Acts 13:1-12 The Power of the Holy Spirit

Have you ever wondered what is it like to be commissioned by God to do his work in our world?  

In the reading we heard from Acts, we see an example of one of the earliest ordinations or commissioning services in the church. Of the five men Luke mentions, four were Jews born outside the Holy Land who spoke Greek.  Barnabas was from Syria, Simeon was from Africa, Lucius was a Cyrenian and Paul was from Tarsus. Only Manean was from Israel. By laying hands on Barnabas and Paul, the three other leaders were identifying with their mission. The text says “they sent them away”, but the wording is literally, “they released them.” They selflessly broke their emotional ties to them and freed them to do God’s will. Barnabas and Paul became the Christian church’s first two missionaries. They were recognized as prophets in the church but they did not have any guarantee that the Holy Spirit would speak to them unless they spent time in worship, fasting and prayer.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. It was also Barnabas’ home. It had two main cities: Salamis, the commercial centre on the eastern side, and Paphos, the political centre on the western side. Barnabas and Paul arrived first in Salamis, and preached the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. As a Jewish scholar, Paul was allowed to speak to those who knew the Scriptures. It was a perfect way to begin a ministry in a new area. Paul’s knowledge of the Hebrew faith, along with his preparation in Tarsus and knowledge of Greek culture and the Roman world, prepared him to speak to many different people. Our backgrounds, knowledge and interests also allow us to touch more people and a wide variety of people.

Paul and Barnabas found their life’s calling when they prayed and worshipped with fellow believers and not on their own. Likewise, God’s people must remain faithful in a local church. We learn to be ministers and our gifts can be developed. Our experiences will confirm whether or not God has called us to a larger place in ministry. Those Christian brothers and sisters who know us best will witness to God’s call.

God wants us to serve him together and show the world how relationships are supposed to work. God will work through anyone who is willing-even us. If we do not feel that we are up to the tasks he asks us to do, we don’t have to worry. God equips the called. He does not necessarily call the equipped. These gifts are to be used for his purposes and according to his will, to build his kingdom, not our own. They are affirmed by others who empower us to focus on what God is calling us to do. 

As I mentioned earlier, Barnabas and Paul were prophets. Prophecy can mean foretelling future events, but it can also involve speaking a word from God that tells his followers what to do. Barnabas and Paul encountered a Jew who was a sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was also called Elymas, which means “The Enlightened One.” It was not uncommon for the governor of a district to send for visitors. It was the governor’s job to stay on top of all the latest news in his area.

Elymas was successful because the Romans believed in the ability to predict the future. He deceived the governor with false claims. He also tried to divert the governor from the Gospel. Elymas saw the Word of God as a threat to his own “ministry” of deception and false power. He did not want the governor to be converted to Christ because he would lose his position within the city’s power structure. Elymas opposed the missionaries because he saw them as a threat to his relationship with the governor. Indeed, they were a threat because Paul’s knowledge of the Hebrew faith enabled him to see Elymas for who he really was-a false prophet. When Elymas was struck blind, the governor became a Christian.

Paul’s verbal rebuke of the sorcerer is one of the most dramatic denunciations of demonic power in Scripture. Instead of calling the sorcerer Bar-Jesus (or “Son of Jesus”), Paul called him “son of the devil.” That play on words described him accurately as the enemy of righteousness-an opponent of everything Barnabas and Paul represented.

Besides labelling Elymas for who he was, Paul caused him to go temporarily blind, and that was a fitting picture of his spiritual blindness. The supposedly all-powerful sorcerer was reduced to being led around by the hand. No one can stand in the way of God and not be punished. Christianity has nothing to do with the magic and superstition of the world. The power of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit overcomes them all.

Bibliography

1.      Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; pp. 1508-1509)

2.      ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

3.      Ogilvie, L.J. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 28: Acts (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1983, pp. 205-207)

4.      Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles, 2005)

5.      Pastor David McGee, “Someone Cared.” Retrieved from www.crossthebridge.org

6.      Pastor Rick McDaniel, “10 Days to One Insight.” Retrieved from Oneplace@crosswalkmail.com

Psalm 81:1, 10-16 God’s Heavenly Food

How do you celebrate special occasions?

Some of us celebrate quietly by ourselves, while others celebrate with loud, wild parties. Sometimes these celebrations can get out of control, especially when the outside world tries to influence us.

We are not alone. The ancient people of God were exposed to other influences because of wars with other nations and through their times of defeat, exile and forced social integration. In spite of this, many people led ordinary lives of worship and praise. Special Psalms were created to be used in religious festivals. One of these Psalms is Psalm 81.

