Matthew 25: Sheep and Goats: Redux
Pastor Dave did a wonderful job of reorienting our questions with his sermon on Matthew 25:31-46. How are we the "least of these"? And how does this recognition move us to care for the "least of these" in our communities and in our world? I'd like to offer a few more reflections on the text.
1.) I sometimes wonder if we put too much weight on this text as the reason why as Christians we are charged to care for the poor, the weak, the suffering, etc. We have an even greater warrant than this particular passage: the whole Old Testament! In fact, the whole of Scripture describes God's care and heart for the poor, the orphan and the widow. If you are not convinced, take a look at the Poverty and Justice Bible, which highlights all the references in Scripture to the poor.
2.) As Christians we begin with caring for the least among us. This does not mean we do not reach out to all--of course we do--but we learn what it means to care for the "least" by caring for the least among us. In this way, we are trained and equipped to care for all those whom the world calls "least." Charity begins at home, not in a self-centered way, but rather because if we cannot learn to care for the weakest among our own families, among our brothers and sisters in Christ, we have little hope of being able to care for the "least" of the world.
3.) Did you notice the connections to our Christian baptismal journey in the text? The "least" are described in three sets of pairs: the hungry and thirsty, the stranger and naked, the sick and imprisoned. So too with us! We come to God hungry and thirsty, completely impoverished and longing for the food, the Bread of Life, that is only God's to give. We hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). We are strangers, for we are the Gentiles, the outsiders, who are brought near only by the blood of the Lamb. We are also naked, for we stand beside our sinning parents, Adam and Even, naked and embarrassed after having eaten of the forbidden fruit. The only "clothing" we have is Christ's righteousness, which comes as sheer gift. Finally, we are the sick and imprisoned. We are literally sick to death with sin, which infects the very depth of our soul. We are also the imprisoned, held in the grip of sin, only released by Christ who sets us free. In other words, these words paint a picture of us before Baptism and along our baptismal journey until our baptism is completed only in death.
Bethlehem: What's in a Name? City of David
Occasionally I like to offer some reflections on our mission and ministry together as a congregation using our name, Bethlehem, as a touchstone.
Bethlehem (Hebrew: House of Bread) is the city of David. So King David bears our close attention. Early in our reading through the Scriptures with the Bible in 90 Days program, we read through the books of Kingdoms (1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings) and through a retelling of that story in the two books of Chronicles.
What struck me this time reading through these texts is how much David was a man, literally, "after God's own heart." He was not perfect (see his adultery with Bathsheba, for example), but again and again we find David reflecting to us God's mercy in his own person. He refuses to slaughter King Saul, the Lord's Anointed, even when he has the chance. He consistently refuses revenge on his enemies who have wronged him, even in his own house, even when his advisers think and recommend otherwise. He weeps over the deaths of those close to him, even when they have done him wrong. And he gives us a model for repentance when he is accused of his sin with Uriah's wife (see Psalm 51).
We often remember David for how he slew Goliath, but in fact I think the consistent witness of the Old Testament, which longs for the fulfillment of the promise of a Messiah-King from David's line, is that he is a Shepherd "after God's own heart." This longing is fulfilled in Christ, born in the City of David, born to be our Bread of Life in the city that is appropriately named "House of Bread."
May we who bear the name of King David's city, learn from his example and witness, being men and women "after God's own heart."
Advent
Our Advent devotions are now available online and as a booklet (from the church office). Join us this Sunday (11/3o) as we prepare for Christmas and for our Lord's second coming during these weeks of Advent. You may want to consider buying a simple Advent wreathe and using this booklet for evening devotions.
Events and Such
Thanksgiving Day worship is 9 am this Thursday (11/27). Please join us in giving thanks to the Lord. President Bush's proclamation for the National Day of Thanksgiving is available here.
The women of the church gather this coming Sunday (11/30) for their winter fellowship gathering. Join us at 2 pm for a program, "Putting Your Best Foot Forward."
