September 17, 2020

10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. – 1 Corinthians 3:10

“A man came across three masons who were working at chipping chunks of granite from large blocks. The first seemed unhappy at his job, chipping away and frequently looking at his watch. When the man asked what it was that he was doing, the first mason responded, rather curtly, “I’m hammering this stupid rock, and I can’t wait ’till 5 when I can go home.”

”A second mason, seemingly more interested in his work, was hammering diligently and when asked what it was that he was doing, answered, “I’m molding this block of rock so that it can be used with others to construct a wall. It’s not bad work, but I’ll sure be glad when it’s done.”

”A third mason was hammering at his block fervently, taking time to stand back and admire his work. He chipped off small pieces until he was satisfied that it was the best he could do. When he was questioned about his work he stopped, gazed skyward and proudly proclaimed, “I…am building a cathedral!”

“Three men, three different attitudes, all doing the same job.”

Now, I understand that many variations of that story have been told over the years, but it continues to beg the same question, what are we doing?  and more importantly what is our attitude in that work?

Paul is essentially telling a similar story to the people at the Church in Corinth.  He tells them that he has laid a foundation, and there is no need for any other foundation to be laid, but to build upon this one foundation.  Paul warns, however, that whatever you do to build upon this foundation, it will be tested by fire.

The point here is to make us realize that if we are starting with the very best foundation, that is, a faith in Christ Jesus, the Son of God; that through is life, death, and resurrection we have access to God, we have forgiveness of our sins, and we have new life as co-heirs to the kingdom of God; then, wherever we grow from there, we need to remember the foundation. We need to choose the choicest materials with which to build our life in Christ. These are perhaps akin to the fruit of the spirt – love, joy, peace, kindness, etc. Throughout this life, our ‘building materials’ will be tried by the fires of this world and perhaps the fires of evil, therefore, we need to be able to stand strong.

When our outlook is not on the work, but on the kingdom of God, than finding our way to build such character allows us to give glory to God each step of the way, awaiting the glorious revelation day of completion.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 16, 2020

However, as it is written:  “what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” – the things God has prepared for those who love him – these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 2:9-10a

There are many things in this life that I have yet to see.  Many sounds that I have yet to hear, and many things that I may have yet to understand or conceive in my mind.  Yet, one thing I do know is that in all things God is at work.  That’s the beauty of faith.  We don’t have to know everything to believe in something we don’t completely understand.

God is at work in us and in our world, bringing to light things that need to change, calling our hearts to make changes within, empowering people to do what is right in the midst of adversity.

When each of us allows the Holy Spirit to be at work in us and through us, we might not understand why we feel our hearts tugged in a certain direction. We may not yet get why we have a desire to try something new, or stop something we’ve done for a long time.  We may not quite understand why new people come into our lives, or why all of a sudden they feel like family.  But this is the wonderous work of God’s hands preparing us for something better.  God prepares each of us for His will and purpose, but we don’t always know what that is, but as he leads us, we must follow.  By faith we simply take one step at a time, and listen to God’s guidance for the next. It is only by faith and in loving trust for God that know where to go.  T

None of us know what the future holds, but I do believe that God knows, and as we are prepared by His love, through faith, and these things will be revealed to us.  Our hope is found in our trust of God.  We, with the community of faith, believe that our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts might have new things revealed to us as we seek to live in such love, and as we share it with others. May we trust in the next steps of God’s amazing plan. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 15, 2020

From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I… - Psalm 61:2

This is truly a wonderful verse of the psalm. So many times we feel as though we are sinking in the midst of life.  We are met with hardships of a various kinds, or simply overly stretched and stressed.  Yet, in the quiet moments of the day, if we take time to pray, we know that God is there lifting us to that rock that is higher than we think we could reach.

For those who have faith, knowing the God of the universe cares for us bring great peace. We know not all feel the peace of God in the trials of life, but as people of faith, we get the great opportunity to share it.  We share this peace we have known through our kind words to someone having a hard day, through our actions of kindness and compassion; through our generosity towards those less fortunate.  This life can be hard. And this year has made it even harder on so many.  I feel blessed knowing that we have made it this far, and know that each day God is lifting us higher, we will see the brighter days ahead!

