Ascension Day Matters?

Message: He Has Risen, Again!

I’d like to tell you a story about Psalm 47 and the man who wrote it.

It all started after Moses had just led Israel out of Egypt into the wilderness. That great time of purification and discipleship when God taught the people who he was and how to worship. Moses was given the task of organizing the nation and to one of the 12 tribes fell the task of caring for the Tent of Meeting, later the temple. And of the three clans of Levites the task of serving at the Tent fell on the clan of Kohath. And this is when things got complicated.

Kohath had 5 sons. The oldest, Amram decided to marry his aunt – I know – and the second oldest Izhar also got married. They both had kids.

Amram’s kids were Moses, Aaron and Miriam while the other Izhar’s oldest was a man named Korah. Cousins, they both had roles in the Tent of Meeting, but as you may know Moses got the primary leadership, Aaron the priesthood and Miriam was in charge or women’s ministry. And Korah? Well, his family was responsible for care for “the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use. (Nu 3.31-32).  Certainly important work, but as we shall see he didn’t like it much. The fact that his Eleazar, Aaron’s son, was his boss didn’t help either.

Korah had an attitude. He didn’t see his calling as important enough. His cousins got the best jobs and life made was unfair. It was as if a veil covered his eyes and he couldn’t see the good thing he’d been given. And in fact that’s exactly what was going on.

One day cousin Moses came down from a meeting with the Almighty and his face shone so brightly with Glory that Moses put a covering on his face. Something to dim the brilliance so that people could look at him. The people needed a veil to protect them from God; the brilliance Moses reflected couldn’t be looked at. The Apostle Paul even comments on this in 2 Corinthians 3.

We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. ¹⁴ But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

So, as I said, Korah appreciated none of this. So much so that by Numbers 15 he’s made up his mind about a few things. He no longer accepts Moses leadership; he no longer respects Aaron’s role as priest, which means he believes God made a mistake appointing Aaron in the first place. He thinks God is too ridged and doesn’t understand that a little sin say gathering firewood on the Sabbath is just as dangerous as making an idol in the shape of a golden calf. Korah doesn’t understand that God is holy. The veil covers his eyes and his heart.

Frustrated, angry, jealous he starts a rebellion; challenging Moses and Aaron’s leadership he defies God himself. The verdict is swift and immediate. God acts to remove sin from the camp. Korah, 250 leading men in the camp, their wives, children, animals and possessions all fall into a sinkhole. Never to breathe again.

Korah dead and gone.

So how do we get a song, a psalm written hundreds of years after his death authored by “The Sons of Korah”?

And what difference does it make?

Here’s how I understand the puzzle.

First, it seems clear that not everyone in his family died that terrible day. Numbers 26.11 makes that clear and 1 Chronicles 6 tells us that David made them Temple attendants, singers, gatekeepers and bakers of the ritual bread. But the most important bit we find out is that when King Jehoshaphat defeats the armies of Moab and Amon, it The Sons of Korah who lead the cheer. They are the ultimate worship team fully devoted to God, secure and joyful in their calling: at peace.

That you must admit is a far cry from their ancestor, isn’t it?

Never be fooled by the reason why family histories appear in the Bible or a sub-title in a psalm. These details matter.

The Bible, especially the Old Testament is more about teaching through stories than any other way. But while the Bible is filled with stories, they are have the same plot. Korah’s story is one such example. He is given a calling and place by God; he rebels against God; and wants to be a Priest on his own terms. This causes personal disaster and the ripples spread to his family, friends and followers.

Doesn’t that sound just like Cain’s story? Like King Saul’s? Like Gehazi the servant of Elisha?

The veil is dark over their eyes; they cannot or will not see the truth. Their lives are filled with pain and wandering.

But something happens to the remnant every time right?

Somehow the veil is lifted and Seth is the new Able, willing to call upon the name of the Lord; Somehow Saul’s remaining son is treated with grace and mercy by David. Somehow the Syrian general sees, believes and is healed of more than leprosy. Somehow the veil is lifted and Korah’s remaining family sees the truth and understands God’s goodness. The veil is taken away and the sons of Korah become God’s most skilled praise team.

The Old Testament is filled with these stories. I frequently wonder just how many were given that experience - the veil taken away, eyes of the heart opened to the reality of God in grace and glory? How many had to wait lingering in the grave for Christ to come?

It seems in this that our forefathers in faith had it harder than we who live since Jesus’ ascension. No doubt we live the same story. No doubt our reality is born in sin, prone to rebellion. The veil is firmly in place. But because Jesus ascended we have the Spirit; we have what so many of our forefathers had to wait for. Because of Jesus anyone can approach the Father and be assured that their prayer is heard. There is no longer a need for a priest; the veil has been removed.

¹⁶ Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Through Jesus’ resurrection and ascension the Spirit will come, has come, the veil has been removed. Now, as never before, those who believe can see things more clearly all the time. Those with unveiled faces see that every baby is conceived by a miracle; every new calf, lamb or foal the same. They see the miracle in planting and harvesting.

The miracle of inserting a pacemaker, or reattaching ligaments in a knee joint.

They know the miracle of making a living and enjoying work.

The miracle of human love and kindness.

The miracle of God’s love for a broken world and God’s yearning for it to be whole.

The joy of being involved in that amazing project.

In that way:

Though there is still much crime and violence there could, should be more. Those with unveiled faces see the miracle of crime being restrained.