Decorating for Advent and Christmas will be this Saturday (11/29). If you are up for heavy lifting, that begins at 8 am. Everyone else is invited to join us at 9 am.
Advent offering boxes were distributed to Sunday school students this past Sunday. This school year, 100% of the money collected through these Advent boxes and 30% of the general Sunday school offerings will be given to Heifer Project International.
Caroling will be Sunday, December 7 (7pm) with the youth and Monday, December 8 (6pm) with the Priscilla women's Bible study group. Come, let us sing to the Lord!
Our Bible in 90 Days group has crossed over into the New Testament. Why not join us for the last 21 days. Begin on day 68 this schedule.
Revival is coming to Bowling Green on Friday evening, December 5 and Saturday, December 6. For more information on this Lutheran Revival and to register, see the synod website.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The New Testament in a Month
Our Bible in 90 Days local group will cross over into the New Testament this Sunday (11/23), Christ the King Sunday. I am encouraging anyone who did not join in the Bible in 90 Days study to join us for the last 21-day home stretch: reading through the New Testament in 21 days. If you would like to join us, see this schedule and begin on day 68.
All this Bible reading has prompted me to consider a new spiritual discipline for 2009: reading through the New Testament each month for several months. One schedule for doing this is posted below (31 days). A 30-day schedule in pdf format is also available.
1 Matthew 1-9
2 Matthew 10-18
3 Matthew 19-28
4 Mark 1-8
5 Mark 9-16
6 Luke 1-8
7 Luke 9-16
8 Luke 17-24
9 John 1-7
10 John 8-14
11 John 15-21
12 Acts 1-9
13 Acts 10-18
14 Acts 19-28
15 Romans 1-8
16 Romans 9-16
17 1 Corinthians 1-8
18 1 Corinthians 9-16
19 2 Corinthians
20 Galatians and Ephesians
21 Philippians and Colossians
22 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians
23 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy
24 Titus and Philemon
25 Hebrews 1-7
26 Hebrews 8-13
27 James
28 1 Peter and 2 Peter
29 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude
30 Revelation 1-11
31 Revelation 12-22
All this Bible reading has prompted me to consider a new spiritual discipline for 2009: reading through the New Testament each month for several months. One schedule for doing this is posted below (31 days). A 30-day schedule in pdf format is also available.
1 Matthew 1-9
2 Matthew 10-18
3 Matthew 19-28
4 Mark 1-8
5 Mark 9-16
6 Luke 1-8
7 Luke 9-16
8 Luke 17-24
9 John 1-7
10 John 8-14
11 John 15-21
12 Acts 1-9
13 Acts 10-18
14 Acts 19-28
15 Romans 1-8
16 Romans 9-16
17 1 Corinthians 1-8
18 1 Corinthians 9-16
19 2 Corinthians
20 Galatians and Ephesians
21 Philippians and Colossians
22 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians
23 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy
24 Titus and Philemon
25 Hebrews 1-7
26 Hebrews 8-13
27 James
28 1 Peter and 2 Peter
29 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude
30 Revelation 1-11
31 Revelation 12-22
Monday, November 17, 2008
Slow Cooked Oats
Slow Cooked Oats and Faith
Most mornings I make slow-cooked steel-cut Irish-style oats for breakfast. (It really sounds fancier than it is.) It's actually "instant" and doesn't involve much work, just a little more preparation and patience. Unlike most instant oatmeal concoctions which take 1 to 3 minutes in the microwave or 5 minutes in boiling water on the stove, these steel-cut oats take about 30 minutes of slow boiling on the stove, plus time for the water to heat up initially.
Why in the world would I spent so much time on breakfast and what in the world does this have to do with anything? Well... first of all I think these oats taste better: texture, flavor, the works. They're also really good for me. And so for me they are worth the wait. They also teach me preparation and patience. I have to think about my breakfast and start preparing it fairly early if I want to eat before leaving the house. And on the mornings when my stomach is grumbling they teach me patience, to wait for the food that God has so graciously given me.
