Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle C
Object:
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) (C); Isaiah 6:1-8 (RC)
Every clergy person becomes familiar with this passage early in our years as worship leaders. I remember reading this as I started my seminary training, before I had gotten the hang of reading Old Testament passages. I knew one didn't read such reports literally. At least, though I already had some clergy friends, I knew none of them had reported anything like this. Furthermore, in all my years as a minister, though I've had many a worship experience which moved me deeply, I never literally saw any seraphs in the upper reaches of our sanctuary. I had also recalled something about Moses being told that no one could see God. Now here, Isaiah claims just such a sighting. What was one to think? Fortunately, old Charlie Kraft, our professor of Old Testament (known as "Chuckling Charlie" to those of us who loved him), explained all of this.
This is an impressive poetically-charged rendering of Isaiah's inward experience of powerful worship. The man was overwhelmed with a sense of God's immanence, a presence so intense it was almost as though, were he to open his eyes, he might literally see someone there. And Isaiah, overcome with his own imperfection, unexpectedly experienced a vision of redemption, a realization that he was forgiven for everything selfish he had done. He knew, deep within himself, that this was more than a worship experience. This was a calling, a summons to the mission of his life. I would guess that in much more subdued ways, many readers have experienced something like this. A clear sense of divine presence. An unshakable conviction that one is called to a mission, a mission in the service of the divine master. Just as Isaiah no doubt looked back upon this watershed moment in his life to find courage in time of trial, so we who are called can do so.
To preach on this, there are several possible themes. We might preach on worship. Many churches leave one with the impression that we are losing a sense of expectation in worship. So many sermons seem to lack a sense of the possibility that God may actually be here, among us, touching lives. Another theme is that of a divine call. We might even suggest that perhaps someone in the congregation is already being sought by God for ministry in the church. I wonder if there are not many young men and women who are thinking about that but need someone to say the word.
Another possible theme would be the forgiveness which God offers in times of worship. Isaiah used the imagery of a live coal held in a pair of tongs, touched to his lips. That's a powerful picture. If I were preaching on this, I think I would use it as an opportunity to talk about worship -- what its possibilities may be, what the worshiper is asked to do and to expect.
Lesson 1: Judges 6:11-24a (E)
The Lord sends Gideon out on a mission fraught with danger and great difficulty. Gideon expresses dismay at the thought, explaining to the Lord that his entire clan is the weakest of the lot. But the Lord speaks to Gideon the words he speaks to many a man and woman facing great difficulty in a righteous cause: "But I will be with you."
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Paul here affirms his unshakable belief that Jesus, having "died for our sins," was buried and then returned from death. It is clearly important to Paul that we understand that this was "written in the Scriptures," and that several people reported having seen Jesus, most recently James and "all the apostles." Finally, Paul quite bluntly states that Jesus appeared to him as well, though he was a somewhat Johnny-come-lately. Paul seems to struggle a bit between his innate humility which leads him to define himself as "least of all the apostles," and his obvious euphoria over the fact that God's grace is working through him to call others to the faith.
Had this passage been extended to include the next few verses, we would have seen that Paul believed that because Jesus was returned from death, the same will be true for all who believe in him, who accept him as Lord of their lives. Were this not true, "we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe" (v.14). Nonetheless, this is all implied in the lesson we have here. Today we find comfort in the promise that Jesus has revealed to us that there is a life beyond this mortal life we currently live, and through him, we can expect to enter that new life.
In this passage, Paul is witnessing to the fact that he was changed by the grace of God, changed from a man who persecuted others, into one who honors God and holds to the gospel because he has been forgiven.
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11 (C, RC, E)
This is quite a remarkable story. These simple fishermen knew all the tricks of the trade when it came to fishing. They knew where to fish, when to fish, and they knew when it was pretty much a waste of time. Along comes this preacher, possibly known to them also as a carpenter, telling them to go back and try again after they have decided the day's fishing is over. That must have seemed presumptuous to them. And yet, Peter and his friends James and John did as Jesus suggested. They must surely have been amazed at the results. Sure enough, it was as a result of this encounter that those three decided to follow Jesus.