Yet, on those days when life, again, becomes challenging, we know that God is there to life us high on that rock; our refuge, and our strength.  May God’s steadfast love and grace be with you, lifting you higher each day.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 14, 2020

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved - 1 Corinthians 1:18

The cross, while the very symbol of our salvation, is sometimes difficult to talk about.  To think that one man endured so much pain in order to obey the will of God, yet through Him, salvation could be offered to the world.  For those outside of the church, or outside of this understanding, it can sound kind of foolish.  We have all been though our own trials and tribulations, but to endure trials because of the sin of someone else, and not our own?  That sounds foolish.  How many of us can remember a time watching someone be ridiculed, mocked, beat up and sit by just watching and not doing anything?  We feel helpless for that person, but we also refuse to step in out of our fear of pain or ridicule.

This is what was happening those last hours as those who once followed Jesus. The disciples, those who followed Jesus sit, now, on the sidelines watching and doing nothing has Jesus’ life is being taken away from him.  To top that some of those who once followed are now yelling and persecuting with the crowd. 

It seems foolish that the Savior of the world would have to die to accomplish the world’s salvations.  Most of the time when we think of saviors and heroes we think of those who ride in triumphantly, and take control of the situation beating the bad guys and doing it all with a smile on their face.  But we are fools, so we need a different kind of Savior.  One who would be made a fool on our behalf. In that way, through what the world would call foolish, and in no way a heroes life, we might be saved through the foolishness of the cross. 

God’s might about power is found in the little things, those simple little things that make us think, that help us realize that our God is bigger than anything we may come across.  We are saved by His grace; the grace that put His Son on a cross, and raised Him from the dead on the third day, that we would always be able to live in His blessed presence.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 13, 2020

To join us in online worship please visit: https://www.stmarkknox.org/sermons

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. – Psalm 84:1-2

The contemporary hymn entitled, “Better is One Day,” reminds us of the freedom and peace that comes when we are living in the presence of the LORD.  However, this hymn is not truly contemporary because it comes straight from Scripture.  The writers of “Better is One Day” are quoting a portion of the 84th Psalm, just set to a more modern musical setting.

This ancient song has been sung though generation after generation, written by the sons of Korah.  Now, I would say that who wrote it might not mean much in our present day, but understanding the history here might give a deeper appreciation for the Psalm.  Korah was the great-grandson of Levi in the lineage of Israel (Jacob).  Numbers 16 accounts Korah as rebelling against Moses and was punished by having the earth swallow him up.  However, the children of Korah did not die (Num 26:11).  It is indicated in Numbers 26 that His sons disowned their Father’s sin and were spared his fate.  The decedents of Korah went on to be famous in Israel and included the prophet Samuel.  The sons of Korah understood how leaving God’s presence and not honoring God’s word could lead to destruction and perhaps even an eternity without God.  Therefore, they knew how precious each moment was standing in the courts of the LORD, and how important it was to long for more of God’s amazing presence. 

We, too, understand that there is no place like being in God’s presence.  Though we may have struggled in this time apart from one another and our human built sanctuary.  My hope is that we always understand that God’s presence is not in only one place, but it is everywhere, every place where God is worshiped, there is the presence of God – there’s no place better.

The theme of Psalm 84 is found another time in Revelation 22 as John sees a “river of living water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God…[and]…the Lord God will give them light.”  God’s presence in our life is everything that gives us joy, peace, grace, and love.  It is far better to be in the outer courts of God’s presence for one moment, than to spend thousands of years anywhere else.  May we seek God’s presence wherever we are, knowing his grace, peace, and love, allowing it to give us hope for the best days are still to come!

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 12, 2020

Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. - Philippians 4:5

What do people know about you?  Or better yet, what are you known for?  I love reading or hearing stories of a time before isolationism, and pandemics, when people actually communicated with their neighbors and spent time, together, in community.  In those days, people in a community where known for something; whether it was for their apple pie, or homemade molasses; could have been for their hospitality, or openness to strangers wondering through town.  However, some people where known as curmudgeons or recluses (what feels more the norm now because of isolationism).  Despite our often lack of community,  in today’s society, the people whom are around you still “know” you for being something.  The question is what is it?