Though there is still much sickness and death; they see the miracle of healing and know that death has lost its sting!

Though there is still much brokenness; they experience the miracle of forgiveness, even reconciliation.

They, we, see these things because by Ascending Jesus makes these glimpses and realities of the Kingdom visible. In Christ and by the Spirit believers accept their callings and join the choir as describes in Revelation 4, worshipping and praising our God who loves, who rules and who sustains Creation.

Because of the Ascension, we’ve been invited backstage to see how things really are. Because of the Ascension, believers can live with confident boldness born out of gratitude.

Christ has ascended – King over all Creation. Ruling today, his fingerprints appear all over the earth. Just as we read in Psalm 47.

God has ascended

    the King of all the earth;

sing to him a psalm of praise.

H is for Held by God?

I have my grandfather’s clock. It probably looks familiar to most of you. I understand they are fairly common in Holland. As many of you know my Opa Delleman was a pastor and this clock was given to him by a profession of faith class in 1927. Used at the time, I have no idea how old it is. And I don’t care either. What I do care about is that it connects me to him. I also care deeply that it runs. We had it cleaned and running when I got it 15 years ago; then it stopped, so we had it cleaned again and then it stopped for a long time. And then, out of nowhere, it started up again. I tapped the pendulum and it just kept going. It keeps perfect time.

So there are two things I care about that will get stressed this morning: being connected and being mindful of the time.

Timely stuff as we’re sharing our last in five messages surrounding the word FAITH. If you remember the letters stand for:

Fallen humanity,

Adopted by God,

Intentionally atoned for,

Transformed by the Spirit, and

Held by God.

In other times and places the letters would spell TULIP known also as the Cannons of Dort. That is the conclusions of a meeting that took place about 400 years ago.

So today is, “Held By God,” or perseverance of the Saints, or Eternal Security. The last two may sound more familiar, but honestly, I like ‘Held by God’ better. It seems to me it describes things more accurately. Because as we well know the faith we’re talking about is a gift; we can’t beg, borrow or buy it. And the Faithfulness we’re talking about is God’s not ours. Let’s be honest, God’s grip on us is far stronger than our grip on God. It’s God who calls and connects his children to the living Vine – Jesus. It’s God who holds us in the palm of the Father’s hand so securely that no one can snatch us out. It’s God’s Spirit who journeys with us along the way.

And while all those promises are true come as such blessings, there is a risk for us if we misunderstand this point. God’s grip on us is greater than our grip on him. Let’s explore that by looking at the text for today.

I call these verses, Romans 8.35-39: ‘The Scope of God’s Faithfulness.’

               

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Psalm 44)

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now let’s look at it arranged slightly different:

Note with me how vs 35 asks and vs 37 answers a very bold question. In counseling I always tell people to avoid words like always and never. Those words usually get us into trouble. You always . . . You never . . . .   But here I like it. No exceptions, God holds his children always.

And also note that it’s within this security that trouble comes: “hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword.” Likening us to sheep in the slaughter house line up, disciples of Jesus have and will suffer, but no matter what, In spite of the enemy’s best efforts we prevail completely.

And then verse 38 where nothing in all of Creation – not physical things or spiritual things – can separate us from Christ. And I pause here again to point out that in Paul’s world as with our own spirituality is big. Mix and match religion is a hobby of many, many people. Most like and only want a loving God. They reject a just God or a God who call for obedience.

And then there are those who teach about guardian angels. Did you wonder why angels are mentioned along with demons? Not for contrast but as a warning.

In both ways Satan is trying to replace or undermine Jesus. Other spiritualties do not replace Jesus; Guardian angels do not replace Jesus. Why go for a middleman when the boss’ door is always open?

                                               

Jesus and Jesus alone is God to the glory of the Father. That’s whose holding us. So just to be clear, God’s Promise to You,

Because of Jesus,

By the Spirit,

No matter what,

you are the Father’s children in community.

Yes that’s right; Note all the us’s and we’s in these verses. God’s promise is to his people: individuals in community. Connected to the Saviour AND each other.

But this is not the whole of it yet. Let’s take a look at why God chooses to hold us tightly in his hand. Anika read it earlier and yes, here we go with pre-destination. The youth had a lively discussion on this last week.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

It seems to me from what I’ve been taught and experienced firsthand is that Predestination is typically understood in one of two or three ways.

The first goes something like this: God knows what ever human will do in their life before hand and God knows who will and who will not believe and therefore those who will respond to his call are the only ones to get an invitation to start with.

The second is more severe. In this understanding God simply chooses some for salvation and others for damnation. This scenario, by divine decree, has the person brought forcibly into one or the other destinations.

Now, while I agree and believe that God is sovereign and has the right to do as God will, I wonder. Is that what Paul meant? Or, do we read the Bible in light of tradition missing something? It seems the plain meaning goes more like this. While God does know the future, it does not necessarily mean God is controlling our every choice. If God did then what kind of God is that? One who causes marriages to explode, wars to erupt and atomic bombs? Yeah, I don’t think so.

Besides, why else say, ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him?’ Let’s face it, life is a journey of exploration and mistakes where the results of sin can be a wonderful teacher. And that is what God chooses for us.

Another thing, Paul could have said some are predestined for heaven and others for hell, if that is what he really meant. So let’s be careful with what the text says. And get the full picture because these two ways of looking at predestination often leave something out. The point of it all.

Verse 29 says those, a group, are predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son. That is what Christians are corporately chosen for. Collectively predestined to be conformed to him over time.