I think there must have been some prelude to this event. Something has probably been left out in the telling. These men must have at the very least, listened to Jesus preach, must have heard something of his reputation for performing marvels of various sorts. It wasn't just some fishermen so naive as to let just anyone cause them to change their plans. They knew -- they at least sensed -- that here was a man who was unique, who had wisdom and insight beyond that of ordinary people. They instinctively trusted Jesus, perhaps a commentary on his power of personality.
This is powerful stuff for a preacher. The elements of life-changing faith are all there. Trust in the word of Jesus. Risk-taking and energy expenditure in following the dictates of that word. Marvelous results from that act of faith. Change in their lives, and a determination to follow that man henceforth. Willingness to pay whatever price is necessary in order to be faithful.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Listening To God"
Text: Isaiah 6:1-8
Theme: First, a private word to my clergy colleagues. In preparation for the writing of this three-volume series, I have attended quite a number of churches. I have been in Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Anglican, and non-denominational churches. A dear friend with whom I discuss these things is a Baptist pastor. I have been in traditional worship, several of the new modernized versions of worship. I have been in mega-churches, meta-churches, large churches, and small churches. I have watched television churches both mainline and evangelistic, listened to radio preachers. I have worshiped in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, California, and Jamaica. In all of this, I have formed some opinions which supplement my own worship practices as a pastor.
1. I guess I'm a thoroughgoing Protestant worshiper. The sermon is the most important part of worship to me. Music is fine, and a good music program is a great blessing. But a good twenty minute sermon, Bible based, is what converted me, held me in the church, still spellbinds me when it's good, and stays with me for a long time thereafter. If a pastor can deliver a fine sermon, and can back that up with a life which becomes the gospel, I can find deep and lasting sustenance there. If the sermon is poor, I find myself wondering why that pastor doesn't realize the problem, get some help, spend more time in preparation, and become good at the primary reason for the call. I have discovered that the things which make a worship service boring and ineffective are poor preaching, announcements, introductions, prayers which are really mini sermons (Oh Lord, our young people are on a journey to Kentucky this morning, and we ask that you -- For goodness sakes, God knew they were on a journey to Kentucky). Two minutes is long enough for the pastoral prayer. Inspiration comes from music, an effective brief prayer, kindly fellowship from the worshipers, and an adequately long period of silent prayer. Longer is not better in worship. I understand that traditions differ in this regard and I respect that. But a wise preacher understands the people and acts accordingly. Frankly, it's no wonder some churches have sparse attendance.
2. Of course the pastor must sometimes pronounce God's word of judgment. I emphasize that because a friend complained that too many churches cater to the wishes and likes of a congregation instead of speaking the sometimes harsh and cutting word. Right on. But that doesn't in any way dispute the above. And it is only legitimate if the preacher clearly feels himself or herself to be sitting right out there with the rest of us. My favorite preachers are the ones who never sound like they've arrived. They share their foibles and remind us that if the gospel can work in them, it can work in us.
3. IF -- and that's a big IF -- the worship is strong, and the worship leaders have prayed and prepared, and if the worship doesn't disintegrate into a town hall meeting, and if the congregation has been made accustomed to eliminate squalling babies and whispered conversations and other distractions, and if they have become accustomed to pray for the preacher and other worship leaders, and if they have also prayed to be opened up to the scriptural word, worship can empower people like nothing else. I have found that a small church can do this just as a large church can. The large church may have the better music because they have the larger budget. That's okay. Just do the best with what you have and God will take that effort, and bless it, and drive it into the hearts of those who are open to it.
Title: "Becoming New"
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Theme: Paul was changed by the grace of God. He knew himself forgiven, and that knowledge, together with the inner working of God's Spirit, changed Paul. However, in reading this, we must be careful not to come away with the idea that it all happens in a flash, just like that. Elsewhere, Paul acknowledges that he had to struggle with the old self and it wasn't easy. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" wrote Paul (Romans 3:23). He sounds autobiographical with that statement. "I do not understand my own actions," he admitted. "For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate," he wrote (Romans 7:15). In The Message, Paul is quoted as continuing his inner struggles this way: "For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize I don't have what it takes."
Once we receive the gospel we begin that journey toward the achievement of the Christian life. But it's a journey, one fraught with roadblocks and devious turns along the way. We'll slip, we'll slide, we'll make mistakes, we'll say and do things we ought not to do, we'll feel selfish impulses -- in other words, we'll still be the same old humans with the same old hangups. The difference will be that a new power has begun to work in us with a slow process of change. What can change in an instant is the direction of our lives.