Paul, as he is closing out his letter to the church at Philippi, writes about letting our graciousness be known to everyone.  It’s one of those statements that you might gloss over a hundred times and never really think about it, but let’s stop for a minute, and really try to understand the concept of making graciousness known.  Realistically this is done every moment of every day, whether we realize it or not.  How we respond to the people around them shows our graciousness or lack thereof.  How have you treated those whom you came in contact today?  Did you greet them with a smile, loving kindness, generosity, joy?  Or did you greet them with isolation, hesitations, hurriedness, and a lack of caring?  Either way to those people you have made your graciousness known.  Our call as the Christian community is to be inviting to everyone whom we may come in contact, for our Lord is with us, His very presence lives in us as the Holy Spirit.  So what we making known as our Lord is near?  If our God is gracious to all who come to Him, then we as His children should reflect the same grace as we try to break free from isolation into true community.  Lift your eyes, put a smile on your face (even behind a mask), and reflect the gracious love of our LORD, for He is near and desires to see His children in community with one another.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 11, 2020

that I may know [Christ] and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.  - Philippians 3:10-11

We may be out of the season of Easter, but no matter the season, we are resurrection people.  We are people who know the newness of everything, the restoring power of God, and the celebration that is in our Risen Lord, for we have risen with him through our faith.  We cannot have salvation without the death of Christ, nor can we have salvation without the resurrection of Christ.  For salvation to be realized there must be death and resurrection, for the Living Christ who is eternal, has become eternal through the resurrection, and the restorative grace of God found therein. 

Even some of our greatest Scriptural examples had to go through death in order to be restored or to live as resurrection people.  Peter has a death of faith when he denies Christ, but is restored by the lake shore after the resurrection, and goes on to be the rock upon which the church is built.  Thomas has a death in that he denies that Jesus Resurrection was real, because he did not see it, yet when Christ appears to him, and he touches the wounds in his hands and side, he believes and become a resurrection person.

Then there is Paul, who earlier in this chapter of Philippians states that he has obeyed the law of God perfectly, that he was the perfect Pharisee, He did everything that was expected of a person who was to be a religious leader (paraphrase).  However, Paul did not love God.  He had all the right answer, but not the right focus.  His encounter with the risen Lord was one that dramatically transformed his worldview, and his God-view.  He now saw his old way of life as rubbish, and Christ as gain.  Righteousness, Paul says, comes from God and depends on faith. 

Our faith is one based upon death and resurrection.  Therefore, as we are reminded of Christ’s resurrection, let us also be reminded of our own. Let us rejoice that our old way of life is dead, and we are resurrection people. Yet, let us also remember that we are resurrected with purpose. To share in the glory of Christ and the power of such resurrection, and to share the love of Christ that we have found deep within.  We are called to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ, and imitate those who keep their eyes on the example of Christ. Our focus should always be to bring glory to the One who was raise from the dead, as our hearts await to join him in His glory.  Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 10, 2020

Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.  Hold firmly to the message of life. ~ Philippians 2:14-15

The Apostle Paul writes elsewhere (2 Timothy 3:16) that “all Scripture is God-breathed and useful.” But I have to admit that in my own study time, the writing of Paul often gets to the bunt point that my heart needs hear that I might find myself, living out a life that is pleasing to God.

To the church and Philippi, Paul is encouraging every good work they are doing, reminding them of the great and wonderful humility of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and empowering them to be the church that fully represents the gospel and the teachings of Christ that lead to a blessed and perfect life as children of God.  Not every church, nor every city or citizen is living into the identity of who they are as a child of God.  Not every person has been saved by grace, and made a new creation. Yet, those to whom this letter is addressed are being reminded to hold firmly to this message of life and even if the people around them are crooked and corrupt, they are to shine like stars among them.

When we shine is when we allow the light of Christ to truly shine in and through us, when we, as God’s redeemed people walk in the light as He is in the light, and work in great cooperation and partnership to do everything for the benefit of the kingdom.  However, I don’t always see eye-to-eye with every person, nor do we each always understand or even share the same viewpoint of those around us.  The temptation is to revert to our human way of doing things; with complaining, grumbling, arguing, and even bullying.  Truth is we get what Paul says, because we are still children in the faith, and need to be reminded that we are beloved children of God.  As children of God, we have been made brand new, and called to be blameless and pure, or as Scripture puts it: “Be holy, as I [God] am holy.”  Holiness comes when we imitate the one who is, and was, and always will be holy; we have been saved by His righteousness, to even become the righteousness of God. 