I think faith is a lot like slow-cooked oats. It rarely comes pre-packaged or "instant." Good faith is slow-cooked over a long time. It takes preparation on God's part and ours. It takes patience. But it is well worth the wait.
Most of my heroes of faith were not formed that way overnight. They emerged as new creations over time, through years of Bible study, through pain and suffering, through sacrifice and prayer, through the trials and tribulations of the Christian church. In other words they were slow cooked, in the best sense of the phrase.
The End of the Year... So Soon?
Even though we won't change our wall calendars until December 31, the end of the church year is almost upon us. Next Sunday (November 23) we will celebrate the last Sunday of the church year and begin the new year with the first Sunday of Advent on November 30.
Christ the King Sunday is a relatively recent addition to the church calendar, but a good one. On this day (well, actually every Sunday in fact) we celebrate that the Lord Jesus Christ reigns over heaven and earth and all things. As a reminder of this reign, we will read from the last part of Matthew 25. For the rest of the readings, click here.
Faith in Action: Thanksgiving Baskets
One way to concretely embody the words of Christ in the text at the end of Matthew 25 is to help put together Thanksgiving baskets for families and individuals in need this Sunday at 2pm. Meet near the food pantry in the basement.
Sunday School for Adults
Each week we offer two opportunities for adult Christian education. One class meets in the chapel and studies the Sunday Scripture readings. The other class is continuing the Nooma (which means "Spirit" in Greek) series on faith issues. Next Sunday is #17: Today. Here is a brief description from the Nooma website:
How much time and energy do we spend wishing things were how they used to be? We often think about times in our past when things were different and want our lives to be like that again. Some of us have even come to believe that our best days may actually be behind us. But if we’re in some way hung up on the past, what does that mean for our lives now? How are we and those around us affected if we’re not fully present? If we’re longing for the way things used to be, what does that really say about our understanding and appreciation of our lives today? Maybe we need to learn to embrace our past for what it is, in order to live our lives to the fullest, right here, right now.
Bible in 90 Days: Home Stretch
This Sunday the participants in the Bible in 90 Days are entering the home stretch. Beginning Nov. 23, on these last 20 days we will cross over from the Old Testament into the New. If you were thinking about joining us in September but did not for whatever reason, why not join us these last 20 days as we read through the New Testament? See this schedule and begin on Nov. 23 with day 68.
Gospel of Mark
I found the following information in both the Toledo Blade and the Sentinel-Tribune and thought it was worthwhile to pass along for any who might be interested:
Epworth United Methodist Church, 3077 Valleyview Drive, Toledo, will present Rev. Joseph Morris in a two-hour performance of "The Gospel of Mark" Friday (11/21) at 7 p.m. The Roman Catholic priest began committing the entire gospel to memory after an injury left him confined to bed for four months. Following his recovery, he adapted the story for performance in what is described as a "living, breathing proclamation of an ancient story about God's healing love."
The public is invited. Admission is free with an offering taken. Light refreshments will be available at intermission.
Most mornings I make slow-cooked steel-cut Irish-style oats for breakfast. (It really sounds fancier than it is.) It's actually "instant" and doesn't involve much work, just a little more preparation and patience. Unlike most instant oatmeal concoctions which take 1 to 3 minutes in the microwave or 5 minutes in boiling water on the stove, these steel-cut oats take about 30 minutes of slow boiling on the stove, plus time for the water to heat up initially.
Why in the world would I spent so much time on breakfast and what in the world does this have to do with anything? Well... first of all I think these oats taste better: texture, flavor, the works. They're also really good for me. And so for me they are worth the wait. They also teach me preparation and patience. I have to think about my breakfast and start preparing it fairly early if I want to eat before leaving the house. And on the mornings when my stomach is grumbling they teach me patience, to wait for the food that God has so graciously given me.