Paul (in Romans chapter 7) continues his inner struggle: "I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me?" Isn't that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions.
1. A Christian begins with honest self-criticism. Not neurotic self-condemnation. There's nothing healthy about that. But real change involves a process of repentance and that requires that I be honest in looking at myself as I really am. In the long run, there's mental health in that, and the journey has thus begun.
2. Christians acknowledge when we are wrong, both to ourselves and to others. This is the opposite of the self-righteousness which was typical of the Pharisees (See Luke 18:8-14). Keith Miller told of a counseling session he had with a man who was distraught because of some hurtful things he had said, and some very unchristian feelings with which he struggled. He said the man, still miserable, was about to leave his office when Miller finally confessed to the man that he, too, had struggled with those very same feelings that very day. The man sat back down; tears welled up in his eyes. A look of relief crossed his face and he said, "Oh, thank you. If you've got this problem and are able to keep going as a committed Christian, maybe I can. I have been so alone." Miller, relating this, said, "I remember being surprised at his reaction and realizing that he hadn't primarily wanted an 'answer man.' He wanted someone to be with him in his problem. And my identification with him as a sinner was a kind of answer from his perspective, since far from being a judge, I was side by side with him before God in need of grace and forgiveness."
3. A Christian accepts the need for, and engages in, the struggle. This includes three elements: prayer, an effort to do and say what we know to be right even when it doesn't come naturally, and the courage to continue the inner battle of good and evil in our souls. The effect of this, if one is sincere, is a slow but definite change of attitude and thus of conduct. Like any new skill, it takes time and it takes getting used to. But the skill develops. We change. It's like climbing a steep hill. Half way up, tired, breathing hard, you look up, you see the heights yet above, you may become discouraged. But then you look behind you, see the ground far below. You have come a long way. There may be a hard climb ahead, but you've made significant progress. And always remember, the true measure of a sincere Christian is that we continue on the way. The preacher may wish to look again at Pilgrim's Progress by Bunyan for good illustrations.
4. A Christian will have God's help. When we have gone as far as we can go, have endured the heat of the day, as it were, God will pick us up and carry us the rest of the way. We're not called to succeed. We're called to try our best. God will accept that, and we will discover that all through our efforts, God has been supplying the needed strength and courage to see us through. "You are saved by the gospel if you hold firmly to it."
Title: "Deep Water Faith"
Text: Luke 5:1-11
Theme: Peter (or Simon, soon to be Peter) and James and John were willing to step outside their preconceived ideas about life, were willing to venture out further than was their custom. They, as we say today, "got out of their comfort zone." They were tired, downcast, ready to quit. I have felt that way many times in my life. Haven't you? It seems hopeless. You've given things your best shot. You've done all you could. So now, give it up. Then something inside you, or perhaps some beckoning possibility, seems to urge you to keep going. The point in life comes frequently when we must choose between the impulse to quit and the deep sense that maybe, just maybe, if we are willing to go on, to risk a bit more, to trust that God will sustain us beyond the point of exhaustion and despair, we can yet attain our worthy goal.
This was the Christian life in microcosm. Tired as they were, these three were willing to get up and get going again. And because they did, the results were great far beyond any reasonable expectations. In a sermon, I would emphasize that young people who are trying to do something worthwhile with their lives, who are encountering the inevitable problems and roadblocks, need to know that this faith of ours isn't just a religious thing for church. It's the most practical, life-enabling force in all creation. And it's ours as a gift, for free. All we have to do is trust it.
1. Jesus helps people in worthy enterprises. In the story, three men were trying to earn a living as fishermen. Jesus showed them a better way to do their own work. Providing what we do is worthy, creates some social good, is ethical and a worthy use of our particular talents and interests, he will help us make good. That's not quite to say that he will help anyone get rich, or outdo some other equally deserving competitor. But he will lead us into the right way and if we follow where he leads, there will be riches of a greater sort.
2. There will be risks. One risk may be that of of simple honesty. Robert Merkle, who served as U.S. Attorney in Florida from 1982 to 1988, now a defense lawyer in Tampa, commenting on the revelation that throughout this country Federal agents and prosecutors "have repeatedly broken the law during the past decade in pursuit of convictions," said: "The philosophy of the last fifteen years (is) that whatever works is what's right." That could symbolize much of our society today.