Psalm 81 challenges us to be faithful to God. It starts with the sad fact that sometimes we refuse to listen to God’s voice. This has led to sad consequences and irreversible life circumstances, even when we have been forgiven. If we refuse to listen to God, he will leave us to walk in our own counsel. We will have to accept the consequences of our decision. Our desires can’t be fulfilled by earthly means, and our plans won’t prosper in the long run. God will abandon us, but he will always leave the door open for us to return to him. If we return to him, he will reverse our fortunes.

The church is not immune from this problem either. Churches sometimes mourn the loss of spiritual fervour or “the old time religion” that was enjoyed years ago. Instead of being brought to repentance for sin and neglect, the excuse is made that we live in difficult times. There is often a lack of power in preaching. Sermons designed to make people feel good have become more important than sound biblical preaching and teaching. 

God’s response of rescue, freedom and relieving the people’s burden, is complicated by the people’s continuing rebellion. God has fed them with the tears of his sorrow over their rebellion, but his desire is to feed them with the finest wheat and honey from the rock. Wheat and honey are symbols of enjoyment and prosperity. Honey from the rock could mean wild honey or, more probably, honey supplied miraculously, like the water from the rock in the desert as recorded in Exodus 17:6. God will bless us beyond our wildest dreams, but we have to willingly receive what he gives. The only way to do that is for us to obey God. He wants us to know that the good life comes to us only through him, and not by any other means.

The marvellous promise, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it” has sometimes been used to wrongly justify a lack of sermon preparation by some preachers. They believe that all they have to do is open their mouths and the Lord will give them a message. The true meaning is that if God’s people come to him with great petitions, he will grant them. God never gives up. He gives us opportunities to listen to him, embrace his laws and walk in his ways. When we take advantage of these opportunities, we will have victory over all of our enemies. We will also be fruitful for God. As we regularly come to the communion table, we remember God’s promise to feed us, what it cost God, the dire circumstances of the cross, and the ongoing call to repentance and discipleship.

If we turn to God and follow His ways, He will take care of our needs. We are not to try to meet our needs by going to the refrigerator and eating any food that might temporarily satisfy our needs. God wants us to go to him to meet what really is a spiritual need. When we declare who God is and what he has done, we will be open to hearing His voice and doing His will, because we know that God only wants the best for us.

 Bibliography

1.      Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; pp. 760-761)

2.      ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

3.      Williams, D. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vil. 14: Psalms 73-150 (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1989, pp. 87-89)

4.      MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

5.      Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles; 2005)

6.      Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson; 2010)

7.      Ron Moore, “Stubborn Hearts.” Retrieved from www.ronmoore.org

8.      Joan Stott, “A Personal Meditation: Pentecost 15C (Ordinary 22C or Proper 17C).” Retrieved from http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net

9.      Howard Wallace, “Year C: Pentecost 14: Psalm 81:1-2,10-16.” Retrieved from http://hwallace.unitingchurch.org.au/WebOTcomments/OrdinaryC/Pent14Psalm81.html

10.  Dale Fletcher, “Let God Satisfy Your Deep Hunger.” Retrieved from http://www.faithandhealthconnection.org/psalm-811016-deep-hunger-is-satisfied-by-god/

11.  Bible Study, Prover 17 C-August 28, 2016. Retrieved from http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/stw/2016/08/01/bible-study-proper-17c-august-28-2016

 

Psalm 71:1-6 God is Our Refuge and Strength

Have you ever been afraid?  

It doesn’t have to be an occasion when you were physically scared. It can be an occasion where you were afraid for your health or your finances or even for a loved one. How did you feel?  How did you react? 

There are different ways to react. Some say God is dead. Some say God is in control. Some can withstand the grasp of their situation because they pray to God like the writer of Psalm 71 did. They pray to be delivered from their situation, and if we are Christians that is the proper way to respond.

Psalm 71 is an individual lament. It’s suitable for a faithful person who is in danger. The psalm seems to be an elderly person’s plea. One of our greatest challenges as we get older is the decline of our physical strength. For example, those of us who (like me) lead worship services in nursing homes, care facilities and hospitals know the staying power of the psalms and familiar hymns. People who struggle with Alzheimer’s or dementia may have forgotten almost everything, but some of them still remember the psalms and hymns they learned as children. 