I think faith is a lot like slow-cooked oats. It rarely comes pre-packaged or "instant." Good faith is slow-cooked over a long time. It takes preparation on God's part and ours. It takes patience. But it is well worth the wait.
Most of my heroes of faith were not formed that way overnight. They emerged as new creations over time, through years of Bible study, through pain and suffering, through sacrifice and prayer, through the trials and tribulations of the Christian church. In other words they were slow cooked, in the best sense of the phrase.
The End of the Year... So Soon?
Even though we won't change our wall calendars until December 31, the end of the church year is almost upon us. Next Sunday (November 23) we will celebrate the last Sunday of the church year and begin the new year with the first Sunday of Advent on November 30.
Christ the King Sunday is a relatively recent addition to the church calendar, but a good one. On this day (well, actually every Sunday in fact) we celebrate that the Lord Jesus Christ reigns over heaven and earth and all things. As a reminder of this reign, we will read from the last part of Matthew 25. For the rest of the readings, click here.
Faith in Action: Thanksgiving Baskets
One way to concretely embody the words of Christ in the text at the end of Matthew 25 is to help put together Thanksgiving baskets for families and individuals in need this Sunday at 2pm. Meet near the food pantry in the basement.
Sunday School for Adults
Each week we offer two opportunities for adult Christian education. One class meets in the chapel and studies the Sunday Scripture readings. The other class is continuing the Nooma (which means "Spirit" in Greek) series on faith issues. Next Sunday is #17: Today. Here is a brief description from the Nooma website:
How much time and energy do we spend wishing things were how they used to be? We often think about times in our past when things were different and want our lives to be like that again. Some of us have even come to believe that our best days may actually be behind us. But if we’re in some way hung up on the past, what does that mean for our lives now? How are we and those around us affected if we’re not fully present? If we’re longing for the way things used to be, what does that really say about our understanding and appreciation of our lives today? Maybe we need to learn to embrace our past for what it is, in order to live our lives to the fullest, right here, right now.
Bible in 90 Days: Home Stretch
This Sunday the participants in the Bible in 90 Days are entering the home stretch. Beginning Nov. 23, on these last 20 days we will cross over from the Old Testament into the New. If you were thinking about joining us in September but did not for whatever reason, why not join us these last 20 days as we read through the New Testament? See this schedule and begin on Nov. 23 with day 68.
Gospel of Mark
I found the following information in both the Toledo Blade and the Sentinel-Tribune and thought it was worthwhile to pass along for any who might be interested:
Epworth United Methodist Church, 3077 Valleyview Drive, Toledo, will present Rev. Joseph Morris in a two-hour performance of "The Gospel of Mark" Friday (11/21) at 7 p.m. The Roman Catholic priest began committing the entire gospel to memory after an injury left him confined to bed for four months. Following his recovery, he adapted the story for performance in what is described as a "living, breathing proclamation of an ancient story about God's healing love."
The public is invited. Admission is free with an offering taken. Light refreshments will be available at intermission.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Faith, Works, Change
I have been (slowly) reading through Volume 35 of Luther's Works (English edition). I came across this gem of a sentence:
Faith, however, is a divine work in us which changes us and makes us to be born anew of God, John 1[:12-13]. It kills the old Adam and makes us altogether different men, in heart and spirit and mind and powers; and it brings with in the Holy Spirit. (p. 370)
This is from his preface to the Book of Romans. I think it breathes fresh life into the Lutheran church, which has often neglected the changing power of God's grace in us.
