A word of warning
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle A
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1-14 (C)
The Hebrews are instructed by God to make ready for the Passover. They are to assemble in household groupings, slaughter an unblemished lamb, roast and eat it, applying the blood of the lamb on the lintel and doorposts of their houses. God promises to pass over the houses marked with the blood and effect judgment on the houses of the Egyptian people, who are holding them captive. The Hebrews are to keep this feast as a remembrance of the Lord's great act of deliverance.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:7-9 (RC, L); Ezekiel 33:(1-6) 7-11 (E)
God reminds Ezekiel that he is his watchman, whose charge is to warn the evildoers to repent. If he warns them and they refuse to change their ways, their sins remain but the prophet is not held accountable. If he fails to warn the people and they continue in their sin, their sin will be on their own heads and the prophet of God will also be held accountable.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:8-14 (C); Romans 13:8-10 (RC); Romans 13:1-10 (L)
Paul instructs the Church to obey the governmental officials, as agents of the Lord. Those who live righteously have no reason to fear state officials, but this is not true of lawbreakers, because the state holds the right to punish wrong doing. Believers are to pay taxes and whatever else they owe their government. On the other hand, Christians are to owe nobody anything except to love one another. Love fulfills the law. This passage reflects a generally favorable view of the Roman government and must have been penned during a time of tranquility.
Lesson 2: Romans 12:9-21 (E)
See Lesson 1 (C) for Pentecost 15.
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20 (C, RC, E, L)
Most scholars do not believe that this passage, as it stands, is directly from the lips of Jesus. It seems to reflect a later period, after the church had been well organized. During Jesus' lifetime, there was no church. Furthermore, some of the instruction does not reflect the spirit of Jesus. The admonition, "let him be to you as a Gentile or tax collector," doesn't square with the Lord's loving approach to such outcasts. Yet the instruction for dealing with sin among the faithful is certainly based on Jesus' teachings. (For further discussion of this three-step formula, see Theological Reflection On The Lessons.) This lection concludes by asserting the power of communal prayer and worship. Christ is present where two or three gather in his name.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 149 (C) -- "Sing to the Lord a new song" (v. 1).
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 (RC) -- "O come, let us worship and bow down" (v. 6).
Psalm 119:33-40 (E, L) -- "Turn my heart to your decrees" (v. 36).
Prayer Of The Day
O God of mercy, you do not want your children to die in their sins but to turn to you and live. Help us to heed the warnings of your prophets and teachers and find renewed joy in your service and in the worship of your holy name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1-14
A new calendar. In verse two it states that this month (the month in which the Passover occurred) was the beginning of a new year for the Jewish people. Nisan occurred during March/April, replacing the old calendar, when the new year began in autumn. Not only was God's great act of deliverance a Kairos moment, it marked a new starting point for measuring chronological time for the Hebrew people. Much the same thing happened when Jesus Christ became our Passover Lamb. His sacrifice marked a new beginning point for humankind, a fresh way of measuring time.
Serving pilgrim style. The Hebrews were to eat the Passover in preparedness, with their cloaks and sandals in place (v. 11). They were to be ready to move out when God gave the signal. They ate the Passover pilgrim style. Some churches serve the sacrament pilgrim style, though some call it continuous communion. At churches that I have served, quite a number of people don't like the pilgrim style. They prefer to pause before the altar and ponder. There is nothing wrong with that unless it serves to make us forget that we are a pilgrim people who must always stand ready to follow the Lord.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:(1-6) 7-11
A watchman. God told Ezekiel that he had made of him a watchman. The watchman was one who stood in the towers, perched on the walls of the fortified cities. His duty was to watch for enemies and warn of danger. What if the watchman would fall asleep? The enemy might breach the fortifications and enter the city to lay waste to it. Even worse than that, what if the watchman saw the enemy coming and remained mute? Maybe he didn't think that any enemy could pierce the fortifications of the city and lay siege to it. Perhaps he just didn't care what happened to the city, being so disillusioned that he desired the demise of his city.
