Worship Update

As we navigate back towards a new normal, for the next several weeks we will continue to meet at 10:00 am.  In addition, the online service will continue to be available at 9:00 am each Sunday for those who wish to remain a part of the online community for any reason.

A few things you will need to know as you plan to worship in-person with us.

1.      Everyone present must wear a mask (we will have some available if you forget)

2.      When you arrive please “check-in” with the ushers. (We are required to keep an accurate account of everyone present. )

3.      Many of the pews in our sanctuary will be roped off, please do only sit in an open area, and we will do our best to keep 6 feet distance between family units.

4.      Tithes and offerings may be left in the offering plates located at designated areas in the back and front of the sanctuary – you may leave these as your enter or as you leave.

I greatly look forward to see you in the Sanctuary next Sunday! I hope you have a blessed week, and find ways to be blessed by blessing others each and every day!

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 21, 2020

8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Quite apart from us you have become kings! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we might be kings with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to mortals. 10 We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, 12 and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day. – 1 Corinthians 4:8-13

When Jesus was walking with the crowds he told them a parable. The particular parable I have in mind, is the one where laborers are called to work in a vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16), some in the early morning hours, some a mid-day, some mid-afternoon, and the final call for laborers near the end of the day. At the end of the work, there was grumbling among those who worked harder and longer that they were paid exactly what was agreed upon. Their anger wasn’t necessarily at the pay, but at the workers who came in much later and made the same wage as they.

Jesus says this parable as an analogy of what it is like in the kingdom of heaven. The difficulty we have in our society is that we seem to always expect more. I know I was taught to not complain about work, to get up early, to work hard, and be rewarded. I would assume many of us were taught the same. We, most of us know the value of a hard day’s work. However, we see (and complain) when someone seems to always have an easy road, living on easy street without having (by our perception) any hardship along the way. 

Paul, in the passage above, speaks of the seemingly easy road the Corinthians are living. Corinth, of all the first century churches we know about, was the most wealthy. They did seem, to the rest of the world ,to live like kings. However, what we know about this church is that there were plenty of divisions within. They argued about everything, and Paul, who in my opinion, speaks with a great deal of cutting humor, speaks to them as the children, like which they were acting.

They had it so well, and could have been great among the churches, could have supplied so many ministers, support for ministries, they could have done much for the kingdom of heaven, but instead they spent their time arguing among themselves. Instead of laboring for the kingdom, they disputed about things that in the long run wouldn’t matter. 

Truth is, they still receive the reward of the kingdom of heaven, for they had faith in Christ. But for those who know the value of hard work, or even from Paul’s perspective in writing this letter to them, we might be tempted to judge. However, just like the vineyard owner in the parable, Paul’s remarks remind to offer blessing for the last as well as the first. For we all belong to God.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 21, 2020

8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Quite apart from us you have become kings! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we might be kings with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to mortals. 10 We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, 12 and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day. – 1 Corinthians 4:8-13

When Jesus was walking with the crowds he told them a parable. The particular parable I have in mind, is the one where laborers are called to work in a vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16), some in the early morning hours, some a mid-day, some mid-afternoon, and the final call for laborers near the end of the day. At the end of the work, there was grumbling among those who worked harder and longer that they were paid exactly what was agreed upon. Their anger wasn’t necessarily at the pay, but at the workers who came in much later and made the same wage as they.

Jesus says this parable as an analogy of what it is like in the kingdom of heaven. The difficulty we have in our society is that we seem to always expect more. I know I was taught to not complain about work, to get up early, to work hard, and be rewarded. I would assume many of us were taught the same. We, most of us know the value of a hard day’s work. However, we see (and complain) when someone seems to always have an easy road, living on easy street without having (by our perception) any hardship along the way. 

Paul, in the passage above, speaks of the seemingly easy road the Corinthians are living. Corinth, of all the first century churches we know about, was the most wealthy. They did seem, to the rest of the world ,to live like kings. However, what we know about this church is that there were plenty of divisions within. They argued about everything, and Paul, who in my opinion, speaks with a great deal of cutting humor, speaks to them as the children, like which they were acting.

They had it so well, and could have been great among the churches, could have supplied so many ministers, support for ministries, they could have done much for the kingdom of heaven, but instead they spent their time arguing among themselves. Instead of laboring for the kingdom, they disputed about things that in the long run wouldn’t matter. 

Truth is, they still receive the reward of the kingdom of heaven, for they had faith in Christ. But for those who know the value of hard work, or even from Paul’s perspective in writing this letter to them, we might be tempted to judge. However, just like the vineyard owner in the parable, Paul’s remarks remind to offer blessing for the last as well as the first. For we all belong to God.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 20, 2020

To join our online worship, please visit: stmarkknox.org/sermons

Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. – Psalm 96:2

A couple had just moved into a new apartment and they were besieged by salesmen for every kind of product and service. This was back in the days when dairies still made home deliveries. So one busy day a dairyman came to the door. “No,” said the woman firmly, “My husband and I don’t drink milk.”