The psalmist’s enemies plan to hurt him by taking advantage of his weaknesses. The Hebrew word for cruel suggests leaven or yeast, and just like yeast ferments, the wickedness of the psalmist enemies was fermenting. One of the reasons for life’s trials is ungodly foes. Our wise response is to fully rely on the character and compassion of God. James reminds us in James 1:2 and 12 that God uses trials to refine our faith. God can take someone who is overcome by stress and build into his/her life insights which will enable them to live above and beyond its paralyzing grip. The faithful person receives assurance from God’s covenant promises. God is faithful. He keeps his promises, and these promises give us hope.

If we have faith in God and believe in his kingdom, we will face hardships, including hatred and persecution. God will deal with those who attack and persecute him and his followers. These hardships won’t last, but God’s strength will last. The psalmist’s cry for deliverance is based on God’s character. When he delivers his people, the results will be praise and worship. God has been faithful, he is faithful and he will be faithful.

The psalm is a declaration of our trust and the hope we have in God throughout our lives. Psalm 71 is a sturdy statement of hope and trust. It will only happen when we depend on God and his righteousness.

It’s in God’s nature to provide refuge, deliverance and rescue to those who believe in him. In return, we are to depend on him. He is our one true source of hope and support. The only possible response to God’s steadfastness and grace is to make praising God the most important part of our lives. 

Psalm 71 brings forth the theme of childlike trust. We have to trust God just like a child trusts a parent. Trust is not easy. We have to confront our reluctance to trust God. That reluctance is a barrier and an enemy to our faith. We have to confront all of our enemies constantly. When we fail to praise God, frustration builds. God is saddened. We miss a great opportunity to be blessed. God has been with us forever. He never forgets his promises. He never abandons us when we need him, and that gives us confidence.

Children build their child-like trust in God by coming to God, and that is how we as Christians are to build our trust in God. Some people argue against leading children to Christ at an early age, and some denominations will not baptize children or infants. If we don’t teach our children to have faith in Jesus, someone else or something else will convince them to trust something else or someone else.

When we take time to praise God, fear, doubt and frustration fade. Praising God doesn’t mean that our problems aren’t serious or that our problems won’t go away, but praising God forces us to lift our eyes to God. He has the power to lift our hearts and offer us eternal hope. He is our refuge and our strength, especially in times of trouble.

Bibliography

1.      Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; pp. 751-752)

2.      ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

3.      Williams, D. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 13: Psalms 1-72 (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1986; pp. 511-514)

4.      MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publisher; 2006)

5.      Eric Mathus, “Commentary on Psalm 71:1-6.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2753

6.      Bobby Morris, “Commentary on Psalm 71:1-6.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1532

7.      Dr. David Jeremiah, “Digging Deep.” Retrieved from turningpoint@davidjeremiah.org

8.      Michael Youssef, Ph.D., “Life Gets Better with Praise.” Retrieved from www.leadingtheway.org

9.      Selwyn Hughes, “When Broken by Stress.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com

10.  Rev. Mark Ellingson, “Lectionary Scripture Notes, Proper 16, Ordinary Time 21, Pentecost 13, Cycle C (2016).” Retrieved from http://www.lectionaryscripturenotes.com

11.  W. Johnson, “Bible Study, Proper 16(C)-August 21, 2016.” Retrieved from http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/stw/2016/08/01/bible-study-proper-16c-august-21-2016

12.  JoAnn Haynes, “Commentary on Psalm 71:1-6.” Retrieved from http://www.aplainaccount.org

 

 

Luke 13:10-17 Bent Out of Shape

To help you understand the importance of the reading we just heard from Luke’s Gospel, I’m going to do something unusual. I’m going to bend over.

As you can see, this is not a very comfortable position for me. I could easily stay bent over like this for a few minutes, but what if I had to stay bent over like this all the time? What if I had to stay bent over like this day after day and year after year? That would be quite a different story, wouldn't it? What if I went to the store and I needed something from the top shelf? I can’t even see the top shelf, much less reach the items on that shelf! I would have to depend on someone to find and get the items I needed. 

In today's Bible reading, Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath when he saw a woman who was crippled. She had been bent over double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over to him, touched her and said, "Woman, you are healed!" Instantly she could stand up straight. She was so happy that she began to praise God!

You would think that everyone in the synagogue that day would be happy and join the woman in praising God. Not so! The leader in charge of the synagogue was very angry that Jesus had healed the woman on the Sabbath day. He told the crowd, "There are six days of the week for working. Come on those days and be healed, but not on the Sabbath."