Which certainly explains the need for community. If being conformed to his likeness means growing in faith, learning to reject sin and so on, then we need each other to support, encourage and correct each other. Satan and the world will only try to turn us away from Christ. And, if suffering is a part of it, then we certainly need safe places to stand strong together and heal after doing battle. And one more, if God is interested in all believers as one body, group, people that are to be conformed to the likeness of his son, then there is no room for division. Rather, we are called to function as one people over space and time. Because if anyone gets left behind, if anyone is rejected then the entire body suffers. The Spirit through Paul is encouraging those who believe that they are better together because God is for them as they learn, suffer, grow and mature together.

So predestined to be held by God is awesome, the reality is authentic community, spiritual maturity, confidence and unfailing love.

And now the Risk. Remember that? I mentioned it about a thousand words ago. A misunderstanding of predestination or of being held by God eternally can produce a few negative results.

One: some believe that baptism and profession of faith are the end of spiritual growth and maturity. There is no need for Christian community, accountability or discipline. Bible reading and study becomes self-help and important texts like, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Are reduced to a sense that we have God’s permission and support to do whatever we want. The text is about prevailing in times of trouble and persecution, not making a fortune by being a workaholic or some other worldly pursuit.

Another risk is that a certain smugness can overcome people. It sounds like, I’m saved, sucks to be you. Too bad the world has issues, none of my concern. Evangelism, why? God saves whom he will. Not my deal. And so on.

Third and last, the sad truth is without a clear understanding and a heart of gratitude, the result is spiritual immaturity. And that is a great waste. A waste of gifts, abilities and time. People like this are short changing themselves missing out on the true pleasures of life. Settling instead for a so called ticket to heaven and a miserable striving after the wind in the meantime.

Maybe it’s time to think it through. Has your heart clock quit running and needs a push to engage or reengage in the life Christ offers? Maybe it’s time to say yes when a ministry opportunity comes along or the next profession of faith class. Maybe it’s time to seek out a sister or brother and become reconciled. Maybe it’s time to consider the stakes as someone once famously said:

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life. (Dt. 30.19-20)

Go for the Gold?

Get Wisdom: Go beyond the Gold!

Opening Illustration: The Paper Bag Princess

So GEMS, what are you looking for?

At the beginning of the story the princess thought outward appearance mattered more than anything else. Didn’t she? Many of us start out that way also, but by the end of the story, she’d learned different. She learned the prince was a bum. A boy who just liked pretty clothes, and clean skin. We sometimes say he was all about appearances. Looks, money, stuff and getting what he wants. Obviously he didn’t really care about her or her hard work to set him free.

So is the moral of that story: Don’t marry a bum? Or is there an even deeper message?

Sure, when the time comes, find a man who is worthy:

Someone who will love you for you, someone who will respect you and encourage you, someone who will put your needs first.

But since none of you are even close to finding such a man yet, let’s talk about what comes first.

How can a girl/woman be wise? Not just in finding a man – if that’s what you one day want, but how to be wise in all of life.

Your theme verses for the year comes from the book of Proverbs. It’s a book of wise sayings that were written for young people. The authors of the book wanted to teach girls and boys how to be wise in the world and where true wisdom comes from. So, most of the proverbs are easy to understand, but hard to do.

For instance, take this one:

How  much  better  to  get  wisdom  than  gold,  to  choose  understanding  rather  than  silver!  The  highway  of  the  upright  avoids  evil;  he  who  guards  his  way  guards  his  life. Proverbs 16:16-17

It teaches that wisdom is better than money or things and that gaining wisdom means walking away from bad choices.

Like I said, easy to understand hard to do, why? Because in our world, money is so important and most of the people we know have to earn it. And that makes sense, right? We need money for food, a house and clothes. School tuition and gas for the car. The problem many people get into is in trying to decide how much money is enough and what am I willing to do to get some?

So, sometimes bad choices are made by people who forget that there are more important things in life than money. For girls, other bad choices often have to do with trying to use looks to get what they want. People will tell you that you have to be thin or do certain things or wear certain kinds of make-up or dress in certain clothes in order to be popular. Not true.

The most beautiful girl in the world is one who loves herself. And that’s the best choice to make because it avoids evil and wasted time, not to mention wasted money.

And that’s why we’re talking about it now so that you have a good start in life. Those of us who are older often think, if only I had known some things sooner, I wouldn’t have done what I did when I was younger. That’s the goal of learning proverbs and seeking wisdom. To have courage to make good choices when we’re young so that life is better when we’re older.

So let’s talk about how to get wisdom. It starts with a knowledge of God. The reason is because while knowing lots is good, knowing how to use it is better. Take medicine for instance. We use atomic energy to help cure cancer, right? Radiation treatments. And that took years and lots of very smart people to figure out. That’s a wise use of knowledge. But people also used atomic energy to destroy two cities and hundreds of thousands of people. That wasn’t wise. How do we know? Well because God is a healer and wants us to love our neighbor as ourselves – not kill them!

So to make wise decisions, people need to know who God is and how God does things. That’s what I mean by a knowledge of God.  

Just like it says in this proverb:

 “The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom,  and  knowledge  of  the  Holy  One  is  understanding.” Proverbs 9.10

The “Fear of the Lord” Is the beginning. But what does that mean? To be afraid of God, scared of God?

In this case fear means worshipping, adoring and having awesome respect for God. Loving God and standing amazed that we have the undeserved, unearned privilege of calling God, Abba Father.