“Be glad to deliver a quart every morning for cooking.”

“That’s more than I need,” she replied, starting to close the door.

“Well, ma’am, how about some cream? Berries comin’ in now, and …”

“No,” she said curtly, “we never use cream.”

The dairyman retreated slowly, while the woman congratulated herself on her sales resistance. The truth was that she had already ordered from another dairy, and this seemed to her to be the easiest way out.

The following morning, however, the same dairyman appeared at the door. In one hand he held a bowl of dewy strawberries and in the other a half-pint bottle of cream.

“Lady,” he said, as he poured the cream over the berries and handed them to her, “I got to thinkin’—you sure have missed a lot!” The woman changed dairies. (From Reader’s Digest -May, 1982).

Truth is until we have tasted and know the goodness of our God, it is a hard sale to share with others the blessings of our God.  Today, is the day to recharge, to gather in worship (even if you join online) so that we can taste, again, the goodness of our God. When our hearts of full to overflowing with the joy we have experienced in worship, we are then ready to go and sing God’s praises day-to-day, as the Psalm says.  We always need that reminder however, to stop, recharge, and allow God to refresh our spirit’s with spiritual milk.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 20, 2020

To join our online worship, please visit: stmarkknox.org/sermons

Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. – Psalm 96:2

A couple had just moved into a new apartment and they were besieged by salesmen for every kind of product and service. This was back in the days when dairies still made home deliveries. So one busy day a dairyman came to the door. “No,” said the woman firmly, “My husband and I don’t drink milk.”

“Be glad to deliver a quart every morning for cooking.”

“That’s more than I need,” she replied, starting to close the door.

“Well, ma’am, how about some cream? Berries comin’ in now, and …”

“No,” she said curtly, “we never use cream.”

The dairyman retreated slowly, while the woman congratulated herself on her sales resistance. The truth was that she had already ordered from another dairy, and this seemed to her to be the easiest way out.

The following morning, however, the same dairyman appeared at the door. In one hand he held a bowl of dewy strawberries and in the other a half-pint bottle of cream.

“Lady,” he said, as he poured the cream over the berries and handed them to her, “I got to thinkin’—you sure have missed a lot!” The woman changed dairies. (From Reader’s Digest -May, 1982).

Truth is until we have tasted and know the goodness of our God, it is a hard sale to share with others the blessings of our God.  Today, is the day to recharge, to gather in worship (even if you join online) so that we can taste, again, the goodness of our God. When our hearts of full to overflowing with the joy we have experienced in worship, we are then ready to go and sing God’s praises day-to-day, as the Psalm says.  We always need that reminder however, to stop, recharge, and allow God to refresh our spirit’s with spiritual milk.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 19, 2020

…surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life… - Psalm 23:6

I love the great liturgies of life, those phrases we speak over and again in the Christian life. Perhaps they come from the great liturgies, those, phrases of Scripture, prayers, or writings of the ancient teachers that constantly shower us with God’s mercy.

One great thing about these liturgies is how we bring so much of ourselves into them.  Though the words are always true and the same, they change with us. As we allow the inflection of our lives to be read on top of these great words, we hear them differently.  The phrase above, for instance, the beautiful reminder of God’s everlasting mercy and goodness from the shepherd’s psalm.  There are times, we can say this phrase with great emphasis on the “surely” knowing that it is true every step of the way.  In those times, we are enamored by an ever faithful God whose love we know completely.  However, there are times in life when we say the same statement, but it seems more like a question: surely Lord?  Will we ever be aware of God’s faithfulness, or God’s mercy again? Surely, it is following us all the days of our life? Right? 

Perhaps this is exactly why the great liturgies of faith are so important. They remind us that even when we know the right words, we don’t always know how to use them.  There are times when our faith is as sure and true as the sunrise, and there are other times, when we are afraid because the darkness is overcoming us.  At all times, though, the great words of faith can be a reminder. Even when we are faltering or floundering, God, who sent his Son Christ Jesus our Lord is a light unto our path.  Furthermore, we can allow the Holy Spirit to become alive, again in our lives, directing us back again to the sureness of our faith.  The world is not always a place of nurture, and sometimes a place spiritual dryness.  However, I am reminded over and again by the great liturgies of life, that when I feel the dryness of the world, there is an ever flowing stream of the greatness of the Lord, and I find it is the words of life that ring ever true. 

No matter where you are in your faith journey today, don’t forget to stop and take a drink of the great liturgies of life, for they are a wellspring, an ever-flowing stream of the life-giving water.  Praise be to God for his faithful and loving words that always rind true for us.  Surely his goodness and his mercy with follow us all the days of our life!