Paul G. Labadie, writing for a national publication on research of the attitudes of "baby boomers," wrote this: "Personal challenges of many boomers are postponed, shrugged off or oftentimes ignored. The rationale is: 'If we don't have the money, we simply charge it. If we have marital problems, we simply divorce. If our children's education is inadequate, blame unmotivated teachers and the system. And if we get caught in a compromising situation, cry "victim" and then accuse the accuser.' " Readers of current news releases are familiar with the abundant evidence of the decline of courageous honesty. The Christian who presumes to live his faith will quickly discover there are prices to pay for the honesty which underlies the faith.
3. The rewards will be great if we remain faithful. Again, that's not a promise of commercial success (though I do believe we will be greatly empowered to do well in worthy undertakings). The rewards will more certainly come in a variety of ways: self-respect, high regard from others, example to our children and friends, and a kind of inner peace which results from the fact that in some ways we are above the fray. We sleep well at night when we have become accustomed to the habit of doing and saying what we know to be right however others may act. And, if we are to believe the gospel, there will one day be other, greater rewards.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
"Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God's voice and obey his word. It is that simple. I wish I could make it more complicated for those who like things difficult. It involves no hidden mysteries, no secret mantras, no mental gymnastics, no esoteric flights into the cosmic consciousness. The truth of the matter is that the great God of the universe, the Creator of all things desires our fellowship."
-- Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline
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An interesting experiment was conducted in California a few years ago. Three medical educators named Nafthulin, Ware, and Donnelly invited an actor to pose as a renowned psychologist and to address a large gathering of psychologists, psychiatrists, and educators. His speech was titled "Game Theory As Applied To Physical Education." His speech was pure nonsense, composed of irrelevant stories, meaningless statements and at times conflicting statistics. The speech was followed by a question and answer session which was equally nonsensical. Then the participants were asked to evaluate the speech. Here were some of the written comments: "Excellent presentation." "Enjoyed listening." "He had a warm manner." "Good flow." "Seems enthusiastic." "Lively examples." "Extremely articulate." "Too intellectual." Not a single attender tumbled to the fact that the lecture was a fake. This was submitted as an illustration of the way in which we often hear what we want to hear when we want to believe something badly enough.
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A young fellow, fresh out of high school, walked into the family living room one evening carrying a loaded suitcase. His parents, of course, asked where he was going. The boy said, "I've been reading about all the exciting places out there in the world, away from the drudgery of working all the time. I'm leaving, I'm going out to find a new life." The boy's father rose, started toward the boy. "Don't try to stop me, Dad," the boy said. "I've made up my mind." "Stop you?" his dad replied."Son, I'm going with you."
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During World War II, every post office featured a picture of Uncle Sam, sleeves rolled up, finger pointed ominously at the viewer, and across the top, the words "Uncle Sam wants you." That was a recruiting poster, designed to welcome young men to enlist in one of the armed forces. Of course it was grim, commanding. It was no invitation to go off to scout camp somewhere. It was a summons to risk, to danger, to strenuous undertakings. And young men responded by hundreds of thousands, because they thrilled to the prospect of high adventure. There's something in all of us, men and women, if we're healthy and healthy-minded, that responds to the call to such demands.
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We have all sung the hymn "Lead Kindly Light." But how many of us know the story behind that beloved hymn? It was written by John Henry Newman who, desperately ill, went to Sicily where it was hoped a warm environment would enable his recovery. However, a plague struck the island and Newman became ill again. Sick and weak, he set sail for his home in England, but the sailing ship was becalmed. Newman realized he would probably die. But one evening he dragged himself to the deck of the ship and, staring off into the dark and silent distance, he wrote his hymn:
Lead kindly light, amid the encircling gloom, lead thou me on.
The night is dark and I am far from home; lead thou me on.
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
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Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 138 -- "I give Thee thanks, O Lord."