Fear also means fearing – fearing to be out of His presence – fear of being banished! Recognizing that God is a righteous and Holy God and that He cannot allow darkness or sin in His presence ever. So if there is unrepentant sin in our lives, we will not be able to be in His presence.

It’s like the air we breathe. I’m not afraid of it. There’s lots of oxygen to keep me alive, nitrogen and the other gasses we all need. But, I am afraid of not having air to breathe. Like being underwater too long. I fear that; I fear having my air run out so I make sure I don’t go down too deep. Which is like not going so far from the path or making so many bad choices that the only way to come back is for God to give me discipline.

“My child, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

⁶     because the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes everyone he accepts as a child.”

Guess what? That’s another proverb – Proverbs 3.11-12

So, who likes discipline?

Instead, the proverbs teach us to develop our love and respect – reverence for God.

How? You do it daily. You grow your relationship with Him through prayer and Bible study. These are two very important ways to get to know God better. The other we can add is learning to see God in the everyday things like creation, music, art, school or work.

As we get to know Him better, we feel closer to Him and worship Him more fully. When we are connecting with Him daily we are more trusting and want to follow His ways more – to do what Proverbs teaches us to do – to act wisely.

And here is something very important. Some people think learning about God can wait. Or that they are protected by baptism as if it was magic. That somehow God has to keep us safe, just because. The truth is that until we rightly fear God and have a deep desire to follow Him, we won’t much care about seeking wisdom. We will just want to do our own thing which is exactly the advice the world gives to us. And for some that will be a sad life; for some that will mean marrying a bum.

So if you want wisdom and are willing to love God the way he deserves. If you are willing to read and pray and choose the right way, here are some ways to grow in wisdom:

1. Make wise choices with words.

Reckless  words  pierce  like  a  sword,  but  the  tongue  of  the  wise  brings  healing.  Proverbs 12:18

That means name calling and gossip hurts. Instead use words to help, encourage and protect others.

2. Make wise choices in relationships.

A  friend  is  always  loyal,  and  a  brother  is  born  to  help  in  time  of  need. Proverbs 17:17

Everyone needs a good friend – be a good friend by keeping the things people tell you in private, private. Stand up for your friends and help them make good choices. Also, remember that your brothers and sisters know you best of all. Be a sister – or brother – that your family can count on. Sisters and brothers are God’s gift.

3. Make wise choices about integrity.

The  man  (woman)  of  integrity  walks  securely,  but  he  (she)  who  takes  crooked  paths  will  be  found  out. Proverbs 10:9

That means be honest; do not steal, tell lies or try to fool people by acting one way while hiding parts of your life. Like having two groups of friends and being “good” with one group and being different with another.

4. Making wise choices about work.

She  sets  about  her  work  vigorously;  her  arms  are  strong  for  her  tasks.   Proverbs 31:17

Do your chores without complaining and work hard at them. It will teach you to do well at school and work later in life. And here is something I learned as a parent. We had a kid who would spend more time and energy complaining about a chore than the time it would take to do it. That doesn’t make sense. Just do it and be grateful for all you have that God through your parents provide.

5. Make wise choices with money.

Honor the LORD with your wealth.   Proverbs 3:9

That means learn to give money away. Some of your allowance or babysitting money or part time money. People seeking wisdom know that all money comes from God and giving some back helps people remember that.

One of the best prayers in the bible is this:

Give  me  neither  poverty  nor  riches,  but  give  me  only my  daily  bread.  Otherwise  I  may  have  too  much  and  disown  you  and  say,  “Who  is  the  Lord?”  Or,  I  may  become  poor  and  steal,  and  so  dishonor  the  name  of  my  God.     Proverbs 30:8S9

Conclusion

That’s enough examples for today. Reading the Bible and praying to understand what you read will show many more ways to become wise.  Along with that, GEMS and Cadets for that matter, keep coming to your groups and learning from your leaders. Adults, join a Bible study or start one. The Spirit teaches us best when we get together in groups like this and in our homes.

It will take discipline to apply wisdom to our lives on a daily basis. But if we discipline ourselves and       apply these truths to our lives, the satisfying lives we long to live will be ours. Our lives will work! To God’s glory, Amen.

Who's The Strong One?

The Weak And The Strong

Romans 14.1-12

In 1927 my grandfather was ordained in the CRC. His parents were sincere and passionate believers. And they attended the service at Niewkirk ann den Ussal, north east of Rotterdam. So far so good. Seems normal, but it wasn’t. You see my great grandfather had done something unusual for his day. He’d married a devout catholic girl. The reality was that my great grandmother went each week to Catholic services – alone, while my great grandfather took the kids to the reformed church. So, when the day came for my grandfather’s ordination, his mother had to ask for permission from the bishop to attend the service. It was granted and that was the one and only time she attended a non-Catholic church. It was the only time she heard her son speak. On all sides the considered opinion was that strong faith and right doctrine ruled the day.

My dad tells me that his grandmother was a wise and godly woman. Their marriage was strong and a blessing to the family. Their children were successful in life. An uncle published books, another sat on the Board of Heineken; and my grandfather a noted preacher, writer and leader. And yet they couldn’t worship together.

What was that about?

The text before us needs only a brief explanation of the setting. The point Paul makes is clear enough.  The debate was about how much of the Jewish tradition should be included in Christian practice. Or maybe better how has Christ fulfilled the earlier covenants - faith and practice to bring the last covenant - faith and practice for all the people of God. 

