the Way of Jesus, to inspire us to live the Way of Jesus, to empower us to follow the Way of Jesus and live out our Salvation, given by the Grace of Jesus, in this part of God's Kingdom, here and now, in Agape Love and Grace. The messages come as still, small voices, unexpected encounters, lessons soft as a feather or like a two-by-four to the head and/or heart. The Holy Spirit never quits on us or on the world, and is always bringing us to Christ Jesus.
All that, and I know that when we are truly faithful to God, we exhibit the FRUIT of the SPIRIT:
Agape Love - active commitment on behalf of the other, stranger, enemy, most vulnerable
Joy- deep, abiding joy at finding contentment and serenity in our walk with God
Peace (Shalom, Eireinei for all)- completeness, wholeness, well-being and the peace they bring
Patience- forbearance with others who need mercy
Kindness- words and actions that lift up and do not tear down
Generosity- giving of our abundance toward all having enough
Faithfulness- living what Jesus, Savior and Lord, taught, commanded and modeled for us
Gentleness- kind treatment and mercy, beyond deserving or merit
Self- Control- not controlling others, but checking our own attitudes, beliefs, philosophies, ideologies, principles, words and actions to make them consistent of those with Jesus
If we are not putting those things out in the world around us as people who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior, then it is not the Holy Spirit of God who is inspiring, directing or empowering us, and it is not as "saved" people that we act. We must "discern the spirits."
When it comes to people who know and love Jesus and love neighbor, what Jesus said is true. "You will know them by their fruits." What spirit they are listening to will become very apparent by the fruits that they bear in the world around them. The same is true for you.
That the Holy Spirit has been relentless with me as an act of the Grace of God in Jesus, I also know.
Pastor Jamie
Pentecost
The Holy Spirit of God shall flow from hearts like rivers of living waters.
The Word, etched in hearts (Jeremiah 31), will flow forth into the world.
I know a few things about the Holy Spirit of God.
The Holy Spirit UNITES us in Jesus. The Holy Spirit of God does not divide the body, but unites us in a common love for, devotion to and willingness to follow Jesus as Lord of our lives. Regardless of any differences among us, we are united in Agape Love in the following of Jesus' Way, and living the Grace that Jesus gave to us, with others.
The Holy Spirit GUIDES us to Jesus, points us to Jesus, drives us to Jesus. The Will of God is revealed in Law and Prophets and then in Christ Jesus and the Good News of Agape Love and Grace. The Holy Spirit acts through the Word and our hearts and minds, to deliver us to the place of Jesus and live in the Way of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit arrives after Jesus departs (in flesh) and INSPIRES us to follow Jesus and particularly what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us in Agape Love and Grace. It is the Will of God that we should follow Jesus by living what Jesus taught, commanded and showed us as faithfulness to God.
The Holy Spirit EMPOWERS us, beyond exhibiting spiritual gifts that are to glorify God and not edify ourselves. The Holy Spirit moves within us and stirs within our hearts and minds to find the courage and strength to live what Jesus commanded us to live in a world that lives by a different set of values.
The Holy Spirit SAVES. We need not work toward the salvation of others and should not revel in anything we have done or take credit for their salvation. If it has been done, it has been done by the Holy Spirit of God. Salvation is by Grace through Faith. Faith is a gift from God. That gift is nurtured and enlivened by the Holy Spirit of God. It's not our job. We either get with the program or stand in the way by our own attitudes, behaviors, misbeliefs and bad theologies/false teachings. It is all the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is RELENTLESS. The Holy Spirit never stops working on us to point us to and drive us to the Way of Jesus, to inspire us to live the Way of Jesus, to empower us to follow the Way of Jesus and live out our Salvation, given by the Grace of Jesus, in this part of God's Kingdom, here and now, in Agape Love and Grace. The messages come as still, small voices, unexpected encounters, lessons soft as a feather or like a two-by-four to the head and/or heart. The Holy Spirit never quits on us or on the world, and is always bringing us to Christ Jesus.
All that, and I know that when we are truly faithful to God, we exhibit the FRUIT of the SPIRIT:
Agape Love - active commitment on behalf of the other, stranger, enemy, most vulnerable
Joy- deep, abiding joy at finding contentment and serenity in our walk with God
Peace (Shalom, Eireinei for all)- completeness, wholeness, well-being and the peace they bring
Patience- forbearance with others who need mercy
Kindness- words and actions that lift up and do not tear down
Generosity- giving of our abundance toward all having enough
Faithfulness- living what Jesus, Savior and Lord, taught, commanded and modeled for us
Gentleness- kind treatment and mercy, beyond deserving or merit
Self- Control- not controlling others, but checking our own attitudes, beliefs, philosophies, ideologies, principles, words and actions to make them consistent of those with Jesus
If we are not putting those things out in the world around us as people who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior, then it is not the Holy Spirit of God who is inspiring, directing or empowering us, and it is not as "saved" people that we act. We must "discern the spirits."
When it comes to people who know and love Jesus and love neighbor, what Jesus said is true. "You will know them by their fruits." What spirit they are listening to will become very apparent by the fruits that they bear in the world around them. The same is true for you.