Prayer Of The Day
O God: in this life we are taught to be independent, to take responsibility for our own welfare, that we are not to expect someone else to take care of us. Yet our faith teaches us to rely on you at times, to hand over to your kind Being the future before us. Help us, then, to learn the way of responsible living while at the same time trusting you for the things we cannot handle. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) (C); Isaiah 6:1-8 (RC)
Every clergy person becomes familiar with this passage early in our years as worship leaders. I remember reading this as I started my seminary training, before I had gotten the hang of reading Old Testament passages. I knew one didn't read such reports literally. At least, though I already had some clergy friends, I knew none of them had reported anything like this. Furthermore, in all my years as a minister, though I've had many a worship experience which moved me deeply, I never literally saw any seraphs in the upper reaches of our sanctuary. I had also recalled something about Moses being told that no one could see God. Now here, Isaiah claims just such a sighting. What was one to think? Fortunately, old Charlie Kraft, our professor of Old Testament (known as "Chuckling Charlie" to those of us who loved him), explained all of this.
This is an impressive poetically-charged rendering of Isaiah's inward experience of powerful worship. The man was overwhelmed with a sense of God's immanence, a presence so intense it was almost as though, were he to open his eyes, he might literally see someone there. And Isaiah, overcome with his own imperfection, unexpectedly experienced a vision of redemption, a realization that he was forgiven for everything selfish he had done. He knew, deep within himself, that this was more than a worship experience. This was a calling, a summons to the mission of his life. I would guess that in much more subdued ways, many readers have experienced something like this. A clear sense of divine presence. An unshakable conviction that one is called to a mission, a mission in the service of the divine master. Just as Isaiah no doubt looked back upon this watershed moment in his life to find courage in time of trial, so we who are called can do so.
To preach on this, there are several possible themes. We might preach on worship. Many churches leave one with the impression that we are losing a sense of expectation in worship. So many sermons seem to lack a sense of the possibility that God may actually be here, among us, touching lives. Another theme is that of a divine call. We might even suggest that perhaps someone in the congregation is already being sought by God for ministry in the church. I wonder if there are not many young men and women who are thinking about that but need someone to say the word.
Another possible theme would be the forgiveness which God offers in times of worship. Isaiah used the imagery of a live coal held in a pair of tongs, touched to his lips. That's a powerful picture. If I were preaching on this, I think I would use it as an opportunity to talk about worship -- what its possibilities may be, what the worshiper is asked to do and to expect.
Lesson 1: Judges 6:11-24a (E)
The Lord sends Gideon out on a mission fraught with danger and great difficulty. Gideon expresses dismay at the thought, explaining to the Lord that his entire clan is the weakest of the lot. But the Lord speaks to Gideon the words he speaks to many a man and woman facing great difficulty in a righteous cause: "But I will be with you."
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Paul here affirms his unshakable belief that Jesus, having "died for our sins," was buried and then returned from death. It is clearly important to Paul that we understand that this was "written in the Scriptures," and that several people reported having seen Jesus, most recently James and "all the apostles." Finally, Paul quite bluntly states that Jesus appeared to him as well, though he was a somewhat Johnny-come-lately. Paul seems to struggle a bit between his innate humility which leads him to define himself as "least of all the apostles," and his obvious euphoria over the fact that God's grace is working through him to call others to the faith.
Had this passage been extended to include the next few verses, we would have seen that Paul believed that because Jesus was returned from death, the same will be true for all who believe in him, who accept him as Lord of their lives. Were this not true, "we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe" (v.14). Nonetheless, this is all implied in the lesson we have here. Today we find comfort in the promise that Jesus has revealed to us that there is a life beyond this mortal life we currently live, and through him, we can expect to enter that new life.
In this passage, Paul is witnessing to the fact that he was changed by the grace of God, changed from a man who persecuted others, into one who honors God and holds to the gospel because he has been forgiven.
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11 (C, RC, E)
This is quite a remarkable story. These simple fishermen knew all the tricks of the trade when it came to fishing. They knew where to fish, when to fish, and they knew when it was pretty much a waste of time. Along comes this preacher, possibly known to them also as a carpenter, telling them to go back and try again after they have decided the day's fishing is over. That must have seemed presumptuous to them. And yet, Peter and his friends James and John did as Jesus suggested. They must surely have been amazed at the results. Sure enough, it was as a result of this encounter that those three decided to follow Jesus.