In other passages Jesus and the Spirit are clear. Sabbath was made for humanity and not the other way around; feast days are now optional; animal sacrifices are no longer required; dietary laws abandoned because now God has come near to humanity, the curtain has been torn and through Jesus’ death and resurrection sinful but forgiven humanity can approach a holy God.

The New Testament is full of these revelations, but old habits die hard. So again Paul addresses the issues. Calling the disputable matters – we’d say non-salvation issues – Paul says observance of the old traditions is fine but no longer necessary so long as observance does not replace grace. And, he says, non-observance of the old traditions is also fine so long as it is not done with arrogance.

I remember talking one time to a woman who I respected quite deeply. She was my mom’s age and one day we were talking about women serving as deacons. It was the early 80’s when this was new to our churches. I’ll never forget what she said, one day the people who refuse to have women serve as deacons will grow up. That’s what I mean by arrogance. Looking down on those who don’t share belief on disputable matters.

Instead, the Spirit urges believers to be loving and considerate to one another. Because after all everything is done as to the Lord anyway.  For Paul, believing this meant that all foods were now ‘clean’ and that, though keeping holy days might help devotion, a Christian was free to observe special days or not, provided this was done with a desire to honour the Lord.

And these are the one whom the Spirit calls strong.

Look again at the text. Verse one – the weak are those who still rely on the traditions and rules to stay out of trouble. The weak are those who have not yet understood the extent of Christ’s transforming and reconciling work on the cross. The ‘weak’ have not worked out, or not as fully as Paul has the consequences of believing in God as creator and Jesus as the crucified and risen Lord.

The strong are those who know that nothing can separate us from God’s love. The strong have courage to face the world share their faith and know that even if they make mistakes Christ will receive their offering and bless it. The strong are those who walk by faith. Doing the best they can in the mess they find. Sometimes these are new believers who just don’t know better. Sometimes these are those who grew up in the church, who weigh the traditions and seek to follow Christ instead. The strong are those who see Christ removing barriers between people and between people and himself.

In my grandfather’s day those who put up walls of separation were considered strong, but according to this text were they?

And so how does this text impact us today? A day when we celebrate baptism, welcome and the selection of leaders for Christ’s church?

I am convinced on the basis of this text and every other text concerning the work of Christ that God’s desire is to build a family from ever nation, language and people. And, I believe the bible teaches this desire and invitation is unconditional. Such that the first stage for everyone on the path of faith is to know they belong.

Belong

Leah and Willow must know above all else that they belong to God, as do we all. Sure, it is only after we believe that we can confess, “I am not my own, but belong completely to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But that doesn’t change the fact that God has a claim on every human being from conception.

These two little ones must know God loves them unconditionally and not because of anything they must do or have done. It is no different as we look around at each other sitting here right now. Some have professed faith, some have not. Perhaps some who have did so out of a belief – a lie - that God requires good behaviour before he loves. I hope none are confused by that.

Here’s a simple question: do you believe that though born in sin, God calls you his own and that you belong to him? That you belong among his people?

If yes, praise God! If no or unsure, might it be that while the Bible teaches one thing, the church throws up traditions that teach something else? Or could it be that in your heart God is being held back on purpose because with the Spirit change comes and that may hurt?

There is no doubt God changes his children from the inside out; life with Christ involves change from weakness to strength from muddy motives and habits to pure. But it all starts with Redeeming love and the conviction that we belong to God. Let’s not fail these two little girls or anyone else who is a part of this community.

Belief

The second reality, I see in scripture is that with assurance of belonging, belief in Christ is far more likely. We are Christ’s ambassadors, says the Spirit. And as ambassadors believers have the privilege of presenting Christ to all we meet. What kind of presentation is that on Sunday or through the week? Are we like the government office requiring forms and stamps and jumping through hoops to finally be welcome? Or are we the people who welcome others because we know that God has welcomed us first?

The truth is that unless people feel welcome, they will have a hard time believing in the one who sends such a welcome committee.

Are the social circles open? Are newcomers welcome? Can new comers understand the language spoken? Can they see the passion of Jesus in how things are said and done? Children know early on what is truly important to their parents; they cannot be fooled. As they grow that skill is not lost. Genuine faith softens hearts and those hearts can more readily accept the Spirit.

So that’s belonging and belief which leads ultimately to behaviour.

Behaviour

The text reassures us that “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” I know a man who came to Christ in his 50s. He had been baptized and lived life as he saw fit. One day he began attending church and received the welcome of the congregation. Got involved and made friends. A couple of years later he sat through a service and at the end felt an odd but amazing warmth. He had an experience of the Spirit, which was the moment of his accepting Christ and all his promises. New life begun just as I’ve described. But here’s the thing – he’s still working through his bad habits and ungodly behaviour.

It seems plain that saving faith does not immediately fix bad behaviour; just like good behaviour does not guarantee saving faith. Friends this part of life in Christ with his people is messy. All must therefore learn to live together without looking down their noses at one another or implying for a moment that God is more pleased with one style of behaviour than with another.

Bearing in mind of course that all are accountable for what they know. Accountable for what we know so there is no excuse. Check verse 12.

This means that we should treat each other with humility and grace. Pointing out error knowing we have plenty to hear about also. And then having conversation to be sure if is there is a valid problem after all. To be sure that it isn’t simply a disputable matter, a matter of personal taste, which should just be left alone as a show of spiritual maturity.