In a sense, we are all watchmen for both church and society. This passage warns us that if we are negligent in issuing warning to those for whom we are responsible, we will be held responsible for lives that are destroyed.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:1-14
The locus of authority. Paul maintains that Christians should obey government authorities because they are instituted by God. God is the ultimate locus of authority and he has delegated his authority to governing officials. This seems to be a rather utopian view of government, especially in light of the grave abuses of government authority we have witnessed in this century. Paul saw the Roman government as a protector of the budding Christian community; he himself was a Roman citizen. If we are to sustain the belief in a God active in the world, we must maintain that all governments derive their rightful authority from God. Yet, we cannot claim that all governments are an expression of God's will. Christians have a duty to obey their government only if it is founded on God's laws. Peter said it well: "We must obey God rather than man."
Pay what you owe. The apostle instructs that Christians must pay the government what is owed -- respect, honor and taxes. Furthermore, Christians are not to be indebted to any person. There is only one debt we cannot pay: the debt of love. Since love does no wrong to a neighbor, love is the fulfilling of the law.
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Dealing with disputes. The Gospel of Matthew was written at a time when the young church was having to deal with conflicts. Members were stepping on one another's toes, saying and doing hurtful things to one another. If conflicts aren't properly dealt with, they can splinter the church. Let us look at the conflict resolution process, which is grounded in the wisdom of Jesus.
First, nip the problem in the bud before it escalates. If someone offends you, go to him privately and share your feelings. The human tendency is to let problems fester rather than deal with them at the source. Going directly to the person gives opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings and enables the two parties to understand the perspectives of the other. Also, once a dispute goes public, it can get out of control and the person accused of wrongdoing is embarrassed in front of others.
Second, if the private meeting doesn't work, bring a witness or two. These should be people noted for their wisdom and fairness. They can help the two adversaries see the problem from a third perspective. This is similar to the role of an intermediary or counselor.
If this step is ineffective, then we have no recourse but to bring it to the attention of the congregation. This does not mean that the offense should be aired at a congregational assembly. A deliberating body would do. This is based on the premise that the Holy Spirit offers guidance and effects healing when the whole people of God seek his will.
If the whole church cannot bring about repentance or forgiveness, verse 17 states that the offender should be to them as a Gentile or tax collector. This verse is troubling. It seems to suggest that we should give up on people or exclude them. This does not reflect Jesus' attitude toward sinners. He was accused by his enemies of associating with such people rather than the good people. Thus, this is not an injunction to leave sinners to roast in their juices but to regard them as Jesus regards them. Jesus never tired in reaching out to the outcasts and the law breakers; he never gave up on any person. The church must do the same.
Strength beyond numbers. We live in the day of the mega-church. Bigger is considered better. Small to medium sized churches are having trouble surviving. Jesus reminds us that our strength does not rest in numbers but in his presence (vv. 19-20).
PREACHING APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1-14
Sermon Title: Fast Food
Sermon Angle: In the mad dash of our western world, we often tend to grab food at a fast food restaurant and eat on the run. We are not the first to do this. The Hebrews were instructed to hurriedly eat the first Passover fully clothed and ready to depart (v. 11). The meal was a sign of the old life of slavery they were about to leave behind and the new life to which the Lord was leading. They were to be prepared to follow at a moment's notice. The Lord's Supper is also fast food; it is not designed to fill us forever but to strengthen us in our spiritual journey as the Lord's pilgrim people.
Outline:
1. Discuss the popularity of fast food
2. Why do we crave fast food? Are we frantically searching for meaning?
3. Passover was fast food for the redeemed of God -- strength for the journey
4. Holy Communion is fast food for our Christian journey
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:(1-6) 7-11
Sermon Title: Blood On Our Hands?
Sermon Angle: God informs Ezekiel that the watchman who does not warn the citizens of impending danger will have the victim's blood on his hands (v. 8). From time immemorial, humans have tended to deny responsibility for the harm they have either caused or allowed to happen to their neighbor. Cain denied his responsibility for his brother Abel, whose blood cried out for justice. Through the ages, God reminds his people that they are indeed their brother's and their sister's keeper.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:1-14
Sermon Title: The Patri In Patriotism
Sermon Angle: This passage from the pen of Paul has been used for centuries as a justification for governments and the established order. It provides good rhetoric for patriotic fervor. The root word for patriotism is Patri, Latin for father. Patriotism might be defined as love and devotion for the Fatherland. According to biblical thought, our Father is God. If the Father is not reverenced in the Fatherland, that government has no legitimate authority.