Faith, however, is a divine work in us which changes us and makes us to be born anew of God, John 1[:12-13]. It kills the old Adam and makes us altogether different men, in heart and spirit and mind and powers; and it brings with in the Holy Spirit. (p. 370)
This is from his preface to the Book of Romans. I think it breathes fresh life into the Lutheran church, which has often neglected the changing power of God's grace in us.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Women and Eschatology
Women's Thankoffering Service
Thank you to all of the women who led us in worship this past Sunday for the Women's Thankoffering Service. Karen Witker did a wonderful job as she shared a message on Matthew 15:1-13, focusing on the wise and foolish bridesmaids who anxiously prepare themselves for the coming of the groom, who is Christ.
Who are your favorite women of faith? One of my favorites is Deborah. We will hear her story this coming Sunday. In fact, the entire book of Judges, most famous popularly for the strongman Samson, is actually filled with very colorful stories of faithful and daring women. Why not give it a read this week?
Matthew 25 and Beyond
During the next two weeks, we will continue the parables of Matthew 25. Since we will be dwelling a bit on eschatology (the study of the "end times") in the next few weeks, I thought it would be helpful to describe how Matthew 25 fits within the whole Gospel. Chapter 25 is part of the last of 5 teaching sections in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew's gospel, Jesus teaches a lot. The first section is of course the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5-7.
Chapter 25 contains three parables that (I think) function together almost as one extended parable. The first verses (25:1-13) tell the story of 10 bridesmaids who are waiting for the bridegroom to come and the wedding banquet to begin. The second section (25:14-30) tells the famous Parable of the Talents, in which stewards are entrusted with managing their Master's gifts. And the last section (25:31-46) depicts the final judgment of the nations, the famous "sheep and goats" passage. This chapter is about the "end times" and bears our close attention, for it describes those things which are important to our Lord and the business that we are to be about as we await his return.
But this chapter is also squarely about Jesus. This might be obvious, but sometimes in our intense focus on our own preparedness (or lack thereof) we are tempted to forget that is is the Lord who is coming. It is him for whom the foolish and the wise bridesmaids anxiously await. It is he who entrusts his "wealth" to us. It is he who so deeply identifies with the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the naked and the imprisoned. In other words, what is so radical about Matthew 25 is not so much what we are called to do (though our Lord does expect much of us), but rather what Christ does.
It is telling for me that immediately after this chapter (25), the Passion narrative begins: Jesus goes up to Jerusalem, is crucified at the hands of sinners, dies, is buried and is raised. The remarkable conviction of the Christian witness is that the end of time has invaded the present, for the One who stands at the end of time as Judge of the living and the dead has invaded our space and our history and is indeed already making all things new (see 27:51-52).
Since we are almost to the end of the Year of Matthew (The year of Mark (year B in the Lectionary Cycle) begins with November 30, the 1st Sunday of Advent), why not take some time to re-read the entire Gospel of Matthew in one sitting? If you are not able to do that in the next few weeks, at least read the last several chapters together (Matthew 25-28). Then you might want to go back and reread the genealogies (yes, the genealogies!) in Matthew 1. How is Christ both Son of David and Son of Abraham?
Thank you to all of the women who led us in worship this past Sunday for the Women's Thankoffering Service. Karen Witker did a wonderful job as she shared a message on Matthew 15:1-13, focusing on the wise and foolish bridesmaids who anxiously prepare themselves for the coming of the groom, who is Christ.
Who are your favorite women of faith? One of my favorites is Deborah. We will hear her story this coming Sunday. In fact, the entire book of Judges, most famous popularly for the strongman Samson, is actually filled with very colorful stories of faithful and daring women. Why not give it a read this week?
Matthew 25 and Beyond
During the next two weeks, we will continue the parables of Matthew 25. Since we will be dwelling a bit on eschatology (the study of the "end times") in the next few weeks, I thought it would be helpful to describe how Matthew 25 fits within the whole Gospel. Chapter 25 is part of the last of 5 teaching sections in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew's gospel, Jesus teaches a lot. The first section is of course the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5-7.