In history, John Calvin did not want a split church; he wanted renewal in the only church there is. Sinful humanity made that impossible; believers are called to unity. Had that happened 500 years ago my great grandmother and her son could have enjoyed worship together regularly. How much division and strife and how many have left faith all together because too often right behaviour has been more important that belief in the living God.

The passage before us today is the Spirit’s call to unity and maturity

Together?

Romans 13.8-14

Theme: Christ calls us to leave Jerusalem and walk together into the countryside of life. The road is paved with joy, grief and conflict, but the good news is that we can travel together.

⁸ Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. ⁹ The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁰ Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

¹¹ And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ¹² The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

A Brief summary of the passage might read like this:

Love each other in such a way as to keep the commandments because time is running out and we need each other deeply.

That’s where we left off last week and this week, we’ll continue down that thought and see where it leads.

And now an exercise

Write down three things that are important to you

This can be people, things or conditions related to school, work or health; anything or anyone whose important to you.

Pass the paper to the person sitting in front of you.

Person with the paper, cross out item #   and now give it back to the person who wrote the list.

Now look at what’s just been taken away from you, how does it feel? In a moment, with the stroke of a pen, something that means so much is gone forever.

Some of you have gone through this experience recently with the loss of a parent, or miscarriage or marriage. I’m not being cruel to have fun at anyone’s expense.

This is an exercise in reality and it has a purpose. Let me ask, now that we’ve been reminded that life is fragile and things can happen suddenly.

What will you do knowing that loss can strike at any moment?

What will you do with the rest of your life?

With whatever amount of time that is?

           

What would you do if you only had a day left? A week, a month?

Why would that be any different than 10 or 20 or 50 years?

Why or why not?

Will any of this make a difference in how the rest of life is lived?

A couple weeks ago I shared a story about a professor and his decision to make less money by following his calling. One of his students objected because he misunderstood. Making money is all well and good, but where in the list does it belong? At the top? In the top three, five, ten?

The professor I spoke about found where it fit and lived his calling as a disciple of Jesus. When his wife became ill, he was in a situation that allowed him to take time to be with her, see her through and provide financially.

How would it be for any of us if our spouse became ill? Would the concerns of farm or business make it possible to step away and care for him or her easily?

If not, then we’ve missed the point.

The point – every moment counts and people matter far more than anything else. In almost every study ever done: Income level has little to do with happiness. Those who have meaningful relationships are happier than those who do not.

Let’s explore how this appears in our passage

Here, Paul chooses a Biblical illustration that appears over and over:. In the beginning the first act is to separate light from dark. Isaiah speaks of a light dawning in the darkness; John says the light has come and the dark does not understand it.

Paul continues on that line. The old world in darkness of thinking is passing away. Or just as the rising sun eliminates shadows so that the truth is seen clearly, so too the Spirit of God is bringing light and life to his people.

No wonder then that Paul suggests certain activities that people keep hidden or pursue at night are no longer a part of grateful living.

Verse 12, “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

There are three pairs of deeds.

The first has to do with distorted eating and drinking. Food and drink, including alcohol are fine, but overeating or getting drunk or high are of the darkness. They place the stuff of life above the meaning of life. Stuff is then more important than people. These two destroy personal health and healthy relationships.

The second with distorted sexuality. Sex in marriage is a great gift; sex outside of or instead of marriage either physically – watching or touching - or over a phone or internet are also of darkness. Indulging in these things drives a wedge between spouses and betrays trust at the deepest level.

The third pair describes distorted ways of thinking and might be the most damaging. Dissensions and jealousy – allow me to quickly define those two words. Dissensions are arguments, quarrels and conflicts that don’t get solved. They involve mean language and hard hearts. Jealousy here means passion or envy. Put them together and what do we get? Division, brokenness and loneliness.

When people insist on their own way and are unwilling to listen, consider or respect each other anymore there can only be separation, which is to try undoing the very thing Jesus died for. Jesus died and rose for reconciliation between God and humanity; between individuals and between a person and his or her self. Dissensions and jealousy are dark activities that drive people apart and defy the love of God.

Instead, the Spirit invites God’s people to come into the light. A new day has dawned. It is the day of Jesus. Now and continuing until his return.

So while we live, we in the tension between darkness and light between the present mess and future glory. Between using people to get what we want and loving people for the great gifts they are.

Today the question is: what will any of us do with the time we have left? Knowing that we do have to make a living, get on with school and whatever else. But also realizing that no one knows how much time is left.

What will we do?

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. “

The second part is good news: He or she who loves his neighbour has accepted God’s gracious gift of salvation and is living rightly.

But what about the first part of that verse?

. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”

Using the language of business, the Spirit is clear: people owe one another something. And that should strike us as odd. At least at first.

In our world we expect to owe someone, or to have a debt to someone if we’ve signed a contract or have already received something from them already. Some work done or goods received, right.

But here it’s like saying pay up before the work is done or goods received and by the way there is no guarantee you’ll get the goods or work done because you owed the money to the other person anyway! Confused? Good! This is God’s economy; it does not work like human business dealings.

In God’s economy I owe everyone I meet something. No exceptions; the verse applies to believers and non-believers alike. I owe love to my fellow human beings. That is, respect because all are made in God’s image and an attitude of forgiveness and humility because that is what Jesus has given me.

The debt to love one another is to be patient, kind, eager to listen and encourage, polite, calm and

“it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Love, that kind of love, true love, never fails.