Outline:
1. How does God rule?
-- through the gospel and the church
-- through governments and earthly authority (our text)
2. Paul's teachings tend to promote patriotism
-- this can be a source of strength or evil
-- we must not dilute the Patri in patriotism
-- no government has authority apart from God
-- if government opposes the rule of God, we must obey God
Sermon Title: Debt Free
Sermon Angle: Paul says to owe no one anything except to love one another (v. 8). A week doesn't go by that I don't receive one or two applications for another credit card. There is intense pressure to spend beyond our means and to immediately gratify our desires. Our economy is hamstrung by a monstrous debt that threatens to bring us to our knees. The Gospel presents another way to live, free of debt. Christ has canceled the debt of our sins so that we might be free to live in love.
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Sermon Title: Dealing With Difficult People
Sermon Angle: This passage is designed as a procedure for dealing with conflict and sin in the church. A couple of the principles presented can be applied to any relationship, however. Principle #1: Deal immediately with the offense and the offender. Go to her and talk it out. Letting the conflict ride only makes matters worse. Principle #2: If you can't work it out among yourselves, get help. A third party often enables us to see the real issues.
Sermon Title: Eternal Consequences
Sermon Angle: Matthew reiterates the power of the keys; the declaration of forgiveness for the penitent and the absence of forgiveness for the unrepentant. "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven ..." (v. 18). This is not a whip to make the recalcitrant obey. Rather, it is a reminder that our actions have eternal consequences. Many of the things we do have the permanence of chalk, but when we extend or retract the hand of forgiveness and love, we may well have etched something into eternity with indelible ink. The church is about the task of erecting the eternal city of God.
Outline:
1. Christ reminds us that the decisions we make for or against the kingdom can have eternal consequences (v. 18)
2. This is both an encouragement and a warning
3. Let us build on the foundation of God's grace and love
Sermon Title: Prayer Is We, Not Me
Sermon Angle: Jesus promises that if two believers agree in prayer about anything, it will be granted. Not necessarily that the thing prayed for will be given but that God will answer the prayer. Prayer that is me directed is not Christian prayer. We must pray always as a part of the community, the we. This is a counteractive to selfish prayers, which do not have the best interest of others at mind. The Holy Spirit guides us through the Christian community as to how we should pray.
Sermon Title: In His Name
Sermon Angle: In verses 19-20, Jesus twice uses the qualifying phrase, "in my name." In verse 19, he states that if only two of his disciples ask anything in his name, they will receive it. In verse 20, he instructs that if two or three are gathered in his name, he is in their midst. The significance goes beyond the familiar "in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." To pray in Jesus' name means to pray for that which Jesus would pray. To gather in his name signifies that all that this fellowship says and does derives from the awareness that Jesus is present in the gathered Christian community.
Outline:
1. We are baptized into the church in the name of the Holy Trinity
2. Our worship and prayers are in Christ's name
-- that means that we seek his will, not our own
-- are our worship and prayers truly in his name?
Some pastors have substituted authoritarianism for authority. I have used the first term to denote power that is taken coercively from the people, while the latter is used to describe the power which the people give their leaders. A pastor whom I respect revealed to me the greatest compliment of his pastoral career. A person, who at first was not supportive of a building proposal backed by the pastor, came up to him after the meeting in which the proposal was approved and told him: "Pastor, I want to thank you for giving us our church back." That pastor had wisely empowered the people to make the decisions affecting the congregation's life and future.
Methodist Bishop Gerald Kennedy outlined the basis of authority in an address to the clergy of the Southern California and Arizona Conference, almost a quarter century ago. His first point was that authority cannot be taken by force. Revolutionaries can seize power but they cannot command authority by force. Secondly, authority cannot be given. A company can give its president all the trappings of power and authority -- a fancy office, limousine, and so forth -- but this does not bestow authority on him. Thirdly, authority springs from character and integrity. Because of dishonest dealings, citizens withhold authority from elected officials. The most important source of authority is saved for last. Quite simply, God is the locus of all authority, being the Author of all things.