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 19, 2020

…surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life… - Psalm 23:6

I love the great liturgies of life, those phrases we speak over and again in the Christian life. Perhaps they come from the great liturgies, those, phrases of Scripture, prayers, or writings of the ancient teachers that constantly shower us with God’s mercy.

One great thing about these liturgies is how we bring so much of ourselves into them.  Though the words are always true and the same, they change with us. As we allow the inflection of our lives to be read on top of these great words, we hear them differently.  The phrase above, for instance, the beautiful reminder of God’s everlasting mercy and goodness from the shepherd’s psalm.  There are times, we can say this phrase with great emphasis on the “surely” knowing that it is true every step of the way.  In those times, we are enamored by an ever faithful God whose love we know completely.  However, there are times in life when we say the same statement, but it seems more like a question: surely Lord?  Will we ever be aware of God’s faithfulness, or God’s mercy again? Surely, it is following us all the days of our life? Right? 

Perhaps this is exactly why the great liturgies of faith are so important. They remind us that even when we know the right words, we don’t always know how to use them.  There are times when our faith is as sure and true as the sunrise, and there are other times, when we are afraid because the darkness is overcoming us.  At all times, though, the great words of faith can be a reminder. Even when we are faltering or floundering, God, who sent his Son Christ Jesus our Lord is a light unto our path.  Furthermore, we can allow the Holy Spirit to become alive, again in our lives, directing us back again to the sureness of our faith.  The world is not always a place of nurture, and sometimes a place spiritual dryness.  However, I am reminded over and again by the great liturgies of life, that when I feel the dryness of the world, there is an ever flowing stream of the greatness of the Lord, and I find it is the words of life that ring ever true. 

No matter where you are in your faith journey today, don’t forget to stop and take a drink of the great liturgies of life, for they are a wellspring, an ever-flowing stream of the life-giving water.  Praise be to God for his faithful and loving words that always rind true for us.  Surely his goodness and his mercy with follow us all the days of our life!

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 18, 2020

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? – 1 Corinthians 3:16

This may not sound revolutionary to us. As people of faith we have long heard about the indwelling of the Spirit of God, or the Holy Spirit.  However, I want to take a moment for us realize how revolutionary this line of thinking really was for the early Christians. 

God is often thought of us distant, as a powerful being beyond comprehension. Even the early Israelites believed that God’s presence was too powerful to behold. Even after building the temple in which to worship, there was a veil over the place where God’s presence was said to dwell.  When we get to the accounts of the time of Jesus death, we learn that when Jesus gives up his spirit into the hands of God, that the veil in the temple is torn in two. Later, Jesus breathes the Spirit into his disciples (John 20:22).

This powerful act is a sign of the new covenant between God and people through Jesus. We now are the place where the presence of God is pleased to dwell. As we live into our faith, God is with us, as close as a heartbeat or word on our lips. God’s dwelling place is with us, and is revealed to us as our Emmanuel (literally, God with us). The enormity of our understanding of God that changes through the bible is what helps us understand the one God as a trinity, or One God in three persons.  The Father is God, creating, sustaining, all powerful. The Son, came and walked among us, offered salvation through his death and resurrection, The Holy Spirit is God that dwells within, leading us ever deeper in relationship with God.

Yet, at the same time, all of these ‘persons’ are the same, One God.  Thus, God dwells within, and we are a temple of God’s presence. The divine spark is in each of us through faith, and it pleases God that we act and speak in His divine love.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 18, 2020

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? – 1 Corinthians 3:16

This may not sound revolutionary to us. As people of faith we have long heard about the indwelling of the Spirit of God, or the Holy Spirit.  However, I want to take a moment for us realize how revolutionary this line of thinking really was for the early Christians. 

God is often thought of us distant, as a powerful being beyond comprehension. Even the early Israelites believed that God’s presence was too powerful to behold. Even after building the temple in which to worship, there was a veil over the place where God’s presence was said to dwell.  When we get to the accounts of the time of Jesus death, we learn that when Jesus gives up his spirit into the hands of God, that the veil in the temple is torn in two. Later, Jesus breathes the Spirit into his disciples (John 20:22).

This powerful act is a sign of the new covenant between God and people through Jesus. We now are the place where the presence of God is pleased to dwell. As we live into our faith, God is with us, as close as a heartbeat or word on our lips. God’s dwelling place is with us, and is revealed to us as our Emmanuel (literally, God with us). The enormity of our understanding of God that changes through the bible is what helps us understand the one God as a trinity, or One God in three persons.  The Father is God, creating, sustaining, all powerful. The Son, came and walked among us, offered salvation through his death and resurrection, The Holy Spirit is God that dwells within, leading us ever deeper in relationship with God.

Yet, at the same time, all of these ‘persons’ are the same, One God.  Thus, God dwells within, and we are a temple of God’s presence. The divine spark is in each of us through faith, and it pleases God that we act and speak in His divine love.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

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