Our life, the new life we have is Christ, is one dedicated to living each day for God. Perhaps we, can look for ways to shine a little brighter, and become a little holier as we uphold and grip tight to the message of life shared with us.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam

September 9, 2020

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! - Psalm 133:1

When God’s people live and work together, as the psalmist writes, it is good for the soul of everyone involved.  The psalmist continues this thought by saying, “it is like precious oil poured on the head, and running down the beard…”  Now, I don’t know if that sounds appealing to you, but the sentiment is that in the midst of dryness, of sun scorched skin and hair, when God’s people live and work in unity and in harmony, there is a sweet relief that pours overflowingly to bring relief.

But notice the way the psalmist phrases this beautiful statement, it’s good and pleasant when. The psalmist doesn’t say if as it might be a goal, the psalmist doesn’t say must as in a command, but when. To me, this seems to indicates that there is a time and a place when harmony or unity can happen.  However, it doesn’t mean that it happens all the time.  In order for there to be unity there has to be agreement, or in biblical terms, covenant.

The prophet Amos speaks to a people who are not in harmony, and this the Word of the Lord brought to the people: “… Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” (Amos 3:3).

In order for unity to happen there must be agreement, but people don’t seem to agree on much anymore.  Maybe the world is just changing too fast, or maybe there are those simply looking for an argument or a fight.  Maybe we are just looking too much to our own interests and not to the interests of others. Maybe we need to redirect ourselves and those around us to this: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but to also to the interests of others. Have, in you, the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5).

Perhaps, if the world, or even just God’s people in it are going work towards unity, we need realize that deep within we are called to serve God, to love God, and allow the love of God to move in us to begin building a better community in agreement for the glory of God.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Outdoor Service Announcement (UPDATED)

There is something very historical about meeting “Under the Oak Tree” for worship. We join with so many saints that have gone before us, as we worship in the wonderful creation of God. These last few Sunday’s outdoors for worship have been refreshing, and have added some sense of normal to our weeks as we have been able to gather, though not yet indoors.

We will continue to worship outside in the coming weeks as weather permits, but we are going move a little further away from the Oak Tree.

Over the past several weeks, we have had very heavy dew, which has made the grass on the lawn very wet, and hard to manage for some.  Many have chosen to set up in the parking lot, which while keeps great social distancing between us, makes it hard for some to hear with the restraints of our sound system as well as the road noise.

This Sunday, as you arrive, we ask that you follow a few new directions:

1.      Please pull in and park on the East side of the church (the side closest to the memorial garden).

2.      We will be setting up our ‘chancel’ area in the parking lot across from the office door.

3.      We invite you to continue to bring you lawn chairs, blankets, quilts, or whatever as we will attempt to keep everyone in the shade, but in a roped off area of the west parking lot.

Service will still begin at 10 a.m., and for those who still feel uncomfortable gathering, the online service will be posted at 9 a.m. on the website and on Facebook.

I look forward to seeing you Under the Oak Tree for worship.

Sam

September 8, 2020

27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28 and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. – Philippians 1:27-28

Christian author and theologian, C.S. Lewis is quoted as saying, “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. 

At the same time, I look, however, to the call to be like Christ who has called us to be one in Him. The difficulty in being ‘one’ is we often look at the things we disagree on, more than the things we can agree on. Doing so, we may neglect to see our sister or brother in the person on the other side. The best any of us can be, is when we choose to love one another, even when we disagree.

Paul believed in the good that was in Christ, and that resided in those who had faith in Christ.  There will always be things that people disagree about, and it can sometimes be good to have those disagreements, some of the best advances in our world have come from the competition among those who disagreed about something. However, disagreement and the competition that arises from it, should not cause intimidation. It is about striving side-by-side for the best we can produce together. 

Christ called us to be one, to seek unity, however unity never meant uniformity. Unity is about learning to work together through everything, and in doing so proving our character by making the right choice, doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 7, 2020

9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1:9-11

The book of Philippians is full of encouragement.  I find it to be one of the most encouraging overall letters written, as Paul addresses this church that has been eager for the kingdom of God since first hearing the gospel. Paul’s hope for them is spelled out in the verses above as they move ever closer to the fullness of Christ that they would produce a harvest of righteousness for the glory and praise of God.