Jesus answered the leader of the synagogue, "You hypocrite! All of you work on the Sabbath! Don't you untie your ox or your donkey and lead it out for water? Doesn't this dear woman deserve to be healed, even on the Sabbath?" The leader was shamed, but the other people were happy and rejoiced at all of the wonderful things that Jesus did.

Jesus knew that rules are important, but he knew that the needs of people are more important. You and I need to learn that lesson as well. Whenever we see someone in need, the most important thing is to help them, no matter when or where it may be.

Father, help us to follow the example that Jesus has set for us. Help us to place the needs of others ahead of any rules we may have. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

 Bibliography

1.      “Jesus Heals on the Sabbath.” Retrieved from www.sermons4kids.com

 

 

Judges 14:1-19 Making Something Good Out of Something Bad

God can take something evil and use it for his glory.

Does that seem strange to you? Well, it is strange, but we must remember that God works in ways that may seem to be strange to us. In the reading we heard from the Book of Judges a few minutes ago, we heard an example of how God takes something evil and uses it for his purposes.

Samson wanted to marry a Philistine girl. She looked good to him, and at the time the Book of Judges was written, the Israelites were doing what was good in their eyes and not what was good in God’s eyes. Samson’s parents were upset that he would break the Law of Moses, which barred the Israelites from marrying foreigners. Hiding the truth was a sign of disobedience. Samson didn’t tell his parents what happened at first because his actions violated the Laws of Moses.

Sometimes being involved with a nonbeliever means that the nonbeliever will pull us down spiritually. That’s not part of God’s plan for us. Any step away from God is a step down, but as I will explain, God uses evil things for his holy purposes. 

How could Samson’s disobedience be “of the Lord?” God did not want Samson to marry the Philistine girl, but he used Samson’s disobedience for His glory. God is never responsible for evil acts, but he is so wise that he uses evil acts to accomplish his good purposes. God oversees our wicked actions. No sin happens that God does not deliberately allow. He is not the source of our sins, but sometimes he steers the sins that are already in our hearts so that we fulfill his plans and not ours.

God uses Samson’s evil actions for his own purposes. Many times in the Old Testament the Holy Spirit acted in individuals and gave them the power to serve God and his people. Samson depended on God’s power and strength, and we must also depend on God for power and strength. The Holy spirit gave Samson the power to kill the Philistines and honour the wager he made. In doing so, God showed the Philistines that he was their worst enemy.

Samson had a motive for vengeance against the Philistines. They solved his riddle by seducing his wife, and he had to pay them what he promised. So under the power of the Holy Spirit, he killed 30 Philistines (who were enemies of God) and stole what he needed to pay his debt.

We are wrong if we think that God works only in ways that we approve of. The Book of Judges argues that this belief is false. It, like the rest of the Bible, is a book about grace and undeserved mercy. God often uses people that we would not normally approve of to do his work in the world. When we look at Samson, our first impression is that he was a failure. God used Samson’s mistakes as the foundation for success, and he can do the same for us.

Bibliography

 

1.      Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013, pp. 333-334, 1497)

2.      ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

3.      Jackman, D. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 7: Judges/Ruth (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc., 1991; pp. 212-223)

4.      MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, New American Standard Version (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

5.      Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles; 2005)

6.      Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2010: pp. 329-330)

7.      Pastor Greg Laurie, “Away and Down.” Retrieved from www.harvest.org

8.      Joni Eareckson Tada, “He Works in Mysterious Ways.” Retrieved from www.joniandfriends.org

 

Luke 12:32-40 Storing Up Treasure in Heaven

Good morning boys and girls!

Do you have a favourite toy or piece of clothing?

How do your treat it? Do you take care of it or are you rough with it?

All of us have things that we have to take care of especially if we have received it as a gift. Do you know someone else who have given us things to take care of? God has given us things to take care of. Can anyone tell me what they are?

God wants us to take care of things that he has given us, but he also wants us to take care of other people, especially the poor. Sometimes that means we have to sell what we have and give the money to the poor. We can also give anything that we don’t want or need any more to the poor. When we do this, we will store up treasures in heaven because we will show that we love others as we love ourselves and as God loves us.

How else can we store up treasures in heaven? We can store up treasures by doing things to help others. For example, we can visit the sick, help to feed the hungry, cheering up someone who is sad, praying for one another, working in a homeless shelter, being a friend to someone who is lonely, forgiving someone who has hurt us or saying you’re sorry when you hurt someone.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for the treasures we have on earth. Help us to be faithful each day in building up treasures in heaven. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.