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1-14 (C)
The Hebrews are instructed by God to make ready for the Passover. They are to assemble in household groupings, slaughter an unblemished lamb, roast and eat it, applying the blood of the lamb on the lintel and doorposts of their houses. God promises to pass over the houses marked with the blood and effect judgment on the houses of the Egyptian people, who are holding them captive. The Hebrews are to keep this feast as a remembrance of the Lord's great act of deliverance.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:7-9 (RC, L); Ezekiel 33:(1-6) 7-11 (E)
God reminds Ezekiel that he is his watchman, whose charge is to warn the evildoers to repent. If he warns them and they refuse to change their ways, their sins remain but the prophet is not held accountable. If he fails to warn the people and they continue in their sin, their sin will be on their own heads and the prophet of God will also be held accountable.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:8-14 (C); Romans 13:8-10 (RC); Romans 13:1-10 (L)
Paul instructs the Church to obey the governmental officials, as agents of the Lord. Those who live righteously have no reason to fear state officials, but this is not true of lawbreakers, because the state holds the right to punish wrong doing. Believers are to pay taxes and whatever else they owe their government. On the other hand, Christians are to owe nobody anything except to love one another. Love fulfills the law. This passage reflects a generally favorable view of the Roman government and must have been penned during a time of tranquility.
Lesson 2: Romans 12:9-21 (E)
See Lesson 1 (C) for Pentecost 15.
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20 (C, RC, E, L)
Most scholars do not believe that this passage, as it stands, is directly from the lips of Jesus. It seems to reflect a later period, after the church had been well organized. During Jesus' lifetime, there was no church. Furthermore, some of the instruction does not reflect the spirit of Jesus. The admonition, "let him be to you as a Gentile or tax collector," doesn't square with the Lord's loving approach to such outcasts. Yet the instruction for dealing with sin among the faithful is certainly based on Jesus' teachings. (For further discussion of this three-step formula, see Theological Reflection On The Lessons.) This lection concludes by asserting the power of communal prayer and worship. Christ is present where two or three gather in his name.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 149 (C) -- "Sing to the Lord a new song" (v. 1).
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 (RC) -- "O come, let us worship and bow down" (v. 6).
Psalm 119:33-40 (E, L) -- "Turn my heart to your decrees" (v. 36).
Prayer Of The Day
O God of mercy, you do not want your children to die in their sins but to turn to you and live. Help us to heed the warnings of your prophets and teachers and find renewed joy in your service and in the worship of your holy name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1-14
A new calendar. In verse two it states that this month (the month in which the Passover occurred) was the beginning of a new year for the Jewish people. Nisan occurred during March/April, replacing the old calendar, when the new year began in autumn. Not only was God's great act of deliverance a Kairos moment, it marked a new starting point for measuring chronological time for the Hebrew people. Much the same thing happened when Jesus Christ became our Passover Lamb. His sacrifice marked a new beginning point for humankind, a fresh way of measuring time.
Serving pilgrim style. The Hebrews were to eat the Passover in preparedness, with their cloaks and sandals in place (v. 11). They were to be ready to move out when God gave the signal. They ate the Passover pilgrim style. Some churches serve the sacrament pilgrim style, though some call it continuous communion. At churches that I have served, quite a number of people don't like the pilgrim style. They prefer to pause before the altar and ponder. There is nothing wrong with that unless it serves to make us forget that we are a pilgrim people who must always stand ready to follow the Lord.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:(1-6) 7-11
A watchman. God told Ezekiel that he had made of him a watchman. The watchman was one who stood in the towers, perched on the walls of the fortified cities. His duty was to watch for enemies and warn of danger. What if the watchman would fall asleep? The enemy might breach the fortifications and enter the city to lay waste to it. Even worse than that, what if the watchman saw the enemy coming and remained mute? Maybe he didn't think that any enemy could pierce the fortifications of the city and lay siege to it. Perhaps he just didn't care what happened to the city, being so disillusioned that he desired the demise of his city.