The call of us, from this letter, is to be reminded of our zeal that is for the gospel of peace, that we might further understand the love of God that flows from above within, and that we should release, as we spread the love of God for others. This later part is, I believe, more important than the former. When we know the love of God, when we have felt the peace that surpasses understanding, knowing that the hand of God has blessed us immensely; what we do next matters.  Like so many other treasures we have this human desire to keep it for ourselves.  However, the this love that comes from God is never ending, it is an unending, relentless love that knows no bounds.  Therefore, what we really find is the more of God’s love we choose to offer to others, the more of it we know from God.  The true nature of Christian growth is learning to love as much as we have been loved, determined to do what is best to produce an overflowing blessings that others might see the good we do, and praise their father in heaven.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 6, 2020

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O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. – Psalm 63:1-4

Where do we find God? Where is the place we know we have seen his power and glory, where we have known God’s steadfast love that is better than life.  For many of us, that place is the place we associate with church. It often is a building where we gather with those who like us are also seeking to come closer to God.

 People have been enamored with buildings for as long as there has been community. For the ancient Israelites their building of worship was the temple.  For generations that temple was a mobile tent of meeting that went with the people of Israel as they traversed the wilderness.  Even after establishing themselves in the promised land, the continued to worship in the tent of meeting. It wasn’t until king Solomon that a ‘permanent’ building for worship was completed.  A few generations later, however, that building was destroyed and the people scattered.  After the Babylonian exile many of the children and grandchildren of displaced Israelites were able to return to Jerusalem and they built a new temple on the foundation of the old.  This temple, too, would be destroyed.

The psalm above, however, is attributed to king David.  David is the king who would first start the idea of a permeant place for God to reside and the people to worship, however, it is while he is wondering the wilderness in Judah that David has the revelation of God’s sanctuary.  While David wanted to honor God with a building, the building was never the true sanctuary.  The true sanctuary is wherever God is worshiped.  

As we continue to be displaced from our church building, maybe we should renew the idea of king David. The same idea Jesus shares with the woman at the well in John 4, that the true place of worship is in spirit and truth.  It is not dependent on a place, but on a state of longing, desiring more of God, and praising God for the steadfast love that meets us where we are.

May God meet you today, whether together or apart.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 5, 2020

13 Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. 14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. – James 5:13-16

When we suffer for the sake of righteousness, we are called to pray, and God will fill us with power, and joy, and our prayers and our sufferings will turn into songs of thanksgiving. James speaks of the healing of people, and the anointing of oil, notice that he doesn’t say we need to go to the preacher, or to the pastor, but the elders (plural) of the church.  In this, James is calling for the faithful community to pray together for healing.  We have done that as faithful people.  We may not, at times, get together around someone, but our minds our connected, our thoughts are together, and for those who have been sick, and been made well, we truly believe that God has a hand in it. 

As prayerful people, I expect, we believe in the power of prayer.  We don’t, however, neglect the wonderful healthcare provisions we have in our modern society.  If we are sick, we go see our doctor, or if necessary we go receive treatment in the hospital.  If it’s needed we are willing to have surgery, and do any number of things to keep our bodies healthy.

None of these things discredit the power of prayer, but what we understand is that when we prayer, and even as we pray, we should also do something about our situation. When we pray, for anything, we should also give our prayers feet, hands, and put them into action, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

If we are praying for healing of body, we also need to do something that would elicit healing in our body, whether that is medicine, therapy, surgery, or whatever.

When we pray for forgiveness, we also are called to do something.  We must forgive.  If we want to be forgiven, we need to make amends for what we have done wrong, or to whom we have done wrong and seek forgiveness.  Sometimes this even means forgiving ourselves for the mistakes that we have made that keep us from living a life abundant and joyful, and start living as if we truly have faith that we are forgiven.

In prayer, we pray to God, giving praise, we pray for others, we pray for ourselves, and seek God’s kingdom above all else. 

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 4, 2020

7 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. – James 5:7-8

We may all know that patience is a virtue, but I’m not we sure we fully understand that until we have a toddler running around the house, getting into everything, coloring on the walls, and generally just moving around as a destructive cyclone in a cute little package. 

Samantha and I have now been through that stage several times, and I wish I could say we were more prepared each time, but that’s not reality.  We may have learned somethings by fire, but patience takes much practice, and even the most calm of people can lose their cool from time to time. Truth is patience like all things, comes with time.