That the Holy Spirit has been relentless with me as an act of the Grace of God in Jesus, I also know.
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, May 17, 2020
TO BE ONE
The lectionary lesion for next week is John 17:1-11, but I will address the whole passage through verse 26 in anticipation of next week's worship.
The High Priestly Prayer is in THREE parts.
The first is Jesus' prayer for Himself, in completion of His mission.
The second is Jesus' prayer for His disciples, victorious over sin because they are unified with one another and with God.
The third is Jesus' prayer for the church universal, that they may have unity in love.
Jesus is all about Unity in Agape Love.
The Kingdom of God is all about Unity in Agape Love.
The world is about division, inequities, conflict, ruthlessness, merit, person gain at the expense of others, exclusion, arrogant hubris, greed, hatred, power with which to exploit and abuse others, status for self above others and the sense of superiority that comes with it and opulence for some on the backs of those who struggle to survive. The world is built on empire values.
We are empire in the United States of America today.
Our actions reveal our values, which expose the truth of our devotion and loyalties, even for many in the church.
Jesus still prays for us, on our behalf, with the Father.
Our nation was built on the enslavement and genocide of whole cultures.
Our nation has exploited and manipulated the world for our own gains for generations.
Our nation has considered itself exceptional over others, and has even developed an American Civil Religion that claims the name of Jesus, but devotes itself to Wealth, Power and Status.
Our nation claims the name of Jesus, the Commander of Agape Love, but manufactures hatred among its own people so that those with wealth, power and status can keep it all at the expense of the rest.
Our nation has now abandoned its most vulnerable to give the elites more.
Our nation has walked away from allegiances formed for justice and Democracy, to pursue injustices and Fascist Oligarchy.
Our nation needs the High Priest to pray on our behalf.
We, disciples of Jesus and the church universal, need to repent - to change our thinking so that our direction will change.
We, disciples of Jesus and the church universal, need to live what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us to live - Agape Love and Grace, as Kingdom values.
That is our hope. It alone is faithfulness to God.
The summary of this passage and prayer, is that the world will have the love that God has shown within ourselves. That is Jesus' prayer for the world.
If we, disciples of Jesus and the church universal, would witness to that vision and live it, then the world would take note (especially because it is so distinct from the empire values we have seen normalized since 1981 in the church and society), and imitate that, even become a part of the body of Christ. It happened in the First Century, according to Acts.
One thing is certain - the path we are on is not a sustainable one for life on this planet.
Our hope, I believe our only hope, is that we will live the Agape Love and Grace that Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us to live, here and now, in THIS PART of the Kingdom.
THAT WE WOULD BE ONE, AS JESUS AND THE FATHER ARE ONE.
UNITY IN LOVE.
Pastor Jamie
The High Priestly Prayer is in THREE parts.
The first is Jesus' prayer for Himself, in completion of His mission.
The second is Jesus' prayer for His disciples, victorious over sin because they are unified with one another and with God.
The third is Jesus' prayer for the church universal, that they may have unity in love.
Jesus is all about Unity in Agape Love.
The Kingdom of God is all about Unity in Agape Love.
The world is about division, inequities, conflict, ruthlessness, merit, person gain at the expense of others, exclusion, arrogant hubris, greed, hatred, power with which to exploit and abuse others, status for self above others and the sense of superiority that comes with it and opulence for some on the backs of those who struggle to survive. The world is built on empire values.
We are empire in the United States of America today.
Our actions reveal our values, which expose the truth of our devotion and loyalties, even for many in the church.
Jesus still prays for us, on our behalf, with the Father.
Our nation was built on the enslavement and genocide of whole cultures.
Our nation has exploited and manipulated the world for our own gains for generations.
Our nation has considered itself exceptional over others, and has even developed an American Civil Religion that claims the name of Jesus, but devotes itself to Wealth, Power and Status.
Our nation claims the name of Jesus, the Commander of Agape Love, but manufactures hatred among its own people so that those with wealth, power and status can keep it all at the expense of the rest.
Our nation has now abandoned its most vulnerable to give the elites more.
Our nation has walked away from allegiances formed for justice and Democracy, to pursue injustices and Fascist Oligarchy.
Our nation needs the High Priest to pray on our behalf.
We, disciples of Jesus and the church universal, need to repent - to change our thinking so that our direction will change.
We, disciples of Jesus and the church universal, need to live what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us to live - Agape Love and Grace, as Kingdom values.
That is our hope. It alone is faithfulness to God.
The summary of this passage and prayer, is that the world will have the love that God has shown within ourselves. That is Jesus' prayer for the world.
If we, disciples of Jesus and the church universal, would witness to that vision and live it, then the world would take note (especially because it is so distinct from the empire values we have seen normalized since 1981 in the church and society), and imitate that, even become a part of the body of Christ. It happened in the First Century, according to Acts.
One thing is certain - the path we are on is not a sustainable one for life on this planet.
Our hope, I believe our only hope, is that we will live the Agape Love and Grace that Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us to live, here and now, in THIS PART of the Kingdom.
THAT WE WOULD BE ONE, AS JESUS AND THE FATHER ARE ONE.
UNITY IN LOVE.
Pastor Jamie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)