Bibliography

1.      “Searching for Treasure.” Retrieved from www.Sermons4Kids.com

2.      “Treasures in Heaven.” Retrieved from www.Sermons4KIds.com

Luke 12:32-40 Treasures in Heaven

All of us are stewards.

Does that seem strange to you? Well, it shouldn’t. All of us have responsibilities over one corner or another of God’s household. Just as we have to look after our own households, we also have to look after the part of God’s household that he has given us to look after.

The task may seem to be difficult or even impossible, but we do not have to be afraid. Jesus assures us that we will overcome, not by drawing on our limited resources or by force but by relying on our Father’s generosity to his flock. It isn’t over until he says it’s over. Life’s hardships and tragedies are a reason to sit tight and wait for his return. They are not an excuse for us to bail out. Life’s trials do not matter if we are faithful to Christ. The kingdom is ours. Stress will be a distant memory. Worry will turn to rest.

“Treasure” refers to a place where one keeps valuables, such as a vault. Jesus urged his disciples to cling to their love for God and his kingdom above all. Everything else they should hold loosely. The giving of alms to the poor generates treasures in heaven, so it makes no sense to limit almsgiving to that which is of little value. 

Humanity looks for solutions but wealth, prestige, glamour, sexuality, substance abuse and rebellion are not solutions. All of them have failed miserably. Sometimes we hold on to our possessions because we are afraid of what will happen when we get rid of them, including our money. Given the current worldwide economic situation, this concern is understandable. In addition, people have accumulated earthly possessions in the hope that they would provide security, when they need to lay up treasures in heaven instead. We need to let go of the lives we fearfully protect and hold on to before we can receive our heavenly treasures. If we centre our lives on our possessions, then our lives will revolve around protecting and keeping them. This obsession could get to the point where we will live in constant fear that they will be taken from us. As we accumulate stuff we find that we have to keep our doors locked or install alarm systems or join groups such as Neighbourhood Watch.

This does not mean that we have to give up all of our possessions. In fact, we need some of our possessions in order to live both now and in the future. The key is getting rid of possessions that we don’t need. We can do what early believers did and sell some possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. We can also donate these possessions to the poor or to stores that serve the poor such as Value Village or the Salvation Army Thrift Store.  

If we look at our belongings and decide that there are some things we can never part with or if it’s something God told us to give away and we can’t give it away, then we do not own that item. It owns us. We are possessed by our possessions. They become idols for us, and the Bible says in Ezekiel 20:7, “Get rid of every idol.” To put it another way, in a recent newspaper column Billy Graham answered a question about how much debt is too much. In his reply, he asked:

“What place do things have in your life? Have your possessions become so important to you that they possess you, rather than you possessing them? Are you more concerned about impressing others than living wisely? Most of all, have things taken the place God should have in your lives?”

 

We don’t need to be afraid of possessions. If they come, we can use them to do God’s work in our world. We can go to the other extreme by giving away so many of our possessions to the poor that it causes hardship for us. There is a time for extravagant gesture as well as a time for practical concerns. There is a time to do things such as fixing the roof, painting walls or feeding the poor, but there is also a time to celebrate. If we feel that we can’t have things or if we feel that we must have them, we are letting the things of the world rule our lives. We must go through life as stewards of everything God gives us.  We need to heed these words from the hymn, “We Plow the Fields and Scatter:”

We thank thee, then, O Father,
For all things bright and good,
The seed time and the harvest,
Our life, our health, our food:
No gifts have we to offer
For all thy love imparts,
But that which thou desirest,
Our humble, thankful hearts.

All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above,
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
For all his love.

Being good stewards is one of the things we should be doing while we wait for Christ to return. We must not use the Lord’s delay in returning as an excuse not to do anything. We have to do the things we would do if Christ returned today. When Christ returns he will serve his faithful servants who are prepared for his return, just like he served the disciples by washing their feet. If we have kept God first in our lives, he will sustain us. He will give us what we need. He won’t give us everything we want when we want it. In fact, he might not give us what we want at all. His choice will depend on the nature of our wants and whether or not they fit in with his plan for our lives.  

The way we use the gifts God gives us is evidence of our stewardship. It will show if we are faithful servants with God’s interests in mind or if we have forgotten who we belong to and neglected tending what God has given us. If we obey God and make his priorities our priorities, we will receive incredible blessings, and these blessings are part of our heavenly treasure. For example, some of you might know that I post all of my sermons online. To date they have been seen over 200,000 times, and I have received many positive comments.