As James writes to the fellow Christians, he tells us that the best of things takes time.  Yes, we can be very excited for what is about to come, and maybe we even want Jesus to come back five minutes ago, however, we must wait for the timing to be just right. This is what is considered Kairos timing or God’s timing.  Just like we can’t rush to pick the choice fruit before it’s perfectly ripe, we must wait on the things to come in their own time. 

There is joy in waiting, however. We can find this joy by letting the excitement build, and knowing that when the time comes it will be the most joyful time of all.  There is also great joy in sharing our excitement with others.  This was very much part of the excitement that the early church had in sharing the gospel, because this good news meant better days were coming, the best was yet to come.  Still, today, millennia later, we know this same truth. The best is yet to come. So, take a moment to think about the very best that is coming, our Lord Jesus Christ, oh how we can hardly wait for that day, but the anticipation of it only expands our hope, peace, and joy in His coming love.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 3, 2020

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom – James 3:13

What is it like to live the good life? If we really wanted to sit down and listen, what we would hear is that the definition of a good life changes with each person we ask. Some think a good life is in financial security, others might say the love of a family, being retired, working hard, the answers are endless.  You probably have your own ideas of what a good life is, and perhaps those ideas have changed over time.

In the wisdom of James the apostle, the understanding of a good life is based on wisdom. If we were to examine the apostle’s understanding of wisdom, what we would find is the divide that happens within.  If we pursue the good life by envy and selfish ambition the apostle says we are seeking disorder and wickedness.  In these pursuits we often cast out truth, and spend our time focused on the things this world has to offer.  The alternative offered by the apostle, is to search within to see that we are basing our life on a wisdom born out of gentleness and peace. Thus, the good life, in the eyes of the apostle, is full of mercy, grace, and peace.

When we base our ideas of a good life on those things that show mercy, offer grace, and seek peace, we find a good life has much less to do with what we can attain, and so much more on what is offered by the goodness of God as we seek a kingdom that now and everlasting.

How are we living the good life these days? May our life rest secure in the loving, peaceful arms of our savior.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 2, 2020

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? – James 3:9-11

Perhaps we all heard this growing up, ‘if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.’ It’s a great sentiment to think that only positive speech would come out of our mouths. It is the hope that we would use language to build up rather than tear down. 

Yet, as we get older it seems that we can no longer hold our tongues, and especially with the mass forms of communication we live with now we can ‘say’ things without opening our mouths at all. Hence all the negativity that is spread through social media, email, and all the various other ways we have used language to degrade others.

James speaks of the tongue as a fire that is itself set on fire by hell. It is a fire that we cannot control nor contain, it is a restless evil.  These analogies are not speaking of the muscle that rests in our mouths and allows us to make intelligible noise. Instead, it is the divisiveness of human speech which could be used for good, but so often is used for evil.

Those who want to speak good, however, often keep silent, because they know that words can hurt. What we should realize however, is not that words can cause pain, but words have power. Words have the ability to cause to cause great, deep, and lasting pain.  Words can topple kingdoms, and raise up armies.  Words, the weapons of the mighty tongue have a great ability to do so much, and for so much good, but the words of those who want to see good happen are being muffled by those who want to use words to spread hate.

We need a louder voice. We need to take greater authority, and it has been given to us.  For we are the people who stand upon the gospel.  Who claim to be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. The King, the Messiah of a new world, one that is built on forgiveness and peace.

The goodness of God is found in the One who was called the Word made Flesh, his name is Jesus, the Christ. We need to listen to his words, understand the truth of his love, and speak up against the powers of darkness, allowing the words of our hearts, written by God’s love, to share messages of peace, hope, and love for all to hear.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 1, 2020

17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. – James 2:17

Putting faith into action is a big portion of what James teaches. It is an understanding that is hotly debated among some. In fact, a little bit of church history - when Martin Luther was working on his German translation of the Bible, he debated leaving this book out. His debate was based on this call for piety of faith, where action or works was a necessary aspect of faith, and Luther claimed that we are saved by faith alone. Eventually, Luther did add this book to the German translation, and therefore we have it in our English translations today.

One of the biggest issues in the debate between faith and works, is that if we focus too much on one and leave the other out completely we are not living a complete Christian life.  Like Luther many of us believe in simply a faith based salvation. We believe in faith that Jesus came to save sinners such as we. As we grow in our faith however, at least in my experience, is that when we are overcome by the never ending love of God we find in our faith, we are compelled to want to do good for others.  This is the great point of faith, that I believe James is speaking to us.