Chapter 25 contains three parables that (I think) function together almost as one extended parable. The first verses (25:1-13) tell the story of 10 bridesmaids who are waiting for the bridegroom to come and the wedding banquet to begin. The second section (25:14-30) tells the famous Parable of the Talents, in which stewards are entrusted with managing their Master's gifts. And the last section (25:31-46) depicts the final judgment of the nations, the famous "sheep and goats" passage. This chapter is about the "end times" and bears our close attention, for it describes those things which are important to our Lord and the business that we are to be about as we await his return.
But this chapter is also squarely about Jesus. This might be obvious, but sometimes in our intense focus on our own preparedness (or lack thereof) we are tempted to forget that is is the Lord who is coming. It is him for whom the foolish and the wise bridesmaids anxiously await. It is he who entrusts his "wealth" to us. It is he who so deeply identifies with the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the naked and the imprisoned. In other words, what is so radical about Matthew 25 is not so much what we are called to do (though our Lord does expect much of us), but rather what Christ does.
It is telling for me that immediately after this chapter (25), the Passion narrative begins: Jesus goes up to Jerusalem, is crucified at the hands of sinners, dies, is buried and is raised. The remarkable conviction of the Christian witness is that the end of time has invaded the present, for the One who stands at the end of time as Judge of the living and the dead has invaded our space and our history and is indeed already making all things new (see 27:51-52).
Since we are almost to the end of the Year of Matthew (The year of Mark (year B in the Lectionary Cycle) begins with November 30, the 1st Sunday of Advent), why not take some time to re-read the entire Gospel of Matthew in one sitting? If you are not able to do that in the next few weeks, at least read the last several chapters together (Matthew 25-28). Then you might want to go back and reread the genealogies (yes, the genealogies!) in Matthew 1. How is Christ both Son of David and Son of Abraham?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Politics of Jesus
The following post is reprinted from my 7 Day Devotions blog:
By now many of you have noticed the "Elect Jesus" signs that grace our front yard. I've had the chance to reflect a lot on these signs and the reaction of most people to them. Because many in our community are Christians, they have been well-received and probably come across as a bit less offensive than the signs for McCain or Obama. Who is not for Jesus? And herein lies the problem, for the politics of Jesus are far more offensive than whichever candidate we don't like. Jesus calls us to a far more radical politics than either the Democratic or Republican Parties. For the Carpenter from Nazareth commands us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us and a whole host of other radical things (Matthew 5-7).
And so as I contemplate taking down these signs sometime this week, I'm a bit saddened that they were so well-received, that they did not offend more people. For the Gospel that we proclaim is far more radical than most of us dare consider. And the Jesus whom we follow demands not just party allegiance, but every single ounce of our being. His way is the narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14).
In 1 Corinthians 1:23, St. Paul writes, "but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles." Indeed, the biggest scandal or stumbling block (skandalon in Greek) in the ancient world was the Cross.
My prayers go with you as you vote tomorrow. Perhaps Jesus' words in St. Matthew's gospel are instructive as we vote: Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's (Matthew 22:21).
By the way, if you want one of those signs, go ahead and take one. I think we have a half dozen left. Thanks to Grace Lutheran Church in Elmore who printed them.
By now many of you have noticed the "Elect Jesus" signs that grace our front yard. I've had the chance to reflect a lot on these signs and the reaction of most people to them. Because many in our community are Christians, they have been well-received and probably come across as a bit less offensive than the signs for McCain or Obama. Who is not for Jesus? And herein lies the problem, for the politics of Jesus are far more offensive than whichever candidate we don't like. Jesus calls us to a far more radical politics than either the Democratic or Republican Parties. For the Carpenter from Nazareth commands us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us and a whole host of other radical things (Matthew 5-7).
And so as I contemplate taking down these signs sometime this week, I'm a bit saddened that they were so well-received, that they did not offend more people. For the Gospel that we proclaim is far more radical than most of us dare consider. And the Jesus whom we follow demands not just party allegiance, but every single ounce of our being. His way is the narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14).