In a sense, we are all watchmen for both church and society. This passage warns us that if we are negligent in issuing warning to those for whom we are responsible, we will be held responsible for lives that are destroyed.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:1-14
The locus of authority. Paul maintains that Christians should obey government authorities because they are instituted by God. God is the ultimate locus of authority and he has delegated his authority to governing officials. This seems to be a rather utopian view of government, especially in light of the grave abuses of government authority we have witnessed in this century. Paul saw the Roman government as a protector of the budding Christian community; he himself was a Roman citizen. If we are to sustain the belief in a God active in the world, we must maintain that all governments derive their rightful authority from God. Yet, we cannot claim that all governments are an expression of God's will. Christians have a duty to obey their government only if it is founded on God's laws. Peter said it well: "We must obey God rather than man."
Pay what you owe. The apostle instructs that Christians must pay the government what is owed -- respect, honor and taxes. Furthermore, Christians are not to be indebted to any person. There is only one debt we cannot pay: the debt of love. Since love does no wrong to a neighbor, love is the fulfilling of the law.
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Dealing with disputes. The Gospel of Matthew was written at a time when the young church was having to deal with conflicts. Members were stepping on one another's toes, saying and doing hurtful things to one another. If conflicts aren't properly dealt with, they can splinter the church. Let us look at the conflict resolution process, which is grounded in the wisdom of Jesus.
First, nip the problem in the bud before it escalates. If someone offends you, go to him privately and share your feelings. The human tendency is to let problems fester rather than deal with them at the source. Going directly to the person gives opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings and enables the two parties to understand the perspectives of the other. Also, once a dispute goes public, it can get out of control and the person accused of wrongdoing is embarrassed in front of others.
Second, if the private meeting doesn't work, bring a witness or two. These should be people noted for their wisdom and fairness. They can help the two adversaries see the problem from a third perspective. This is similar to the role of an intermediary or counselor.
If this step is ineffective, then we have no recourse but to bring it to the attention of the congregation. This does not mean that the offense should be aired at a congregational assembly. A deliberating body would do. This is based on the premise that the Holy Spirit offers guidance and effects healing when the whole people of God seek his will.
If the whole church cannot bring about repentance or forgiveness, verse 17 states that the offender should be to them as a Gentile or tax collector. This verse is troubling. It seems to suggest that we should give up on people or exclude them. This does not reflect Jesus' attitude toward sinners. He was accused by his enemies of associating with such people rather than the good people. Thus, this is not an injunction to leave sinners to roast in their juices but to regard them as Jesus regards them. Jesus never tired in reaching out to the outcasts and the law breakers; he never gave up on any person. The church must do the same.
Strength beyond numbers. We live in the day of the mega-church. Bigger is considered better. Small to medium sized churches are having trouble surviving. Jesus reminds us that our strength does not rest in numbers but in his presence (vv. 19-20).
PREACHING APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1-14
Sermon Title: Fast Food
Sermon Angle: In the mad dash of our western world, we often tend to grab food at a fast food restaurant and eat on the run. We are not the first to do this. The Hebrews were instructed to hurriedly eat the first Passover fully clothed and ready to depart (v. 11). The meal was a sign of the old life of slavery they were about to leave behind and the new life to which the Lord was leading. They were to be prepared to follow at a moment's notice. The Lord's Supper is also fast food; it is not designed to fill us forever but to strengthen us in our spiritual journey as the Lord's pilgrim people.
Outline:
1. Discuss the popularity of fast food
2. Why do we crave fast food? Are we frantically searching for meaning?
3. Passover was fast food for the redeemed of God -- strength for the journey
4. Holy Communion is fast food for our Christian journey
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:(1-6) 7-11
Sermon Title: Blood On Our Hands?
Sermon Angle: God informs Ezekiel that the watchman who does not warn the citizens of impending danger will have the victim's blood on his hands (v. 8). From time immemorial, humans have tended to deny responsibility for the harm they have either caused or allowed to happen to their neighbor. Cain denied his responsibility for his brother Abel, whose blood cried out for justice. Through the ages, God reminds his people that they are indeed their brother's and their sister's keeper.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:1-14
Sermon Title: The Patri In Patriotism
Sermon Angle: This passage from the pen of Paul has been used for centuries as a justification for governments and the established order. It provides good rhetoric for patriotic fervor. The root word for patriotism is Patri, Latin for father. Patriotism might be defined as love and devotion for the Fatherland. According to biblical thought, our Father is God. If the Father is not reverenced in the Fatherland, that government has no legitimate authority.