I think there must have been some prelude to this event. Something has probably been left out in the telling. These men must have at the very least, listened to Jesus preach, must have heard something of his reputation for performing marvels of various sorts. It wasn't just some fishermen so naive as to let just anyone cause them to change their plans. They knew -- they at least sensed -- that here was a man who was unique, who had wisdom and insight beyond that of ordinary people. They instinctively trusted Jesus, perhaps a commentary on his power of personality.
This is powerful stuff for a preacher. The elements of life-changing faith are all there. Trust in the word of Jesus. Risk-taking and energy expenditure in following the dictates of that word. Marvelous results from that act of faith. Change in their lives, and a determination to follow that man henceforth. Willingness to pay whatever price is necessary in order to be faithful.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Listening To God"
Text: Isaiah 6:1-8
Theme: First, a private word to my clergy colleagues. In preparation for the writing of this three-volume series, I have attended quite a number of churches. I have been in Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Anglican, and non-denominational churches. A dear friend with whom I discuss these things is a Baptist pastor. I have been in traditional worship, several of the new modernized versions of worship. I have been in mega-churches, meta-churches, large churches, and small churches. I have watched television churches both mainline and evangelistic, listened to radio preachers. I have worshiped in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, California, and Jamaica. In all of this, I have formed some opinions which supplement my own worship practices as a pastor.
1. I guess I'm a thoroughgoing Protestant worshiper. The sermon is the most important part of worship to me. Music is fine, and a good music program is a great blessing. But a good twenty minute sermon, Bible based, is what converted me, held me in the church, still spellbinds me when it's good, and stays with me for a long time thereafter. If a pastor can deliver a fine sermon, and can back that up with a life which becomes the gospel, I can find deep and lasting sustenance there. If the sermon is poor, I find myself wondering why that pastor doesn't realize the problem, get some help, spend more time in preparation, and become good at the primary reason for the call. I have discovered that the things which make a worship service boring and ineffective are poor preaching, announcements, introductions, prayers which are really mini sermons (Oh Lord, our young people are on a journey to Kentucky this morning, and we ask that you -- For goodness sakes, God knew they were on a journey to Kentucky). Two minutes is long enough for the pastoral prayer. Inspiration comes from music, an effective brief prayer, kindly fellowship from the worshipers, and an adequately long period of silent prayer. Longer is not better in worship. I understand that traditions differ in this regard and I respect that. But a wise preacher understands the people and acts accordingly. Frankly, it's no wonder some churches have sparse attendance.
2. Of course the pastor must sometimes pronounce God's word of judgment. I emphasize that because a friend complained that too many churches cater to the wishes and likes of a congregation instead of speaking the sometimes harsh and cutting word. Right on. But that doesn't in any way dispute the above. And it is only legitimate if the preacher clearly feels himself or herself to be sitting right out there with the rest of us. My favorite preachers are the ones who never sound like they've arrived. They share their foibles and remind us that if the gospel can work in them, it can work in us.
3. IF -- and that's a big IF -- the worship is strong, and the worship leaders have prayed and prepared, and if the worship doesn't disintegrate into a town hall meeting, and if the congregation has been made accustomed to eliminate squalling babies and whispered conversations and other distractions, and if they have become accustomed to pray for the preacher and other worship leaders, and if they have also prayed to be opened up to the scriptural word, worship can empower people like nothing else. I have found that a small church can do this just as a large church can. The large church may have the better music because they have the larger budget. That's okay. Just do the best with what you have and God will take that effort, and bless it, and drive it into the hearts of those who are open to it.
Title: "Becoming New"
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Theme: Paul was changed by the grace of God. He knew himself forgiven, and that knowledge, together with the inner working of God's Spirit, changed Paul. However, in reading this, we must be careful not to come away with the idea that it all happens in a flash, just like that. Elsewhere, Paul acknowledges that he had to struggle with the old self and it wasn't easy. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" wrote Paul (Romans 3:23). He sounds autobiographical with that statement. "I do not understand my own actions," he admitted. "For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate," he wrote (Romans 7:15). In The Message, Paul is quoted as continuing his inner struggles this way: "For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize I don't have what it takes."
Once we receive the gospel we begin that journey toward the achievement of the Christian life. But it's a journey, one fraught with roadblocks and devious turns along the way. We'll slip, we'll slide, we'll make mistakes, we'll say and do things we ought not to do, we'll feel selfish impulses -- in other words, we'll still be the same old humans with the same old hangups. The difference will be that a new power has begun to work in us with a slow process of change. What can change in an instant is the direction of our lives.