In 1 Corinthians 1:23, St. Paul writes, "but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles." Indeed, the biggest scandal or stumbling block (skandalon in Greek) in the ancient world was the Cross.
My prayers go with you as you vote tomorrow. Perhaps Jesus' words in St. Matthew's gospel are instructive as we vote: Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's (Matthew 22:21).
By the way, if you want one of those signs, go ahead and take one. I think we have a half dozen left. Thanks to Grace Lutheran Church in Elmore who printed them.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Elect Jesus
Elect Jesus
By now many of you have noticed the "Elect Jesus" signs that grace our front yard. I've had the chance to reflect a lot on these signs and the reaction of most people to them. Because many in our community are Christians, they have been well-received and probably come across as a bit less offensive than the signs for McCain or Obama. Who is not for Jesus? And herein lies the problem, for the politics of Jesus are far more offensive than whichever candidate we don't like. Jesus calls us to a far more radical politics than either the Democratic or Republican Parties. For the Carpenter from Nazareth commands us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us and a whole host of other radical things (Matthew 5-7).
And so as I contemplate taking down these signs sometime this week, I'm a bit saddened that they were so well-received, that they did not offend more people. For the Gospel that we proclaim is far more radical than most of us dare consider. And the Jesus whom we follow demands not just party allegiance, but every single ounce of our being. His way is the narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14).
In 1 Corinthians 1:23, St. Paul writes, "but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles." Indeed, the biggest scandal or stumbling block (skandalon in Greek) in the ancient world was the Cross.
My prayers go with you as you vote tomorrow. Perhaps Jesus' words in St. Matthew's gospel are instructive as we vote: Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's (Matthew 22:21).
By the way, if you want one of those signs, go ahead and take one. I think we have a half dozen left. Thanks to Grace Lutheran Church in Elmore who printed them.
Sermon Footnote
I want to begin by giving credit where credit is due. Much of the inspiration for my sermon came from two principle sources, in addition to my own study of the text. Both Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book Discipleship and Stanley Hauerwas in his commentary on Matthew proved to be helpful in the central move in my sermon: that the Sermon on the Mount is intended in a corporate, communal sense, that it's about us as the church more than it is about me as an individual.
Bonhoeffer's Discipleship (also called The Cost of Discipleship) is one of the most challenging and inspirational books I have ever read and I commend it to you.
Coming Up: November 9: Women's Thankoffering Sunday
This coming Sunday is Women's Thankoffering Sunday and the women of the church will be leading us in worship. Karen Witker will be our guest preacher. We will also elect officers for the congregation and the women's group.
Women's Thankoffering Sunday always reminds me to lift up one of the great publications of our church: Lutheran Woman Today. Though the title implies otherwise, I think this is a wonderful magazine for men and women alike. I cannot say enough good things about it.
Bible in 90 Days: Halfway Through!
The Bible in 90 Days program is going well. Last Thursday many of us crossed the halfway mark. It is quite an endeavor and I am so proud of our many participants, (especially) including the ones that are behind and are struggling each week to keep up.
As a twist, I'd like to invite anyone who is interested to join us for the "home stretch" of the New Testament, the last 20 days, beginning Sunday, November 23. See the reading schedule and begin on day 68 on November 23.
In addition, I've mentioned before that the ELCA is beginning a multi-year emphasis on the Bible to encourage all of us to be more regular in our engagement of Scripture. There is a set of assessments online that I think you might find helpful as you reflect on your own personal history of engaging the Bible.
(Sort of) New Website
We have been fiddling around with the Bethlehem website and encourage you to visit it this week. It is not terribly glamorous, but hopefully it provides most of the information needed. Often we are not able to update it as often as we'd like, but we hope the current site provides information that members need and that visitors might be looking for.
The sidebar contains links of primary interest to members. The top bar contains categorized pages and links for easy viewing by visitors. Web sites are increasingly becoming the "public face" of the church. We hope you find what you are looking for.