Outline:
1. How does God rule?
-- through the gospel and the church
-- through governments and earthly authority (our text)
2. Paul's teachings tend to promote patriotism
-- this can be a source of strength or evil
-- we must not dilute the Patri in patriotism
-- no government has authority apart from God
-- if government opposes the rule of God, we must obey God
Sermon Title: Debt Free
Sermon Angle: Paul says to owe no one anything except to love one another (v. 8). A week doesn't go by that I don't receive one or two applications for another credit card. There is intense pressure to spend beyond our means and to immediately gratify our desires. Our economy is hamstrung by a monstrous debt that threatens to bring us to our knees. The Gospel presents another way to live, free of debt. Christ has canceled the debt of our sins so that we might be free to live in love.
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Sermon Title: Dealing With Difficult People
Sermon Angle: This passage is designed as a procedure for dealing with conflict and sin in the church. A couple of the principles presented can be applied to any relationship, however. Principle #1: Deal immediately with the offense and the offender. Go to her and talk it out. Letting the conflict ride only makes matters worse. Principle #2: If you can't work it out among yourselves, get help. A third party often enables us to see the real issues.
Sermon Title: Eternal Consequences
Sermon Angle: Matthew reiterates the power of the keys; the declaration of forgiveness for the penitent and the absence of forgiveness for the unrepentant. "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven ..." (v. 18). This is not a whip to make the recalcitrant obey. Rather, it is a reminder that our actions have eternal consequences. Many of the things we do have the permanence of chalk, but when we extend or retract the hand of forgiveness and love, we may well have etched something into eternity with indelible ink. The church is about the task of erecting the eternal city of God.
Outline:
1. Christ reminds us that the decisions we make for or against the kingdom can have eternal consequences (v. 18)
2. This is both an encouragement and a warning
3. Let us build on the foundation of God's grace and love
Sermon Title: Prayer Is We, Not Me
Sermon Angle: Jesus promises that if two believers agree in prayer about anything, it will be granted. Not necessarily that the thing prayed for will be given but that God will answer the prayer. Prayer that is me directed is not Christian prayer. We must pray always as a part of the community, the we. This is a counteractive to selfish prayers, which do not have the best interest of others at mind. The Holy Spirit guides us through the Christian community as to how we should pray.
Sermon Title: In His Name
Sermon Angle: In verses 19-20, Jesus twice uses the qualifying phrase, "in my name." In verse 19, he states that if only two of his disciples ask anything in his name, they will receive it. In verse 20, he instructs that if two or three are gathered in his name, he is in their midst. The significance goes beyond the familiar "in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." To pray in Jesus' name means to pray for that which Jesus would pray. To gather in his name signifies that all that this fellowship says and does derives from the awareness that Jesus is present in the gathered Christian community.
Outline:
1. We are baptized into the church in the name of the Holy Trinity
2. Our worship and prayers are in Christ's name
-- that means that we seek his will, not our own
-- are our worship and prayers truly in his name?
Some pastors have substituted authoritarianism for authority. I have used the first term to denote power that is taken coercively from the people, while the latter is used to describe the power which the people give their leaders. A pastor whom I respect revealed to me the greatest compliment of his pastoral career. A person, who at first was not supportive of a building proposal backed by the pastor, came up to him after the meeting in which the proposal was approved and told him: "Pastor, I want to thank you for giving us our church back." That pastor had wisely empowered the people to make the decisions affecting the congregation's life and future.
Methodist Bishop Gerald Kennedy outlined the basis of authority in an address to the clergy of the Southern California and Arizona Conference, almost a quarter century ago. His first point was that authority cannot be taken by force. Revolutionaries can seize power but they cannot command authority by force. Secondly, authority cannot be given. A company can give its president all the trappings of power and authority -- a fancy office, limousine, and so forth -- but this does not bestow authority on him. Thirdly, authority springs from character and integrity. Because of dishonest dealings, citizens withhold authority from elected officials. The most important source of authority is saved for last. Quite simply, God is the locus of all authority, being the Author of all things.