Paul (in Romans chapter 7) continues his inner struggle: "I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me?" Isn't that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions.
1. A Christian begins with honest self-criticism. Not neurotic self-condemnation. There's nothing healthy about that. But real change involves a process of repentance and that requires that I be honest in looking at myself as I really am. In the long run, there's mental health in that, and the journey has thus begun.
2. Christians acknowledge when we are wrong, both to ourselves and to others. This is the opposite of the self-righteousness which was typical of the Pharisees (See Luke 18:8-14). Keith Miller told of a counseling session he had with a man who was distraught because of some hurtful things he had said, and some very unchristian feelings with which he struggled. He said the man, still miserable, was about to leave his office when Miller finally confessed to the man that he, too, had struggled with those very same feelings that very day. The man sat back down; tears welled up in his eyes. A look of relief crossed his face and he said, "Oh, thank you. If you've got this problem and are able to keep going as a committed Christian, maybe I can. I have been so alone." Miller, relating this, said, "I remember being surprised at his reaction and realizing that he hadn't primarily wanted an 'answer man.' He wanted someone to be with him in his problem. And my identification with him as a sinner was a kind of answer from his perspective, since far from being a judge, I was side by side with him before God in need of grace and forgiveness."
3. A Christian accepts the need for, and engages in, the struggle. This includes three elements: prayer, an effort to do and say what we know to be right even when it doesn't come naturally, and the courage to continue the inner battle of good and evil in our souls. The effect of this, if one is sincere, is a slow but definite change of attitude and thus of conduct. Like any new skill, it takes time and it takes getting used to. But the skill develops. We change. It's like climbing a steep hill. Half way up, tired, breathing hard, you look up, you see the heights yet above, you may become discouraged. But then you look behind you, see the ground far below. You have come a long way. There may be a hard climb ahead, but you've made significant progress. And always remember, the true measure of a sincere Christian is that we continue on the way. The preacher may wish to look again at Pilgrim's Progress by Bunyan for good illustrations.
4. A Christian will have God's help. When we have gone as far as we can go, have endured the heat of the day, as it were, God will pick us up and carry us the rest of the way. We're not called to succeed. We're called to try our best. God will accept that, and we will discover that all through our efforts, God has been supplying the needed strength and courage to see us through. "You are saved by the gospel if you hold firmly to it."
Title: "Deep Water Faith"
Text: Luke 5:1-11
Theme: Peter (or Simon, soon to be Peter) and James and John were willing to step outside their preconceived ideas about life, were willing to venture out further than was their custom. They, as we say today, "got out of their comfort zone." They were tired, downcast, ready to quit. I have felt that way many times in my life. Haven't you? It seems hopeless. You've given things your best shot. You've done all you could. So now, give it up. Then something inside you, or perhaps some beckoning possibility, seems to urge you to keep going. The point in life comes frequently when we must choose between the impulse to quit and the deep sense that maybe, just maybe, if we are willing to go on, to risk a bit more, to trust that God will sustain us beyond the point of exhaustion and despair, we can yet attain our worthy goal.
This was the Christian life in microcosm. Tired as they were, these three were willing to get up and get going again. And because they did, the results were great far beyond any reasonable expectations. In a sermon, I would emphasize that young people who are trying to do something worthwhile with their lives, who are encountering the inevitable problems and roadblocks, need to know that this faith of ours isn't just a religious thing for church. It's the most practical, life-enabling force in all creation. And it's ours as a gift, for free. All we have to do is trust it.
1. Jesus helps people in worthy enterprises. In the story, three men were trying to earn a living as fishermen. Jesus showed them a better way to do their own work. Providing what we do is worthy, creates some social good, is ethical and a worthy use of our particular talents and interests, he will help us make good. That's not quite to say that he will help anyone get rich, or outdo some other equally deserving competitor. But he will lead us into the right way and if we follow where he leads, there will be riches of a greater sort.
2. There will be risks. One risk may be that of of simple honesty. Robert Merkle, who served as U.S. Attorney in Florida from 1982 to 1988, now a defense lawyer in Tampa, commenting on the revelation that throughout this country Federal agents and prosecutors "have repeatedly broken the law during the past decade in pursuit of convictions," said: "The philosophy of the last fifteen years (is) that whatever works is what's right." That could symbolize much of our society today.