Lutheran Revival
"Revival" is coming to Bowling Green Friday evening, December 5 and Saturday, December 6 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. To read more about it, see the synod's events page and scroll down to find the revival. A registration form is also available. If you register before November 21, there is a discount.
By now many of you have noticed the "Elect Jesus" signs that grace our front yard. I've had the chance to reflect a lot on these signs and the reaction of most people to them. Because many in our community are Christians, they have been well-received and probably come across as a bit less offensive than the signs for McCain or Obama. Who is not for Jesus? And herein lies the problem, for the politics of Jesus are far more offensive than whichever candidate we don't like. Jesus calls us to a far more radical politics than either the Democratic or Republican Parties. For the Carpenter from Nazareth commands us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us and a whole host of other radical things (Matthew 5-7).
And so as I contemplate taking down these signs sometime this week, I'm a bit saddened that they were so well-received, that they did not offend more people. For the Gospel that we proclaim is far more radical than most of us dare consider. And the Jesus whom we follow demands not just party allegiance, but every single ounce of our being. His way is the narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14).
In 1 Corinthians 1:23, St. Paul writes, "but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles." Indeed, the biggest scandal or stumbling block (skandalon in Greek) in the ancient world was the Cross.
My prayers go with you as you vote tomorrow. Perhaps Jesus' words in St. Matthew's gospel are instructive as we vote: Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's (Matthew 22:21).
By the way, if you want one of those signs, go ahead and take one. I think we have a half dozen left. Thanks to Grace Lutheran Church in Elmore who printed them.
Sermon Footnote
I want to begin by giving credit where credit is due. Much of the inspiration for my sermon came from two principle sources, in addition to my own study of the text. Both Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book Discipleship and Stanley Hauerwas in his commentary on Matthew proved to be helpful in the central move in my sermon: that the Sermon on the Mount is intended in a corporate, communal sense, that it's about us as the church more than it is about me as an individual.
Bonhoeffer's Discipleship (also called The Cost of Discipleship) is one of the most challenging and inspirational books I have ever read and I commend it to you.
Coming Up: November 9: Women's Thankoffering Sunday
This coming Sunday is Women's Thankoffering Sunday and the women of the church will be leading us in worship. Karen Witker will be our guest preacher. We will also elect officers for the congregation and the women's group.
Women's Thankoffering Sunday always reminds me to lift up one of the great publications of our church: Lutheran Woman Today. Though the title implies otherwise, I think this is a wonderful magazine for men and women alike. I cannot say enough good things about it.
Bible in 90 Days: Halfway Through!
The Bible in 90 Days program is going well. Last Thursday many of us crossed the halfway mark. It is quite an endeavor and I am so proud of our many participants, (especially) including the ones that are behind and are struggling each week to keep up.
As a twist, I'd like to invite anyone who is interested to join us for the "home stretch" of the New Testament, the last 20 days, beginning Sunday, November 23. See the reading schedule and begin on day 68 on November 23.
In addition, I've mentioned before that the ELCA is beginning a multi-year emphasis on the Bible to encourage all of us to be more regular in our engagement of Scripture. There is a set of assessments online that I think you might find helpful as you reflect on your own personal history of engaging the Bible.
(Sort of) New Website
We have been fiddling around with the Bethlehem website and encourage you to visit it this week. It is not terribly glamorous, but hopefully it provides most of the information needed. Often we are not able to update it as often as we'd like, but we hope the current site provides information that members need and that visitors might be looking for.
The sidebar contains links of primary interest to members. The top bar contains categorized pages and links for easy viewing by visitors. Web sites are increasingly becoming the "public face" of the church. We hope you find what you are looking for.
Lutheran Revival
"Revival" is coming to Bowling Green Friday evening, December 5 and Saturday, December 6 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. To read more about it, see the synod's events page and scroll down to find the revival. A registration form is also available. If you register before November 21, there is a discount.
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