To paraphrase and expand on the verse above, perhaps we should understand the relationship of faith and works as follows. If we don’t have a compelling faith that moves us to want to live in good actions towards others, than our faith is weak or dead.  The sheer overwhelming love of God is supposed to transform us to desire to do better, to want better, and to be better.  God’s transforming salvation through faith, then, calls us to offer God’s love in word and action. So, when James says faith, if it has no works, is dead, is telling us that if our faith doesn’t compel us to love in word or deed, maybe we should work on our faith.

I know, I am convicted to work on my faith every time I come to these verse, that I might grow and understand even more how to love others with an active, lively faith. I pray we would all strive for the same.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

August 31, 2020

My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? 2 For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? – James 2:1-5

James is an interesting, short, book of the Bible that has a load of information about living a Christian life. This book is attributed to James who identifies himself as a ‘brother of Jesus.’ This book, while fairly straight forward is very pious in its teachings, leading us to understand that we cannot have faith without works. Therefore, our actions our works are as important to our Christian life as is our inward faith.

I, personally, like the book of James, but also have a hard time with it. My difficulty, is mostly because of the conviction it gives to our daily actions.  Like so many of us, we like to think we are doing good, we are striving after our love for God, and our love for neighbor, but then we read the book of James, and all of sudden (at least for me) we get that conviction, that we haven’t gotten it quite right yet.  

In these verse in the second chapter, we find one of those moments of conviction.  These words are about the little judgements we make in our daily interactions. We may do our best to treat everyone equally, but we all know that there are times when we do not. It may be for a number or reasons that we don’t, perhaps we are zoned out in our own little world, perhaps we have had a hard day and take it out on someone, perhaps someone looked at us wrong. Any number of reasons for our little judgements, but particularly, here, James calls us to look at the way we treat those who appear to be of wealth and those who appear to be poor. 

It calls us back to remember that Jesus said in Matthew 5, “blessed are the poor…” When we search deep within, we find that there is a poverty in our souls as we desire something more than this life has to offer.  That place is blessed by Jesus alone. It is the place where we begin to understand the love of God through Jesus, and hopefully recognize that same need to for God’s love in others.

God’s love is the ultimate sacrifice for all our sins and transgressions.  It is only through His blood that we can even think about having the opportunity to rejoice with Him in the glory of Heaven.  Though we are weak in our humanity, and often judge others, we must learn to see others through God-eyes in order to understand how we can love with Christ-love. 

Grace & Peace,
Sam

August 30, 2020

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13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven. 14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him; Praise the Lord! – Psalm 148:13-14

It’s been many weeks since Easter, but we, as Easter people, know that Sunday, the first day of the week is resurrection day. It is our day to rejoice to give thanks to God and to sing (even if we can only hum).  Still our hearts rejoice for another week has come and we gather (even if it is remotely) to praise the name of the Lord.

All because, Early in the morning, on the first day of the week, when the sun had not yet come up, women were going to the tomb to finish preparing the body of their Lord, Jesus for his pertinent burial.

When they arrived, they saw that the stone was rolled away, to tomb was empty and angels sat at the entrance saying, “why are you looking for the living among the dead.  For Jesus, whom you are looking for is risen.”

God makes all things new.  Because of this moment, which we continue to celebrate as Easter people, God made his world new.  Because Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, we have with us now the counselor who is the Holy Spirit, God dwelling with us, transforming us, sanctifying us, perfecting us in God’s love. 

And there will come a day for us, who have faith in such a resurrection life that we will get to live and abide in the presence of our God forevermore.  But do we not believe that our God dwells with us even now? Have we not tasted the eternal, and know that God is good?

God is faithful to us, even when we are disobedient, even though we fail, God’s love will never fail. God is making us new even now, and wiping away the tears from our eyes.  God, through the Son has even taken away our death, that though our physical bodies may die, we will be transformed, be like he is, and live with him forever more.

Even now, God gives water, to those who ask, from the spring of the water of life.  For those who have tasted the water of life, have springs within themselves of living water that will never run dry.

There may be a day that is coming where a new heaven and a new earth is formed and replace the old.  There may be a time when hatred and malice think they can win, and cause war as a way of life on this earth.  But I know, and fully believe, that in the end God wins. God’s love gives us reason to rejoice now and forever.

Grace & Peace,
Sam