That kind of love starts with the individual loving him or herself because God loves first and gives that kind of love as a reserve in hearts that begins to pour out into the world. Do you love yourself? Do you believe God loves you? They are connected. Last week I asked someone those questions and in response his whole body changed. Shoulders up, eyes bright, smile forming, yes! And we talked about what that meant. Life and love possible for others!

There are probably some here who don’t love themselves. Why? Have you never felt God’s touch? Some of us refuse to forgive ourselves.  Crazy right? That’s like saying God made a mistake. If God forgives so too should we dare to forgive ourselves. And that will give us love to forgive others.

Last week there was a painful letter written and published in the local paper. What is our response. We have a debt of love to our accuser. To respond with love, rather than hate; to offer forgiveness and refuse to let division remain.

That’s hard. But acknowledging our debt of love is to let the Spirit kill the very normal urge to have one’s own way, to be self-willed with a readiness to quarrel. That’s what Paul means by “Clothe yourself in Jesus.” Only in Jesus, by the power of the Spirit can anyone agree that the debt exists and that love is the better way. The way of love is very different from the way of the world.

And so we come back to the beginning. There is only so much time and there is a debt of love that takes time to ‘pay off.’ Bearing in mind, of course, that we never will.

A man named Origen once said, “The debt of love is permanent, and we are never done with it; for we must pay it daily and yet always owe it.”

As I said, it’s a call to a new way of being.

A calling into a life where no matter what is done – earning a living, school work, chores, hanging out at the mall – is all done in daylight – in love. I think one word sums it up well: protect.

Protect yourself from the lust money, possessions and self-centered experiences.

Protect your marriage from anyone or anything that may come between you and your spouse.

Protect your friends from gossip, harm and loneliness.

Protect your fellow believers from needless dissensions and divisions.

Protect the stranger, the unbeliever anyone God puts in your path by remembering that they like you are made in God’s image; that time is short for all; that the love of God is for all. For God so loved the world – all of it.

Protect the gospel so that people who need to hear it see how it works to make life better rather than seeing how it’s too often used to divide and make people fearful, arrogant or proud.

And where does the strength, the will for all this come from? God himself from whom all things good come. Protect yourself and those you love with mind – choices – and heart choosing to listen to the Spirit.

Protect us oh Lord, from missing the point and come Holy Spirit, enter and renew our hearts so that we embrace the day, today, every day we may have and that in all we do give you Glory.

Consumerism is a Problem?

Romans 12.-9-21

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  ¹⁸If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

When I was 16 I went to the Yukon Territory. My sister lived in Dawson City and I wanted to visit her and see what held her captive to that wild and untamed place. I went with one of my siblings and it was an adventure. We flew to Whitehorse and then rode a bus 8 hours to our destination. The gravel road was rough and there were no rest stops or fast food turn offs. There was a toilet n a cubicle at the back of the bus.

And once we got to Dawson finding my sister was also an adventure. She didn’t meet us at the bus because she was busy with her kids and besides everyone knew her and pointed us in the right direction. We found her, had tea with her friends and then went to her place. A one room cabin about 350 square feet in size with a cook stove in it. That stove was at least 80 years old. It supplied heat, hot water and that’s where the food was baked or cooked. No plumbing of any kind. Water came from a stream. The outhouse was 50 meters away. Oh, and the cabin was 50K from Dawson, there was no electricity or telephone of any kind.

Over the week we found out what life there was like. The closest neighbour was at least an hour walk away. Food and supplies came from the south, in bulk. Once or twice a year my sister would order a drum of flour, sacks or sugar and some canned goods. Fresh vegetables were grown in the yard and stored in a cellar. At the time a tomato cost $5.00 a pound. Forget about buying meat. We ate the bear my brother in law shot. Along with squirrels, rabbits and fish from the river.

Over the week I realized that she lived differently from the rest of her family. And the biggest difference was not the lack of technology or the price of consumer goods. The biggest difference was that she needed her neighbours, her community, to survive.

Dawson has longer winters than here and colder. A medical emergency – say a broken bone could result in death if the weather was bad. Even in the summer an animal attack was a real possibility. And help was not 911 away. In that place at that time people needed each other and they accepted each other regardless of personal habits, appearance, work they did or anything else.

To hold a grudge up there was to be isolated and in risk of disaster. No one could make it on their own. No one.

Now, to be very honest, I realize that since my time in the Yukon I have seldom if ever felt as dependent on people for daily survival as they did.  At least in the physical sense. You and I live and I suspect most of us have lived all our lives in abundance. Physical material needs have been provided for us or by our own effort since birth.

We are, to use the term, consumers with an unlimited supply of cheap, available goods. The grocery stores are full; the clothing stores are full and the farm equipment yards are full. Our cupboards for the most part are full. And so too the banks eager to lend money to keep it all going round.

Be clear consumption is normal and good; everyone has to consume to stay alive, but at what cost the level of consumption we see today? Let’s talk about that.

The text we read addresses consumption positively. First, it’s inviting us to make good decisions.  It’s just as right to say hate what is an evil habit, say pornography as it is to say hate cheap goods that fall apart so fast. Why is it that buying a new stove is cheaper than fixing an old one? That’s waste and unnecessary waste is sinful. So the text says cling to what is good. That 80 year old wood stove is now over 100 and still churning out biscuits and hot water.