Last month I received an email from a Lutheran minister in North Carolina. I know it’s a legitimate email because I received a telephone call from him shortly after I received his email. Since parts of the email tie in with my message, I’d like to share them with you.

Hello Craig --

I want to let you know how much I appreciate the sermons you post on your website -- they are

wonderful. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing.

I am a Lutheran pastor here in North Carolina, USA and I am always looking for good sermon resource material. Do you mind if I do a some "begging, borrowing, and stealing" from what you offer? I will be honest with you in stating that I am not the most original writer when it comes to sermon preparation.  If only I could do a fraction of what you have done and continue to do!

Well, Craig, I hope I am making some sense out of all my ramblings...but wanted you to know how I feel...where I am coming from in writing to you...and TRULY asking for your permission to make use of the materials you provide --- it is some of the best I have ever seen and it should be shared with many of God's people, through the personality of various preachers.  I personally believe that our gracious God speaks to us through Holy Scripture and he can also can speak to us through what others have said and written ---and, dear friend, He certainly speaks to me through you -- and for that I am most grateful.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter and may you continue to be blessed with the ABUNDANCE of our Lord's MARVELOUS love.

 In Christ, Ed Harper

People who help others find themselves caring about the people they help. Also, they will enjoy the meaningful life that results from meeting those needs. God wants us to enjoy and share the abundant life that comes from fellowship with others and a right relationship with God. In a recent edition of The Canadian Disciple newsletter, Rev. Dr. Jen Garbin, Regional Minister for The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada-and a former minister of the Milton and Summerville Christian Churches-wrote the following:

“We are not called on to walk alone or only in one way…but we are to encounter each other, share our stories, learn from one another, challenge one another, celebrate together and support each other’s work.” 

We must be ready at all times for Christ’s return, because he could return at any time. No one knows when Christ will return. Neither the Bible nor history contain secret messages that, when decoded, reveal the date. Until that day, his followers must actively wait and willingly work. Jesus has given us a mission. We are to take the Good News to the world. We need to be always alert and engaged in this mission. This include using our possessions. The caring Christian community is called to be less anxious about its own welfare and more concerned about those in need. Doing so reflects our heart. Our heart reflects what we value the most.

Throughout Scripture the heart represents the centre of our being, our desires and our reason. Our hearts will be where our treasure is. Those who are greedy and anxious about stuff put their emphasis on worldly goods. Those who trust in God’s provision invest their hearts in heaven. When Chris returns, we will have to give an account of how we looked after everything he has given us. Our hearts will affect how we look after things. Where are your hearts right now? Where do you want them to be in eternity?

Bibliography

1.      Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN; Worthy Publishing; 2013, pp. 1412)

2.      “We Plow the Fields and Scatter.” Retrieved from http://www.hymnary.org/text/we_plow_the_fields_and_scatter

3.      Pastor Rick Warren, “Don Just Get Rid of Your Stuff. Sell It!” Retrieved from connect@newsletter.purposedriven.com

4.      The Rev. Dr. Jen Garbin, “Forks.” Published in the July 21, 2016 edition of The Canadian Disciple and retrieved from www.canadadisciples.org

5.      ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

6.      Larsen, B. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 26: Luke (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc., 1983; pp. 212-215)

7.      MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006)

8.      Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles, 2005)

9.      Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson; 2010; pp. 1421-1422)

10.  Bayless Conley, “The Secret to God’s Provision.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com

11.  Paris Renae, “Hard Things.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com

12.  Richard Neil Donovan, “Exegesis for Luke 13:32-40.” Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.com

13.  Mark Sargent, UMC, “On Stuff.” Retrieved from www.day1.org

14.  Swindoll, Charles R.: Swindoll’s New Testament Insights on Luke (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016, pp. 332-339)

15.  Richard Mansel, “Contentment is Never Found in Things.” Retrieved from www.forthright.netg/2016/07/26/contentment-3/

16.  Billy Graham, “How Much Debt is Too Much?” Retrieved from http://www.arcamax.com/healthandspirit/religion/billygraham/s-1848539?print&ezine=202

17.  Jude Siciliano, OP, “First Impressions, 19^th Sunday -C- August 7, 2016.” Retrieved from www.preacherexchange.org

18.  Heather Lear, “Evangelectionary for Sunday, August 7^th, 2016.” Retrieved from http://www.evangelismconnections.org/evangelectionary-for-sunbday-august-7-2016/