Paul G. Labadie, writing for a national publication on research of the attitudes of "baby boomers," wrote this: "Personal challenges of many boomers are postponed, shrugged off or oftentimes ignored. The rationale is: 'If we don't have the money, we simply charge it. If we have marital problems, we simply divorce. If our children's education is inadequate, blame unmotivated teachers and the system. And if we get caught in a compromising situation, cry "victim" and then accuse the accuser.' " Readers of current news releases are familiar with the abundant evidence of the decline of courageous honesty. The Christian who presumes to live his faith will quickly discover there are prices to pay for the honesty which underlies the faith.
3. The rewards will be great if we remain faithful. Again, that's not a promise of commercial success (though I do believe we will be greatly empowered to do well in worthy undertakings). The rewards will more certainly come in a variety of ways: self-respect, high regard from others, example to our children and friends, and a kind of inner peace which results from the fact that in some ways we are above the fray. We sleep well at night when we have become accustomed to the habit of doing and saying what we know to be right however others may act. And, if we are to believe the gospel, there will one day be other, greater rewards.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
"Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God's voice and obey his word. It is that simple. I wish I could make it more complicated for those who like things difficult. It involves no hidden mysteries, no secret mantras, no mental gymnastics, no esoteric flights into the cosmic consciousness. The truth of the matter is that the great God of the universe, the Creator of all things desires our fellowship."
-- Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline
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An interesting experiment was conducted in California a few years ago. Three medical educators named Nafthulin, Ware, and Donnelly invited an actor to pose as a renowned psychologist and to address a large gathering of psychologists, psychiatrists, and educators. His speech was titled "Game Theory As Applied To Physical Education." His speech was pure nonsense, composed of irrelevant stories, meaningless statements and at times conflicting statistics. The speech was followed by a question and answer session which was equally nonsensical. Then the participants were asked to evaluate the speech. Here were some of the written comments: "Excellent presentation." "Enjoyed listening." "He had a warm manner." "Good flow." "Seems enthusiastic." "Lively examples." "Extremely articulate." "Too intellectual." Not a single attender tumbled to the fact that the lecture was a fake. This was submitted as an illustration of the way in which we often hear what we want to hear when we want to believe something badly enough.
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A young fellow, fresh out of high school, walked into the family living room one evening carrying a loaded suitcase. His parents, of course, asked where he was going. The boy said, "I've been reading about all the exciting places out there in the world, away from the drudgery of working all the time. I'm leaving, I'm going out to find a new life." The boy's father rose, started toward the boy. "Don't try to stop me, Dad," the boy said. "I've made up my mind." "Stop you?" his dad replied."Son, I'm going with you."
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During World War II, every post office featured a picture of Uncle Sam, sleeves rolled up, finger pointed ominously at the viewer, and across the top, the words "Uncle Sam wants you." That was a recruiting poster, designed to welcome young men to enlist in one of the armed forces. Of course it was grim, commanding. It was no invitation to go off to scout camp somewhere. It was a summons to risk, to danger, to strenuous undertakings. And young men responded by hundreds of thousands, because they thrilled to the prospect of high adventure. There's something in all of us, men and women, if we're healthy and healthy-minded, that responds to the call to such demands.
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We have all sung the hymn "Lead Kindly Light." But how many of us know the story behind that beloved hymn? It was written by John Henry Newman who, desperately ill, went to Sicily where it was hoped a warm environment would enable his recovery. However, a plague struck the island and Newman became ill again. Sick and weak, he set sail for his home in England, but the sailing ship was becalmed. Newman realized he would probably die. But one evening he dragged himself to the deck of the ship and, staring off into the dark and silent distance, he wrote his hymn:
Lead kindly light, amid the encircling gloom, lead thou me on.
The night is dark and I am far from home; lead thou me on.
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
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Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 138 -- "I give Thee thanks, O Lord."
Prayer Of The Day
O God: in this life we are taught to be independent, to take responsibility for our own welfare, that we are not to expect someone else to take care of us. Yet our faith teaches us to rely on you at times, to hand over to your kind Being the future before us. Help us, then, to learn the way of responsible living while at the same time trusting you for the things we cannot handle. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