Next the text points us to the reality of generosity or at least sharing what we have with others. “Share with God’s people who are in need, practice hospitality.” Not repeating the same idea, it’s saying: share with God’s people in the church and everyone else who isn’t in the church yet.

So, last, when it comes to big ideas in this passage we start with “Love must be sincere” and end with “overcome evil with good.” The middle shows the way how: by living in harmony with one another, by not being proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. (v. 16) Which is just what I saw going on in the Yukon.

Those words are simple, aren’t they? And we know too, I think, it’s hard to live that way, in harmony, without judgment. Isn’t it?

Relying on this text, I want to explore what could be a reason people struggle with texts like this.

First thought: I believe that consumerism is the greatest threat to community we face today. Our culture of media and advertising tells us to be dissatisfied with every possible product possible. Everything from the food we eat is suspect to the cars we drive or clothes we wear. Confused? Well, isn’t it true that companies that make breakfast cereal tell us that theirs is best, which must mean that the other guy’s is poison? And so it goes. Driven by fear and uncertainty many  people try one product after the next to see if finally they can get the tractor that works best or the jeans that don’t show a muffin top, yet still look stylish. The messages are endless along with the search.

Let’s be honest, it’s not buying stuff that is so time consuming; it’s the shopping. Wandering around malls, stores and online, consumers wade through options until exhausted make a decision. Did you know that my car can be had in with about 16000 variations from body color to engine size to a light up ring around the centre speaker? Shopping all those options takes time and in the end every Kia Soul driver is driving the same thing: a car. Henry Ford once said you can have your model T in any colour you like – so long as it’s black. Buying was a quick decision. Lots of time for other things.

Other things that matter more.

Second thought and it might be surprising. It seems that because we have so much choice and because being different is so important to so many, can it be that the result is a deep conflict? The need to de different but also to fit in?  So, people buy cheap imitations of expensive brands hoping no one will notice. They’ll buy the right brand or car or tractor hoping it’s enough. They’ll try to wear the right clothes, own the right size TV. On and on. all the while feeling trapped. Others see all that and reject it – they’re the misfit of society. Ironically the people who are free.

Fitting in, some say is about looking around and becoming who you need to be to be accepted.  The trouble is that fitting in is all about us and them, the good and the better, the in and the out people. It’s like a clique or like speaking a different language in public places; the habit causes people without that language to feel left out, unwelcome, unwanted. They feel excluded and often harmed. Can that be sincere love?

Third thought and we’ll tie it all together. Love, so what does it mean to love?  Again, some will say that people will love or attach to something in life. That is to hold it first in their life. Jesus taught about it when he spoke and said no one can serve, that is love, both God and stuff. We attach he says to something, so we’d better make a good choice. Now here’s the thing, given all we’ve said so far.

Giving in to the urge of consumerism makes getting stuff more important than contentment. It changes the goal from having needed things to simply getting more things. This is not about whether things are good or bad; this is about what are things for? Consumerism is dangerous because in the end it disconnects people from using things to help themselves and others.

Stuff, like an iPad, after all is just stuff: a tool, a device to do work. And I use it that way at least most of the time. But, ask Norma, sometimes I forget that and it becomes a screen, a wall between us at coffee times. Keep that up and one day there may not be a partner to have coffee with.

Or take planting a field and harvesting canola. Lots of stuff involved, right? Machinery, spray, seed, fertilizer. But what’s it all for? For the farmer to make money, sure, and the broker and the processor and the store that sells the oil? Absolutely! But it’s also for me so that I can fry fish fillets and enjoy my dinner. So grow the stuff with the end in mind. No customers, no cash for canola.

Let’s embrace the big picture!

So let’s tie it together. If you don’t like economics or had a nap, it’s time to listen in again.

The text is teaching for love to be sincere it must mean, at least to see that we need each other just like the folks in the Yukon do. 

The people of God need each other but in more ways than just being nice, fitting in or buying each other’s products. The deeper need is love and belonging.

Love, true love, is a sacrifice. Not only does love ask us to put the needs of others first. Love asks us to be authentic. It’s something to work at to receive the benefits. This is from a book I’m reading:

We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness, and affection. Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow. We can only love others as much as we love ourselves. Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and the withholding of affection damage the roots from which love grows.

The Gifts of Imperfection: Brene Brown Ph.D.

The author here, the author of life says: to love is to let people know who you really are. But this can only be safe in an authentic community. A place of belonging. In that kind of place, belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are. And that takes courage, but it is possible. The truth is belonging is only possible to the extent a person accepts themselves.

More of Jesus words: Love your neighbour as yourself. Turn it around can anyone actually love their neighbour unless they love themselves? I don’t think so and besides it’s all born out of receiving God’s love first anyway.

So maybe that’s the place to stop for this morning. Maybe some of us shop and consume because they don’t love ourselves. Not thin enough, pretty enough; don’t drive the right machinery or have enough land. Maybe some of us are just trying to fit in and avoid being real. Share the problems we have because we’d be rejected. Or maybe just afraid to let our real selves show.  I have been in that place of trying to be what people wanted me to be – from childhood onward. Maybe some of you know that feeling of being unlovable and unnecessary. Be aware that safety produces anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, rage, blame, resentment and inexplicable grief.

Christ is calling us to get real and be real. To get off the path of consuming to find happiness and on to the path marked by a living faith.  Too many of us are suffering from hidden hurts and painful situations. Christ is calling us to love one another by being and becoming a community that sees stuff for what it is and people for the great gift we are to each other.